Tricks Of The Game

Chapter 25

*Kelsey's POV*

"I hate the ending myself, but it started with an alright scene..." I sang along as my favorite My Chemical Romance song played through the speakers of my car. I was on my way home from a long day of practice and wanted to nap, but I knew that would have to wait. I planned on video chatting Rick as soon as I got settled in on the couch. I walked in the front door of my condo and tossed my keys on the counter, grabbed my laptop, and called Rick.

"Hey gorgeous," he said with a grin. He was shirtless and his hair was still wet from a shower. He was so sexy. "How was practice?"

"Ugh. Tiring. I wish you were here," I said, giving him the puppy face. "Oh, by the way, are you coming down next week? I made the first doctor appointment and she said that we'll get to hear the heartbeat." I was excited at the thought.

"What day is it?" He asked.

"The 30th."

"I'll let coach know that I need the day off. I'm so excited," he said with a widespread grin.

"Me too," I said, returning the grin. "By the way, we should start talking about names."

"I already got that covered. Rick Jr. for a boy, Rickette for a girl," he said, winking.

"Not a chance, baby," I said, laughing at his joke. "What about Brady for a boy?"

"I like Brady," he said, smiling at me. "Brady James Nash."

"I love it," I said, smiling back at him. Rick paused, and looked up at me. He looked worried. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"I was on the phone with Brianna today because she needed to know what you wanted for your birthday, and heard her yell at Patrick," he said, looking upset. "What did he do to you?"

I didn't know what to say to him. I didn't want him to worry; Patrick was nothing I couldn't handle. He had been arguing with me about getting an abortion, and I told him that there was zero chance of that happening, and that I would have papers served to his house before the end of the week to sign over his parental rights. That's when he shoved me into the wall. Honestly, I was afraid of him, but I wasn't going to tell Rick that.

"He pushed me," I said, starting to cry. I looked away from the screen.

"Honey," he said, causing me to look up. "Are you okay?" I couldn't read the look on his face. He looked worried, pissed, everything.

"Physically I'm fine," I said, trying to hold it together. I knew I had to tell him everything. I couldn't hide anything from him. "We were arguing about abortion again, and I told him I was keeping the baby and that he would have papers to sign over his rights by the end of the week, and that's when he pushed me. If Bri hadn't walked out when she did, I don't know what would have happened," I finally let the tears fall. "I'm afraid of him, Rick." His face looked as if it had turned to stone.

"He is never going to lay a hand on you again, I promise." That's the last thing he said to me before he shut off his computer.

*Rick's POV*

I drove to the airport as quickly as I could, running to the ticket desk.

"Hi, I need a ticket for the next flight to Chicago."

"Yes, Mr. Nash. Your flight leaves in 20 minutes. Will you be checking any bags this afternoon?"

"No ma'am, everything is in my carry on. Thank you," I grabbed my ticket and ran to board the plane.

A few hours later, I was ringing Patrick Sharp's doorbell. A minute passed, and he opened the door.

"Um, hi?"

"Hey fucker," I said, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pushing him against the door. "The next time I find out that you so much as look at my girlfriend, I am going to break that pretty face of yours." I landed a hard right fist on his jaw and walked away.

*Kelsey's POV*

Around 6:30, the doorbell rang. I wasn't expecting anyone, so I went to the door and opened it cautiously. I was immediately lifted off my feet and set carefully on the couch, a pair of strong arms around me and electric kisses on my lips. Rick.

"What are you doing here?" I asked when he stopped kissing me long enough to get a word out. I was so happy to see him.

"What, a guy can't just fly on a whim to come see his beautiful woman?" He grinned at me and planted a kiss on my forehead.

"Of course he can," I said, allowing him to pull me into his arms.

"I hate being away from you," he said, letting his hand drop down to my stomach. "I wanna watch the baby grow." He frowned.

"I know, but these little surprise visits are so sweet," I cuddled into his chest. I never wanted him to leave.

"If that's what makes you happy, then I promise I will surprise you every day," he said, kissing me before we fell asleep.