Page 72 of Unraveling Rain
He gives a sheepish smile. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you.”
He pauses, then adds, “I’ve gone to the Lenovo Center a couple of times with friends. And I’ve gotta say, Xander—you’re an absolute beast.”
I bark out a laugh, and Rain eyes me curiously.
“Just something Merlin said,” I say.
She winks at him, then turns back to chat with Ruin on the other side of the table.
“Thanks,” I tell Merlin. “I don’t know if I’m a beast, but I do enjoy being on the ice and giving my best every game.”
Some teammates and fans call meThe Beast, but that’s not how I think of myself.
Merlin nods, taking another swig of his drink.
“And if you want my honest, professional opinion…” I trail off, letting the moment hang.
His eyes widen, waiting.
“I think you need to talk to whoever you need to in your family, have a hell of a last season, and enter the Super Draft in the spring.”
He stares at me for a long beat, eyes gleaming. “You really think so?” he asks, his voice low and unsure.
“I do. And I’d love to come watch a game next season,” I say, resting a hand on his shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze.
“Thanks, man. I’ll let you know when the schedule comes out.”
I smile and take a sip of water as I pull my hand back.
“Do you mind if we exchange numbers?” he asks, hesitant again.
“Of course.” I rattle off my number, and he adds it to his phone before sending a quick text. I save his contact.
“I don’t want to sound repetitive,” he says, “but I truly appreciate you talking with me. You and Gio are awesome guys. I’m so happy my sisters found you both.”
Pride and gratitude swell in my chest. Being lumped in with Gio like that? As a kind of brother-in-law? It hits.
“I’m the one who’s thankful I found your sister,” I say.
Merlin glances between Rain and me with a knowing grin. “Yeah. You two are goners.”
It’s true. I’m far gone for my girl. Fully. Completely.
“Maybe I can give you tickets for a game next season,” I offer. “You can bring a girl?”
His smile fades just a touch. “I’d love to go… but there’s no girl.”
Something flickers across his expression. I think about asking, but it feels like a sensitive subject. So I pivot.
“Well, the tickets are yours either way. Just let me know which game, and I’ll hook you up.”
He pats me on the back. “Thanks, man.”
That’s when the food arrives, and the low hum of voices around the table fades as plates are set down and everyone starts eating.
As I bite into my burger, I look around at the laughter, the teasing, the easy comfort of this family—and the woman beside me who choseme.
I came to this town to heal and get back to my career. But I’ll be leaving with more strength than I imagined, with the woman of my dreams at my side.
