Page 183 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

“Eventually?”

“Well, yeah. Unless you’re planning to get bored with me and move on to the next hockey player who catches your eye.”

“There are other hockey players?”

“Funny.”

I settle back against his chest, my cheek finding the spot where his chest hair tickles. “I’m not going anywhere, Ryan.”

“Good. Because I love you. And not just because the cameras are rolling.”

“I love you, too.”

It’s the easiest thing in the world to say now. Easier than breathing. For months after the show, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. For him to realize that real life with me was boring compared to the heightened drama of television. For the honeymoon period to end and reality to set in.

But it never happened. Real life with Ryan is better than anything the show could have manufactured. It’s grocery shopping and Netflix marathons and him bringing me coffee in bed when I’m too lazy to get up. It’s trash day arguments and ten-minute make ups. It’s something solid. Something real.

“I have something to tell you,” Ryan says. There’s something in his tone that makes me nervous.

“Good something or bad something?”

“Good something. I think.”

I prop myself up on my elbow to look at him. “Okay. What is it?”

“Coach T called yesterday. He wants to talk to me about coaching.”

“Coaching what?”

“Ice hockey. Apparently there is a coach retiring for the Seattle Havoc. I’d have to work my way up. Assistant coach at first, maybe head coach eventually if I want it.”

“Ryan, that’s amazing.” Her wide smile is radiant.

“Is it? I mean, I don’t know anything about coaching.”

“You know everything about hockey. You’re good with people when you’re not being a grumpy asshole.”

“Thanks for that ringing endorsement. And that kind of behavior was saved especially for you.”

She rolls her eyes and dodges that topic.

“I’m serious. You’d be a great coach. You understand the game. You know how to motivate people. Plus, you’ve been through everything these guys are going through. You could help them.”

I shrug my shoulders. “It would mean moving to Seattle long-term.”

“And?”

“And I wanted to make sure you’re okay with that. I know your show films here, but after that, you might get offers from other places. I don’t want to hold you back.”

I stare at him. “Ryan Haart, are you asking me if I want to build a life with you in Seattle?”

“Maybe.”

“The answer is yes, you idiot.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ve only been to Seattle once, but I loved it. I love the rain and the mountains and the coffee culture and the fact that people wear flannel unironically. And I love you. I want togo wherever you go. So yes, I want to be a hockey girlfriend and build something with you.”