Page 84 of Stick With Me
She lazily strokes my hair. “Why do you think he said those things? You know they aren’t true, right?”
“Yeah, I know. I have no idea what he’s up to. I wish I knocked him out the last time we faced off. I’m fully prepared to take a game suspension the next time we play Dallas.”
“I know I should discourage this, but I also want to punch him.”
“Are you okay?” I ask.
Her fingers pause in my hair, and I swear I can feel her hesitation. “I don’t know. He broke up with me, and now he’s what… wanting to get back together? Isn’t he dating that model?”
A pang tightens my chest, sharp and gnawing. I shake off the thought of her even considering going back to him before it can take root. She wouldn’t, right? I tilt my head to catch her gaze, needing to hear it from her. “You’re not thinking about that, are you?”
Her eyes widen, and her jaw drops as she shakes her head, but then her gaze softens. “Of course not. Not even a little. I wouldnevergo back to him, even if you and I didn’t end up here. But now even more so.” She resumes running her fingers through my hair. “I hate that he’s going to be there on Friday. I know the gala was the end goal of this whole faking-it ruse, but the thought of seeing him again makes me an anxious mess. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s up to something.”
I move up her body until I’m lying beside her, pulling her close against me.
That may have been the end goal when we came up with this plan, but my end goal has always been set further ahead.Her. She’s my end goal.
She’s the one I want to kiss good night and good morning. The one I want to talk to after perfect days and shitty ones. The one I want to call mine today and sixty years from now. She’s it.
There’s no denying what I want, and there’s only one thing to do about it: make it official. All that’s left is to ask her to be mine, for real.
It has to be perfect. Hannah deserves the best, and I’m determined to give it to her. But first, we need to get through the gala and whatever shit Knolls is surely going to send our way. I won’t let the day I ask her to be mine be tainted by Knolls’ shadow hanging over us.
“Ry.” Her soft voice, coupled with her hand grazing my chest, brings my eyes back in focus—back to her.
“We’ll get through it,” I promise.
THIRTY-TWO
If I thoughtmy game-day suits made me uncomfortable, this tuxedo, complete with a bow tie, makes me feel downright claustrophobic. But it’s worth it when Hannah descends the stairs in a blood-red evening gown. The silky fabric clings to her curves, and the slit on one side offers an unobstructed view of her smooth legs. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
Her hair is pinned to one side, cascading over her shoulder in an old Hollywood style. The color looks slightly darker, more brown than blonde, with whatever product she’s used to keep it in place.
“Wow, you look stunning, Sunshine.”
“You clean up nice yourself,” she says as she fusses with the tie at my neck. She looks up at me, her grassy green eyes locking onto mine, and her red-tinted lips curve into a smile. My chest feels tight with a mix of nerves and anticipation, and my dick gives a twitch of appreciation. I think about my hockey stats to calm myself. A hard-on would be difficult to hide in these pants.
I help her into her coat and, with my hand on her hip, lead her out to the waiting car. The Hockey Fights Cancer event this year is at The Blackstone Hotel, just a fifteen-minute drive south of our place. We step into the lobby, with its dark wood-paneled walls and brass accents, our attire complementing the art deco style.
Hannah’s eyes sparkle as she takes in the space, and mine light from the sight of her. I can’t wait to spend the night by her side. Even more so, I’m eager to get her home and out of that dress.Fuck, I’m a lucky bastard.
It’s hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago, this event was our goal—to show off our fake relationship. Now, everything is different.
Hannah glances up at me, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “What has you looking so smug?”
“You. You’re mine.”
“Am I?” she says with a breathy laugh. “Since I’m yours… want to get yourgirlfrienda drink?”
Girlfriend. I love the sound of it, even if her tone is teasing. We might be here under the guise of getting under her ex’s skin, but I’m hopeful that soon enough, I’ll be able to call her that without the “fake” label attached.
“I’d like nothing more. Margarita?”
“Yes, please.” She flashes me a bright smile as she tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
I kiss her cheek, murmuring a promise to be right back.
I make my way to the bar and lean against the lacquered surface, waiting for the bartender. I sense a presence behind me. “Funny seeing you here, Logan.” Knolls’ voice instantly puts me on edge.
