Page 133 of Ice Wolf
Between my father and my gorgeous fiancée, theSungazerarticle had been shoved under a rock and not a single awkward picture had surfaced again.
To say I was on top of the world was an understatement.
I’d barely knocked on the door before my mother threw it open. Her expression could only be described as giddy.
“Thank God, you’re here. The natives are getting restless.”
“Mother.”
“Don’t ‘Mother’ me. When you have two sons who are celebrities, you become very popular in the neighborhood. Plus, since your father was elected president of the homeowner’s association, he’s been in demand.”
“Which you love.” I kissed her cheek.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to make anything,” Lily said in a demure voice. I’d needed to convince her that the barbeque wouldn’t turn into an engagement party before she’d agreed to coming with me.
I suddenly had my doubts.
We’d arrived back in Chicago less than an hour ago after the last game of the conference final in Phoenix, still riding high on the win. We’d just had time to grab a bottle of wine at a local grocery store on our way over. I knew I’d never hear the end of it if we didn’t show our faces.
“The wine is perfect,” Mom said and immediately handed it off to Dad, who was gazing at the two of us skeptically. “Now, I need to see the ring on your finger.”
While Lily dutifully lifted her arm, I sensed the tension mounting.
We’d enjoyed one hell of a night together, photographed more times than the Pope. Pictures had popped up on every social media platform. We were certainly the ‘it’ couple. She’d said very little, especially after she’d received a text she refused to tell me about.
Something was bothering her.
“That is perfect,” Mom said, her sigh an indication of how happy she was. “Your grandmother would be so proud of you, Saint.Let’s get you guys a drink so I can introduce you to some of our friends.”
As she’d done before, my mother led the way. Dad and I dutifully followed while keeping a slight distance.
“How are things, son?” Dad asked.
“Good. Excellent. The game was sweet last night.”
He chuckled. “I’ll say. You had style. What about your relationship?”
“Not bad.” I grinned and he clapped me on the back.
“Glad to hear it. How is Lily with… learning the truth?”
I stopped walking, still marveling at how beautiful Lily was in her summer dress. “You were right. Her parents told her she has some wolf in her ancestry.”
“Then even better. She is your mate. Let’s just not mention that to our friends. No wolves here today.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Pops grabbed me a beer and as I joined Lily, I noticed her nose was scrunched up as she did when trying to keep from laughing.
Steven eyed me from a distance, swaggering closer with a grin on his face. “How’s it shaking, puck boy.”
“Better to be a puck boy than a puck bunny,” I told him.
“Something you don’t need to worry about any longer. I kind of missed the two of you camping out at my place.”
“Like hell you did.” I laughed. With everything quieting down, we’d returned to my house, where the enchanting but nerve-racking woman had continued turning my life upside down.
This time with decorating tips.
