The Bellevue Bullies Series

Boarded by Love

Clipped by Love (early 2015)

Hooked by Love (late 2015)

The Assassins Series

Taking Shots

Trying to Score

Empty Net

Falling for the Backup

Blue Lines

Breaking Away

Laces and Lace

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday (Coming December 2014)

Overtime (Spring 2015)

Standalone

Let it be Me

Taking Risks Series

The Whiskey Prince

Becoming the Whiskey Princess (Due out 2015)

This is my tenth novel. Holy crap, right?!

Because this series wouldn’t have ever been started without this man, I want to dedicate this novel to Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators.

Thank you for always being so supportive and proud of my accomplishments. It means the world to me.

This book is for you.

GO PREDS!

Letter from the Author….well, me.

Hi, y’all! Hope you are well and THANK YOU SO MUCH for buying my tenth novel—and the sixth installment in the Assassins series, Laces & Lace. Before you get started in the magical world of my beloved Assassins, I want to take a moment and explain what I have done here. When you turn the page, you’ll see that Tangled in the Laces is there. I decided to include the prequel because it’s the start of Karson and Lacey. Some people didn’t buy Seduced by the Game, and I really didn’t want anyone to miss out. (Though you should get Seduced by the Game, there are some great stories in there!) I also thank you, because a dollar of your purchase goes to the Nashville Predators Foundation which helps the babies with cancer.

I am completely in love with this novel. I had my heart ripped out like you did during the prequel, and I love the way Karson and Lacey’s story plays out. It isn’t going to happen the way you think, and I pray that you love it the way I do. These two are so complex and amazing, but it isn’t just Lacey and Karson; Karson’s family and his best friend are a hoot! And I can’t wait to read your reviews.

Most of all, again, I thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am without you, and I feel so blessed and elated to have you as my reader.

Thank you.

Enjoy.

Love always,

Toni

Start reading Tangled in the Laces

Jump to Laces and Lace

February 2005

Karson King pushed himself as he skated up the ice and back along with his teammates. A cloud whooshed out with every breath he let out; his lungs were burning, and so were his legs. The rink was cold, and he loved the sound his skates made against the ice, along with those of his twenty-nine teammates. It was seven in the morning, and he was tired from staying out way too late the night before, but he loved this. Hockey was his life. He had eaten, slept, and breathed hockey since he was old enough to stand in his skates. It was all he knew; it was all he cared about. This was his life, and he was ready to do everything he could to make his dreams come true.

And that was making it into the pros.

He had done everything to get there. He played hockey 365 days a year, trained with the best coaches, went to the best camps, and never started a day without a morning skate and a little puck handling. He was taught to be the best by his father, who played for twenty-one seasons in the pros before getting hurt and having to retire. Karl King was the best on and off the ice, and Karson had every intention of following in his father’s big footsteps.

He, along with his family, believed that the Chicago Cats were one of the stepping-stones to get him to the pros. He loved his Cats family. In the two years of being here, since he skipped going into the draft at eighteen, he had made friends for life and worked to polish his skills even more. His mother, Regina, was very adamant about his going to college for at least two years to make sure that hockey was really what he wanted to do with his life, despite the many scouts who begged him to go into the draft. So he did, and while he believed it was a complete waste of time, he was glad he was able to meet the guys he had and to be trained by one of the greatest college coaches around. He had enjoyed the life he had here in Chicago, but he was ready to be drafted. He was ready to play for the big leagues.

Passing the puck up to his friend, Grady Martin, Karson crashed the net, going around it before hitting the slot where Grady slid him a beauty of a pass, resulting in an awesome top-shelf goal. Doing a small fist pump, Karson turned to congratulate his teammates before throwing his arm around Grady.

“Way to pass, Grad!”

“Thanks,” he said, sending him a wide grin. “Let’s do that tomorrow.”

“Sounds good to me,” Karson agreed before skating back to where Coach was waiting for them. Tapping Karson’s shins before doing the same to Grady, he nodded.

“Good pass, great goal. Let’s do it again. Passes have to be hard and accurate if we are going to beat NYU tomorrow. Come on, boys. We got this,” he encouraged before blowing his whistle.

Karson nodded, turning to get set for the next drill. Leaning on his stick, he took in a deep breath and noticed that Coach had skated up beside him.

“Scouts will be here tomorrow. They are looking at you, Martin, and Fellows. Go out hard, and make me proud.”

A man of very few words, Coach skated away. Karson’s stomach fluttered but only for a second. He wanted this, he was ready for this, and the pros were his for the taking. Barely able to contain his excitement, a grin pulled at his lips as he set up for the upcoming pass, shooting the puck past the goalie and then lining up to do it again. Adrenaline was coursing through his veins, his heart was pounding, and he couldn’t wait to call his dad to let him know what was going on. More than likely his parents would fly out for the game, since he always played better when they were there, and they’d probably catch his sister Kacey’s game the following day. Like Karson, Kacey was one of the best, too. They were both offered full-ride scholarships to Chicago, and that was the main reason they left Wisconsin. Not wanting to put a financial burden on their parents, even though they could afford it if it came down to it, they both worked hard to make sure their college was paid for. It was just the way the King kids were raised.

You worked hard for the things you wanted.

After doing the drill again, Karson found himself behind Grady and tapped him in the shin.

“Big day tomorrow,” he said, leaning on his stick.

Grady nodded. “I know. Nervous as shit.”

Karson laughed as he shook his head. “I’m not. This is what we want. It’s ours. This time next year, we’ll be in the pros.”

“Or the AHL,” Grady said, always the level-headed one between the two.

“Sure, and we will be one step closer to the pros. We got this.”

Grady could only nod before kicking off to accept the pass that he quickly shot toward the goal, but the goalie stopped him. When the whistle blew again, Karson dug into the ice, accepting the puck before shooting it hard to the goal, through the five-hole. He hadn’t missed a shot yet and didn’t intend to. Being the captain of the Cats meant being the best, and he wasn’t going to accept anything less.

Skating toward where the next line was, he glanced up at the stands to see who had braved the cold to come watch them practice. Usually, the guys’ girls would come out, some parents, and maybe even Kacey if she woke up on time. But she didn’t come often though, not that he minded since he never went to her practices. His stare traveled lazily over the almost-empty stands as he waited for his turn. When his gaze met a pair of pale green eyes, he stopped dead in his tracks.

He had no clue who she was. He hadn’t seen her around campus either, but he wished he had. She wasn’t his normal type, but that didn’t matter as he watched her move her gaze from his to look out on the ice. He was thankful she looked away since it gave him the opportunity to enjoy her without her knowing. Her legs were folded up against her chest with her arms wrapped around them. She wore a large Chicago Cats sweatshirt, her jeans hugged her every curve, and he wanted nothing more than for her to stand so he could drink in every single detail of her. From where he stood though, he could see that her eyes were large and round, framed by long, dark lashes. Her cheeks were a bright pink color, maybe from the cold or maybe because she felt him watching her, but he couldn’t stop. Her lips were a sweet, light pink color and pursed as her eyes followed the guys. He wanted to know who she was watching, instantly jealous as his eyes traveled up to where her blond hair peeked out in spikes under the thick, knit hat she wore. She had a pixie cut, something he wasn’t really into. Usually, he liked long hair, but something about this girl had him drooling when he should have been paying attention the game. Nothing ever distracted him, but this girl had the power to. That should scare him, make him want to run the other way, but he only wanted to run to her.

“Why the hell are you staring at my sister?”

Forcing his gaze away from the girl, Karson looked back at Grady and asked, “That’s your sister?”

He nodded. “Yeah, stop staring at her before I kick your ass.”

The whistle blew, signaling it was time for the next in line to go. Karson looked back to see it was his turn, but he didn’t want to move. He wanted to know more about Grady’s sister, despite the fact that Grady would very much follow through with his threat. Digging in, he headed for the goal, ready for the pass. When it came, he shot it right into the goalie’s glove.

Not good.

Letting out a breath, he knew he should have taken that little mess-up as a sign saying he needed to ignore his attraction to Grady’s sister, but instead, his gaze found its way back to her. He couldn’t wait to know more about her.

He was still staring.

Lacey Martin couldn’t believe it, but Karson King was staring at her, like almost undressing her. So bad that she found herself wrapping her arms tighter around herself. He made her feel naked with those caramel-colored eyes fixed on her. She didn’t know why he was staring, but she would be lying if she said she didn’t like it. Even though she wasn’t one of those girls to get completely hung up on a guy, Karson King was beautiful.

He had arresting eyes, dark brown hair that had a red hue to it, and a face that could grace an ad for Calvin Klein. With hard angles, scruff that made him hotter, and a sexy smile, he made Lacey feel like there was a rainstorm in her panties. His body just screamed sex. He had door-busting shoulders, toned and thick in the most delicious way. He was magnificent. She had seen him all over campus; girls flocked to him like he was a famous pro. Even though he was gorgeous, Lacey refused to be one of those girls. Yeah, he had the kind of eyes that could make a girl bend over and take it any way he wanted, and maybe he did have the greatest ass on the team, but she wasn’t stupid. There was no way a guy like that would want her.

Lacey was content with her life. She didn’t need to get her hopes up, thinking that Karson would want something to do with her. Not only would that be dumb, but if it were true, she needed to stay a thousand feet away from him. His rejection could break her and, after the year she had, she didn’t need anything else breaking her. She had finally put herself back together; she was finally getting into the groove of things. Nothing could jeopardize that—not even someone as gorgeous and lethal as Karson King.

She was finally Lacey again.

That was why she was at the arena that morning. She had come to watch her brother play. She missed doing that, and it was worth waking up at the butt-crack of dawn just to see her big brother’s grin when he saw her in the stands. She knew he missed seeing her, and it was nice to be able to start doing the things she had been doing her whole life.

She had always been there, through Grady’s whole hockey career. Being the only girl in the household, she wasn’t allowed to be a girl. The fact that she didn’t have a dick hanging between her legs wasn’t ever brought up. She got dirty, she cussed like a sailor, she knew how to change her oil, and she knew how to hold her own. Girl or boy, Lacey wasn’t going down without a fight. Despite her father wanting her to be the Grady of women’s hockey, she had no interest in playing, but her father would be damned if she didn’t know the ins and outs.

She loved the sport, loved watching her brother play, and even loved skating, but she had no patience when the stick was in her hands. Grady would steal the puck and, instead of trying to steal it back, she would try to physically take him out. Yes, it might be frowned upon, and yes, Grady accused her of having anger issues, but she thought it was more like passion than anything else. Grady didn’t agree, and that was probably why he and their father thought it was crazy that Lacey wanted to design lingerie.

It was such a neat idea though! She had always loved designing things. Clothes, rooms, and even the jerseys that Grady wore, but there was something about bras and panties that just got her gears turning. She loved making sexy things. She loved the feminine part of it, and that was probably because she had been around farts and burps her whole life. Any time she came out in anything remotely sexy, her dad and Grady would throw a fit, so most of the time she walked around covered up like a nun, when all she really wanted was to walk around in lingerie. Well, she did before, now she was perfectly happy being covered up. Before though, it wasn’t as if she wanted to be a ho or anything—she just wanted to feel pretty. But since that might never ever happen again, she decided she would design pretty things for other women to feel beautiful.

So that was what she was going to school for, business and design. It was her first year, and she loved every minute of it. Not only had she made great friends, but she was in the school’s a cappella group, the Catappellas. Yes, she knew the name was dumb, but she enjoyed it so much. Singing had always been a passion of hers and, while she could carry a tune, her love for it wasn’t something she wanted to do with the rest of her life. It was just a pastime.

With the year she had just had, she decided she was only going to do what made her happy. She was going to live life to the fullest—no matter what. Even though the idea of having Karson King interested in her made her all giggly, inside she knew it was a bad idea.

Still though, her gaze fell on the sexy captain who wore number sixteen.

When Coach blew his whistle again, Lacey knew practice was over. She stood and pulled on her gloves, wrapping her scarf around her neck before picking up her books to head out to the rink. She could wait for Grady, but there was no telling if he would be out before her eight o’clock class, so instead, she headed for it. It was freezing out, so she hurried across the quad to Reeding Hall, thankful when the warm air hit her face. Letting out a breath, she headed up the stairs to her class to find that her best friend, Rachel Wise, was waiting for her.

Like Lacey, Rachel was going for business and design but, unlike Lacey, Rachel was quiet and very OCD. It was cute, and Lacey loved how Rachel was the yin to her yang. Falling into the seat beside her, Lacey’s book fell on the desk, knocking the pencils Rachel had lined perfectly straight onto the ground.

“Ugh! Lacey,” she complained. Standing, she rushed to the pick them up.

“Oops, my bad! My hands are frozen!”

Rachel sent her a lopsided grin, retrieving her pencils and falling back into her seat. Wearing a pair of jeans with boots up to her knees and a large Cats sweatshirt, her dark brown hair fell in curls around her face. Her brown eyes were framed with darker lashes as she focused on getting her pencils right in line again. They hadn’t been friends long, but, from the beginning, Lacey had known that she and Rachel were going to be friends for life.

“No biggie—did you go watch your brother play this morning?”

Lacey nodded. “I sure did. It was nice. I missed the sounds of the ice and the smell. I was about ten seconds from rushing down there and putting my nose to it.”

“’Cause that’s normal.”

“Yeah, it is,” Lacey said with a laugh, opening her business book.

“I’m glad you went,” Rachel said after a few minutes. “That’s it, right? You are completely back to normal now.”

Lacey smiled as she bit into her lip. “Yup, completely normal Lacey now.”

“Awesome, now all you need is a hot boyfriend to make life a little interesting.”

“This coming from my single best friend,” she teased, causing Rachel to laugh.

“That is true, but I am on the prowl. All I need is a man who is clean and knows what he wants, and my life would be complete.”

Lacey laughed. “Good luck with that.”

They shared a smile before returning to their books. They had a quiz that morning. Lacey wanted to refresh herself, but she couldn’t focus. All her thoughts kept floating back to number sixteen.

“So…crazy idea.”

Lacey looked up, leaning against her hand. “And that is?”

“Wanna go to the Cats’ team party tomorrow?”

Her brows shot up as she laughed. “What? Who are you, and where is my best friend? Cause the Rachel Wise I know doesn’t go to frat parties. They are dirty, remember?”

That made Rachel dissolve into giggles, and soon Lacey joined in. “I know, but I think we need to be proactive here. We’ve been here for six months and haven’t been to any parties. We study and we go to the movies. We are nerds, Lacey!”

“I like being a nerd,” Lacey said with a nervous laugh. Her heart kicked up in speed, and everything went cold inside her. She was pretty sure she knew where her best friend was going with this.

“I do too, but I want to get laid, and no one has caught my eye. I need to broaden my boundaries, and hockey players are hot.”

Yeah, they are…especially Karson King, Lacey thought as she slowly nodded. Even with that fact, there was no way she was getting involved with anyone.

“Plus, it wouldn’t be weird for us to be there because Grady is your brother,” she added. She was right, but Lacey wasn’t sure it was a good idea. People didn’t go to those parties to play Scrabble. They went to hook up, and hooking up wasn’t in Lacey’s vocabulary anymore.

“Yeah,” she agreed as she shrugged her shoulder. “But maybe we can go to a movie; guys are at the movies.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” Lacey said, letting out a breath.

“No, it’s something. Tell me.”

Biting into her lip hard, she looked away and muttered, “Karson King was staring at me this morning during practice.”

“So?”

Lacey moved her hands, rubbing her thumbs together in a nervous way. “He was looking at me like I was naked, like he wanted me, and I don’t want to give him a reason to flirt with me by showing up at the party he is hosting.”

Rachel held her gaze for a second before laughing hysterically. “Lacey Martin, are you crazy? Who in their right mind wouldn’t want Karson King to flirt with them?”

“I guess me,” Lacey breathed. “He’s trouble.”

“Oh yeah, he is, the best kind of hot trouble, which would be right up your alley. Get you right back on the horse. You need a little romance; you need to feel like a woman again.”

Having a guy reject her wasn’t going to make her feel like a woman, but she couldn’t say that. Rachel might know her condition, but she didn’t know what it was like. She thought it was nothing to worry about, when it was actually life-altering. So instead of telling Rachel the truth, Lacey shook her head and said, “I don’t want trouble.”

Reaching out, Rachel cupped Lacey’s shoulder as she gave her a look. “Trouble is fun. Come on, let’s go to the party.”

Working her lip, Lacey let out a breath. With one look into Rachel’s eyes, she knew there was no backing out. She knew it was a bad idea, but she also knew Rachel was right. She wasn’t in the hospital anymore. She wasn’t dying. She was alive, and she needed to embrace that. She needed to push her insecurities to the side and enjoy her second chance at life. So, with a slow nod, she said, “Fine, yeah, I’ll go.”

Bundled up in her trusty Cats sweatshirt, Lacey watched as the Cats sailed up the ice toward the goal. Grady had the puck and deked around two players before passing it to another, who shot but missed. NYU got the puck and went to pass it up, but out of nowhere, Karson came, stealing the puck and spinning around a player, backhanding it into the goal with ease. Along with the rest of the Cats’ side, she and Rachel flew up, screaming and cheering for the home team.

The Cats were up by one with Karson’s goal, with only six minutes left in the third. NYU had plenty of time to score, but the Cats’ defense was playing hard. Lacey didn’t think they had a chance on scoring on the Cats’ goalie, who had a streak of four shutouts. Looking down at the bench where Coach was screaming and waving his arms, Lacey knew her father was pumping his players up.

“So what number is Grady?”

“Number twenty-one—it was my mom’s favorite number since she had him when she was twenty-one,” Lacey said with a smile. Her heart ached a little when she remembered that little tidbit about her mom. Sometimes, she felt like she was starting to forget everything about her. Like how she smelled, or what it felt like when she would run her fingers through Lacey’s hair. She remembered those things, but she used to be able to imagine her mom doing them… and it would feel like she were really there. It had been twelve years since her family had lost her mom to breast cancer and, to this day, Lacey didn’t think any of them would ever be the same.

Coach missed her constantly and smothered himself with his playbook, while Grady worked harder than ever to make it into the pros. He wanted to make her proud, and every time he scored a goal, he looked to the heavens and thanked her. It always brought the tears on when Lacey saw him do it, but it was nice that he did. Lacey, on the other hand, just missed her. The year before would have been so much easier if she’d had her mom around. She would have known how to comfort Lacey since her dad and Grady were completely at a loss. They both thought Lacey was next. Hell, Lacey had thought so, too.

“That’s nice. Your mom was so beautiful. You look so much like her. I love that picture you have of you two.”

Lacey nodded, her eyes suddenly stinging with tears. Lacey was seven in the picture Rachel spoke of, and they were at the beach. It was a beautiful day and, even though it was twelve years ago, she still remembered how much fun they had. It was a couple of months before she was diagnosed and, while Lacey hadn’t understood any of it then, she was kind of glad she didn’t. Cancer was such a scary thing. It had the power to gut you and take away the people you were supposed to have for a very long time. She believed that God had a plan for everyone. She believed that maybe she was supposed to go through her mom’s cancer so she would be strong through her own battle, but at the same time, why did that have to happen to her family? Why did they have to go through the same thing twice? It felt wrong but, for some crazy reason, her faith was still intact, and she planned to live the life He had blessed her with to the fullest.

Like her mom would have.

And if that meant going to a party and actually putting herself out there like the old Lacey would have before she got sick, then damn it, she was going to do it. Deciding this wasn’t the time to be sad about things she couldn’t change, she returned her attention to the game.

“Karson is number sixteen, right?”

Lacey’s face scrunched up. “Yeah, why?”

“He’s staring at you again.”

Following her gaze, Lacey found that Rachel was right. He was unabashedly staring at her, his mouth turned up in a grin as he leaned against the boards. He was supposed to be listening to her father yell, but instead he was watching her. Looking away quickly toward Rachel, her eyes went wide. “What in the world?”

Rachel giggled as her eyes matched Lacey’s. “He is really hot. You should jump on that.”

“No way,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “A guy like that would run the other way once he got a look at me.”

Rachel’s grin fell as she reached out to take Lacey’s hand, but she brushed her off. “Don’t. I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just watch the game.”

Lacey could see that Rachel wanted to say more but, thankfully, she didn’t, turning her attention back to the game. Doing the same, Lacey found that Karson was setting up for the puck drop. She wanted to be a good sister and watch her brother, but there was no way when Karson was demanding her attention. He was so big, so strong, and commanded the respect as the best player on the ice. She knew that the scouts were there tonight. Grady was nervous and so was her dad, but she didn’t have any doubts that Grady would be in the draft that year. It was his year. What she was surprised about was that Karson hadn’t been in it yet. He was by far the greatest player in Chicago. He needed to be in the pros, where his talent could grow.

Watching as he sailed with confidence and determination on the ice, her eyes followed his every move. He was hell on the defense, but even more so when NYU had the puck and decided to come into the Cats’ zone. He poke checked, he hit, and he was on them like white on rice. He wasn’t playing around. Soon, he had the puck on a breakaway, rushing the net. Players tried to catch up to him, but there was no catching Karson King when he was off to score. Deking the goalie one way, he sent the puck into the back of the net, winning the game and leaving Lacey breathless.

Watching as the guys all jumped on Karson while the crowd went wild cheering, Lacey’s heart went nuts in her chest. From where she stood, she could see his grin through the cage of his helmet, and she knew the feelings that were bubbling in her chest were going to do nothing but cause havoc on her heart. She wasn’t kidding when she said that Karson would run the other way from her. The sad thing was she wished she had the confidence to believe he wouldn’t. That wasn’t reality though, so she would keep her distance and stay away from Karson King.

By the time Rachel and Lacey got to the Cats’ frat house, the party was already crazy. It was Lacey’s first party, but she wasn’t innocent to what these frat guys did. Guys were upside down on kegs, playing beer pong, and shooting pucks against a guy covered in pillows for shots. It was nuts, but she couldn’t help but grin like a fool.

That was, until Grady saw her.

“Fuck,” she muttered as he beelined for her.

“What?” Rachel asked.

“Grady is coming to yell at me.”

She looked up right as Grady stopped in front of them. “Lacey, what the hell are you doing here?”

Looking up at her big brother, she shrugged as she looked around. “Came to party.”

He laughed as he shook his head, grasping her shoulders in his hand. “The hell you are. This is no place for you.”

Smacking his arms away, she glared. “For fuck’s sake, Grady. I’m eighteen years old. I think I can handle a party. I’m not a baby.”

“Yes, you are. You’re my baby sister. Go back to the dorm.”

Still glaring, Lacey took a step toward him, placing her hands on her hips. “I can stay here, have fun, and be on my best behavior, or I can go to another party, get blasted, and have sex with half the guys there. Since I apparently can’t make good choices, it’s totally up to you. At least here, you can keep an eye on me.”

Glaring back at her, he sneered, “You’re a jerk.”

“I love you too. Now, while I have you, you haven’t met Rachel yet. Rachel, my brother, Grady. Grady, my best friend, Rachel.”

Looking back at Rachel, she saw that Rachel’s face was bright with color as her mouth curved in a very sexy grin. When she glanced back at Grady, she saw the same look on his face. Reaching out, he took her hand as he said, “I don’t remember my sister telling me her best friend was beautiful.”

“That’s because I don’t try to hook my best friend up with my brother since that’s gross,” Lacey said, but she didn’t think they were listening to her.

Rolling her eyes, she watched as Rachel said, “Yeah, all she told me was that you were a beast on the ice, not that you were a sexy beast.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Lacey muttered, heading toward the kitchen for a drink. She didn’t care if they hooked up, but she still thought it was weird. Grady was not a sexy beast… he was a weirdo. Plus, he was dirty. They’d only last a day before Rachel dumped him.

Rolling her eyes, she reached in a bucket for a beer. She went to open the top but couldn’t manage it. When the cap began to cut into her hand, she placed it on the table and opened the drawer for a bottle opener, stopping when someone reached out, taking her beer.

“Hey, that’s mine—” she said, stopping when her eyes met Karson’s.

His eyes bored into hers as he popped the top with ease, handing it back to her. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” she said, taking the bottle, her eyes still held by his. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do, so she just drank in the sight of him. He was wearing fitted blue jeans and a Cats tee which hugged every inch of him. She could see that the definition of his chest and his arms was just scrumptious. He was so big, so burly, that she just wanted to get lost in his arms and never leave. Jesus, he was hot. His hair fell into his caramel eyes as his mouth curved up into a devilish grin. Soon, she found herself lost in his eyes, grinning like a fool, but then she remembered that she was supposed to stay far, far away from Karson King.

Taking a step back, she muttered, “Well, thanks again. Bye.”

Just as fast as she tried to get away, Karson’s arms shot out, holding the counter to stop her. Looking from his arm to his eyes, she knew that she could push through and be gone, but she wasn’t going anywhere.

She couldn’t, not with how she was locked into his playful gaze.

Karson was feeling on top of the world.

He scored the only two goals, winning the game, and basically played the best game of his life. He was on fire and knew it. The draft was his, and he knew he would be the first pick. He was excited, ready to celebrate a winning night and his bright future. After being fussed over by his mom and dad, he said bye, promising to meet them for breakfast and for Kacey’s game before going back to the house to set up for the party they always had after games. Tonight though, the atmosphere was nuts. It was the first time in years the Cats had shut out NYU, so they were partying hard.

Girls were everywhere, his teammates were being their dumb selves, and Karson was feeling great. But when he saw Grady’s sister at the counter, he knew his night was about to get ten times better. There was something very intriguing about the gorgeous blonde, and she had Karson heading straight for her. Maybe it was her legs, which went on for days and ended at a great ass. Or maybe it was her sweet lips and even sweeter eyes. He wasn’t sure, but he had to talk to her. He had to know her. As he reached where she stood, he saw that she was trying to open a beer, which meant she was a damsel in distress… And he was all about saving damsels.

He thought once their eyes met she wouldn’t want to leave, but to his surprise, after thanking him, she tried to run off. There was no way he was going to let her escape that easily. As he threw his arm out against her stomach, she glanced up at him, her eyes wide and her lips parted. He wanted to drop his lips to hers, and he wanted to trap her in his arms and never let go. She was taller than most of the girls he went after, but her eyes captivated him. Such a pale green that shone in such an intoxicating way.

“Where’s the fire?” he asked, replacing his arm with his hip. She took a step back, and he noticed she was squeezing the bottle she held so tightly her knuckles were white.

“No fire, just need to go find my friend.”

Karson’s head fell to the side. “Oh, well, I wanted to say hi. Introduce myself.”

“I know who you are,” she said quickly, looking up at him.

His mouth curved in a grin as he slowly nodded. “Well, that’s not fair. I want to know you. What’s your name?”

Looking away, she expelled a breath, trying to act like she was annoyed, but Karson could see it in her eyes. She wanted him.

“Lacey.”

“Lacey, such a pretty name. I’m Karson. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you,” he said, reaching out to take her hand in his. She didn’t take his at first, but he could see in her eyes that she wanted to. Finally, she did, squeezing his hand as she held his gaze. When she brought her lip in between her teeth, it took everything not to groan out loud. She was sexy and sweet all in one. He could get lost in her body and never look back. He had never been completely taken by a girl like this, but Lacey was doing something to him, and he liked it way more than he should.

