Page 99 of Total Shutdown

“Or in this case, who,” I goad, lips trembling with laughter as I pull Collins under my arm.

Jon runs a hand over his mouth, pointing between us. “Collins, right? I’ve heard Darcy talk about you before.”

He smirks, and I internally wince. I’d recognize that face anywhere—he’s preparing to get his own payback.

“You must be the girl that rendered my captain useless on the ice for multiple weeks. He was a pining mess; it was kind of gross, to be honest.”

Darcy fights to swallow her drink, eventually managing it. “Pining mess?! Jesus, you can talk, Jon. How many months were you chasing Mum for? It was a pathetic display of obsession, and I loved it.”

We all descend into laughter just as Felicity approaches the group and Coach swings an arm around her shoulders, planting a kiss on her head.

“Hey, Angel. They’re beating me up over here. I need you to rescue me.”

She deadpans, and instantly, it’s obvious who calls the shots in their marriage. “Are you driving everyone mad with wedding-planning ideas again?”

His eyes light up, and he’s about to fly into some kind of ramble when Darcy holds up a hand.

“Yeah, I’m going to stop you there, Jon. We don’t need a recap on seating arrangementseight monthsbefore the wedding.”

“Ugh, I think it’s so cute though—Jack and Kendra getting hitched in the same place you two did.” Jenna sighs contentedly, staring off into space. “I hope, one day, I can get married in some beautiful English country house with the birds tweeting and bees buzzing.”

“What’s this about the birds and the bees?” Archer comes barreling toward us, throwing an arm over Jenna’s shoulders, attention completely off Darcy.

With a face of pure sunshine that I’m not entirely convinced is real, he looks around the group and doubles back when he passes me and Collins. “Wait, are you two more than just fucking now?”

Collins groans into my side.

“Always the gentleman.” Jon shakes his head, chuckling.

Archer extends his hand for me to take. “Congrats, buddy.” I shake it, and he moves to Collins, leaning forward and kissing her on the cheek. “Your secret’s still safe with me; don’t worry.”

She flushes, and I quickly tip her chin up, planting a soft kiss across her lips.

“What was that for?” she asks, the crimson on her cheeks spreading further.

I drop my forehead to hers, smiling like a fucking fool. “Fun fact: I’m possessive over my girl—I’ve waited long enough after all—and from here on out, the last man to kiss you will always be me.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

COLLINS

The rumble of Sawyer’s truck as it pulls up along the sidewalk fires off the tingles I’ve learned to embrace these past couple of months. They no longer represent a warning to back off and protect my space and freedom, but instead, they feel like a promise of excitement and a future I hope to share with my two favorite people.

Since we made us official, I’ve found myself falling deeper and harder for Sawyer, and the way I care for Ezra feels a lot like a love I never thought possible.

Not for me, anyway.

It’s the kind of love where you’d do anything for that person—walk across broken glass or burning embers and lay yourself down in oncoming traffic before anything hurt them. Perhaps one that transcends friendship into something more complicated. The truth is, if Ezra saw me as a motherly figure beyond what he already has with Alyssa, I wouldn’t freak out.

It feels like my days of freaking out at any kind of commitment are being left behind in a trail of exhaust fumes while my life accelerates in a way that doesn’t feel at all unnatural.

“You already started?” Ezra stands in the entrance to my garage, arms folded across his chest in a huff.

“Well, merry Christmas to you too, Mr. Grinch,” I volley back, tossing a microfiber cloth, which he catches. “Anyway, I saved you the best part.”

He nods and approaches, offering me a fist bump, which I reciprocate. “Detailing is definitely the best bit,” Ezra agrees, quickly kneeling beside my bike and getting to work.

Hands on my hips, I stand, watching him for a few beats before Sawyer appears, wearing a red Santa hat, black jeans, and a gray winter coat.

---