Page 111 of The Flirty Forward

I walk over to the kitchen. “What can I do to help? Oh, and we brought some bagels and pastries.”

“Yum,” Kristin says. “I’ll get a tray for you.”

I take the tray from her to the kitchen table and start filling it. I glance over and notice a book open on the table, and not just any book. It’s one of mine. I stare at it for a moment, unsure what to say. “Oh, that’s mine,” Sebastian’s mom says as she picks it up and moves it to the counter. “You didn’t tell us what an amazing author you are. I literally cannot put this book down.”

“Same,” Tina says as she carries out a stack of plates.

“Yes! Your books are amazing! How long have you been writing?” Kristin asks as she comes into the kitchen.

“You don’t have to read my books; I know Sebastian bought them all for you,” I say, shaking my head.

“No, seriously, I’m an avid romance reader; and I’m really picky about what I read,” Kristin says. “And I absolutely love your books!” She leans forward. “I stayed up until two this morning because I couldn't put downThe Payment.And that cliffhanger! I was so mad at you for that cliffhanger!”

“Oh my word! Are you talking aboutThe Payment?” Tina asks, coming into the kitchen.

Kristin turns to her. “Yes! Did you finish it?”

“Yeah, at like midnight last night, and then I immediately wanted to read book two.” They both turn to me. “When does book two come out?”

“Hopefully next month,” I admit.

They both start talking about the cliffhanger and what they think is going to happen. They ask questions, but my lips are sealed. I meet Sebastian’s eyes from across the room. He smiles at me and winks. A warm feeling fills me as they talk to me andthen as I help carry the food out to the table. I don’t even bat an eye when Lou prays for the brunch. Everybody starts talking and passing dishes around the table. I fill my plate and then take a moment to just take it all in. This. Right here. It’s what I’ve always wanted. And because of the amazing man next to me, I’m part of it now. They’ve claimed me as family. The thought makes me teary-eyed, but I blink to keep them at bay. Sebastian must know what I’m thinking or feeling because he reaches over and puts his hand on my thigh and squeezes gently.

It’s near the end of brunch when Sebastian slides his phone over to me. I look at him questioningly, but he just nods at it. I pick it up. There's a single text message.

Chloe-William is fired, and Blake Grossan is no longer with the Legends. He’ll never play for another AHL team again. Nobody will touch him after this.

My wide eyes meet Sebastian’s. He wraps an arm around me. “Just a normal Sunday.”

Chapter 43

Stephanie

Sebastian and I spend every free moment we have together over the next several weeks. In reality, it’s not a lot because he’s so busy with hockey. But we cherish the time we do have. I go to every home game, and we hit as many brunches as possible. My parents and I have settled things the best way we know how—which basically means we don’t talk about it. But I’m okay with it. They live their lives, and I live mine. My amazing life’s filled with family and friends that love me and now an entire team that watches out for me. And of course, there’s a certain hockey player that completely owns my heart. I never thought I’d be one of “those” girls, but I totally am. I’m completely smitten with the man.

“Miss Winston?”

I’m pulled from my revelry. I notice everybody in the room is staring at me. “Sorry, Mr. Goodman. What was the question?” Brielle snorts a laugh next to me, and I elbow her.

Principal Goodman gives me a look that makes me feel like I’m one of my students, and I fight the urge to look away. “I was asking if you would be willing to participate in the teachers’ night?” Not having a clue what he’s talking about, I glance at Bri. She gives me a slight nod, and I find myself agreeing—to what, I have no idea. “Excellent. Since you both have the most familiarity with the Green Thunder, it makes sense that you both represent our school.” I nod because I can’t do anything else. All I know is that I’m getting the details from Bri as soon as this teachers’ meeting is over. I get my wish only a few minutes later.

“So, what did I just volunteer for?” I ask as soon as we’re in the hall.

“You weren’t paying an ounce of attention. What were you thinking about, Best Friend? Was it a certain tall, gregarious hockey player?” I can’t even deny her accusation, so I just smile. She grins and wraps her arm around mine. “I totally get it; I still pinch myself that Aiden is mine. Anyway, since you missed the announcement, allow me to fill in. The Green Thunder is doing another school night, like they did last year. We have to send two teachers. Lucky for us, or unlucky for us—depending on how you see it, we got picked.”

“What do we have to do?” I ask. “Hopefully not shoot the puck into the net,” I say with a smirk.

“Oh good gracious, I hope not!” Last year, she had to represent our school and shoot the puck into the net. She ended up hitting Aiden in a rather sensitive area instead. The entire thing went viral, and she was teased mercilessly for months. Of course, that’s how she ended up with Aiden, so I can’t say that she’s disappointed about how it all turned out. “Aiden told me the guys are already telling him to wear extra protection that night.” She shakes her head. “You hit a guy one time in the groin with a hockey stick, and nobody in the entire world forgets it.”

“Seriously, what do you think we’ll have to do?” I ask.

Bri waves her hand. “It will be something painless; don’t stress about it.”

“When is it?” I ask, wondering if I can be sick that night.

“It’s Friday.”

I nearly groan. “That’s so soon.”

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