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Chapter Seven

PAYTON

I drop down on the bench and yank at the laces on my skates to get out of my gear. Except my mind isn’t here. It’s still on the beach, thinking about what Lily shared. But it’s more what she didn’t say that lingers with me and what was implied.

She had no family or anyone close to help her once she became an adult, so she had to find her own way in the world. The thought of her alone like that puts an ache in my chest, akin to getting hit with a puck.

Yet her tenacity inspires me. She didn’t frame her past in a negative light—simply as facts and a logical choice.

As much as I’d like to disassociate myself from my family title, I’ve always appreciated their support and encouragement, even if they didn’t totally agree with my life decisions.

No matter what happens, I know they’re there for me.

I know they’re there for me if all else fails.

Maybe that’s why launching out on my own to a new country didn’t seem that scary to me. I knew I’d have a place to land if things didn’t work out. But they did, and I’m loathe to let the life I’ve built for myself go.

Luke sits next to me on the bench and gives me a gentle shove. “Mind on something else today? ”

I rub my hands down my face. As uncomfortable as it makes me, it’s easier to let him think what he wants. “Guess you could say that.”

He lets out a deep chuckle. “That’s understandable. You’re newlyweds.”

Keeping my face down, I continue to unlace my skates. I’ve never been great at hiding my facial expressions—I felt my cringe when he said ‘newlyweds.’ I should be more careful and think before I react.

“When are you planning to tell the team?”

I convinced Lily to drop me off and leave before any of my teammates caught sight of her to avoid questions and finish practice without saying a word about it. But he’s right. If I don’t say something, he’ll think there’s trouble in paradise.

The rest of the guys wander in to shed their gear and shower. I might as well get this over with. I attempt a wide grin that I hope is believable.

“No time like the present.” Once I slip off my other skate, I stand up.

Luke lets out a loud whistle. “Listen up. Pay has something to share.”

All eyes are suddenly on me. The words lodge in my throat when I open my mouth. I think my sweat is sweating at this point. “A curious thing happened while I was back home. I…well, I…”

Luke stands and pats me on the back. “Payton got married.”

A mix of disbelieving ‘whats’ and ‘no ways’ break out before several of the blokes walk over and congratulate me.

I can see the questions resting in their eyes as they study me, but I keep a smile in place.

Coach Markelson shakes my hand and congratulates me.

All of it I accept with no explanation. Lily suggested I only divulge details when asked.

That most of the time, people won’t ask out of respect for my privacy. Turns out she’s right .

But Wade has never been one to let etiquette deter him. “What on earth possessed you to do that, my English friend?”

I sputter at first, but once again, Luke jumps in. “Love, you idiot. What other reason could there be?”

What reason, indeed? If they only knew.

Luke gives me an affirming nod, then starts conversing with Coach.

I grin. “What he said.”

Wade studies me, doubt clouding his eyes. “Sounds like a whirlwind romance. Did you two elope?”

“No, we had a small private ceremony at my parents’ home just before we flew back.

” Movement in my peripheral vision catches my attention.

Luke gestures at me while talking to Coach Markelson and Derek, our assistant coach, who nods.

I assumed Luke’s sharing his introduction to Lily, since he’s the only one who’s met her so far.

Wade rests his hands on my shoulders. “I guess congrats are in order then, Pay-man. I hope you two are very happy.”

I catch a glimpse of something sad flit by in his gaze, and file it away for another time. Wade’s never mentioned any current or past girlfriends, so now I’m wondering if he might have had a bad experience. That would explain his hesitancy to congratulate me at first.

Why am I even concerned about this? If he knew the truth, he’d probably be relieved. Or angry as hell.

I rush through my shower and then send a text to Lily that I’m almost ready as I get dressed. But before I can leave, Coach stops me.

“Payton, Olivia and I would love it if you and your new wife…?”

Takes me a second to realize he’s waiting for me to fill in her name. “Lily.”

He grins. “If you and Lily would come over for dinner, Friday. Do you think she’d be up for that? I can only imagine what a big adjustment this is for her. For both of you.”

I’ve always known Coach to run on the diplomatic side—part of what makes him a great coach, but when it comes to his team, he’s usually very forthright. But there’s a hesitancy to his words, as if he’s picking them carefully.

I can’t think of a reason to decline. Not one good enough to make sense that won’t fuel whatever’s concerning him.

