Page 123 of Revenge Puck

“Not exactly. They were the only team I would have considered a few weeks ago. There was one other team that was interested but never sent the offer because my agent told them there was no point. One I never thought I would want to accept.”

“Who do you…oh,” I mutter in understanding.

“That’s right. The Bobcats.”

“But you won’t play for them because of Christian?”

“I couldn’t imagine playing on the same team as that…as Christian. But you are more important to me than a grudge. More important than anything else. I’m going to play for the Bobcats because that’s where you are, and I want to be near you.”

“What? No, Preston. I can’t let you do that. This is a huge decision! Years of your life, right? Don’t do this for me.”

“Why not?”

He moves closer so our bodies are nearly flush, making it harder for me to think. What were we talking about? Oh right, moving to Greensboro. “Because you shouldn’t! Think about yourself, about Maya and Finley.”

“I have thought about them. Maya doesn’t want to move but, in Greensboro, Finley will have more time to spend with Christian.”

“Oh.” I deflate several inches. “So you’re moving for them. It was stupid for me to think…”

“No, Elle. I don’t know what decision Maya will make. I’m leaving it up to her. It’s time I step back and let my sister make her own decisions. But I’m going to sign this contract as soon as I get it, even if Maya stays in D.C., just to be near you. I love you, and I know you may not be ready to forgive me yet, but I’m not going to give up.”

He loves me? Those words cause warmth to spread through my chest, even if I know it won’t last.

“But…” Struggling to figure out a way to prevent him from doing something he’ll regret if we don’t work out, I decide to go with activating his hair trigger temper. “I guess you haven’t seen the photos of me and Christian yet. And you know I came with him to the game…”

“I have seen the pictures. And I talked to Christian about them and why you came with him to D.C. He told me the photos were taken right after he found out he was a father, and he needed a friend then and today. Just a friend, right?”

“Yes. That’s…I thought you would assume the worst.”

“I did. I did, but I’m not jealous of him anymore. What we have isn’t something he can compete with, right cupcake?”

I nod, unable to say the words.

“I love you, Elle. And no matter what answer you give me today, I’m not giving up on you or us. Ever. You’re the end game for me. I’ll be here waiting for you, however long it takes.”

With that pronouncement, Preston’s lips brush lightly over mine just once. It’s more than a kiss. It’s a promise of more whenever I’m ready. Then, with a grin, he turns to leave.

I grab a handful of his jersey to pull him back.

His eyes widen in surprise, and I tell him, “I love you too.”

When Preston just stands there looking stunned, I go up on my toes to cup his cheek, pulling his mouth back to mine because I want to show him that I don’t want to wait even a second longer to be with him.

EPILOGUE

Preston

Five months later…

“Hi, Preston. You are Preston Lawrence, right?” a woman calls out to me as soon as I exit my SUV with my duffle bag hefted over my shoulder. It’s not just any woman, but a gorgeous blonde. “Could I pretty please have just one moment of your time?” she adds with a wink and a smile.

“Just one moment? That’s all you want?” I ask as I approach the fence surrounding the player’s parking lot.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she replies. “But I’m not a puck bunny.”

“No? That’s too bad.”

Biting her lip to keep from laughing, she says, “Right well, I just wanted a selfie, or an ussie, since I would like for you to be in the photo with me.”

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