Make a mistake and you’ll get shipped off to the next person who’ll pretend to want you.
Freya burst into tears. I can’t lie, hearing them broke my heart. But what she said next put it all back together again.
“I am here with you, Cole. I’m not leaving because you lose a game or because life gets hard. When you truly want something, you fight for it. And I’ll fight to the death for you.”
Even now, thinking about those words has emotion burning up my throat. Before that moment, no one had said anything like that to me before. They just…left.
I pull back and look into her glassy, concerned eyes.
“I love you, Freya.” The words feel so natural falling from my lips, like I should have been saying them my whole goddamn life. That doesn’t mean I don’t panic the moment I hear them.
My heart jumps into my throat, and it races to the point I swear I’m about to pass out.
Freya stares at me, tears finally spilling over her lashes as I spin out.
I need her to say something. I need?—
“I love you too,” she cries as she slides from the couch and straight into my lap.
My arms wrap around her on instinct, but I don’t pull her to me. Not yet. I need to be extra sure I just heard what she said correctly.
“You…you…”
“I love you, Cole,” she says softly, her tears now freely cascading down my cheeks. “I love you so much.”
“Holy shit. That’s…fuck.”
Twisting my fingers in her hair, I crash her lips down on mine as I fall backward, narrowly missing the coffee table.
As our tongues tangle Buddy and Charlie descend on us, thinking we’re playing a game.
Our kiss ends with laughter, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Okay, maybe I would, but for now, this is perfect.
Our perfect.
66
FREYA
The volume of the fans is mind-blowing. It’s beyond anything I’ve ever heard inside the Crown Arena before. I understand why, though.
Tonight, our guys are going to finish up the regular season at the top of their division. It’s the best record the LA Vipers have had in years, and everyone is buzzing to see them take to the ice.
I stand with Casey, Sutton, and Kodie’s mom, along with both my mom and dad, and a few of the other players’ friends and families who want to be close to the action.
We’ve got front row-seats tonight, and I’m the reason why.
My heart is racing and my palms are sweaty. It might be okay right now, but as soon as Cole’s blades hit the ice, I know that all eyes are going to be on me.
Hailee has it all set up.
Tonight is the night the world discovers that Cole Hansley is officially off the market.
Of course, the rumors and gossip have been rife since Rowan exposed us. But we’ve been silent.
That all changes now.
