Page 96 of On Thin Ice

Well, as close as my belly allowed at this point.

I swore I heard Darcy’s sigh. Kissing Dom like this in front of my family and friends was really going to drive home the fact that we weren’t just roommates anymore, but I didn’t care.

“Stop kissing my sister.” My brother’s voice carried down the hallway.

Dom gave me a reassuring squeeze before he broke the kiss.

“Ethan, just stop,” Penny said, standing next to him as he glared at us.

“They’re looking very couple-y right now,” he grumbled.

“And you have to deal with it,” she fired back. I grinned at my sister-in-law and she gave me a smirk.

“And you also have to not push him into the boards just because you’re grouchy,” I said, turning in Dom’s arms so he was still holding me while I narrowed my eyes at my brother. We were gathering a crowd of players from both teams, and I caught Baz grinning. At least we were out of sight of the media.

“Come on, Ally. It was just a normal hockey hit. So, is he making you happy, then?” Ethan asked, moving toward me.

“Yes, he is,” I said, loving Dom’s presence at my back and the fact that he wasn’t trying to step in or speak over me.

“I don’t have to be happy about it,” my brother grumbled, “but I also don’t like you glaring at me.”

I laughed softly. “Then stop trying to injure him on purpose.”

“So accidentally is okay?” Ethan asked with a smile.

“Oh, knock it off,” Penny said, pinching her husband’s side. “We’re happy for Ally and Dom and our little niece, and that’s the end of it. And no gunning for Dom, got it?”

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered to her. “Now, is he going to let you go long enough for me to hug you before I have to get on the team bus to the airport?”

I laughed. “Yes. Of course.”

Dom dropped his arm and I was pulled into a hug with my brother. There was nothing like a hug from Ethan.

“I hate that you won’t be home for Christmas. You’re going to make me be more social with Darren,” he complained.

“Just keep ignoring them, and I’ll be there next year,” I said.

“So, is this thing real with Dom? Because if he hurts you, I will hurt him even more.”

I pulled back and looked my brother in the face. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but this is working for now, and I’m happy.”

“Good. You look great. I know I told you that earlier, but you do. And I can’t wait for her to get here,” he said before he gave me another light squeeze.

“Thanks, Ethan. He’s been really wonderful. I mean it.”

“He better be, or he’s got an entire team of Strikers that will go after him,” Ethan said, sending a quick glance over my shoulder at Dom.

I stepped out of the hug. “All right, enough of that.”

He shrugged. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”

Then Dom was linking his fingers with mine. I knew Ethan saw it immediately.

“I’m not going to hurt either of them, Harty. Your sister means a lot to me,” Dom said.

It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it still warmed my heart.

DOM

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