Scarlett tightens her grip on my arm as we make our way through the room, lights flashing as we exchange pleasantries with everyone that we come across.
“Levi!” A reporter calls out and both of us tense up. This is my first event since my injury and our first event as a couple.
“Are you okay?” I ask, dipping my head toward her ear as we slowly walk toward the reporter.
“I’m fine.” She smiles, body still stiff.
The reporter reaches out to shake my hand, and I take it. “Mr. Carter, I’m Mark from the Seattle Daily. How are you?”
I smile politely. “I’m not doing too bad. And yourself?”
“I’m doing well, thank you. And who is this?” He gestures to Scarlett at my side.
Scarlett’s wide eyes look up at me, and I search for permission to introduce her and she just slightly nods her head. “This is Scarlett,” I smile at the reporter. “She is my beautiful trainer, and also my girlfriend.”
“Oh, that is just amazing. And by trainer, you mean…” he trails off, waiting for me to elaborate.
“By trainer, I mean she rehabbed me back to full strength.”
“Incredible, Carter. Does this mean we’ll see you back on the ice for the opening game?”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it.
“We look forward to watching you. Thank you for your time.”
I wave as we walk further into the room, finding Gigi and Steele talking to Coach.
Coach’s eyes find me first, his eyes then shifting to Scarlett making him smirk.
“Fancy seeing the two of you here.” Coach nods at us, Gigi and Steele turning around to find us.
“Warren,” Scarlett smiles warmly. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Likewise. Would you two like some champagne?” He waves over a waiter carrying a mostly full tray of champagne flutes.
Levi picks two off, handing one to me. Someone calls for Coach and he nods at someone briefly before turning back to us. “I’ll see you two later. Have a good night.”
He winks at me as he walks past and my brows furrow. Bringing my hand to the small of Scarlett’s back, I guide her towards the dining room. “Let’s find our seats, shall we?”
We finally find our table to find my teammates and Gige already there, Wren on Ashford’s lap which means another babysitter must have fallen through.
Scarlett lights up when she spots Wren, leaving my side to go see Ashford as I take my seat.
“She’s gotten so big since I last saw her!” Scarlett gasps as she holds her arms out to take Wren. “May I?”
Ashford hands over his daughter without question, a small grin on his face at someone being so excited to see his kid. “It’s not even been two months.” Reid laughs as Scarlett walks to our seat with Wren on her hip.
Wren looks just as excited to see Scarlett, which doesn’t surprise me. Scarlett has a way of making people instantly warm to her. Our food arrives not long after, and it smells incredible.
After eating, we listen to a couple of speeches from the owners and coach before everyone splits up, most making their way to the dance floor. It’s an orchestral vibe, couples moving in slow circles with their partners, so I guide Scar out onto the floor to dance.
I place my hands on her hips, hers clasped around my neck as we move slowly in time with the music.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” I murmur, bringing one of my hands up to run my fingers through her hair.
Scarlett smiles, nodding as her gaze makes its way around the room. “Yeah. I really am. And I’m really proud of how you’ve dealt with everything tonight, Levi. All the questions about your injury. You’ve handled it so well.”
I feel my face heating up, so I pull her closer, and bend down to give her a sweet kiss.
