“Please don’t say relationship,” I mutter, earning myself a smirk.
“You’ve made a baby, been on a date, and now you’re talking about getting engaged. You might not want to hear it, but this is very much a relationship, my friend.”
I tip my head back and close my eyes. “Fucking hell,” I groan.
“I don’t see the issue here. If you’re both getting something out of this, why are you hesitating?”
“Because it’s serious.”
“So is getting traded to the other side of the country. Or worse, Canada. You’d be in a different country from your kid.” I’m pretty sure Linc sees the panic in my eyes. “Bea wants you around to support her and the baby when it comes. And you want to be there, right? You want to be here? Be a Viper?”
“You fucking know I do, man. This,” I say, gesturing between us, “us playing together. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“Then you need to embrace this. Hailee is right. This is the perfect opportunity to show the fans another side of you.”
“What if it doesn’t exist?” I ask nervously.
"Are you fucking kidding me?” Linc barks, making me rear back. “I have known you since before we could walk, let alone skate. You are the most loyal and supportive friend, a caring big brother, and a fierce teammate. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be an incredible partner, even if it is fake, and an even more exceptional dad. Have faith in yourself, Rett. The rest of us do.”
Linc’s words stay with me for the rest of the day, spinning around my head, tempting me into believing them.
Put me on an ice rink, and I’m nothing but confident. But put me into a situation that involves me being there for other people, emotions and feelings, and fuck, I’m so in over my head, I’m pretty sure I’m going to drown any moment.
Messaging Bea after she finishes work helps settle some of it. She tells me about Parker’s visit and how she didn’t recognize her to start with. She tells me about her nausea and increased morning sickness. And because I feel bad, I place an order for a fruit basket, because…healthy for our growing baby, and a box of fresh pastries, because…she deserves a treat.
What I really should do is go over there. Everything feels better when I’m with her, and I know I’m being a pussy staying away. I have been all week.
But…fuck.
I’m terrified.
42
EVERETT
Isit on my couch the next morning with my cell on my knee, waiting for my first message of the morning.
Excitement buzzes through my veins. It’s stupid, but I can’t stop it.
I was a teenager the last time I got excited about a girl messaging me. I’m a fully grown-ass man now. I shouldn’t have butterflies as I wait for her name to flash on my screen.
Hell, I shouldn’t want a lot of things when it comes to Beatrice Walsh, but it seems I have a hard time following any rules when it comes to her.
From the moment I first saw her, everything I thought I knew about women and what I wanted when it came to them shattered around my feet. I might not have accepted it that night, but it was never going to be enough.
One night. One week. One month…
I’m not sure anything will be enough when it comes to her.
I shake my head, unable to believe the thoughts that have been running through it recently.
Not only am I excited about the prospect of fake dating Bea, but I’m also considering the idea of buying a ring.
It’s fake, of course, and we wouldn’t actually get married. But it’s a ring all the same.
The outside world is going to believe it’s real. Or at least, they will if we do a good enough job. I’ll get to keep my spot on the team; Bea will get her inheritance, and we’ll get to welcome our little person into the world together.
It sounds like a perfect plan. Well, assuming I can convince her that she needs a reminder of just how good that night was, because damn it, I need a repeat.
