“Hi.”
His smile was tired; the final exams of his fourth-year computer science degree were kicking his butt right now.
“Hi, sweetheart.” I wrapped my arms around him, soaking in his warm scent after a long day studying on campus.
Despite the fall jackets and hoodies we wore, it didn’t stop me from gathering him as close to me as possible.
I immediately stole a kiss, loving how he leaned in. The little hitch in his breathing had me taking it deeper than intended. My tongue swept across his lips, seeking entry.
“Mmm, god, Cade baby,” I groaned against his mouth, before bringing our lips back together.
I suddenly wished we were home and not in a public place where I worked.
The nickname was like a spell for my boyfriend. He sagged in my arms, practically dissolving in bliss and arousal. Cade’s kisses increased in intensity, and the needy way he wanted me echoed my desire to give it to him.
Cade leaned back enough to meet my gaze. His eyes narrowed playfully.
“Not fair, babe. You know what that does to me. We’re at the rink for god’s sake.”
“I know. Why do you think I say it so often? I adore how sweet and pliant you get when I remind you how much I want you.” I pecked his lips.
I needed to get my plan underway. The anticipation hummed through my veins. I was looking forward to the next part of the evening as much as the next few moments.
Sliding my right hand down the side of his body and linking our fingers, I gently guided him to the nearest door leading onto the ice.
Since giving up hockey to pursue his dreams, it was rare for Cade to set foot—or skate—on the ice.
He said that his enjoyment of hockey now came from my passion for the players and the team. Being a supportive partner and spectator allowed him to put some of the ghosts of his childhood and teenage years to rest.
“Ash? What’s going on? Did you forget something?”
“I just want to show you something quickly, and then we can get home to Poe and Tate.”
A rush of gratitude hit me at being able to stand here in this moment with Cade, thinking of our menace Potato and his little brother, Tater Tot, another black rescue kitten that we’d brought home earlier this year.
But our boys would have to wait. I had important business with their daddy first.
We stepped carefully to center ice. It was the exact same position we stood in just over four years ago when Zane had introduced me as his assistant coach.
I moved to stand in front of him, reaching into the sleeve of my jacket for what I’d hidden there just before he arrived. The puffiness of the inner lining worked in my favor as a disguise.
I gripped the brand-new jersey tightly in my left hand, still keeping hold of one of his hands with my right.
“I’ve got something for you, sweetheart.”
Cade’s cheeks were dusted with pink from the cool air, but nothing could hide those precious freckles on his cheeks.
The gorgeous flush reached the tips of his ears with the understanding that I had a gift for him.
“Aw, Ash, you know you don’t have to. I have everything I could ever want,” he lightly admonished me, offering a squeeze to my hand, telling me I was his “everything.”
I did know. Cade was the least selfish person I knew. Despite the considerable wealth I’d managed to save in my eight years in the league, he continued to be careful with managing money.
“All the more reason to spoil you when it’s warranted.” I winked, letting the mischief in my smile transform into a genuine, hopeful expression.
I held his gaze as I continued. “I know you hung up your jersey with no regrets four years ago. Watching you pursue your dreams with energy and determination has made me the proudest boyfriend on the planet. I want you to live every day being true to yourself. The day we met, you captivated my attention and still have every moment since.” The emotion caused my voice to become thick.
“Ash,” Cade whispered. His eyes widened as he understood what was happening.
