The Pucking Girl Next Door (Power Play Off The Ice: Snowed in for the Hoildays)

16. Smith

Chapter 16

Smith

A fter the intrusion of her family coming home, Annabelle retreated to go take a shower, which rubbed me the wrong way a bit I want everyone to know that she belongs to me, but the more rational man in me says she doesn't need to smell like sex around her family.

I watch her go up the stairs, when I hear a deep chuckle from next to me. "Oh, man, you've got it bad."

When I look over my shoulder, I see that everyone else has also retreated to other parts of the house leaving me in the living room alone with Steve who's grinning at me, like a lunatic. But I can't really say anything to him about it because I was the same way with him when he had met Kayla. I was probably worse because I kept trying to get him to party and meet other girls, at least until Kayla and him set me straight.

Instead of denying it I just nod my head. "Yes. I have it bad."

His face softens when he asks, "Have you guys talked about how you're going to make it work?"

I glance back over my shoulder toward the stairs where Annabelle disappeared at, then back at him. "Not yet. I just told her she's it for me, but we haven't figured out the details yet. I was hoping to do that today, since I have to head back tomorrow."

He nods his head. "That would be good. I'll help you get her alone."

"Thanks, man."

"No problem. Want to go in the kitchen and see if the hot chocolate is ready? My mom said she was going to make it as soon as we landed for the grandkids. I bet we could steal some," he says giving me a wink.

"Just like when we were kids?" I laugh out.

"Exactly."

We both walk into the kitchen and to our surprise we didn't have to steal anything, a cup of hot chocolate was shoved into our hands as soon as we entered. "Thanks Mrs. Rogers."

"You don't have to thank me. I remember how much you boys liked hot chocolate."

"Well, you did always make the best hot chocolate."

Sipping my mug, I listen to the Rogers family as they reminisce of past Christmases. When Annabelle joins us a few minutes later, freshly showered and looking beautiful as always. Her sister Eve passes her a mug of hot chocolate as she settles on a stool. I couldn't help but watch. I'm hypnotized by her.

Seeing how everyone in their family interacted once again filled my chest with warmth but also a hint of sadness. This is what my family was like before my mom passed away. If Annabelle and I stayed together, I could have this again. Watching her laugh and seeing how much she appreciates her family makes me excited for the future. I need to figure out how to get her alone so we can talk some.

The day goes by too quickly with all the Christmas traditions that the family has. The ladies and kids made cookies while we watched the Christmas basketball game. Quickly after that, we went outside to see who could make the biggest snowman, which was actually really fun. The kids were hilarious.

In between all of those things, Mrs. Rogers was able to make dinner for everyone, somehow. Which honestly is super impressive. All of these things helped me to look to the future, one with Annabelle.

Finally, we all settle down to watch a holiday movie. I just hope that afterwards I'll be able to corner her.

Halfway through the movie, I glance around and see that Annabelle and I are the only ones who are still awake.

Now is my time. "Hey Annabelle, want to go have one last hot chocolate before bed?"

Before answering, she looks around the room, as if she's searching for something, but I'm not sure why she wouldn't want to talk to me. After a few seconds, her shoulders sag a bit. "Sure," she answers while getting up from the couch.

We both head into the kitchen and I pull out the left-over jug of hot chocolate her mom had made while Annabelle grabs two mugs, neither of us saying anything. We just work seamlessly heating the drinks. Once we're done we sit down at the table and I take it as my moment to let her know how I feel and what I want. I go to open my mouth when she says, "I know we both like each other, but I'm not sure how we can make this work? I mean my job is here. I think we should just let it go."

"Are you sure? We can do long distance, or I can even help you find a job in Dallas."

Annabelle shakes her head. "I don't want that. Hooking up was fun, but I don't see a future."

She might as well have stabbed me in the chest with a knife. I’d assumed this whole time that we were on the same page, but I guess it was just me. Swallowing down the pain, I don't even try to say anything. I just push back my chair and stand. If I respond, I'm not sure what I'll say, and I at least need to keep my friendship with Steve.

When I reach the threshold of the kitchen, Annabelles whispers, "I'm sorry."

I just keep moving, if I stop, the pain would consume me. When I reach the guest room, I don't get ready for bed. It's time to get out of here. Maybe if I'm surrounded by my emotionless house, I'll be able to deal, because she's right. This was nothing but a hookup. I'll get over it.

Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I order a car to take me to the airport. I would rather sleep in the airport than spend another moment here. Once the site confirms my car is on the way, I violently shove my clothes and toiletries into my duffel bag. Next, I pull my hoodie over my head, and walk downstairs to put my shoes on.

Just as I'm lacing up my shoes, my phone dings to let me know the car has arrived. At that moment Steve comes down the stairs. He looks me over then asks, "Hey, your flight is tomorrow."

It wasn't a question, it was a statement. But I answer anyway, "Your sister decided she didn't want to take things forward, so I need to get out of here. I hope you understand."

Steve's body softens when he looks at me. "Of course, man. I'll see you at home."

"Yeah," I say trying to keep my emotions down, but I still hear a bit of shakiness. I just hope Steve didn't hear though something tells me he did.