Page 28

Practice isn’t going to plan.

I might’ve saved my teammates extra drills, but I haven’t been able to save them from my subpar performance today.

My passes are sloppy, my movements are sluggish and it doesn’t matter how many sprints on the ice I do, I can’t get my head into this.

My mind feels like it’s vibrating, stuck on one thing and one thing only. Or one person, more specifically.

Savannah.

That kiss this morning has fucking wrecked me.

I grip my stick tighter, only to think about how soft Savannah’s skin felt in my palms earlier.

My mind drifts to all the possibilities of what might’ve happened if I didn’t have practice to go to.

Maybe I would’ve slipped my hand under her shorts, or gotten rid of them entirely.

Fuck. If I didn’t want her before, I needed her now.

“Heads-up!”

Scotty’s voice snaps me out of it just in time to catch the puck with my stick and push forward.

Focus!

Coach barks instructions, but they barely register. My thoughts are stuck on how perfectly I fit between Savannah’s thighs. How she pulled my hair when she was kissing me, and how good she felt grinding herself against me.

I trip on the ice, something that never happens, and Alex steals the puck from me with ease.

I’m a fucking mess and I can only imagine how badly I’d be playing if Savannah had actually come to watch me today.

I wouldn’t be practicing. I’d be groveling on the floor, desperate for her to kiss me again.

It’s so stupid. It’s like one moment with her lips on mine has been enough to rewire my entire damn brain.

Dash is my next drill partner, and as he watches my every move, I realize he’s the only person I want to talk to. He’s the only person who knows what’s going on with Savannah and I need his advice.

“Are you going to shoot, Bright?” Erik asks from the line behind me, and I blow out a breath, focusing on this goal.

Dash crouches low, the only thing visible beneath that oversized goalie mask is his death glare locked on me.

I line up my shot, aim for the corner, and fire.

The puck veers off slightly.

Thwack!

And nails him right in the crotch.

I wince as he lets out a muffled grunt and folds forward.

“Ouch,” Erik says from behind, taking in a sharp, uneasy breath, and even I feel the pain.

The growl Dash lets out could rival a bear before he falls onto the ice, face first, with a thud. He’s face down, arms splayed out, and doesn’t move. Not even a little flinch.

Well, shit. Have I just killed our goalie?

“Dash?” I say, skating a little closer to him. The rink is quiet as we all watch, waiting to see our sasquatch of a teammate move. He doesn’t. I kick him lightly on the side. “You okay?”

“What the hell was that, Cade?” Scotty pushes me out of the way, crouches down, and tries to talk to Dash. He groans a little, which makes me feel marginally better. At least he’s alive.

“My bad,” I mutter, raising my hands, along with my stick.

“Where does it hurt?”

Erik snorts. “Do you really need to ask that, Scotty? The guy just took a puck to the balls, and you seem to think your dulcet tones are going to make it all better.”

“Shut up, Steele.”

I guess things still haven’t calmed between the two of them. I’m not sure what went on, but Erik and Scotty haven’t been the same since Scotty’s birthday last year. Something I should remind him of when he pesters me about playing nice with Dash.

Erik purses his lips before bringing his attention to me. “That’s pretty cold, C. If this is how you’re acting now, I’d hate to see what you’d do to the guy if he married Madison.”

I screw my brows together.

“ When , more like—” Erik corrects himself.

I stop myself.

“For the love of God, Erik. Why would you put something like that in his head?” Scotty groans, calling over the coaches to help lift Dash.

“Married?” I whisper, repeating the word because it sticks in my head.

Forever. A real family.

The idea latches onto me, sinking deep into a part of my brain I hadn’t really explored before since marriage never really crossed my mind. It always felt a little too far to ever think about, especially since I’m moving to Atlanta at the end of the year.

But for people who are in love… for people who really want it and are committed to each other, it makes sense. It’s not just a contract or obligation. It’s a choice to show up for someone, to hold them up when they can’t stand on their own, to be a team no matter what.

The idea is reckless. It’s ridiculous.

But for some reason, it makes perfect sense.

Before the coaches can get to Dash, I’m at his other side. “I’ll help,” I say to Scotty and pat Dash on the back. “Sorry about that, brother. I didn’t mean to do it, I promise.” And I didn’t.

I haven’t even had time to think about him and Madison since getting back from our last game.

