Page 51

CHAPTER 51

Tristan

T he semester flew by, my days and nights packed with classes, hockey, and Jordyn. Having Jordyn close by while I practiced or worked out was sometimes distracting, but when I focused, I’d reward myself by fucking her in the jacuzzi. Or the weight room, steam room, and locker room.

We nearly got caught by Coach Nelson in the locker room. I’m almost positive he knew we just finished having sex, but since we heard his footsteps and she was wearing a skirt, we were able to cover ourselves and appear normal. Well, as normal as sweaty faces, disheveled hair, and heavy breathing can look.

Tonight, I’m taking Jordyn for an end-of-semester dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. I smile at myself in the mirror, adjusting my tie. She has no idea I’m going to propose.

Jordyn comes up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Hey, captain. Has anyone told you that you’re smokin’ hot?”

“My girlfriend tells me every day. I’m taken, miss.” Grinning, I turn around, whistling as I take in the little black dress and high heels she’s wearing. “Oh, Jesus. Are those fishnets with gemstones on them?”

“Fake gemstones. And yes,” she purrs, pressing herself against me.

“We may not make it to the restaurant.” I press my lips to hers, swallowing her giggle. This woman makes me come undone in all the best ways.

“First, you have to feed me. Then you can fuck me.” She’s gotten bolder and more confident since we’ve been together. I love seeing how much she’s blossomed from attention, love, and my endless devotion.

“We better get out of here. Because I can’t wait to fuck you.”

Grabbing her hand, I lead her from the bathroom. She grabs her clutch on the way out of our bedroom, and then we head down the stairs.

“I’m stuffed.” Jordyn leans back in her chair, rubbing her stomach with a groan. “Why did I eat so much?”

I smirk at her over my glass of water. “You’re carbing up before the big workout I’m gonna give you when we get home.”

She giggles and leans over the table. The candlelight dances across her features and I swear, she’s never looked more radiantly gorgeous than she does right now. “Did anyone ever tell you hockey players are insatiable lovers?”

“You just did.” I wink at her, grabbing her hand. “Only for you, kitten. You’re my world.” Bringing her left hand to my lips, I kiss her fingertips, my eyes holding hers. “That’s why…” I stand, still holding her hand. Walking around the table to he r, she looks baffled, her questioning aqua eyes bouncing back and forth between mine.

When I drop to one knee, she sucks in a breath. I shift so I’m on both knees as I pull the box with the ring from my pocket. “Jordyn Isabella Reese. Will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me?” I gaze into her misty eyes, my heart beating like a drum from anticipation and nervousness. “Will you marry me?”

The tears that fill her eyes spill over, running down her cheeks. “Hell, yes, captain,” she says breathlessly.

My eyes shine with wetness as I slip the large diamond on her finger, two small sapphires on either side because blue is her favorite color.

She admires the ring for a couple of beats. “Oh my God. I love it, Tristan.” Then she slips out of the chair, flinging herself into my arms. “But not as much as I love you.”

With her arms still wrapped around me, I get to my feet, twirling her around. She laughs, throwing her head back before she plants her lips on mine.

Loud, boisterous cheers and clapping fill the room as Alex, Chelsea, and the rest of the hockey team, along with Jordyn’s mom, the tutors she works with, and Coaches Jensen and Nelson surround us.

When I lower her to her feet, she wipes her eyes, a watery smile on her lips. “Oh my God. You all knew?”

“He may have given me a heads up, bestie. And I ran with it because I have a big mouth.” Alex throws his arms around me and Jordyn, squeezing us tight.

“I’m gonna punch you in the nuts,” I growl. “For the last fucking time, Jordyn is not your bestie.”

Chelsea throws herself against Jordyn’s back. “That’s right. She’s mine.”

“I’m not doing this.” I shake my head at our crazy friends. “Every piece of her is mine, so you can all kiss my ass. ”

Laughing, Chelsea and Alex pull away, allowing the rest of our family and friends to descend, offering their congratulations.

Jordyn’s mom wraps her up in a huge hug, and my gaze automatically moves to Coach Nelson, who stares at Abigayle with a wistful expression on his face. He has it bad for her, even though she’s married. Maybe she won’t be for long. From what Jordyn has said, and as much time as we’ve spent with her mom lately, Abigayle and Robert’s marriage is in trouble. Josh’s drug problem and being sent to rehab have only strained things even more.

Jordyn steps back and grabs my hand. Her luminous aqua eyes sparkle up at me. “This is perfect, Tristan. I love you.”

“I love you, kitten. You’re everything I didn’t know I needed but can’t live without.” My voice catches, my emotions overwhelming me. “You’re the love of my life.”

Her breath hitches. “You’re my home. My forever. And I can’t wait to marry you.”

Leaning down, I rub my nose against hers. “I can’t wait to marry you.”