Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
“I didn’t know what I was missing until you,” I murmur against her lips.
She wraps herself around me, feet hooked at the small of my back. And we move together, a slow tide rising, until it washes over us, blanketing us in bliss. In a promise of forever.
CHAPTER 47
HOLLIS
Aurora glances at the clock on the nightstand and pats my chest. “Ooh, you should probably get dressed. My dad will be here soon.” Tonight could be the final game of the season, and if the universe is on our side, we’ll bring home the cup.
She grins when I level her with a glare. “You were parading around in your panties.”
“I was still deciding what to wear tonight.”
“You were being a brat.”
“But you’re relaxed, aren’t you?”
“I am definitely relaxed,” I agree and start to sit up.
She leans in and puckers her lips. “I love you.”
“I love you, even when you’re a brat.” I steal one last kiss. “Especially when you’re a brat.” I roll off the bed and hop to my feet.
She shifts onto her side and props her cheek on her fist. “That was incredibly graceful.”
I look at the clock on my way to the bathroom. “We’re cutting it close.”
“You’re cutting it close. I have an hour,” she calls out.
“You can’t be naked when your dad comes knocking.”
“Point taken.” She log-rolls off the bed and holds up her hand as I toss her a warm, damp washcloth. She wipes between her legs and tosses it into the laundry hamper beside her dresser.
The top four drawers are filled with her clothes. Now, whenever Tristan is home and Rix is at his place, Aurora stays here. I’m not pushing for her to move in yet. She still has a few months before the sublet expires, but she’s spending more nights in my bed than hers these days.
I quickly put on my suit while Aurora pulls on a pair of jeans, a Terror T-shirt with Hollis’s Girl and my number on the back, and her dad’s jersey over the top. There’s a knock at the door as we finish getting dressed. Roman has stopped letting himself in out of fear that he’ll see something he doesn’t want to.
He’s getting used to me and Aurora being a couple. Nothing has changed in some ways, and in others, everything has. Openly showing her affection in public has been an adjustment, but a welcome one. She’s mine and I’m hers, and I refuse to hide those feelings from anyone, especially not Roman. And while our friendship has changed, we both have the same first priority now, and that’s Aurora.
We meet Roman at the door together.
“Hey.” Aurora wraps her arms around him, then leans back and fixes his tie. “You look great. Feeling good about tonight?”
“Ready to shut out New York.” His gaze shifts to me. “How about you?”
“Solid. Ready to get on the ice.” I’ve played every game this series, and I’ve felt strong. I’m not where I was at the beginning of the season, but I have the entire off season to get there again.
The three of us get into the elevator. Aurora kisses Roman on the cheek as we approach the twelfth floor. “I love you. Good luck tonight, Dado.”
He gives her a quick hug. “I love you, too, kiddo.”
I reach for her just as she turns to me. It’s like that more and more these days. We’re in sync. I snake an arm around her waist, and she wraps hers around my neck. It’s automatic, and for a second, I forget everything but her.
“You’ve got this.” She kisses the side of my neck and leans back so I can see her beautiful face. “I love you.”
I cup her cheek in my palm. “I love you, too. I’ll be looking for you out there tonight.”
“I’ll be cheering for you.”
I brush my lips over hers. The elevator doors slide open, and I grudgingly release her. She steps into the hall and blows us both another kiss. “Kick their ass tonight.”
Roman laughs, and she winks as the doors slide closed.
“You all right?” I ask once it’s the two of us.
He leans against the wall and crosses his arms. “You know, I worried I wouldn’t be able to handle seeing you and my daughter together.”
I nod. I get that it isn’t easy, but she needs to know I put her first every time. “I know it’s a transition, but I’d rather you be pissed at me than deny her affection.”
“That’s exactly how it should be.” A hint of a smile tips the corner of his mouth. “She’s happy with you. Happier than I’ve ever seen her. I’m not saying this is easy to get used to, but the way you love her makes the awkwardness worth it. I just want her to be content and loved, and that’s what I see when she’s with you.”