Page 82 of Pucking My Grumpy Accidental Husband

"Russo here."

"Mr. Russo, it's Dax Kingston."

"Dax! Perfect timing. So what's the verdict? Ready to come home to Boston?"

I look around the locker room at thirty guys who've had my back today, at coaches who've supported Tessa and me, at the woman sitting beside me who's changed everything.

"Thanks for the offer, Mr. Russo. It's incredibly generous, and Boston's a hell of an organization. But I'm staying in Chicago."

"What? Dax, this is captain money. This is legacy money."

"This is home, sir. Chicago's home."

"Well... I'm disappointed, but I respect your decision. Good luck with everything, son."

"Thank you, sir."

I hang up and immediately dial Harrison's number.

"Harrison."

"It's Kingston. Just wanted you to know—I declined Boston. I'm staying in Chicago, and I'm staying with Tessa. Try to fuck with either of us again, and you'll learn exactly why they call hockey players enforcers."

"Mr. Kingston?—"

I hang up on him mid-sentence.

The locker room erupts in cheers.

Before I can enjoy the moment, Zack jumps up from his bench, grinning like an idiot. “Fuck yeah! This calls for a celebration, boys. There’s a new rooftop lounge downtown—VIP only, skyline views, bottle service. Tonight, we own it.”

“Hell yes,” one of the rookies chimes in. “I’ve got cash burning a hole in my pocket, and after today’s stress, I need a stiff drink.”

“Come on, Kingston,” Torres adds, slapping my shoulder. “You’re the man of the hour. First round’s on me. We’ll drink until you forget all about tomorrow’s board meeting.”

Zack’s grin widens. “They’ve got a Michelin-star chef running the kitchen, and the cocktails? Rare spirits you can’t find anywhere else. The kind of list people wait months to get a reservation just to try. Tonight we go all out.”

Several guys are nodding enthusiastically, already planning their evening of debauchery like we just won the fucking Stanley Cup instead of potentially saving my girlfriend's career.

"Thanks, but I'm good," I say, standing up and pulling Tessa to her feet beside me.

"What?" Zack looks genuinely confused. "Dude, you just told Boston to fuck off and basically declared war on Harrison. If that doesn’t call for top-shelf whisky and a night at the most exclusive spot in town, I don’t know what does.”

"It calls for me going home with my girl and telling her we're going to be okay." I wrap my arm around Tessa's waist, feeling her lean into me. "You guys go celebrate. Have fun. Just don't do anything that'll get you suspended before the board meeting."

"But Kingston—" the rookie starts.

"But nothing." I look around the room at these guys who just had my back in the biggest way possible. "I appreciate the fuck out of all of you. What you did today, threatening to strike for us? That's brotherhood. But right now, I need to be with Tessa."

Jamie grins and gives me a knowing look. "Look at you, all domesticated and shit."

"Damn right I am," I say without shame. "And I'm not apologizing for it."

"Respect," Zack says, though he still looks disappointed. "But you owe us a celebration when this is all over."

"Deal. Now go blow your money on overpriced cocktails and VIP tables. Just remember—we’ve got an eight a.m. meeting with the board chairman.”

As the guys start filtering out, making plans for their night of questionable decisions, I turn to Tessa.