Page 165 of Power Play

“I bet I shouted something back at you because you probably deserved it.”

It’s my turn to laugh, and I rest my chin on the top of her head. “Are we okay?”

“Is this another one of your existentialist questions?”

“I meant you and me, Piper. Did I do something to piss you off?”

“No. I needed some time to reflect on a couple of things. I’m okay, though.”

“Are you sure?”

She smiles into my shirt, and I hold her tighter. “Positive.”

I know she didn’t go anywhere, but I missed her hugs.

The way she holds me and runs her hands up and down my back.

I missed her laugh and her smile and the way she blushes when I tease her.

God.

I missedher.

I don’t like a world without Piper Mitchell in it.

The song ends, the music transitioning to a pop hit I don’t know any words to. We step away from each other, and I clear my throat.

“Do you want to head upstairs?” I ask. “We can probably head out since they already did the cake cutting and everything.”

“Only if we say goodbye to Alana before we leave. Your sister likes me, and I don’t want her to get mad at me because you’re trying to be sneaky.”

“Dammit. I was trying to avoid the goodbyes that are going to take an hour. This is going to be the hard way. Sure you’re okay with that?”

“Yes, and you’re going to be okay with it too.”

Piper takes my hand and leads me across the dance floor. We get stopped multiple times, exchanging pleasantries with members of my family before we finally make it over to the bride and groom.

“Piper,” Alana slurs, letting go of Harry’s waist so she can hug her. “You’re so pretty.”

“Wow.” Piper laughs and pats my sister’s shoulder before pulling away. “Someone’s had a lot to drink tonight.”

“I’m trying to get her to go to bed, but she said she can’t be the first one to leave the party.” Harry shakes his head and sighs. “We’re going to be here all night.”

“I got you covered, man. Lani, Piper and I are heading out. Now you won’t be the first one to leave.”

“You’re going?” Alana pouts and glares at me. “But I never see you.”

“I know. We have an early flight in the morning because I need to be back at the arena the day after tomorrow. I’m at fault, but we can really blame the NHL.”

“Fuck the NHL,” Alana calls out, and Piper buries her giggle in my shirt. “Did you two talk yet?”

“No,” I say sharply. “Because everything is okay.”

“Aw.” She clutches her chest. “You’re happy. I’m happy. We’re all so happy. Aren’t we, Harry? The Cutterbucks are so happy.”

“You really drew the short end of the straw with that last name,” I tell him.

“Fucking horrible, isn’t it. Hey, I hope you have a good rest of your season. Lani and I are going to try to come to a game in April.”

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