Page 85 of I Could Be Yours

A picture of her in a pink lace bra and panty set follows.

The messages were sent twenty minutes ago.

Nate

I can be there in two.

Essie

Better hurry up. We’re running out of time.

“Dude! Are you sexting Essie?” He spins in a circle. “She is so hot.”

“She’s not just something to ogle, fuckhead.”

“I know. She’s like, super nice. But dude, she’s like…wow.”

“Look, you can’t say anything. This information doesn’t leave this room.”

“I am a vault. I will say nothing.” He makes a lips-zipped-and-throw-away-the-key motion. “She was a legend at our high school, Nate. Everyone talked about how hot she was. And still is. You are the man.” He puts his hand on his chest, his smile sly. “I bow to you, you giant fucking nerd.”

I frown.

“Seriously, though, how did you land her? Was it all your big books?” He smirks. “Did you wow her with yourextensive use of words with lots of syllables?” He does jazz hands and a hip shimmy. “Was it science?”

“Fuck you. I’ll be back in half an hour.” I open the door.

“You’re my hero,” he calls after me as I leave him to deal with the shitstorm that is nowhisroom.

Because Essie needs my help.

CHAPTER 26

ESSIE

Once everyone’s meals have been cleared at the rehearsal dinner, Tristan’s dad stands and taps the edge of his pint glass, then brings two fingers to his lips and whistles shrilly to get everyone’s attention. He and Sophia are seated at a table with my parents and Rix’s. They’re all smiling and laughing. My mom is tucked into my dad’s side, and Howard’s arm is draped across Muffy’s chair. They’re both couple goals. They have the kind of love I want for myself: limitless and enduring.

Gideon smiles and runs a hand over his tie, waiting for everyone to settle. “I wanted to take a moment to celebrate Tristan and Rix,” he begins.

I set a packet of tissues on the table in front of Rix. She hugs my arm and kisses my cheek, then snuggles into Tristan’s side.

Gideon turns toward the happy couple. “Tristan, I am so proud of you.” He glances around the room, gaze stopping briefly at Brody and then Nate. “I’m proud of all my boys.”

A round of applause follows, and he waits until the group settles before he continues. “Tristan, you have accomplished so much in your young life. You’ve always been determined, and when you set a goal, you work hard to achieve it. Your dedicationto being the best you possibly can is not limited to your hockey career.”

“You’re a superstar!” Brody shouts.

“I’m pretty sure he’s drunk,” Rix whispers.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Tristan agrees.

“Drink a glass of water, son,” Gideon says.

Everyone chuckles.

Brody sinks into his chair. Chase passes him the pitcher of water.

Gideon turns back to Tristan. “You brought that dedication and determination to your relationship with Rix. You’ve both worked so hard to be the partner each other deserves. Watching you grow and learn together has been inspiring. I don’t think either of you realizes how much you’ve taught me.” He pauses and clears his throat. “We should all be so lucky to have the kind of love you share. To your future and everything it holds.” He raises his glass in a toast.

---