Page 53 of Pucking My Grumpy Accidental Husband

"Jesus, this is like something out of a spy movie."

"Welcome to the modern world of professional athlete dating, my friend. Your love life is worth money to the right buyer."

After Andy hangs up, I sit there staring at my phone and wondering how the hell I'm supposed to tell Tessa that our relationship has officially entered espionage territory.

We meet at a coffee shop in Wicker Park—neutral territory that's far enough from the training facility and both our apartments to minimize the chance of being spotted by teammates or neighbors. Tessa's already there when I arrive, sitting in a corner booth wearing sunglasses indoors like she's channeling her inner celebrity avoiding paparazzi.

"This is ridiculous," she says as I slide in across from her. "I look like I'm about to sell state secrets to foreign agents."

"You look beautiful. Also mildly paranoid, but beautiful paranoid."

"Flattery will not make this situation less insane."

I fill her in on Andy's findings, watching her process the information with that sharp analytical mind that makes me want to kiss her and discuss philosophy with her in equal measure.

"So our options are what, exactly?" she asks when I finish.

"Continue with increased security measures and hope they get bored and move on. Temporary separation until the threat passes. Go public with our relationship to remove the blackmail potential. Or..." I pause, not wanting to say the last option.

"Or end things entirely to protect our careers."

"That's not happening."

"Dax—"

"I'm serious, Tessa. That's not an option. I don't care if Harrison fires me tomorrow and I have to go play hockey in fucking Siberia. I'm not walking away from this."

She stares at me across the table, and I can see something shift in her expression. "Why?"

"Because you're worth it. Because this—whatever this is between us—is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Because I'd rather have one day of real happiness with you than a lifetime of going through the motions without you."

"That's very romantic and completely insane."

"I've been accused of worse things."

"You know I'm terrified. But I'm also tired of sneaking around like we're doing something wrong. What we have isn't wrong, Dax. It's the most right thing that's ever happened to me."

"I love you," I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "I love you, and I know it's too soon and probably terrible timing, but I can't sit here listening to you be brave and amazing without telling you that I'm completely, hopelessly in love with you."

Her eyes go wide behind those ridiculous sunglasses. "You love me?"

"Desperately. Embarrassingly. The kind of love that makes guys write terrible poetry and buy billboard space to declare their feelings."

"Please don't buy billboard space."

"No promises."

She laughs, and the sound makes my chest feel like it's going to explode with happiness. "I love you too, you ridiculous, wonderful man. I love your brain and your hands and the way you read philosophy books like other people read magazines. I love how you take care of everyone around you and how you make me feel safe enough to be myself."

I lean across the table and kiss her, right there in public where anyone could see us, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe properly.

"I want you to meet my family," I say against her lips.

"Your family?"

“My mom and Emma. I managed to deflect Emma's detective mission last weekend with strategic pizza bribes and philosophical discussions, but I don't want to keep hiding you. I want them to know you exist.I want to show you off and watchmy mother fall in love with you and listen to Emma tell you embarrassing stories about my childhood."

"That sounds terrifying and wonderful."