Center Ice (Boston Rebels, #1)

by Julia Connors

The man’s apparent inability to use pronouns is distracting me from what he’s saying.

I'm dying 😂

“Audrey, I want you so badly. But you have to know that I’m not in a place in my life where I can be in a relationship. Not because I don’t want that with you, but because hockey and my mom have to come first. And I need to prioritize getting to know Graham. I’ve thought about this a lot, actually.” He sighs. “And you deserve more than to be fourth in line for someone’s attention.”

“Why, because I’d be so insanely jealous I’d probably break his face?”

Oop

Audrey. I haven’t so much as thought about, looked at, or talked to another woman since I saw you at Jameson’s. You’re always on my mind. Not just because I want to finish what we started that night on your couch, but also because you’re you.

“I want to know you now. I want to know everything about you and what your life is like. I want to celebrate your wins at work, support you when things go wrong, spend time with you and your family, meet your friends, see you as a mom, and give you everything you need.

“Like hell it doesn’t. This means everything—stop pretending like it doesn’t.”

I’m on the pill.”

Didn't she just get done taking antibiotics??

I’m left absolutely dumbfounded. Because Audrey is everything I didn’t know I wanted, and I’m not sure I can live without her now she’s back in my life.

“If you ever speak about the mother of my child and my future wife that way again, you and I are done. For good. Understand?”

Idiot...but also...hot.

I know how strong my feelings are for you, and I don’t want to hide them like I did when we were in college. I don’t want you to doubt how I feel. I don’t want you to question whether I’m in this.”

I need time to figure out my game plan. Because there’s no way I’m not giving this relationship everything I’ve got.

“I appreciate the thought, but the only name I wear on my back is my own.” He leans in so close his lips graze my earlobe and the sparks of desire shoot straight through me. “Don’t worry, baby, one day my last name will be yours.”

“I’m determined not to hide how I feel, Audrey. I know I fucked up in the past. I know I missed out on the baby years and raising Graham with you. I know you’re scared, and I know you’ve been hurt, and I know you’re not going to give me your heart easily. But I’m here until you’re ready, however long that takes.”

“I want all of you, Audrey. Not just your body. I want your days, and your nights. I want the good times and the messy, difficult bits too. I want to be the one to be there for you when you need a shoulder to lean on.

I’m here for you because I want to be part of your whole life. Because you’re the kindest, smartest woman I know. Because you make me want to be the kind of guy who deserves someone like you.”

“Audrey, everything is a you and me thing.

“There is no bar. I’m not comparing you to anyone else, and never will. You’re it for me.”