“Awwwwkward,” Griffin sing-songs, a look of absolutely unhinged glee overtaking the rage that had previously darkened his face.
Owen frowns at Griffin, then turns back to Logan and me. With a haughty lift of his chin, Owen focuses on his son. “Are you going to let some puck bunny talk about me that way?”
“Oh hell, no,” my brother growls. Luckily, Lexi grabs his wrist before he can do anything stupid, and I shoot her a grateful look. Lexi knows all too well how volatile confrontations with a hockey dad can get. As much as my heart swells with love for my brother’s protective instincts, I don’t need him to defend me. I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself, and I know Logan won’t let something like that slide, either.
“Blair isnotsome puck bunny.” Logan glares at his dad.
“Don’t be naïve, son. You’re good-looking, rich, and successful. Women will do anything to entrap a man like that. You can’t honestly believe this one’s any different?”
Owen crosses his arms over his chest. If he notices that every eye in the room is on him—on us—he doesn’t show it. “It’s only a matter of time before she falls pregnant and tries to take you for everything you own. And even if she doesn’t, she’ll talk you into marriage and make you feel guilty for insisting on a prenup.”
What. An. Asshole.
I’m vibrating, my fingers pulled so tightly into fists that my nails bite into the flesh of my palms. I open my mouth to tell Logan’s dad where to shove it, but my boyfriend beats me to it.
“You don’t have to worry about that, Dad. You know how I feel about marriage and kids.”
The world slows, and everything tilts. My gaze seeks out Reed and the girls and finds them frowning.
What does he mean byyou know how I feel about marriage and kids? Because yeah, Logan’s never been a relationship guy, so I’m sure he never thought he’d get married, but does he really still feel that way?
Of course he does.
We’ve only been dating for what, three weeks? Did I really believe he’d magically change his mind about everything he’s always believed because he decided to call me his girlfriend and amend his one-and-done rule? Logan’s told me enough about his past and the number of marriages his dad has gone through that I shouldn’t be surprised Logan seems so firmly against it.
But marriage is something I’ve always wanted. The ring, the wedding, the commitment to love and be loved for the rest of your lives. My parents loved each other. They were happy and solid. I want what they had.
And the wholekidsthing… I don’t want babies. But I sort of already have a kid, and Reed’s not going anywhere. Whenhe sayshow I feel about kids, implying that he’s never wanted them, does that include my brother? They’ve been getting along so well, but that doesn’t mean Logan wants to step in and be a permanent part of his life.
My breathing picks up and my hands feel clammy.
Owen’s lips curve as he watches me. Bastard. He can see the wheels turning in my head, and he’s enjoying my panic. Of course he is.
Unaware of the turmoil inside of me, Logan drops his hand from around my waist and laces our fingers. “We’re done here. Come on.” He looks over his shoulder at his friends, who are also frowning. “We’ll meet you guys at Chasers.”
My internal storm rages so loudly I can’t seem to form a coherent thought as Logan tugs me out of the family room. I’m only vaguely aware of my little brother slipping his palm into mine and squeezing.
The Minnesota wind chill doesn’t even register because I’m already frozen through.
forty
LOGAN
Christ,my father is an asshole.
I’m seething as I lead Blair and Reed away from the family room, out of the arena, and toward player parking.
It’s bad enough he thought he could walk in and demand I change my plans for him, but to insult Blair like that in front of a room full of people? He’s lucky I didn’t punch him in his smug, asshole-ish face.
Blair and Reed are silent as we walk, and when I glance over at them, I find both wear a matching frown. They look so alike, it would be funny if not for the reason they look pissed.
“I’m sorry about him. He was out of line.” I squeeze Blair’s hand. “He had no right to say any of that.”
“Your dad’s a dick,” Reed growls. He’s holding his sister’s hand, his chest puffed up protectively. Like he’s ready to step in front of her at the first sign of danger.
I love this kid.
“He is. He always has been, but I never thought he’d say something like that about someone I care about.”