Just what I need—an evening spent not only convincing him and his wife that I’m married but also assuaging their concerns that I made the biggest mistake of my life because I have a feeling that’s what this is about.

“I’ll check with Lily, but I’m almost certain she’ll agree.”

“Good man. You’re already thinking like a ‘we.’ Took me months to get the hang of that.”

I think I just got marital advice when this is more about making sure my bodyguard approves. “Right.”

Coach squeezes my shoulders. “Great. We’re looking forward to meeting Lily.”

Looking forward to meeting Lily.

The words have spun in my head like fans chanting for the last two days. It’s bad enough that Lily insisted on driving to Coach’s place, stating that was also part of her job. When I probed further, she simply said that being in control of as many factors as possible was key to my safety.

The notion had me checking the passenger side mirror the entire trip over.

Thankfully, I noticed nothing unusual except for the lady walking her bright pink poodle on the sidewalk.

Her owner had matching hair. I may have to tell Luke’s fiancée, Sophie, about that one since she likes that color so much.

I switch the bag holding a bottle of wine to my other hand for at least the fourth time as we walk up the path to Coach’s front door .

Lily glances at me. “Relax, Payton.”

“Easier said than done.”

Before I can push the doorbell, she nudges my shoulder, forcing me to face her. “Then reframe the situation.”

I’m instantly intrigued. “How so?”

She tilts her head. “Pretend this is a game you want to win.”

I think my eyebrows just merged with my hairline. “A game? You’re bloody kidding, right?”

The corners of her mouth tip up in a mysterious smile that captures my full attention. “We’ll make it a competition to see who does the best job of convincing everyone we’re madly in love.”

The nervous energy pulsing through my body coalesces into pinpoint focus like a shot on goal during the last minute of a period. She’s challenging me, and I relish it.

My gaze skims her lovely face, settling briefly on her lips. “You’re on.”

Lily leans in until she’s pressed against me and lifts her head to the side of my head farthest from the door. Her lips brush my ear as she speaks. “Someone’s at the door, about to open it. Act as if I’m telling you what I want to do when we get home later.”

The corners of my mouth slide up of their own accord, and heat instantly rises up the back of my neck. I close my eyes, turning my head slightly toward her as if to lean into her words, which I totally am. No acting needed.

The sound of the door opening, followed by a throat clearing, pulls us apart.

Coach divides his grin between us. “Glad you two could make it.”

I hand him the bottle of wine I brought. “A little something for tonight.”

Ever the dutiful fake wife, Lily beams at him. “Thank you for having us.”

“Come on in. Olivia has some appetizers set out to hold us over until dinner.”

As we step inside, a group chorus chimes out. “Surprise!”

Good thing I handed that wine bag to Coach because it would have hit the floor, making a mess. Even Lily jumped and grabbed my arm. Not to cling to me but to yank me behind her.

I grab her hips in a subtle tug to shift her next to me. “Wow, everyone’s here.”

Smiling, Lily plays along by slipping one arm around my waist and resting the other on my chest. Doesn’t take long for the heat from her hand to feel more like a branding iron through the fabric of my shirt.

I cover her hand with mine, feeling almost prideful that I get to present Lily to everyone. And I mean everyone. Even Derek’s wife, who I’d begun to think didn’t exist, is here, hanging on his arm.

“Ladies and gentlemen?—”

A snicker comes from someone—I suspect one of the young rookies just promoted up—from the back of the room, to which Luke gives his signature grunt to shut it down.

“I’d like to introduce you to my Lily.” I shake my head. “I mean my wife, Lily.”

Chuckles fill the room as Sophie rushes up. “Hi, I’m Sophie. Luke’s fiancée. It’s so great to meet you!”

Smile ever in place, Lily shakes her hand, then lets out a soft yelp when Sophie hugs her. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Lily shoots a questioning look my way. I shrug and grin. Like a royal couple in a greeting line, Lily and I are greeted and congratulated by almost everyone.

Olivia walks in with a tray of fluted glasses filled with champagne. “Everyone, grab a glass so we can toast the new couple.”

After Lily and I take one, Coach stands next to me. “Since we didn’t get to see you two get married, we thought we’d surprise you with our own little celly.”

Forcing a grin, I lift my glass up. “Quite the surprise, indeed.”

“And so thoughtful.” Lily’s hand on my waist tightens as if to remind me why we’re here.

Coach rushes over to help Olivia pass out the rest of the glasses.