“So you’re Grady’s sister, right? Younger sister?”

She nodded as he got lost in depths of her green eyes. “Yes, I may be younger, but I can still make him cry.”

Karson laughed. “Good to know and, if I may add, that’s kind of hot.”

He wanted to make her laugh. When her lips curved in a smile, the laughter followed, and his dick came to life in his pants. It was such a heavenly sound, and he had never wanted to make a girl laugh as much as he wanted to make Lacey.

“You’re a dork.”

“That’s a good thing, right? That turns you on?”

She laughed again as she shook her head. Looking at him through hooded eyes, she said, “Maybe.”

“Good to know. It was great to see that you came to watch me play tonight. I’m pretty good, huh?”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Wow, conceited much?”

Karson grinned. “I know what I saw.”

“You’re delusional. I came to watch my brother.”

Still grinning, he said, “But you watched me.”

“You were on the ice; I was watching the game,” she protested, but he shook his head.

“Your eyes never left me.”

“How do you know?” she asked with an amused look.

“Because when I wasn’t trying to score, I was watching you.”

Her cheeks deepened with color as she looked down, playing with the label on the beer. “I’m not sleeping with you; you’re wasting your time throwing all this game at me.”

He was a goner. This girl was it. Any other girl would have fallen for his game, but not Lacey Martin.

Smiling, he said, “Who said anything about sleeping together? Are you thinking about having sex with me?”

Her cheeks colored more before she looked away, laughing louder, making him think that maybe she was. He liked that. A lot. “Oh my God, shut up!”

“I never once brought up sex, and you did.”

“Whatever,” she said, a grin still pulling her lips.

“You are really beautiful when you do that. I like that half smile thing. Really hot.”

Meeting his gaze, her smile fell as she looked away, shaking her head. “You’re wasting your time.”

“Let me be the one to decide that, and aren’t you supposed to thank me? I did just say you are the hottest girl in the world.”

Her cheeks still burned with color as she nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She brought her beer up to her lips, and he smiled as he watched her take a sip before asking, “Are you old enough to drink?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you going to tell on me if I’m not?”

He shook his head. “Nope, I was just trying to figure out how old you are.”

“Eighteen,” she answered, a smile pulling at her sweet lips.

“Cool, I like my girl legal.”

“Your girl?” she laughed, her eyes wide.

As she giggled, her eyes bright, he admired the long lashes that framed her beautiful eyes. “Yeah, you didn’t get the memo that I find you incredibly sexy and want to know every single thing about you?”

She shook her head, taking a step toward him. Her body was close; he could feel the heat of her and knew he’d miss it once space was put between them again. Karson craved to press her against the counter and kiss the living hell out of her, but before he could, she said, “Obviously, you didn’t get the memo that said I’m off-limits.”

With his eyes locked with hers, his mouth came up at the side. “Off-limits, why?”

“You don’t want me. You think you do, but I promise you’ll return me the minute you have me,” she said sadly as she looked away. “This was fun. You’re insanely hot, and any girl would be lucky to have you ruthlessly flirt with her, but believe me, you don’t want me.”

“I disagree,” he said, taking a step toward her, closing the distance between them. Her breasts touched his chest, and it took everything out of him to form words as he got lost in her eyes. “I think I’d treasure you. I think it would surprise you how much I do want you.”

She gasped for breath as she took a step back, putting distance between them. Her eyes told him that Karson had her, but soon she was shaking her head as she whispered, “Don’t waste your time, Karson.”

She went to walk away, but he took her wrist in his hand, stopping her. Bringing her hand up, he placed a kiss to the inside of her palm and looked deeply into her eyes as he said, “I’d be wasting my time with anyone but you.”

Her eyes softened, but still she shook her head. “Just let me go and don’t look back. Believe me, you’ll be thankful later.”

“I don’t know if I can let go. I’m sprung.”

Her eyes went wide as she shook her head. “You don’t even know me!”

He smiled confidently as he held her gaze. “I know that if I let you go, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

“How do you know that?”

“’Cause I know what I want, and you’re it.”

“You’re crazy,” she accused, shaking her head. “All you know is my name, and you are going to regret getting to know me. Please, let me go.”

“So let me get to know you, prove to you that what we are both feeling is real, and let’s see what happens.”

She only blinked as she tore her hand from his. Her eyes narrowed as she slowly shook her head. “I don’t know what you are doing, but this is crazy. So just stay away from me, okay? Don’t waste your time.”

Turning, she walked away from him but, like he knew she would, she looked back. He could see every emotion in her sweet eyes and knew that she wanted him. He didn’t know what was holding her back from him, but he was going to do everything to make her realize he was it.

As he watched her walk away, he knew that even though he could score on the ice with no problem, scoring with Lacey Martin was going to be a challenge. When she reached her brother and a short brunette, she looked back at him, her eyes wide as they locked with his. His heart lurched in his chest, and a slow grin curved his lips as he whispered, “Challenge accepted.”

Karson King was following her.

That was all there was to it. As much as she wanted to think it was creepy, she couldn’t because she liked it. She liked him. No matter how much she wanted to be mad at herself for it, she couldn’t. Call her an idiot, but there was something invigorating about someone as hot as Karson King chasing after her. Something about his cockiness just turned her on, and she wanted to know more about him, but she knew it was a bad idea. Nothing could come out of it, and she knew the minute he had her, he’d run, but nothing said she couldn’t enjoy seeing him all over the place.

For a week, he didn’t say anything. He’d just show up at the places she was. It wasn’t a big deal, but then he started showing up and saying little things. Like hi, or how are you, funny seeing you here. It was mind-boggling. Maybe it was a coincidence, but she was pretty sure she had never seen him at the library or coffee shop before, and she went to both places religiously.

Like now, she was sitting there, enjoying her mocha coffee, and he just strolled in like he owned the damn place. As she watched him, he made his way to the counter and placed an order, never once looking at her. However, she knew that he knew she was there. Drinking in the sight of him, Lacey found herself breathless. He was beautiful. He wore a dark red beanie that covered his hair with a pea coat that fit him perfectly. In her head, Lacey imagined them cuddled up next to each other, walking through downtown as the snow fell. It was sad, but she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be wrapped in his arms. She could know. He had made it plain and clear that he wanted her, but it was just too scary.

He paid for his coffee, taking it and heading toward her, sitting slowly on the couch beside the table she was sitting at. She watched him as he sipped his drink before placing it on the table and pulling out the same book she had been reading the day before when she was in the library: Eldest by Christopher Paolini. Seeing that, she knew that this was no damn coincidence. Glaring, she stared at him until he finally looked up, meeting her gaze.

“Lacey, funny to see you here,” he said, a sly grin on his face.

Their eyes locked, and everything inside her went hot. Ignoring her screwed-up feelings, she pointed at him as she sneered, “Funny, my ass, you’re following me! Reading the same book I am!”

He scoffed, laying his book down. “Conceited much?”

Her eyes went to slits as she muttered, “Whatever.”

She turned, looking down at her books to do what she came to do—study. Rachel was supposed to come, but she had texted saying she had plans. Lacey was pretty sure her plans involved Grady, but since she wasn’t ready to accept that her best friend was shacking up with her big brother, she didn’t ask and had come to study on her own. Letting out a long breath, she took her highlighter and tried to study, but knowing that Karson was within reach made it very hard. She could feel him staring. She wanted to want to tell him to stop, but she didn’t. She was all kinds of screwed up—a glutton for punishment.

When Karson suddenly appeared at the same table as her, she sat back and met his playful gaze with an angry one. “What are you studying?” he asked, looking down at her books before smiling up at her. “Business? Are you going to own your own or work for the big man?”

She bit into her lip, knowing she should pack her book up and leave. Instead, she answered him. “I want to start my own.”

He nodded, his grin growing. “That’s awesome. What kind of business?”

“I want to design lingerie for women.”

“Wow, I didn’t expect you to say that! I knew you were going for design, too, but I was thinking home interior or something.”

She found herself smiling as she shook her head. “No, I want to design supersexy pieces for women to feel pretty in,” she admitted. “All kinds of women. Small, medium, large, and plus-size. I also want to design bras for women who have suffered from breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy, but can’t afford to get breast implants. I want all women to feel sexy in my pieces.”

Wow. Did she really just blubber all that to him? Looking up, she found him watching her. His eyes were locked on her, and she could tell he was listening to every word she said.

With a grin on his face, he said, “That’s amazing. I bet you’re talented.”

Lacey’s cheeks burned as she slowly nodded. “I think so. My best friend, Rachel, is really good too. We’ve talked some of doing it together. Starting the business and all together, I mean, but I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens.”

“Well, if you ever need someone to check out your designs, you can model for me any time you want,” he said with a wink.

She knew he was just playing around, being a regular guy, but little did he know that would never happen. Looking down, she shrugged her shoulders. “Highly doubt that.”

“Just offering my services.”

“Duly noted.”

He laughed, and Lacey had to look up to take him in. His eyes were dark and oh so gorgeous. She could just imagine posing for him in basically nothing and knew that once he saw that she had no breasts, he’d be out the door so fast she wouldn’t know what happened. All she’d be left to do would be to pick up the pieces of her heart, and she couldn’t allow that to happen. Guys like Karson King wanted perfect girls, not ones who were sick and didn’t have all the right pieces. All Lacey had were scars, ones that would scare Karson away. As her eyes flooded with tears, she began to gather her things.

“Hey, whoa, what happened? You aren’t leaving, are you?”

She nodded, her eyes glued on her book bag as she tucked her things in it. “Yeah, I have to go.”

“No, don’t,” he pleaded as she stood, putting her jacket on and then her scarf and hat.

“Sorry, I have to,” she muttered, heading out of the coffee shop. She didn’t think he’d follow her, but she soon realized that Karson was a very determined person. When his fingers wrapped around her wrist, she swung around, pulling it away from him. “Don’t touch me.”

His hands came up in a calming way, palms up at her. “I’m sorry. Please, don’t leave. I just want to talk to you.”

Shaking her head before he even finished, she said, “Karson, nothing will happen between us. Don’t you get that?”

“No, because I know you like me and I like you, so let’s do this.”

She scoffed, trying so hard to lie, but she was sure it didn’t work as she said, “I don’t like you.”

He laughed, proving her suspicions. “Whatever, don’t lie to me. I can see it in your eyes—the way your body responds to only my voice. You want me as much as I want you, but I’m not saying let’s jump into bed. I want more than that. Let’s get to know each other, find out what makes each other tick. I love listening to you talk, and I just want to know more about you. I think that if you got to know me, you’d agree that I’m worth getting to know.”

Letting out a breath, deflated, she said, “It isn’t that I don’t think you’re worth getting to know, Karson. I know you are, and I know it would be a pleasure, but it’s just that I’m not worth it. Someone like you doesn’t go for someone like me. There are things about me that would have you running for the hills.”

Taking a step toward her, he reached out but then stopped. “Can I hold your hands while I say what I have to say?”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” she whispered, lost in the depths of his dark eyes.

“But if I do, you won’t hit me, will you?” he asked with a small grin.

Her mouth pulled up as she slowly shook her head. With his grin growing, he took her hands with his, lacing his fingers with hers before looking down into her eyes. Heat coursed through her body as she continued to get lost in his eyes. He was so gorgeous, so big, and as much as she wanted to run from him, she also wanted to press herself up against him and rub her nose along the scruff of his beautiful face.

“Now, as I was saying, I think you are worth it. I think that meeting you proved why no other girl stood a chance with me. I know we just met, but I feel this crazy thing in my chest for you. I am drawn to you, I want you, and I can’t allow you to push me away. I’m not running—I’m here. You’re right; you aren’t the type of girl I’d usually want to fool with, but you are the type I’d run across the earth for. You got me going crazy, Lacey, and my life will never be the same after you.”

His words were music to her ears, everything that a girl wanted to hear, but Lacey knew those words were meant to be for someone else—not to be wasted on her. She went to tell him that, but before she could, his lips met hers and the world came off its axis. Everything stopped as Karson’s lips moved against hers. With her eyes closed tight, her hands squeezed his as he kissed the living crap out of her. When he ran his tongue along her bottom lip, she knew it was a bad idea to open her mouth, but she couldn’t stop herself. Soon, she deepened the kiss. Removing his hands from hers, he took her hips in his hands, bringing her against him as her arms went to wrap around his neck. Pulling back slightly, only for air, his eyes searched hers as they both gasped for breath.

But then he let her hips go, slowly running his hands up her ribs. She wasn’t sure what he was doing, but his hand knocked into her left breast. Suddenly, the little kiss cloud he was intoxicating her with was gone, and reality set in.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she took in long pulls of air. With a goofy grin on his beautiful face, he cupped her face before saying, “I didn’t mean to do that. Not yet, at least.”

Desire swirled in his eyes. His head dropped in for another kiss, but she backed away out of his arms and put her hands up to stop him from coming for her. “This can’t happen.”

“Why?” he asked, his arms out. “Please don’t lie and say you didn’t feel every bit of that.”

Her eyes clouded with tears, and she wanted nothing more than to hide. “It doesn’t matter what I feel, Karson. This won’t work. Please stop following me. Please just leave me alone.”

And with that, she turned and took off toward her dorm, thankful that he didn’t follow her.

"Well then,” Karson muttered as he stood in the snow and watched Lacey run from him. It was obvious that she didn’t want him to follow her. He saw the tears in her eyes and didn’t understand what was going on, but he wasn’t giving up. After a kiss like that and the way she felt in his arms, he’d walk through fire for that girl. He knew it was crazy, but he couldn’t help what he was feeling. She was just so unbelievable. Not only was she gorgeous and funny, she was driven. What eighteen-year-old girl wanted to help women who have had to lose their breasts to cancer feel sexy? It was mind-blowing. She was amazing, and Karson had every intention of making that girl his.

He understood that his life was up in the air. The scouts from the game a couple of weeks back loved what they saw and said that they would be in contact with his dad, who was also his agent. His dad felt good and believed that he’d go first or second pick for the draft. His dreams were coming true, but nothing would be right unless Lacey were there with him. He knew that there was a good chance she wouldn’t leave Chicago, and that was fine. He’d do a long-distance relationship with her. He’d do anything just to know she was his.

He was moving fast, but that was just how he was. He always just jumped in and worried about everything else later. But his feelings did scare him. He felt a bit like he was obsessing over the gorgeous blonde who reminded him of a tall Tinker Bell, but he couldn’t help it. Everything he learned about her, he liked, and he felt like a stalker with how much investigating he had done on her. It was completely innocent; he just wanted to know her and show her that he was the man for her.

“Why are you watching a girl run? Wait, that’s a dumb question. You’re my horndog brother, that’s why.”

Karson laughed as he glanced over at his baby sister. Kacey smiled up at him, her brown eyes shining through the falling snow. She wore a puffy red jacket and a large, knitted hat, with her long brown hair falling along her shoulders.

“Shut up,” he barked at her as Lacey disappeared into the quad.

Kacey laughed as she shifted her hockey bag up on her shoulder and switched her stick to the other hand. “No, but really, what are you doing? It’s freezing out here.”

“I’m stumped. That girl is running from me, and I don’t know what do it about it.”

“A girl, run from you?” she teased, “That’s odd, what did you do?”

Glaring at her, he said, “I didn’t do anything but tell her she should give me a chance. I’m a catch, you know. Girls like me.”

“Yeah, dumb ones. I like her already. She’s obviously smart.”

“I don’t like you,” he declared.

“I love you, too. So anyway, I see that you are in deep with this girl. Here is my suggestion—romance her a bit. Don’t just expect to show up and have her fall for you. Good girls take time to get.”

Eyeing her, he asked, “How do you know I’m in deep?”

“Because I know you; you don’t chase after girls. She’s special, so don’t give up. I bet you she won’t know what hit her once you turn on the King Charm. Can’t wait to meet her.”

With nothing but a nod, Kacey started for the rink as Karson took in everything she just said. He knew that Lacey was special, and the more he thought about it, the more he knew Kacey was right. He was in deep, over a girl he just met, and he wasn’t the least bit worried about it. She had his heart, and he wasn’t going anywhere until he had hers.

For the next week, he continued to show up at the places she was. The only problem was that now, she wouldn’t look at him. She didn’t even acknowledge him. Sitting in the cafeteria, his mind was muddled with thoughts of Lacey. He was sure after a week of seeing her every day, multiple times, would have her wanting to be with him, but it wasn’t working. She wasn’t affected by his charm at all. It was discouraging, but Karson was a winner and he was going to freaking win.

“Yo, King!”

Karson looked over from where he was reading to see a few of his freshmen teammates coming toward him. This meant they had some information on Lacey. Closing the book, he sat up.

“She sings with the Catappellas and is performing tonight in Bradford Hall at six,” Devin said, with Johnny bouncing beside him.

Checking his watch, he saw he had an hour before he had to get over there. “Cool, thanks, guys.”

“No problem,” Johnny said before they both walked away.

“Having freshmen stalk your newest conquest is just sad, King,” Grady said.

“Fuck off, I can’t be everywhere. I need to know these things since she won’t give me anything to work with.”

“Aw…poor Karson isn’t having a girl fall to the ground with her legs open? However will you go on?”

“Fuck you,” Karson sneered as Grady laughed.

Not saying anything else, Karson returned to his book. It was the same one he had seen Lacey reading, and he had to admit, it was pretty badass. He wasn’t much of a reader, but from the moment his eyes hit the pages, he was hooked.

“Who is she?”

Looking up, he met Lacey’s big brother’s eyes and slowly closed the book since he knew there was a good chance this wasn’t going to go well. Taking in a deep breath, he said, “Your sister.”

Grady laughed. “Fuck you, no really, who?”

“Lacey,” Karson answered.

“You’re not funny. You better be joking.”

Karson shook his head and figured he owed it to Grady to be honest. They had been friends for years, but what bothered him was that he had never known about Lacey. It was as if Grady had hidden her, and he didn’t understand why. Ignoring that fact, Karson shook his head as he said, “I’m sprung over her, dude. She is amazing.”

Visibly upset, Grady jumped to his feet, his shoulders squaring up as he glared down at Karson. “Well, unspring yourself, asshole.”

“I can’t. Why did you hide her from me? You never mentioned you had a hot sister.”

“Because I know you and knew that you’d be on her in seconds. You’re a sleaze.”

“Maybe I was, but it’s different this time. I actually have this feeling in my chest for her.”

Grady’s nostrils flared as he glared even more. “I’m going to kick your ass.”

“If you have to, then do it, but I won’t stop. I need her, dude, like seriously. I’m in deep and, as my best friend, you should understand that and support me.”

“Support you, huh?” Grady asked, and Karson smiled.

“Yeah, man, we both want what’s best for her, and I think I’m it.”

Grady didn’t say anything else; he just shook his head and promptly decked Karson right in the left eye. Taking the punch like a champ, Karson closed his eyes as Grady got close and whispered, “Stay the fuck away from my sister.”

“You’ll have to kill me, Grad. I can’t.”

When he opened his eyes, Grady was glaring with the hatred of Hades in his eyes. “Is she worth our friendship?”

Slowly, Karson nodded. “Yeah, because I feel you’ll eventually agree with my way of thinking. A girl like that doesn’t come around twice.”

Shaking his head, Grady stomped away without a second glance. As Karson watched him leave, he asked himself if she was really worth it.

The only answer was yes.

Karson knew it was true when he heard Lacey sing. She had the voice of an angel and looked like one as she sang along with the other Catappellas. He used to make fun of those weird people who made music with their mouths, but now that he knew Lacey did it, he vowed never to call them that again. He only wanted to support her, and as he clapped loudly, whistling for her, a smile grew on his face because he knew exactly how to romance her.

All he needed was the help of the Catappellas.

When Lacey came out the back with the same brunette who Karson had seen her with before, he smiled as their eyes met. She looked away like she had been doing for the past week, but that wasn’t going to stop him.

Stepping out in front of her, he said, “You have a lovely voice.”

“Thanks,” she said, trying to go around him, but she must have noticed that his face was damaged. “What happened to your face?”

He smiled as he ran his fingers along the black eye. “Your brother punched me.”

“What?” she shrieked, along with the brunette.

“Why?” Lacey asked, taking a step toward him. She reached out, but then she stopped herself, tucking her fingers into the red dress she wore. It fit her like a glove, and Karson was salivating at the sight of her.

“I told him I was trying to prove to the most gorgeous girl on campus that I’m worth her time. He asked me who it was. I said you, so he decked me because when he asked me to stop chasing after you, I said I couldn’t.”

Her lip wobbled as she looked away. “You have to, Karson. I’m telling you, you’re going to be disappointed.”

“The only way I’ll be disappointed is if you don’t give me a chance.”

Looking at him, her eyes filling with tears, she whispered, “I’m not worth it.”

“You keep saying that, but I can promise you I’m about to prove to you that you are.”

Before she could say anything else, Karson turned and left the hall, feeling pretty damn good about what had just happened.

Lacey was having the worse day of her life.

After having it out with Grady about Karson that morning—which really did nothing since all her bullheaded brother did was scream at her about how she needed to stay away from Karson—her day persistently got worse. First, she dropped her iPod into the toilet. She wasn’t sure how it happened, but it did, so she had to walk to all her classes without any music. She then failed her math pop quiz, slid on some ice outside Jackson Hall, and to top it all off, they were out of the mocha syrup for her coffee. Lacey was two seconds away from saying fuck it and going back to bed. If she didn’t have to study for her design test the next day, she would have done just that.

So after settling on a vanilla caramel latte, Lacey sat down in her normal spot and opened her books to get started. She was hoping that Rachel would come out, but she wasn’t sure on that. Rachel was completely and utterly engrossed with Grady. She didn’t understand it since she thought Grady was a pig and totally not Rachel’s type, but it didn’t bother her much. She had every right to be a bitch about it, but there was really no point. Shouldn’t Grady be grateful for that? Instead, he was a jerk and made Lacey feel like she was ten and not eighteen.

She knew that Karson was trouble. Knew he had been with more girls than he could count on his hands and feet, but it didn’t matter. Even if she was to get involved with him, his past was his past. As long as he didn’t screw her over, she wouldn’t dig into it, but none of that mattered because nothing was ever going to happen between them. It couldn’t. No matter how much she liked his smile, or his laugh, or the way he made her laugh. She enjoyed him way more than she should, and that was why she was doing everything to stay clear of him, but it was getting so hard.

Letting out a long breath, she ran her fingers along her scalp and scratched quickly. She couldn’t wait for her hair to grow back out. She missed her long locks, but she was embracing the pixie. She just wanted to think she looked normal because when she looked in the mirror, all she saw was the girl who lost all her hair because of chemo. The girl who lost her breasts because the cancer was very aggressive, and then lost all the confidence in the world. It was shitty and she hated her luck, but it was her reality. Maybe one day she’d get the money to buy herself some new breasts, or maybe she’d design something that would make her feel like a woman who was worthy of the attention of someone like Karson. She wished that she had gotten them back when she had the chance, but she had tapped her father out on money, and he said he didn’t want to take out a loan for them. She figured she didn’t need them, but obviously, she did. Back then, she was just glad to be alive and wasn’t thinking long-term of what her life would be later, about how all this would affect her—how it would affect her confidence. Letting out a long breath, she closed her eyes, knowing she needed to let all that go. She was alive, and she needed to work. She had to get her degree, so she could start her life. She had to let Karson go. She just had to.

With a sadness filling her chest, she got to work. She was well into her second study guide when she felt Karson in the coffee shop. It was nuts how she could feel him near her. It was a warm feeling that rested deep in her stomach every time he was around her. She knew he would show up, he always did, but she did everything to ignore him. No matter how hard it was. For the last week, she had done well, except for the night before when he had showed up at her concert. The thought that he watched her sing still made her breathless, but knowing that he took a punch from Grady for her made her heart explode in her chest.

There was a pull between them. One she didn’t understand, and as much as she wanted to let go of her insecurities and believe that he could genuinely like her for her while not being disgusted when he saw her deflated breasts, she couldn’t do it. What man would find that attractive? Especially a man as gorgeous and experienced as Karson King—the captain of the Chicago Cats, the number-one player in the state, who had a one-way ticket into the pros? Yeah, he wouldn’t find her attractive. He wouldn’t want her after he saw that. No matter how much she wanted to believe he would, she couldn’t. It wouldn’t happen.

Moving her hair to the side, she tried to concentrate on her work, but she couldn’t. She wanted to look at him, make sure his face was okay after her boneheaded brother knocked him one. Grady was a big guy, and even though Karson was too, that punch had to hurt. When the chair pulled out in front of her, she looked up to see Karson settling into it, a single rose in one hand and a candle in the other. Letting out an annoyed breath, even though she was happy to see him, she said, “Karson, I’m—”

“Please, give me four minutes of your time,” he pleaded as he slowly slid the rose toward her.

Lacey wanted to say no, but she could see it in his eyes. He just wanted four minutes, and after that, she’d turn him down nicely and they could go on without thinking of each other. She wanted to believe that, but for some reason, she couldn’t help but think she’d never forget Karson King. When she didn’t say anything, he smiled before he slowly nodded his head. Suddenly, the lights cut off. Panicky, Lacey looked around, trying to figure out what was wrong. Karson lit the candle, setting it on the table, his gaze holding hers hostage. Lacey was too busy getting lost in the depths of his eyes to wonder why he had a candle, or to notice when three guys appeared behind him. The same three guys who sang with her in the Catappellas—Marc, Jessie, and Roger.

When she did, she said in confusion, “What’s going on?”

Karson only smiled, and then Jessie started to play the guitar she hadn’t noticed he was holding. She didn’t recognize the music at first, but then Marc started to sing and she knew the song instantly. It was “True” by Ryan Cabrera. As they belted the song out, Karson held her gaze, his eyes telling her that every word was true and that this song was meant for her from him. When he reached out, taking her hand in his, she allowed him and didn’t stop him when he pulled her up into his arms before slowly swaying back and forth with her. She couldn’t stop staring into his eyes. She was mesmerized and completely shocked that this was happening. He smelled so good, and it felt unbelievable being wrapped in his arms as everyone watched and the guys sang to them.

When the song ended, Karson stopped moving and slowly lifted his hands up to frame her face, his eyes searching hers. Softly, he said, “I can’t sing for shit, but I will pay to have someone sing to you. I don’t dance well, but I’ll do it just for the chance to touch you. I’m not one to listen to guys sing to find the perfect song for a girl, but I did for you. Most of all, I don’t usually pour my heart out to a person in front of a full coffee shop because I’m not that much of a romantic, but for you, I’d do it all. I’d do anything to be with you, and I’ve waited for someone like you my whole life. It’s true, all of it, and I would be the luckiest man in the world if you’d agree to go out on a date with me. Please give me the chance to make you fall for me like I have been falling since the first moment I set eyes on you.”

Never in her life had she had someone so ruthlessly come after her. Her heart pounded in her chest as he held her gaze. His eyes pleaded with her, begging for that chance. She wanted to scream yes and never let go of him, but there was a part of her that had her frozen with fear. “I’m terrified of you, Karson. You don’t know what you are getting into. I’m just now picking up the pieces of my life. I can’t redo it all when you run for the hills.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Lacey. I’m here. I’m yours. Just give me the chance.”

