My Hockey Alpha

Chapter 309

Bonus 9: A Call

Nina

It was well after the party, and everyone else had gone to sleep. ]

Lori and Jessica took over the guest- room after all due to the fact that Melania, using her magic, conjured up an amazing little hut outside. When we walked into the hut, we were all astonished to see that it was bigger on the inside, although I was more astonished to see the loving look in Luke’s eyes when the attractive witch performed her trick.

The hockey team took up residence on the floor of the living room, and now Enzo and I were lying in our bed, too energized to sleep. We had a movie playing quietly on the television, but neither of us were watching it. We had … more important things to do in bed.

As the credits rolled on the screen,

Enzo and I lay comfortably entwined in the bed, a blanket draped lazily over our nude bodies.

The peaceful silence was broken only by the low hum of the movie soundtrack and our quiet breaths syncing in harmony. It was the calm serenity of shared solitude, a comforting quiet that came with the understanding that it was enough to just be in each other’s presence.

A slow smile was creeping across my face as I traced patterns on Enzo’s chest with my finger.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of my phone pierced the tranquility and caused my smile to fade.

I glanced at the screen, an unknown number flashing brightly. I furrowed my brows, expecting an annoying spam caller at this late hour. With a sigh, I picked up the call, ready to hang up at the first sign of a recorded message.

But the voice that greeted me was tar from mechanical. It was warm, familiar, and it brought a lump to my throat. “Nina?” The voice was shaky, hesitant.

the surprise and emotion clear in my voice. “Why haven’t

it’s been a while,” Taylor replied. “We’ve been really busy, and mom’s phone hasn’t been working properly. I’m sorry that you haven’t heard from us,

watched as he walked

the background, but I knew fully well that Taylor didn’t own a

still a thing over here. It’s actually awesome. You know I always hated

had to laugh. “Yeah,”

and I were teenagers, he got so frustrated with his cell phone ringing too often that he threw it in the street

was always a little more old- fashioned than I was. I always teased him and said that he should just start

and my mom had been radio silent for

though he had more that he wanted to say, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it.” Listen, Nina… I know you’re getting married soon. But I don’t think we can make it. I’m

I had been clinging to the hope of my family being there on my special day. But understanding and love for my brother quelled the rising

you and mom are okay. I’ll come

could hear Taylor’s smile through the phone. “Good,” he replied quietly. “I promise we’ll see each other

I decided that I was just imagining things, and decided to change

I would get a

words, echoing with years of lost time and connection, painted a bittersweet picture. By the time we

bed, the phone call leaving

movie, turned to me, his brows creased with concern at my tear- streaked face. I sank into his arms, seeking comfort in the familiar scent and

his voice soft as a whisper, his

weight of unshed tears. “I don’t know why, exactly. I think they’re just too busy, and it’s too far. Taylor is sick, after all, but

his silence giving me strength. He didn’t need to say anything. His presence, his arms wrapped around me, spoke