“Whatever,” he grumbles. I know I’m going to have to make it up to him, but he won’t listen to any apologies now. Not that I blame him. It’s fine, though. While he’s simmering down, I have something else to sort out. Something far more important.

“Savannah?” I call into the apartment with a little packet burning in my pocket.

Nothing.

Where’s Stanley? Why isn’t he jumping up to see me?

“Stanley?” I call out, stepping farther into the apartment.

I stop in my tracks when I see them.

Fuck. Is this even real?

Savannah’s curled up and her body is tucked into the cushions while Stanley is sprawled across most of the couch, his head resting on her hip. His tail thumps lazily against a pillow, even in sleep, as if just being close to her makes him happy.

I can relate, bud.

The way the sunlight streams in through the window casts a warm glow across them, only confirming every thought I’ve had in my head since whacking Dash in the nuts. Yup. She belongs here. She’s mine and I need to make that official.

I step closer, doing my best not to disturb her as I pull out the packet from my back pocket. Unfortunately, Stanley gives me away. He lifts his head and reaches over Savannah to try to greet me.

“Cade?” Her voice is sexy, husky from sleep as she rubs her eyes. “Where am I?” When she realizes she’s on my couch, she sits up. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep out here.”

It infuriates me how she feels like she has to constantly apologize for everything. She belongs here, and it’s time she realized that.

“Marry me.”

The words come out before I can think of a better way to phrase them.

Shit.

Have I already ruined this?

Savannah’s brows knit together, her nose scrunching, and she stares at me like I’ve lost my damn mind.

I haven’t.

If anything, this is the clearest my head has ever been.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

I rip open the packet, tossing the plastic wrapper aside as I drop onto one knee. Her eyes go impossibly wide as I take her hand and slip the deep purple ring pop onto her finger.

It’s not the kind of ring I wanted to propose with, not even close, but it’s what I have right now, and I don’t want to waste another second waiting for the perfect moment when I already know this is right.

“Marry me, Savannah.”

“You’re joking, right?”

Savannah’s voice is laced with disbelief, her brows furrowed so deeply I’m worried they might never smooth out.

I shake my head. “Nope. I wouldn’t joke about this, Pretty Girl.”

Her gaze flicks down to the ridiculous purple ring pop on her finger like this whole thing is an elaborate prank and she’s waiting for it to disappear.

“I know the ring isn’t ideal,” I admit, giving her hand a squeeze. “It’s just for now. You don’t even have to wear it. Hell, you can eat it if you want. But I’ll get you a real one soon. I promise .”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

I nod.

She lets out a short, nervous laugh, still trying to piece me together like I’m some impossible puzzle. “Why the hell would we do that?”

“Because it makes perfect sense?” I offer.

She blinks. “In what world?”

“Mine,” I say with a casual shrug, trying not to feel offended by the way she’s taking this.

She shakes her head, her eyes narrowing in on me. Any semblance of sleep is long gone now. “We’ve been on one date,” she points out, crossing her arms. “How can you even think we’re ready for that?”

“It’s simple, really.” I tilt my head, watching her closely. “I like you. I think you like me, too. Marry me, and you get your sister back.”

Her jaw practically unhinges. “What—what the hell are you even talking about? How does that make any sense?”

Okay, I’m losing her, but I think I can get her back.

“Think about it,” I press on, shifting closer. “You said you need a stable environment for the courts to take you seriously, right? How much more stable does it get than being engaged to an NHL player with a two-bedroom apartment in one of the best cities in California?”

She tightens her arms across her chest and her brows stay firmly crossed as her lips curl. Gotta admit, this isn’t exactly how I pictured my future fiancée looking at me, but she hasn’t said no, so I’m still in the game.

“You want Adley here?” She points at the couch. “In your apartment?”

I nod. “Yeah, there’s more than enough space for her.

She’d have her own room, her own space, and I’m pretty sure there’s a fancy prep school about fifteen minutes away.

They might take her in because of her circumstances.

It’d be perfect. You’d be able to look after the place while I’m in Atlanta with my team next year. ”

“Next year?” Her voice cracks, barely more than a whisper. “You’d want me living here next year with Adley?”

“Well, you’d be my wife, so yeah, you’d be living here.” I grin, thinking about it a little more. “Unless you wanted to move to Atlanta with me?”

