Page 177 of Facing Off
It’s the simplest truth inside me.
A flush deepens across his cheeks as he swallows, still disoriented and blown, like he’s been knocked over by the words. But not for long, because his eyes are darkening and he’s?—
Lifts me back into his arms.
Sandalwood, soap, mint.
His scent is intoxicating as it surrounds me, and I’m pressing my face into his neck.
“I love you, Adrian Hughes,” I say again as if he needs to hear it. “And you don’t have to say it back…”
“I’m absolutely in love with you, Sonya.”
I lift my head and press my forehead against Adrian’s, and I use my hands as a shield, so no one else in the world can see, and then I grin at Adrian. He’s grinning back at me, and we stay like that for a full minute before heading to Quinn’s house, so we can join everyone else.
Later, when we’re alone again, Adrian asks me to please say it again.
I do, over and over again. Easily.
I love you.
69
SONYA
(Five monthslater)
After the night of my audition, the celebration at Quinn’s place lasted until the early hours of the morning. So much has changed since then, but tonight everyone is back at his house, and Quinn Connor is in his element, brandishing a notebook and a pencil.
It’s game night.
He’s smiling all over the place.
Kavi is beside me, and we’re both enjoying him announcing the next round of charades.
“This is what we’ve all been waiting for! That’s right, it’s our annoying but lovable captain, Adrian Hughes, versus our grumpy but lovable defenseman, Dmitri Lokhov!”
Beside me, a giggle escapes Kavi’s mouth.
“Why did that sound so evil?” I ask.
“Because I chose the word Dmitri has to act out for Adrian.”
“And?”
“It’ssoulmate.”
I cackle because my hockey captain boyfriend has rubbed off on me, and I find myself doing that a lot more. Smiling and laughing around people I trust and am comfortable around.
Today, I’m showcasing my half-tilted lip curve openly in a room full of the Vancouver Wings.
Most people are gathered in the middle of the room, sitting on sectional couches. There are Jai, Raghr, Macklin, Waris, O’Brian, and Jung.
Emmad and Matt are also here. Because once you’re a member of the Vancouver Wings family, you’re always invited. No matter what.
“You’re diabolical,” I tell my best friend, more than a little proudly.
She grins. “I know.”
