Page 132 of The Head Game

August, who had been hanging back in the corner, stepped forward. His ring glinted a little as he rubbed his cheek. “Uh, hey, guys.”

Everyone echoed their hellos.

Nico smiled. “Let me introduce you to everyone, Auggie. I know you know the guys on-ice and they’ve been blowing up your phone with messages for me since the surgery, but let’s make it official.”

Nico gestured to the tall dark-haired man and the smaller blond guy to his left. “My captain, Dustin Fowler, and his husband, Charlie Monaghan. Charlie’s a former figure skater and currently an incredible interior decorator.”

August nodded. “Great to meet you both.”

“Oh no, it’s our pleasure,” Charlie said as he leaned in. August looked slightly startled but hugged him and Dustin.

When they were done, Nico pointed at the younger black man next to them. “Jordan Stokes. One of our wingers. He and his girlfriend, Natasha, sent the sunflower bouquet you liked so much.”

“All Tasha’s idea,” Jordan said with a laugh. “I’m lucky to have her.”

“Oh, buddy, we know it,” Nico teased.

Natasha reminded him a little of Skylar, whip-smart and a drop-dead gorgeous blonde.

Jordan grinned.

Nico gestured to the massive bearded guy straight ahead. “Matt Carlson. One of our alternate captains, brute force on the ice, teddy bear off it.”

“Yeah, August and I are buds already. I’ve been texting him all kinds of stuff,” Matty said happily.

August chuckled. “I’m enjoying all of the ref jokes. Thanks.”

Matty beamed. “I’ll keep ‘em coming.”

Nico gestured to the handsome Korean guy next to Matty. “Jonah Brewer. Part of our D-corps.”

“Yeah, and playing twice as many minutes now with you gone, Nico,” he teased. “You’re gonna have me wrecked by the end of this season.”

But his smile was friendly as he held a hand out for August to shake.

“Colton Yates,” Nico said, gesturing to the younger freckle-faced guy next to Jonah. “Our second line center phenom who has been tearing it up since his rookie season last year.”

“Hey,” August said, shaking his hand too. “You and your girlfriend have the cute dog, right? I remember you sending some pictures.”

“Yeah, that’s us,” Yates said with a smile. “Birdie says hi, by the way, Nico.”

Nico smiled. Birdie was a sweetheart. A little too bubbly for Nico’s taste but a great girl and perfect for Yates. “Thanks, tell her ‘hi’ back.”

“And finally,” Nico said, gesturing to the remaining guy to his right. “Our first line center, alternate captain, and certified Old Man of the team.”

“Oh fuck off,” Dominic said playfully. “I’m not that fucking old.”

“Mmhmm, you keep telling yourself that,” Nico teased. “Guys, this is my fiancé, August Manning. You probably don’t like him much on ice but try to be polite. He’s been pretty great during my recovery.”

Dominic’s eyebrows lifted. “Holy shit. You two really are engaged then, huh? I thought you were going to tell us this was a joke.”

Nico gave them a sheepish grin. “Well, you know me, gotta do the last thing people expect!”

“No, but seriously.” Dustin frowned. “How did you two get together?”

Charlie made a tsking noise. “Let them come inside and sit down. You’re all being very rude.”

Suitably chastened, everyone followed Charlie out of the entryway.

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