Page 44 of On Thin Ice

“Yeah, he’s sleeping on the couch tonight,” she said. “But he knows that the only thing that matters is your happiness, even if he’s been a butthead about it.”

“I hope so,” I said with a sigh. Tonight had definitely not played out like I anticipated. I was annoyed with myself for not just telling Ethan that Dom was the father way back when. On the other hand, it shouldn’t matter to him because it was my damn life.

“I already asked Bugsy if we could use one of the offices to talk,” Penny said.

“I didn’t want this to be a big deal,” I grumbled, grateful that she didn’t state the obvious. It was a big deal, I guess. Notthat hockey was tabloid material for the most part, but getting knocked up by my brother’s teammate definitely had clickbait potential. Ugh, at least my parents weren’t at this game. I knew I had to fill them in, too, I’d just been avoiding it.

“Tell Dom to meet us in the second office. It’s away from the media room and will hopefully be out of the way,” Penny said. “I’m going to check on Mr. Obstinate.”

My chuckle sounded strangled. “Thanks, Penny.”

“Of course. You’re my sister-in-law and my friend. And your brother is being an ass.” Then she gave me a smile and walked toward the Strikers’ locker room. I heard a few reporters call out her name, but I couldn’t hear what she said back. Hopefully, it wasn’t about me.

I easily found the empty office and then pulled out my phone to let Dom know where I was.

Dom: Give me ten, and I’ll be there. Just getting dressed.

I did not need that last bit of info because now I was thinking about him in a towel. I hadn’t been with anyone since Dom, and these pregnancy hormones were no freaking joke and were getting stronger by the day.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and Dom walked in. It was overwhelming to have him standing in front of me.

The perfect fit of his game day suit wasn’t helping matters. His hair was still wet, and he tucked a longish strand behind his ear. My fingers itched to touch him. Stupid damn hormones.

“Hi,” he said with a smile.

My heart started to flutter, as did Baby Girl. I instinctually put my hand on my belly.

“Is she moving?” he asked, stepping closer to me. I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. His brown eyes twinkled, and my brain shorted out, my senses on overload.

“Can I?” His hand started to reach for me before he pulled back. “Sorry. Is it okay?”

“Um, yeah.” My voice was breathless.

And then his large hands framed my bump, his thumbs meeting at the center as he cupped it.

“Is that her?” he asked, his voice filled with awe.

My heart raced, my senses taking in everything as he kept his hands in place, and our daughter fluttered under his touch.

“She’s been very active tonight,” I said when I finally found my voice.

He grinned, squatting down in front of me so he was eye level with my belly. “Because she knew I was trying to get all the goals for her tonight, didn’t you, Baby Girl?”

Dammit. Why was that the sweetest thing?

“Sorry about the loss,” I said. “And my brother.”

He rubbed his thumb softly over my shirt as he looked up at me, and I shoved away the totally inappropriate thoughts I was having about him in this position.

“You cold?” he asked, standing up.

“Uh. No.”

“You just shuddered. Do you want my jacket?”

“I’m fine,” I muttered. Heat flooded my cheeks. If he only knew what I was thinking at that moment.

“Can I hug you?” he asked.

---