“Someone might see,” I whisper.
“Pretty sure our teammates aren’t the most discreet. There are going to be rumors about us.”
“There are already rumors about us. Enzel.”
“Sounds like something else, honey bunny. Gotta be Axelo.”
I frown. “That sounds like a gasoline store.”
Axel wags his eyebrows up and down. “Want me to give you some energy, Enz? Because I can pump it in.”
“Axel!”
“Premium unleaded. Full service.”
I shove him, but I’m laughing.
“Actually, I thought you could pump it in tonight?” he says.
“Axel?”
“Give me some of your life source.”
“What?”
“You want me to remain a virgin until my wedding night, baby? That’s so traditional of you!”
“I don’t think you count as a virgin,” I say.
“Yeah, what we do is pretty hot.”
Then he puts his hand on the doorknob, even though I absolutely want to talk more after he said a thing like that.
“Wait! I gotta do this properly.” Then he hoists me in his arms, and I enter the apartment bridal style. I’m an NHL player being carried over the threshold like a Victorian bride.
Patricia and Luca are waiting for us. Their eyes widen.
Then Luca starts to giggle. “What are you doing, daddy?”
“Carrying unc-unc!” Axel marches through the apartment. Patricia and Luca follow us.
“Not unc-unc for much longer,” I murmur, and Axel’s grin widens.
“Carry me!” Luca screams.
“Okay. Patricia, can you pick Luca up and place him on Enzo?”
Patricia’s eyes round. “You don’t want to put Enzo down first?”
“I am a top hockey player. I am perfectly capable of carrying both my men at once!” He winks. “And of course, if I drop Enzo, he’ll be the perfect cushion for Luca.”
“Better put him on me before Axel loses his arm strength,” I say.
“I am not going to lose my arm strength,” Axel pouts. “Top athlete here! I’ve been lifting since I was eleven! My muscles are impeccable!”
Patricia laughs. “Come on, Luca.” She scoops him up and places Luca on top of me. I move my left arm to protect Luca, and Axel marches triumphantly around the apartment.
“Congratulations on your win,” Patricia says.
