Page 21 of Rush

“Mommy otay?”

“Mommy is okay. She’s tough,” I tell her, forcing my lips to form some kind of a smile. “She’s a tough cookie just like you.” My hands tickle her rib cage and she giggles in response.

The sound should soothe me, but I still feel on edge. Glancing up, I catch the eye of Reign Thorne, whose face looks as murderous as I feel. His girlfriend, Riley, took a trip from the other team right before she could have had a breakaway. She fell right onto her front, sending her stick flying out of her hand. If anyone understands how I feel right now, it would be him. He nods at me in silent understanding. Somehow, someway, this team will pay.

The ending score is 4-0. At some point, the refs caught on to how upset the crowd was and finally called a penalty on the other team. At least Michigan killed them with a win. After the teams exit the ice the stands start to thin out. Holding Dylan in my arms I lead the way out to the main entrance of the arena. The three of us wait for the women to leave their locker room. Braysen shuffles from one foot to the other. Both of us waiting to see how Sam will react to his presence. Dylan is completely oblivious to the tension and chatters happily in my arms. Her eyes are getting droopier by the second though, and I’m anxious to get her home once she sees her mom.

“Mommy!” Dylan screeches suddenly and squirms out of my hold. I set her on her feet before she takes off. Sam drops to her knees to catch Dylan, her bag falling off her shoulder as she does. Braysen and I walk over to them. I pick up Sam’s bag and hoist it on my shoulder.

“You don’t have to do that,” she says, her bright blue eyes catching mine.

I shake my head at her. “I want to. Plus, I’m sure your shoulder isn’t feeling the best.”

Anger flashes in her eyes and her lips purse. “You’re right, it doesn't feel the best. What a cheap bunch of witches.”

Braysen snorts, and Sam’s gaze moves over to him. Her features soften and tears pool in her eyes. “Bray.”

My best friend’s shoulders collapse, and he looks overwhelmed. Instead of saying anything, he wraps her up in a hug. Sam’s eyes close, and I see the tears run freely. As much as this screams against my instincts to never make her cry, I know she also needs this. They both do.

“Missed you, Sammy,” Braysen mutters into her hair, and she nods her head.

“You too.” Her voice shakes and then Braysen says something else that makes her laugh. She smacks his chest and he steps back from her, rubbing his left pec.

“Ow! I was serious.” He gives her a flirty wink, and my body tenses. “You can still be my lucky charm anytime, sweetness.”

I take a step toward him when Sam punches his shoulder this time. “Say it again and I’ll sick Dylan on you with her glitter wand.”

Dylan grins up at Braysen and he looks down at her with horror spreading over his features. “Anything but glitter.”

Sam laughs and the tension slowly leaves my body. Still, I want her focus back on me. I need to see her eyes to know she’s really okay. “Did you drive, Sam? I can carry your bag to your Jeep.”

Her teeth dig into her bottom lip, and her cheeks flush slightly. “I ah, I actually walked. It was really nice out earlier and I needed to get my warm up in.”

My jaw clenches and the age old need to bend her over my knee and⁠—

“Do not get that look with me, Kane.” Sam’s eyes flare like she knew exactly where my thoughts were going. “I’m an adult. It wasn’t the best decision, but I didn’t know I’d feel like this after the game either.”

“It's dark out,” I remind her through gritted teeth. We’re both staring and I’m trying my hardest to bat down every urge I have toward this woman. We’re not there yet, not where I can put my lips or my hands on her in any way despite my need to do so.

Braysen chuckles and drops down to Dylan’s level. “Are they always like this?”

Dylan giggles and I take a shuddering breath. “Can I drive you home at least? It's dark and it's gotten cold. You shouldn’t carry your bag on that shoulder.”

Sam’s gaze wavers and I see the small sliver of reluctance cross her face. Until she glances down at our daughter and Braysen. “Yeah, I would like that.”

We walk outside together, my hand holding Dylan’s while Braysen and Sam talk quietly. I can’t hear exactly what they’re saying, but it sounds like he made plans to treat her to breakfast tomorrow. At my truck, I load up Sam’s bag and get Dylan in her car seat. Braysen hugs Sam again, and she gets in the passenger seat.

“Meet you back at your place?” he asks, and I tilt my head at him, staring him down. Braysen laughs quietly under his breath and holds his hands up in surrender. “Just as a friend. If it makes you feel better, you can join us for breakfast as well.”

“I’ll buy her breakfast. You can just be there as a side prop.”

He shakes his head and wipes his hand down his face. “Damn. It's like high school.” He turns to leave and heads to his car. “See you at home, Kane.”

Once he starts his car up, I get in the driver seat and start up my engine. My eyes find Dylan in the back seat and she’s looking ready to conk out. My lips twitch in the soft smile reserved for my little one.

“She’s beat,” Sam agrees with what I’m thinking. I turn and find her glancing over her shoulder at our girl as well. My eyes flick over Sam’s features, taking in the love her eyes hold for Dylan.

“Let's get her home,” I say and pull onto the road. We make it a mile into the drive when Dylan’s head falls forward, and she is sleeping like a rock. Sam chuckles and takes a picture.