Page 51 of Power Move
Rhys huffs a laugh. “Uncle Rhys had to chase him down when he ran out of the bathtub last week. The little guy moves faster than Sage skates, and that’s saying something.”
I press a kiss to his cheek. “You did a great job catching him. Moves that would make Soren and Pierre proud.”
He slips his arms around me. “Thanks.”
Jonas backs up. “When you’re done being gooey, dinner is ready.”
I’m not done being gooey, so I pull Rhys down for a longer kiss. We posted a photo of us together at the lake house as a way to announce our relationship, and I’m relieved I no longer have to be so careful over moments of affection. The team doesn’t care. Coach is fine, and I think everyone sees that we play harder for each other.
Rhys traces his fingers along my cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
We walk together into the kitchen and the chaos of eight people dishing up food, passing around drinks, and Jonas and Remy taking a photo of Benny posing atop the pumpkins we’ll be carving later.
I slip my fidget toy from the counter and into my pocket. The thing helped during my hand rehab and Rhys bought me a dozen more, so I have them in every space. My apartment and his, our travel bags, our cars, and some for my stalls at the arena and practice facility.
My Metros teammates have picked up on my Slash family’s game ofwhat’s the worst that can happen? Maxim added on a followup question ofwhat’s the best that can happen?
It ends my spirals on an even better frame of mind.
I feel supported, all the time.
Soren joins us, sipping a green concoction rimmed with crushed green bits, decorated with a lemon slice and a cherry. “If you need more motivation this season, there’s a reporter who’s already put out predictions for who will win the Cup, for both our leagues. He marked us both down as unlikely.”
“It’s so early.” I shake my head over the absurdity. “I could see that type of article coming out after the first half of the season, but notnow.”
The Metros lost in the first round of the playoffs last season. Though I couldn’t play, they let me sit in the suite at the arena with the healthy scratches for the home games. I know Rhys wants to win a Cup with his three best friends, and for his dad, and I hope we get another chance this season. Though from here, late April is very far away.
Soren takes another sip. “I may have told him that, but in much more colorful terms.”
“Oh no.” This is going to be like the thing with the bouncer from New Year’s Eve all over again.
“It’s okay. Jonas read it and said I was good.” He grins at Jonas. “Then he commented, too. This man has a big following. We couldn’t let his ignorance go unnoticed.”
Jonas looks up from washing his hands. “We maybe made it worse.”
Morgan slides a pan to the center of the table. “They totally made it worse.”
Rhys pinches the bridge of his nose. “You did this tonight?”
“While I helped Remy cook.”
Quinn waves at us, holding up his phone. “Their responses are hilarious. You should see the guys from the leagues chiming in. I’m proud. I may even comment.”
“I already did.” Maxim toasts us with his glass, also that green concoction. “Team building exercise.”
Gio hands us two glasses of the stuff. “Remy found another recipe.”
Rhys and I look at each other and groan.
Remy wanders over with Benny perched on his shoulder. “This one is good. It’s a green apple cocktail. With Jolly Ranchers.”
Him and his candy addiction. I take a tentative sip. Sour apple with a kick. “It’s not bad.”
Rhys does the same. His eyes widen and he takes a longer taste. “This is much better than gummy worm chili.”
Remy’s eyes light up. “You guys are staying here this weekend, right? Wait until you see what I’m making tomorrow. But only if I can secure enough Red Hots.”
