Page 116 of Racking Up Penalties
I want to look great for this surprise with my guys.
The cold air nips at my face as I lock the door behind me. Three figures lean casually against a sleek car, each one sending my pulse racing for different reasons. Tristan’s sandy-brown hair glimmers under the streetlights, Ethan’s athletic stature is a shadow of coiled energy, and Liam stands with a smile that could melt glaciers.
“Wow, Tessa,” Ethan says, his brown eyes sweeping over me appreciatively. “You look… amazing.”
“Stunning, as always,” Liam adds, his gray eyes twinkling with mischief that sets off warning bells in my head. Whatever they have planned, it’s going to be fun.
“Let’s not keep the lady waiting,” Tristan chides gently, opening the car door with a flourish. His protective warmth wraps around me as I slide into the seat, my heart settling with his touch.
The drive is a blur of lights and laughter, the boys exchanging looks that tell me they’re in on a secret that is driving me crazy. When we pull up to the restaurant, I squint at the sign.
“Italian for dinner?” I ask.
“A cooking class, actually,” Tristan tells me, leaning over to press a kiss to my temple.
“A cooking class sounds great!” I say, a mix of surprise and excitement bubbling up within me.
Liam chuckles, leading the way inside. “And there’s still another surprise waiting for you.”
“Another?” I can’t help but smile as the anticipation builds, a delicious tension that makes my stomach do somersaults.
The moment the restaurant’s door swings open, a chorus of familiar laughter hits me. I scan the warmly lit room and my eyes land on Emma, her arms flung wide in an unmistakable gesture of welcome. Beside her, Luka, JD, and Alec stand like pillars of strength, their smiles just as bright.
“Surprise!” they all chime, their voices harmonizing in the buzz of the kitchen.
“Emma?” My voice is a breathless squeak, disbelief mingling with a surge of joy. “What are you doing here?”
“Double date night!” She grins, her green eyes alight with excitement. The pieces click into place, and a giddy laugh escapes me.
“Are you serious?” I bounce on the balls of my feet, the surprise sending a thrilling shiver through me. A cooking class was one thing, but to experience it with Emma and her guys? Perfection.
I cross the room in two quick strides and throw myself into Emma’s open arms. “This is amazing! Thank you!”
“Hey, don’t forget about us,” Ethan playfully calls out from behind me. I turn to find the three of them watching us with identical looks of affectionate amusement. “We planned it!”
“Thank you,” I say again, this time directing my gratitude towards Liam, Ethan, and Tristan. Their faces soften, each one reflecting their own brand of happiness at my reaction.
“Anything for you, Tess,” Liam says, his voice carrying the thread of tenderness that always seems reserved just for me.
“Seeing you happy is worth it,” Tristan adds, his protective gaze never leaving my face.
“Plus, we get to eat what we cook, so it’s a win-win,” Ethan quips, his easygoing nature diffusing the emotional charge in the air.
“Let’s hope your culinary skills are up for the challenge,” I tease back, winking at him before turning to include everyone. “I can’t wait to see what kind of chefs you all turn out to be.”
“Prepare to be dazzled,” Luka boasts with a confident smile that promises a night full of laughter.
The clang of pots and the chatter of excited couples fill the air as we tie aprons around our waists. I’m sandwiched between Ethan and Liam, my heart skipping a beat at their proximity. The instructor—a middle-aged woman with a smile that’s seen decades in the kitchen—launches into an explanation of tonight’s menu: homemade pasta.
Luka takes charge at his station like he’s been born to command a kitchen, kneading dough with the expertise of a seasoned chef. Emma watches him with admiration sparkling in her green eyes, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of pride for my best friend’s happiness.
“Alright, let’s see if these hockey hands can finesse something other than a puck,” Liam jokes, diving into the task with a focus that’s both endearing and sexy.
I glance over at Ethan, who’s already fumbling with a flour bag, his brow furrowed in concentration. Flour dusts his dark hair, making me stifle a giggle. “Need a hand there?” I offer, reaching to steady the bag.
“Ha-ha, very funny,” Ethan grumbles, but there’s no mistaking the playful glint in his intense brown eyes. “I might be more of an eat-and-criticize kind of guy.”
“Hey, it’s not about being the best,” I say. “It’s about having fun together, right?”
