Page 127 of A Major Puck Up

“I’ll get it,” I say, already heading back in that direction. “You guys are really adorable all snuggled up on the couch. I’m kind of jealous.”

Gavin bites his lip, and I swear to god I’m going to melt into a puddle. “No need to be jealous, Peaches. There’s room for you here too.”

My stomach flips, and my smile is so fucking big as I grasp the doorknob and pull. The smile slips, though, when Camden comes into view.

“Hey, Baby Hall.” His focus dips, reminding me that I’m still in my pajamas.

“Camden.” I cross my arms over my chest to cover myself. “What’s up?”

The back of my neck prickles, then Gavin is clearing his throat.

“Everything all right?” he booms, suddenly appearing behind me, still holding Vivi, who’s wide-eyed and drooly, wearing nothing but a diaper and a smile.

Out of habit, I swipe at the moisture below her mouth, and she latches on to my hand, holding me close.

“Hey, Viv. You’re looking much happier than you were last night.”

Camden clears his throat, and I turn back his way.

“Sorry. It’s been a long few days.” I let out a light, uncomfortable laugh. “I’ll get out of the way so you guys can chat hockey or whatever.” Turning, I hold my arms out, reaching for my little bestie. “Want me to take her?”

“Actually, I came to see you,” Camden confesses.

Frowning, I turn back around. He’s dressed in a button-down shirt, and he’s gripping his coat in one hand, his fists almost white.

Is he nervous?

He wets his lips, and my stupid eyes follow the movement. I definitely need more sleep.

“Me?”

His mouth quirks up in a lopsided, boyish smile. “Yeah, thought maybe we could go grab dinner and a movie.”

Oh shit.

Chest suddenly tight, I glance back at Gavin.

His jaw is taut, and the easy demeanor and smile from moments ago have vanished.

“I have to work,” I stammer, wishing I’d never answered the door. Wishing Gavin was still smiling and teasing.

“Can she have the night off, Coach? She’s been going nonstop.”

At Camden’s plea, Gavin fixes his brown eyes on me. He studies me, appraising, and, I hope, finally seeing who I’ve become.

For a moment, I think he’s going to tell Camden to fuck off. That he and Vivi need me. Or maybe even that he wants me to stay. I press my lips together and silently will him to do just that. I beg him without words to understand what’s written in my heart. But when he lets out a soft sigh and a resigned smile forms on his lips, I know I’m going to hate whatever he says next.

“He’s right, Millie. You deserve a night off.”

“I just woke up,” I almost whisper, my voice caught in my throat, looking from him to Camden with a frown.

“That’s okay. I can hang with Coach while you get ready. That work?”

Gavin nods and motions for Camden to follow him inside. As the men settle on the couch, I force my feet to move and make my way down the hall, ready to scream about how time never seems to be on our side.

It isn’t until hours later, when I’m sitting in the movie theater, hands clasped tightly in my lap, that I remember Gavin’s first words to me today.

That I recall his demeanor when I woke up.

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