Offside (Rules of the Game, #1)

by Avery Keelan

“I know you can handle yourself, but it triggered something protective in me. You’re one of my favorite people.”

“I don’t want anyone else, James.” “You don’t?” “Not even a little,” I said, kissing the top of her head. “Think you’ll be able to sleep now?” “Yeah,” she said. “Think so.”

“It’s not a hockey game, James. I’m not keeping score.” He kissed my lips softly. “But if I was, I’d definitely want you to win.”

“I didn’t know what I was missing until I found it.”

“Jokes aside, I would rather have you than not, no matter what that looks like. Why let a temporary situation ruin what we have? I want to be with you for a lot longer than

“We’re endgame. Right?” My parents were crazy in love. I never thought I would find that until I met her. And now that I had, I’d fight for it. The tension in her body eased, and I finally won a full, genuine smile. “You think?” “I know it.” I glanced at my watch. “If we’re fast, we might have time to get back in bed for a different reason.”

“I’ve made lots of mistakes along the way, but you’re the one thing that’s always been right. Will you marry me, James?”