“Mm.” He slid his hands over my hips, down to cup my ass. And then he pulled me closer so I was flush with him. “Verytempting.”
He claimed my lips, coaxing me even closer, making me want even more. He gave my ass a squeeze, and I moaned when I felt his hard-on pressing against me. “Yes,” I said. “More,” I whispered. “Please.”
He groaned. “You’re killing me, Bryn.” And then, with a shaky exhale, he pulled back.
I pouted, my body still on fire for this man. He’d gotten me all hot and bothered, and now he was just going to…stop?
“Later.” He kissed me on the nose. I narrowed my eyes at him, and he chuckled. “Come on.” He linked our fingers, practically dragging me toward the ballroom. “We’ll just make a quick appearance, and then we’ll leave.”
“Promise?”
As much as I wanted to see our friends, alone time with Frasier was in short supply. And I didn’t feel like sharing him.
“Promise.” He kissed the top of my head.
Frasier held open the door to the ballroom, and as soon as the two of us were inside, everyone turned to us and shouted, “Surprise!”
I looked to Frasier for answers, but he seemed just as stunned as I was. He lifted his hands. “Don’t look at me. I had nothing to do with this.”
I smiled a few times, blinking rapidly as if to stop the tears I knew would fall.
Georgia was the first to approach, a huge smile on her face. “We wanted to throw the two of you a baby shower to celebrate! Surprise!”
I laughed, and as I looked around, the beautiful pink and white flowers suddenly made more sense. It felt like a springtime garden, with blue silk butterflies interspersed. It was so sweet.
“Georgia.” I pulled her in for a hug, trying so hard not to bawl. “This is beautiful. And so over the top.”
She sketched a little bow. “You’re welcome.”
I laughed. “I love it. Thank you.”
I spied Kylie and, “Logan?” I gasped as she stepped forward to hug me. “Oh my god. I can’t believe you’re here.” I thought she was supposed to be back in Minnesota, preparing for her own play-offs.
Logan held me tight. “Of course I’m here. So happy for you, Bryn.”
And then I noticed just how many people were here, for us. Coach Cross and his husband, Daniel and the staff from the Hawks. Carson, Gabe, Holden, Zayne, Boone, and so many of the other guys from the team. Friends from my work. Frasier’s agent, Talia. His parents. Derek’s parents.Myparents.
“Mom! Dad!” I hugged them. I’d had no idea they were even coming to town.
“So excited to be a Nana!” Mom said as Dad shook Frasier’s hand. They’d visited a few times since Allie’s wedding, but I was so happy they could be here for this.
“And an Auntie!” Allie said, jumping in. I launched myself at her. My family had been nothing but supportive—and enthusiastic—since we’d told them about the baby.
I couldn’t seem to stop crying. I was so grateful and happy and stunned, really. And through it all, Frasier was at my side.
It was so nice to have everyone together to celebrate such a happy occasion. And as we ate and talked and laughed, I couldn’t help but think about how much my life had changed. How muchIhad changed.
When I finally found Georgia again, I leaned in and said, “You could’ve given me a little warning,” in a teasing tone.
She laughed. “Why do you think I was so insistent on taking you shopping for a nice dress for the party?”
“Well, thank you. You did an amazing job.” I glanced around, taking it all in.
I loved how casual and low-key the baby shower was. There were no cheesy games. No awkward opening of presents, though there was a huge pile of gifts that I had no idea how we were going togethome, let alone find a place for. The party was more about spending time with friends and family than anything else, which was exactly the way I would’ve wanted it.
“I’m glad you like it. Though, I can’t take all the credit.”
“I love it.” I gave her shoulder a squeeze, meeting her eyes. “Sincerely. The flowers, the butterflies…” I trailed off. I couldn’t think of butterflies without thinking of Derek, and it felt as if he were here in some small way.
