Page 62 of Breaking the Ice

She nods. “I am. But because of those games, you have limited time off. Your family probably expects you to come home to Michigan, right?”

I shrug. “Yeah, that’s what I always do.”

“And my family expects me to be here.”

A fine sheen of sweat breaks out at my hairline, and panic skitters over my skin. Holidays. In-laws. Meeting her family. It’s my worst nightmare, and there’s no way I’ll measure up to whatever her relatives expect. I have a flashback to Ava freshman year, telling me I’m a good time but not the kind of guy to take home to meet the parents.

Isabella’s parents already dislike me. How much worse will that get if I try to spend Christmas with them? Coach will probably kick me off the team. This is a terrible idea.

I take a hefty swig of my bourbon, and it burns a trail down my throat as I swallow. “It’s no big deal. We can split up for a few days if needed. Whatever it takes to keep everyone happy.”

“Don’t you think Ms. Barnes will want holiday content for the social media stuff?” Isabella fondles her wine glass, momentarily distracting me. “Young and in love at Christmas is probably right up her alley.”

“We can stage some content and post it later or whatever.” I shrug again. “We’ll figure it out.”

Isabella nods, biting her lip. The holidays are a few weeks away, and I have games and finals to worry about. She has a lot going on, too. It’s not worth pissing everyone off, which is totally what would happen.

Forcing myself to smile, I put it out of my head and focus on her. I just want to enjoy date night and make the most of my time with my wife.

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

ISABELLA

Dad: Stay safe out there.

Isabella: I’m at home. What are you talking about?

Dad: The roads are getting slick. Be careful.

Isabella: Okay, thanks. I’m not planning on going anywhere.

Dad: Sounds good.

“Isabella!” Evan bursts into our apartment, beaming.

I look up from the nest of study materials I’ve made on the bed. “What’s up?”

“Have you looked outside?”

I glance at the blinds on our windows that haven’t opened since the 1970s. “Nope.”

He rushes over to the window and pulls the dangling panels back, revealing a bright white landscape. I shield my hand against the light.

“Whoa. When did that happen?”

“How long have you been in here?” he asks, raising a brow. “It’s been snowing all day.”

I roll my head on my shoulders. “A while, I guess. I’ve been studying all day.”

“It’s time to get you out of the house.” He grabs my hand, eyes dancing. “Have you ever been sledding down Lewis Hill?”

“No.” I shake my head. “The high school crowd would always sled down Murtagh Hill. Lewis Hill is solely for college students.”

“You are, in fact, a college student. And this is your chance.”

He looks so excited that I can’t help but agree. I put on my warmest leggings and steal a pair of his sweatpants to wear, plus an oversized hoodie. Then we layer up with coats, hats, and mittens and head out.