Hockey Holidays Read online

  Chapter Six

  “What’s the smile for?” Big Bruce commented as Dag strolled through the door. “I can guess it’s because the date went well.”

  Dag shook his head. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Tell me.” He points to the kitchen chair next to him.

  He sat down and told Big Bruce everything. How she was only nineteen, but she didn’t act like it. When Dag was nineteen, he had been a little wild and only cared about hockey. Plus, she had intelligence and maturity. The bonus of it all—for him anyway—she loved hockey. A lot. Faith never really cared about the game. He had to drag her to his events.

  “You asked her out again?”

  He nodded. “She hasn’t said yes, though, but I hope she does.”

  “Son, you’re beaming. This girl is something, eh?”

  Leaning back in the chair, he thought for a second. “Maybe I’m overthinking it? This is the first time I’ve been out in years.”

  Big Bruce chuckled. “Dag, you have a big heart, but one thing you don’t do is overthink. If you hadn’t liked this young lady, you wouldn’t be sitting here happier than I’ve seen in a very long time.”

  Rubbing his chin, he knew his father told the truth. Dag felt like he sat on a cloud and hoped Lex would contact him. There wasn’t any rational way for him to explain what he felt when he laid eyes on her. The more he talked to her, the more he enjoyed her company, and he didn’t want it to end.

  Dag and Big Bruce talked for a little bit longer, mainly updates on the boys, before Dag headed to the school to pick up the boys. Even though Elexis stayed in the back of his mind, he had to focus on his sons. They were overjoyed to see their dad as they ran to him. Then their excitement went into overdrive as Dag told them they were going to their favorite pizza place.

  When the night began to wind down, he wrangled the boys into bed and managed to lay down. He listened to the silence for a moment as if it was music to his ears. Bruce and Brock could be louder than an entire arena of Bears fans.

  Ding.

  Opening one eye, he saw his phone had a text alert. Picking it up, the number was unknown to him.

  Unknown: Dag, it’s Elexis. Tell me when you’re available and I’ll see if we can work out a time to get together.

  He bolted up into a sitting position. She had said yes. Well, sort of. Syncing their schedules might be a small issue, but he’ll make it work. Quickly he checked his calendar and figured out a date and time.

  Dag: Lex, I’m glad you contacted me. What about Fri? After the game?

  He knew it would be a long shot she’d be free. Nineteen years old on a Friday night, she’ll be busy for sure.

  Elexis: Okay, where?

  Dag: Are you going to the game?

  Elexis: Yes.

  Dag: I’ll meet you at the West Gate after I change.

  Elexis: Ok.

  Now, he had to make it to Friday.

  Luckily, Dag remained busy the majority of the time until Friday. Elexis and he exchanged a few texts throughout the week. They were nothing more than hello, I’m fine, and have a good day. He wanted to say more to her, but after talking to Edgar and Shade, they advised him less was more. The tweet the Bears put out had over six thousand retweets. Dag couldn’t believe it, and the team teased him all about it.

  Finally, it was Friday and his focus needed to be on the game. Big Bruce went on his date. Leia agreed to stay with the boys, and he would take out Elexis tonight. He checked off his mental list to confirm everything was covered.

  Checking his phone one more time, the boys sent him a video wishing him luck, and there was a text from Elexis.

  Elexis: Good luck.

  “Wow, never seen you smile before.” Edgar pushed on his shoulder. “Elexis must be sending you a dirty pic.”

  “No.” Dag defended her. “She’s wishing me luck.”

  “Is this luck the kind that gets you into bed with her tonight?” Shade jumped into the conversation as he strolled past.

  Dag rolled his eyes before following his teammates out to the ice to warm up. As he stepped onto the ice, his heart began to race. It happened every time. Hockey had been his world, that is until the boys came into his life. He shot the puck at the net a few times before going to stretch. He tried to release the tension in his legs and back, but he thought about Elexis. He decided going to a fancy restaurant would be nice, but she didn’t seem to be the type. He really had no idea where they would go, but he wanted to be with her, spend time with her.

  When he finished stretching, he skated around a few more times before making his way back into the locker room with the team. Coach Long gave his speech and goals for the night to get the win. Dag always respected him. Of all the coaches that have come in and out of his life and career, Coach Long made a profound impact on him.

  The team is ready to get out there and gain another win. The season was barely a week in and excitement hung in the air. Dag felt like this season would be different. In fact, he discussed this exact fact with Edgar and Cabel. They were feeling it as well.

  The first period passed in a blink. The scoreless second period did the same, but the third period brought fireworks, especially for Dag. Three minutes into the final period, he gained an assist with Cabel’s goal. Ten minutes later, he scored a goal himself. Elation bubbled over from the points he tallied. It’s been a long time since he started a season this good. When the final buzzer went off, he had to get ready for his date with Elexis.

  After showering and getting back into his suit, he slipped out of the locker room. He had told Elexis to meet him at the West Gate because family, friends, and fans would be waiting for the players at the East Gate. Leia texted several times letting him know the boys were fine, and they were getting ready for bed. Normally, Dag would never let them stay up this late, but he knew they would enjoy watching the game.

  Pushing the door open the air still felt muggy, even in the middle of October. He wished for cooler weather soon. He stopped when he saw Elexis with her back toward him. He had an easy view of her curves. He truly didn’t check her out at the coffee house because she only stood up for a moment. Now, he could take in all her curves. By no means was she overweight. Dag knew Shade would have called her thick. To him, she was beautiful.

  She turned and smiled. “I wasn’t sure which one belonged to you.”

  He noticed she swayed as she approached him. She had a glow around her even under the parking lot lights.

  “I thought it might be the minivan.” She softly giggled pointing over his shoulder.

  He chuckled at her joke. “Not a minivan. I’m the Chevy Traverse.” He nodded over to the other side of the parking lot. “With two very manly booster seats in the back.”

  Elexis, still smiling, asked, “You have manly booster seats?”

  “I do. There’s trucks on them.” He joked as they began to make their way over to the vehicle. He opened the door for her and caught her scent of soft flowers. He never liked females who drowned themselves in perfume and overpowering lotions.

  Dag got in behind the wheel and froze. “I have a confession.” He could see her stiffen up. “I have no clue what we’re going to do tonight. I thought about going somewhere fancy to impress you, but I thought better of it so now, I have no clue what I’m doing.” He felt like an idiot just saying it out loud. She’d probably run away from him faster than he could blink.

  Instead, she…giggled.

  “You probably want to leave, eh?” he softly asked.

  “May I make a confession?”

  He nodded.

  “I don’t want to go anywhere fancy. I’m not even sure how to act in some five-star restaurant.”

  Relief filled him, thankful he followed his instincts. “Then what would you like to do?”

  Her eyebrows dropped as she thought for a second and a smile grew slowly on her face. “I’m not one to make such decisions, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and ask if you trust me?”

  He