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LUNA

I wake alone in Zach’s bed, but I can hear the faint mumble of voices from the kitchen.

Still dressed in only his jersey since he wouldn’t let me take it off all night—not that I tried—I pad toward the sound.

“Oh, she’s here now if you want to say hi.”

I stop dead in my tracks at the sight of Zach sitting at his kitchen counter. He’s dressed in gym gear and looks like he justgot home from an early morning skate since they have a game tonight. He’s on the phone, and I can’t miss that voice—Zach’s mom, Rachel.

Zach smiles and waves me toward him, holding the camera away from view.

Furiously I gesture up and down my body and mouth in a frantic whisper, “I can’t speak to her wearing this!”

Zach’s shoulders vibrate with amusement as he mouths back, “They know already.”

Cautiously and looking like I just got out of his bed, which I have, I make my way over. Honestly, I’ve known Zach’s parents since I was a teenager, but I haven’t spoken to them in years. And now, here I am in his apartment, dressed in his jersey, and about to reconnect with them. But I guess we aren’t a secret since I’ve been photographed with him on multiple occasions.

Rachel comes into view, her smile and twinkling blue eyes taking me in. “Luna, it’s so good to see you.” Her voice is soft and warm.

“Hey, Rachel,” I reply shyly as Zach hauls me onto his lap, one arm wrapped around my waist, the other holding his phone outstretched so we’re both in shot.

“Mom, this is my girlfriend. You remember Luna, right?” He kisses me on the cheek.

“Of course I do, honey! Luna, you are so beautiful. I could never forget those eyes.”

Two minutes in his mom’s presence reminds me of all the reasons why my boyfriend has the soul he does. Caring and beautiful.

“Thank you,” I part mumble, still nervous as hell. “I guess you already knew we were involved from all the images and press.”

She nods her head, still smiling. “I’ve been trying to get information from Zach for months, but finally, I wore him down!”

She’s giddy as hell, but I kind of feel bad. All those months we were apart, and I was in my head, he had to deal with questions from his mom, wanting to know what was happening. I made that time about me and my needs, and I feel selfish for it.

“Will you be moving to Seattle?” she asks, and I feel my heart plummet further.

“We’re working through the options,” Zach replies. “Luna has her career there and her mom, so it’s tricky, but we don’t want to do a long-distance relationship if we can help it.” His hand squeezes around my waist. “Although, I’ll do whatever it takes to be with her. There’s always the option of a trade for me, or at least speaking to my agent.”

Rachel looks between us, empathy and understanding on her face. “I know you two can work it out.” Focusing her attention solely on me then, she smiles once more. “I can see how happy you make my son; I know you can both work everything out.”

Zach asks his mom about the library and his dad who’s out working a job, but I find myself zoning out. It’s true what he just said. My mom is in Florida, but as more time passes, I feel like my real family is here, in Seattle.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

ZACH

For the first time in months, no, maybe a year, I feel like my head is playing the kind of hockey my body has been desperate for it to find.

I’m fast, strong, and taking no shit.

Best of all? It’s against the New York Blades, minus their psychopathic assistant captain, Alex Schneider. He was out of contract at the end of last season, and no one picked him up.

Fucking good. The guy was destined to kill someone.

At least this way he can spend more time with his new baby.

But even with his absence, the Blades are still dirty, being handed penalties throughout the first and second periods. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t partly responsible. I’m on my game tonight, and I’ve got my girl in the family box with my name stamped across her back. So yeah, I’m cocky as shit.

We’re on another powerplay when I send the puck up to Jon, who dances between defensemen like they aren’t even there. They may as well not be since we’re three goals up. No wait, four. He lights the lamp with a crazy shot to the top left, one only hecan pull off. I swear even their goalie gets down on his knees to worship the ice he skates on. He’s a generational talent.