Page 68 of Glitz & Goals

Mom shrugs, completely unbothered. “Of course, I knew there was someone. But I just found out it was him. I pay attention.”

Dad sputters. “And I don’t? I have a degree in psychology! I collect rare books! I analyze human behavior for fun! How did I miss this?”

I press my forehead gently against Grady’s, willing him to feel me there, to recognize me. My pulse roars in my ears, drowning out most of their words, but I catch bits and pieces—Mom’s calm, Dad’s outrage, Viktor’s smugness—and none of it matters. Not when Grady is lying here like this, like he might slip away if I let go for even a second.

Mom gestures toward my brother, who’s grinning like the devil himself. “I don’t know, Noah. Maybe your son didn’t want to tell you because you’re constantly overreacting?”

Viktor smirks. “Yup. And I would never sell out my sister.”

Dad glares at him before turning back to Mom. “Oh, please. That’s not true at all. He takes after you more than me.”

I close my eyes for a second, grounding myself.

Mom raises an eyebrow and points directly at Dad’s Venom coaching jacket. “Oh? Because the last time I checked, he’s the one playing in the NHL. Seems like he takes after you.”

Dad looks absolutely offended. “So, let me get this straight. His loyal side? That’s you. His athletic side? That’s me?”

Then Grady’s hand twitches in mine. My breath catches in my throat, my heart surging with hope. It’s small, but it’s something.

Mom pats Dad’s chest with faux sympathy. “You’ll get through this, babe.”

Viktor leans toward me. “This is the best day of my life.”

I want to snap at him, tell him this isn’t funny—but before I can, Dad spins on him.

“You especially are on thin ice, buddy.”

I kiss Grady’s cheek, and he finally turns his head to meet my gaze. “Oh, hey,” he slurs. “It’s an angel. Am I dead? I totally died and went to heaven, didn’t I? You’re real pretty, Angel, but I don’t think my wife would like you kissing me like that.”

I laugh through my tears. “You don’t have a wife.”

“I don’t.” He considers this. “Excellent. Would you like to be my wife Stunning Princess Angel Woman?”

Dad growls at him. “This is my daughter you’re talking about!”

“Really?” Grady keeps staring at my face. “Dude, I have no idea who you are, but your daughter is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. And she’s totally kissing me.”

Dad’s eye twitches. “Are you serious right now?”

Grady finally seems to realize that someone else is speaking. He tries to sit up but flops right back down again like a fish out of water with his hand plastered to his injured head. “Oh, right.I need permission. Can I marry your super-hot daughter, so I can do things to her?”

Dad throws his hands up. “No! You cannotdothings to her.” Then, his gaze goes from me to my mom. “He’s already done things to her, hasn’t he? Oh, my God! My brain is going to explode.”

Violet presses him back down to the table. She’s got a flashlight clasped in one hand. “Um… this isn’t the real Coach Metcalfe talking. He’s completely delusional. I think we should probably table the marriage talk while I complete the concussion exam. And… there are too many cooks in the kitchen.”

Grady holds up a hand with a gasp. “Oh, my God. Am I going to live? Nooooo, I don’t want to live because then I’ll lose my princess angel. Don’t send me back through the light.” His other hand squeezes mine. Then he swirls his thumb until he finds that special spot on my wrist that always sends flutters to my core. “My angel. Mine.”

Ranger appears in the door of the room and claps twice. “Okay, guys, it looks like I’m coaching for the rest of the game. The referees kept everything calm, but we really can’t delay any further. We’re headed back onto the ice. Chop chop! You can check on Coach Metcalfe as soon as we win this thing for him!”

The players file out with a few snickers. Without them, the room feels less claustrophobic. I can finally catch my breath.

I’m afraid that Violet will chase me away, too, but she starts concussion protocol without another word. I stay by Grady’s side the whole time, one of his hands clasped in mine.

I don’t know how serious this injury is, but I’m sticking with him. I’ll stay with him as long as he needs me.

There was a moment, when he was down, that I thought I’d lost him forever. Any doubts I’ve had about my feelings for him have taken on a new clarity.

I love this man. And I’m keeping him.

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