His eyes fill with affection. “Of course. I don’t let him sleep on my bed.”
“Why not?”
“I need to make sure I get uninterrupted sleep during the season. So he’s not allowed in my room.”
“You’re such a strict daddy,” I tease him.
He chuckles and leads me into the kitchen. I put Theo down, but he stays close to me as Hunter gets me a bottled water. Then he makes me my favorite hangover remedy—a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“You remembered,” I say softly as he hands it to me.
“Of course I do.” His hand goes to the small of my back as he guides me toward the guest suite.
Theo happily follows.
When we reach the bedroom, I take Hunter’s hand in mine and pull him into my room. I sit cross-legged on my bed up by the pillows, and Theo jumps up to join me. Hunter takes a seat at the end.
I devour my sandwich and drink half the bottle of water. Then we look at each other in silence. Until Hunter breaks it.
“What’s going on, Princess?”
His eyes lock with mine, and I can’t avoid his piercing gaze. But I can’t give him what he’s looking for.
I give a little shrug. “I don’t want to talk about it. Is that a sufficient answer? Because it’s all you’re going to get out of me on the subject.”
“All I’m going to get out of you tonight or forever?” he asks me.
“Forever.” I tighten my hands into fists on my lap and lift my chin defiantly.
He sighs and runs a hand through his dark hair, causing the errant wavy lock to fall over his forehead again. He pushes it out of his face impatiently, and I resist the urge to do it for him, to brush it off his forehead tenderly and then kiss him as hard as I can.
“Winter, I won’t push you. But just know that I can’t help you if you won’t let me. And you look like you need some help.” He stands up. “You coming to the game tomorrow night?”
I nod. “Can’t wait.”
“I’ll be sure to score a goal for you.” He kisses my head so quickly I almost think I imagined it. “See you in the morning, Princess.”
He leaves, shutting the door behind him.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Hunter
“Hey.” Liam lets me into his house the next afternoon. It’s five hours before our big game. His dark hair is damp from the shower, and he’s got a towel around his neck. “Give me ten minutes to finish up.”
“No problem. We’ve got some time.” I break into a smile as Cathy comes into the living room carrying Lulu.
My niece starts wriggling in her mama’s arms and sticking out her hands toward me.
I walk closer and kiss her on the cheek, and she giggles. With her blond hair and big blue eyes, she’s the cutest freaking kid I’ve ever seen.
“Hi, sweetheart,” I say to her. “How are you?”
“She’s been cranky all morning.” Cathy sighs. “This is the first time she’s acted happy. She’s got a serious crush on her Uncle Hunter.”
“Are you going to watch the game?” I ask Lulu. “Your daddy and I are playing our rival team tonight. Between you and me, we’re definitely going to win.”
“God, you better beat Montana,” Cathy says. “Liam’s been talking about this game against the Wild Kings all season.”
