Thwack.
It’s all because of this idiot who couldn’t protect his woman, so Preston had to.
Of course he would’ve.
He believes he’s an unfeeling monster or a high-functioning narcissist, but he’s truly the warmest person I’ve ever met. If he cares about you, he’ll go above and beyond.
For weeks, he’s been buying all sorts of shit for Mom and me. Last week, he single-handedly changed the entire Wolves team’s gear to premium jerseys and equipment.
I thought it was Serena trying to bribe me, but I found out it was him.
“It’s fine.I can afford it,” he says, blushing a bit as we skate in the arena alone at one in the morning because he couldn’t sleep.
He’s only in his compression shirt and shorts, looking like a snack waiting to be unwrapped. It’s categorically impossible to keep my hands off him, so I glide in front of him as he leans against his stick.
Preston sizes me up, his eyes narrowing to slits. “You better not dream of taking our championship, though.”
“No promises. Besides, we’re already taking it. First place, remember?”
“That’s because Jude isn’t in top form.” He sighs dramatically, rolling his eyes. “My highness has to keep the team afloat, but I’ll be coming for that championship. Won’t take it easy on you in the next Vipers versus Wolves game.”
“When have you ever?”
He grins. “True that.”
“Though you did avoid me.”
“Did not!”
“Yes, you did. Since college, I believe?” I reach out a gloved hand, wrap it around his waist, and slam him against me, making his stick clatter to the ground. “Scared of little ole me?”
He places a hand on my chest, but he’s not pushing me away, and I like that. The feel of him just letting me touch him without tensing up or trying to wiggle free. “You’re just boring. I can’t get into your head.”
“Is that all?”
His eyes shift, looking cloudier, but then he releases a sole, “Hm.”
“Well, you can’t avoid me now.”
“Tant mieux(Good, I prefer it this way).”
“What’s that mean?”
“Unfortunately.”
“I’m starting to think you’re translating things wrong.”
“Shut up.”
I smile and ruffle his hair to which he grumbles. “Jokes aside, you don’t have to keep buying me things.”
“Not sure what you’re talking about. These are just necessities.”
“Fixing all the lights in our neighborhood is a necessity?”
“Hell yeah. It’s dangerous when you’re going home at night.”
“Worried about me?”