Biting into the inside of her cheek so hard it hurt, she closed her eyes as she leaned her forehead against his lips, taking in a deep breath. She was given a second chance at life to live it, not to hide. She had to live her life to the fullest, and a part of her knew that she wouldn’t be living if Karson weren’t a part of her life. Yes, she was terrified, and yes, there was a chance that he would completely break her, but she couldn’t help but try. She didn’t care how crazy it was. She felt the same thing he did. So she slowly nodded as she looked back up into the caramel eyes she craved to look into daily.

A grin came over his lips, and she returned it before whispering, “Yes.”

Karson wasn’t sure who moved first, but the next thing he knew, he was wrapped up in Lacey’s arms, kissing her so hard that he couldn’t breathe. Not that he wanted to. All he wanted was to kiss her for the rest of his life. As his mouth moved with hers, he knew this was it for him, and he didn’t plan on ever letting her go. Deepening the kiss, his tongue moved with hers in the most delicious way, causing the passion in him to rise. Holding her close, he separated only an inch to look deep into her eyes.

Into his heaven.

“As much as I don’t want to let you go, I have to pay these guys, so one second,” he said with a quick grin, reluctantly letting her go to pull some twenties out of his pocket. Thankfully, they had turned the lights back on, and everyone went back to doing what they were doing before Karson turned into a completely pussy and serenaded her. While he knew that he was going to get shit for it at practice tomorrow, he couldn’t muster up anything to care. All he cared about was making Lacey happy, and he thought he succeeded pretty damn well.

“Great job, guys,” he said, before handing them money. They all grinned before heading off, leaving him with Lacey. Turning, he smiled at her before taking her hand in his. “What are your plans tonight?”

She smiled as she laced her fingers with his. “I need to study.”

“Wanna get some dinner first?”

“Is this the date you spoke of?”

“Yeah, one of many to come. Can I please steal you away from studying? I know that’s bad, but I really can’t imagine leaving you after all this.”

A grin pulled at her lips as she said, “Yeah, I can study later. Let’s go.”

Elated, Karson waited as she packed up her stuff before wrapping his arm around her waist and leaving the coffee shop. Heading into the snow, they walked quickly to the Logan’s Roadhouse that was on campus. He knew there was a chance that it could be swamped, but luckily, it wasn’t. Being seated, he scooted into the same side of the booth that she did, grinning when she looked at him, surprised. Taking her book bag, he placed it in the empty spot across from them before looking down at the menu. He could feel her staring at him and looked over to find her grinning at him.

“I have to admit, this is my first date in years, probably, so I may be a tad bit rusty, but aren’t you supposed to sit over there?”

He laughed. “I could, but I don’t want to.” He shot her a grin before saying, “Your kissing isn’t rusty, that’s for sure.”

A giggle escaped her before she pressed her lips shut tight, looking over at him with playfulness in her eyes. “Well, thank you.”

Leaning over, he pressed his lips to hers softly before saying, “No, thank you.”

They held each other’s gazes until the waitress came over for their orders. After their food was ordered and drinks were delivered, Karson turned to ask, “So, how’s school going?”

She shrugged as she folded her hands under her chin. “Good, I failed my math pop quiz today. I hate math.”

“I’m pretty good at it. I’ll help you out if you’d like.”

“I would, thank you.”

“No problem. I won’t miss school once I go into the draft. I hate writing papers and crap. It’ll be nice to just relax and play. Knowing my mom though, she’ll probably suggest I take online classes.”

“Why did you go to school in the first place? Weren’t you offered to go into the draft after high school?”

Karson’s mouth turned up at the side. “Been stalking me?”

She laughed. “Please, if anyone is the stalker in this relationship, it’s you.”

“Maybe… But to answer your question, yes, I was offered, but my mom pushed me to go to school first to make sure that hockey was what I wanted to do.”

“Is it?”

“Hell yeah,” he scoffed with a laugh.

She smiled as she agreed. “You were born for it.”

“Yeah, I love it.”

Holding his gaze, she smiled as she said, “So you want to start a relationship with me when you have one foot out the door?”

“See, I thought about that, but then I figured that you’re the kind of girl that’s worth the trouble of a long-distance relationship. I know you want to stay here because your family is here. I would never expect you to go with me, but wherever I go, believe me, I’ll be yours only.”

“If this works, and the time came for you to leave, then you best believe you’ll be only mine. Don’t cheat on me, Karson King. I’ll kill you…with a hockey stick.”

Laughing, Karson said, “You think I don’t know that?”

Laughing along with him, she leaned into him as she asked, “So where are your mom and dad?”

“Wisconsin. My sister Kacey goes here though, plays for the women’s team.”

“Wisconsin is a good place to go to college, especially for hockey. Why come here?”

“They offered me a full ride. I couldn’t pass it up. Plus, your dad promised to mold me into a great player. He’s succeeded, I think.”

She nodded as their plates were delivered. “Yeah, he is good at what he does. Been doing it his whole life.”

“Yeah, my dad believed in him, so I did. Now though, I’m ready for the pros.”

Lacey agreed as she dug into her food, and he did the same. After swallowing, he asked, “Do you live on campus?”

“Yeah, I had to get out of the house before my dad smothered me. We get free room and board here since he is the coach. Even though he and Grady begged me to stay home, I decided to be a rebel and do what I want.”

That made him smile before he asked, “Why did they want you to stay home?”

Looking away, she shrugged slowly. “I don’t know, maybe because I’m the only girl? My mom passed away when I was seven from breast cancer.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, his heart going out to her.

She gave him a tight smile before she went on. “Thank you, but they’ve been a little smothering since then. I think they are scared I’ll get hurt, when I could take out anyone who tried to hurt me. They are nuts and overprotective, which reminds me, I’m sorry Grady did that. He’s a bonehead.”

“He loves you; I understand it. Anyone ever touches Kacey, and I’ll do the same. It’s a big brother thing.”

“I guess, but he goes over and beyond the big brother requirements. He’s treated me like a walking time bomb since the diagnosis. It’s annoying.”

Karson stopped and glanced over at her. He could see it all over her face. She hadn’t meant to tell him that. “Diagnosis?”

Clearing her throat, she asked, “Huh?”

“You said diagnosis.”

She laughed, waving her hand at him. “I don’t know why, silly me.”

Still looking at her, he said, “I know this is new, but I know when you are lying to me. Lacey, what diagnosis?”

Dropping her fork, she let out a breath before wrapping her fingers together in her lap. She picked at the nail polish that was flaking off her fingers. Karson watched as she took in a deep breath before letting it out again. Looking up at him, she said, “I had breast cancer.”

His heart stopped as she held his gaze. “You had it, too?”

“Yeah, that’s how they found out about it. My mom had, so I was at risk. They suggested I come in early, just as a precaution, and found it.”

“Do you still?”

“No,” she answered, shaking her head.

“Well, that’s good, great even, that you fought it. Why are you bashful about something like that? You should be proud that you are a survivor.”

“I am. It’s just that I’ve been sick for so long, and I am just now getting back to me. You know what I mean? Like, I still don’t look like me. I used to be healthy looking and my hair was so long, but the chemo took it, and then I—” She stopped suddenly and shook her head. “It’s just that I have this second chance and I want to make the most of it, but sometimes I am so scared that I’m not the girl I used to be.”

Turning to her, Karson took her hand in his. “I didn’t know that girl, but I bet she was as amazing as you are now. You’ve taken something that could be a tragedy and are capitalizing on it, wanting to help women feel sexy after something that could make them feel like they aren’t female anymore. Breast cancer is scary. I admire you for what you’ve overcome and for your plans for the future. You are amazing, Lacey, and gorgeous. Don’t ever forget that.”

Her mouth pulled up at the side as she looked away bashfully. He said, “And to let you know, I’ve fallen just a bit more for you. You blow me away, Lacey. The more I learn about you, the more I know this instant attraction to you is more than I thought. I hope you’re ready.”

Confused, she asked, “Ready?”

“Yeah, ready for the kind of relationship that will ruin you for anyone else. Not that we have to worry about that because I know this is a forever kind of thing.”

“You’re so confident,” she said, shaking her head, a grin pulling at her lips.

“Yeah, because I know what I want, and when I want something as bad as I want you, I know I’ll do anything to keep it.”

“I admire that about you.”

“Good…because I’ve never been in love, and I want to do this right. I want to do you right. I read once that being someone’s first love is great, but to be their last is beyond perfect. I want that with you, and I don’t care how crazy that sounds.”

Looking away, she pulled in a deep breath before looking back at him. “You scare me shitless, Karson King, because I have decided to trust you. I hope to God that everything you say will be true because cancer broke me into a billion pieces, and I’m just now putting that all back together. Picking all those pieces up again would be the hardest thing I would ever have to do, so please don’t break me.”

Cupping her face, he leaned in, running his nose along hers before he whispered, “There won’t be any pieces to pick up because I’m not breaking you. I’ll hold you together. You’ll never face anything without me right there. I’ll be there until the end. I promise you that.”

“I trust you.”

That was all he needed to hear.

Their relationship was on the fast track from that moment on. It was intense and maybe a little insane, but Lacey wouldn’t have it any other way. She was falling madly for him, and she wasn’t the least bit ashamed of it. Wherever Karson was, Lacey was, and vice versa. They were constantly together, studying, going out, and just enjoying each other. She had never felt so free in her life, and she knew it was because of him. He made her feel alive, like the most beautiful girl in the world, and he continually told her that. She had never felt so strongly about someone, and despite Rachel and Grady telling her she was nuts for falling for him so quickly, she still allowed herself to do so.

It was just that Karson made everything feel so right, so perfect, as if it was meant to be. He made her feel as if there was nothing but them, and she loved that about him. And boy, could he make her hotter than anybody ever had before. Lacey wasn’t a virgin, not by a long shot. Growing up around nothing but Grady’s friends, she’d lost her virginity when she was sixteen, but there was a difference between fooling around with boys and being with Karson.

He made her feel so special with each touch. They hadn’t had sex, but there had been heavy touching and rubbing because he said he wanted to wait. What twenty-year-old guy wanted to wait? Karson King did because he wanted her to be completely ready and trust him. It was night and she was thankful because every time they fooled around and things got hot and heavy, her anxiety was always high when his hands gravitated toward her breasts. She knew she needed to tell him about them, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She loved their relationship and didn’t want to feel the sting of rejection if he felt he couldn’t deal with it. In her heart she knew that wasn’t true, but still, it made her nervous.

Along with spending every waking moment together, they never missed an event for the other person either. Every game, Lacey was there, Karson’s number written on her cheek with Rachel right beside her, Grady’s number on her cheek. Grady still wasn’t okay with Karson and Lacey being together, but at least he hadn’t tried to swing at Karson in the last two months. When Lacey performed with the Catappellas, Karson was front row, watching every moment, and the loudest person cheering when they finished a set. They had a routine; Karson walked her to every class and was always there at the end to greet her before rushing off to his own. She wasn’t sure how he got away with missing so much, but he guaranteed her it wasn’t a big deal, that he was passing. She was fine with whatever he was doing as long as she got to see him. Call her selfish, but she valued the time she got to spend with him since, more than likely, he’d be going into the draft. After being picked for a team, he’d be shipped off to whichever team chose him. He had been flying out a lot, interviewing with all kinds of teams, and it was nerve-racking, but she was so proud of him.

While she prayed every night that the Blackhawks chose him, she knew that was probably not going happen since they were on the road to the Cup, and they wouldn’t get the first draft pick. Karson wasn’t sure, but he promised, no matter what, she would always be the keeper of his heart. She was grateful for that and trusted him, but she also knew that her man would probably go to some team that was rebuilding somewhere far away. She believed that nothing could derail their love. She loved him so hard that it was scary. The more she thought about it, the more she knew that if he asked her to go, she’d go without hesitation.

Looking across the table at her father, she smiled when he met her gaze. His mouth curved in a grin, and it made her heart happy. Her dad had aged so much over the last couple of years, and she knew it was her fault. She knew he loved her though, and that eased the guilt a little bit, but she wished she could take the hard years away.

“Daddy, can I invite Karson to dinner next Sunday?”

Grady looked up as Rachel glanced up, too. Rachel had been coming to Sunday dinners since Grady asked her out, but Lacey hadn’t brought Karson yet. Even though they had been together for two months, she figured it would be a tough pill for her dad to swallow, knowing his daughter was involved with someone. He had always been so overprotective. He knew about Karson and he seemed indifferent to it all, but still Lacey wanted to include Karson in their family get-togethers.

“So it’s serious, buttercup?”

Lacey’s heart kicked up in speed as she nodded. “Yeah, Daddy, it is.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, they are saying he will be a number-one pick for the draft, meaning he has a one-way ticket out of Chicago.”

“I know, but we feel we’ll be fine. You never know, I might go with him. I could transfer schools.”

Grady’s brows shot up and, unfortunately, so did her father’s as he asked, “Transfer schools? Leave Chicago?”

Swallowing loudly, Lacey looked down as she said, “I mean, I don’t know. It’s all up in the air, but I know that I care for him deeply. I want him to be involved in our family dinners, and I want you to get to know him. He’s an amazing person.”

“I know who he is. I’ve trained him for the last two years. While yes, he is a great guy, I don’t think he is the guy for you. I didn’t say anything when you two got together because I figured it would end when he left, but you saying you want to go with him is out of the question.”

Her father didn’t yell at her, it was more of a very stern voice, but it scared her as much as if he had, though she wasn’t going to be treated like a child.

“Daddy, I am eighteen years old, about to turn nineteen. If I want to go, I will.”

“No, you won’t. I won’t pay a penny of your education.”

“That’s fine; that’s why there are loans. You are getting your blood pressure up for nothing though. I don’t know what will happen. All I wanted to know was if my boyfriend could come to dinner.”

He looked at Lacey with eyes that told her the answer before he spoke it. But still her heart dropped when he said, “The answer is no.”

Slowly, she nodded before standing up. “If my boyfriend can’t come to dinner, then I won’t be here either.”

“Sit down, Lacey. That is ludicrous,” he said, setting her with a look.

Shaking her head, Lacey’s eyes filled with tears as she said, “What’s ludicrous is that Grady can have his girlfriend to dinner, but I can’t have my boyfriend. I am tired of the double standards around here, and things better change before I change them for us.”

With that, she turned and headed for the front door. Her dad called her back, but she ignored him as she put on her jacket and hat. Fighting back the tears, she glanced up at the portrait of her mother and said, “Bye, Mom.”

Slamming the front door to her house, she stomped to her car and drove off. She pulled her phone out her pocket and dialed Karson. He answered on the second ring.

“Hey babe, you done with dinner?”

“Yeah, can I come see you?”

“Yeah, of course. I was hoping you would.”

She worked her lip and then asked, “Are you alone?”

She could hear the smile in his voice as he said, “Well, yeah, Grady was with you. I don’t know if he is coming back here. He might go to Rachel’s.”

“Oh yeah,” she said, feeling dumb. She decided that she would text Rachel to take Grady back to their dorm because she wanted to be alone with Karson. “Okay, I’m coming over.”

“Sounds good, babe. See you soon. Be careful.”

“I will,” she promised as she hung up and headed toward his frat house. It was on the other side of campus. She hated the drive, but soon she was there, parking beside his car. Hopping out, she bundled up in her jacket as she headed up the stairs to the door. Opening it, she was greeted by some of his teammates. She smiled and waved as she headed up to Karson’s room. His was on the third floor, the last room on the right. Being the captain and co-captain, Karson and Grady got the best room. It was basically a suite. It was so big, and Lacey was jealous every time she came over, since her and Rachel’s room was the size of their closet.

Knocking on the door, she pushed it open when Karson said come in. In only a pair of shorts, he met her at the door, kissing her softly on the lips. As they parted, Lacey found herself breathless as she took in each ab and muscle in his chest. Her boyfriend was gorgeous with clothes on, but it was easy to say she liked him better without.

“Missing a shirt, I see?”

He laughed as he shrugged, taking her jacket and throwing it on Grady’s bed. “I just got out of the shower and didn’t feel like finding one.”

“Oh,” she muttered as he wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in his scent and warmth. “Mmmm,” she whispered, cuddling closer and holding on to him. She needed this. Needed to feel him like this, especially after what had just happened with her dad.

“How did it go at your interview?”

He shrugged. “Good, I might end up going to Tampa. They like me a lot, and it would be fun to visit Florida, right?”

She grinned up at him. “Yeah, it would be. I love the beach.”

He smiled back before saying, “I do, too. Never know though, we’ll see.”

“I’m excited for you,” she said. He kissed her softly on her jaw before nibbling down her neck.

“I missed you,” he whispered into her neck. “Did you have fun at your dad’s?”

“Not really, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You sure?” he asked, placing a kiss below her ear before pulling back to look into her eyes.

She nodded, running her hands up his back and then down. “I missed you.”

His mouth curved into a grin as he ran his nose along hers. He touched his lips to hers, his hands sliding into the back pockets of her jeans as he deepened the kiss. Closing her eyes, she moved her mouth with his and then slowly reached back to lock the door. Pulling away, he eyed her as his grin grew.

“You know that won’t keep him out.”

“I don’t care,” she whispered as she returned her lips to his. She was ready for this. It was time, and she wanted to share this moment with him. She wanted to take their relationship to the next level. She loved and trusted him. Pulling away, she took his hand in hers and led him to his bed. Karson’s eyes searched hers as she lowered herself down and took in a deep breath, waiting for him to join her, but he didn’t move.

Running his hand through his hair, he asked, “Are you sure, Lacey?”

She slowly nodded. “Yeah, don’t you want to?”

“Fuck yeah, I do, I just don’t want to rush you.”

A smile pulled at her lips as she hooked her finger at him. They had lain in his bed countless times, watching TV and just fooling around, but this time was going to be different. This time she was going to give him all of her and hope that he didn’t reject her. Her heart was pounding and tears were gathering in her eyes, but she was ready. She wanted him, needed to feel him in the most intimate way.

“You’re not. Now come on, make love to me.”

That was all he needed to hear because, within seconds, he was crawling on top of her, pressing his hard length between her legs as he drew long, drugging kisses out of her. Running her shaky hands up his back, she tried to still her wildly beating heart but it was no use. Between Karson’s intoxicating kisses and the fact that he was about to see her breasts, her heart was beating louder than a drum.

Parting only an inch, Karson cupped her face in his hands as he held her gaze. “You’re shaking. Are you sure, baby? It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

“No, I’m just nervous.”

His brows cocked up as he ran his thumb along her bottom lip. “You have nothing to be nervous about. It’s just me. I love you.”

It was the first time he’d said it outright like that, and it totally stunned her. Usually, he would say, he was falling or that he was completely sprung for her, but never had he said those three words. Her stomach went nuts with butterflies, and her heart pounded against her chest as she held his gaze. “I love you, too.”

His grin grew as he said, “I thought you were going to leave me hanging.”

She laughed. “You know I love you. Isn’t it obvious?”

Dropping his head to hers, he slowly nodded before moving his lips along hers. “Yeah, I’ve known, but hearing you say it is better than scoring the winning goal, Lacey. I love you so damn much.”

He went to kiss her, but she knew it couldn’t go any further without telling him. Placing her finger against his lip, she whispered, “I need to tell you something before we go on.”

“Yeah?”

Biting into her lip, she knew she just had to say it. This was going to happen, and giving him a warning would be best. “You remember how I had breast cancer?”

He slowly nodded. “Yeah, it didn’t come back, did it? Is that why you had a bad time at your dad’s?” he asked, his eyes filling with panic as he placed his hands on the bed to push himself back on his haunches.

“No, not at all,” she said, trying to calm him down as she sat up, crossing her legs and placing her hands on his chest to soothe him. “It can’t come back in my breasts, Karson…since I don’t have any breasts. I had to have a double mastectomy a year ago.”

Without realizing it, her eyes filled with tears and she looked down at the bed to hide them. She couldn’t look at the shock on his face. It hurt her too much because she wasn’t sure what it meant. Was he thinking of an easy way out? Was he trying to figure out how to get out of bed with her without hurting her feelings? As seconds turned into minutes, she took in deep breaths and finally couldn’t take it anymore. Looking up, she met his confused gaze as he asked, “What? What do you mean? I’ve touched your boobs. I’ve grabbed them when we’ve made out.”

Her lip quivered as she slowly nodded. “I have a bra on that looks and feels like real breasts, but they aren’t.”

Lacey could see the confusion on his face, but she could also see the pure love in his eyes. Slowly, she reached for the bottom of her shirt and pulled it up and over her head, exposing herself in a way that no one had ever seen. Not even Rachel had seen her without clothing. She knew about the double mastectomy, so did her dad and Grady, but no one had ever seen it except for the doctors and nurses. Not looking in his eyes, she slowly undid the back of her bra and let it fall down her arms, allowing him to see her as tears welled up in her eyes. Looking down at her own chest, she hated the cancer that had taken away her breasts. They looked deflated, only skin from where she had been a full B cup shriveled up against her chest, with large, long pink scars going down the middle. She didn’t have nipples, just skin, and she knew it was disgusting, but she hoped that Karson would still love her.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she knew she couldn’t prolong it anymore, so she looked up to find Karson taking in every detail of her. When his eyes met hers, a single tear rolled down her cheek as she whispered, “I know I should have told you before this moment, but I was just so scared that you would reject me. I know they are disgusting—”

“You’re beautiful, Lacey. Nothing about you is disgusting. I love you, all of you. When I look at your chest, all I see is survival. I see a second chance at a life, a life with me. So please don’t apologize for something you couldn’t control. Just allow me to make love to you, and please don’t ever forget how much I love you and how I think you are the most gorgeous girl in the world.”

Relief and love exploded in Lacey’s chest as she looked deep into his eyes. Her lip started to wobble before a sob escaped her lips, but then Karson was there, kissing the sobs away. She would never love a man like she did Karson, and she was fine with that. He was her forever. Laying her back, he kissed down her neck and held himself up as he looked down at her. Kissing her nose and then a few of the stray tears, he kissed her lips. Trailing his kisses down his jaw and neck, he placed one in the middle of her chest. Slowly, he placed his lips on her left scar, kissing it softly before doing the same to the right. Tears rolled down the side of her face as she watched him, and when his eyes met hers, he smiled before saying, “I love you, Lacey. All of you.”

Not able to say anything else, she whispered, “I love you.”

Karson was stunned by what Lacey had just shared with him, but he was thankful that she completely trusted him. He loved her with everything inside of him and had waited for this moment for months. He had wanted her since the moment he met her, but unlike with other girls, he wanted to savor her, wanted to treasure her, and wanted to wait until the moment she was ready. She had been nervous since the beginning when it came to him, and he wanted to show her that he could love her without sleeping with her. The last two months had been the best of his life. He was playing the best hockey of his life, and he was in love with the girl of his dreams.

Being with Lacey was easy, like breathing, and she lit up his day every time he saw her. He craved her and couldn’t help but fall in love with her over and over again each day. She was that amazing, that perfect. She worked so hard, she loved with all her heart, and he admired everything she had been through. She was the strongest person he knew, and he loved her with everything inside of him. He couldn’t wait to take her to meet his parents the following day, and Kacey already loved her. He had huge plans for them and couldn’t wait for their future, but right now, he had to make love to the love of his life.

Kissing down her stomach, he unbuttoned her jeans, slowly sliding them down her legs to reveal a little lace thong. Groaning inwardly, he threw her jeans over his shoulder and kissed up her thighs as her hand snaked up into his hair. Spreading her legs, he pressed himself into her before meeting his mouth with hers. The heat from her sweet center teased his dick through his athletic shorts, and he wanted nothing more than to bury himself deep inside her, but he wanted to draw this out as much as he could. He wanted to enjoy her thoroughly.

Falling to the side of her, he continued to kiss her as his hand made a trail down her stomach to between her legs. Pulling her panties to the side, he dipped his fingers between her wet folds and groaned against her lips as his fingers sank into her center. She was hot and wet, driving him completely mad with lust. As he lazily moved his fingers along the taut bud between her folds, he kissed her with urgency as she gasped and thrashed under his hand. He loved feeling her like this, making her come. He’d always wondered why she never took her shirt off when they would fool around before, but now that he knew why, he only loved her more. She was so strong, so beautiful, and all his.

Moving his finger in just the right way against her silky nub, he watched as she came undone under his hand. She bit into his lip, her body shaking under his touch as he removed his hand, slowly pushing her panties down. Kissing along her neck and jaw, he brought her lips to his, kissing her with all the love he had in his soul for her. Knowing he couldn’t wait any longer, Karson crawled over her, reaching into his drawer and pulling out a condom. Chucking his shorts down, he sheathed himself with the condom before crawling back over her, his hands shaking at the mere thought that they were only seconds away from connecting in the most passionate way. Pushing her legs apart, he fell between them, dropping his lips to hers.

As he kissed her, his heart swelled in his chest. He wanted to whisper every single plan he had for them. How he wanted to get married the moment she graduated. That he hoped that by then he was making the kind of money that could support her business. After a year or two, when the business was making great money, he wanted to get her pregnant at least twice. With the hopes that at least one of their sweet babies would be a little girl like her, someone who could have him wrapped around her finger the way her momma had done. He wanted to make a home with her, grow old in that home, and just love her for the rest of his life. She was it—a done deal.

Pulling back to look into her sweet eyes, he smiled as he whispered, “I love you, Lacey Martin.”

Without giving her time to say the words he loved hearing her say, he pushed inside her slowly, a groan escaping his lips from how utterly good she felt. She was tight, sexy, and fuck, he wasn’t going to last long. Her body squeezed him like a vise, and his eyes fell shut as he slowly moved in and out of her. Gripping her sides with his hands, he picked up speed, his body aching for release as she clutched him to her. It didn’t take long, and soon he thrust with one last grunt, spilling into the condom as she squeezed him tight with her body. Falling onto her chest, he kissed her long and hard, his heart pounding with hers as they both gasped for breath. He hated that he didn’t last, but she was too hot and too sexy for him to last any longer than he had. He also hadn’t had sex in months, so being enveloped in her slick heat didn’t help his staying power.

“I promise, next time, I’ll knock your socks off,” he whispered against her neck.

She giggled as she lazily ran her fingers up his back. “You did knock my socks off—what are you talking about?”

“That was short,” he said shyly, causing her body to shake with laughter.

“I got off and you got off; I’m good. You are delicious in every way, Karson. I am completely satisfied.”

Smiling at her, he leaned over, pressing his lips to the side of her mouth. “Still, next time, I’m going to make you come over and over again.”

She grinned cheekily. “I can’t wait.”

Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close as he kissed her temple, basking in the feel of her nakedness against him. She was so beautiful, and to him, nothing was wrong with her. As much as he wanted to look at her naked and enjoy her, he knew they needed to get dressed.

“We should probably get dressed before Grady comes back.”

“Just little longer,” she whispered against his jaw as she cuddled closer.

“Okay,” he agreed as their legs tangled up with each other. The room was completely silent except for the clock on the wall ticking and the guys downstairs. Karson knew that the locked door wouldn’t keep Grady out, but he couldn’t bring himself to get up to get dressed. This was the girl he was going to spend the rest of his life with. Grady might need to get used to seeing them together, naked and otherwise.

“Karson,” Lacey whispered. He looked down to see her staring at him, her pale green eyes locking her gaze with his as she worked her bottom lip with her teeth.

“Yeah?”

“If you asked me to go with you when you leave, I’d go without hesitation.”

