I give a stifled laugh. “You blindsided me, dude. Like when Coach introduced you? I was totally shocked.”
“Yeah, I saw your face.”
I chuckle as we pull into the Blizzards arena’s parking lot, and we’re still chattering as we exit the car.
Some of our teammates turn curious looks at us as we walk inside. I wish I hadn’t made such a big deal about not thinkingEnzo was right for the team. Social media is still having a field day with my comments to that reporter.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
Axel
Luca’s grin hits me the moment we walk through the door. He scrambles off the play mat and rushes toward us.
“Daddy’s back!” I scoop him up and kiss his chubby cheeks. “So is Unc-Unc!”
“That’s not a thing,” Enzo grumbles.
“Of course, it’s a thing! Isn’t Unc-Unc silly?” I ask Luca.
Patricia laughs. “You’re so cute together.”
Color creeps up Enzo’s neck, blotching pink beneath his stubble. “Oh, we’re not—” He pauses, maybe thinking about how Patricia totally saw him come out of my bedroom this morning.
He gives me a helpless look, which is adorable. He wants me to rescue him.
I turn to Patricia. “It’s quieter in my room. And the bed is more comfortable.”
She gives a knowing smile. “I understand. Don’t worry.”
Luca grins happily as Patricia explains what Luca did all day.
It’s nice.
It’s wonderful, actually.
I can’t believe I have a child, and right now, I feel like I have a family.
It’s not something I was looking for before, but I already can’t imagine it being any different.
Something warms my heart. It’s happiness.
Enzo and I help Luca get ready for bed, and Patricia says goodnight.
Enzo and I are alone in the living room.
“Well…” Enzo glances at the couch. “Good night.”
I sigh. “You know, you’re still welcome to sleep in my bedroom. The mattress is more comfortable.”
“I don’t want to impose.”
“And I don’t want to argue.”
Enzo gives me a strange look, one I probably deserve.
I shouldn’t be pressing him to join me so much.
