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For the ones who fight even when they want to give up. I’m rooting for you. (And for the readers who love a hockey player that wears slutty glasses… Riley is for you)
I’m quiet; she’s loud. The life of every party and vivacious as hell with witty comebacks and a laugh that would bring any man to his knees. And if it were me down there, I’d wear a collar and crawl if she asked me to.
“Life is short. We need to celebrate the small stuff.” Lamar shifts the car into drive, and we take off down the road. “Otherwise, what’s the point of living?”
“Girls are the best. I work with some women who are incredible. We need more of them in the world.”
I’ve always been a determined bitch. Once I put my mind to something, I don’t stop until it happens, and I’ll be damned if Riley goes down without a fight.
“I’ve never had any anger issues on or off the ice. My penalty minutes are some of the lowest in the league. I paint to decompress and read romance books, for fuck’s sake. But here I am, thinking about things I want to break and the things I want to yell at the people who piss me off. Spoiler alert: it’s every-fucking-body.”
You’ll come to terms with this change eventually. Life will go on. I’m not asking you to give me a mile, Riley. I’m not even asking for a foot.” “I hope not. I only have one now, and it would be pretty fucking rude of you to take that from me.”
I don’t want to be the reason for anyone’s unhappiness. My own is enough.
“I’m a mangled and messed up piece of a human.”
Holy shit. I think I need to get my head checked, because that outburst was the hottest display of emotion I’ve ever seen in my goddamn life.
The romance books I read are right: having a guy turn a little unhinged and defend your honor is sexy as hell.
“You and I never talk one-on-one, and I’m nervous. Blame my daddy issues.”
I’ve always known Riley to be one of the happiest guys on the team. He’s always smiling. Always joking with everyone. He loves kids, loves to volunteer, and I’ve never seen him get mad at anyone.
“Glad we’re on the same page.” Coach looks at me. “Get our boy back, yeah?”
“What’s up?” “Waiting for an Uber,” he says. “Hopefully I won’t get in another accident and almost die.” “Glad to see you have some humor left in you.”
“At least buy me dinner first, Lex.” “Oh, Mitchy.” She grins. “Don’t tell the others, but you’re my favorite.”
“Always wondered what you’d be like if you were an asshole. Smile, Mitchy.”
The amount of times this sport has saved my ass, even after breaking my heart, is astronomical,” Coach says.
“Oooooh, Mitchy and Lexi, sitting in a tree,” Grant sings, and I wish I had a glove to throw at him. “First comes food, then comes—”
“I’m leaving. Congrats on the loss,” I say. “Glad to know you all suck without me.”
You know what they say: fries over guys.”
Who knew women in athleisure wear were strong enough to take over the world?”
“We help people because it’s the right thing to do,” Maven says. “Even if they don’t want to be helped, we have to keep showing up for them.”
“I respect your extracurricular activities, and I hope you’re getting the best dick of your life.”
The universe isn’t finished with you, Mitchy.”
“Take care of yourself, Riley. There’s a reason you pulled through that night. Your purpose is so much bigger than you think it is.”
“Not every day can be sunshine and rainbows. A lot of days suck, but you got out of bed today. That’s a win,” he says.
“No one is rooting for you more than me, kid.”
We’re getting the band back together, boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“I didn’t know this was going to turn into a compliment train,” I say. “Flirt with me a little more, Sully.”
“I can be your lime guy.” He tosses me a coy smile. “If you want.”
“Be good to your friend. He seems like a good one.”
“Fuck it,” he whispers, kissing me again. “One night. Let’s play, Lexi.”
G-Money Goalie Daddy really loves us. This is the best day of my life.
“Such a romantic. You are special, Riley. I hope you know that.”
“Damn. My curtains make me look like I have my shit together, don’t they? I might be missing a limb, but at least I’m not into incest.” I grin and sit on the edge of the bed.
“Order, order!” Maverick yells. He knocks a rubber mallet on the living room coffee table. “Can everyone please shut the fuck up so book club can commence?”
“Pretty impressive stuff there, Mitchell,” Lexi calls out. “I love being right.” “Don’t gloat,” I tell her, knocking her shoulder with mine. “It’s not a cute look.”
It feels more and more like my heart isn’t even my own anymore. It’s hers, and I think it’s always going to be hers.
“The arm around the shoulder. Acting like I can’t hear her, grabbing her stool, and scooting it closer. Pretending like she has something on her face, but it’s really just an excuse to touch her. The perfect date hat trick.”
“Let’s order eight rounds of french fries. Shared custody and all of that.” “Co-parenting. Very mature of us.”
I put the car in drive, then purposely slam on the brakes to another round of screams. “And stop meddling in my personal life, you nosy assholes.”
“Get ready, Armstrong. I’m going to date your ass off.”
“Is this our life now? In bed by eleven and reading side by side?” I ask. “There goes my youth.”
“You’re wasting away your mid-twenties with someone who uses retinol. That’s perfect?”
“What does your tattoo mean?” I whisper, and the room is so quiet, I can hear a car horn beeping from all the way across the street. “It’s the stars in the night sky the day I stepped foot into the arena for the first time. And, consequently, the day I met you.”
Is this what love feels like? Like the first bit of sunshine peeking through the clouds after a rainstorm? Like a warm blanket on a cold day? Like a million stars lighting up a night sky? Like I might not be able to breathe if he isn’t around, and like I’m taking my first deep breath in years when he’s close?
You wear my hand as a necklace so well.”
“Gosh, Mitchy. Stop flirting with me.”
“If you want to run, I’ll chase you. If you want to build a wall to keep me out, I’ll climb it. If you need time, I’ll give it to you. I’m patient, Lexi. I’m going to be waiting for you when you come back. However long that takes.”