He never expected that, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t beyond happy to hear her say it. “Really?”

She nodded. “I don’t want to be apart from you, and I can go to school wherever you get picked up. I’ll take out loans and get a job. It will work as long as we have each other, right?”

“Yeah, it will.”

With a grin, she said, “Good, ’cause I think so, too.”

As she cuddled into him, Karson wrapped his arms a little tighter around her, placing sweet kisses against her chest and then her neck before looking up into her eyes. “Hey, Lacey?”

“Yeah?” she whispered against his lips.

“Will you go with me wherever I go?”

He knew the answer, but hearing her say it made it ten times sweeter. Looking down into his sparkling eyes, she smiled as she answered, “Yes.”

Coming off the ice, Karson headed toward his locker, lowering himself onto the bench as he gasped for breath. It was a tough practice but a needed one. They had their first play-off game the following day, and Karson was ready to win. This was his last season as a Cat, and he planned to go out with a bang. It had been decided that morning. He was going into the draft, and he was beyond excited. Especially now that his girl would come with him, wherever he went.

Removing his jersey and then his shirt, he bent over to undo his skates as everyone filed in, doing the same. He wanted to hit the showers before heading home for a nap. He was meeting Lacey that night for dinner with his parents, and while he was excited for his mom and dad to meet her, he couldn’t wait to tell her that he was going to go into the draft. She would be excited for him, proud even, and that put a little pep in his step as he slid his skates off before hanging them in his locker. Removing his girdle and then shorts, he wrapped a towel around his waist and proceeded to the showers.

“King.”

He looked over his shoulder to see Coach standing in the doorway. “Yeah, Coach?”

“When you’re done, come to my office.”

Karson nodded. “Sure.”

Not knowing what that was about since they’d had a meeting that morning with his dad, Karson hurried in the shower before getting dressed and heading to his office. After he knocked, Coach looked up and said, “Shut the door and come in.”

Karson did as he was asked before falling into the seat in front of his desk. “What’s up, Coach?”

Coach sat there for a moment, moving his fingers along the desk, and then finally looked up. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to say, but I have to protect my daughter.”

Karson’s whole body went cold as his coach’s pale green eyes held his. Choosing not to say anything, he waited as Coach gathered his words. He slowly stood, looking at Karson as his hand came to rest on his hips. “You love her?”

“Yes,” he said, like a promise.

“Then let her go.”

“I can’t do that,” he said, sitting up in his seat. “I need her. I love her. I know you want to protect her, but I promise I’ll do just that. I’ll make you proud, Coach.”

“She wants to go with you wherever you go, and we both know it won’t be Chicago. She can’t leave. She needs to finish her education—for free, I might add—and she needs to be here with her family, not off somewhere where you’re going to leave her when you’re on the road.”

He had a point, but Karson had every plan to love and protect Lacey. He just had to ease his coach’s doubts. “I understand your concern, Coach, but she will be fine. She plans to go to school and work while I play. When I start making the big bucks, I’ll buy her the business she wants and then she can work from home. We’ve got a plan, one I believe in.”

“So you want her to go to school and pay an arm and a leg? When she can stay here and go to school for free? How is that fair? How is that protecting her? She has everything here, but that’s not what is worrying me, King. What if the cancer comes back?”

Karson’s heart sank and dread filled him as he looked away. “Do you have the money to pay all the co-pays, for the surgeries if they’re needed? Do you think the doctors wherever you are can help her the way our doctors can?”

“We can come back home if that happens. I’ll protect her,” he said, almost pleading, but Coach shook his head, his mouth in a straight line as he held Karson’s gaze.

“I know that you think this is it, that she is the girl for you, but son, you’re young and haven’t even begun to see what is out there. I need my daughter to stay here. If you let her go and allow her to finish school here, then when she graduates, I’ll give her the money to start her business.”

As much as he wanted that for Lacey, he didn’t like the terms that were being offered. He wasn’t going to allow himself to be pushed into something he didn’t want. He wanted Lacey, but he also wanted her to live her dreams. “What I don’t understand is why do I have to let her go? Can’t she stay, and I go? That was the original plan.”

“No, because she won’t. She has her mind made up. She’d follow you to the ends of the earth, and she deserves better than that. She needs security, and being a rookie in the pros is not going to offer her that. Do you know how much chemo is? How much her double mastectomy was? Hundreds of thousands of dollars, something you will not have, but I do. Let her stay here and go to school for free. Let her have the security I can give her. Let her go, King. I know it will hurt, but it’s what’s best for her.”

Karson’s fingers bit into his thighs as he slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let her go. I’ll convince her to stay here. It will work out.”

Slamming his fist against the desk, Coach shook his head as he yelled, “I want you out of her life! She won’t do what’s best for her if you are still there.”

“Yes, she will. Just let me convince her to stay here.”

“No! You aren’t good for her, Karson. You have to break it off with her. If you don’t, then I’m sorry, but you can forget about playing tomorrow.”

“You can’t do that!” Karson yelled, flying out of his seat. “Teams are coming to watch me tomorrow. I have to play!”

“You’re right. You have to let her go, or not only will you lose your career but you’ll also lose her. What girl will want to stay with a loser? Especially when you have nothing to offer her?”

Tears stung his eyes as he looked away, gasping for breath. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I love her and need to protect her. She is all I have left of her mother, and I can’t let her go.”

“But I can’t either. I love her.”

“If you love her, then let her go. She will be better without you.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “We are better together.”

“You heard me. You have till tomorrow, King. End it, or I’ll end your career.”

Taking in a deep breath, he tried to process everything that was just said to him. He was being blackmailed, and there was nothing he could do about it. No one would believe him. Nate Martin was the most respected college hockey coach in the league. Everyone loved him. Hell, Karson’s own dad loved him. He had no choice. He had to protect his career, and he had to make sure that Lacey had the life she deserved, even if it killed him to do it. Coach was right. She had free college here, and if her cancer did come back, at least here, she would be taken care of. As much as he wanted to live in his little fantasy world of being a pro and having the best girl on his arm, he had to realize that it wasn’t going to happen.

Looking up at his coach, he said, “I’ll end it.”

“Good,” he said with a nod, running his hand through his blond hair. “And another thing, King—she can’t ever know about this. I’ll ruin you if she ever finds out. Don’t ever forget about my connections in the pros.”

Karson slowly nodded his head. “I won’t tell her.”

“Or Grady. This is between us. Believe me; it’s for the best. I am helping both of you. You’ll see and be thankful when you are a single rookie making the world yours.”

Standing up, Karson looked at the man he had idolized for the last two years and felt nothing but hatred for him. Clearing his throat, he shook his head as he said, “I won’t have a world because Lacey won’t be by my side.”

Walking out of the office in a daze, Karson headed back to the dorm, ignoring everyone as he headed to his room. Once there, he fell into bed and closed his eyes tightly. His tears ran along the side of his eyes, and he needed them to get out of him now. When he was face-to-face with Lacey, he couldn’t cry. He couldn’t let her see how he was slowly dying inside because it would give it all away. She could see right through him and would know that he wasn’t being truthful, but he couldn’t see another way out of this. He had to do it, even if he didn’t want to let her go. There was no other option; he had to protect her and himself. He had worked so hard for his career, and he loved her too much to jeopardize her life. Coach was right; he couldn’t support her the way her father could.

As he lay crying in his bed, he thought about what this was going to do to her, knowing this was going to break her. He was going to be responsible for shattering her, and he had to live with that for the rest of his life.

But what other choice did he have?

Lacey was standing in front of her mirror, looking over the sweater dress she had paired with a pair of black boots, hoping that she looked good enough to meet Karson’s parents. She was nervous, but nothing could wipe the grin off her face. She had spent the night wrapped in her boyfriend’s arms. The same boyfriend she was going to leave Chicago for and continue to love for the rest of her life. She was so glad she took the chance two months ago. She had promised to live life to the fullest, and she was doing just that.

Nerves coursed through her. Not only was she meeting his mom and dad, but he was also supposed to get word that day if he was going into the draft. Everyone believed it was a done deal, but at the same time, there was a chance that no one would want him. It was a 2% chance, but still, it was there. She had the confidence that he was going, and he would be a first-round pick. Everyone would gush about him, he’d get a great deal, and he’d rock the hell out of the league. That was the plan, and while he did all that, she’d get her degree and then open the best lingerie business in the country. Those were her dreams, and she knew that they were within reach.

As long as she had Karson standing beside her.

When the knock came at the door, she smiled because Karson was early. Reaching for the door, she pulled it open to find her delicious boyfriend on the other side. She was surprised that he was wearing jeans since they were going out to dinner at some ritzy restaurant, but she ignored it as she reached for him, placing a kiss on his sweet mouth.

“Hey!” she gushed as she shut the door behind him. “You’re early. Give me a minute; I gotta fix my makeup. Did your dad find out if you are going into the draft? I’m so excited. I feel good about it.”

When Karson didn’t answer, she looked back at him to find him watching her. “What?”

“You look beautiful.”

A grin pulled at her lips as she said, “Well, thank you, but really, are you going in?”

Slowly, he nodded. She squealed before wrapping her arms tightly around him. “I’m so proud of you! You’re going to rock the big leagues!”

When he didn’t hug her back, Lacey pulled back, surprised, and looked up into his face, immediately seeing that something was very wrong. His eyes were bloodshot, his face red, and she wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or from crying. But why would Karson cry? He was her big, burly boyfriend. He made other guys cry. “What’s wrong?”

Closing his eyes, he undid her arms from around him and took a step back. “We need to talk.”

Dread filled her chest as she looked up into his face. “About?”

“About us.”

Her heart picked up in speed as she continued to look at him. He was looking everywhere but at her, another sign that something was horribly wrong.

“Lacey, we have to end things.”

“What?”

“With me going to the pros, I’m going to be so busy, traveling and training and shit, and it isn’t fair to drag you into all that.”

“What are you talking about? We’ll be fine. That’s why I’m going with you, so we can see each other when you have downtime.”

“No, you need to stay here. Go to school for free and be with your family.”

Shaking her head, she said, “No, I need to go with you. I need to be with you. Everything else will fall into place as long as we are together.”

Still not looking at her, he said, “Lacey, I can’t ask you to follow me across the damn world. You need to think of yourself, what is best for you, and that’s to stay in Chicago.”

“Who are you to tell me what I need? We’ve been together for two months, and you’ve never told me what I need. Except for maybe you, and you were right, so stop and look at me! What is going on?”

Slowly, Karson met her gaze and let out a long breath. “You’re right, we’ve only been together for two months. Maybe we are rushing into this. I’ve been having second thoughts, Lacey, and I can’t help but feel like I’m dragging you from everything you know. I don’t feel right about that. This is your life, and we don’t know what could happen. Your cancer could come back or I could flop when I hit the big leagues, and then what? How would I support you?”

Not able to hold them in any longer, Lacey’s tears rushed down her face as she slowly shook her head. “As long as we have each other, everything else will fall into place.”

She could see the pain in his eyes, but that still didn’t stop him from saying, “Love won’t put food on the table, or pay for your college, or start your business, Lacey. I’m sorry, but I have to end things.”

A sob ripped from her as she looked away, gasping for breath. What changed? How did they go from promising to be together forever to him breaking up with her?

She’d slept with him.

Looking up at him through her tears, a sob was caught at the base of her throat as she cried, “Is this about my breasts? Are you breaking up with me because I have no boobs? I trusted you! I showed only you, and now you’re breaking up with me?”

He was in front of her before she could even take in another breath. Squeezing her arms in his hands, he shook his head quickly, tears welling up in his eyes as he held her gaze. “God no, Lacey. Don’t you ever think that! I love you, I love your body, and I love every single thing about you, but I can’t do this. I can’t guarantee you the future when I have no clue what mine is. As much as I want to say we can get back together once I figure it all out, that isn’t fair to you. I want you to have the life you deserve, and I don’t think I’m the man to give it to you.”

“But you are! Karson, if you love me, don’t break up with me,” she cried, holding on to his forearm. “You promised you would never break me, and that’s what you are doing by giving up on us and leaving me.”

Looking down at the ground, he took in a deep breath. “I know, but I am doing it for you. I’m sorry, Lacey. I’m so fucking sorry, but don’t you ever think I don’t love you. I do, but I’m sorry, I have to end this.”

Pressing his lips to hers, he kissed her hard, but she pushed him away. “No! You don’t get to kiss me or tell me you love me when you are breaking up with me! How is that fair? How is that even right? It’s a contradiction to everything because, even with you saying you’re doing it for me, it makes no sense! If you loved me, you would stay with me and love me for the rest of our lives, but you aren’t doing that, are you?”

“I can’t. I love you too much. I have to let you go,” he said as tears slowly rolled down his perfectly chiseled face.

“Why?”

“Because I have to, so that you have the life you deserve,” he said with all the compassion in the world, but all it did was piss her the hell off.

“Bullshit. Get the hell out,” she cried, hugging herself with her arms.

“I love you, don’t forget that,” he whispered, but she ignored him as she crumpled onto her bed.

“Leave me alone. You made me a promise, Karson, and you broke it! You have completely broken me, and do you even care? Are you going to be here to pick up the pieces? No, you’ll be in the damn big leagues, leaving me behind to figure out how to live my life without you! How can you live with yourself knowing that?”

“I don’t know,” he whispered.

She covered her face, her tears leaking all over her hands as her body shook with her sobs. The room was completely quiet and she thought he had left, but when she looked up, she found him still watching her from the doorway. “I’m sorry, Lacey. I really do love you.”

And with that, he shut the door, completely shattering her heart. As Lacey lay there, tears rushing down her face as she choked on her own sobs, she had no clue what had just happened, or how she was going to put herself back together after that. Their love was all-consuming, and now she wasn’t going to have that. How did someone come back from that?

She thought being diagnosed with cancer and having her breasts removed was the hardest thing she’d ever have to battle, but all the pain she felt then didn’t even come close to the pain she was feeling at the moment. She was a survivor though, and she knew that she would cope with losing the greatest love of her life. But, like everything else that happened in her life, she wished she didn’t have to.

Karson stood in the back of the auditorium as the Catappellas sang their hearts out for the championship. His bags were in his car and all ready for the trek back home to Wisconsin before the draft. He wanted to be excited for the new life he was about to embark on, but it was hard when he knew that the girl who stood in the middle of the group in a bright red dress wasn’t going with him. It had been a month since he had broken things off with Lacey, and each day was harder than the last. He fought with himself daily to keep from going to her and begging for forgiveness. He knew he had made the biggest mistake of his life, but he prayed in the long run it was for the best.

He missed her—everything about her. He missed her lips, her smile, her laugh, and the feel of her body against his. He wanted nothing more than to run to the stage and ask her to run away with him, but from where he stood, he could see Grady and Coach. The hatred he felt in his body for his old coach was indescribable. He would always blame him from taking away his world and ruining him.

As he watched the Catappellas sing “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles, his heart ached for her. He was stupid to come; he knew that this would hurt, but he had to see her one last time before he took off, leaving Chicago and his world behind him. Watching her from afar was hard and he hated it, but it was what he had resorted to for the last month. He wasn’t sure when or if he’d ever see her again, so he knew he had to come, even if it was just to watch her since he knew he couldn’t say anything to her. His words would mean nothing to her. He had already broken her, and nothing he would say could fix what he had done.

When the group started to sing the melody to “Yesterday,” also by the Beatles, someone handed Lacey a mic and she took center stage, the lights shining on her, making her look like an angel. Something lurched in his chest. He fought for his breath as her sweet lips moved, and the most beautiful sound came out. As she sang the song, each word stabbed into Karson like a knife. He knew it wasn’t a coincidence that she was singing this song. She might not know that he was there, but she was singing it for him. It hurt hearing the words, but he welcomed the pain.

He deserved it.

When she hit the crescendo of the song, he could see her tears welling up and soon a tear rolled down her cheek as she sang her heart out. She was going to do great things. As the realization that she was going to do them without him settled on his heart, his own eyes filled with tears. Taking in a deep breath, he moved his hand along his cheek, catching his tears as Lacey finished the song, causing the crowd to lose it. Unlike he usually did, Karson didn’t clap or cheer; he only watched her. While she smiled and bowed, thanking the crowd, he hoped that the powers beyond gave them another chance later in life because, if he did get another chance, he’d never let her go. No matter what. He regretted what he had done, and he knew that he would live with that regret for the rest of his life.

As he walked away, his heart heavy, he knew that his love for Lacey would never stop. While he knew he was about to embark on a new journey, he also knew that his heart would forever stay hostage to Lacey Martin.

And there was no other place he’d rather leave it.

Every time Karson King stepped foot in Chicago, he felt like he was suffocating.

Or maybe it was the fact that Coach Baxter had lost his ever-loving mind before practice that morning. Karson wasn’t sure which one it was, but it was plain as day that he was struggling to keep up with the drills that Baxter was running. It wasn’t his morning. Ever since the plane touched down in Chicago, he knew that this wasn’t going to be a good trip. He was the one who always thought they would win. Hands down. The Nashville Assassins were the best damn team in the league, in his opinion. He’d scream it from the rooftop, but every single damn time they set foot into Chicago, he sang a different tune.

There was something, or better yet, someone in this damn city who mentally fucked him every time he visited. It didn’t matter. He could come for a quick visit, and something would go wrong. Like when he came for his buddy Drew’s wedding. It rained. Some say that is good luck, but it was an outdoor wedding. Karson was soaked to his underwear, and poor Elizabeth, the bride, looked like a drowned cat.

It was sad.

When he came for the alumni game for his alma mater so that he could drop the puck during a play-off game, he slipped on the fucking ice.

What the fuck?

He was a hockey player. He lived, breathed, and loved the ice and somehow slipped. Off a piece of carpet nonetheless. In front of thousands of people. Pathetic.

And for the love of God, when he played against the Blackhawks, might as well not even watch him; he was tragic. Playing like a pee-wee player, missing shots, missing blocks, basically looking like a fish out of water… He was downright ridiculous.

It was this damn city. That’s all there was to it.

Digging into the ice, he took long strides to catch up to his line that was crashing the net, hoping for some kind of rebound to score. But it was hard to score on Tate Odder. Like the ninja goalie he was, he batted every shot away. When the puck came in front of Karson, he went to shoot, but somehow forgot to connect the blade of his stick to the puck.

Like a dumbass.

When Jakob Titov took the puck and sailed it up to whoever was waiting for it, Karson let his head hang and let out a long breath.

“What the fuck, King! Get it together,” Coach Baxter yelled.

He hated this damn city.

After showering and basically licking his wounds after Coach ripped him one, Karson took a long nap, or better yet, tossed and turned in bed before heading out into the brisk, cold Chicago air. Looking around, he let out a long breath before letting his shoulders drop. Looking up at the tall buildings, the busy street goers, the basic splendor of Chicago, Karson couldn’t muster up anything but disdain for this city. It was supposed to be his second home. After coming here twelve years ago from Wisconsin, Karson knew he had been about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. He was going to train with the best college coach ever, Nate Martin. He was just that too—on the ice, that is. Off the ice, he could kiss both of Karson’s ass cheeks, but he didn’t like to think too much about that. It brought back too many painful memories. It made him think of how, for the last nine years, he hadn’t been living, not in the least.

It was sad, really. Chicago had been good to him before he left for the draft. He’d had lots of fun here, he made longtime friends, he played some of his favorite hockey here, and he also fell in love for the first time here.

The only time.

But now, he walked the street with nothing but a bad taste in his mouth. He hated it here. If he were honest, it wasn’t the city itself, but the person who he knew still lived here that made this city somewhat of a bad omen to him now.

Bundling up tighter in his jacket, he trudged through the cold with his buddy, Jordie Thomas. They were meeting up with some of their teammates for dinner before hitting the town. Karson’s hands shook in his pockets with the thoughts of running into the girl he left behind, but he knew he wouldn’t see her. He never did. Not in the forty-nine times he had been back to Chicago had he seen her gorgeous face, and man, he wished he had. Instead, he had to watch her from afar. On the Internet, stalking her on Facebook, and hearing things through the few mutual friends they had. It was insane, really. When he thought of Chicago, he thought of her. When he was in town, he prayed for some reason he would run into her, which would have him thinking of her the whole time he was here. She flooded his senses, his thoughts, his soul.

She was the one he let go.

And how idiotic that was.

Because there was something about Lacey Martin’s smile that could honestly knock him on his ass, before her eyes would pick him back up and her lips would demolish him. He then would pray that all of it would happen again and again because he loved her. More than anything in existence. She was the “bring home to Ma” kind of girl. She was perfect, beautiful, and stunning. When they were together for those three glorious months, he cherished her like the Stanley Cup. Yeah, it was short, but it was perfect. She was it to him. She was everything.

They had a plan. They were supposed to be together forever, but like all good things, they came to an end. A horrible, painful end. One he hadn’t come back from. There wasn’t a day that passed where he didn’t think of her, wonder where she was and what she was doing.

He doubted she did the same, though.

She probably still wished him to the fiery depths of hell. When people said his name, she probably cringed and regretted every moment she had spent with him. He broke her. Probably worse than the cancer she fought ever did. When he would look at her Facebook and study at the pictures she allowed the world to see, all he saw was fakeness. She wasn’t smiling the way she did when she was with him. She just looked pained.

Or at least he hoped she was.

“What’s up with you?”

Looking over, Karson met Jordie’s dark brown gaze. Despite it not being play-off season, Jordie had a long beard that he was currently twisting around his finger as he eyed Karson. The guy looked like he belonged back home in the backwoods of Colorado with an axe in one hand while wearing a plaid shirt. Looked as if he should be skinning a rabbit with his bare hands instead of murdering guys on the ice. He was the best enforcer on the Assassins, and Karson was glad he was his friend. He was kind of scary.

“Nothing,” Karson lied.

“Jack shit. You always get dumb when we come here. When are you going to tell me why?” he asked, receiving a dark look from Karson. “I know it has to do with that girl, so just tell me.”

Shrugging, he said, “She lives here.”

“Yeah, so? Hasn’t it been twenty years since you’ve seen her? Isn’t it time to get over it?”

Yeah, it was.

“It’s been nine, and I don’t see how this is any of your concern,” Karson said as he reached for the door handle to The Gage.

“Asshole,” JT threw at him, but he ignored it as he looked for their friends. When he spotted his teammates Erik Titov and Phillip Anderson, he made his way toward them, ignoring the hot little hostess who was trying to catch his eye. He wouldn’t have anything to do with her. Not here. If she were in Nashville, it would be a different story, but he didn’t touch anyone in Chicago.

It always worried him that Lacey could find out. Not that she even cared anymore. Even though a little piece of him hoped she would. He knew that was pathetic and disgusting, but he hoped anyway.

Letting out a breath, he shook hands with his friends before dropping into the chair as Erik said, “Man, you sucked today at practice. Better clean that up before the game tomorrow. What’s up with you?”

For shit’s sake.

“I asked the same thing. He’s being a fucking pussy, still caught up on some girl from thirty years ago,” JT said and Karson glared.

“Aren’t you only thirty?” Erik asked with his brow up.

“Yeah, and fuck you, JT. Why am I even your friend?”

“’Cause I am fucking awesome, dude. Duh,” he answered like it was as true as the sky was blue.

Which it wasn’t. JT was kind of an asshole, but everyone still liked him for some odd reason.

“Oh, that Lacey chick, she lives here, doesn’t she?” Phillip asked and Karson rolled his eyes.

“Guys, let’s drop it. I don’t want to talk about it.”

He never did. Not to anyone. Not his mom, his sister, not even his dad. Not that he would ever tell his dad anyway. They were superclose, but they didn’t talk about emotional shit at all. When Karson had come home, broken over Lacey, all his dad did was hand Karson a stick and stand in goal, blocking each shot that he shot until Karson basically collapsed to the ground in tears and exhaustion. Even then, his dad simply patted him on the back before walking away. Karl King didn’t do emotion. But he must have told his mom because Regina King was out there in a second, fussing and fawning over him.

As she held him tight in her arms, all Karson could do was wish that he could do it all over again.

He would have chosen her.

He wouldn’t have given in to her father and allowed him to ruin them. He would have told him to fuck off and prayed that he could give Lacey the life she deserved. He was pretty sure he could have too. He went third in the draft, first round. He didn’t even go into the AHL; he went straight into the pros, playing for the Lightning with a great contract. He loved Tampa; it was great but it wasn’t home, and most of the time he was just lost, trying to mend the pieces of his broken heart.

After playing for six years with them, he was traded to the Assassins, and crazily enough, he felt as if he was finally home. It was weird. He had been with the same group of guys for six years and hadn’t felt as comfortable as he did when he stepped into the Assassins’ locker room. It wasn’t just a team; it was a family. For the last three years, he had played great hockey but also had become part of an extended family. He loved the Assassins, minus JT, but he knew he would give it all up for her.

He once tried to do just that too.

After a year apart, when he knew he was settled and was sure he could take care of her if her cancer came back, he tried to contact her, but that went south quickly. Grady, her brother, threatened to kill him, and her dad changed her phone number, but that didn’t derail him. He was about to go to Chicago to see if he could get her back, but what stopped him was when his coach bumped him down to the fourth line, saying he wasn’t performing the way he should. Karson knew it was all crap, that it was Nate Martin warning him to stay away. And like a coward, he again did what Nate Martin wanted and again chose hockey over Lacey.

At that point, he decided he didn’t deserve her and left her alone, even though it didn’t feel right. He was young and stupid though because now, he would give it all up. Everything. Because what is a life without love?

It’s cold. Lonely. Worthless.

Yeah, he didn’t go without a warm body to keep him entertained, but it wasn’t love. It was a quick act of pleasure, and then they were gone. He tried once to date, but that was a disaster. Every girl he dated, he would compare her to Lacey. And since Lacey was on the highest pedestal ever, no one could amount to her. It was sad, and when Kacey, his sister, joked once that he was never going to get married, he knew she was right. Not unless it was to Lacey.

Which would never happen.

“Karson? You there?”

Karson looked up from where he was staring at the white plate in front of him to meet Phillip’s annoyed gaze. “Sorry, what?”

“The waitress would like to know what you would like?”

Lacey. He’d love to have the chance to love her again.

“A shot of tequila and a beer, please.”

“Whoa, killer, we have a game tomorrow afternoon,” Erik reminded him and Karson nodded.

“Two drinks won’t kill me,” he answered as he leaned back in his chair, his mind flooded with thoughts of Lacey.

It was as if a movie of their whole relationship, their breakup, everything was playing in his head. It was like he was standing there, reliving it, remembering the first time his eyes set on her, sitting up in the stands watching him practice. Or when she would study, drinking a mocha coffee and getting so lost in her books. The first time she showed him her scarred, deflated breasts from the cancer, and all he could do was think how strong and beautiful she was. Making sweet love to her for the first time and then asking her to follow him wherever he went. And then finally, when she broke down in front of him as he told her he couldn’t be with her anymore. He was a liar. A coward. He didn’t deserve her back then, but man, he wished he could do it all over again. He wished he could kiss her lips again, feel the softness and taste the sweetness of them. Feel her in his arms as they molded into one. He just wished he had another chance. Just one. He wouldn’t fuck up a second time.

Maybe he should seek her out, but as soon as that thought came to mind, his chest seized as his breath came out in a whoosh.

