Out Of Bounds: The Hockey Star's Baby Secret by Layla Valentine

Author:Layla Valentine [Valentine, Layla]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-18T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

ASH

I wake up to find Kayla in my arms. I bring her body closer to mine and enjoy the feel of her breathing against me. She lets out a content sigh as I run a finger up and down her exposed leg.

To say I’ve enjoyed my time with her would be an understatement. I’ve never laughed or smiled this much. I’ve never felt so drawn to someone.

The ranch work has been surprisingly rewarding, too. By the end of each day, I feel like I’ve actually achieved something. It doesn’t hurt to have Kayla by my side while I’m working, either.

Every time I think about leaving, a knot forms in my stomach. I think about not being able to touch Kayla again, and my chest aches. I feel completely out of control.

I used to make fun of guys that were all wrapped-up in a girl, but now I’m one of them. I’ve been trying to deny it, but my actions make it pretty clear — I’m crazy about her. Like jump-on-a-couch-and-scream-about-it type of crazy.

I know it’s going to hurt like hell when I have to leave. I’ve even considered asking Kayla to come with me, but I know she has her life here.

I’ve been racking my brain for a way to go back to hockey and be with her but I’m coming up short. Every time I see her and realize it might be the last time, I make it count. I feel like I’m trying to keep a mental video of all the moments. I know when I’m gone, I’m going to be thinking about her all the time.

I feel like such a punk being all mushy, but I can’t help it.

Later that day, I sit on a few hay bales and pat Dusty, one of the horses that Kayla is helping. I’ve come to love horses. Each of them has a unique personality, just like humans.

It’s something I never thought about. In my mind, horses were just large animals that sometimes got forced to race. Now, I know they’re beautiful, extremely intelligent creatures.

As far back as I can remember I’ve been focused on hockey. It’s what I’ve lived and breathed. Being on this ranch has flipped everything upside down. The satisfying work, the gorgeous farmhand, the beautiful animals, the scenery — it’s refreshing.

It feels like my head and my heart are at war. I’ve even considered giving up hockey. I’m not the guy who drops everything for a girl. I’m not one to commit at all. A therapist once told me it was because I have a fear of being like my father.

I don’t remember much about him, but I vividly remember the day he left us. I remember my mom sobbing. I remember all the times she had to bust her butt working three jobs just to survive.

In my mind, if I don’t commit to someone, I don’t have the power to hurt them. It’s a twisted sense of logic and makes no sense, but it’s what I’ve always done.

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