Page 191 of Power Play

I expect him to set me down quickly, but Liam is slow. He drags me down the front of my body, holding me there, and I wrap my legs around his waist.

“What else is included in this bet?”

“I heard something about ice angels and disgusting displays of affection.”

“I thought you hated PDA.”

“Wouldn’t mind it with you. Especially if it means Ethan loses a hundred bucks.”

I smile and touch his cheek, his skin warm and soft. “Seems like you don’t mind a lot of things with me. Interviews. PDA. Sleepovers. Hanging out with each other every single day. You’re the one doodling my name inyourjournal, aren’t you?”

“Guilty,” he says, and his nose brushes against mine. “You gonna give me an exit survey for our first date, Pipsqueak? The areas where I can improve?”

“Yeah. You lose a point for not kissing me.”

“Better fix that.” Liam brings his lips to mine. He kisses the corner of my mouth and grins. “We both know how I feel about being the best.”

FIFTY-ONE

LIAM

Piper

Happy end of the regular season!

How are we celebrating the best record in the league?

Me

With you.

Come over, baby.

Piper

I’m already on my way.

“If you dosomething horrible like tear your ACL next season and can’t play, I think you have a future in culinary.” Piper polishes off her dinner and scoots her plate away. “How are youthisgood at so many things?”

“I’m also not good at so many things, like listening to directions. Maverick yelled at me because I read ahead for book club, but I’m not going to slow down.”

“Are you a fan of monster smut now?”

“I think I’m converted.” I stand and grab her dirty dish, dropping in the sink with mine. “What other weird shit can you throw at me, Mitchell?”

“I’ll give you a list.” She crosses her legs and takes a sip of her wine. “Want some help cleaning up?”

“Nah. I saw the heels you wore to the arena today. I bet your feet are swollen as hell.”

“They’re bigger than Maven’s and she’s growing a human inside her! Come on, let me help. I know you had a long day with playoff prep. You shouldn’t have to clean up alone.”

“Fine. Come on down, Pipsqueak. You can wash and I’ll dry.”

Piper jumps off the stool and makes her way next to me. “I like doing these things with you. Washing dishes. Watching shitty television. Complaining about the curtains you need to fix in your bedroom.”

“Are we at the stage in our marriage where this is nagging?” I laugh when she grabs the sink nozzle and sprays me, warm water soaking my hair and shirt. “That was not a smart move, wife.”

“Whoops.” She gives me an innocent smile. “Better take those clothes off and get dry.”

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