Man, he hated this city.

It fucked with him to the fullest.

“I think we lost him again,” Erik said as Karson looked up at the ceiling, pulling in a deep breath.

“Yeah, he’s gone. Idiot,” JT muttered.

The sooner he could get out of this city, the better.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”

Lacey Martin glanced back at her longtime best friend and sister-in-law, Rachel, and shook her head.

“I told you, if you don’t like the pictures, we can nix the idea, but at least let’s try. It will be good for the business.”

Lacey’s brows shot up. “Who thinks that? Because I don’t see how posing in my own lingerie is going to drive sales.”

Rachel set her with a look while the models that Rachel had hired, Carey, Winnie, and Amy, smiled tentatively. Lacey didn’t mind them; she thought they were sweet, but they agreed with Rachel on the photo shoot idea, and she didn’t like that. Not when she was doing everything in her power to nix it. Yes, she understood that it was good marketing to be in magazines, blogs, and all over Pinterest, but couldn’t they hire actual models for this? Why in the world did she and Rachel have to be a part of this?

“Your dad and Grady think it’s a wonderful idea,” she said, but Lacey didn’t believe that at all.

“My father and brother think it would be a good idea for their daughter slash sister and daughter-in-law slash wife to pose in lace solely to get sales?”

She shrugged. “Maybe I left that part out.”

Lacey laughed. “So when the pictures come out and I’m not in a pantsuit, we could have problems from the Martin men?”

“Who cares? This is your company—we do what we want,” Rachel announced and Lacey’s brows shot up again.

“Are you going to say that when we get bitched at?”

“Yes, I am. We look gorgeous, and we are going to rock this photo shoot.”

Lacey could tell Rachel tried to say that with enough conviction to convince her, but it didn’t work. Shaking her head, she glanced at herself in the mirror and grimaced.

“You can see all of my tattoos through this one. We should have gone with the black lace,” she moaned as her shoulders fell.

“You love your tattoos,” she stated, shooting a look at Lacey.

This was true, but still. “I don’t want them showing, though.”

“They are supposed to. I wanted to show as much as I could of each kind of woman. We have the double mastectomy breasts, Carey; the young breasts, Amy; the plus-size breasts, Winnie; the mother breasts, me; and then the reconstructed breasts, you. It’s every stage we offer. It’s our brand.”

For some reason, it annoyed Lacey that Rachel said reconstructed breasts. She didn’t understand why she did that. Why not call them what they are? “You mean fake boobs.”

“Reconstructed,” Rachel reiterated.

“Fake.”

Rachel’s eyes darkened. “Why are you being a bitch today? You were on board with this last week.”

She had been and was even excited about doing the shoot, but then she opened the morning paper today and saw who was playing the Blackhawks tomorrow. Within seconds, Lacey knew that her day and weekend were going to suck. She didn’t want to be here. She wanted to go home and hide, something she had been doing for the last nine years to make sure there was no way she would see him, but there wasn’t a chance of that happening today. Not when they had the photo shoot and her brother’s birthday.

Placing her hands on her lace-covered hips, Lacey said, “That was before you put me in a stark-white lace bra and undies and told me to smile. You can see everything through this lace.”

Matching Lacey’s stance, Rachel glared. “That’s the point of our lingerie, but Phil is going to Photoshop our naughty bits out.”

“I don’t have naughty bits. I have tattoos and that’s it. Oh wait, I have a vagina. I don’t know if I feel comfortable with this,” she snapped.

She knew that she was being a bitch, even that she was being completely out of line since she did love this idea, but she was on edge and didn’t know how to bottle up the emotions that were coursing through her. Rachel looked at her for a second and then came toward her, pulling her away from the group of women and the photographer and into the bathroom.

Shutting the door, she placed her hands on her hips and asked, “What the hell is going on?”

“Nothing,” she lied, looking away as she fidgeted with the bandage on her arm from this morning's bloodwork at her annual checkup.

“Don’t lie to me. I have been your best friend for ten years, Lacey. I know when you are lying. Tell me what’s wrong.”

Letting out a breath, she didn’t lie this time, but still only said part of the truth. “I just don’t feel sexy.”

Rachel’s eyes softened as she took ahold of Lacey’s hand. “How? You are gorgeous, Lacey. Look,” she said, turning her to the mirror.

Lacey looked at her reflection and again grimaced at what she saw. Yeah, she thought she was pretty. She had round, pale green eyes, framed by dark lashes, that were done up with dramatic, smoky black eye shadow, making her green eyes brighter. Her long blond hair that usually curled only at the ends was in big, full curls and pinned back at the top. She even thought her nose and dark red lips were cute, but as soon as her eyes drifted down to where her fake breasts were, she fought back the tears.

After finding out that her breast cancer was very aggressive at the age of seventeen, she was soon in surgery getting a double mastectomy. She was scared out of her mind, and doing it without her mom made everything ten times worse. Her mom had lost her battle with breast cancer when Lacey was seven; that’s why they opted for the double mastectomy so early. They wanted to save Lacey, and she understood that, but that hadn’t mean she wasn’t terrified. Her father was very adamant about it, saying he couldn’t lose her too, and she didn’t want to die, so she did what was suggested.

She knew she wanted to get the fake breasts after the surgery, but when her father informed her that they didn’t have the money for them, her confidence was broken. Hell, all of her was broken. She wasn’t Lacey anymore; she didn’t even know herself. She spent most of her time hiding and completely shut off from everyone, especially her brother and father. She was mad that her mother wasn’t there, that she had to lose her breasts to cancer, and that no one understood how it felt not to have all the pieces that all the girls in school had. She felt like the world was over for her.

When she graduated from high school though, she decided that she couldn’t dwell on not having her boobs. She was alive, she had another chance at life, and she was wasting it by crying over not having boobs. It was such a self-centered thing to do. Her mother wouldn’t want her to do this, and she was disgusted with herself. She then decided that it was time to start over, to be Lacey again. So that’s what she did. She went to college, she lived life to the fullest, and even though she went through the greatest heartbreak of her life, she trudged on and didn’t regret anything.

That was until she got involved with Ethan Stanford.

She should have known from the beginning that Ethan was going to be a problem. She met him at the grand opening of Lacey’s Lace. He was her age, twenty-three, played hockey for the Blackhawks, and at the time was good friends with Grady. He was handsome and charming and somehow pinned her down for a date, something that no one had been able to do in years. She blamed it on the Merlot, but he said it was because they were made for each other. She wasn’t sure about that, but everyone thought he was perfect for Lacey, so she figured she’d give it a try. She went on the first date, and to her surprise, it was great; Ethan was amazing and treated her the way she deserved to be treated. It had been so long since someone had romanced her, and she liked the way he made her feel.

Like she was special.

Her father loved him, Grady was happy, but something didn’t seem right. She wasn’t one hundred percent committed to him, and she knew it was because her heart still belonged to someone else. She didn’t want him to have her heart, though. He left her. He didn’t want her, so why was she still all caught up on him? He probably didn’t even give her a second thought, so she made herself fall for Ethan, which was the biggest mistake of her life.

Especially when she slept with him for the first time.

Ethan was horrified when she took her shirt and bra off. He didn’t tell her that he was repulsed, but she could see it on his face, and she was beyond embarrassed. She felt like she did when she was younger; she felt disgusting. He apologized, said the scars surprised him, and for some dumbass reason, she believed him. When he suggested that she get breast implants, she agreed because she knew that was the only way she was going to be able to keep him.

She needed to keep Ethan.

She had to forget him.

She had to move on.

So she had the surgery, and she actually felt pretty, or so she told herself. She actually convinced herself that she was in love with him, and when Ethan proposed, she said yes. Her dad and brother were ecstatic, overjoyed that she was “happy” again. They planned on a wedding in the summer since Chicago was so beautiful around that time, and she had always wanted to be a June bride. Her mother had been a June bride; it was meant to be, or at least that’s what she told herself. She had to tell herself a lot of things back then, not only that she loved Ethan, but that she loved the idea of living in the suburbs, that she loved going to the country club for lunch with his parents, or that she loved being prim and proper at every moment because he liked her to look good all the time. That she loved the way she looked with fake, weird looking nipples, and that she loved being a C cup instead of the B she was when she was younger. It was her life, a life she needed instead of being locked away, crying over someone who didn’t want her. It was what she was meant to do; all she needed was Ethan…that was until she found him having sex with the cashier in the bathroom of Lacey’s Lace the week before their wedding.

Oh, the betrayal.

The sad thing was, she didn’t even cry from the betrayal.

That’s how she knew she didn’t love him, that she had been lying to herself for two years. It was despicable and one of her biggest regrets, but what she hated the most was that she’d allowed him to have so much control over her. She should have told him to shove it up his ass when he didn’t like her breasts. She had accepted them—she loved herself—but she had allowed him to make her feel differently about herself. Wanting to get back her love for herself, she did the only logical thing—went and covered her breasts with tattoos, trying to hide what she’d allowed Ethan to do to her.

Through the white lace, it was easy to see the black and white lotus flowers that decorated her breasts in such an elegant, soft way. In the middle of her right breast was a bright pink breast-cancer ribbon with the words, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” curving under her left breast. She loved her tattoos, she even liked having fake boobs, but she hated why she had them. She thought if she had done them herself, for her, it would have been different, but since she’d done them for Ethan, they were ruined. He wouldn’t even let her pay for them; they were his gift to her.

Another reason she hated them.

Meeting Rachel’s gaze in the mirror, Lacey felt like an asshole. It wasn’t Rachel’s fault. She was trying to help the business, and Lacey was allowing the fact that she was basically putting Ethan’s wishes on display and that he was possibly in town to sour her mood. This was going to be great for business. It was going to show women that, no matter what, they could look sexy in Lacey’s Lace.

“I’m sorry, Rachel. Every time I look at myself, I see Ethan.”

Shaking her head, Rachel said, “You have to stop that. It’s been three years. You can’t let him have this hold over you. You covered his wishes with your own. This is your body, and you have to love it, Lacey.”

“I do love me,” she admitted. “I just hate that I allowed him so much power.”

“He’s gone,” she said, squeezing her hand. “You are Lacey Martin, owner of the hottest lingerie store in the US. You are successful, beautiful, and simply amazing. No one has any power over you.”

Well, that wasn’t entirely true, but Lacey said, “You’re right.”

Rachel smiled as she wrapped her arms around Lacey’s waist, placing her chin on her shoulder. “Now what else is wrong?” she asked, her eyes locking with Lacey’s.

Rachel was one of those women people loved to hate. She not only was married to a successful, star hockey player, but she was gorgeous. She had big brown eyes that were always filled with love and dark brown curls that fell just to her chin in a chic way. Standing in Lacey’s white fifties pin-up style lace set that covered her midsection, Lacey could see that Rachel was thicker than she was when they first met freshman year, but that had a lot of do with the fact that she had been pregnant twice with Lacey’s nephews, Flynn and Zander, in the last six years.

“Nothing, I’m just in a mood,” she said, trying to downplay what was really the problem. She knew she was using the Ethan thing to cover up the real reason she was upset. Why she was always upset when he came to town.

She bit on her lip as Rachel nodded. “You’re always in a mood when the Nashville Assassins are in town.”

How did she do that?

That was an easy question to answer. They had been best friends her whole adult life. No one knew her like Rachel did.

Taking in a sharp breath, Lacey nodded as she looked down at the counter, tears stinging her eyes. She did her best not to mention him. She kept him locked tight in her heart, but as always, Rachel saw right through her. She hadn’t been lying all those years ago when she’d looked him in the eye and said that she would never be the same.

She hadn’t been since she’d watched him walk away, leaving her behind.

“Yeah, I don’t want to hash out all that again, haven’t done it in nine years, and today isn’t the day to do it. I’m sorry for being a bitch. Let’s go do this.”

“Okay,” Rachel said but didn’t let Lacey go like she expected her to. Instead, she held her gaze and said, “You’re not going to lock yourself away all weekend are you?”

Yes. “No, but I’m not going to the game.”

She never missed a Blackhawks home game, except when the Assassins were in town. She didn’t step foot anywhere near the arena when that team was here. She couldn’t chance it. She hadn’t seen him or spoken to him in nine years, and she wanted to keep it that way.

“I know that, but you’re still coming out tonight, right?”

She nodded. “Of course I am. It’s Grady’s birthday. I wouldn’t miss that.”

“Okay, are you going to leave the bitchy attitude at home?” she asked with a teasing smile.

With a smile, Lacey nodded. “I’ll try.”

It was actually harder than she thought to leave her bad mood at home. It seemed like the whole walk toward The Gage, Grady’s favorite restaurant, all Lacey saw were Nashville Assassins hockey jerseys. They were everywhere, the damn purple and black jerseys with the stupid ninja assassin guy on the front that she hated so much, visible at every turn. If Lacey didn’t know the game was tomorrow, she would have thought it was tonight. It honestly made no damn sense. Did the whole Assassins fan base drive up for the damn game? She wasn’t sure, but it sure did fuel her bitchy mood, especially when a familiar number sixteen jersey ended up walking in front of her. That had her breathless and made her walk a little faster and around them toward the restaurant.

She thought once she got around her family she would be good, but no such luck. Everyone was so happy, while she was anything but. Grady and Rachel were blissfully in love, still after so long, and of course they were the best parents to their beautiful boys, looking like a family off a Pottery Barn catalog. She should have known that night at her very first college party that Rachel was a goner when she met her big brother, but a part of her didn’t want to accept it. Even when they got married a year later, Lacey waited for someone to tell her it was all a joke. They just didn’t go together. Rachel was crazy OCD and Grady was a freaking pig, but they worked. Perfectly together. To the point that Lacey was insanely jealous of them.

Even her father, Nate Martin, had brought someone to dinner, his girlfriend, Sabrina. It was weird seeing him with someone other than her mother, but it had taken him at least twenty years just to date, so she kept her mouth shut while he was extremely happy with Sabrina. She fully expected them to get married, which would be the final nail in her coffin.

While everyone else was happy and in love, Lacey was alone, and if she was honest, lonely. It had been three years since she’d kicked Ethan to the curb; maybe it was time to start dating again. But as soon as the thought came, she pushed it away.

She didn’t want to date. She didn’t want to put herself out there again just to be hurt in the end. She had been there, done that, twice, and she was done with all that. Maybe it was time to get a dog, or a cat, or turtle. Maybe she needed a vacation, somewhere tropical, where she could sleep with someone there and not worry about what they thought of her body as long as they got her off. Or hell, give her a vibrator and a good erotic novel, and she’d be fine on her own. That was the only way she’d been getting off lately, and now that she thought about it, that’s probably the way she’d end the night.

Yes, she was envious that everyone else got to go home and bang it out with their significant other, but, oh well, it wasn’t in her cards. She was meant to be alone, and the faster she accepted that, the better.

“How was the shoot today, ladies?” her father asked.

“Went great,” Rachel said with a grin, her face burning with a little color.

He looked over at Lacey. “You happy, princess?”

Lacey smiled at her childhood nickname as she nodded. “Yeah, it’s going to be great.”

“Can’t wait to see it,” he said and Lacey smiled.

“You all right, Lacey?” Grady asked and she nodded.

“Fine.”

“You’ve been quiet,” he said, taking a pull of his beer.

She shrugged. “Lots on my mind.” By the look Grady gave her, he knew exactly what was on her mind. Leaning back in her seat with her wine glass in hand, she took in a deep breath and let it out. Glancing at her phone, she saw that it was nearly nine and hoped that Grady would say it was time to go soon.

“Lacey, darling,” Sabrina said, bringing Lacey’s attention away from her phone. “Are you dating anyone?”

Shaking her head, she said, “I’m not at the current moment.”

Or ever.

“My nephew, Richard, would love to meet you,” she said and Lacey shook her head.

“No, thank you, I’m too busy with work.”

“Don’t let work take over your life. It’s lonely, princess,” her father said and she nodded.

“I know, but at least my work will love me, no matter what. Men, not so much,” she said with a tip of her glass toward him. He gave her a tight smile that told her he was not happy with that response. Too bad she didn’t care.

“Mr. Right is out there,” Sabrina said, causing Lacey to laugh.

“I think Mr. Right had a one-way ticket out of Chicago and never looked back. But I’m fine on my own, no worries,” she said, and she didn’t miss the way her father and brother tensed up.

“It’s good he’s gone,” her father said. “He didn’t deserve you.”

“That’s your opinion,” Lacey said through tight lips.

“Who are we speaking of? Ethan?” Sabrina asked and Lacey laughed.

“Hardly. While he didn’t deserve me, he isn’t the one we are talking about.”

“No one important, honey,” Nate said with a shake of his head, but Lacey couldn’t disagree more.

He was important, he was the love of her life, and he just chose to leave her. To this day, she still didn’t understand what happened. They were so in love, so happy, but then he just left her. The rejection had kept her in hiding for years, but every once in a while, she got the idea of flying to Nashville and finding him and demanding answers. It was too late for all that though. It had been so long, but still Lacey’s heart yearned for him. She missed him, and that alone was crazy.

An awkward silence fell over the table, except for Zander and Flynn, who were playing, not knowing what the adults were talking about. Looking away from her father’s eyes, Lacey felt her own get misty with tears. How did she still miss him after all these years?

Ugh, she needed to go home.

Draining her glass, she stood suddenly and reached for her jacket.

“You’re leaving?” Rachel asked, surprised, as Lacey went to Grady, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“Yeah, I’m tired. Happy birthday, Grady. Goodnight, everyone. Bye, boys,” she said and then kissed and loved on everyone, despite their protests, before heading out into the cold air. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out and welcomed the bite of the cold against her face. Wrapping her scarf around her neck tighter, she pulled her knit hat down over her ears and walked out to the street to hail a cab.

She should have stayed home tonight. There was no way of knowing that her father would have brought him up, but now her heart just ached. She had been hoping that she would get to work on her erotic novel and vibrator, but now it looked like she’d be going home, pulling out her box of him and crying the whole night.

Pathetic.

Ugh. Closing her eyes to fight back the tears, she wondered when she would be over him. Was it because there was no closure between them? He’d just left. Didn’t give her a good reason for why he was leaving. Just said that it was better for her for him to leave. Why? Why was it better? It made no sense. He was on the fast track. He went straight into the NHL—didn’t start in the AHL like Grady had. His contract with the Lightning was a thing of beauty, and when he got traded to the Assassins, his contract was even better. They would have been set for life, but instead, he’d left her behind.

Why?

Wiping away the stupid tear that fell, she watched as a cab pulled up and she reached for the door. But as she got in the cab and sat down, someone else sat down beside her, having entered the cab from the other side. Someone big, someone who filled the whole side of the cab. Not that she cared; this was her damn cab.

“Excuse me, this is my cab,” she said, but when a pair of caramel eyes that she could never forget met hers, everything inside her went blazing hot. Sitting beside her wasn’t just some jackass who was trying to steal her cab—no, it was the love of her life.

The same love of her life who’d left her behind.

“Karson.”

His name on her lips was a billion times better than the cheers from the thousands of Assassins fans when he’d lifted the Stanley Cup above his head two years ago.

This. Was. Not. Happening.

All Karson could do was blink as he got lost in the pale green eyes of the girl he loved more than life itself. When he opened the door and the woman fell into the seat, he was about to ask if they could share since he had to leave. He had to get back to the hotel. After having a dinner full of thoughts of Lacey and ignoring his friends, he figured some drinking would help him calm down.

It didn’t.

It made it worse. The thoughts were coming in waves, drowning him with everything Lacey, and he couldn’t take it. The next thing he knew he was calling it a night at nine o’clock, something that didn’t happen when he was out with the boys. He didn’t understand why this time was different, but maybe it was different because the powers above knew that when he got into this cab, he would see her.

See the love of his life.

And man, what a fucking sight to see.

Her Facebook pictures didn’t do her justice. Her eyes, so round and such a phenomenal green they had him fighting for his next breath. She had aged; she wasn’t the baby-faced young woman he’d fallen for. No, she was a woman now with laugh lines that had his stomach turning with jealousy at the thought of the person who’d put them there. Her lips were painted a delectable dark red that made her face look paler but still oh so beautiful. Her long blond locks were curled down her shoulders, covered with a dark blue beanie and a matching scarf that wrapped around her neck twice. She had that deer-in-headlights look, and he was sure his expression matched hers.

But this was fate.

He always said too, when he saw her again that he wouldn’t think, he would just do.

So he did just that.

Taking her face in his hands, he pressed his lips to hers and almost cried at how right it felt. When her hand came on top of his, he deepened the kiss, getting lost in the splendor that was Lacey Martin. His heart. Her lips were as soft as he remembered…and the taste. Sweet Jesus above. She tasted like heaven. He never wanted to stop; he wanted to die with her lips on his. He knew then that he could die a happy man.

He probably should have made sure she wasn’t dating anyone or maybe said hi first, but ah, he was an act first, think later kind of guy. And by the way she was kissing him back, he was sure there wasn’t someone else. As his thumbs brushed along her cheekbones, he deepened the kiss even more, basically feeding from her succulent mouth, drinking in her sweetness, and never wanting to drink anything else for the rest of his life.

He wanted to pull her from the cab and take her somewhere he could devour her body. Make her scream his name instead of saying it in shock. He wanted to bury himself so deep inside her just to feel the connection that he only got to experience once with her. He craved it. Needed it. But what if that was a bad idea? Maybe he should take it slow. But the only thing he could hear roaring in his head was that Lacey was his. Had always been his.

“Folks, where am I going?”

Karson tried to ignore the driver, moving his tongue along her bottom lip, not able to get enough before kissing her again.

“Folks! Tell me where I’m going or get the hell out of my cab.”

Tearing her mouth from his, she looked deep into his eyes, both their breathing erratic as they searched each other’s gaze. He didn’t want to stop, and he cursed the cabbie to Mordor for interrupting them.

He didn’t know what to say, but thankfully, she said, “Where is your hotel?”

He could only blink. “What?”

“Hotel? Where is it?”

“By the arena,” he answered, still stunned. Was she doing what he was praying to God she was doing?

“Too far,” she muttered and then said an address that he assumed was hers. To say that Karson was stunned was an understatement. He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but when she looked back at him, lust swimming in the depths of her green eyes, he knew that his dreams, or prayers, really, were going to be realized. Especially when her mouth met his again. Something rumbled in his throat as he deepened the kiss, his hand sliding up the nape of her neck under the scarf to the back of her hair, his fingers tangling in her thick, luscious, blond locks. It was easy to say that his imagination, or memories, for that matter, didn’t live up to the feel of this sweet woman in his arms. All of his senses were coming alive for the first time in years. His cock strained in his pants, begging to be inside her. His heart was pounding in his chest as he pulled her closer, his hand coming around her waist to hold her tighter. He could feel her shaking, feel her heart slamming against her chest, and he took pride in the fact that he caused that.

When the car jerked to a stop, she pulled away and opened her purse, but he stopped her. Placing his hand on her purse, he shook his head.

“No, baby,” he said while pulling out his wallet and throwing a couple twenties to the cabbie. “Wait,” he asked and then got out, coming around, happy that she did as he asked. Looking around, he saw that they were in front of some ritzy-looking apartment complex, one he walked past earlier that evening to go to dinner. One he always passed. She had been there the whole time, and he didn’t know it? He was always so close, but now, close wouldn’t be the word he would use to describe what would happen once they were upstairs.

They would be one.

Opening the door for her, he took her hand in his and pulled her to his chest. Slamming the door, his hand slid up her back as his mouth crashed against hers. Moving his lips along hers, he closed his eyes tightly, willing God to not let this be a dream. To allow this gift to be real, and when he pulled back, looking down into her flushed face and smile, he knew.

This was real.

Her eyes searched his, as if she didn’t believe he was real either, but he planned to prove just that as soon as they got to her apartment.

“Let’s get out of the cold.”

She nodded briskly and started for inside, but he didn’t let her get far. Stopping her, he took her hand in his, lacing his fingers with hers. Her eyes looked at where their hands were joined and then back up to meet his gaze. When a small little smile curved the side of her mouth, he felt like he had been hit in the chest with a puck.

Good God, she was magnificent.

Tearing her gaze from him, she started for the building. When they entered through the large glass entrance, the guard said, “Good evening, Ms. Martin.”

“Good evening, Oscar. Have a good night.”

“You too, ma’am,” he said, his eyes wide as he took in Karson.

He wasn’t sure what that meant, but he wasn’t really worried about it. His mind was solely on Lacey. Heading to the glass elevator, he was curious to see if the whole apartment complex was made only of glass. If so, Lord help anyone who was awake because they were sure to get a show.

When the doors shut, he watched as she pressed the penthouse button before entering her card and typing a code. Impressive. She had made something of herself, and pride burned in his veins. That’s what he wanted. He wanted her to have the best of everything, and while he was sure he could have given it to her, he was glad she’d done it for herself.

When the elevator started moving up, he moved behind her, his hand still joined with hers, bringing it behind her back as his other hand moved up her hip and rested right under her breast. When she sucked in a deep breath, his cock cried out for relief. Running his nose along her jaw, he whispered, “I’ve missed you, Lacey.”

She took in another jagged breath and nodded. “I’ve missed you.”

“Good, I like that, a lot,” he whispered, his teeth grazing her jaw. “Do you still think of me?”

When the doors opened, she turned her face into his, her lips grazing the spot by his mouth before she said, “I do.”

Turning in his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “And you?”

He closed his eyes, his nose moving along hers as his mouth gently touched hers. There wasn’t a time when he didn’t think about her. She was constantly in his mind and his heart. Thinking that was a pretty heavy answer, he said, “Yeah, a lot.”

Her eyes glazed over, and he could feel her heart vibrating her body. Leaning down, he wrapped his arms around her below her butt and picked her up, pressing his lips to hers as her arms tightened around his neck. Carrying her out of the elevator, he paused since he didn’t know where to go.

Against his will, he pulled back and asked, “Which way to your bed, baby?”

She jerked a thumb to the left, her breath coming out fast and hot against his lips. “That way. Hurry.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.”

As he carried her down the hall, she moved her lips along his and then his jaw, driving him completely insane. When they came slamming into a door, he prayed it was hers and she pulled away, grinning. She handed him her card, and he took it and opened the door before throwing the card on the entry floor and slamming the door shut by pressing her against it. Meeting her gaze, he saw her lips curve into another little sneaky grin as she slid to her feet, and he knew there was no coming back from this.

Unbuttoning his jacket, she pushed it down his shoulders before it fell to the ground. He then undid her scarf, his eyes never leaving hers as he undressed her so slowly it was agonizing, but he didn’t want to ever forget this moment.

The moment he had her again.

Opening her jacket, he pushed it down her arms and then to the side before going for the hem of her shirt, but her hands stopped him. “I don’t look the same as I did.”

His eyes met her worried gaze, and he shook his head. “You’re beautiful, Lacey. You’ll always be so fucking beautiful to me.”

Kissing her nose, he reached for the hem again and lifted it up and over her head. Setting his gaze on where her breasts were supposed to be, he was surprised to find that she did have breasts there and was supersurprised when he saw through her lace bra that her chest was covered with big black and white flowers. Biting his lip, he reached around her, unhooking her bra, and when the cups fell away and he could see the pure beauty of her, he almost fell to his knees to worship her. Dropping his mouth to the spot between her breasts, he pressed a soft kiss there before inhaling deeply, his eyes drifting shut.

