Page 22 of Owning Eva

His arm slides around my waist, and he kisses me, his lips soft and gentle.

“Now, we go back to the lodge so I can properly fuck my woman.”

I let out a startled giggle, slapping his bulky shoulder. “Eli!”

My guy just winks, pulling me into his arms for another devastating kiss. I could get used to this.

Epilogue

ELI

The arena smells of sweat, ice, and adrenaline—a mix I’m used to after years in this game. But tonight, none of that registers. Not the roar of the crowd, not the sound of my skates cutting across the ice, not even the weight of the championship trophy we just won.

Because all I can see is my woman.

She’s in the stands, right where I told her to be. My jersey hugs her curves perfectly, the bold ‘Jackson’ on her back making me want to drag her out here and kiss her in front of every damn person in the building.

Her smile is proud, her dark eyes shimmering as she watches me skate the victory lap. I’ve been on this ice hundreds of times, but nothing has ever felt like this.

* * *

By the time the post-game ceremony is over, the ice is littered with confetti, and the crowd is still on its feet. My teammatesare celebrating, but I skate straight to the glass where Eva’s still standing, looking more beautiful than anyone has a right to.

I tap the glass with my glove, and she leans forward, still grinning huge.

“Come down here,” I mouth, jerking my head toward the tunnel.

Her lips part, but before she can argue, security is already leading her to the ice.

When she steps out on the rink, clutching the hand of a staff member for balance, it’s like the entire arena fades away. My jersey’s hanging loose over her curvy frame, and her big brown eyes are wide as she looks up at me.

“You okay?” she asks when she’s close enough.

“Better now.”

I don’t waste time. My hand dips into the pocket of my pants, and I pull out a small velvet box.

Her eyes go wide as I sink down to one knee, the roar of the crowd suddenly deafening as they realize what’s happening.

“Eva Carter,” I say, my voice carrying through the chaos. “You’ve been driving me crazy since the second I saw you, and I never want it to stop.”

Her full, tempting lips part, her delicate hands flying to her mouth as I flip open the box, revealing the huge-ass diamond ring inside.

“I’m yours, Eva,” I continue, my chest tightening as I stare up at her. “Marry me.”

For a second, it feels like the entire arena holds its breath. Then she nods, her beautiful face breaking into a smile that makes my heart swell.

“Yes,” she says, her voice trembling. “Yes, Eli. Let’s get married.”

I don’t remember standing, but suddenly, I’m pulling her into my arms, lifting her off her feet as the crowd erupts around us. Her lips crash into mine, and it feels like the only sound in the world is her whispering my name against my mouth.

* * *

A week later, we’re at our place—a modern loft with high ceilings, big windows, and a chef’s kitchen my girl loves.

Eva’s curled up on the couch, her laptop open on her knees as she types furiously, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. I stand in the doorway, leaning against the frame and watching her with satisfaction.

“You’re staring,” she says without looking up.

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