Page 208 of Stick It
“And now,” the president says, voice booming over the mic. “I want to take a moment to acknowledge our talented players, without whom we would have no one to cheer on every weekend. The team we have amassed this year is spectacular, as our record demonstrates. However, there is one player in particularI would like to recognize. A new addition this year who has already made a significant impact. I’ll admit, I was skeptical when Coach Fitz selected this player for the team, but they have more than proved their worth in the short time they have been here.” He lifts his hand, the champagne glass glinting beneath the sparkling lights of the chandelier. “Please join me in recognizing the raw talent and gritty determination of one of our own. Not only has she inherited her father’s God-given talents, but she brings her own flair and hard work to the ice. Raise your glasses to Dylan Callahan.”
Silence swells.
Then the room erupts into hushed murmurs and wide-eyed stares.
Players, staff, and donors alike putting the pieces together. Connecting the dots.
Whispers ofPatrick Callahan’s daughterfloat around the room.
The guys all look at me. Stunned.
“Did you know he was going to do that?” Jax leans in, his voice low. There’s an edge to it, like if I say no, he’s going to go over there and give the head of the college a piece of his mind—or his fist.
I reach over and squeeze his arm, nodding. “Bear told me. He asked what name I wanted him to use in his speech. I told him Callahan.”
“Why now?” Ethan asks, head tilted in curiosity.
“I always wanted to be known for my own accomplishments. To build a name without riding my dad’s coattails. But…I think I’ve done that. I might not have gotten into the NHL yet, but I’ve proven my worth. They all know what I’m capable of now.”
“Hell, yeah they do, baby.” Finn winks at me, his grin infectious.
“It feels right,” I continue. “To carry his name. To honor him.”
One by one, they reach out. Ethan squeezes my thigh. Finn grabs my hand. Jax leans his shoulder into mine, and Griffin’s gaze burns into me from across the table. Their support wraps around me like a second skin.
When the speeches end and the music starts, I’m pulled into their orbit.
We dance. Laugh. Spin beneath the soft golden light. I share a slow dance with each of them—Griffin’s hand possessive on my lower back, Ethan’s touch reverent, Jax pressing a kiss to my temple, Finn twirling me so fast that I fall into his arms, giggling.
With sore feet and a full bladder, I excuse myself to the bathroom. Staring at myself in the mirror, my cheeks are flushed and my eyes dance. The grief is still there, but it’s nothing like what it used to be. I’m…happy. I’m…a girl in love. A girl who has the world at her feet. And four strong men to see through every challenge with, every win, every loss. Four men who have my back…no matter what is thrown at us.
With a smile on my face, I head back toward the ballroom.
Thick, muscular, familiar arms grab me around the waist, sweeping me off my feet and pulling me into the shadows. My back hits the wall, and I barely have the chance to take a breath before Finn’s lips crash into mine, hungry and urgent, like he’s been waiting all night for this. I clutch his jacket, melting into his kiss.
“You in that dress, Hellion,” he groans against my lips, like a man dying. “Trouble with a capital T.”
“You’re going to smear my lipstick,” I chastise, but there’s no heat behind it. I’d readily fix my lipstick a hundred times if it means his lips are on mine.
“Maybe that would matter if there was any chance you’d bemaking it back to the party.” A new voice joins us, dark like chocolate as Jax comes into view beside Finn. “I see you started therealparty early,” he directs at Finn.
Unapologetic, Finn simply shrugs. “Couldn’t help it.”
Two sets of searing hot eyes bore into me. “Mm.” The sound rumbles through Jax’s chest. They are both so close that I can feel the heat coming off them in waves. The chemistry between us crackles in the air, and my breaths are shallow, my nipples peeking through the thin fabric of my dress. Jax reaches up to brush his thumb over my swollen lips. “Can’t say I blame you.”
I flick my tongue over his skin, and another rumble vibrates through him.
“Unless you want to get fucked in a hotel corridor, Menace, you better put that tongue away.”
It’s a warning and a promise, and the thought ofanyonewalking in and seeing us only sends my pulse skittering higher. He must see what his threat does to me, as his fingers slide down my arm before linking with mine and he tugs me away from the wall.
His voice is deeper, thicker, when he rasps, “Message the others. We’re leaving now.”
Without waiting for Finn’s confirmation, he drags me down the corridor and out of the hotel without bothering to say goodbye to anyone.
The car journey home is unbearable and seems to last a lifetime. Tension fizzles in the air, hot and heady. Hands are everywhere, and I can feel Ethan’s gaze like a lightning rod on me through the rearview mirror.
By the time we get home, we barely make it through the front door before they are on me, like birds of prey descending on their dinner.
