I didn’t have a problem meeting people. I talked to people all day long every day, but I was intimidated by them.Jeez, I needed to get over this if we were going to do this thing together.
When we got out of the car, Axel handed me a lanyard that gave us access to everything inside the stadium. After clearing security, our first stop was the field. I felt like a country bumpkin, even though I’d never spent so much as an hour in the country. But not Axel, he was smooth and comfortable in his skin. The way he walked with his head held high, all confidence and swagger, was something one could only experience. Fortunately, being in the wake of his cologne had a calming effect on me. This was his world, even off the ice.
We made our way through the crowd and entered the tunnel that led to field level. Axel pulled me along as I looked around. But when he looked back over his shoulder and met my gaze, he saw something in my eyes. Something I didn’t realize was there.
He stopped outside the tunnel out of the line of traffic. “The tunnel. I didn’t think about it. If I’ve pushed too hard, I apologize.”
I took a deep breath, my nerves settling. “I’m okay. I could see out.” I held up our clasped hands. “Made it through like this. Just don’t let go.”
“Never,” he said in my ear.
“I’ve been considering therapy for a long time, and now that my pay would increase with my degree, maybe I can explore it seriously.”
“You know I will pay for it.”
I put my hand on his chest. “I know you would. But it’s something I’ve got to do. Right now, I want to meet your brother.”
Axel didn’t argue, but I was sure he’d bring it up later.
We showed our passes to security, who recognized him immediately. He was the captain and second-highest scorer for the Nighthawks. Not to mention his face was all over the news, social media, and the newspapers. But he took it in stride. When we stopped at the ropes that had been roped off for families, we scanned the field, looking for Mason.
“Axel,” a man called from behind us.
His face lit up with recognition as he turned to embrace the silver fox behind us. “Thomas, it’s so good to see you.”
He patted Axel on the back. “You too. Mason will be over soon.” He eyed me, then held out his hand. “You must be Luca. I’m Thomas Kingsley. Mason’s husband. We’ve heard a lot about you.”
“All good, I hope.”
He eyed Axel. “Very good.”
Thomas looked over Axel’s shoulder just as a large hand landed on his shoulder. When we turned, the resemblance was undeniable. “Hey, big brother. Took you long enough.”
“That’s my line,” Axel said, squeezing his brother in a vice grip of a hug. They hung onto each other as the sound of camera shutters clicking surrounded us, but the brothers didn’t notice. Thomas eyed them, then moved to ask the photographers to give the twins some time. When they finally let go, Mason’s eyes were damp when they landed on me. He broke into a smile, then held out his hand to pull me into a hug like a rag doll. I was swinging in his arms, and of course, Axel thought it was hilarious.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Luca. Thank you for taking such good care of my brother.” He looked at Axel, but spoke to me. “Idon’t think I’ve ever seen him smile quite so much, except when he talks about you.”
My face heated at the compliment. “Oh, okay. Um, nice to meet you, too.”
Mason looped his arm over my shoulders and turned to Axel. “Don’t be mad, okay? Just hear me out.”
Thomas chuckled as Axel’s smile dropped. “It must be bad if you needmyboyfriend as a human shield.”
Mason looked sheepish. “Dad is up in the box.”
Axel groaned. “Really, Mase? You waited until I got here to tell me that?” He reached out, pulling me to his side. I released a heavy sigh, being back in his arms. Even though they were identical twins, I could tell the difference.
“I know, please don’t be mad. When he asked me about coming to the game, I couldn’t tell him I had a box for you and Tommy but not ask him to come. He’s alone.”
“That’s his own fault.”
My left hand skated down Axel’s forearm until it landed in his hand. I squeezed just to let him know I was there. “Remember the video? Maybe it’s time.”
His brow furrowed as he gazed at me. When it eased, I knew he’d made a decision. “Maybe.” He turned back to Mason. “Fine. Since you dropped a bomb on me, I guess I should give you my news.”
Mason’s eyes widened. “You’re getting married?”
I snorted. “No.”