“My God, Lacey, you’re going to kill me,” he whispered against her.

Her fingers came up into his hair, massaging his scalp as he pressed another kiss to the same spot. Looking up at her, he asked, “Can you feel me here?”

She nodded, and he could see the tears in her eyes. “Not the actual nipple, but around my chest, yes. I don’t get anything out of them though. They are really for show.”

Moving his lips up her neck, he kissed her jaw before pressing his nose against hers. Looking deep into her eyes, he said in a deep, throaty way, “Then I’ll go to the place that I know you’ll get something out of.”

Her eyes darkened in color as he trailed his lips back down her chin, her neck, the spot between her breasts, her belly button, then her hips before he slowly inched her black skirt down her legs, bringing her lace thong along with it.

“Step out, baby,” he said when he reached her ankles. She did as he asked, beautifully bare in only a pair of expensive black heels. Kissing the inside of her right knee, he made his way up, kissing and licking every inch of her delectable thighs. When he reached her center and could see her arousal glistening on her beautiful pussy, he bit down hard on his lip to keep in the groan that threatened to escape. Holding on to her hips, he heard her take in a breath, but that’s all he could hear before his heart was beating loudly in his ears.

As his thumb pressed into her hips, he traced his tongue along her bare lips, lapping up her sweetness and unable to form a coherent thought. Opening her up, he moved his tongue inside her as she arched against the door, her fingers tangling in his hair. When his tongue found her clit, her hands squeezed, pulling his hair as she cried out.

“Oh, Karson.”

“That’s right, baby. Don’t hold it in,” he said roughly against her wanton pussy.

Dipping his tongue back inside her, he was ruthless with his assault. Moving his tongue quickly against her bundle of nerves, he moved two fingers inside her and slowly fucked her with his fingers as he swirled his tongue around her taut nub. Sucking her clit into his mouth, he pressed the base of his tongue against her as he pounded his fingers inside of her, unable to go slow. He needed her to come; he needed to be deep inside her.

It didn’t take long. Soon she writhed against him, crying out his name as her body seized up and she came long and hard, squeezing his fingers with her sinful body.

Curling his fingers deep inside her, Karson kissed around her pussy, the inside of her thighs, her lips, before running his tongue slowly along the outside of her, making her squirm under his tongue. Looking up, he met her gaze as his mouth curved into a grin while she fought for breath, her chest rising and falling with each passing second. Withdrawing his fingers, he brought them into his mouth, sucking them dry of her sweetness as he stood, his cock pressing painfully into the fly of his jeans.

He placed his hands on either side of her head, looking down into her flushed face as he fought for his own breath. Man, she was stunning. Her breasts, still a beautiful masterpiece but also a beautiful tribute to her fight against cancer, rose and fell with each breath she drew in. Her body was rosy, sweat making her skin shiny as her eyes sat hooded and so intoxicating. When her hands came out, taking him by the front of his jeans, he took in a sharp breath. Pulling him to her, she kissed him long and hard as her fingers made fast work of unbuttoning his jeans and pushing them down as far as she could.

Leaning back, he pushed them down and toed out of his shoes before chucking them both to the side as his cock sprang up between them. As she ran her fingers down the velvet smoothness of him, his eyes drifted closed. There wasn’t a night that passed that he didn’t imagine her doing just this. Touching him, driving him wild with only her touch. Opening his eyes, he met her lust-filled gaze and pulled her against him, his cock pressing hard into her belly as he crashed his mouth against hers.

Backing away from the door, his hands slid down her back to her ass, squeezing her softly as he continued to kiss the hell out of her. He wanted her in the bed. He wanted to sink into her and get lost, but he couldn’t seem to stop kissing her. When her hands started stroking him as they kissed, he worried he wouldn’t make it, so he pulled away and looked around, despite her protests.

“I need a bed,” he groaned as her thumb swirled around the tip of his cock, his precome wetting her thumb.

“You’re in luck; I have one.”

His gaze met hers and he smiled. Man, he still loved her. Taking her face in his hands, he kissed her, melting against her lips. This time she pulled away and took his hand, leading him through the living room and down a hall. He walked behind her, drinking in the sight of her sweet, heart-shaped ass as it swayed side to side, causing his body to catch on fire. When she threw open her door and a huge bed came into view, he thanked the heavens above before wrapping his arms around her waist, walking the rest of the way as one.

Once at the bed, she turned in his arms and slowly lowered herself to the mattress, her eyes never leaving his. When her tongue ran along her bottom lip, her eyes darkened, and she was basically the hottest fucking woman in the whole entire world. Karson’s nails bit into his palm as he begged for restraint. If he didn’t find some quick, he was going to pound into this woman, and he didn’t want that. He wanted to enjoy her, he wanted to savor her, but when she moved back on the bed, her eyes beckoning him to follow before slowly letting her legs fall apart so he could get a fucking great look, control, restraint, and anything else went out the damn window.

Covering her body with his, he pressed into her, kissing along her neck and shoulders before capturing her behind the knee and opening her up for him. Leaning back on his haunches, he took his cock in his hand and went to direct himself into her, but she stopped him.

“Condom.”

He met her heated gaze. “Do I need one?”

She shrugged. “I’m on the pill.”

“Okay. I swear to you, baby, I’m clean. But if you want me to get one, I will.”

Her eyes held his for another second as he held his breath. Thankfully though, she slowly shook her head and said, “I want to feel you.”

“Good, baby, that’s good,” he whispered before pushing himself into her to the hilt. They both moaned at the connection, and then he fell to his elbows on either side of her head, pressing his nose against hers. The feeling of being squeezed by her sweet body was unfuckingbelievable. He had dreamed of this for years. To feel her like this again…and it was better than he remembered. He’d only had one time with her, but that one time had stuck with him since he’d walked away. But he wouldn’t make that mistake again.

He wasn’t going anywhere without her.

“So fucking good,” he whispered as he slowly started to move against her. Each thrust was brutal and he knew he wasn’t going to last long, but he knew he had to try. Pressing his lips to hers, he kissed her slowly as he moved in and out of her, each time coming completely out of her before entering her again. He watched her as he slowly made love to her, her eyes drifting shut and her body tensing up underneath his.

“You’re so beautiful, Lacey,” he said against her lips. “I… I…—”

Before he could utter the words, her hand came to rest against his chest as her eyes bored into his. “I know, Karson. I know.”

His heart then exploded in his chest as she brought him down for a toe-curling kiss. Pulling his mouth from hers, he pushed himself up onto his knees, taking her by the back of hers and then pushing them back against her chest so he sank deeper into her.

“Fuck,” he moaned as he moved in and out of her, his breath coming out in spurts with each thrust. Finally, unable to take it, he pounded into her, his body tensing, his balls drawing up until he came so hard, he squeezed his eyes closed tight as lights went off behind them. Jerking into her, his head fell back as he sucked in a deep breath and then let it out.

Oblivion.

When he was able to move, he looked down at his love. She was laid out in front of him, her legs still in his hands as she looked up at him, her eyes tired and spent. Letting her legs go, he fell to the side of her, gathering her into his arms before pressing his lips against hers in a slow but demanding way, drawing the kisses from her succulent mouth. Moving his nose along hers, he smiled as he tightened his arms around her. She smiled back, moving her hands up his chest as she molded against him.

Not sure what to say because, really, what the hell do you say after mind-blowing sex, Karson said, “Well. Hello.”

She giggled and he swore his cock came to life from the heavenly sound. “Hi.”

“I guess I should have asked if you had a boyfriend or something, huh?”

“Would have been polite,” she teased, her fingers moving against his jaw as his face broke out in a true grin. “But the answer is no.”

“That’s really good,” he admitted and she smiled shyly, her fingers stilling at his jaw.

“What about you? Is there someone?”

Gathering her in tighter, he slowly shook his head, his nose grazing against hers with each move. “There has never been anyone else but you, Lacey. You’re it.”

You’re it.

The words rang inside her chest as she got lost in his eyes. This couldn’t be real. Not after all this time. How? She’d done everything to never see him again and vowed that if she ever did, she’d kick him in the groin and never look back, but that’s not what she did. One look into his sinful caramel eyes, and she was as good as done. She’d turned into a cat in heat, attacking him in the backseat of the cab and then brought him home. It was insane.

But, good God, it was amazing.

She had never done something so reckless. She usually thought things out, made sure she had a plan, but with Karson, there was never a plan. She didn’t think; she just did. She knew it was his fault for that because that’s how he lived life. He never thought things out, he just did them, and that had her on edge. What if he did this because he knew he could? Because he knew she’d give it up. How could she say no? He was Karson King, the man who starred in every single one of her fantasies. The man she watched hockey for. The one she wished she’d never lost.

The love of her life.

Looking away from his intense gaze, she took in his square jaw, the coarse hair that covered it, and let go of the breath she was holding. He was beautifully in shape, way more than he was when they were in college. Each muscle so defined and hard and yummy. His arms were covered in tattoos of manly things, skulls and tribal art, but when her gaze fell to his chest, she paused. She hadn’t noticed the script when they were ripping each other’s clothes off, but now, she saw that it spelled out the words to “Yesterday” by the Beatles. Tracing the words, her eyes blurred with tears as she read each word, remembering the moment she sang that song in college.

It had been the championship with the Catappellas of the year. It was also the day she knew Karson was leaving to go back home before going into the draft. She wasn’t going to sing it, but the day before, it just happened, and they put it in for the final concert. She remembered the way she felt so empty, so different than she did now. With his warm, beautiful body pressed against hers, she couldn’t feel empty if she tried.

“I got it when I got back home before the draft. I was there, you know. I saw you sing it.”

Shocked, she looked from his chest to his gorgeous face. “You were?”

“Yeah, I was in the back. I remember that day like it was yesterday. You wore a red dress that was beyond hot. It wasn’t your normal red dress either; it was a different one, sexier with sheer shit across the back. You had braided your bangs into your hair and tucked it behind your ear, a little red bow in the braid. You looked beautiful, breathtaking, and when you sang this song, it was hard to watch, but I did.”

“Why?”

“Because I love you.”

Love you. Not loved.

Tears stung her eyes as she leaned her forehead against his chin. She wanted to ask why he left, but she didn’t want to spoil their moment yet. There would be a time for answers, but right now was not that time. She was given a second chance to enjoy his body, and she would do just that. This was their closure, and when he walked out that door, she would have the answers and her fill of him before letting him go. As much as she would like to believe that he meant his words and would possibly want to be with her, she couldn’t get her hopes up.

Plus, what would she do? Pick up everything and leave? She was going to do it before, but now she had a business, a life in Chicago.

A lonely life.

Closing her eyes tightly, tears leaked out the sides as she pressed her lips to his chest, kissing the tattoo softly. She dusted her lips up his chest to his throat and his jaw, and he growled under her touch before she met her lips to his. Climbing on top of him, she knew she was far from done with him. She needed more, and when she felt him hard beneath her, she knew he felt the same way.

Moving down his body, she sat on his knees as she took him in her hand. Locking her gaze with his, she lowered her mouth to his jutting cock and swirled her tongue along the head of him. Taking him in and out of her mouth, she played with his balls as his groan filled the room in the sexiest way possible. Gooseflesh broke out on her skin as she took him to the back of her throat, sucking him and swirling her tongue around him like he was the most delicious sucker in the world. When his fingers tangled in her hair, she moved her mouth up and over him, running her tongue down the velvet smoothness of him, licking his balls, his thighs, everything, just needing to taste every single inch of him.

Kissing up his tight abs, his even tighter chest, Lacey ran her tongue up his chin before taking his mouth with hers, kissing him the way she had dreamed of doing for a very long time. She was dripping with arousal and moved along his cock with ease before reaching between them and bringing him inside her. Her eyes closed tightly as she pushed down until he was completely inside her. Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed herself up, causing him to go deeper, and the feeling was oh so beautiful. Breathtaking, really. The feeling of utter completeness. That’s what Karson did to her; he made her feel complete and all his.

Every single fiber in her body was his.

Had been since she’d watched his retreating back and heard the slam of the door to her dorm room. Slowly moving her hips in a teasing but satisfying way, her eyes met his and everything was just too much to handle. Soon she was coming, her body jerking and seizing up as his fingers bit into her hips. Her eyes shut tightly as she slowly rode out her orgasm, her body constricting around him as his groans mixed with her cries.

Such an amazing sound, she thought as she moved up and down the length of him.

All of a sudden, though, Karson flipped them over, his body pressing down on hers as he framed her face with his large, rough hands. Each callus on his hands touched her face and it was perfect. The contrast of rough and soft was so nice, and soon she found herself rubbing her face into his hands, wanting never to forget this amazing moment as he started to move into her again. His eyes never left hers as he slowly moved within her, each grunt hot against her jaw as he filled her and then came completely out of her before pressing even harder into her again. Her fingers wrapped around his large biceps, holding on for dear life as another orgasm started to build. It had been so long since she had felt this good, ready to come for a fourth time, and she couldn’t stop the cries of pleasure if she tried. He was the only one who could awaken her body like this. The only one to drive her completely insane and make her love every single second of it.

Taking his mouth with her own, she closed her eyes as she squeezed his bicep, her tongue moving playfully with his as he continued to fuck her slowly. When her body went rigid underneath his, squeezing him so hard, he groaned loudly against her lips before pushing himself up and taking her by the backs of the knees. Holding her legs up, he pounded into her wildly, his face contorted in strong lines as he came inside her, his body jerking as his thrusts slowed and his grip on her backs of her knees loosened. Falling on top of her, he wrapped his arms beneath her head, holding her so close they shared the same breath as she got lost in his eyes.

When his lips came near hers, she turned her face so that she could kiss him, but instead of kissing her, he said, “I don’t know how I’ll ever be the same after all that.”

She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze as she took in the same breath he let out. “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

He cupped her cheek, running his thumb along her cheekbone. “And I don’t know how I am going to open that door and walk out without you attached to me.”

Don’t leave me then.

The words were right there, but instead, she nodded as she tore her gaze from his. “I don’t know how I am going to let you.”

Silence fell between them as his fingers played along her jaw and cheekbone. “I wish I would have never left.”

“Me too,” she whispered, tears stinging her eyes as she looked up to meet his gaze. The words lodged in her throat. So she cleared her throat, taking in a deep breath, and then somehow, she asked, “Why did you leave me, Karson?”

He looked down at her lips, his fingers stilling at her face as he took in a deep breath. She could see his brow furrow, feel his heart pounding, and she hated how perplexed he looked, but she had to know. Her heart felt as if it was coming out of her chest in anticipation of his answer. She never could figure out what she did to lose him, but she knew his excuse of doing it for her was still bullshit. Who leaves someone they love because they assume it’s better for the other person? Shouldn’t she have had some say in that? She knew what she wanted, and that was Karson.

That’s all she’d ever need.

Kissing her temple, he whispered, “This is too deep for right now. Let’s go to sleep and we can talk about it tomorrow.”

“But we will talk?” she asked, meeting his gaze, and he nodded.

“Of course, baby, and I’ll answer anything you want to know.”

That pleased her, so she wrapped her arms tightly around his broad chest, nuzzling her nose along his as her eyes drifted shut. She hadn’t realized how tired she was until sleep took her under in the black mass. Being wrapped in his strong, warm arms provided her with the best sleep of her life, but it was short-lived because when she woke up to the sun shining on her face, Karson was gone.

She couldn’t believe it.

He was gone.

Really gone.

After everything they did the night before, he just left.

What the hell?

Just to be sure though, she searched her apartment a second time, but there was no trace of him. Not even a left-behind sock in the haste of running. It was as if he had never even been there. As if it was all a dream, but she knew it wasn’t. She still felt him on her. She was aching between her thighs, her hips hurt from where he had manhandled her, and her heart was pounding in her chest from being near him the whole night. Or maybe it was from where she was running through the apartment looking for him like a chicken with its head cut off as she cried and tried to breathe.

She just couldn’t believe it.

Falling onto the bed, she closed her eyes as the tears leaked out. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out as she cried into a pillow. How could he just leave her like that? No goodbye, no see you later, no thank you, nothing! It was mind-blowing and heartbreaking all in one. Did she do something wrong? Did she expect too much? They never promised anything… No wait, he did; he promised they would talk. Maybe that’s why he left?

Maybe he was too much of a fucking coward to talk to her and tell her why the hell he left her almost ten years back. How dare he! He came in, ripped open her chest, took her heart out, loved on it, and then smashed it in his large hands. She hadn’t felt so unbelievably perfect in years, so loved, so treasured, but just like he had ruined her all those years ago, he did a repeat performance. How stupid could she be?

This was her fault. She was supposed to go in for closure and not get attached, but she did exactly what she wasn’t supposed to do. She got so fucking attached and expected him to be there. She was pathetic. Bringing her face out of the pillow so she could take in another deep breath, she sat up and let the sob escape her lips.

She was the dumbest girl in Chicago.

Why was she sitting here bawling over someone who she was supposed to be over, someone who had continually done nothing but break her heart over and over again. He had been trouble since the beginning. Since the moment she touched his gorgeous face, felt his lips against hers, she knew he was going to change her world. He’d had then and still had the power to completely engross her. Make her his. He was dangerous, but for some stupid reason, she was still in love with him. She knew it was insane, but as he’d moved inside her, held her face, and looked at her with those sinful caramel eyes, she knew that she loved him still. It was ridiculous and plain dumb, but she loved him with her whole being. It was time to be done, though. She had to be done. She couldn’t keep letting Karson King break her into billions of pieces because obviously that was his life plan.

To fucking ruin her.

Leaning against the headboard of her bed, she looked around her room and hated it. She used to love her room, thought the teal blue and brown was gorgeous. Her bed was comfortable and sucked her in for a decent night’s sleep, but now, the room was plain, so quiet, not like it was the night before when she and Karson filled it with sexy noises of pleasure. No, now it was eerily quiet with only the sounds of her sobs. It was the sound of her life.

Quiet and lonely.

Yes, she had a wonderful, successful job that she loved very much and was proud of, but when she came home, she was alone. When she got letters from cancer survivors about how her pieces helped them feel sexy again, she didn’t have anyone to cry with and be just blissfully happy. When she wanted to go to the movies, she went alone. When she wanted to eat somewhere ritzy, she had to go alone. Yeah, she had Rachel, but she was too busy with Grady and the boys. They were older now too; they would still do anything for each other, but she couldn’t just call, expecting Rachel to go hang out with her or even cry because she was lonely. Rachel had a family, and also, if Lacey did cry to her about being lonely, she would tell Grady and then he would be off trying to hook her up with some scumbag.

Lacey would much rather be lonely than have that happen again.

But for some crazy, fucked-up reason, she had thought that was all about to change. She honestly fell back into her eighteen-year-old self, planning their whole life. It was so easy, so perfect, but so obviously a mistake. As much as she hated to say it, her dad was right. Karson was no good for her.

Ugh, why did she let this happen? She should have pushed him away when he kissed her! She should have kicked him in the balls! She should have said no! She shouldn’t still love him! Why, oh why, was she still so utterly in love with him? When a sob bubbled at the base of her throat, she closed her eyes tightly as it ripped through her, shaking her body.

She loved him because she couldn’t stop if she tried, and boy, had she tried. Over and over again, but she couldn’t let him go. Yeah, he was trouble, but he was her trouble. He’d loved her with a fierceness, one that she hadn’t been able to get over in years. Even though he’d left her and she was mad, she had forgiven him somehow through the years. She couldn’t be mad at someone who, when she looked in his eyes, she knew loved her. Even when he was breaking up with her, she knew he was doing it because he had no choice, or he seriously believed his dumbass reasons, or whatever. She knew he didn’t want to. He wanted to be with her; he just couldn’t, and for some crazy notion, she believed he would come back for her. Yeah, she was mad and wanted to play hockey with his balls, but she never lost the feeling of knowing he loved her. It was her own pride that kept her from finding him and asking him why. She didn’t want to be rejected again, but for some reason, she forgot that because she allowed him to come in again and break her for a second time.

She was downright stupid.

She reached for her pillow to drown her sobs since she didn’t want her neighbor to hear her, which, really, why she cared was beyond her. It wasn’t as if she had ever even seen the guy, and she had been living there for four years. But she didn’t care about that right now; now she wanted to cry and be completely broken that she had lost Karson for a second time. There wouldn’t be a third time though, no matter what. Couldn’t be. The faster he got out of Chicago, the better.

But what if he came back?

She’d slam that door so damn hard and hope that his balls got caught in the process. She wasn’t sure why he was naked in this scenario, but he was, and she hoped she broke his balls like he broke her heart. Asshole.

Maybe she’d go to Canada or Europe? That way she’d never see him, even though that thought had even more sobs bubbling inside her. She was beyond pathetic, but she’d worry about that later. Now she would cry. Now she would feel sorry for herself and wonder why she wasn’t fucking enough. She wouldn’t dare to think it was because of her breasts. No. She wouldn’t do that. He loved her—he did—he was just a fucking coward!

Blinking through the tears, she went to drop her face into the pillow, but something caught her gaze. Wiping her eyes free of tears, she reached for the little piece of paper that was between the mattress and headboard to find it full of messy handwriting.

Handwriting she knew belonged to Karson.

Her heart kicked up in speed as she blinked away the new tears that gathered in her eyes and read the letter.

My Lacey,

I see that you still sleep harder than a rock. I swear, you could sleep through a hockey game if you really wanted, which I know you don’t when I play. Ha-ha. Your eyes are always on me.

Last night was amazing, and I wish that I could have woken up to your gorgeous face grinning at me, but I had to go to morning skate and then do some promotional shit. Believe me, leaving this bed was the last thing I wanted to do, but I really had no choice. I’m sorry, but sorrier because as soon as the game is over, we are flying out to St. Louis. I am going to try to see if I can get a flight in the morning so hopefully, if you want to, you can meet me for drinks tonight. Actually, you have to meet me if I can stay because I stole your expensive, sexy, lace panties that I peeled off your hot body last night, and if you want them back, you’ll come meet me.

Text me when you wake up and see this, since I don’t have your number and couldn’t find your phone in that suitcase you call a purse. Ha-ha.

I’ll be waiting for your text.

I already miss you.

Love,

Karson.

Well, didn’t she feel like an idiot?

(312) 543-3984: I thought you left without even saying goodbye.

Sitting in the locker room, Karson’s face broke into a grin when he looked at the time after reading the text. It was almost eleven, and it pleased him that Lacey had just woken up. He really put it to her the night before, and man, what a night it was. His body was still humming with aftershocks from the best orgasms of his life. There was something about being buried deep in Lacey Martin that drove him completely senseless. She was unbelievable, sexy, and beyond special.

He had spent the whole morning with his head flooded with thoughts of her. Yeah, it was no different than yesterday, but for some reason, he was actually playing well. He even hit the puck with the stick instead of missing it completely. It was amazing; he felt exceptional and couldn’t wait to see her again. He prayed that she wanted to see him because he needed to see her. He couldn’t get enough of her, and honestly didn’t know how the hell he had survived without her for so long.

He was a dumbass for doing so, that’s for sure. But that would never happen again. Lacey was his. No matter what. Her dad could kiss his ass; he’d give it all up just for her. Anything for her. He had spent too long without her, and it was time for that to stop. He wasn’t sure what was going to happen, or even how he was going to make it work, but he was sure they would figure it out.

They were soul mates.

After saving her number, he replied.

Karson: I would never. I tried to wake you up, but you pushed me away, grumbling something about it being too early.

Lacey: Sounds like something I’d do, sorry about that. I guess the note fell between the headboard and mattress ’cause I just spent the last thirty minutes all upset ’cause I thought you left.

Oh shit.

Karson: Can I call you?

Lacey: Yeah.

Hitting her number, it rang only once before she answered.

“Hey,” she said all groggy and sexy-like.

He smiled. “Hey, sorry about that. I put the note right by your face, hoping you’d see it when you woke up.”

“I guess I move a lot when I sleep, so I must have knocked into it and it fell. No big deal. I found it.”

“Thank God,” he said with a laugh. “I would have been waiting all day to hear from you and thinking that you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

“Yeah, see that’s what I just did,” she said shyly, making his heart thump louder.

“I’m sorry, baby, I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Like I said, it’s no big deal. We’re fine,” she said, but he could tell that it had been a big deal, that she may have even been crying. That alone put his stomach in knots. He didn’t do well when girls cried. It killed him, especially when it was Lacey.

“Okay,” he said letting out a long breath. “Can I see you tonight?”

“Yeah, I would love that,” she said softly. “Were you able to change your flight?”

“Yeah, I fly out early in the morning.”

“Okay, so now when I wake up and you’re not there, I’ll know why,” she teased and he chuckled.

“Look at you jumping the gun, assuming I’ll be in bed with you again,” he teased back, leaning into the locker, a grin playing on his lips.

“Oh, you won’t be?” she asked, and even though she wasn’t in front of him, he could see the grin playing on her sweet lips. He could just imagine her, sitting there, wrapped in the sheets, perfectly naked underneath as she held the phone to her ear. Her lips were probably red and swollen from the night before. Her body all sexy and worn out from him. The thought alone had him growing in his jeans. As much as he wanted to believe that they would be tangled in the sheets again tonight, he knew they needed to talk first.

“Let’s get through drinks first, see if you will still want me there.”

She was quiet for a moment and then said, “I think I will.”

“I hope you will,” he admitted. “But let’s make sure.”

“Okay,” she agreed. “Where do you want to meet?”

He smiled. “How about the campus coffee shop?”

They had spent many nights there. He’d even had a group of guys sing to her there for the chance to date her. He knew the coffee shop stayed open till three in the morning every day. Not only had he called to make sure, but he also remembered her studying till the wee hours of the morning while he sat there watching her. They were some of his favorite times with her. Watching her work, with her brows furrowed and her lip between her teeth as she figured out what the textbook was saying always turned him on. Especially when she would catch him watching her and glare playfully at him before smacking his arm.

She was so beautiful and all his.

“Oh wow, really? You don’t want alcohol? I think I might need alcohol if we are hashing out the past.”

He laughed. “I mean, I can slip us in some whiskey for the coffee, but if you want to go somewhere in town, that’s fine.”

“It’s not that. I just want a glass of wine, and I want to be close to my apartment so we can get there quickly afterward.”

That coming out of her mouth at any other time would have turned him on, but at the moment, he didn’t want to just go shack up, he wanted her to love him again.

“Karson? Sorry, I mean, if you really want to go to the coffee shop, that’s fine.” He guessed she made the offer since he had gone silent.

“It’s not that,” he said, turning his face into the locker and leaning his head against it. “It’s just…I don’t want this to be about sex.”

“I bet you haven’t said that too many times in the last nine years, huh?”

He smiled. “Never.”

He could hear the laughter in her voice. “That’s what I thought, but I got you, I don’t want that either. But then again, I don’t know what I want. I just want to see you again.”

“Good, because I want that too.”

“So do you want to go to Hub 51?”

“Yeah, that’s fine,” he agreed. “Seven?”

“Sounds good. I’ll be there.”

“Awesome,” he said, his heart warming as he glanced at the time. He needed to finish getting dressed before heading to the media room for some promotional crap. “All right, baby, I gotta go. I’ll see you tonight. Text me if you get bored.”

