Page 90 of Off Season

“He was so pleased with himself for this.” Kendrick’s wife, Maria, laughs, pinching a grape from one of the containers.

“I think it might be the best one yet,” I admit.

She grins, then holds out her hand. “I’m Maria, that idiot’s wife.” She jerks her head in Kendrick’s direction. “It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Alex, but I’ve never seen you at a game. We’ll have to change that.”

I shake her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, too, and thank you for everything you’ve done for Alex. I know it means the world to him.”

At the start of the year, Alex received a high number of unpleasant messages from “fans” who weren’t happy that Blaine was off the market. Thankfully, Maria understood exactly what he was going through, having experienced it firsthand, and became a beacon of support for him. They’ve since become good friends, and I’ve been looking forward tomeeting her thanks to all the great things Alex has said about her.

“You haven’t seen me at a game because I’m not that much of a hockey fan, to be honest. I doubt you ever will.” I laugh, shaking my head.

Although I would go if Ethan asked me to.

“What?” she gasps, holding her chest mockingly. “I’m kidding. It’s fairly common for significant others not to attend games.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I search for Ethan, and his eyes are already locked on me in a possessive stare as he listens to Peyton. My heart races at the sight of him.

My big, grumpy, gorgeous man.

Maria takes a step forward, placing her hand on my arm.

“I’ve never seen Ethan look at someone the way he’s looking at you. The only time I’ve seen a look remotely similar was when they won the Cup. But that face?” She juts her chin in his direction and lowers her voice, winking at me. “That’s the face of a man in love.”

Is he in love with me?

We haven’t said those three little words yet, but I can’t deny that I’m stupidly, head over heels in love with him. I think I’ve been in love with him since he talked to the two robins in his backyard in England.

Talking to them as if they were my parents. Helping me find comfort and being there for me while I pushed through it.

“Have you met everyone?” she asks.

Giving Maria my full attention again, I shake my head. “I’ve met some previously, but not all of them. I’ve been alittle busy so far making sure Alex doesn’t have anything to worry about.”

“Let’s change that.”

She takes my hand and leads me through the group of people. She introduces me to a few of Ethan’s teammates and their wives and girlfriends and Blaine’s agent, Hayden. Then she points at Jonathan Peyton, who gives a goofy grin and wiggles his fingers in a wave.

Ethan rolls his eyes and shoves him.

“Jonathan Peyton is married to Katy, but they’re currently going through some stuff. He never used to show up at events like this. I don’t know the ins and outs of it, but he’s been a lot more present with the guys recently.”

I turn at the sound of the door opening. Jackson appears, equipped with a casserole dish filled with tacos. Excusing myself from Maria, I head over to Jackson and take it from him.

“Hey! Thanks for coming.”

“Hey, I’m sorry I’m late. Isabela wasn't too happy about me leaving her with my parents for the night,” Jackson replies.

“Hey, man.” Ethan approaches, giving Jackson a one-armed hug, then moving to stand behind me. He wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my head. “How’s my girl?”

Jackson snorts. “She does not shut up about you. I’m tired of hearing ‘Ethan this and Elliot that’ all the freaking time.”

The three of us laugh.

Ethan gets Jackson a drink, and the second Jackson walks off, Ethan cages me against the counter with his arms.

“I feel like I haven’t had a minute alone with you tonight,” he grumbles.

I ghost my hands up his obliques before coasting back down. “I’ve been busy playing host to your friends.”

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