Page 31 of The Puck Daddy

“Oh my god, you didn’t even deny it!” he laughs, the sound curling around my heart and burrowing there.

Grinning, I shake my head and take a sip of coffee from my mug. I know I’m showing my hand by not denying it, but I want Adrian to know just how much he’s pushed his way into my thoughts.

“I met you once before,” he says, causing me to arch a brow.

There’s no way I could forget. “When?”

“Nine years ago. I was thirteen. You were still playing in the NHL. You visited Brynn to talk about your career with the Wyverns, you talked about attending Brynn U and playing for the Ice Dragons, and you talked about being a center. You might have been talking to a whole lecture hall of students and families, but deep down, you were only speaking to me.”

“Damn,” I whisper. I never even knew I could have such a significant impact on one person’s life. For some reason, it hits me square in the chest, causing me to take in a sharp breath.

Adrian continues, as if he didn’t just shake my world to its core. “My brother likes to tease me, but you were also my sexual awakening. God, this is so embarrassing, but knowing Felix, he’ll spill the beans eventually, anyway. I had a bit of a celebrity crush on you.”

When my world finally tilts back and rights itself, I glance over to see Adrian just staring at me, that wild blush still on his cheeks.

“Say something,” he whispers.

I clear my throat and reach over the table, lacing his fingers with mine. “Two years ago, when Olivia Cove drafted you, I found out you were a center for the Ice Dragons. My alma mater. This talented twenty-year-old would be taking my place on the team I’ve grown to love.”

Adrian opens his mouth to protest, but I hold up a hand to silence him.

“I kept in touch with my team, coaches, and even the owner. So, I was fascinated when everyone seemed excited about drafting this new rookie. But then I heard you were finishing out the next two years here at Brynn U, and honing your skills on the ice. I will never forget the first game I attended where I saw you pull off a hat trick like it was no big deal. That night, I realized that even at the college level, your raw talent far exceeded mine.”

Adrian barks out a laugh. “That’s not true. You were my idol.”

I lift his knuckles to my lips and kiss them. “Itistrue. But what I’m trying to say, DeLuca, is that I’ve had a bit of a celebrity crush on you, too.”

“And now?” he asks, his voice shaky.

“And now, let’s just say I have more than just a crush on you.” I squeeze his hand. “I also have a proposition for you. I’ve thought over the whole fake relationship thing. And I’ll do it. We can pretend we’ve been dating for as long as you want, that we’ve grown serious, or whatever story you want to weave. I’ll help you clean up your appearance. I can even coach you on the things our PR team taught me while I was in the NHL. We can fake whatever you need until graduation, but I know what we have is blossoming into something very real. At least it is for me.”

“Me too.”

“Good. Then, behind closed doors, we’ll let our relationship continue to bloom naturally. We can take things as slowly or quickly as you want. We can lay down any rules or guidelines. But there are two more things I’m hoping for, sweet boy.”

He nods eagerly. “What’s that?”

“First, will you let me be your Daddy?” As soon as I let the words escape, I hold my breath and wait.

Adrian’s lips part in shock. “Yes, I want that. More than anything.”

My heart does happy fucking somersaults in my chest.

“And what’s the second thing you’re hoping for…Daddy?”

The smile that breaks across my face is intense, almost painful, with the way it’s splitting my face. I close my eyes for a moment and let it echo around in my head. Fuck. I missed hearing that word, and it’s even sweeter coming from Adrian’s lips.

“It’s my first request as your Daddy, sweet boy. And it’s a big one. One that I don’t mind if you take a few days to think over. But I’d like you to move into my place, at least until the end of the semester. Just until graduation.”

A gasp tumbles out.

“Hear me out. I know it’s quick, but I have a guest room and a spare key. You can keep your room and most of your things at Delfy House if needed. For all your roommates know, you’re just sleeping over at your boyfriend’s a lot. But that house is getting out of control. You’ve said that a lot of the seniors are partying almost daily now. I know you’ve been struggling to sleep, and I’m just concerned you’re going to burn yourself out. Just think about it, please.”

Adrian offers me a sweet smile. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll think about it. Promise. I just have two questions for now.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“What happens after graduation?”

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