Page 131 of The Breaking Point

“I was distracted!”

Brady pulled me onto his lap. “You make me lose my mind, clearly. But you know we’ll have to keep this a secret until we die, right?”

“Uh, duh. We should maybe think about taking the chair out back and burning it for good measure.”

“And get your dad a new chair without him putting two and two together? Good luck.”

I sighed, leaning my head against Brady’s shoulder. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He kissed my forehead. “And I think it’s time you moved out of your parents’ place.”

BRADY

It’d been a month since Grace and I had taken our relationship public. Even Coach, to my surprise, had been supportive. When he’d come around the corner to find us kissing after practice, he’d just raised an eyebrow and told us jokingly to get a room.

I’d never realized how freeing it was to be open about how much I loved Grace Dallas. I’d kept that love hidden and buried for so long that it was like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Grace had essentially moved in with me after that day we’d had sex in her dad’s chair. Her parents hadn’t been thrilled, but they’d let her go without further comment.

I was just glad Grace and I could be alone, because not a day went by when I didn’t want her: under me, over me, and every which way in between.

Near the beginning of spring, the Blades had one of the last games of the season. Buoyed by Grace’s love and support, I had one of my best games of the season. When we won by three points, it was like a bomb had gone off in the arena. Everyone exploded with excitement, and my entire team converged on me to celebrate.

Even Coach hugged me. I couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked that it took me a second to realize what the hell he was doing.

“Carmichael,” he said, slapping me on the back. “My boy. Wow.”

I swallowed, feeling stupidly emotional. “Thanks, Coach. For everything.”

Coach shook his head. “Get out of here and get cleaned up.”

Afterward, I came out of the locker room to find Grace. She held a large bouquet and was positively beaming. I didn’t even stop to let her give me the flowers. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her.

When we parted, she was breathless. “Oh goodness. What was that for?”

“Because you’re my good luck charm. None of this would’ve happened without you.”

“I think you’re just a good hockey player, but I’ll take the compliment.”

I smelled the roses and then handed them off to one of the team’s assistants to find a vase for them. That was when I realized Grace was acting a little cagey.

“What is it?” I asked, concerned.

She was blushing now. “Um, I have an idea. A fantasy, really, that I wanted to run by you.”

“Go on.”

“I think we should go to the club and act like strangers who’ve never met. And then we have fun ... in front of people. If you catch my drift.”

I stared at her, a little shocked. Then I laughed. “Damn, baby, you’re full of surprises. But I’m game if you’re game.”

“Excellent.” She kissed my nose. “I’ll see you there at nine p.m. I’ll be wearing red lace.” Then she winked and left me to stare at her gorgeous backside.

When I arrived at the Scarlet Rope, wearing a black suit and a red tie to match Grace’s outfit, my heart pounded inanticipation. It was a few minutes before 9:00 p.m. Would Grace already be here? I scanned the foyer, but I didn’t see blond hair and red lace. Not yet, anyway.

I went to the bar to order a drink. The bartender took one look at me and said, “Shit, Brady Carmichael? Amazing game tonight.”

“Thanks,” I said, meaning it.

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