With a kind smile, he grabbed my hand. “We have the next two weeks to go over all that boring shit. Tonight, let’s just be us.”
“That’s going to be hard with Brayden’s retirement party in a few hours,” I reminded him.
“I know. Just give me until then. The guys will be hammering me to spill about if I found the next Otters star.”
I pulled a small, simply wrapped box out of my purse. “Anyway, my turn to surprise you.”
With wide eyes, Cason tore the black paper and opened the lid to reveal the copper plate I’d gotten made for him.
“It’s a wallet insert,” I explained as he gaped at me.
“I love it.” He leaned across the table for a quick peck before reading the engraving under his breath. “As much as I miss you, being yours is worth every mile between us.”
“I know it isn’t much, but I wanted you to have something for whenever our work separates us.”
“It’s perfect,” he muttered before clearing his throat. He took out his wallet, placing my gift safely inside. “Thank you, Stormi.”
“You’re welcome. I love you.”
* * *
Walkingup to Brayden Cox’s home, Cason’s hand landed on the small of my back.
“Have I told you tonight how perfectly that dress fits you?” he whispered in my ear before ringing the doorbell.
I shot him a modest leer. “You just saw my ass in it, didn’t you?”
He kissed my cheek. “You know me too well.”
We were greeted by Karla, Brayden’s better half. “Thank goodness you guys are here. We were starting to think the two of you wouldn’t be able to make it.”
I gave her a quick hug. “We wouldn’t miss this celebration for the world.”
Brayden quickly ambled over to us. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. It’s been too long.”
“You know how busy work gets around this time for both of us,” Cason offered before taking his long-time friend into a total guy hug—short and sweet with a sharp pat on the back. Then he turned to me.
“One hour and we’re out of here,” Cason muttered under his breath, taking my hand.
“Deal. It is still our anniversary, after all.”
“And I have really missed you.”
Cason pulled me in close before pressing his ravenous lips to mine. Desire flooded in fast, but it was cut short as Myla Hayes darted our way.
“Oh my goodness! Stormi! I didn’t know you were back in town already.” She grabbed my hands as she bounced on her heels in true Myla fashion.
“Flew in this afternoon. Couldn’t leave this guy all alone on our anniversary.”
“No way! How long has it been?” Myla’s voice ticked up an octave as she hugged Cason.
“Ten years,” I answered.
“And you’re spending it with us—that’s just so sweet.” Myla was one of the sweetest people I had ever met. Being married to one of the biggest hockey legends the New York Otters had ever seen and the sister of another, she was surprisingly humble. Add in that her father and father-in-law had been famous hockey players in their day and it was shocking how mellow the entire group was.
I loved hanging out with the Otters; they were a family who continued to open their hearts and homes to anyone and everyone. Being around all of them was thrilling for me. I had gotten into sport journalism because at my core, I was a fan. Luckily, in the company of that group, I wasn’t treated like the press. For a little while, I was able to just be Stormi Bennett, though I did have to keep my inner fangirl quiet.
Whenever Will Crosby or Chase Harding talked to me, it was hard to not be a tongue-tied, jittering mess.