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Chapter Nineteen
Taylor
Even with two players out for the championship, the Strickland Senators are crushing it on the ice. Preston sits in the stands with us next to Bex, cheering on his team with a sadness in his eyes that makes me feel for him. He beat the shit out of Kellan to defend Bex, and now he’s forced to watch his team win another Frozen Four from the stands.
“C’mon, Drakey,” Sydney says at my side with her hands folded in front of her face. She’s biting down so hard on her lip she might draw blood.
Chloe is on her left next to Carter, who’s hunched forward with his big hands cupping his knees, his gaze fixed on the final game of Drake’s college career. Neither of them has spoken for the last few minutes.
“Yes,” I say under my breath as I watch Drake make another save. “Good job, baby.”
A mixture of grunts, groans, and cheers echo throughout the crowd.
I’m so proud of him. Drake has been on point this year. His save percentage exceeded last year’s before the regular season was even over. And now, he’s killing it in the post season. Since the start of regionals, he’s only given up a handful of goals.
There are thirty seconds left on the game clock, and I’m holding my breath for every second of it. Bex squeezes both Preston’s hand and mine, her grip so tight it could break my fingers.
I hate freezing my ass off. The cold from the rink normally sends a shiver down my spine. But with a mixture of anxiety and adrenaline flooding through my veins, a rush of heat washes over me in waves. My skin burns, a warmth spreading to my cheeks. I hold Bex’s hand, keeping the other clenched at my side, praying the Senators can force the win.
When the buzzer sounds throughout the event center, the crowd erupts into chaos. I turn to hug the shit out of Bex before doing the same to Sydney. Preston has a grin on his face. It must be hard to watch the team he once led win another Frozen Four without him. But I know he’s happy for all of his teammates, though.
“I’m taking everyone out to dinner to celebrate,” Carter says looking down the row at Bex, Preston, and me.
“I want steak and lobster,” Chloe chimes.
Bex smiles. She couldn’t care less what we eat. Preston nods, still staring at the ice to cheer on his team. He grunts something to Bex, though I can’t make out the words.
“Count me in,” I say, unable to stop smiling.
Sydney hooks her arm through mine and hugs me against her side. “You’ve been so good for my baby. I’m happy Drake has you. Have either of you given any thought to what you’re going to do after graduation?”
I frown at the thought of spending a single day without Drake in my life. “No, not yet.”
We graduate in a few weeks. The clock is ticking down on our time together, though neither of us has given it any thought. Considering the distance between us, we should have talked more about how we’re going to navigate our futures. I already accepted my position at UC Berkeley for the fall semester, and Drake has his professional hockey career to think about.
Suddenly, my mood shifts, now mirroring the gloomy demeanor Preston has maintained for most of the game.
I need to talk Drake later, after I show him his surprise.
After dinner, I rush upstairs to the hotel room. Drake stayed behind at the lobby bar with his family and teammates. So, I took that as my opportunity to get ready for him.
Drake went all out for the occasion. The penthouse suite is larger than any house I’ve ever lived with my family. Like his house, it’s pristine and over-the-top, a blend of creams and whites shined to perfection. Everything looks and smells expensive. Hell, there’s even a bidet in the bathroom.
Discarding my jeans and sweater, I quickly slip into the navy lingerie with white bows I bought in hopes his team would win the championship. I couldn’t help myself. It was too much fun to match his team’s colors. Paired with white knee-high stockings that attach to a garter, I look like I could be his naughty team mascot.
Staring at myself in the mirrored walls behind the oversized bed, I know he will love me in this. The entry door slams behind Drake, and when I hear him approaching the double doors that lead to the master bedroom, I sit on the mattress and spread my legs.
He stops dead in his tracks shoving his hand through his dark hair. “Damn, baby.” Starting at my face, his eyes rake over every inch of my body.
“You like?” I ask in a playful tone, allowing my bra strap to fall down my arm. “I bought this for you.”
