Page 98 of Puck'n Bully
“Mmm?”
“I spoke to Logan and Pavel today.”
It takes a second for those names to register in my pleasure-soaked mind.
“Wait. What?!”
“Don’t panic,” he says, laying a hand against my chest. “It’s all fine.”
My heart pounds. “When did you talk to them?”
“This afternoon,” he replies, massaging my chest soothingly. “They met me outside the library and invited me to the cafeteria beside it. They even bought me donuts and coffee.”
I stare at him.
“They’re not supposed to know about you,” I murmur.
“Well, Logan spotted me back at the restaurant and I told Pavel I was your math tutor on the night you played against Silverlake University. I went to look for you in the changing rooms and he told me you’d already left with your dad.”
A heavy breath escapes me.
I’d tried so hard to hide Liam from my teammates but in the end, I failed.
They figured out about my relationship with Liam without me breathing a word to them. Just how much did these guys observe me over the past three years to know every damn thing about me?
“They’re cool with us,” Liam says, his eyes shining with hope. “Hayden, they don’t mind that we’re seeing each other.”
“I know.”
“What? They already told you?”
“I didn’t have a direct talk with Mitchikov but I got a chance to speak to Logan at the coach’s office after practice,” I tell him, glad to be finally able to give him the big news.
Liam’s expression dims. “Why did the coach call you?”
I press a kiss to his lips, reassuring him. “Coach wanted to tell me that the Buffalo Wolves are interested in drafting me.”
“Who?” A completely clueless look comes over my smarty-pants boyfriend.
Shaking my head, I lightly nip his cheek. “I’m going to have to tutor you on hockey,” I growl, squeezing his ass. “The Buffalo Wolves are one of the best teams in the NHL.”
“What?” he squeaks, his eyes widening. “Are you telling me you’re getting drafted to play in the NHL?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, my God!” he cries out, lunging at me, hugging me tightly. “Oh, my God,Hayden!You did it! You made it! You’re going to be a pro!”
A heady feeling wraps around me as Liam congratulates me with kisses and the sweetest words.
I’ve won tough games. I’ve brought home trophies.
But no one’s ever hugged me and praised me like this. Maybe if my mother were alive, she’d have shown me some warmth but I’ll never know. She died before she could see me skate and play hockey.
“I’m so proud of you, Hayden,” Liam says, his eyes shining with tears. “It’s an amazing achievement to be selected in an NHL team. You’ve suffered so much but despite everything, you made it. You’ve been so damn strong to reach this milestone. You absolutely deserve this.”
“You’re proud of me?” I ask in a low, hesitant voice.
“Yep. I’m so proud of you, Hayden.” He suddenly breaks free from my arms and sits up. “We’ve got to plan something special. We’ve got to celebrate this.”
