“I know.”
“You’re coming to every game, right?”
“Every single one.”
“Good.” He takes my hand and we start skating again. “Because I’m going to need you there to count my goals.”
I laugh because of course we’re still doing this. Of course the orgasm-per-goal arrangement is a permanent fixture of our relationship. “Are we still doing that?”
“JuJu, we’re always going to do that.”
Always. The word settles warm in my chest. Always means playoffs. Means next season. Means a future I’m not afraid to plan for anymore.
“So what happens when you score three goals?”
“You get three.”
“What if you score four?”
“Then you’re going to have a very good night.”
“What’s your record? Most goals in a game?”
“Three. Hat trick.”
“So I haven’t even had your best yet.” I’m teasing now, enjoying the competitive gleam that sparks in his eyes.
“Baby, you get my best every night.”
“Smooth.” I lean up and kiss his jaw. “But seriously, three is your record?”
“So far.” He pulls me closer as we glide across the ice. “I’ve been close a few times. Four goals isn’t unheard of. Five is rare but possible.”
“Five goals.” I pretend to consider this. “That seems ambitious.”
“That seems like a challenge.”
“Maybe it is.”
He stops skating and turns to face me fully, that smile on his face that means he’s about to say something either very romantic or very ridiculous. “I better start practicing.”
“For hockey or for after?”
“Both.”
I laugh and he spins me around, showing off in that way he does when he’s happy and relaxed and completely himself.
“Then I guess I better be at every game,” I say when we’re facing each other again. “So I know how many to expect.”
“Smart plan.” He kisses me once more, soft and sweet. “Very smart plan.”
We skate until my legs are tired and my face hurts from smiling. Until the kids start getting cranky and the adults start thinking aboutdinner. Until Marnie finally calls it and everyone starts filtering off the ice.
Romeo helps me with my skates, his fingers careful on the laces.
“You really love them,” he says. Not a question.
“I really love them.” I cup his face and kiss him properly. “And I really love you.”
