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“No, you’re trying to tape it like me.” She proceeds to tape my sticks for me.
While I just gape at her. What love language is this? Acts of service?
I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with Aurora Whiteshaw than right this moment. Well, that’s a lie—I’ve definitely beenthisin love with her for a while. But right now it’s swelling in my chest, reminding me that there’s a definitive reason for my love.
“Mr. McGovern,” I say without taking my eyes off Aurora. “Maybe we’ll catch up with you later…”
He laughs.
Aurora looks up, her cheeks turning pink.
Her dad comes over and kisses her temple, one of the non-bruised spots, and Ashley pats her shoulder gently. They leave us, and Aurora slowly finishes up on the tape job. Blade and grip.
“There,” she says.
“Good.” I kiss her, careful to mind her injuries. And her ribs. But my hand has a mind of its own, slipping under the waistband of her leggings to cup her core. I don’t really give a shit about my own pleasure. I can jack off and let her watch, if she wants. But hers?—
I don’t want her to go a day without feeling this.
“You’re going to be the death of me,” she breathes.
“You’ve already killed me a few times,” I counter. I steal another kiss. “By the way, the paperwork came back.”
She eyes me, gasping when I hitjustthe right pressure. “Paperwork?” Her voice is high.
“The name change, Aurora Whiteshaw.”
“Oh, fuck,” she groans. Her eyes close, and she shudders as she orgasms. It must hurt, because she winces and touches her ribs. When she comes down, she blinks sleepily and murmurs, “I think I like the sound of that.”
“Good. Because it’s not reversible.”
Her laugh is the best sound. “You think?”
I scoff. “I know. It’s like superglue. Never coming off, sunshine.”
AURORA
FIVE MONTHS LATER
Iskate onto the ice, grinning at Knox. The doctors cleared me of all activity restrictions last month. This surgery, unlike the catheter from when I was sixteen, is meant to last longer and be more stable. Which means things like ice skating aren’t out of the question.
Professional hockey is, at this rate, but that doesn’t mean I can’t play with my friends.
And bymyfriends, I mean Knox’s friends.
We’re visiting Crown Point for a week. Jacob and Melody have a house here, and Knox actually surprised me when he said he had a house, too. He used to rent it out to the hockey players, but during the summer is when all their upgrades and clean-up happens.
So, right now, it’s completely empty. And it’s where we’re staying. Although with no furniture, it’s been an adventure of blow-up mattresses, paper plates, and plastic cutlery.
But being on the ice is a thrill I knew I was missing, I just forgot how much joy it brought me. My whole body feels lighter—even though it should be the opposite. I’m covered in pads, a helmet, a mouth guard. Gloved up, stick in hand.
We’re on the rink where Knox played college hockey.
It’s kind of surreal being here.
“Ready?” Greyson yells. “What was the bet again, Aurora?”
“I think I just said I could outskate you, Devereux,” I reply. “Although we could make it a bet if you want to up the stakes.”
