Page 5 of Pucking Obsessed

I flush at the idea.

But it’s hot.

“Yes, Sir,” I reply because I know the effect theSirwill have on D’Angelo.

Immediately, D’Angelo presses me even more firmly against the couch, despite his gaze softening. “Good girl.”

My pupils dilate. I feel happy and floaty.

Because D’Angelo knows exactly what effectthosetwo words will have onme.

Checkmate.

I squirm around, trying to tempt D’Angelo back into kissing me. “Where are the twins?”

D’Angelo pulls a face. “Statistically, I’d say Eden was trying to stop his brother breaking something. Shay has only been at my beach house for four hours but already he’s smashed a window with his football and cracked an antique vase by showing us his so-called dance moves. Then he gave himself a black eye trying to learn to surf. Right now, he’s giving it another go and probably smashing himself in the other eye. People will be giving me sideways looks, when we return to practice. They’ll think that I’ve turned into the type of captain who kicks the newbie’s ass.”

I wince. “At least Shay’s enthusiastic. Code will have to give him lessons.”

My younger brother, Cody, is a talented surfer. He also lives in Freedom.

“Won’t that make coach happy? A dangerous hobby for the adrenaline junkie during the season to add to Shay’s rock climbing and Harley racing.” D’Angelo smirks. “I approve.”

The twins are from England. They’re only twenty-one and have difficult backgrounds.

This is their first beach holiday. It has been awesome to see their joy at the experience.

Shay’s a prodigy on the ice, but in the water, he looks like an enthusiastic puppy who doesn’t realize that they’re moments from drowning.

The rest of us have agreed to take turns being with him every time that he goes into the sea.

“So, Eden’s watching his brother then?” I ask. “How’s his shoulder?”

“Eden told me that he’s at a three on the pain scale.” D’Angelo huffs. “By the way that he’s holding it, however, my guess is that it’s actually about a six but he’s hiding it because he doesn’t want to ruin Shay’s first beach vacation.”

Worried, I glance across the beach, trying to search out a hazy view of the twins.

Eden was a hockey player, until an injury knocked him out of the NHL. He works as D’Angelo’s PA now (and the things that he can do with a schedule are indecent).

Despite his social anxiety, shoulder injury, and his severe post-concussion symptoms, Eden is Terminator level efficient.

He’s receiving treatment from the hospital and my brother, Cody, who is Director of Physical Therapy at the Bay Rebels.

The problem is that Eden never complains.

He won’t speak up in his own defense but he’d burn the world for Shay, D’Angelo, and me.

Yet I’d burn the people who’ve made Eden feel like he’s not arealperson but only a shadow.

D’Angelo nods. “Eden is reading. Also, he loves the wildlife. He thrives in the quiet out here, as much as he does in the forest. I’m happy that I can give them this. Ialmostsaw him smile earlier. When I bought this place, I thought that it’d be the perfect escape from hockey at weekends. But I had years of having no one to share it with. Having you all here with me now, principessa, finally feels right. I’m not alone anymore. This is a home at last, and you’re my family.”

I trace the scuff of stubble on D’Angelo’s chin. “And you’re mine. But I’m worried. Fun as drawing smutty stickmen is, didn’t Dad ask you to work on strategy for the upcoming gamesnext week? Heisthe type of hard-ass who’d leave you with black eyes.”

D’Angelo glances away. “You’re more important, cara mia. You’ll come first over hockey every time. I’ll work, when you’re asleep tonight. We’ve only just got back from the traumatizing road trip that mindfucked me. I suffered for coach. So, he can bust my balls if he wants. But I need this weekend with the people who I love so much it hurts. Unless you haven’t noticed, I’m fuckingobsessedwith you.”

My heart flutters, and my stomach swoops.

A short breath escapes me.

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