Epilogue

SOPHIA

"No dirty words, Iceman," I warned in my best teasing tone as Max leaned over my hand, Sharpie in hand and a wicked gleam in his whiskey eyes. "Playoffs. Nationally televised coverage. Let's not give the pearl clutchers any heart attacks."

"Oh, Sunrise, don't tempt me."

I bit my lip, because he would definitely go there. And had.

Not everyone could get away with sneaking off before a game, but Max just glared at Trevor and Frederickson when they almost protested as he said he had a ‘private' meeting before the warm up began.

He smacked my ass. This time, at least, I wasn't naked, and growled in my ear as he leaned in. "At least they can't see what I word I put there."

Mine.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh please. As if anyone is going to see my ass other than you, Coach Grumpy Pants."

"They'd better not. Remember what happens to bad girls, Sunrise."

His attempt at a warning fell short, because if there was one thing Max did well, it was put me in my place. I loved every second of it.

Of course, I gave as good as I got.

"Stop squirming," he ordered.

"Fine."

My mouth twitched, the grin I wore for the past week still not really leaving my face. Except during smexy times.

I am not responsible for any of my facial reactions during sex. Or foreplay. Or quickies in Max's office.

"Finished."

I adjusted the jersey Max had the equipment guys make for tonight's game with ICEMAN and his player number. "Are you turning into a marshmallow on me, Max Vaughn?"

"Fuck yes, Sunrise."

The grin crashed through, shattering my control.

This time, he drew a sun with the words.

I love you

My hands planted on his chest, and I shoved him playfully. "Stop groping me, Iceman. I don't want to miss Skylar and Rhylan singing the anthem." The country star and the up and coming country singer songwriter were performing, and I was way too excited to see them both. Before I could get away, he pulled me back to him.

"I love you, Sunrise."

I melted. "I love you, too, Iceman. Now, go win and force a game seven."

MAX

The crowd roared as Kas passed a saucer to Oliver, who reared back and slapped the puck so hard the damn net pulled like it was saltwater taffy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Corey as she pumped her fist from the chute that led to the bench and the ice, smiling as she nudged Lena, the sports psychologist who was helping Sutton adjust.

I glanced over to where Sophia stood with the rest of the Venge Hype Team and Jules. Wearing my fucking number. She blew me a kiss as Jules rolled her eyes and laughed as she playfully covered her eyes before doing the same to Kas.

Guess I had to fucking deal. Fuck it.

When Shaw hit the ice, Shaw saw, too, and narrowed his eyes. Sophia's ‘ex' and her brother's best friend might not ever admit what he did, but in that moment he had to know that I knew.

Asshole spent more time in the penalty box this series than he had the entire regular season. Getting rode hard by the opposing team might've given the guy a reason, but he deserved every fucking second for what he did to my girl.

The kid celebrated, his back to the Montreal players who were just beginning to slow down. Except fucking Shaw.

Time slowed down as he picked up speed and nailed Sutton in the back, sending him flying to the ice.

The arena wet silent as Oliver laid out, not moving.

From behind me in the chute, someone screamed.

STORM

I slowly licked my paw while Daisy, the other human's who were constantly around mewed.

The things she said these humans did, and that I shouldn't be worried about if I heard weird noises sounded like playtime, but I wasn't sure.

I liked Sophia a lot, and when Max came over, he always gave me treats, which made Daisy hiss.

But, I liked my humans. Especially when they watched Top Gun: Maverick or that other show with the big orange bouncing ball.

Those gray things flying in the sky made me want to jump and catch and play.

Our favorite thing? Jules and Sophia insisted on leaving the TV on when there was a game on. The silly puck never stayed caught when we pawed at it.

I loved my humans.