Page 263 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

Calvin has buttoned up his shirt and added the tie that I bought for him. It’s a dark silver to match my dress. I was fearful that it might be too coupley, but he was all for it when I gave it to him, and right now, he looks proud as fuck to be matching. His white shirt fits him like a second skin, the fabric stretching perfectly over his broad shoulders and muscular arms before tapering to his slim waist, his pants highlighting those thick thighs that I’m obsessed with.

“You look incredible.”

“I’m nothing compared to you,” he says, reaching for my hand.

His fingers twist with mine, and he tugs me into his body.

He stares down at me. The intensity in his eyes makes my stomach knot.

His other hand lifts to cup my jaw, his thumb brushing tenderly over my cheek.

“You’re beautiful.”

72

SIENNA

“Oh wow,” I breathe as we walk into the venue for tonight’s party. Everything is decorated in Vipers green and black, and there are people everywhere. A few I recognize, but many I don’t.

“Oh, yeah. The owner takes New Year’s very seriously,” Calvin says with a laugh as he guides me toward the bar, Garrett trailing behind us like a third wheel. Not that he complains.

I glance back to take him in. A wide smile spreads across his face as he looks around, but there’s still something in his eyes that doesn’t sit right with me. As much as I’m concerned, I’m also not going to let it bring me down tonight. There’s plenty of time for dealing with our issues next year. Tonight is about enjoying ourselves. It’s about hope and dreams of the future.

“Two beers and a glass of champagne,” Calvin says when the barman appears.

“Champagne?” I question.

“Only the best for my girl.” Calvin winks and I melt.

“Oh my god, you look amazing,” a familiar voice cries. I smile before turning around to see my best friend waddling my way.

She also looks stunning in a black wrap dress but…She wasn’t lying. She’s…huge.

I’m not going to tell her that, though.

“You too,” I say, forcing my eyes away from her belly. I’ve only been gone a few days. How did that happen?

“Ugh.” She waves me off. “I’m a whale, and I know it.”

Behind me, someone attempts to cover a snort with a cough. I’m not sure if it’s Calvin or Garrett, but one of them is very much at risk of losing their balls from the look Bea shoots over my shoulder. And I very much hope it isn’t Calvin, because I’d prefer to have his body just as God intended, thank you very much.

“You’re glowing, Bea,” Garrett says, trying to make the situation better.

“It’s sweat,” Bea states, her top lip peeling back in disgust with herself. “Do you have any idea how much hard work it is carrying this around all day?”

“Um…no, I don’t.”

“I keep telling Rett that I’m going to strap one of those fake bumps to him for a day so he can relate.”

“Oh, please, please do that,” Calvin begs as the man in question appears, wrapping his arm around my bestie.

“What are we doing?” Rett asks, looking between us.

“Strapping a belly to you, apparently,” I state.

“I keep saying it’s fine. I’m more than willing to go through everything Bea is right now.”

“It would be impossible,” she mutters.