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“I love you,” she says, picking up the dress. “Every little thing you do is noticed and appreciated. I just wanted to let you know.”

My feet are moving before I can hold myself back, and I whisper a prayer for forgiveness. I’m totally going to fuck up her red lipstick. I kiss her lips hard, groaning as she opens her mouth for me. I lick the seam of her lips, losing myself in how good she tastes.

“I love you, baby,” I whisper. “You’re so easy to do things for. I just want to make you happy, keep you safe, and be there for you. That’s it.”

“Sounds like a tall order,” she muses, lunging forward to kiss me again. My hands cup her face as I happily let her lead the kiss, though I shake my head.

“Nah, not even a little bit. It’s the least you deserve. If I stay any longer, I’ll be ripping your tights off you,” I sigh. “I’m leaving…”

It takes me another couple of minutes to actually go, and I have to detour to the bathroom to check my face. Chuckling, I find that I’m wearing some of her lipstick and have to clean it off.

“May I suggest a transfer proof lipstick?” I call out to her, amused.

“It was supposed to be,” she complains. “I’ll find another!”

I’m still smiling as I jog down the stairs, lipstick free. I love the little moments with Noor and need to find a way to have more. I meet Draven’s eyes, and he seems to read something there because he nods heavily.

“Why do you look like that?” Rachelle asks, watching us.

“We have to move to San Diego,” I grunt. “It might take some time to figure it out but⁠—”

“Long distance isn’t going to cut it forever,” Ciaran says. “Zayn already called us out for it.”

“Zayn doesn’t understand that you have contracts to follow,” Rachelle reminds us.

“I’m surprised you’re not brow beating us for figuring this out sooner,” I say ruefully.

“I’m not incapable of seeing the bigger picture,” she admits. “I don’t always like it, but I do recognize that there is one.”

“We’ll have to finish out the season, but we can begin discussions with our agent to change teams,” Draven says. “The team’s coach here has been very accommodating in letting us use his practice rink. Maybe there’s more to it. I’m willing to see.”

“Denver was our choice because it’s the team who would take us all,” I explain. “Coach Helm knew we wanted to stay together and made it happen. We jumped through a million hoops, but we didn’t care as long as we got the end result that we wanted.”

“Maybe we can get that again,” Ciaran says, sighing. “It’s worth a try.”

Rachelle nods approvingly, and it’s nice to see that she’s for this decision. We’ll continue the commute, though it may need to change to once a week after the new year. We’ll make it happen, because the family we’re building is worth it.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

NOOR

My grandfather insisted I buy this dress for a “rainy day” and now I can see why. Ciaran almost fell to his knees as I walked down the stairs, while Alastair visibly drooled and Draven joined me to carry me the rest of the way down.

My cheeks still burn with the memory as we walk into the club, and I find that all of the tables surround a huge stage and dance floor. The hostess is bubbly and sweet, even complimenting my dress. My lips curve into a smile I think I’m going to wear all night as I thank her, my eyes roaming the room as we follow her to our table.

“The owner is here tonight and will be roaming as people eat,” she says, noticing my interest. “This place is his baby, and he loves it. We’ve noted your allergen, and everything that is gluten free is starred on the menu as well. Have a wonderful time.”

Alastair helps me sit in our corner near the stage, and I place my clutch in my lap. My larger bag is in the car. I only brought the most important things with me, including a tiny fan in case I overheat later.

The club’s aesthetic is warm lighting and chandeliers, marble bar tops, and cozy seating. While some of the tables have benches for diners to cuddle in, others have normal chairs. It’s all a mixture that works well, doesn’t hurt my head, and I have a good feeling about.

We’re sitting on adorable stools that no one will blink twice when they’re crowded together around me. Ciaran’s hand is warm against my spine as he leans down to look over the menu with me, while Draven squeezes my thigh. Glancing up, I see that Alastair is sitting beside Draven and he winks at me.

“We’re going to be playing musical chairs,” Ciaran breathes into my ear with a chuckle. “There’s no way he’s going to sit all by his lonesome for long.”

“I have no doubt that Alastair would refuse to sit in a corner alone,” I tease.