Page 129 of Sin Bin Daddies
“Leo, it’s beautiful,” I whisper, tracing the little heart charm nestled between a tiny pair of skates and a sparkling stone.
“I’m surprised no one’s caught on yet,” he says, nodding at my stomach. “But I guess that mascot uniform really is doing its job.”
I laugh. “It’s basically a walking plush toy. No one’s paying attention to my body.”
He grins, then unbuckles. “I’ll grab your smoothie. Stay here.”
I watch him cross the parking lot, his hoodie pulled up to shield his face from fans who might recognize him. The bracelet catches the light again as I twist my wrist and study it.
They’ve all been so good to me. Taking care of everything. Giving me space and attention in equal measure. They promised they’d be there, and they are.
But it’s more than gratitude curling inside me. It’s more than safety. I’m in love with them.
Not just one of them. All three.
I haven’t said it. Maybe it’s hormones, or maybe it’s the way they always touch me like I’m precious, and not someone who’s carrying a secret that could destroy everything they’ve worked for.
Only Asher ever says the word. He whispers it when he thinks I’m sleeping, or when he’s holding me like he can’t bear to let go.
But I do. I love them.
Leo returns with a smoothie in hand, cold and dripping condensation. He hands it to me with that quiet smile that makes my chest ache.
His fingers stroke my stomach again as I take a sip, then another.
“Peach and mango,” he says.
“Perfect,” I murmur, eyes on his lips as he leans in.
His mouth meets mine with a soft pressure that deepens quickly. He tastes like mint and heat, his tongue sliding against mine in a slow, unhurried kiss that leaves my head spinning.
I press closer, one hand still cradling the smoothie while the other grips his hoodie. My body wakes up under his touch, alive in ways it hasn’t been in weeks.
Just when I think he’ll keep going, he breaks the kiss and brushes his mouth against my cheek.
“We should get going,” he says. “You’ve got a game tonight.”
The disappointment comes sharp and fast. I hide it behind another sip of smoothie and nod.
The arena is already buzzing by the time we arrive. People swarm the sidewalks, jerseys everywhere, laughter echoing off the brick walls.
Inside the car, we’re still close, our knees brushing, but the moment we step out, it’s like we don’t know each other.
That’s the rule. No one can know. His coaching career, their hockey careers, everything could fall apart.
We walk in separately, me heading toward the back where the storage room sits tucked away behind the equipment lockers. The hallway is warm, echoing with the distant sounds of sticks on ice and shouting fans.
I push the door open and step inside, the familiar scent of detergent and old rubber filling my nose. The mascot costume hangs on a hook, its oversized head grinning stupidly at me.
I strip out of my clothes and change quickly, careful not to pull too hard on the zipper over my belly. The costume still fits, but barely.
I adjust the head, tighten the straps, and look at myself in the mirror.
No one would guess. Not a single soul in this arena knows I’m five months pregnant.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Leo