“Okay, I will,” she said softly in the phone, making it hard to hang up.

“Will you be at the game this afternoon?”

She paused. “Maybe.”

“Maybe I’ll look for you.”

“Maybe I’ll like that.”

He smiled. “All right, talk to you later.”

“Bye, Karson.”

Before he could say, “I love you,” he said, “Bye, baby,” then quickly hung up. He didn’t want to say something that would scare her off, but he was pretty sure she knew he was still completely in love with her. So really, he should have just said it and hoped that she said it back. Rolling his eyes as he thought he was acting like a lovesick fool, he finished getting ready before heading to the media room with a little more pep to his step than normal. It was to be expected though; he was on the road to having his love back.

He was almost to the room when he heard, “Hey, King.”

He stopped and turned back to see the captain of the Assassins coming toward him. Shea Adler took up most of the room wherever he stood, being bigger than Karson. Most of the guys feared him, but thankfully, Karson had gotten in good with the captain and stayed on his good side. There wasn’t a Sunday during the off-season when he wasn’t at the Adler home, enjoying a home-cooked meal by Mrs. Adler and playing with the many Adler kiddos.

“Adler, what’s up?”

“Hey, I don’t know if Elli told you, but they are asking all of us about the new jerseys and shit. Make sure you say you like them.”

Karson was a little confused. The jerseys had come out during the summer and were a hit with the fans. He was partial to the new one, thought the logo of the Assassin with the Nashville Skyline surrounding him instead of coming out of his arms was a little more believable and way more badass. More like the Assassin was protecting the city from the other hockey teams that came to steal their chances at the Cup. At least, that’s the way he thought. They were still the signature purple and black, so he really didn’t see a problem.

Nodding his head to reassure his captain, he said, “I do like them.”

Shea paused. “Oh, good, then say that.”

Karson laughed. “Will do.”

“Good, and you’re not flying to St. Louis with us?”

He shook his head. “Nope, I have some business to take care of here.”

“Cool,” he said with a nod. “Can I ask what? It’s not your sister, right?”

Karson nodded with a grin growing on his face. Shea was that kind of guy, always making sure his people were good. Karson liked that. “Yeah, my sister isn’t here right now. She is back in Wisconsin, training for the Olympics.”

“Oh, cool, so why are you flying on your own?”

“I met up with an old friend. Wanted to spend some time with her.”

Shea smiled. “Good enough reason, I’d say.”

“The best, I think.”

“Awesome, you did good this morning. Way better than yesterday.”

No clue why, he thought with a grin.

“Thanks. Got my head on straight last night.”

And he hoped it stayed that way.

“Old friend?”

Karson laughed. “Yup.”

“Well, God bless her and keep her around. I want to win tonight,” he said before clapping him on the shoulder.

“That’s the plan.”

With a nod, he asked, “Are you coming to lunch with us?”

Karson shrugged. He hadn’t planned to, but he was always hungry. “Sure.”

“Good, I’ll text you the address.”

“Thanks, see you in a bit,” Karson said as Shea walked away.

Walking the rest of the way to the media room, he thought about calling Lacey and seeing if she wanted to go to lunch, but she probably had to work or something, and it was tradition to eat with the guys. Reaching the door, he went to open it, but before he could, it opened and before him stood over two hundred pounds of anger.

“Grady,” he said, meeting the gaze of his ex-best friend and Lacey’s big brother.

Grady was his right-hand man when they were younger. Karson could sail the puck up the ice, and Grady would be there to get it before scoring perfectly. They were the dynamic duo, as Coach had called them, but that ended quickly when he started dating Grady’s baby sister. Grady didn’t want anything to do with Karson as soon as that happened, and since Karson decided that Lacey was more important than his friendship with her brother, he didn’t mourn the loss. He figured if Grady really was his friend, he would have supported them, but he did the opposite and that was fine. What wasn’t fine was the fact that he’d kept Lacey from him, and because of that, there was no love lost between the two.

“Fuck off, King.”

Karson nodded as he stepped out of the way for him. “Nice to see you too.”

He glared back at him before heading down the hall. If Lacey and he did get back together, it wasn’t going to be easy, not with him being the center of her brother’s and father’s hatred. He knew how much her family meant to her. That’s why he’d never told her the real reason he left her all those years ago. But tonight he would have to; he had promised her he would.

And he would be lying if he said he wasn’t scared out of his mind.

“You’re a dick, dude.”

Karson laughed as he looked over at JT. “Why is that?” he asked as they headed toward the restaurant that Shea had texted him. He’d had a great interview and felt good about his response about the jersey. He hoped Mrs. Adler was happy with him. Always wanted to stay in her good graces.

Happy owner, not a goner, was his motto.

But Elli was pretty great to work for, if you called playing hockey work. She was very supportive and everyone loved her; it was hard not to. Burrowing tighter in his jacket, he took in a deep breath before letting it out, a little cloud forming around his mouth. The air was frigid, but it was expected since it was the beginning of winter in Chicago.

Throwing his hands up, JT exclaimed, “You just left last night. I had to take two girls back to the room to make sure you got one, and then you weren’t even there? What happened to you?”

Karson scoffed. “I bet that was such a hardship. Thanks for taking one for the team,” he said, but JT must have not heard the sarcasm dripping from his words.

“No problem, anytime,” he said with a grin. “But really, what happened? You came to practice in the same clothes you wore out last night, which meant you slept somewhere else, but I thought you didn’t sleep with anyone in this town because of that Laney chick.”

“Lacey, and I don’t.”

“Then who were you with?”

His grin grew. “Lacey.”

JT stopped, his brows coming in as he stroked his long beard. “You slept with the same girl who has had you fucked up for the last nine years?”

Karson nodded. “Yeah.”

“’Cause that is normal. How the hell did that happen?”

Karson laughed. “I got in the cab and she was there.”

“So you slept with her?”

“Not there, but I kissed her and she took me back to her place.”

“Holy fuck, it wasn’t weird?”

He shook his head. “Hell no, it was great. It was like we hadn’t been apart for the last nine years. She was mine again.”

“That’s so bizarre,” JT said with a shake of his head. “That doesn’t happen, you know? It’s like a fluke. I hope you aren’t thinking it’s for real. It was probably just a final bang-out.”

Karson was shaking his head before JT even finished talking. “It is real. We’re meeting again tonight.”

“So that’s why you aren’t flying with us,” he said and Karson nodded.

“I have to see where this goes. We have to discuss some shit and see if we can make it work. I want her, JT, like seriously. She is my one regret. I can’t let her go.”

“Why is she your regret though? You could have gone after her.”

Karson thought it over for a second and then said, “I let my fear of her dad and the unknown fog my belief in our love. It’s completely my fault. I believed more in the fear than our love, and I’ve paid for that the last nine years. But no more.”

JT laughed. “So you think this is it? You’re not scared anymore? You believe again?”

Karson glared. JT was such a cynic, didn’t believe in shit but falling cock-first in any willing female. He wasn’t one to judge though, he’d done the same thing since walking away from Lacey, but at least he believed in love. JT didn’t.

“I never stopped believing, asshole.”

“You should, like a pussy,” he said, deadpan. “So I guess my partner in crime is done for? You’re going to marry the girl, have little Karsons, and forget all about me, huh?”

Karson grinned. “Jealous much?”

“Not at all. I just know the truth and know how much this chick means to you. You’ve done nothing but say, ‘She’s the one I let go, and when I see her again, I won’t let her go. I’ll marry her and make her mine.’”

He did say that a lot, especially when he was drunk or in Chicago.

Scoffing, JT said, “I am kissing our relationship goodbye now. We should probably start spending less time together.”

“You’re an asshole,” Karson said with a shake of his head.

“Whatever, you know I’m right. You might as well go into that Tiffany’s and get the girl a ring. You know you want to,” he said, pointing to the Tiffany store that was across the street from the restaurant Shea and some of the guys were waiting at.

“You’re fucking nuts,” he laughed.

It wasn’t that the thought hadn’t passed through his brain. It would be so easy to ask her to marry him and be his. It would be a blessing, but how could he expect that? They didn’t even know each other now. Okay, that wasn’t entirely true; he knew he still loved her, so that was enough, but there was no way he was asking her to marry him. That was insane.

Right?

JT laughed. “Oh, lookie here, maybe it isn’t real. Maybe you are just in it for the pussy.”

Karson’s blood went hot. Taking a step toward JT, he sneered, “Fuck you, dude. I love her.”

JT’s hand shot up in defense. “Prove it. Put your money where your mouth is. You’ve been talking about this chick since I met you. She is ‘the one,’ so do what you know you want to and stop being a pussy.”

Rolling his eyes, Karson took a step back and reached for the door. Looking back at him, he said, “Why do you even care? You obviously don’t believe in this shit.”

JT shrugged, his fingers threading in the woodsman beard of his. “I want my friends to be happy, and contrary to your belief, you are the only best friend I got. Apparently, I come off as an asshole.”

“You do.”

“Yeah, so I know what makes you happy, and nothing has for the last three years I’ve known you. But when you talk about that girl, you’re happy. Don’t lose that, dude, or you’ll end up alone.”

He’d never expected JT to say that and couldn’t help but think he was speaking from experience, not that JT would ever tell him if he had. JT was a private kind of guy, didn’t let anyone in, and it was surprising that he considered Karson a best friend. But maybe he was right. Looking down at the ground, he took in a deep breath and let it out.

“She probably doesn’t even love me anymore. I would be dumb to assume she would marry me.”

“You’d be dumb to assume she wouldn’t. She obviously loves you. Girls like her don’t sleep around for the hell of it. You forget that we’ve been drunk a lot together, and I know yours and her story.”

He did know. He knew everything, the cancer, the whirlwind romance, and the soul-deep connection. Lacey was—is—his everything. Looking past JT to the Tiffany’s, he let out another breath.

Maybe he was right.

Or maybe he was a complete idiot.

Karson wasn’t sure, but for some crazy reason, his feet started moving and he brushed past JT, heading straight for the jewelry story that possibly held the ring he’d give to Lacey.

When he heard the footsteps behind him, he found JT running to catch up. Smiling at him, he said, “I get to pick it out.”

Karson rolled his eyes. “I’m not getting anything. Just checking things out.”

“Sure you are, but really, I get to pick it.”

“Fuck off, Thomas, you aren’t picking anything.”

JT laughed. “No, I am, and when you give it to her, make sure you let her know that your firstborn will be named Jordie.”

“You are fucking unbelievable,” Karson groaned as he pulled open the door to Tiffany’s.

JT’s laughter followed Karson in before he said, “What’s unbelievable is the fact that I convinced you to get a ring for a girl you haven’t seen in almost ten years!”

Yup, Jordie Thomas was an asshole.

And Karson might be an idiot for listening to him, but he couldn’t help but feel like his best friend was right. Now all he could do was hope and pray that Lacey would be on board.

In her trusty Martin, number twenty-one jersey, Lacey bit the inside of her cheek as she headed out the side door to the elevator that took her to the box where her father and Rachel and the boys would be. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She knew as soon as she got up there, everyone would know that something was up, and that made her body quiver with nerves. She really didn’t know what she was doing here because if her dad found out that something was going on with Karson, he would flip his lid. He had made it known through the years when she would bring him up or if he came up in conversation that he would die before he would let Karson King near his baby girl again.

Well, sorry, Daddy, but I’m in deep with whom you consider to be the devil.

And she didn’t feel the least bit wrong for it. She did, however, spend the whole day in knots about coming not only to the arena but going out for drinks afterward. She was nervous. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen. What he was going to say. What she was going to say. But she knew she had to go. Needed to go. After cleaning herself up and then being mad at herself for doubting him, she’d decided to take a trip down memory lane. She wasn’t sure why she did that, but for some reason, she felt the undying need to.

Getting out the red and black box she had decorated with pictures of them, she sat in the middle of her bed and looked at each picture, every single letter, email, and everything that had anything to do with their relationship. It was like she relived their relationship all over again through all the documentation she had. When she got to the bottom of the box that held the shirt she went home in after they had sex for the first and only time, her body caught on fire with the memory of that moment. She still remembered it like it was only yesterday.

“Karson,” Lacey whispered. He looked down to see her and smiled.

“Yeah?”

“If you asked me to go with you when you leave, I’d go without hesitation.”

She could see that that surprised him. “Really?”

She nodded. “I don’t want to be apart from you, and I can go to school wherever you get picked up. I’ll take out loans and get a job. It will work as long as we have each other, right?”

“Yeah, it will.”

With a grin, she said, “Good, ’cause I think so, too.”

As she cuddled into him, Karson wrapped his arms a little tighter around her, placing sweet kisses against her chest and then her neck before looking up into her eyes. “Hey, Lacey?”

“Yeah?” she whispered against his lips.

“Will you go with me wherever I go?”

She didn’t even hesitate; looking into the eyes she loved more than anything, she said, “Yes.”

“Good, baby,” he said against her lips, kissing her over and over again. She felt immersed in his love but yet scared for their future. It might be hard; it could go all wrong, but she couldn’t help but feel it would be all worth it as long as it was with him.

Kissing her chest, he ran his finger down the center on it, right down the spot that would be a valley if she had breasts. When he looked up at her, all she saw was love, and it left her breathless as he said, “As much as I want to sit here and just memorize your gorgeous body, I need you to get dressed before Grady gets back.”

She smiled as she agreed. He was right, and if Grady did find them like this, he would lose his shit. Getting out of the bed, she helped him get dressed and then he did the same to her, but instead of reaching for her shirt, he reached for his Chicago Cats tee that had his number on the back. Sliding it over her body, he smiled when he met her gaze.

“I love seeing my number on you.”

She cuddled into the large shirt before cuddling into his chest. “I love you so much.”

He moved his nose slowly up hers, his eyes never leaving hers as he whispered, “Nothing could ever measure the amount of love I have for you, and nothing in this world could change that. I love you, Lacey Martin, and I am going to give you the life you deserve. Me and you, against everything.”

Pausing at the door, Lacey let her head drop back as she swallowed the tears that were begging to fall. It had all seemed so perfect, almost magical, and honestly she didn’t know how it went so fucking wrong. Shaking her head, she took in a deep breath before reaching for the door that led to the box where her family would be. As soon as the door opened, everyone turned to look, and while the boys were happy to see her, her father and Rachel both looked as if they had just seen a ghost.

“Aunt Lacey!” the boys chimed as they ran to her, hugging her tightly around the legs. She grinned as she bent down, kissing them both on their noses. They both wore their daddy’s jersey, matching Lacey and Rachel. Her father wore an expensive, Italian suit, always wanting to make an impression.

“Hey guys,” she said, kissing them again. “Ready for the game?”

They both nodded quickly. “We are gonna win!” Zander exclaimed.

“Daddy is going to score us a goal!” Flynn informed her.

“What a good daddy,” she said before standing up and ruffling their hair. “Rachel, they need haircuts.”

“We do not!” they exclaimed, running away from her to the window where they could watch warm-ups.

“Yeah, they do, but they won’t let me touch their heads, or anyone else, for that matter,” she said, standing up and coming toward her. “And to what do we owe this pleasure? I’m pretty sure all I see on the ice besides the gorgeous red jersey of my husband is a whole team of purple and black and a certain number sixteen.”

Lacey ignored her and said, “Man, Rachel, don’t you look stunning tonight? Doesn’t she look beautiful tonight, Daddy?”

“Of course she does. My girls are the prettiest in the state of Illinois,” Nate said with a grin. “Didn’t know you were coming tonight,” he said, coming over and kissing her softly on the temple. “You look happy.”

He said it like he was stunned, and it pleased her how much spending the night with Karson showed. He brought out the good in her—the greatest, even—and she just felt amazing. Complete. And she couldn’t lose that. She had prepared herself for the worst tonight. She had even convinced herself that he may have left her for another woman, which was probably so freaking dumb, but she thought it and thought how she would react. It was the only thing she didn’t think she could forgive, so everything else was good, and she had a chance at happiness. A chance she couldn’t let go of. She had no clue what was going to happen because both their lives were so busy and insane, but they would figure it out. And things would be right because they were together, and together, they could do anything. She still believed that. No time apart could change that.

“Thanks, Daddy,” she said before taking the glass of wine he offered.

“Anytime, honey,” he said, toasting his drink with hers and then both of them taking a sip of their respective beverages. Clearing his throat, he asked, “I thought you didn’t go to Assassins and Hawks games?”

Lacey shrugged. “I didn’t want to be home alone today.”

He nodded. “So it has nothing to do with Karson King why you’re here now?”

Lacey had never lied to her father. She respected him way more than that, but as she looked deep in his green eyes, she shook her head slowly and lied. “Not at all, Daddy.”

“Good,” he said, obviously satisfied with her answer. “He is bad news, Lacey, and will do nothing but hurt you.”

Swallowing, she nodded her head before taking a long sip of her drink and walking toward where Rachel sat so she could see the ice. Her heart was pounding against her ribs as she looked out on the ice for Karson, and she hated that she had to lie. She wished she could just tell him that, yes, Karson was back in her life and she didn’t intend on letting him go, but he wouldn’t understand that. He would get mad and raise hell. Something she wasn’t in the mood for yet, not until she figured out what was going to happen between them.

It didn’t take long for her to find him. He basically took up the whole ice, his number sixteen the only number she saw. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, his brown hair gleaming in the light. He looked huge, the pads always making him seem even bigger than he already was. He was such a presence on the ice, and off it, for that matter. She knew she couldn’t keep her eyes off him.

“You look kind of dressed up to be at a hockey game. Hoping to run into someone?” Rachel asked as Flynn crawled into Lacey’s lap. She wrapped her arms around her sweet little guy and kissed him on the back of the head.

She wished she had thought that maybe Rachel would notice that she was more dressed up than normal. She did spend a good three hours to make sure she was practically perfect. In a thigh-length, high-waisted, black skirt, she’d tucked her blue long-sleeved blouse into the skirt before tossing her Martin jersey over the top and putting on black tights with black ankle boots. Her hair was down in big curls with a black knit hat. She wore her makeup dramatic with dark eyes but yet very elegant, with a light pink on her lips. She knew she was sophisticated but sexy and hoped to God that Karson would appreciate it.

“Don’t know what you are talking about,” she answered, her eyes following Karson across the ice. He deked around people, passed the puck, ran into his teammates playfully, and just looked so resplendent. He was honestly stunning.

“By the way your eyes haven’t left a certain someone, I’m pretty sure you do,” Rachel said in hushed tones.

Lacey looked over to meet Rachel’s knowing gaze and shrugged. “Actually, I don’t.”

Rachel glared, seeing right through her lie. “You do, and I know you just lied to your dad.”

“Leave it alone, Rachel,” Lacey warned as she kissed Flynn again, her eyes back on Karson. She should have known better than to even try to lie to Rachel. She could see through her like she was a pane of glass. It was disconcerting how good she was at it, and one would think Lacey would remember that, but she hadn’t. The thing was, she just wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. Rachel would freak out and tell her how bad of an idea it was to get involved with Karson.

Which she had every right to. She was there when Lacey would cry herself to sleep or when her skin would prune from where she sat in the shower crying till all she did was heave for breath. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and she knew that Rachel would only think that she was heading straight for that outcome again, but Lacey knew it wouldn’t happen.

She trusted Karson.

She loved him.

“Flynn, Zander, come on, let’s go to the pro shop before the game starts,” her father said, and Flynn was out of her lap before her father was even done with his sentence.

“Don’t spend all your grandfather’s money,” Rachel called out, but Lacey didn’t think anyone heard her as the door shut, leaving them alone.

Leaning on the edge of her chair, Lacey watched as Karson shot hard at the net, getting it through the goalie’s legs. He had a breathtaking grin on his face as he backed away, skating to the boards where bottles of water sat. Grabbing for his bottle, he squirted some water in his mouth as he looked around the arena. She was sure he couldn’t see her, and she wished she could stand up and wave her arms in the air, but that would sure set Rachel off, blowing her charade of trying to hide the fact that she was seeing Karson again.

“Looks like he is looking for you. Might want to wave,” she said and Lacey closed her eyes.

Well, she guessed the charade wasn’t really a charade.

“Leave it alone.”

“You’re back with him,” she accused and Lacey shook her head.

“No, I’m not,” she said, still not looking at her.

“Lacey, look at me!” Rachel demanded, causing Lacey to let out a long breath. Turning, she leaned on her hand to meet her best friend’s gaze.

“What?”

“Are you back with him?”

Lacey shook her head again. “No…not yet, at least.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sakes, Lacey, that is such a bad idea! When did you see him? Did he call you?”

Closing her eyes, she leaned her head on the edge of her palm and took in a deep breath. “Can’t we leave this alone until I figure out what’s going on?”

“After you answer my questions, yes. He is bad news. He left you!”

“I know, but it doesn’t mean I stopped loving him,” she said, sitting up and meeting Rachel’s stunned gaze. “I’ve spent the last nine years in complete hell without him, trying to find something to fill the hole he left. It didn’t work. I can’t stop what I feel for him. I jumped into a cab last night, and he was there, Rachel. Nine years I haven’t seen or heard from him, I get in a cab and he is there. It’s fate. It’s meant to be.”

“Are you kidding me?” she asked with a shake of her head. “If it were fate or meant to be, it would have happened a year after he left. It’s been almost ten years. No one stays in love that long with someone they don’t see or hear from. It’s preposterous!”

Lacey glared. “Then I guess I am preposterous because I love him, and I am hoping to God something happens between us. He makes me happy, Rachel. Shouldn’t you want me to be happy?”

Rachel’s face was full of shock, her mouth hanging open and her eyes wide. “I am speechless right now. Do you not remember what happened? Do you not remember the way I held you as you cried and begged the heavens for him to come back? ’Cause I do, and I refuse to stand here and let it happen again!”

“Then don’t. You don’t need to worry about me; I got this,” she said, and that must have stunned Rachel more. She fell back in the chair as if Lacey had hit her, her eyes widening even more.

“Are you fucking serious right now?” She didn’t yell it, she almost whispered it, but even so, Lacey knew she meant business.

Nodding slowly, her eyes locked with Rachel’s, she said, “I love him, Rachel. We are meeting for drinks after the game, and then after that, I don’t know what is going to happen, but I love him and I have to follow my heart. I mean, I have another chance with him. I would be stupid not to take it. Not to take ahold of my happiness and never let go.”

Slowly shaking her head, Rachel closed her eyes as she let out a long breath before meeting Lacey’s gaze again. “Did he tell you why he left? Or is he sticking with the same lame excuse?”

Lacey looked away. “We haven’t talked about that yet.”

“Holy shit, Lacey, what did y’all talk about?”

Biting into her lip, she said, “Not much. More doing than talking, if you know what I mean.”

When she glanced over at Rachel shyly, she saw her trying to hold in her laughter, but soon they both dissolved in giggles. Leave it to them to laugh through a tense situation.

Meeting Lacey’s gaze, Rachel asked, “So it’s just about sex? Or are you seriously considering this?”

“No, I’m serious. We are talking over drinks tonight.”

“So you’ll find out tonight and then go home and really make a good decision, right? You won’t just jump into this? I know Karson; I know he is impulsive and has a way of making you forget all reason.”

She smiled because Rachel was right, but she loved that about Karson. “Of course,” she said with a nod as she looked down, running her finger along the rim of the glass.

“But I’m pretty sure the decision will be him, Rachel,” she said almost in a whisper.

Letting out a long breath, Rachel nodded. “We will cross that bridge when we come to it, but please don’t do anything stupid and reckless. Remember that you have a life here. You can’t just pick up and go to Nashville with him. You have to be here with us, your family.”

She knew that, but she also knew that someone was going to have to move. Not saying that she wanted to move to Nashville or anything, but she sure as hell didn’t want to live without him any more than she had to. If it was more practical for her to move there after dating for a couple months, then she would. They would take it slow; they would get to know each other now that they were adults and fall even more in love. She may have family in Chicago and she did love them, but she had to follow her heart—her happiness—and that was Karson. They would support her. Or at least she hoped they would. Or she would lose them all in the process, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

But she knew she needed Karson.

Lacey’s hand shook as she reached for her wine glass, her eyes gazing around the packed, posh bar. It was one of her favorite spots. She had spent many nights at the bar, drinking a glass of wine after a long day at the office. Too many nights, if she was honest. It was just so hard though, watching as Rachel went home to the boys and Grady while she was stuck going home alone. It was depressing. At least here, she was never alone, which again, if she was honest, she was.

Glancing over at the bar, she smiled. She had been hit on every time she sat down, something most single women would love, but to her, it was annoying. Every single time, she would find something that would make her not want to get to know the man who would sit beside her. Weird nose. Big teeth. Funny smile. Horrible laugh. Too cocky. A bum. Asshole. It was always something, but now, she knew it was because they weren’t Karson.

It was kind of funny that Ethan got to her. Had she really been that desperate to get rid of her feelings for Karson? She must have because those years with him were positively pitiful. The sex was horrible. She didn’t feel sexy, she didn’t feel special, she just felt used. When, really, she was the one using him. Why didn’t she go after Karson? Why couldn’t she swallow her pride and find him? Obviously, it would have taken just one look in those devastating eyes of his and everything would have fallen into place. She wished she would have known that because then nothing would have held her back.

And nothing would hold her back now.

Moving her fingers through her hair, she brought her hair to the side of her shoulder and braided it slowly as she waited. She was nervous. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but she prayed it had a favorable outcome, though she really wasn’t sure what that was. As long as it involved Karson, she was pretty sure things would sort themselves out.

Where was he? He said he would come straight from the arena, and she didn’t think it would have taken this long. What if he was backing out? Ugh, she had to stop doing that. She had to stop doubting him and start believing in him or this wouldn’t work. It was just that it made her nervous. She finally could see everything she wanted. A life with the man she loved, the man she dreamed of, but at the same time, it all felt so unreal. Like she was dreaming. Going without the love she needed for so long had tainted her a bit, but she needed to let that go.

Karson wasn’t going to hurt her again.

Glancing at her phone, she saw that it was flashing with a text message. With her brow furrowed, she slid to the message screen to see that Karson had texted her.

Shit. Her stomach dropped as thoughts of him canceling flooded her. Wasn’t she just saying five seconds ago she was going to stop that? He was probably just texting to say he was running a tad bit late. So pushing the negative thoughts away, she pressed the text and read his words.

Karson: I swear, Ms. Martin, you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Her heart fluttered as a smile took over her face. She was about to text him when she felt like someone was watching her, and as she looked up, he was there. Across the bar, looking dashing as all hell, he headed toward her, a grin on his face. He looked positively sinful, really. Stubble covered his square jaw, his lips curved in such a delectable way, and those eyes, so dark and locked on her. His hair was brushed to the side, wet from the shower he must have just taken. Worry filled her that he might get sick; it was cold out, and she planned on telling him that, but soon she was distracted by the way his expensive suit hugged every single inch of him. His muscles on the verge of making the sleeves of his jacket fall off, and boy, those legs. She knew how they looked naked, and of course, she was quickly brought back to her bed, him lying on her in the most perfect way, feeling totally and utterly complete.

He was magnificent and was looking at only her.

Stopping behind the chair, his smirk grew as he asked, “Is this seat taken?”

Her heart went nuts in her chest as she slowly nodded her head. “Yes. It is.”

