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As I swing into the lobby where everyone has congregated, I search the crowd for Britt. It was a relief to catch sight of her in the stands during warmups. I might have strongarmed her into getting together later with the promise of discussing our marriage, but I wasn’t certain she’d show.
My steps falter.
It’s going to take some time to wrap my brain around the fact that I’m actually married.
Married.
By the time I do, we’ll be on our way to a divorce. Sadness and disappointment crash over me at that thought.
My brows pinch together and my heart hitches when I don’t find her. As my gaze scans the group for a second time, I catch sight of my parents. I had no idea they’d be here tonight. Most of the time, they’ll call or shoot me a text and give me a heads up. As soon as our gazes collide, Mom grins and Dad waves as they make their way over.
Under normal circumstances, I’m always happy to have them in the stands.
At the moment, though?
Not so much.
All I want to do is find Britt.
So I can get my hands on her.
It’s been way too long.
The kiss we shared at The Roasted Bean has in no way quenched the hunger running rampant through my body. If anything, it only whetted my appetite for more. That’s all it takes for memories of what it felt like to sink deep inside the welcoming heat of her body to bombard me.
My cock stirs with interest.
Down, boy.
This is definitely not the time for that.
Mom is the first one to pull me in for an embrace.
Then Dad gives me a hearty hug with a clap on the back. “You played a solid game!”
“Thanks.”
His praise has always meant the most to me. How could it not when I feel the need to live up to his level of talent on the ice? It’s no easy feat when your father played in the NHL for a decade and helped bring home two Stanley Cups. Most kids worship athletes that they’ve never met in real life or know on a personal level.
The same can’t be said for me.
Dad has always been my hero. As a kid, I spent hours studying his game film, wanting to play just like him.
“We thought if you weren’t busy, we could grab something to eat,” Mom says.
Fuck.
Again…under normal circumstances, I’d be more than happy to skip the bar and chill with my parents, but not when I’ve been anticipating spending a little alone time with Britt.
That’s the moment I spot her standing off to the side and everything inside me settles. Now that I know she stuck around and didn’t take off, I can finally breathe again.
Although, by her pantomiming efforts, she’s gonna give it her best shot.
Like hell will I allow that to happen.
“Colby?”
Mom’s voice breaks through the chaotic whirl of my thoughts.
I rip my gaze away from Britt long enough to say, “Umm…give me a moment. Okay?”
I’m on the move before either of them can ask any questions. Once Britt realizes that I’m headed in her direction, she gives her head a little shake as her eyes widen.
As if that’s going to deter me.
Ha!
When her mouth pops open, I slip my arm around her waist and steer her toward my parents.
“What the hell are you doing?” she whispers between clenched teeth.
“Introducing you to your new in-laws. What’d you think was happening?”
With a sputter, her body stiffens. It wouldn’t surprise me if she dug her heels into the floor in an attempt to halt our progress.
Britt isn’t the only one with wide, disbelieving eyes.
My parents look stunned by the sudden turn of events.
I certainly can’t blame them for that. It’s been over four years since I’ve mentioned any interest in a girl.
“Mom and Dad, this is Britt. Would you mind if she joined us for dinner?” I keep my arm wrapped around her so she can’t make a run for it.
“Of course not,” Mom says, still looking surprised. “We’d love that.”
“Thanks.” I shoot her a smile, appreciative that she’s always so friendly and welcoming.
Dad reaches out to shake Britt’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I might not know Britt well, but I recognize a forced smile when I see it.
“It’s great to meet both of you as well.” There’s an awkward pause before she clears her throat. “I totally understand if you two would prefer to spend some time alone with?—”
“Nonsense,” Mom says with a wave of her hand as she glances at my father. “Gray and I would enjoy the opportunity to get to know you. If you’re important to Colby, then you’re important to us. And please, call me Whitney.”
Have I mentioned how much I love my mom?
She’s seriously the best.
Enough tension drains from Britt’s body for her to unbend just a little bit. “Thank you.”
