Page 16 of Put a Rink on It

Her head swivels so she’s no longer facing me, and her side profile is too hard to read. To her credit, she’s still not mad. Confused, a little worried, sure, but she’s not angry. I take that to heart since she has every right to be furious. Hell, the fact she hasn’t yet told me to leave is a step in the right direction. One finger picks at the polish on her nail, something she does out of habit, no matter how she’s feeling.

After what feels like an entire hockey game, complete with intermissions, a heavy sigh releases, the tension bouncing off the walls in the room.

“I could do it.”

It’s not a unanimous yes, but it’s way stronger than a hell no. I don’t know how far to push her. Just because she “could do it” doesn’t mean she wants to.

I slide closer to her, shy of touching her thigh with mine. “Tell me what I need to do to make you want to do it. How you’d be comfortable enough to see this through with me for however long is needed.”

She faces me, her expression sheepish. “It’s really crazy, Nero,” she whispers. “The whole thing. Considering doing this, with your status, and in general. But I don’t think I can say no. Why can’t I tell you no? Why can’t I⁠—”

She has more to say, but damn if her agreement doesn’t have my heart soaring from my chest, my emotions sky-high, like when our team clinched the Cup.

Popping off the couch, I tug her up, her shocked gasp lost against my chest. I squeeze her to me, hugging her the tightest I ever have.

She said yes.

Well, she didn’t say no, which is the same thing.

I’ve never been so grateful for this woman as I am right now.

She’s always been special to me, and I count my blessings every day she’s in my life, but in this moment, in this idiotic position I’ve put us in, she’s agreeing.

My arms wrapped tightly around her torso, I lift her in the air, swinging her around.

“Marina Keeley, I don’t deserve you, but damn if I won’t do whatever the hell you want. No request is too small or stupid. Consider the next however long, your permanent yes day.” I couldn’t tell you what I’m saying, but whatever it is, I’ll make it work. We’ve spent enough time together over the years to know we work well together. Our friendship is strong enough to survive this.

I spin one last time before settling her back on the floor, not letting her out of my embrace without one last squeeze. When she steps out, she doesn’t go far.

Her head tilts to the side. “I can’t tell which of us is more crazy. You for getting us into this mess, or me for going along with it. Letting you get away with it.”

I tuck a fallen strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Marina. It’s a big ask⁠—”

“Uh, it’s huge,” she interrupts.

“A huge ask,” I correct. “But you’re the only one I’d want to be by my side for this. If anyone can sell this, it’s us. Me and you.”

“And for the first act as my husband, you get to figure out how to explain to Millie why you wouldn’t let me tell her we were even dating.”

My jaw drops. “That’s…valid.” Better get working on it ASAP. I love her mom, but she won’t be easily convinced of the lie. And of course, she’d want to know why Marina never told her we were together. They’re close, and this isn’t something Marina would keep from her.

Marina pats my chest. “Knew you’d see it my way. Want something to eat?”

“Sure. Least I can do is treat you to breakfast. Do you need a shower?”

Her eyes trail up and down me, the hunger intensifying as they fall below my waist, something I file away for later. “I’m supposed to go out with you wearing this?”

I look down at the Minnesota hoodie and gray sweatpants, both nearly brand-new. “I’m failing to see the problem. They’re clean and new.”

“And fucking tempting.” She throws her arms up in the air. Another tidbit of knowledge for my mental list. I should grab my notebook from my car because I can tell I’m going to have to remember so many things.

“I think I’ve got jeans in my trunk. I’ll run out there while you get ready.” I shove my feet into my sneakers, turning back toward her at the door. “Oh, and you might as well wear your Champion hoodie. No time like the present to start the charade.”

A wicked grin cracking my lips, I exit her door, leaving her gobsmacked.

CHAPTER 6

marina