Page 146 of Some Like It Hot

“Bath or shower?”

“A bath sounds amazing.”

I take her into my bathroom and I dig out some bath salts I use when my muscles are tired. Elise ties her hair up in a bun on her head as I turn the water on. I go and get her overnight bag and when I return, she’s already in the water, piling bubbles up over her naked body so I can’t see the good parts.

I’m going to assume that’s a hint that she doesn’t want me to touch her.

Pulling a towel out of the linen closet, I set it on the counter. “Here you go. Do you want a glass of wine?”

“That sounds amazing.” She gives a sigh and leans back, closing her eyes.

In my bedroom I change into lounge pants and a T-shirt, then go and open a glass of the sauvignon blanc I know she likes. When I come back, I turn off the overhead lights and just leave the sconces on so the harsh glare isn’t in her eyes. I set the wine on the little table I have next to the free-standing tub.

She opens her eyes and smiles at me. “Thank you. This tub is incredible. It’s massive.”

“I have a big body and I do love a good soak.”

“Think how amazing you’re going to feel in a year after you’re done playing.” She lifts the glass and sips the wine.

“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll miss hockey though.”

I’ll miss her.

I almost blurt out my feelings again, but she closes her eyes, so I just retreat and leave her be.

I debate reaching out to Aidan and asking him for advice, but I don’t know where the three of us guys stand with each other right now.

Or where they stand with Elise.

All of that kind of seems like a conversation that needs to happen in person. The four of us.

Scrolling through all the messages I have on my phone, I see a text from Justin Fucking Travers. Annoyed, I open it, wondering what the prick has to say.

Congratulations on your marriage, man. I’m genuinely happy for you. No more shit talk, let’s keep it to hockey.

I don’t know if it’s genuine or not, and I still want to slam him into the boards, but it’s something. I just text him “thanks” and leave it at that. If I think about him touching my wife, my head will explode.

Another twenty minutes pass while I scroll. I don’t hear anything from the bathroom. Worried Elise might have fallen asleep in the tub, I go and check on her. She’s asleep, but not in the tub. It’s still filled with deflating bubbles and lukewarm water.

Elise is curled up in the middle of my bed, sound asleep under the covers.

I pause, debating joining her, but she looks too comfortable to bother. My bulk will drop the mattress the second I sit on the bed and I don’t want to crowd her. I’ve crowded her enough today with my wants and desires.

So I grab my pillow and a spare blanket and head to the couch.

Not exactly the wedding night of my dreams and yet, I still feel very fucking grateful.

Fake or not, I’m married to the woman I love.

CHAPTER 36

Aidan

It’s two a.m. and I don’t give a fuck.

I’ve picked Simon up from the airport and we’ve had the drive to Blake’s apartment to discuss what comes next.

But what comes next is simple—we tell Mr. and Mrs. Blake Wilder that we’re in love with Mrs. Wilder, that we really like Mr. Wilder, and we’d like to live happily ever after with them.

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