Page 105 of Slapshot Bride

“We did it, baby, and you were here for all of it.” He places me on my feet and seals his lips to mine for a quick kiss.

Another player passes by and wolf-whistles, clapping Easton on the shoulder.

“Easy there, brother,” the teammate says, strolling past.

Easton pulls away and hugs me.

“Come on, sweetheart.”

He walks me to the car.

21

EASTON

A Good Girl

The parking garage is loud.

Half the team is on the ramp between the players’ entrance and the row of cars, boots on concrete, voices bouncing off the ceiling,

Wyatt already three drinks into whatever he had in the locker room and yelling at anyone who will listen about the top-shelf goal.

Kai is by his truck on a call.

Theo is on his phone with the babysitter, setting up a drop-off for the night, while Quinn will be out with the team to celebrate the win.

It’s exactly the kind of scene it always is after a win.

“Easton,” Wyatt swings around a concrete pillar with a beer he found somewhere. “Merchant’s. Fifteen minutes. Kai booked out the whole back. You know how it is. You coming with your girl?” He winks at Riley, whose hand is in mine, and she’s quietly watching the scene.

I shake my head without giving it a thought.

“Nah… not tonight, man.”

“Come on.”

My hand tightens on Riley, and I pull her close.

“I need some sleep and time with my woman.” I kiss her hair.

“Aw man, you’re getting old and boring, but can’t say I’m mad, if it’s for Riley. But at least bring her this one time. Let’s introduce her to team traditions. What you say, ma’am?” He looks at Riley.

“I mean… I wouldn’t mind,” Riley says, lighting up.

“Yeah?”

She nods.

“See… the lady knows what's up. Come on, boy.”

I look at her.

I look at Wyatt.

I lean down and kiss her, quick, closed-mouthed, the corner of her lip.

“I would rather be in bed with you,” I tell her, in a voice I make sure Wyatt can hear. Then I wink at her. “For the cameras.”