Page 87 of Face Off
I watch Boyce walk to Adley who’s wearing the smirk of victory all over her face. I should be pissed, but I can’t help but feel a little relieved by it all. I turn to look at Brooks and my family. A sense of warmth and comfort fills me as I see Camden’s eyes brighten every time Brooks musses up his hair. It’s what I had envisioned all those years ago, and it looks like it is finally happening.
“Hey,” Brooks says as I get closer to them. Wrapping his arm around me tightly in a protective cocoon. “Everything okay?”
I glance up at him and place a chaste kiss to his lips. “It is now,” I say, burying my face into his chest.
Brooks
Three months later
The countdown to training camp is on. In two weeks, we’re taking the ice in our first preseason game as the reigning Stanley Cup Champions. And while I should be home prepping for the season, I find myself sitting in a private villa in Arizona.
Cassidy’s wedding to Vincent Burch is in two days and though I don’t like Burch, I love Cass like a sister. Halloway has tagged along, even though he swore it was for one last vacation before the season began and not for the wedding. He hasn’t been himself ever since Cassidy announced her engagement to Burch. We all know it’s because he’s secretly in love with her, but no matter how many times we press, he denies it.
“So, I was thinking,” Hayley says as she takes the lounge chair next to me.
I lower my sunglasses to take her in. Her olive-green bikini showcases her curvy, toned figure and her sun-kissed skin. My cock brushes against the fabric of my swim trunks, begging to take her sweet pussy. God, I’m so lucky to call her mine, and boy, can I not wait to make it official.
“About,” I say, adjusting myself.
“Well, you’ve been so great with Camden, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else being a father figure.” She pauses for a moment, biting her bottom lip as she lowers her sunglasses ever so slightly. “So, I was wonder how you felt about adopting Camden. I mean no pressure. I know we’re still new and things could go awry again, but I don’t know. You’re just so good with him, and I can’t imagine anyone else being in his life—”
I bring my mouth to hers in a kiss, stopping her frantic word vomit. She’s cute when she rambles and is nervous, but what she just gifted me is the best thing ever. Camden being mine.
I break our kiss, pulling back as she looks at me with a dazed expression. “Isn’t he already mine?” I murmur against her lips. “Yes.” I kiss her. “Yes.” I kiss her again. “Yes.” I kiss her one finally time, drawing it out as my heart feels completely full for the first time in a long time. I can’t imagine it any other way.
Our villa door opens and slams shut as Cassidy stomps through. She looks—pissed? Sad? Hurt? Everything all in one package as she trudges across the pool deck and plops herself in a lounge chair next to Hayley. Her eyes are red rimmed, and she’s breathing as if she just ran the New York City marathon.
“Well, you can all go home. I’m not getting married anymore,” she says, clenching her fists at her sides.
What? I mean don’t get me wrong. I never liked the guy, but he seemed to make her happy, so I try to be supportive.
Hayley sits up straight and turns her body to face Cassidy fully. “What? Why?”
“What more do I need to explain? The wedding’s off,” Cassidy says, using her forearm to cover her eyes while lookingup into the sun. “I was coming back from lunch with my parents and saw some—girl leaving the villa Vince and I were staying in.”
“Does he know you saw him? He has family in from out of town. It could have been a relative,” I say as if I’m trying to reassure her.
She snort laughs as if I just said the most asinine thing. “When your sister or cousin comes to visit, do they dress in tight body con dresses that are short they almost showcase your lady bits to the entire world?”
Okay. Point taken.
“You can’t just assume he was sleeping with her.” Yes, she can, Hayley. Vincent Burch is a player. Always has been, always will be. “You should at least give him the benefit of the doubt and find out exactly what’s going on.”
“So, what am I supposed to do?” Cass says as if she’s giving up all hope.
“Stake out.”
Oh no. No way am I letting Hayley get involved. That has to be the craziest idea I’ve ever heard. I have to put a stop to this before she convinces Cassidy that it’s a good idea.
“Bad idea. No go, Red,” I say, interrupting her scheming.
“No. Good idea. We’re doing it,” Cassidy says, sitting up a little straighter, the look of mischief dancing in her eyes.
I let out a breath of frustration. “And how do you two propose to confront a two-hundred-pound hockey player after you find what you’re looking for.” Or not looking for.
They both get quiet for a moment, staring at one another as if they’re exchanging some sort of private conversation. Thisisn’t good, and I know Hayley. Once she’s made up her mind, she sticks with it.
“I confront him the day of the wedding,” Cassidy says, standing from her lounger. “I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he broke my heart. I’ll break his and more in front of two hundred plus people if it comes to that.”
