Page 134 of Heart Taker

“In my bag, by mistake.” Damien grinned. “Along with those tiny athletic shorts you tease me with.”

He held the jersey up, and I smiled when I sawS. Banningin bold, gold letters.

“Are you sure you want to wear this?” he asked me. “This isn’t like summer where only a handful of people will see it. The entire campus will know.”

I took the jersey from his hands and shook my head.

“Of course I want to wear it. I’m damn proud to be your husband. And if the jersey doesn’t say it, the tattoo will.”

He stepped up to me and slid one hand up my chest, over my heart. I’d had Damien’s initials tattooed there, along with our wedding date: July 20. It was only later that I thought about the significance of the date. My mom wasn’t here to meet Damien, but I had a feeling she’d wholeheartedly approve.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and gave my husband a long kiss.

“What time does your soccer practice start?” he asked me.

“Seven.”

“You ready?”

I shook my head. “Let’s just say that I’m not nearly as coordinated running on grass as I am skating on ice. It feels like I’m going way too slow on that field. Plus, it’s fucking hot out there in the sun.”

“Do the Cougars proud.” Damien smiled and playfully squeezed my ass. “It’s not a hockey game, but you still play to win.”

I grinned. “Yes, Coach.”

“What about a T-shirt?”

“Ethan’s got them,” I explained. “He insisted on creating custom shirts.”

“Why?”

“Probably because they say something raunchy.”

“Oh fuck.” Damien shuddered. “Like the invitation heading he so helpfully suggested for our upcoming reception;Congrats to the Banging Bannings.”

I bit my lower lip, trying not to laugh. “He’s ridiculous, but he means well.”

Damien raised one dark eyebrow. “And putting him in charge of our wedding reception?”

“It’s all under control,” I insisted. “Dane got one of Jackson’s rowing crew buddies to work with Ethan on the party. To supervise. It’s fine.”

I hoped.

“It’s a week away,” Damien replied. “Do we have any other details? I mean, besides the inappropriate tagline that we said no to. Like where it’s being hosted?”

“I have no clue. Apparently, they want it to be a surprise.”

Damien groaned and rested his forehead on my shoulder.

“I’ve got a bad feeling.”

“It’s going to be fun,” I reassured him, rubbing his back. “Better than a stuffy black-tie event.”

Damien lifted his head, pinning me with those gorgeous eyes of his. “If I didn’t love you more than anything?—”

I let out a laugh at his put-out tone. “I love you, too.”

“But this party?—”

“Our wedding reception. And you’re not going to miss out on it, even if I’ve gotta drag you there myself.”

“So ruthless,” he whispered, kissing me. “First, you take my heart, and now this. I married one determined man.”

“So did I.”

Like always, Damien’s stunning smile knocked the breath right out of me.

“I’m ready for anything, baby. As long as you’re beside me.”

“You and me, Damien. You and me.”