Page 44 of Tangled Vows

Used to date? We were in a serious relationship for far too long, and he tried to minimize it like I hadn’t wasted years on him.

We exchanged pleasantries, and I didn’t miss the way their eyes lingered on my jersey. Calvin didn’t seem to notice, though.

“It’s so nice to see you again. You look really good.” Calvin’s greedy gaze slid down my body, the body that once disgusted him to the point where he forced me to exercise until I almost passed out. “You finally lost some weight,” he remarked, and ice seared through my veins. The temperature around us dropped, and I clenched my jaw so tight I thought my teeth might crack.

“Well, Calvin,” I began sardonically, “that’s what happens when you’re properly medicated for a thyroid disorder. Your metabolism actually starts to work again.”

“I’m glad to see you’re taking care of yourself.”

Taking care of myself? TAKING CARE OF MYSELF?!? I took care of myself the whole time we were together. Despite my mom’s illness and the fact that my immune system was attacking my thyroid, I still took care of myself, dammit. For some reason, I couldn’t voice those thoughts. I silently fumed as I glared daggers at him. He was completely oblivious to the turmoil churning inside me at his flippant comment.

Before I could open my mouth and scream at him like I’d wanted to for years, an unexpected savior came to my rescue.

33

EASTON

Iwas riding high as I exited the locker room. We had another win under our belts, and Shayla was waiting for me. I couldn’t wait to celebrate with her. It was a strange feeling. She was the first person I wanted to talk to after a game, and I’d made a habit of calling and checking in with her when we were on the road. It was always quick, and I played it off as making sure she was okay in the house by herself, but in reality, I longed to hear her voice.

As if the universe was granting me a wish, I heard Shayla talking to someone just on the other side of the wall. I was about to round the corner when I heard an unfamiliar male voice, and I halted in my tracks. He was telling her how good she looked. My teeth ground together, and I heaved a deep breath to center myself before I walked out there and pummeled whoever this mystery man was. When he opened his mouth a second time, the urge to hurt him multiplied.

“You finally lost some weight.”

What the actual fuck? The gall of this guy to comment on Shayla’s weight. She was fucking perfect just as she was, but thatwas beside the point. You never talked about a woman’s body like that.Ever.

I clenched and unclenched my fists as I tried to calm my racing heart. Getting into a fight with what I assumed was a fan would do nothing but hurt my career. A wicked grin curved my lips at Shayla’s sassy reply, and pride swelled in my chest. My little hellcat had her claws out. She also revealed something I hadn’t known. She had a thyroid disorder, and it sounded like she had to take medicine for it. I couldn’t believe she’d never told me. I was her husband. I should know about things like that.

Shaking away those thoughts, I stepped out into the open and approached the group. Three men were positioned across from where Shayla stood with her arms crossed over her chest. I could tell from her body language she was pissed. She looked ready to go to battle all alone, but now she had me to fight by her side. I’d do my best to handle this peacefully, but if this fucker smarted off, I’d show him exactly why hockey players were notorious for fighting.

“There you are,” I crooned, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Shayla flinched, but then relaxed when she realized it was me. The three guys stared at me wide eyed, their shock evident in the way their mouths hung open.

“Y-you’re Easton Walker,” one of them sputtered.

“In the flesh,” I confirmed with a wide grin.

The guy in the middle—presumably the one who’d just insulted my wife—spoke next. “You guys played great. We’re big fans.” His voice shook with wonder.

“Thanks,” I replied dispassionately.

Finally noticing my hold on Shayla, he looked back and forth between us, his brows knitted in confusion.

“Are you guys dating or something?” His question was aimed at Shayla. Her shoulders tensed in my hold, but I gave her a reassuring squeeze as I let out a boisterous chuckle.

“No,” I replied, injecting faux humor into my voice. The three guys laughed nervously as their uncertain gazes took us in. “We’re not dating.”

I slid my hand down Shayla's arm and gripped her hand, lifting it in front of her. The large diamond on her ring finger glittered beneath the fluorescent lights. I took great pleasure in the way his eyes widened to an almost inhuman size.

“She’s my wife.”

He gaped, his stare bouncing between me and the rock on Shayla’s hand. I smirked as disbelief morphed into shock, and then to envy. Whether his envy was directed at me or Shayla was yet to be determined. He seemed to have a hard-on for me, so it could go either way.

He swallowed thickly and schooled his features. Once he was composed, he straightened his jacket and cleared his throat.

“Well, uh, congratulations,” he croaked. I laced my fingers with Shayla’s and tugged her closer to me.

“Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse us, I’m ready to celebrate our win with my beautiful wife.” I cocked a brow suggestively so he’d get the hint. She was mine. She probably wouldn’t end up in my bed at the end of the night—much to my disappointment—but he didn’t need to know that.

“Ready?” I asked, peering down at her. She nodded, unable to meet my gaze, but we couldn’t have that. Eager to rub it in this douchebag’s face that she was coming home with me, I placed a finger beneath her chin and tilted her face to mine. I felt their gazes on me as I lowered my mouth to hers. She held her breath as I kissed her, but slowly she relaxed into me. I wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed my body to hers as my tongue slid against her lower lip. Her hands splayed over my chest, and I wondered if she could feel my thundering pulse.

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