“Brinley.” He gives me a look.
I laugh even though I’m still planning to get something out of him eventually.
“The whole point,” he adds, stepping inside behind me, “is that you don’t have to think about anything tonight. No worrying or overthinking. I just want you to have fun.”
I watch him for a second.
After all the drama that’s followed us lately, the idea of going out and just having fun almost feels unbelievable.
I spin around and slide my arms around his neck, pulling him down to kiss me.
“As long as I’m with you,” I murmur, “I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
He lifts me into his arms, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He lets out a low hum, deepening the kiss as he carries me across the kitchen and sets me on the breakfast bar.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Cooper
Brinley’s getting ready upstairs when I step into the living room. Kade, Talon, and Owen are all there, spread out between the couch and the two chairs, eyes on the screen.
The Kolmont versus the Alder hockey game is on. We’ll likely see both teams if we make it to the playoffs this year.
Big if, with everything going on around the program right now.
I make my way over, dropping onto the arm of the couch. A whistle blows, and the game stops.
I shake my head. “That’s soft.”
Kade snorts. “You say that about every call.”
“Because they’re all soft,” I say, not even looking at him.
Talon glances up at the screen. “He’s right. That one actually was.”
I huff a quiet laugh, but it doesn’t go anywhere.
Owen’s leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, staring at the screen like he’s locked in. He hasn’t said much since I came downstairs.
None of us really have.
I shift my weight, dragging my hand along the back of my neck. “So… that’s it then?”
They all look over at me.
“Coach Dawson is gone,” I add. “Reed tipped off the police chief. His brother’s on leave now. Are we supposed to assume it’s… done?”
Kade lets out a breath and reclines against the couch. “That’s what they’re trying to play it off as. Feels a bit brushed under the rug to me.”
I nod once. “Yeah.”
Talon hooks one arm behind his head. “Feels a little too clean.”
Owen hums in agreement but doesn’t add anything more.
Kade rubs his jaw. “They moved on pretty quick, sliding Glasgow right into the open head coach spot like nothing happened.”
