I glance at Serena. “You okay with that?”
“Of course. Whatever you want to do.”
I slide my hand into hers as we make plans to meet up in the morning.
We separate at the elevators, and I lean over to kiss the side of Serena’s face. “I’m glad you got to meet them. Banks was my best friend on the Vipers.”
“You must miss him.”
“I do. But I’m lucky to have met some great guys on the Thunder.”
“Is it always like that? Where you leave your friends, the roots you set down, and then just start over?”
“I’m not sure, honestly. Professionally, I only played for the Vipers until this season. But some guys get traded every couple of years. We adapt, I guess. I don’t think the friendships end just because of geographical distance, though.”
“Do you miss the team?”
“I miss some things,” I admit. “But now that we have a new coach, it’s a lot better. And honestly, I’m playing great with my new teammates, so I’m happy. Happier than I thought I’d be—and there’s more to it than hockey.”
She gazes up at me with a sweet smile. “You make me happy too.”
I have to admit it feels really good to hear that.
Because these feelings I’m having are starting to go way beyond good sex and companionship.
They’re starting to become meaningful in a way that’s both surprising and intense. She’s become an integral part of my life without even trying and she fits in seamlessly. At my house. With my friends and teammates. Even in my kitchen, which is a big deal to me.
From the outside looking in, I should take my time and be more cautious, but I don’t want to.
I just want her.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Serena
Fan fest is a zoo but it’s also a lot of fun. Joey’s having the best day of his life, running from one thing to the next. He’s eaten more than I’ve ever seen him eat in one day, to the point I’m worried he’s going to get a stomachache, but he seems so happy. Especially doing things with West. Shooting little rubber pucks. Playing a game that’s a weird combination of golf and hockey, where West wins him two huge stuffed animals that will take up half his bed.
It’s been more fun than I thought it would.
And West is a rock star within the hockey world.
People recognize him but also give him a lot of respect.
During the panel he spoke on, it took a lot of self-control not to swoon right there in front of everyone.
Because that strong, gorgeous, successful man up there is mine. I’m not worrying about the future simply because I don’t want to miss a single second of the present. I love everything about this guy, and it seems like he feels the same way. He’s so sweet and thoughtful. Not to mention sexy. And I’m finally seeing him show affection to Joey too.
I thought the night Joey cut his foot was a one-off, West just acting in an emergency, but it’s more than that. The way he talks to him and really listens. The way he scoops him up and makes himlaugh. And last night he read eight stories to him before bed. Every book we brought with us—twice.
I’d be lying if I said that didn’t do something to my heart and pretty much every other part of me. Then he took me to bed and made love to me like a man claiming his property. In the most sensual, delicious way ever.
Now we’re on the ice, surrounded by players from all over the NHL and their families. Aspen and I chatted for a while, but she moved off to talk to someone else, leaving me to my own devices. West has Joey with him, alternately helping him learn to skate and just carrying him so they can talk to people.
I had to go to the ladies’ room and I’m just skating over to West and Joey when someone grabs my arm.
“Serena?”