Page 78 of Rivals

He nods quietly right as the door opens again, and Riley slips back inside. She looks beautiful still but tired. The long night and her fear are catching up to her.

“You should be able to be discharged tomorrow after they check your arm and your follow-up appointments are scheduled.”

Her dad smiles. “Good, one more day of tv and Jell-o.”

“Dad.” Riley laughs and shakes her head at him.

“You kids should get on back. Your dress is pretty, kid, but I’m sure its uncomfortable to lounge in.”

“We can stay—-”

“No.” He holds up a hand, grinning. “I’m the parent still. Go back to school. Change. Eat. Sleep. I expect to see you on your game next weekend.”

“I’ll make sure she gets home,” I tell him, taking her hand in mine. “Let your dad rest, babe.”

Huffing, Riley walks over to him and kisses his stubbled cheek. “Fine. But I’ll be making sure Reign asks his mom so we know if you’re following up with who and what you need to be.”

“You do that, kiddo,” Mr. Conrad answers.

I manage to get her out the door and to my car. Riley is silent on the way back to the dorms, but she holds my hand.

“Where are we going?” she asks when I take the opposite turn to my apartment instead.

“My place. So I can make sure you eat and get a hot shower,” I respond, bringing her knuckles up to my lips.

“I can take care of myself.” She sighs, but settles more into my seat.

“I know you can, but let me take care of you.”

We fall into more silence once we get there, and for the entire elevator ride to my floor. I scan my key card and let her and myself inside. Riley walks to the bathroom and instantly drops her dress, turning the shower on full blast. Steam fills the room while I watch her. Our eyes connect through the glass and her tears bring me to my knees. I’m undressed in record time, and walking under the hot spray to hold her. Riley collapses in my arms, crying and clinging to me.

“Thank you, Reign.”

I kiss the top of her head, her temples, her forehead and my hands run all over her body, soothing her, comforting her. “You don’t need to thank me, Riles. I will do anything for you, always. Forever. You’re my life, baby girl.”

“I love you so much, Reign.”

I take her face in my hands. Even with her cheeks red and eyes swollen, she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. “I love you, Riley. Let me make you happy forever. I’ll take care of everything. Just be with me, and be happy. Everything is going to be okay. Trust me.”

“I do.” She whimpers and her arms wrap around my waist.

I’m happy just to hold her and take care of her. After pressing a kiss to her lips, I help her wash her hair and her body before helping her into a warm towel. I give her one of my t-shirts and a pair of shorts to wear and while she brushes the tangles from her hair, I make us some eggs and toast. Riley almost falls asleep while eating, so I carry her to my room and lay her on the bed. I climb in next to her and wrap her in my arms, my front pressed into her back. She sighs before snuggling closer to me. I’m never letting her go.

Riley

“Reign’s sign sure is subtle.” Leah laughs while standing next to me on the blue line.

I glance at my boyfriend in the stands with his team and the obnoxious, red sign he’s holding.

I PUCKING LOVE #18!

“I’m going to kill him,” I vow, shaking my head.

“Yeah, try saying that without the smile on your face.” She winks before skating off to her corner.

Our names have been called, the anthem has been sung and all that’s left is for the puck to drop. It’s been on my mind all day that this game is the last in my school career. I’m not sure what will come with college or the future. I enjoyed being a Saint more than I thought I would, and it’s all thanks to him.

My eyes lock on him one more time. Reign stands out even in a crowd to me. His hair is a shaggy mess, wearing his ASA hoodie and a pair of black track pants. The look he gives me is hot enough to melt the ice. It’s pride, love, and excitement all rolled together. My gaze flicks to his lips where his gold chain is holding those little numbers hostage in his mouth. Eighteen and eighty-one. His and mine. I shiver even in my gear and quickly mouth I love you.

---