Page 101 of Match Penalty

“My grandparents are going to love you,” she says, squeezing my hand as if willing me to believe it.

I glance at her, her soft smile doing little to calm the churning in my stomach. “How did Seven take it when you told him that I was coming?"

Cammy falls silent, not looking in my direction, but her finger twitches the moment I ask.

"Cammy…" I say, quickly glancing over at her while keeping a sharp eye on the road. "You told him I was coming with you, right?"

Finally, her eyes drift over to mine. "Not in so many words but…"

My head instantly falls against the headrest as I let out a groan.

"…he knew I flew out to Vancouver to bring you back. He had to know that this was a possibility."

"Does he know that we're officially together?" I ask. I have a feeling I already know the answer, and it's not in my favor.

Cammy plasters on an encouraging smile that's tinged with nerves. “He’ll warm up. It might take some time, but he will. He doesn’t have much of a choice. I'm not giving you up a third time for anyone."

Hearing her say that is encouraging, but I still grip the steering wheel tighter with one hand as the house comes into full view. I pull her hand up to mine and kiss the back of it. "I hope you're right, because we're about to find out."

The front door swings open, and my worst fears are confirmed. Seven storms out like a man on a mission, his jaw set, his eyes locked on me. Right behind him is a guy almost as big as he is—must be Cammy’s uncle Eli.

Brynn trails after them, Milo perched on her hip, grinning ear to ear. Behind her, a woman who could be Cammy’s twin if she were twenty years older steps out. That must be her mom.

“Shocking…Seven doesn't seem thrilled,” I mutter, trying to keep my voice steady.

Cammy squeezes my hand again, her voice firm. “It’s going to be fine. Just... be yourself.”

I snort. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

The car barely comes to a stop before Seven yanks the door open.

“Cammy,” he says, his voice low but commanding. “Go inside.”

She stiffens, her fingers tightening around mine. “Dad, no—”

“Cammy,” he repeats, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Go. Inside.”

I glance at her, giving her a small nod. “It’s okay. I’ve got this, mon amour.”

"Don't call her that," Seven warns.

I stare back at him. I'm not scared of the man, but he and I are going to have this out so Cammy and I can move on with our lives. I'm not letting her go this time, and if he thinks that leaving the Hawkeyes is the best I can do to prove how much I love her, than he has no idea what I'm capable of giving up for her.

I glance back at her and give her another reassuring nod.

Her eyes dart between us, reluctant, but she finally climbs out of the car. Brynn meets her halfway, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and steering her toward the house.

I climb out of the car next, and Seven comes around to my side.

He waits until they’re inside before turning to me, his expression hard as steel.

“JP,” he says, his voice dangerously calm.

I stand tall despite the weight of his glare. “Coach.”

Seven crosses his arms over his chest, Eli standing just behind him like backup. “I warned you to stay away from her.”

“And I tried,” I admit, my voice steady. “But I can’t. I’m not going to give her up. Not for you. Not for the Hawkeyes. Not for anything.”

---