Page 110 of Slapshot Bride

I’m about to join her, but my phone lights up on the nightstand.

Against my better judgment, I look at it.

Maya.

I read the preview.

Cute point at the game. She looked pretty on TV. I hope she stays after she finds out what a freak you are, alongside the rest of the world.

I don't answer.

I lock the phone. I set it face down. I look at the ceiling.

Soon, I’ll need to set up a meeting with her. Something to keep her in check until everything falls into place and I can come out with the truth.

Diane’s last words revolve around my head.

No more scandals. Not now.

22

RILEY

Birthday Boy

It’s the early hours of the morning.

I wake up to Easton’s arms firmly wrapped around me like he’s keeping me from running, and a small smile slips on my face.

He’s been holding me this way every night since we got back from his first preseason game, and I like it.

I like it a little too much.

The way his arms wrap around me and snuggle me against him. Not just in bed, but whenever he walks through the front door, every time he comes in. Whenever he has to leave for practice or for a game…

It’s been lovely. Life has been really good, and for now, I want to stay here. Revel in all of it.

I try to move to use the bathroom, but he grumbles and tightens his arms. I chuckle lightly.

“Hey… I need to use the bathroom. I’ll be just a minute.”

That seems to work.

I climb out of bed to hear the faint ringing of his phone, but I ignore it and head for the bathroom.

When I return, it’s no longer ringing, but it pings and lights up with a notification.

I pass the nightstand where Easton is asleep face-down with one arm flung across the pillow next to mine. I move closer and glance at the screen to see it’s a text. The preview is bright against the dark room.

Mom:

Happy birthday, honey. Call me when you’re up. — Mom

I stand there in the dark of his bedroom in one of his t-shirts and a pair of socks that also technically belong to him, and I look at the screen for the full ten seconds it takes to fade back to black. My chest shifts with the sudden weight of this realization.

Today.

The birthday is today.