Page 106 of On Thin Ice

“I can’t help it. It just comes naturally,” he stated.

“You better hope she doesn’t spit up on your suit.”

He shrugged. “I can change. Not a big deal. Do you need anything before I go?”

“You’re going to be late. And we’ll be fine. Cora and the other WAGs stocked our fridge with food, and I have everything I need.”

Dom nodded and set Olivia in the bassinet we had near the couch. Then he gently pulled me into his arms. “You are amazing, Ally. I’m still in awe of you.” He cupped my face in his hands and sealed his lips to mine.

I sank into his hold, moaning softly as he swiped his tongue along the seam of my mouth before I opened for his questing tongue. One hand moved to cradle the back of my head while hewrapped the other one around my waist. He held me like I was fragile, like I was cherished.

I wanted to tell him that I was in love with him, but right before he had to leave for a game was not the time. And part of me still questioned if he would say it back.

My tongue tangled with his and my nipples beaded. I felt my milk wet my shirt, and then Livi let out a cry.

“Fuck. I can’t get enough of you,” he said against my mouth when I broke the kiss.

He stepped away and picked up Olivia, handing her to me.

“Be good for Mommy, Baby Girl,” he said, pressing one last kiss to her forehead as she scrunched up her nose to cry. “I get it. Her boobs are delicious.”

“Oh my god, get out.” I gasped.

“It’s the truth. See you tonight.”

He gave me one last quick kiss, ran his finger down Olivia’s cheek, and then walked out the door.

“Your daddy is crazy, Livi.” And I was crazy in love with him. We’d definitely become more than roommates before Olivia was born, but with my head all over the place, was I reading more into us than was really there?

Livi let out another cry.

“Yes. Sorry, baby.” I settled on the couch and adjusted her so she could latch. I just needed to go with the flow, which had always been hard for me. I wanted to know where I stood with Dom. Where he saw our future.

Were we on the same page already, and I was second-guessing myself for no reason? Ugh, I was too exhausted to be dwelling on this right now.

***

“We want him to get a goal tonight, but if he does, he’s going to be insufferable,” I whispered to a sleeping Livi a few hours later. It was currently halfway through the second period, the Stampede were up by one, and I was ready to pass out. I’d sent Dom a few pictures of us cheering him on during the last period, and he’d responded, telling me that he shared the pictures with his teammates because Livi was just too cute in her jersey—as was I, according to him.

And dammit, if that didn’t make my heart swell.

“Go. Go. Just shoot it,” I yelled as Dom tried to find an opening. “Shit. Shoot it.” I lowered my voice and took a peek at my daughter. She was still sleeping, thankfully. I knew I should have been sleeping when she was, but I’d wanted to watch the game.

The puck banged off the pipes. Maybe I’d just get a little sleep.

***

Olivia’s cries woke me up. I tried to shake the sleep from my head and sat up so I could lean over her bassinet. Her eyes were open as she cried for me, and I held her against me, rocking her softly. She was probably hungry again.

Then the goal horn on TV blared, and I glanced up. There were two minutes left in the third period, and Dom was grinning on the screen. The replay showed him potting the goal and putting them up four to three.

He did his little salute that I loved so much.

“Daddy’s going to be insufferable, Livi. He got you your goal,” I said, holding her close to my face to snap a quick selfie for Dom. At least she’d paused in her crying for the picture. I texted it to Dom, knowing he’d want to see it.

Ally: She woke up just in time for your goal. We’re very proud.

Ally: Congrats on the game. We’re heading to bed.

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