Page 119 of Always Yours

“But you had potential, from what Elli said.”

I shrug. “Maybe. But I wouldn’t have been happy. If Dimitri chose me and I kept the job, I’d feel guilty for the rest of my life while I watched other players live their dreams. I didn’t expect Elli to offer this job to me, but even so, I knew nothing would make me happy unless I was with Dimitri while he played hockey.”

Something moves in his eyes as he looks away. “Have you spoken to your grandfather?”

I nod. “A little, but not like before. He is still very upset that I won’t take the GM position, but as I told him, I don’t ever want to dislike him.”

I feel a bit of pain from it, but not enough to make me regret my choice. I really believe in what I have decided, and I know I did what was best for me—and for Dimitri. We said from the top that we were more than just girlfriend/boyfriend, and that still rings very true for me.

He’s everything.

I put a plate in the dish drainer as his dad watches me. He doesn’t say anything, and I almost don’t think he will. He has a very intimidating presence but also a calming one. I’m unsure how to read him, but I try not to let that make me nervous. Instead, I focus on the dishes.

“Thank you, Austen,” he says suddenly, and I look up at him, confused.

“Sorry?”

“Thank you,” he repeats. “Thank you for sacrificing a career for him.”

I smile. “It wasn’t a sacrifice, Erik. I love Dimitri, more than that career or the one I have now. I was never loved right, and he loves me right. So there was no sacrifice.”

Before he can respond, Dimitri walks into the room. “You being nice?” he asks his dad.

“Yes, of course,” I say, but Dimitri doesn’t seem convinced.

“Good. Dad, Mom needs your help.”

Erik gets up, meeting my gaze. “Then thank you for loving my son.”

My breath catches at that since I wasn’t expecting, nor needing, that sentiment. I look at Dimitri, who is glancing between the two of us with a confused but pleased look on his face. “He may be a pain, but it’s pretty easy to love him.”

Erik smacks his son’s shoulder lovingly before walking out of the room.

Dimitri looks at me. “What was that about?”

“Nothing, just talking,” I say as I finish the dishes. “What were you off doing?”

“Nothing. Just talking to my mom.”

We share a smirk, and then he leans over the counter. “Kiss me.”

“No,” I say, wiping my hands. “You didn’t help me at all with these.”

“Because I was enjoying the view of you doing those dishes.”

I roll my eyes as I throw down the towel, leaning on the counter with him. “In the other room?”

He threads our fingers together, and when our gazes meet once more, I’m breathless. “Hey.”

“Yes?”

“Did you have fun?”

I nod. “I did. They’re very nice.”

“They’re okay,” he agrees with a grin. “My mom loves you.”

“Well, duh,” I say, though my heart does a little jig. “I think your dad might be a fan.”

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