Page 252 of Cross Check

“No. Yes.” She sniffs and wipes her eyes. “I’m scared.”

“I always thought I was behind when it came to sex and relationships. My teammates experienced all these milestones I never had, and I wondered if I was doing things wrong. But then I went to a restaurant in Denver. I saw a beautiful blonde going toe-to-toe with a shitty date. She ordered a slice of key lime pie, and I fell in love. It all made sense. Nothing ever worked out for me because I was waiting for you.” I smile when her shoulders shake with a silent sob. “You were put into my life for a reason, Lia. Eight billion people on this planet, and I happened to be at the right place, at the right time, so I could meet you.”

“I love you,” Amelia says again. There’s more conviction this time, proof that she’s sure. “I fought my feelings for so long, Grant. I didn’t want it to happen. I didn’t think it was allowed to happen. Even now I’m terrified by what I feel for you, but the best things in my life have always been the opportunities that scared me the most. You’re the only person I want to be scared with, and I’m so ready to stop running.”

“Take a load off.” I push up to my knees and cup her face. “Stay. Let me be the one to love you the way you deserve.”

“What if I get hurt?”

“Not going to happen on my watch.”

“What if loving you hurts the most?”

“I’ll be gentle with your heart, Lia. I’ll protect it and guard it, and I’ll spend every day working hard to prove you’re safe with me.”

“I know I’m safe with you,” she whispers. “I’m at my best when you’re in my life, Grant. There’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.”

We don’t say much more after that. The waffles get cold. The syrup sticks to the table. I carry her to her room and set her on the bed. I hold her tight, and with her chest pressed against mine, I feel it happen: The moment my soul ties itself to hers. Tethered together, a permanent mark she’ll leave behind.

I didn’t think I could be any happier, but with her eyes twinkling bright and my heart in her hand, I know this is as good as it gets.

SEVENTY-NINE

GRANT

SEPTEMBER, THIS SEASON

Puck Kings

Easy E

Anyone want to grab food after training camp?

Sully

At what point are you all planning on removing Miller from this chat?

Mavvy

Ouch, Goalie Daddy. Play by those rules and you’ll be out of the chat soon too.

Sully

What a fucking relief that would be.

Me

No food for me. I’m busy.

Easy E

… do you have other friends?

Mitchy

He doesn’t have to tell us every detail of his life, Ethan.

Easy E