Page 303 of Iced Up Love: Part Two
“Okay.”
The word lands heavier than anything else that’s been said.
“If we do this,” he continues, his voice steady but firm, “we do it the right way.”
Relief flickers in my chest, but I don’t interrupt.
“You don’t sit in the public stands,” he says. “You stay in the family section. Controlled access. Limited exposure.”
I nod slightly.
“That’s fine.”
“We have extra security,” he adds. “Not just venue security. Ours.”
“Elijah...”
“Lia.”
His tone softens just slightly.
“Let me do what I need to do to keep you safe,” he says. “And to make sure I know you’re safe.”
I hold his gaze for a moment. Then I nod.
“Okay.”
It’s a compromise. But not a limitation.
“I’m still going,” I add quietly.
His mouth twitches faintly.
“I know.”
Jackson steps in first, his hands finding my waist as he leans down and presses a firm, grounding kiss to my lips.
“Of course we want you there,” he murmurs. “You’re who we’re playing for.”
My chest tightens.
Zach steps in next, his hand sliding to the back of my neck as he pulls me into a slower, deeper kiss.
“Always,” he says softly against my mouth.
I turn to him, my hand brushing over his chest.
“You’re retiring,” I say quietly. “These are your last games.”
His expression shifts slightly. Softens.
“I want to see you play,” I add. “At least one more time.”
His thumb brushes over my jaw.
“Then you will.”
I glance at Jackson.
