I nodded, tilting my forehead to her. She used to believe that she’d already had her love story, but I hoped that was no longer the case. I hoped she’d realized that she could find love again—with me.
“And I love you. Not,” she added, toying with the hair at the nape of my neck, “because of what you do for me. But I love you because of who you are. Because of how I feel when I’m with you.”
I felt as if I were floating, relieved and so fucking happy. And then I hauled her into my arms, kissing her as I made my way toward the stairs. I planned to spend the rest of the night showing Bryn just how much I loved her.
Bryn stoodin the entryway with Bacon and Biscuit, ready to send me off. She’d agreed to come to my away game, and it was the first game she’d be attending for me. Not for Derek. Not to represent his legacy. But because we were together. And now, everyone would know it.
She’d posted a picture the other night of the two of us and our dogs. And the internet had flipped out. The post had gone viral, and Kylie had been fielding requests for interviews from everyone hosting podcasts about navigating grief to morning shows.
So far, the response had been overwhelmingly positive. And while I knew Bryn hated the attention, I was grateful that everyone seemed so supportive. Kylie said everything was going according to plan. She and Georgia were going to attend the game with Bryn, and I was glad she’d have her friends there.
I knew they were looking forward to making a girls’ weekend out of it. In addition to attending the game, they planned to visit the Chihuly Museum, take a harbor cruise, and go to Pike Place. And even though I’d joked about sneaking Bryn into my hotel room, we both knew it was against team rules. The league was strict about privacy and security when the team was traveling. If someone’s family wanted to attend a game, the player had to buy them tickets. And they needed to stay in separate accommodations.
It sucked, but I wasn’t going to break protocol, as much as I might be tempted. The rules were there for a reason, and I respected them. But maybe there’d be time…
“I have something for you,” Bryn said, interrupting my thoughts. She handed me an envelope with my name written on it, just as she had before every game. Sometimes the note was long, sometimes it was short, but it was always heartfelt.
“Thanks, angel.” I gave her a quick peck before sliding it into a safe spot in my carry-on. “I also have something for you.”
I used my left hand to give her a small bag, hoping this gift would land well. I’d been racking my brain for ways to help her feel less anxious when I was on the road, and this was the best I’d come up with. It might seem a little cheesy, but I didn’t care so long as it would ease Bryn’s worries.
She removed the tissue paper and then pulled out a heart-shaped stress ball. Her lips quirked to the side as she removed the accompanying paper and read it aloud. “My heart beats for you—and only you.” She smiled at that. “Cute.”
Oh, come on. Give me a little credit, angel.
“Turn the paper over,” I said, my right hand still in my pocket.
She did as I asked, brows creasing in confusion as she stared at the QR code and log-in information. “What is this?”
“It’s a link to an app that tracks my heart rate twenty-four seven.”
Her head snapped up, gaze meeting mine. “What?”
I removed my hand from my pocket, holding it up to show off the dark gray, matte band that rested on the ring finger of my right hand. “It’s a smart ring that will track my sleep, heart rate, and a bunch of other stuff that no one cares about. And I’m giving you access to the app. So you can check in on me in real time, anytime, day or night.”
“Frasier…” Her expression wobbled, and then she covered her face with her hands.
It was as if a dam had burst, and tears streamed down her face. I stood there a moment, wondering if I’d made a mistake. And then I snapped into action, wrapping my arms around her.
Shit. Shit!
I’d intended to help her feel more at ease about being apart, not upset her. Especially not when I was about to walk out the door to leave for the airport.
“I’m sorry. If you don’t like it, we can forget all about it,” I said, rubbing circles on her back.
She lifted her head from my chest. She cupped my cheeks, her eyes rimmed with red. “You are so incredibly thoughtful.” She kissed me. “Thank you.” She kissed me again, the salt of her tears mingling with the taste of her. “Thank you for not acting like I’m over the top. Thank you for trying to give me peace of mind. I love you.”
Hearing those words from her lips would never grow old.
“I love you.” I kissed her, holding her close.
“Thank you,” she said again after a few minutes, seeming calmer. “Sincerely. What you did was incredibly thoughtful.” She gave me a quick peck.
I pulled her into my arms, soaking her in. “I don’t want to go.”
“What time do you have to leave?” she asked in a husky voice that made my cock thicken.
I glanced at my watch and groaned. “Five minutes ago.”
