Seth (Johnson Family Rules, #3)

by Carly Marie

Me: Just so you know, you’re my favorite brother. My phone buzzed less than thirty seconds later. Larson: I don’t know what Austin is up to, but I plan to remind you of this next time you call me to fix something at your place.

Mom: You shouldn’t take matters into your own hands. You know that’s up to the league officials to decide later. Mom: Of course that is as your mom. Not as your mom, you should have taken him to the ground. I know you can hit harder than that.

He’d understood me more than I’d understood myself.

I was pretty sure I’d just discovered the only thing better than winning the Stanley Cup.

“I will not say anything. Even to Igor. Secret is safe.”

“Be yourself.” He tapped my chest lightly. I finished the saying for him, my voice softer than his had been. “Because everyone else is taken.”

“You got it, Squirt. If Mazdon is really worth your love, then he’s going to accept you just as you are. Don’t change that for him. There is no one else in this world that can be a better you.”

“A little birdy told me there might be a guest tonight. I made sure Mom picked up an extra pair… just in case. And by the way he looked at you just now, I think he has earned the family pajamas.”

With Seth in my arms, loud chatter all around me, and a dishwasher full of dildos in the other room, I was pretty sure I’d found my place.

Seth wriggled around and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, then licked my cheek. “Nope, you don’t get to scare him away. I licked him. He’s mine.”

But I do want you to know that I love you.

I’m confident we can make this work. You’re my Pretty, and you’re worth any obstacles that stand in our way.”

And I knew I loved you when I almost threw up when I read the note you left me. The thought of only having one more time with you, had plans gone your way, was almost more than I could take.”

“I love you, Mazdon. Fuck what the rest of the world might have to say about it. I love you.”

“I like that idea. Fuck the world. You and me, Pretty. We’ve got this. First step, Yuri’s party. But before then, you need to redo your eyes.”

For the first time since I’d made my debut in the NHL, I felt accepted. I felt free to be me, at least the me that I’d always wanted to be able to show my closest friends.

“I love you, Pretty.”

“I love you, Phantom.”

Six months earlier, I would’ve never believed I’d be heading to the Stanley Cup playoffs with my boyfriend.

Of course, I hadn’t expected Seth to out us on home ice after a huge win, but that was what had happened and it seemed fitting for us.

I had the man made for me, the only one I’d ever need or want, holding my hand and shooting heated glances at me that promised wonderful things when we got home.