Page 25 of Perfectly Wedded

“Does anyone not know yet?” I say. “Or can I assume the whole team has heard by now?”

“Oh, they know,” Leo says. “You can thank the internet for that. I’m sure our owner, Mr. Marco, wasn’t pleased to find out that way.”

“Someone in Vegas leaked it,” I reply, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in my stomach. The press conference is going to be brutal today. Protecting Sloan from the onslaught of questions is my number one priority. “If anyone tries to get information, send them to me. Leo, you especially.”

“I’m not the one you need to worry about. Your girl, on the other hand, isn’t used to the press. Have you prepared her for this?”

I cross the kitchen in a few quick strides, closing the distance between us. “She’s not mygirl, she’s my wife. And you’ll refer to her as my wife from now on.”

Just then, Sloan enters the kitchen, and her eyes cut to me. “What did you say about me?”

“Uh, nothing,” I say with a shrug. I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and notice her stiffen under my touch. “Just guy stuff.”

“Looks likeyour wifehas you wrapped around her finger, Vale-boy,” Leo says with a smirk as he leaves thekitchen.

“He makes me want to punch things,” I mutter under my breath.

Brax tips his chin at me. “Join the club.”

Sloan grabs an apple, while I pour a bowl of cereal. “Do you mind if I use the bathroom first after I work out? I want to look nice for the press conference today.”

“It’s all yours.”

“But what about your hair and beard?” Brax says, grinning at me. “Don’t you need an hour to make yourself camera-ready?”

“Shut up, Brax,” I say. “My wife gets first priority now.”

“Thanks, honey.” She smiles, then reaches up to tousle my hair before leaving.

Brax lifts an eyebrow. “You let her mess up your hair?Wow.Never thought I’d see the day. Sloan has you whipped into shape.”

“She does not,” I mumble, fixing my hair.

“Sure looks like she does,” Tate says. “How’s that going to affect your focus during games?”

“It won’t,” I grumble. “I’m still the same player. Marriage won’t change me on the ice.”

“You’d be surprised.” Brax leans in close. “Do you think about her all the time? Want to be near her? Can’t stop replaying your time with her alone?”

Tate holds up a hand. “Stop right there. We get the idea.”

I shrug. “I won’t let it affect my game.”

But I don’t admit the full truth: that my thoughts stray to her all the time. Ever since we got married, she’s on a constant loop in my head. Like how stunning she looked in that silver gown. And that nightgown? I can’t even let my mind go there without getting completely flustered. How am I supposed to keep this up for an entire year while pretending I feel nothing for her but brotherly love?

“Take it from me,” Brax says, tearing off a piece of his bagel. “She’s going to be a distraction during games.”

“Guys, I’m telling you. I don’t have a problem with focus.”

Sloan jogs back into the kitchen, her ponytail swinging behind her.

“I forgot my water,” she chirps, grabbing her bottle.

She’s changed into a pair of workout shorts and a cropped T-shirt that skims the waistline. I can’t help but appreciate her gorgeous curves as she brushes by me. When she wiggles her fingers to say goodbye, I give her a wink—just for show, of course—while reaching for my juice glass. I’m so focused on Sloan, I accidentally knock it over, spilling juice across the counter.

“You’re right,” Brax adds, smirking. “You don’t have a problem with focus at all.”

TEN

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