Page 63 of Awaiting

“Making the monarchy even more modern?”

“That’s the idea, yes.”

“Starting with an amateur hockey game in Kansas?” Bexley asked with a smile.

“Well, I have to start somewhere, don’t I?”

???

“You look ridiculous,” Bexley told her, laughing at her.

“It came with the box,” Alex replied.

They’d arrived at the small arena for the hockey game. In order to make sure she’d be protected, her security team had worked out a box for them at the top of the arena. The team was very popular in the area, and the accommodations weren’t all that bad. There were twenty stadium chairs behind plexiglass. Beyond that, there was an open space where people could stand, talk, drink, and eat the provisions also included in the package. On top of that, their purchase had come with two team jerseys and two team baseball-style hats. Bexley hadn’t put either of hers on yet, but Alex had, first thing.

“Come on. Get in the spirit,” Alex said when it was deep in the third period. “Put yours on and show some team pride.”

“I don’t even know this team.” Bexley laughed as they stood behind the chairs, holding on to their beers. “And are Princesses even allowed to wear hats like this?” She pulled down on the hat, moving it over Alex’s eyes.

“I’m a Princess; I can wear whatever hat I like.”

“You look cute,” Bexley said.

Alex pushed the hat back up in order to see Bexley’s eyes, which were on Alex’s face.

“You could be, too, if you put yours on.” Alex nodded toward the hat and jersey, which were still hanging over one of the chairs.

“Fine,” Bexley replied, finally giving in.

She passed Alex her beer, which Alex put next to her own on the table they’d been standing by. Bexley walked to the chair, pulled on the jersey, and then put the hat on her head. It was far too big and fell over her eyes. Alex laughed, walked over to her, and lifted it up to adjust.

“There,” she said, putting it back on Bexley’s head after a moment. “Better?”

“This jersey is way too big for me.”

“Well, you’re not a hockey player,” Alex said.

“Yours looks good on you,” Bexley replied, tugging on the front of Alex’s jersey. “Mine makes me look like a hippo.”

Alex put both hands on Bexley’s hips and said, “I promise you that you could never look like a hippo.” She paused. “A rhinoceros, maybe,” she teased.

“Oh, my God.” Bexley laughed. “That’s it.” She reached out for Alex’s sides and began tickling her.

“No, not fair.” Alex tried to take a step back.

“You called me a rhinoceros,” Bexley said, still tickling and laughing as Alex continued to try to get away from her.

“I saidmaybe,” Alex said through her laughter.

Bexley’s hands then slipped under the jersey and the shirt Alex had on underneath it. They were on her skin. Bexley was touching her sides and her stomach, and Alex sobered. That made Bexley sober, too.

“I–” Alex began.

Then, the buzzer sounded, indicating the end of the game.

“I wonder if we won,” Bexley said.

“I’d say we did,” Alex replied, licking her lips.

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