Page 33

33

HARPER

F ord leads me to a table in the back of the restaurant. The delicious aroma of breakfast foods makes my stomach rumble.

He’s certainly worked me out enough to give me a ravenous appetite.

I slide into the booth, a smile curling my lips as I stare at his handsome face.

“How do you make sweatpants look so damn good?” My eyes roam over him as he slides into the booth across from me.

His lips hitch up in that sexy smirk I love. He reaches across the table, grabbing my hands in his. “I think you’re just cock drunk from all the orgasms I gave you.”

A laugh bubbles from my lips. “That could be.” I shoot him a flirtatious smile. “I must confess, I’m a little sore.”

I squirm slightly, aching in the best way.

He chuckles. “Good.”

The waitress comes over, glancing at me before pinning her eyes on Ford. “Hiya, honey. What can I get you to drink?”

Before he can open his mouth, I cut in. “You can stop staring at my soon-to-be-husband like he’s a piece of meat.”

Ford snorts, a laugh bursting out of him.

I ignore him, glaring at the now flustered waitress, who turns her attention to me, her cheeks red.

“I agree with my future wife. Her needs come first.” He winks at me. “What do you want to drink, baby?”

I order a water and an iced coffee, shooting the waitress a smug smile.

She doesn’t even look at Ford as he says, “I’ll have the same.”

Nodding briskly, her voice is clipped. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

Ford is positively gloating as he stares at me with raised brows. “I fucking love seeing you jealous.”

For a moment, a wave of defeat goes through me.

This is what my life will be like.

Women are always going to hit on my hotter-than-hell hockey-star husband.

Soon-to-be-husband, I mentally correct myself.

But when I meet his eyes, I know it’ll be worth it.

Devotion and respect shine from his beautiful orbs, basking me in love.

Other women want him, but he’s mine.

I cock my head and open my mouth.

He reaches over, squeezes my hand, and grins. “I’m all yours, hummingbird. Only yours.”

A thrill of pleasure zips through me.

I didn’t even have to ask.

He already knew.

The waitress returns with our drinks and then stiffly takes our order, her eyes on me.

I can’t prevent the victorious smile on my face.

I’ve let bitchy women boss me around for far too long, feeling inferior because of my curves.

But now… I’m owning them.

After all, my future husband loves them.

He proved it to me over and over last night and again this morning.

As we sip our drinks, Ford tells me about the hockey group texts he received this morning.

He slides his phone over to me, letting me read them.

I laugh harder and harder, as I read what his crazy teammates said.

I shouldn’t be surprised how quickly they agreed to be part of the wedding since they are Ford’s teammates.

I’m stunned at how quickly they’re ready to go after whoever threw that rock through my window.

I look at Ford, about to tell him how much I’m looking forward to meeting them, but I freeze when I see him glowering at a nearby table.

I twist around to see who he’s looking at.

My blood runs cold when I meet Todd’s furious eyes.

My eyes skip back to Ford, already out of his seat and striding toward Todd.

Oh, dear God!

My heart is in my throat as I jump up from the table, trailing behind him.

He plants his hands on Todd’s table, his posture intimidating as hell as he leans over him, nostrils flaring.

“Don’t ever fucking look at my future wife again.” His tone is dark, controlled, and murderous as he stares Todd down.

Todd visibly trembles in his seat, but when he glances over Ford’s shoulder at me, bravado lines his face. “You’re gonna marry her?” His tone drips with disbelief.

Ford doesn’t answer right away.

Instead, he lets the silence stretch, tilting his head and looking at Todd like an insect under his shoe.

Like he’s genuinely amused Todd is stupid enough to ask.

Then, slow as hell, he finally speaks, his chest puffing out with pride. “You better fucking believe it.”

Without taking his eyes from Todd, Ford wraps an arm around me, pulling me into his side.

I melt against him, secure in his love and embrace.

His lips move to my forehead, gently kissing me, all while staring at Todd. “She’s mine. Forever.”

A thrill courses up my spine at the proud way he says it.

Todd glances at me, but Ford snaps his fingers. “Don’t. Fucking. Look. At. Her,” he snarls, instantly commanding Todd’s attention.

His voice drops to a deadly whisper. “I’m onto you, Todd. Threaten my woman again, and I’ll fucking end you.”

He straightens, squeezing me into his side. “Come on, baby. Let’s go eat our breakfast.”

I walk with Ford to our table, my emotions bouncing between a thrill of excitement and abject fear.

Before I slide into the booth, Ford grabs my elbow.

“Don’t be scared, hummingbird.” He reaches out, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “I won’t let him hurt you again.”

My lips part, my accelerated breaths falling from my lips.

“Ford,” I breathlessly whisper.

He gives me a smile that takes the breath from my lungs.

“You’re mine to protect and take care of, baby. And that’s even more important to me than hockey.” He cups my cheek, the promise in his eyes. “ Nothing is more important in this world than you. ”

I fucking melt.

I thought I loved this man.

Thought I knew him well, despite the decade we spent apart.

But he just proved me wrong as I fall even harder.