Page 54 of The Wildcat

“Sorry,” he says softly, and I feel like a shit.

“I know. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just... I’m not sure how I feel about going to your games.” I’m also not sure I’m ready to talk about this yet, but I don’t add that.

His brow shoots up. “You never went to a hockey game with Madeline Kingston?”

“I haven’t gone to a boyfriend’s game in a long time,” I answer softly.

Cross sits next to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Boyfriend, huh?”

“Really? That’s what you got out of that?” I catch the edge of my lip between my teeth and look away. “What exactly am I supposed to call you after all that outside and now...?” I look down at Jax, who has milk dripping out of the corner of his mouth. “And now, all this in here? Pretty sure we’re past just friends with benefits, Wilder.”

Cross tangles his hand in my hair and massages my scalp.

And it feels divine.

“We were never just friends, Everly.”

It’s my turn to look skeptical.

“I knew there was something special about you the night we met. I spent years with Helene.” When I make a face, he adds, “Their mom.”

“Oh.”

“Hear me out, baby. I spent years with her and never felt for her what I felt for you the first night we met. What does that tell you? Because it sure as shit tells me you matter. And we were never just friends. I’m trying to give you the space you need. The time. The control. I might be arrogant, but I’m not stupid. And I know you’re a flight risk. I also know you’re hung up on my career, even if I don’t have a fucking clue why.”

His strong hand continues its delicious massage at the base of my skull, and I want so badly to ignore what he’s saying and just focus on the way his hand feels on my body. But Cross deserves more than that. He deserves a woman who’s going to wear his jersey and scream his name every time he sets a skate on the ice.

“I wasn’t trying to guilt you in to coming to one of my games. I was trying to include you in my life because it’s about to getcrazy complicated. You’re used to football season. They have one game a week. I can play four, sometimes five games a week. Half of them are away. And I want to know you’re going to be here when I get home. I don’t give a shit if you ever come to a game. You and me... we’re not for show. I don’t care if the world knows your mine. So long asyoudo.”

I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes.

“Have I told you I love your arrogance?”

He presses his lips to my head, and a warmth washes over me.

This man . . .

A little birdie told me Everly Sinclair was spotted sneaking out of a certain broody hockey player’s house, like a thief in the night, a few days ago. Unfortunately for all of us, this reporter hasn’t been able to get a picture of Kroydon Hills newest royal couple. Trust me, it’s not for lack of trying. The hunt is on, beautiful people. What do we think of WildSin for their name?

#KroydonKronicles #WildSin

CROSS

“Ares, I swear to God if you make me late, I’m going to kill you,” I yell up the stairs to my brother, who asked for a ride today since his car is in the shop.

“That’s not nice, Daddy,” Kerrigan whispers from where she’s sitting on my hip.

“I’m sorry, baby girl. But Daddy is supposed to be stepping up this season, and it’s going to look bad if I’m late for the flight.” I kiss her temple and hold her for as long as I can. Leaving the kids never gets easier. And a three-game stretch over the next five days is fucking miserable.

Mrs. Ashburn, the kids’ nanny, puts her arms out for Kerrigan. “Come here, Miss K. We talked about this. Daddy has to go to work, but he’ll call you every day. And when will he be home?”

Kerrigan wiggles, and I place her on her feet so she can run over to the calendar and point to the red circle. “Here. Daddy will be home here.”

“That’s right,” Mrs. Ashburn tells her and takes her hand. “Now why don’t you and I go check on your brother and let Daddy go to work? The sooner he goes, the sooner he comes back.”

“Love you, Daddy.”

I squat down and hug her again. “Love you too, baby girl. Be good for Mrs. A and Auntie Bellamy.”

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