Page 49 of Put a Rink on It

“Since his team won the Cup finals,” I rush out, coming up with the story on my feet. “He issued a dare when they made the playoffs. ‘When we take home the Cup, go on a date with me.’ I only agreed because I didn’t think they’d actually win.”

“Hey,” Nero protests.

I shrug. “You were playing the top team in the league, and you were the underdogs. It was a long shot.” I sneak a peek at Ma, trying to decipher if she’s buying the story. Prattling on, I continue, “Imagine my surprise when they won.”

“Wait. They didn’t win the Cup last year,” Juliet shouts from the living room.

“Let’s not rub it in,” Nero grumbles. “But my new team is determined this year. They want to be the first expansion team in the league to win their first season.”

Ma looks at me, skepticism rooted deeply. “When did you get engaged? How did he propose?”

“Want to see the video?” Nero pulls his phone from his joggers and cues it up.

“It’s such a great video.” Juliet ambles to the kitchen, her eyes and mouth wide. “Where are we on the margarita?”

“Beer or wine are your only options.”

Ma takes the phone and ventures back to the living room.

“Wait. I want to watch again,” Juliet notes.

With the pressure slightly off, I gulp in air in the stifling kitchen.

Nero crowds my personal space and leans into my ear, eliciting goose bumps. “The dare was brilliant and totally something I would do. I’m kinda mad I didn’t think of it myself.”

A grin tugs at my lips. “If you had, I can’t guarantee I would have said yes.”

“Yet, now, you not only agreed to date me but also marry me.” He loops his arms around my waist and yanks me closer.

Like the kiss earlier, it should be more awkward, but it’s not. It feels…good. Right. I won’t ponder why that is until later tonight when I’m alone and consider it. Except, I’ve always felt most like me with Nero. Our friendship has been solid for years, which is why this isn’t awkward.

“Imagine that.”

“Nero. You’re so romantic. Could you share some of your skills with Hunter?” Juliet laughs, her words highly affected by the video.

For a moment, I surrender the notion that this is all fake and let myself swoon that she’s talking about my partner. I’ve never been on the receiving end of a guy treating me this way. Perhaps that’s why it feels so good. I could get used to this feeling of being cherished, if only for a short time until this ends.

Ma returns to the kitchen, a tear in her eye. She pushes me out of Nero’s arms and pulls him against her. “That was beautiful, Nero. I’m glad it’s you. You’re going to make my girl so happy, and I couldn’t ask for a better husband for her.”

Over my mom’s shoulder, Nero’s gaze meets mine, the softness in his hazel eyes causing indescribable feelings to erupt within me. His eyes don’t leave mine when he says, “Marina’s truly my soulmate, and I feel honored she agreed to my challenge and my proposal.”

I should be annoyed he’s laying it on so thick, that this bubble is eventually going to burst, but I can’t find it in me to be anything but elated.

“So, when’s the wedding?”

Thankfully, we’re able to evade Ma’s question a little longer with Nero’s, “We’re gonna relish in the engagement a little longer, maybe plan something for the offseason.”

“Or next year,” I insinuate. “We’ve already got two Keeley weddings this year. Three might put our family over the edge.”

I laugh the idea away, but there’s a lot of truth to it. I don’t want either of my siblings thinking I’m stepping on their toes or taking any of their thunder. Especially Juliet. She’d probably stop communicating with me if I took away from her big day. Walsh wouldn’t care so much, except I also don’t want to do that to Tate. Not after keeping the “relationship” a secret from them. We’ll keep the status quo a while longer.

After Juliet and Ma leave, Nero settles onto the couch, his level of comfort high, something else I’m not reading into too deeply. Three weeks ago, he would have acted the same when he visited. It’s good to remind myself.

“What’s for dinner?”

“Are you going back to Connecticut tonight?” I finish up the last of my coffee and join him in the living room, sitting on the love seat. I tuck my feet underneath me, letting go of the facade of the last several hours.

“Probably a good idea so I’m not rushed for morning skate.” His gaze meets mine. “That went better than I expected. What are your thoughts?”