Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“You’re so fucking perfect,” I say, voice low and still a bit uneven. “I hope you know that.”
Her eyes soften as I slip a lock of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering against her skin.
“I can’t wait to see you in the suite tomorrow,” I admit. “Wearing my jersey.”
A slow smile lifts the corners of her lips.
“This isn’t fake for me, Chey. I’m not sure it ever was,” I blurt before I can stop myself.
She freezes, her eyes widening.
“There’s always been something between us.” I swallow down the nerves. “But I wasn’t ready before. I needed time to get my shit together enough to be the man you deserved.”
Her breath catches as her eyes turn shiny, and it gives me the strength to continue.
“But I am now,” I say. “I’m ready to stop pretending this is casual and to prove to you that I can be the man you need.”
I stand before her, stripped bare and exposed. And, if I’m being honest, terrified that she might not feel the same way. But there’s no part of me that wants to take it back. For the first time since this all began, I’m not hiding from what she means to me.
33
Cheyenne
The suite is already full when I arrive with Kia and Elody. For a second or two, I hesitate inside the doorway, my hand still wrapped around the handle like it’s possible to turn around and slip back out before anyone notices me.
My fingers curl into the oversized sleeve of Knox’s jersey, the fabric thick and warm against my skin, carrying the faintest trace of his cologne. It should calm me. Instead, it makes everything feel real in a way it didn’t before.
The glass wall overlooking the ice stretches from floor to ceiling, the arena lights bright enough to make everything feel sharp and electric. Between the hum of the crowd, the pulse of the music, and the echo of pucks snapping off sticks during warm-ups, it’s louder than I expected, even up here.
For a moment, I wonder if I stand out like a sore thumb in Knox’s jersey, surrounded by women who actually belong in this world. Significant others who fit seamlessly into this life and understand the unspoken rules of being tied to a professional athlete.
Before I can overthink my decision to attend, Rina spots me from across the suite.
Her face lights up, as if genuinely pleased to see me. “It’s about time you got here! We were so happy when Evelyn mentioned you’d be watching the game with us tonight.”
The warmth in her voice catches me off guard.
“Thanks for letting me join you,” I say, stepping more fully into the room. “I’m excited.”
Callie glances up from where she’s sitting near the front with a toddler on her lap. The little girl is wearing a tiny Railers hoodie, swinging her feet like she has too much energy for her small body to contain.
When one of the players skates past the glass, her face lights up.
“Da-Da!” she yells, her voice carrying even through the thick glass.
I have no idea if he can hear her, but he grins and lifts a hand in a quick wave as he passes by. There’s just something about a big, strong man turning into a total softie for his kid that melts my insides.
As soon as Callie’s gaze settles on me, a slow grin spreads across her face. “Repping Knox’s jersey, I see.”
Lilah laughs, leaning back against the couch. “I called it. These men like to lay their claim quickly.”
Heat floods my cheeks as my mind tumbles back to the mark he left on my inner thigh yesterday. The memory alone is enough to have warmth curling low in my belly.
I clear my throat, hoping I don’t look as flustered as I feel.
Evelyn heads in my direction, her presence effortless and commanding without trying. She gives me a quick once-over, her expression warm with a hint of amusement.
“You look absolutely perfect,” she says. “And we’re delighted you could join us tonight.”
I hadn’t expected the team owner to be so welcoming.
“Thank you,” I say. “I really appreciate it.”
The door opens behind me and Sloane walks in with three kids trailing behind her. Actually, they don’t all look like kids. The older two are teenagers, and the youngest looks around five or six.
The teens glance around the suite, trying not to look impressed and failing miserably.
“Wow! Look, Sloanie!” the youngest says, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “The hockey players are right there!” He rips his gaze away long enough to settle on Elody.
“This is Sawyer, Caleb, and Faith,” Sloane says, dropping into a chair. “My siblings.” She points at them. “Don’t touch or break anything. I’m being serious.”
Faith rolls her eyes. “Chill. We’re not going to break anything.”
“You say that now,” Sloane mutters.
Caleb, however, is already moving, drawn to Elody as if by some invisible pull. “Elody!” he calls, waving his hand.