Her mouth drops open, her entire body freezing.

Okay. Maybe too much, too soon.

“But that’s something we can think about later,” I amend quickly, waving off my own stupidity. “Having you and Adley here would be best for now. It’ll keep her settled, make the courts take you seriously.”

She’s still staring at me like she’s waiting for the part where I break into laughter and admit this is all a joke.

“But why would you do this for me?” she asks, her voice quiet and cautious.

I exhale, scrubbing a hand down my face. “Are we back to this again? I want to help you, Sav. Why won’t you let me?”

She swallows hard, her eyes narrowing slightly, studying me, picking me apart piece by piece.

“What’s in it for you?”

I nod, almost relieved because I was waiting for this. With her past, it makes sense that she’d be suspicious, and I’m glad she’s questioning deals before blindly accepting them like she did with Luke.

I don’t hesitate. Not even for a second.

“Because I like you.” The words slip out easily since it’s the truth.

Savannah stiffens, but I hold her gaze, not letting her look away.

“And because I think you deserve someone to help you without stipulations.”

She exhales sharply, almost like she doesn’t believe me. Her jaw tightens and her fingers twitch at her sides.

“No.” She shakes her head, her voice low. “There’s a catch. There’s always a catch.”

“No catch.” That doesn’t bring her comfort, so I try a different route.

“I mean, it would be great if you could look after Stanley while I’m away at my games.

” I shrug like it’s no big deal or that I haven’t spent the last two hours obsessing over it.

“He already loves you, and it would give my sister a break.”

Savannah blinks, her expression unreadable.

Then, in the most deadpan voice I’ve ever heard, she says, “You want to marry me so I can look after your dog?”

Okay, when she puts it like that, it sounds completely reckless, impulsive, and stupid, but it’s not. It makes perfect sense.

I smirk, raising my hands, and throw her a teasing smile in an attempt to lighten the mood. “I guess having a hot wife wouldn’t be so bad either.”

“So you do want to sleep with me.”

Fuck.

I knew I shouldn’t have said that.

I mean, hell yeah, I want to sleep with her, but that has nothing to do with this.

This is about her. About Adley. About giving them a home and a place so they can be together.

I take her hand gently and lean in to meet her gaze. “Pretty girl, it’s not about that. Never has been. I’ve been attracted to you for so long, but I’ve kept my distance, thinking you were with someone. When I found out you weren’t, all I wanted to do was protect you.”

Her breath hitches as I stroke my thumb across her palm, holding her steady.

“I don’t know who told you that you were worthless, but it’s not true.

You’re so much more than anyone gives you credit for.

You’re strong. Fearless. Even when the cards are stacked against you, you don’t back down.

You’ve never given up. Not on you. Not on your sister. Not on the hope of a better life.”

Her throat bobs with a swallow, and for a second, I think it’s finally sinking in.

“All I’m offering,” I continue, my voice softer now, steadier, “is a chance to let me fight with you. Bringing someone in can only make you stronger, Sav. Let me help you get your sister back.”

She finally matches my gaze and all I see are questions in her green eyes.

“What are you thinking?”

Her lips part like she’s about to say something, but instead, she shakes her head.

“I’m thinking I’ve got to go to work. Otherwise, I’m going to be late.”

Work? Luke’s. Fuck, how did I forget that she’s still tethered to him?

She slips her hand away, but I don’t let her get far.

“Can I drive you there?” I ask, going full-on golden retriever now.

“Uh…”

“Come on, Sav,” I press, keeping my voice light. “You working there sucks enough. Let me at least drop you off and pick you up. That way, I know you’re safe.”

She exhales, shifting on her feet. “O-okay.”

Relief loosens the tight knot in my chest. I take her hand again and give it a gentle squeeze. “Will you promise to also think about my offer?”

Her lips part slightly, but she doesn’t say anything.

I push forward. “You don’t have to decide right now, but if it helps get your sister back… why not?”

Silence stretches between us. She looks down, then away, then back at me. I hold my breath, waiting.

Finally, she exhales, her shoulders sinking ever so slightly. “Okay,” she whispers.

I don’t move, don’t speak.

Then, so quietly I almost miss it, she says, “I’ll think about it.”

Think about it.

It’s not a yes.

But it’s not a no, either.

And for now, that’s enough.