Drawing to a stop, Alice points at the wall in front of us, and it takes me a minute to realize there’s a new addition there.
It’s my playoff jersey. The one with the patch on the front for the Stanley Cup finals.
“When did you find the time to do this?” On top of everything she’s been doing for these past two weeks, she managed to get my jersey framed for me? “I can’t believe you did this.”
“Do you like it?” she asks.
“I fucking love it.” I sweep her into my arms and breathe her in. “This is the best thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“You deserve it.”
Her arms squeeze me back and it’s the best I’ve felt since hoisting that cup over my head. I shouldn’t like this as much as I do. Shouldn’t like the soft feel of Alice’s curves under my hands. The way she fits perfectly against me.
This is all for show. For her to get what she needs and to keep me in the good graces of the league.
There’s no one around to see us right now—holding one another for longer than necessary.
“Thanks, Froggie.” I press a kiss to her forehead as I set her back down on the ground. “I love it.”
“Good, I’m glad.” She smiles up at me. “Now, let’s go. I don’t want to be late.”
“What do you think?”Alice stands in front of me, the ballroom behind her, hands clasped beneath her chin.
“Holy shit. You did all of this?”
You would have no idea what’s going on in here tonight based on how everything looks. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere so…fancy.
The country club was rented out for the event. A large room with circular tables is spread out before us. On a small stage at the front of the room sits a clear podium, flanked by two large arrangements.
Every table is overflowing with bouquets. I couldn’t tell you what half the flowers are called, but I know Alice did an amazing job.
“You like it?”
“It’s incredible.”
Grabbing her hand, I walk us over to one of the tables. Sitting in a low vase is a bouquet, surrounded by tealight candles and loose flower petals.
“I wanted to keep everything low so you could see the stage. I know there will be speeches, and I didn’t want anyone not being able to see.”
Alice is beaming, and pride threatens to burst out of me.
“You’re amazing, you know that? Putting this together in two weeks? I can’t believe it.”
“Thank you, Declan. I wouldn’t have gotten to do this if it weren’t for you.”
“You could have done this without me.”
Looking at me, Alice rests her hands on my chest and kisses my cheek. Warmth spreads through me at the touch.
Fuck. That’s new.
I should not be feeling these things for Alice.
Voices start to filter inside. Walking over to the bar, I grab us each a drink and go to find our table. Alice makes her way there and is talking with Piper and Angie.
“This place looks great,” Cash tells me. “Alice did all of this?”
I nod. “She did.”
