Page 147 of Power Play

“We’re flying private,” Liam says, not bothering to look up from his phone. He was checking the league standings a few minutes ago, and even though he’s on a short hiatus from playing, his attention is still on hockey. “Why would we go to departures?”

“Hang on.” I stare at him and tap his screen. He glances at me. “Private? You sent me boarding passes for first-class seats on an American Airlines flight.”

“That was before you told me you don’t enjoy flying. I thought something with a bed where you could get a few hours of sleep might put you at ease.”

“You splurged on an airplane to take us across the Atlantic because I mentioned I don’t like to fly? That… that isobscene, isn’t it?”

“Is it? I figured you’d be more comfortable with space.” Liam turns off his phone and slips it in the pocket of his jeans as the driver pulls up to a barbed wire gate. “I’ve flown private before. It’s way more fun than any seat in first class.”

“You have? Where the hell are you going, globetrotter?”

“Home to Chicago. I bring Pico with me. He’s impossible in a carrier.”

“That doesn’t surprise me at all.” The car turns left on the tarmac, and I spot a plane in the distance. It’s not nearly as big as the chartered commercial jet we take on road games, but it’sstill large. My mouth drops open, and I press my nose against the window. “This is unreal.”

We come to a stop, and I climb out. Liam takes my suitcases, walking up the short flight of stairs with the bags like I haven’t stuffed every outfit in my closet inside. He dips his head as he steps aboard, and I follow behind him.

The interior is plush leather and cool lights. Big chairs are on either side of the wide aisle, and a couch takes up almost the whole left side of the aircraft. There’s a table too, and a minibar in the corner.

It’s the most opulent thing I’ve ever seen, and I lived in one of the nicest penthouses in DC when I was married.

Sleek and modern, everything looks like it’s brand new and top of the line. I run my finger across the back of one of the chairs and huff out a laugh.

I know what NHL players make.

I see their nice cars. The jewelry they buy and the outrageous things they purchase because theycan.

Liam doesn’t live like that, though, and this is my first taste at seeing just how rich he is.

A multimillionaire with a huge playing contract. Sponsorship deals and an endorsement with Bauer that pays seven figures a year.

This probably won’t put a dent in his bank account, but knowing he spent money onmemakes me warm. My skin prickles. A fuzzy, fluttery feeling takes up residence in my stomach, and I can’t help but smile.

“Thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it,” I say.

“Think you’ll be less stressed out in here?”

“I sure hope so.”

“Good.” He cups the back of my neck and squeezes once. “I’m going to grab my bag.”

I settle into one of the chairs and relax. The tension about how the next few days are going to go seeps away as I take a deep breath and look out the window, watching Liam clasp hands with our driver and slip some money his way.

He’s back a few minutes later, popping into the flight deck to say hello to the pilots before taking the chair across from me.

“Feels like we’re about to conduct a board meeting.” I fold my hands on the table between us and level him with a look. “What items do you want to discuss today, Sullivan?”

“Dining options. You liked the chicken parm we had at my house, so I requested it ahead of time for lunch today. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies. If you want something else, they have other dishes.”

“You requested one of my favorite meals?”

“Yes?” He blinks at me and frowns. “Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay. I forget how observant you are. I’m not used to it.”

“It’s my job, remember?” He leans back, eyes never leaving mine. “And you’re fun to observe.”

“Now I need to do things and see if you’re watching. Will you see me flip you off during games?”

---