Page 64 of Sweet Oblivion

Okay. So maybe the kid’s double-fisting grilled cheese. But seriously, who wouldn’t?

“I’m marrying her in a week,” I tell him and leave it at that.

“Yeah, you are. You doing okay with that?”

“Yeah. I think I am.” I’m not sure when the idea of Delaney marrying me stopped bothering me. But somewhere over the course of the past two weeks, I stopped feeling like I was ruining her life and started thinking maybe we could make it work. Then the whole shower thing happened... And well, now that I know she wants me as much as I want her, I guess the game just changed.

“Well, all right then. When do you leave for the game?”

The waitress plants a pint-sized milkshake in front of Bodhi, and I swear Hendrix looks like he wants to kill me.

“We fly out to New Orleans tomorrow. Game’s the day after. How about you?”

It’s early in the hockey season, but that doesn’t make their schedule suck any less.

“We’re home for another week. You want me to check in on your girl while you’re gone?”

“Nah. I think that would freak her out. Pretty sure the girls are all coming over for the game. And I had an alarm system installed last week.”

“The paparazzi leaving you alone yet?” Hendrix knows what it’s like to constantly be stalked by the media. He went through his own hell last year, and they never gave him a break.

“It hasn’t been too bad so far. But I’ll let her know she can call you if something happens. Thanks for that.” I give Bodhi a fry and smile when he throws it at his grumpy-ass dad.

Yeah . . . it’s good to have them home.

DELANEY

Them: All I want out of life is the love of a good man.

Me: I’d rather have dirt under my nails and pretty flowers on my table but I’d settle for a spicy book and a bowl of popcorn.

—Delaney’s Secret Thoughts

Badass Book Club

Jamie

When are we doing the next book club meeting? I have questions.

Kaleigh

Aww, sweetie. I know they’re harder to read without pictures.

Ryker

We can get him some with pictures.

Dillan

That’s called porn. Not romance. Hard pass, Ryker.

Ashton

Honey, come upstairs. I’ll explain whatever you want if you rub my feet.

Lexie

Isthat a euphemism?