Dean winks. “Anything for you.”
They skate away, falling back into their routine for warm-ups, and us girls settle into our seats, ready to cheer on our guys.
I may not understand a lot about this sport yet, but I’m learning, and thankfully, Blair seems to be a damn genius, helping me every single play through the entire game.
But it doesn’t take an expert to know that we obliterate the Knights seven to two by the time the clock runs out and the third period comes to an end.
The arena is insane, the noise deafening as the guys come together to celebrate, meeting Finn at his goal to bump helmets. Which I think may be the most adorable thing about hockey altogether.
While the guys head to the locker room, Blair, Alora, and I make our way to the lobby to wait for our boys. I don’t know why I’m so nervous to see them. I literally live with them.
But my heart is in my damn throat as time drones on.
“Cirella.”
I recognize Everett’s voice immediately, turning to find Mr. Kensington heading my way from the looping hallway to where we’re waiting in the entrance.
I greet him immediately with a hug. “Did the guys know you were coming? I could’ve sat with you,” I offer kindly.
He shakes his head with a smile. “No, no, no. I appreciate that, but it’s all right. I was in a booster box with a few friends.” He pauses. “The boys don’t know I came.”
“Well, you should wait and tell them. They’ll love to know you’re here.” I encourage him, seeing the nervousness on his face.
It’s been a while since he came to watch them, and I know it’ll mean the world when they see him.
Begrudgingly, he agrees, “All right. If that’s okay with you ladies.”
Alora and Blair nod.
I laugh. “Yes, please join the girlfriend club.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “All right, now I’m regretting my decision.”
The girls laugh with me, and he breaks, joining in with the best dad laugh ever, deep and guttural. Looking over my head, he smiles and waves, and my nerves spike again.
He walks around me, and I spin, finding a beaming Asher and Dean approaching Everett. They hug and share a few words before Everett walks away, offering me a little wave on his way out.
My guys turn to face me, their eyes hungrily devouring me head to toe with a smirk on their lips.
“Go on.” Blair encourages me, lightly pushing me forward.
Dean takes his cap off, flicks his wet hair back, and puts the cap on backward, his motorcycle helmet in his hand. Asher tosses his helmet at Dean, who laughingly takes it.
Ash crooks his finger with one hand and spins his cap around with the other. “Come on, baby.”
A giggle bubbles out of me, and I take off toward them, ignoring everyone else in the room as I run and jump into Asher’s arms, my legs wrapping around his waist. He catches me with ease, spinning us around as he crashes his lips to mine.
Without a care in the world, I kiss him back, my arms around his neck. Our foreheads roll together, and we’re breathing heavily. Jostling me in his arms, he moves us beside Dean, who holds both helmets in one hand while cupping my jaw with the other. Asher holds me up as I lean over and kiss Dean, feeling like my chest is going to burst. Dean kisses me firmly once more before letting me go back to Asher, my arms wrapping around his neck as he carries me toward the exit.
“Ready to go home, Ms. Chamberlain?” Asher asks all properly, a smile beaming ear to ear, reminding me of the night we met and the fake names we used.
“I think so, Mr. Kensington—or should I say, Prince Charming? Take me to my castle.” I play the part up, my chin held high.
“Of course,” he agrees, continuing the playful voice. “We must see our child, our little Gus. And maybe have some dessert in the gazebo.”
“I think I’d like that.” I grin.
Dean chuckles at both of us, keeping pace at our side as we walk outside, the starry sky greeting us with a cool breeze. He may laugh, but he knows he loves us and our silly little accents.
