Tricks Of The Game

Chapter 23

*Kelsey's POV* 

        I woke up the next morning, immediately rolling over to grab my phone. I had a wonderful dream about Rick the night before, and couldn't wait to see him this morning. I dialed his number.

        "Good morning beautiful," he said. I could tell by the sound of his voice that he had just gotten up.

        "I'm sorry, did I wake you?" I asked, smiling at how cute he sounded.

        "You did, but I can't imagine a better way to wake up aside from actually being next to you. So where are you and the peanut wanting to go for breakfast?" He asked. I grinned at the fact that he acknowledged the baby.

        "This is going to sound ridiculous for my first time in New York, but I am really craving some IHOP this morning, if that's okay."

        "Then IHOP it is, baby. Does a half hour work for you to get ready?"

        "Sure," I said. I didn't even want to wait that long.

        "Okay. See you soon, gorgeous."

        I showered quickly, thankfully with no morning sickness. I towel dried my hair, allowing it to take its natural curl. Then I put on a pair of basketball shorts and an IceHogs sweatshirt. I was feeling bloated and didn't want to wear anything tight. I put on some light makeup and slipped on some tennis shoes and walked out the door. Right on time. Rick was waiting for me in the lobby.

        "Hey beautiful," he said, smiling as he pulled me in for a hug and kiss. "Shall we?" He asked, offering me his hand. I took it and we walked out to a silver SUV. I couldn't help noticing how sexy he looked. He had on a pair of khaki shorts and a blue rangers sweatshirt. His hair looked perfect. He opened the door for me like a gentleman before getting in the driver's side. He took my hand as we drove.

        "So how are you feeling today lovely?" He asked, drawing little circles on my hand with his thumb.

        "Pretty good. No morning sickness. But I feel even better since I get to spend the morning with you," I said with a smile.

        After breakfast at IHOP, we still had some time before I had to leave. We went back to his condo, curled up on the couch, and turned on Friends. After awhile, Rick grabbed my hand.

        "Can I tell you something?" he asked. 

        "Of course," I answered.

        "I just want you to know that you amaze me. You're beautiful, sweet, smart, everything I want in a woman. And I don't know, just, when I kiss you, there's this...spark. I've never had that with anyone before," he said, putting a hand on my stomach. "I want you to know that I'm falling for you already, and that I'm here for you and this baby no matter what. I will raise this baby like it's mine. I promise, mama." He smiled, wiping a tear off my cheek.

        "Okay," I said, letting the tears fall freely as he kissed me slowly.

*Later*

        I walked down the hallway of the airport on cloud nine. Rick made me so happy. We would have to do the long distance thing for awhile, but he would come to Chicago every day he had off. His contract with New York was up at the end of the season, so he would try to get signed by the Hawks. I was so lost in thought that I didn't see Brianna walk up to me.

        "Girl, you in there?" She asked, waving a hand in my face.

        "Oh, hey!"

        "So where have you been? Patrick was looking for you." Shit, I thought. I knew I couldn't tell her about the baby. It would screw everything up.

        "Patrick and I aren't together," I said. "I've been with Rick Nash all morning. He found me crying last night and we really hit it off."

        "Oh," she said, looking surprised. "Well, as long as you're happy, girl."

        And for the first time in awhile, I could honestly tell her that I was.