Page 86 of Face Off
Brooks increases his pace, changing the angle and hitting me in all the right places as he continues to chase his own release. “Give me one more, Red,” he says as our bodies become one, moving in sync with one another.
I reach my hand between our bodies, slicked with sweat, rubbing circles on my swollen clit as another orgasm builds. Brooks’ thrusts become short and frantic as I reach my climax again, falling over the edge as Brooks shortly follows, spilling ropes and ropes of warm cum into me, bracing himself so he doesn’t collapse on top of me.
“Fuck. Red, that was—”
“Perfect,” I say as I pull him down on top of me so I can feel his weight. “I love you, Brooks Miller.”
His breath is heavy as he places a light kiss on my lips. “I love you too, Hayley Richards.”
A smile spreads across my face. For the first time since this crazy journey began, I’m content. Facing off with love for the first time, with no regrets.
Epilogue
Hayley
Game 7-Stanley Cup finals
‘The Heat has pulled their goalie in an attempt to tie up this intense third period. Cameron makes a pass to Burch. The puck is poke checked out by Halloway and dumped into Heat territory. Miller, putting on wheels to beat out the Heat defenseman for control, passes it to Denizen. Denizen passes it to Polston. Polston back to Denizen. Denizen finds Miller. Five seconds left on the clock. Miller takes the shot. SCORES! RIGHT OVER THE STICK OF PENDERGAST. SKIPJACKS WIN. THE SEATTLE SKIPJACKS ARE ONCE AGAIN STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS.’
The arena goes wild at the sight of the lamp lighting up at the back of the net, the team rushing onto the ice, piling on top of one another as the Skipjacks make history once again. My father comes to my side, pulling meinto a hug before we make our way down to the ice to watch Brooks receive the Cup on behalf of the team.
We wait at the team bench for the handlers to roll out the red carpet, staging the Stanley Cup on its pedestal. Berty Stokes, the NHL commissioner, walks onto the ice, congratulating, the Skipjacks for their win before inviting Brooks to join him. Berty shakes his hand before grabbing the Stanley Cup from its perch, turning to Brooks and handing it to him.
Brooks hoists the Cup over his head as he skates around the ice, kissing it once more before bringing it over to the team for a group photo. My father walks onto the red carpet in front of the team and stops short of the ice, shaking Berty’s hand and accepting congratulations. Coach walks up beside him as Mom, Cam, and I stay behind.
“Wow,” my father begins. “This season was a tough one, filled with many ups and downs. I took over this team from my father when I was twenty-two years old, and I could have only dreamed of being as successful as he was. Well today, each and every single one of you made that dream possible, bringing home our sixth team cup. On behalf of my wife Celeste, daughter Hayley, and grandson Camden, thank you and congratulations to you all.”
The crowd erupts in cheers as photographers continuously snap photos. We join my father next to Coach just as Brooks skates toward us with Halloway carrying the Cup. Brooks take his place next to me, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist with Camden standing in front of us as we pose for a picture.
“I have to say I thank you for my good luck charm tonight,” Brooks says, whispering into my ear as we continue to have our picture taking.
“Oh yeah? And what is that?” I say through a smile.
“Black lace,” he murmurs. “Does that ring any bells to you?”
I elbow him in the side, causing a chuckle to escape him as we watch the team take turns doing laps with the Cup around the ice. Other wives, girlfriends, and family members filter to the ice entrance to congratulate their loved ones.
I place a kiss on Brooks’ lips before we turn to leave the ice with my parents shortly behind. Brooks breaks off to head to the locker room to change and shower, while Camden and I wait in the family area off to the side.
“Mom, I’m going to hang with some of the kids,” Camden says before taking off toward a pretty little brunette who is waving him over.
I smile as I watch from afar. Just as I’m about to take a seat, the sound of someone clearing their voice startles me from behind. “Hayley,” Boyce says before tucking his hand into his pockets. “Have a few minutes to talk?”
I release a sigh before standing to move a little further from prying eyes. The media is still lurking around, and the last thing I need is for someone to publish a story. “Talk,” I say, crossing my arms protectively over my chest.
“I spoke to my lawyer, and he’ll be in contact with Jess shortly,” he says as I feel my irritation building. “I’m signing over my rights. My lawyers are going to release a statement, stating that the paternity results came back inconclusive, and we made a quick judgement on the situation. That we apologize for not respecting your privacy.”
My mouth opens and closes a few times as I stand there speechless, wondering why he would want to give up his son.Not that it would mean anything to me since he hasn’t been in is life.
“W-why?” I ask, barely able to form a sentence.
“Look, I know I’ve fucked up in life, and I’ve said and done things I’m not proud of. But Camden deserves someone who will be there for him regardless. Someone who should have been there from day one,” he says, staring to where Cam is waiting with Brooks and my family. “I see the way he is with Miller. I’ll never be that with him. I live thousands of miles away and with Adley pregnant, it doesn’t really leave time for me and Cam to try to build that relationship he needs.”
Wow. I didn’t see that coming. I should be happy. Jumping for joy, but part of me hates the fact that Camden will miss out on building that bond with his dad. Never get to build a relationship with his sibling.
“Boyce—”
“Hayley, I’m serious. I’m done. Now go give Camden the father he deserves.” And as quickly as the conversation started, it ends.
