Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Probably because Coleson is such a huge presence on the ice and demands my attention. He’s everywhere at once, and even though he’s hard-hitting and swift, he’s also graceful. I’ve always enjoyed watching him play, but now that I’m married to him, I find myself more invested in everything he does. I even have his stats up on my phone, just to make sure he is where he needs to be. I want so desperately for him to make it to the NHL, and I know he will. Even if it means losing him as mine. That’s a given anyway, but damn if I hope he’ll decide he wants me.
That’s the most dangerous feeling of all—hope.
I exhale, wishing I could somehow get him to fall for me just as I’m falling for him. No matter how confident I want to be, I can’t help knowing he won’t. I think his parents did a number on him, and while I assume he knows I’m nothing like his mom, I think it might be more than that. I’m not sure what, but when I figure it out, I’ll do everything to make him realize we have something huge between us. Something that would be a crime to ignore.
Last night has been on replay in my mind since he rolled out of bed. I had hoped he would want a repeat performance, but he hasn’t. He went to sleep before I even made it to bed, after teaching me how to make a bunch of drinks. God, how I wish I could have tasted him before he left for his game.
I’ve never wanted to suck a man’s dick so much in my life as I want to suck his.
My body warms at the thought, but then I feel Clara’s gaze on me.
“Yes?” I ask, not meeting her gaze.
“Just looking you over, making sure you’re okay.”
“I’m just fine,” I say, taking a long pull of my beer.
“No regrets?”
I shake my head. “None at all. I am happy, Clara.”
She presses her lips together, concern in her beautiful dark blue eyes. “It just happened so fast. We don’t even know him.”
“I know,” I say sadly, aware that they may never know him. I don’t want them to like him, or fall for him like I am, and then have it all end. The “I told you so”s would be in abundance, for sure. “But he really is wonderful.”
“His repu—”
“Is just that. A reputation that he’s working to fix. He is more than that, and he treats me very well. Once things calm down between him, Peepaw, and Elliot, we’ll all go to dinner so you can see how happy we are.”
Clara doesn’t seem very convinced, but she doesn’t say that. She only nods, leaning into me. I rest my head on hers, kissing her temple. “You just deserve all the happiness, and that’s all we want for you, Liza.”
I smile against her hair. “And I love you all for it. I am happy, I promise.”
Will that be the case in a year? Not at all. But until then, I’m going to keep up the ruse, and I’m going to enjoy my hot hockey player. I may even get him to fall for me—though, it’s far more likely that I’ll be eaten by a bear.
Just as my gaze lands on said hockey husband, I watch as he passes the puck in a clean, direct way before his teammate scores. Clara and I come out of our seats, screaming along with the crowd. My cheese cup and pretzel go flying, but I don’t care. A chant encouraging the boys starts, and I can’t help but join in. I’m smiling so hard it hurts. That’s Coleson’s ninth assist of the preseason, and not to toot my husband’s horn, but those are damn good numbers going into the regular season. He’s kicking ass.
I’m so damn proud.
“Oh, Katz must have scored.”
I look up to see Peepaw lowering himself into the seat beside me. I send him a hesitant smile. “He had a fantastic pass. Andrews scored.”
Peepaw nods, looking out at the ice. “Surprising that he passed to Andrews with all the drama going on between them.”
Don’t ask. It doesn’t matter. “What drama?”
Way to practice restraint, Eliza.
Peepaw scrunches up his forehead. “Andrews is the best friend of the guy who found his wife with Katz.”
“Peepaw,” Clara warns. “His past is just that, a past. Just like Eliza keeps saying.”
“I’m just stating facts, my girl.” He tears his gaze from hers, his green eyes sharp as he looks at me. “Andrews hates Katz and doesn’t want to be on the same line as him. But Katz is a damn good passer and can score if Andrews would allow him. McCoy isn’t worried, but I feel like things might blow up soon.”
I press my lips together. “Coleson hasn’t complained about a teammate—or anything, really. He just loves playing and is always excited to come to practice and games.”