Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
He pulled me close and crashed his mouth over mine, kissing me till we were both breathless. “I love you too, but it’s not so simple. You have a big life ahead of you, Den. A hot career and a lot of eyes on you. Admitting you’re bi is one thing, but being in a relationship with a man is another.”
I nodded. “I know. It’s probably naïve to think we can have everything we want right away, but I have a proposition.”
“Oh, yeah?” His eyes shone and his lips twitched in amusement.
“Be mine from now until…always.”
“Done.”
“That’s not how a proposition works. It’s an exchange of goods and services,” I reminded him with a shy smile. “I tell you what I want, and you tell me what it’ll take to close the deal. Say the word, and I’ll do whatever it is to make you the happiest motherfucker in the world. I’ll muck out horse stalls, bring you coffee in bed, run errands…you get the gist. I want you…what do you need from me?”
Hank held my face in his hands, tracing my jawline with his thumbs. “I want you to play hockey.”
“Wait, I wasn’t talking about hockey.”
“It’s what I want, Den. I love you, and I want you to crush your goals and every record on the books. If we’re in this together, we can have it all. I want you to make your dreams come true. And I’ll be here for you…in the background. I’ll be the guy waiting at home, clothing optional. You be the hotshot. I’ll be your compass, your home for as long as you want me, sweetheart.”
“Forever.”
He beamed. “Forever it is.”
We kissed again, slowly as if we had all the time in the world. And maybe we did.
I let go of fear. I said good-bye to my old ghosts, and opened my heart completely…to Hank. He was my rock, my home, my cowboy, my happy place. And this was the beginning of our big love story.
EPILOGUE
“Come live in my heart and pay no rent.” —Samuel Lover
Five years later
Time Magazine
Fresh off his second Stanley Cup win, Denny Mellon has catapulted to an unprecedented level of fame, thanks to his talent on and off the ice. In fact, he’s entered the single-moniker name status. Just Mellon will do.
Out Magazine
Mile High City’s Number 11 is flying high! Even if you’re not a hockey fan, you’ve probably heard of Mellon. The twenty-seven-year-old star famously came out as bisexual five years ago and is rumored to have secretly wed his partner, developer Hank Cunningham.
Travel + Leisure
The Four Forest area is Vermont’s greatest secret. Quaint towns along the winding rounds through picturesque forests provide an enchanting backdrop. The newly revitalized Wood Hollow is a must see! Its transformation from mill town to vibrant community is thanks in part to mill owner Hank Cunningham and sponsorship from some of hockey’s biggest stars.
People
Hockey star marries long-time partner! Exclusive pics coming!
Hank
The stalls had been cleaned, the horses fed and watered. There were no other chores, but I was itching to do something. I could pull another few bales of hay down, maybe take Denny’s new colt out for a quick walk along the trail.
“Don’t even think about it,” Denny warned, stepping into the barn. “Everyone’s waiting for us, including Grams and your dad. Let’s not be late.”
I tipped my hat back to deliver a proper scowl. “The guy wins the Stanley Cup again, and suddenly he’s Mr. Bossy.”
“You know it,” Denny snorted. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed a chaste kiss on my cheek. “Hey, this is your moment. You did this, and you should be so fucking proud. I know I am.”
I lifted his fingers to my lips and turned his palm up to trace the letters tattooed on his wrist—HCDM VI XXX—our initials and June 30, the day we’d secretly tied the knot. Well, okay, it wasn’t a complete secret.
We’d invited our closest friends and family to the small party at the barn to celebrate Denver’s epic Stanley Cup win in game seven against Ontario. It wasn’t the only gathering in Elmwood to celebrate the exciting event. There’d been parades, block parties on Main Street in all four towns in the Four Forest area, and a semi-private party at the diner. But we’d wanted to host one of our own for a more intimate group and surprise them with a brief round of “I dos.”
There was no press, no outside photographers or videographers. Just thirty of our favorite people. Was it really a surprise? Doubtful.
Denny came out officially at the beginning of his second season in the NHL. He didn’t confirm that he was seeing anyone at the time, just that he was bi and wanted to be a role model for kids who might be struggling with their sexuality. In his words, it was his turn to step up and be present.