Page 85 of Face Me Off

“Really?” He turns toward me. “I’d have never known.”

Smooth, Sorenson. Real smooth.

I open my mouth to speak, but Mrs. Grimes steps into view. “What’s going on?”

I clear my throat and step forward before Maddy can respond. “Mr. and Mrs. Grimes, I apologize for the intrusion, but I wanted to speak with you both.”

Mrs. Grimes arches a perfectly manicured eyebrow, her gaze sharp as a skateblade. “And you couldn’t have called ahead, Mr. Sorenson?”

I meet her stare head-on, refusing to be intimidated. “Some things are better said in person, ma’am.”

Maddy steps beside me, and that subtle support is all the encouragement I need.

“I know you don’t approve of my relationship with your daughter,” I begin, my voice steady despite the nerves buzzing through my veins. “But I’m here to tell you that I love Maddy and won’t let anyone stand in the way of that love. Not even you.”

Mr. Grimes scoffs, his eyes narrowing. “You think you can just waltz in here and make demands, boy? You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

I take a step closer, my gaze locked on his. “With all due respect, sir, I know exactly who I’m dealing with. I’m dealing with two parents who want the best for their daughter, just like I do.”

There’s a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but I press on. “I may not come from wealth or power, but I can promise you this: I will love and cherish Maddy with every fiber of my being. And I believe in her and her dreams. I’ll be there for her, no matter our challenges.”

Mrs. Grimes studies me, her expression unreadable. “And what about your own dreams, Mr. Sorenson? How can we trust that you won’t sacrifice our daughter for your hockey career?”

I meet her gaze unflinchingly. “Because Maddy is my dream, ma’am. She’s the reason I push myself on the ice and strive to be a better man. My love for her only makes me stronger, both as a player and as a person.”

Where did that come from? I’m not even going into hockey. But as the words settle, I realize there is truth behind them. Whether it’s prepping for a physical therapy program or hockey, Maddy makes me better.

Maddy’s hand slips into mine, our fingers intertwining in a silent show of unity. “I know our relationship may seem unconventional to you, but it’s real. It’s the most real thing I’ve ever known.”

Mr. Grimes regards me for a long moment, the tension thick enough to cut. And then, slowly, he nods.

“You’ve got guts, kid. I’ll give you that.”

Hope surges through me, but I keep my expression neutral. “Thank you, sir.”

He sighs. “I can’t say I’m thrilled about this, but I can see that you truly care for my daughter. And that’s all a father can ask for.”

Maddy squeezes my hand, her smile brighter than the Cessna University scoreboard after a game-winning goal. “Thank you, Dad. Thank you both for understanding.”

Mr. Grimes grunts, butthere’s a glimmer of respect in his eyes. “I only want what’s best for you, Maddy,” he says, his voice gruff. “Just remember, Sorenson: you hurt her, and you’ll have to answer to me.”

I nod and meet his gaze straight on. “Understood, sir.”

Mrs. Grimes steps towards us, extending a hand. I take it, feeling the ice-cold touch of her diamond-studded rings against my knuckles. “Take care of our daughter.” Her words are a warning wrapped in velvet, but I don’t waver.

“I promise.” I keep my expression neutral and hope like hell she can see the truth in that statement.

“Alright, then,” Mr. Grimes says after an awkward silence that lingers for a moment too long. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some things to discuss.”

Maddy and I head toward my car. When we’re out of earshot, I lean over and ask, “Malibu?”

Maddy beams up at me, and her smile slowly spreads. “Malibu,” she confirms.

But as much as I can’t wait to have her beneath me, I’m just glad to have her back with me. She means everything to me.

“You know. When we have kids, all they’re going to know is love. None of this pretentious bullshit.”

Her eyes gleam as she looks up at me. “Our kids?”

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