He was fully smiling at her now, and with a shake of his head, he said, “Lucky bastard he must be to be able to sit across from you and stare into those gorgeous eyes of yours.”

She held back her grin as she laid her phone on the table. “Yeah, he is.”

Holding her gaze, he came to her before leaning down with his elbows on the table. Reaching out, he cupped her face and let out a breath of relief before touching his lips softly to hers. Closing her eyes, she covered his hands with hers as he slowly moved his lips along hers. Pulling back only slightly, he whispered, “Sometimes I think you’re not really here, and every time I kiss you, it all hits me at once. You’re really here.”

She smiled as she moved her nose along his, meeting his gaze. “I was thinking the same thing.”

He kissed her once more and then stood up fully and asked, “Can I be the lucky bastard who gets to sit across from you?”

“It would be a pleasure,” she answered, grasping his fingers with hers.

He leaned down, bringing her knuckles to his lips, his gaze locked with hers. “I knew there was a reason I was feeling lucky tonight.”

She giggled as he kissed her knuckles one last time before taking the seat across from her. It was too far, in her opinion, but when he took her hand with his, lacing their fingers together, everything felt right. Looking up at her, he said, “Did you enjoy the game?”

With her best pout, she said, “I don’t like seeing my team lose.”

“But you like watching me win,” he supplied, and she tried to glare, but it didn’t work. She felt like she was betraying her team, her family, in a way, but Karson was completely right.

“I’m not answering that.”

He laughed. “Which means yes. Good, I like winning for you.”

“You won for me?” she asked incredulously.

His eyes were so serious they made her breathless as he said, “Of course. I always win for you.”

She shook her head, looking down at the table. “Even after all this time?”

“Yeah, you don’t stop something once you decide that’s all you want to do.”

Breathless, she smiled as the tears stung her eyes. “Why didn’t you come back to me if you felt that way?”

He smiled wryly, his eyes not leaving hers. “Wow, jumped right into it, huh?”

Swallowing back the tears, she nodded. “It’s killing me. I have to know.”

He nodded and was about to speak when the waiter walked up. “Sir, what can I get you to drink?”

“Can I have a whiskey, neat, please?”

“Of course. Ma’am, another glass?” he asked.

Lacey glanced at her glass and shook her head. She wanted to be as clearheaded as possible, and that wouldn’t happen with a third glass of wine. “No, thank you.”

“Be right back,” the waiter informed them before walking away.

Looking back at Karson, she waited as he moved uncomfortably in the seat before meeting her gaze. Smiling he said, “I missed you, Lacey, a lot.”

Her heart did a little jig and she whispered, “I’ve missed you, but I have to know.”

“Right now? Don’t you want to catch up?” he asked nervously and that bothered her.

“You promised me answers, Karson.”

He nodded as he bit into his lip. “Would you have taken me back?”

“Yes,” she answered quickly. “I think that’s pretty obvious now, don’t you think?”

He agreed as the waiter set his glass before him and asked, “Can I get you two anything else?”

Karson looked to her and she shook her head. “No, we are fine.”

“Enjoy.”

Once he was gone, Karson said, “There isn’t a day that I don’t regret it, Lacey; you have to know that. I thought about you every day and hated what I did.”

She didn’t know what to say, but hearing him say that pleased her. There wasn’t a moment that passed where she wondered if he missed her, regretted leaving her. “I should have never left you, and the reason I never came back is because I was scared.”

Confused, she asked, “Scared of what? Me?”

He paused for a moment and then nodded. “Yeah, I hurt you, and I was scared if I came back and begged you, you wouldn’t take me back—not that I thought I deserved you, but still, I couldn’t take the rejection.”

It was the same reason she never went for him, but she was still irritated with them both. Why couldn’t they let go of their pride? Because of it, they spent nine years without each other. Nine years they couldn’t get back. Nine years of waste, in her opinion. Well, no, she took that back. She was very proud of her business, but everything else, the relationships, the loneliness, wouldn’t have happened if they had never broken up.

“You should never have left,” she whispered, meeting his gaze.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have, and I can’t apologize enough,” he agreed, his eyes so dark and locked on hers. It was as if he was looking inside her soul, and it scared her what he would see. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him to know that she had been a complete wreck without him. She didn’t want to seem weak, but that’s exactly what she had been. He held her up, he made her the person she wanted to be, and without him, she was someone whom she didn’t love.

Squeezing his hand, she asked, “Are you still sticking with the same reason as before? You left for me?”

When his head slowly shook side to side, her stomach dropped and everything went still. “That’s not why I left.”

Breathless, she held his gaze, waiting for the real answer because, if that wasn’t the reason, then what was?

Karson couldn’t believe he was sitting across from the woman who’d held his heart for the last nine years. Two days in a row, he had been blessed with being in the presence of this angel. Looking into her swimming-with-tears pale green eyes, he hated the tears, but man, he couldn’t help but think she was beyond beautiful. Her hair was down on her shoulders, her face made up to the nines with makeup that enhanced every single feature. She wasn’t a girl anymore, fresh-faced and innocent. No, he could see the pain, the anger, and he knew it was there because of him. But by God, he swore he would rid her of all that. He wanted nothing more than to make her the happiest woman on earth, something he should have done nine years ago, but instead he’d let his fear get the best of him.

He regretted that moment like he had told her, but it was time to move on from that. He couldn’t keep beating himself up over it. It was done. It was time to move on, hopefully with Lacey beside him, but in the process, he was hell-bent on making her feel every bit of love that he hadn’t gotten to give her when they were apart. He had all this love exploding inside him for her and was ready to shower her with it. The only thing was, he had to be honest with her about that day he left, but he wasn’t sure how he could do that.

He knew that she and her dad were close, and he didn’t want to ruin that. He felt he had every right to since Nate did ruin them. But at the same time, he promised he would never hurt her, and telling her that her dad was the one and only reason they broke up seemed like something that would break her.

“First, before I get into that, tell me about yourself.”

Her brows came in, and he had to hold back his grin. She was always so cute when she was perplexed.

“You promised you’d answer my questions, Karson,” she reminded him and he nodded.

“I did and I will. But why jump into all that? We have all night. I’m yours, baby. Tell me about yourself,” he urged, and she looked down at the table, probably knowing he wasn’t going to budge.

“You’re lucky you’re giving me all night to find out, or I’d probably chuck this glass at you.”

He laughed as she met his gaze. “Baby, you have more than tonight. You have forever if you want it.”

Her eyes widened as she blinked a few times. “I do?”

“Oh yeah, I’m laying it out there, all you have to do is take it.”

Her eyes glazed over at she nodded. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“It’s meant to be, Lacey,” he said, leaning forward and taking her other hand in his, lacing their fingers together. “So we had some time apart—”

“We had nine years,” she stressed.

“Yeah, nine years and look at us. Do you feel what I’m feeling? It’s like we were never apart. I mean, I look at you and still feel the exact same way.”

“I do too,” she admitted and he smiled. It wasn’t confessing that they loved each other, but it was close to it. By the end of the night, though, he’d have her screaming that she loved him. Or he’d be screaming it to her, one of the two.

“Good, that’s really good to know. Now tell me about yourself.”

She smiled. “What? You haven’t been stalking me?”

He laughed. “I mean, just your regular Facebook and Google searches, but nothing too extensive. What, did you stalk me?”

“About the same thing,” she said with a sheepish grin and he smiled. “So you know I have the business, right?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Lacey’s Lace. Catchy, I like it.”

“Thank you. It’s doing very well. I started a little after school in my dad’s garage, and now, I have a shop about two miles from here. Rachel, you remember Rachel, right?”

“Your best friend?”

She nodded. “Yeah, she and Grady got married, have two little boys.”

“You always called that,” he said, even though Grady could lick the bottom on his shoe.

“I did. It was weird, but I am happy for them.”

“That’s good,” he deadpanned.

She laughed. “I see there is still no love lost between you two.”

He shrugged as he chewed on his lip for a moment while he thought through his next statement. He didn’t want to hurt her with the things her family did to him, but he also didn’t think it was fair to take all the blame. Yes, he was wrong. Yes, he should have believed in them, but he had two people out to get him and that didn’t make it easy. Should he have fought harder? Fuck yeah, but he didn’t. “You know I called, right?”

Her glass paused at her lips. “What? When?”

“A little after I started playing for Tampa. Grady told me never to call you again, and when I did try again, your number was changed.”

Placing her glass on the table, she shook her head. “Sounds like something he would do, but of course, no one told me anything.”

“Yeah, they’ve always been very overprotective of you,” he said, testing the waters.

“Always. Disgustingly and annoyingly overprotective.”

“They have reason to be. They almost lost you.”

“Don’t make excuses for them,” she warned, her eyes flashing with anger. “They did everything to keep us apart.”

Oh, sweetheart, more than you know, he thought as he nodded. “That being said, they did it because they wanted to protect you.”

“I don’t care. They hurt me more keeping you away. But whatever, it’s over. I’m sorry for what he did.”

“And I’m sorry I wasn’t man enough to jump on a plane, fly here, and beg you to take me back. I was a coward.”

Her eyes softened. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Karson. We were kids.”

“Still, I knew I loved you more than anything in this world. I knew that you were it, and I walked away. I’m sorry for that.”

Her eyes clouded with tears as she slowly nodded. “I forgive you.”

Relief washed over him. He had been waiting for those words since he’d shut the door to her dorm room. Unable to express his gratitude for her forgiveness, he only nodded as he took in a deep breath. She smiled and he smiled back, his heart aching in his chest for this woman. Clearing his throat, he said, “You know I still love you, right?”

Her grin grew as her face reddened with color. “I had a feeling.”

“The same feeling?” he asked, a smirk forming on his lips as his eyes danced with hers.

“Yes, Karson,” she whispered. “The same feeling.”

Leaning forward, he brought her palm up to his mouth, placing a sweet kiss there before he said, “Good.”

“Ugh, you’re going to make me cry,” she laughed, fanning her face, he guessed to keep the tears in.

He smiled. “Good tears I’m okay with. Anything else is not allowed.”

“They are good, I promise,” she said as she dabbed her eyes. “It all just seems so unreal. Like I’ve waited for this moment my whole life.”

“Me too, baby, and to think we have so much more life to live.”

She grinned as she nodded before taking a deep breath. Waving him off, still with a beautiful grin on her face, she said, “Ugh, now where was I? Oh, yeah, so Rachel helps me run things,” she said, picking up where she left off. He chuckled as their fingers laced back together, his thumb rubbing slowly over the back of her hand as his lips rested against his hand. “We ship all over the country, and I’ve been on talk shows and the news. It’s been a crazy ride since it started.”

“I’m so proud of you, baby,” he said, and he was. His heart was pouring with pride and love for her. It always did when he thought about what she had been doing with her business. Any time he got the chance to promote her stuff, he did. As much as he didn’t like to think about it, his mom and sister even owned pieces by her. “I saw you on Oprah.”

She grinned. “Oh, my gosh, I was a mess that day.”

“You were stunning. I think it’s still on my DVR.”

Her face deepened with color. “I still have when you scored that goal in game six, pushing a game seven for the Cup on mine.”

“That was a good game, beauty of a shot, right over his shoulder from the damn blue line,” he noted, smiling when she did.

“It was amazing.”

“Yeah, it was,” he said, grinning like a fool. “So you’ve been keeping up with me?”

“Yeah. It’s hard not to.”

“I know what you mean. Even the stuff I didn’t want to know, I still kept up with.”

“Like?” she asked, and he could tell that she knew exactly what he was talking about.

“Ethan Stanford.”

She nodded. “Biggest mistake of my life.”

“Could have told you that,” he said, his body tense with jealousy.

“Yeah, well, if you would have been around, it wouldn’t have happened, huh?”

He smiled. “Touché.”

She grinned. “You broke his nose.”

“He ran into my elbow,” Karson defended, but just as quickly as he said it, she saw through it. Of course he was lying.

She snorted. “Liar. He was just skating by, and the next thing I knew, you took him out.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know what you are talking about. But if I did, and that did happen, it could be because I read of you two’s engagement not an hour before the game.”

“Ew,” she said, making a face of disgust. “Bad timing, huh?”

He laughed. “Yeah, so hypothetically speaking, my elbow met the douchebag’s face, and I didn’t feel the least bit sorry for it.”

Karson could tell she tried to hold back her laughter, but it didn’t work, and soon she dissolved in giggles. Watching her, he smiled. Man, he loved when she laughed. It really brought out the beauty in her face. He wondered if she’d laughed a lot since he’d been gone, and instantly, he hated any man who had made her laugh. He wanted to be the one to make her laugh, to be the one on the receiving end of that beautiful smile. When her laughter finally subsided, she took a sip of her wine and then met his gaze.

“I never saw a special woman by your side all these years.”

“Because you were here,” he said instantly. It was true. “Apparently the memo didn’t get to you that we were supposed to be together,”

“Damn messenger,” she joked and he smiled.

“Must have gotten lost on the way back to you.”

“You mean, run over,” she said, and he laughed as he nodded. “Or my brother or father intercepted him.”

“That’s more like it,” he said with a chuckle, causing her to laugh. Opening her hand, he kissed her palm again. “Did the cancer ever come back?”

She shook her head, her eyes locking with his. “No. I’ve been blessed with a clean bill of health.”

“That’s really great, Lacey. I think you had me and my mom praying for you.”

She smiled. “Well, thank you.”

“Anytime,” he said with a nod. “When did you get the breasts?”

Her lips went to a straight line and she pulled her hand away, reaching for the glass again, draining it.

Whoa, what was that about?

“Is that an off-limits topic?” he asked and she looked up at him.

Shaking her head, she said, “It’s a touchy one, but nothing is off-limits to you.”

“And the same goes for you.”

Biting into her lip, she looked down at the table before explaining that the douche had bought them for her after a horrid night together. He didn’t want the details, and thankfully, she gave him the Cliff’s Notes, but nothing could stop the rage he felt. He wanted to rip the dude limb from limb.

“Fucking douche.”

“My sentiments exactly,” she agreed with a grin.

“And your dad and brother liked him?”

“He wasn’t you,” she answered and he shook his head.

“I’m not a bad guy,” he said, not understanding their hatred of him. He was a stand-up guy, was great on the ice, and always did right by anyone he met. Yeah, he walked away from Lacey, but it was because they demanded for him to. What the hell did he do to be on the receiving end of their undying hatred?

Shrugging her shoulders, Lacey said, “You’re right, but Karson, you are the one that took my heart.”

Reaching for her hand, he was glad when she surrendered it to him. Standing up, he pulled her out of her chair and then wrapped his arms around her waist, unable to take her being so far from him. Looking deep into the pair of eyes that starred in all his dreams, he kissed her nose and spoke from his heart, “And I don’t plan on ever giving it back.”

Crashing his mouth against hers, he kissed her long and hard, his toes curling in his shoes with no cares that they were in a crowded bar. Karson wanted to leave; he wanted to get lost in her body and never stop. He craved it, needed it, but when he pulled back, looking into her sweet eyes, he knew that could wait. They still had so much to talk about, and as painful as it may be, he knew in the end that he would have her.

Kissing her nose, he whispered, “Wanna get out of here?”

She grinned, her fingertips dancing along his jaw. “There is still so much to talk about.”

“You’re right,” he said, smiling because she read his mind. “But we can do that back at your apartment.”

“You don’t like the bar?” she asked, her eyes meeting his.

He shook his head. “Not really. The whole time we’ve been sitting here, men have been staring at you, and it’s driving me insane.”

She laughed, her eyes bright and playful. “Oh, please.”

He scoffed. “You think I’m playing, but I’m not. When I’m not looking at you, I’m shooting dirty looks to half the bar. You’re a very attractive woman, Lacey Martin.”

“You’re crazy. I look so different than I did back then. I’ve put on weight.”

He nodded, his eyes looking down her heavier body, her new breasts, her thick hips, and a round ass that had him fighting for breath. She was a showstopper. Yeah, she was thicker and could maybe stand to lose some weight, but he didn’t care about that. He loved her. He thought she was gorgeous. “Hell yeah, and let me be the one to thank nine-pound, sweet baby Jesus for it.”

She giggled sweetly and leaned into him. “Well, thank you.”

Moving a piece of stray hair out of her face, he said, “You’re very welcome, my love. Now, let’s get out of here. I want to wrap my arms around you in the privacy of your apartment.”

“So you can get me naked?” she teased and he laughed.

“After the fact, yes.”

She laughed, nodding her head. “All right, as long as you promise we are gonna talk.”

“I promise.”

And he did, he just left out that it scared him what would happen next. His pocket was burning with the ring he had bought earlier that day. He still couldn’t believe he had done it, but it just seemed right when he saw the round, two-carat diamond set in a twisted platinum band that was encrusted with smaller diamonds. It just screamed Lacey. He could actually see it on her finger, see it flicker in the light on her delicate hand. It was her ring. So he dropped the forty-five grand and walked out of the place with a ring for a girl who he had no clue if she’d want to marry him. He wasn’t sure if that was something she would want right now, but he knew he couldn’t walk out of that store without her ring.

Because he knew he was going to marry Lacey Martin.

And the more he spent time with her, the more he knew that he could make the dream of having her be Mrs. Karson King a reality. After all this time, he could read her like a book, and she wanted him; she still loved him. She was everything he wanted in a girl. Successful, gorgeous, funny, playful, and special. She was his, and though he didn’t know what was going to happen at the end of the night, he had a gut feeling that it would end with his ring on her sweet hand.

And usually his gut was right.

Fighting through the cold, they made it back to her apartment, and once inside, Karson looked around the room as Lacey hung his coat and got him a drink. Since he had been too busy tearing off her clothes last night and then rushing to get to practice this morning, he hadn’t really gotten to take in her apartment. Now that he could, he was pleased with what he saw. She was clean, something he expected, and also very chic. The room was done in teals and white, with a black sectional that surrounded a huge TV. Pictures of whom he suspected were her nephews graced every single inch of the apartment. It was obvious that she loved the boys and also Rachel. What surprised him most was that there were only two pictures of her with her dad and brother. He expected a lot more, but maybe it was because she had so many pictures of her and her beautiful mother.

Lacey favored the woman to the extreme. He used to think that she looked like her dad, but when he saw a picture of her with her mother, he knew he was completely wrong. Finding a picture of them together, posing playfully for the camera, his mouth pulled up at the side. He wished he’d had the chance to meet Ashley Martin. He was sure she would have liked him, and maybe then Nate and Grady wouldn’t have been as overly protective as they were. Losing her and then almost losing Lacey to breast cancer really had an effect on the family, and he understood that. But at the same time, he wanted nothing more than to make Lacey happy. He believed with his whole heart that he could, but the Martin men did not agree.

Coming up beside him, Lacey leaned her head on his shoulder and said, “I wish you would have had the chance to meet her.”

Karson smiled. “I was thinking the same thing.”

“She was a stellar human being. I miss her so much.”

“To have such a stellar daughter, she had to be.”

She grinned up at him and asked, “How’s your mom and dad? Kacey?”

Turning, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her nose, unable to get enough of her. “Ma and Dad are great. Ma had a little skin cancer scare about two years ago, and because of it went on a crazy campaign and basically slathers every single person in sunscreen, even when it isn’t sunny.” She laughed softly as he shook his head. “She’s nuts, but we love her. Dad is good. He is coaching at the high school I played at. They come to at least ten home games a year. It’s nice seeing them.”

“I bet, and Kacey?”

“She’s training for the Olympics right now. She is praying and hoping they pick her up for the team. She wants a medal. She thinks it would be better than the fact I’ve won the Cup.”

She laughed. “It kinda is.”

“Shut your mouth!” he teased, gathering her tighter in his arms. “Or at least, don’t tell her that.”

Her eyes softened as she looked down at the base of his neck. “I wish I’d had the chance to meet them back then,” she said sadly, running her finger along his throat as it closed up with emotion. She was supposed to meet them for dinner, but he broke up with her instead. Asshole move on his part. He took a lashing from his mom, and his dad was disappointed, while Kacey called him an idiot. Needless to say, everyone loved Lacey, and they’d never even met her. Showed how special she was and how much he was a freaking idiot to let her go.

“Ma still asks about you.”

Her mouth pulled up at the side. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I think she knows how much you mean to me.”

“That’s really sweet.”

“It’s true, and you’re gonna meet them, Lacey, soon.”

“Really?” she asked, a grin tugging at her glossed-up mouth.

“Yeah, I’ll fly you out there, or fly them here, or whatever. Whatever we decide to do after tonight, I’ll make sure you meet them.”

She moved her fingers along his shoulders and then laced them behind his neck. “What do you want to do after tonight?”

Moving his lips softly against hers but not kissing her, he whispered, “I want to be with you.”

Biting her lip, she nodded. “I want that too.”

His heart exploded in his chest. For years, he had prayed and hoped to hear those words come out of her pretty mouth, and the feeling of insane completion washed over him as he lost himself in her intoxicating eyes. As much as he just wanted to stay in this fucking great moment and imagine their life together, he needed to be honest. He had to lay everything out for her before he took her words to heart. It was hard because he wanted to plan out everything—where they would buy a house, when they would get married and have a baby, but that could all not happen. She could want him now, but once she heard what her father did to them, she could either believe him or not.

He hoped she would trust and believe him, but her relationship with her dad was strong. He played the role as mother and father to Lacey after they lost Ashley. He put her through school, paid for her cancer treatment, and he was supposed to help start her business. It was going to be hard to tell her something as vile as what Nate Martin did to them, but did he have a choice?

Not if he wanted this girl for the rest of his life.

“Lacey, baby, I need to tell you something, and I’m pretty sure you’re not going to like it.”

Dropping her arms, she gazed into his eyes, worry filling her pretty green ones as she asked, “Shit. Is it bad?”

He chuckled as he took her hand before leading her to the couch. “It’s the deep crap we need to talk about before we start planning everything and figuring out things.”

Stopping him, she said, “First, I want to show you something. Come on.”

She pulled him along to her room. “I’m surprised since you’ve been basically threatening my life for this information,” he teased.

She laughed as she nodded. “True, but I want to show you something. You know how you’ve said how important I am to you?”

“Yeah, you are.”

Pushing her door open, she went in first and then turned to look at him. “Well, you are the same to me, always have been. And I know I probably should have thrown away this stuff after what happened years ago, but I couldn’t let you go.”

Looking past her, confused, he saw a red and black box on her bed, the contents spread all over. Walking to the bed, he stopped short when he saw the picture of them after one of his games. He was sweaty, young, and excited, his arm wrapped tightly around Lacey’s small frame. She had her hair in a pixie cut from where it was growing out from the chemo. She was beautiful, and the way he was looking at her just screamed how much he loved her. Moving his gaze from that picture, he found another one of them at the coffee shop, her lying across his chest, reading a book while he played his DS. His throat was tight with emotion as he took in each picture, them during date night, hanging out at the frat house, just being young, crazy-in-love kids. Next were the letters, trinkets of love he gave her… She kept everything. Even the petals to the flowers he had bought her. She had loved him all this time like he had loved her, and neither of them had done anything about it.

How fucking pathetic and sad.

“I have a box of us too.”

“Really?” she asked, surprised.

He shook his head. “Yeah. I pull it out every once in a while.”

“When I thought you left without a word, I took it out and was about to let you go but then found the note.”

“Thank God,” he said, pushing their love story to the side so he could sit down. Taking her hand, he brought her down on the bed beside him and laced his fingers with hers. He loved how perfectly their hands fit together, and as he gazed at her hand, he couldn’t help but imagine the engagement ring on her finger. It was going to fit her flawlessly, and he was half tempted to pull it out of his pocket and give it to her.

But thankfully before he could do that, she said, “Tell me what you had to say in the living room.”

Looking deep in her eyes, he prayed that when he exposed her father that she would still love him. That she would still want to be with him and make a life with him. Yeah, they hadn’t said that’s what they were going to do, but damn it, it felt right. He felt it in his bones, and they were going to be together from that moment on. It was such a powerful feeling, but it could all go to hell if she didn’t trust him. He hoped to God she would, but to be sure, he had to make sure that Nate Martin did what he was supposed to do. Maybe then, if she did kick him to the curb, and while his heart was breaking, he would know that at least she had her business from all his pain and heartache. That it would be sort of worth it all.

“First, tell me something,” he said slowly.

“Okay?”

“This may seem like it’s out of left field, but did your dad pay for the start-up of your business?”

Her head fell to the side as she eyed him. Then very slowly, she nodded her head. “He did. How did you know that?”

That was good. He wanted that, but what he didn’t want was the way she was looking at him. Like he was about to tell her something horrible, which he was, but it made his stomach uneasy. His nerves were eating him alive, and he wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but he had already thrown that out there. She knew he knew, so there was only one thing to do and that was to tell her the truth.

“Because he said he would.”

Lacey was confused and really didn’t understand why her father was being brought up at that moment. Who cared if he gave her the start-up funding for her business? Why did Karson need to know that? It wasn’t that she minded that he asked, but it was, as he said, out of left field. And also why the hell would her dad tell Karson, the man he hated more than life itself, about it? He would rather gouge out Karson’s eyes than tell him anything. So what gave?

“What? I don’t understand.”

He nodded, moving his hand from hers. He ran his fingers through his hair as he let out a long breath. Looking at her, his eyes were sad, and his lips set in a nervous line. Something wasn’t right, and her stomach dropped at the sight of his discomfort.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she prepared herself for the worst as she watched him take in another deep breath before letting it out slowly. His shoulders moved and dropped with each action he made. Shaking his head, obviously having a mental battle with himself, he looked back at her and she urged him on with her eyes.

“What’s going on?” she asked softly, moving her hand down his arm and lacing her fingers with his. “Tell me.”

As he stared at her, she could see the love in his eyes but also the regret. She hated that. Yeah, he fucked up and left, but they were together now, and they were going to make up for lost time. She believed that. She believed and loved him. They had their whole lives in front of them, and together, it would be a life they’d both dreamed of. Yeah, she may be jumping ahead, but it felt right. They felt right.

Everyone had that one person who left a huge imprint on their heart. Sometimes they lost that person, or it didn’t work out and they went their separate ways, but the whole time, they wondered “what if.” Hell, Lacey had done it for nine years, and now she had the chance to start all over with the love of her life. There was no walking away from that. She had loved him since the moment she met him and didn’t plan on stopping.

He was her evermore.

Clearing his throat, he met her gaze again and said, “This isn’t easy to admit, and I don’t want you to think I am passing the blame. I’m not because it is as much my fault as his. I should have been stronger and believed in us, but I was scared.”

“You’re making me nervous, Karson. Just tell me,” she urged, her heart thumping her in her chest.

“The day I broke up with you wasn’t by choice, and I think you knew that…still know that. After practice that morning, your dad called me into his office,” he said slowly, testing her reaction, but Lacey stayed stone-faced, watching him. “I thought it was to talk about the following day, and he did mention it, but then he said that I had to break up with you.”

Dread filled her from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. She’d always suspected her dad had something to do with Karson leaving, but she couldn’t accept that he would devastate her like that. He was supposed to love her, and breaking her into a billion pieces by taking her love from her didn’t express that. Looking deep in Karson’s eyes though, she knew it was the truth. Her daddy, the man who was supposed to love and protect her no matter what, had done everything to separate them.

“I didn’t want to, I hope you know that. But he brought up the fact that your cancer could come back, that I wouldn’t be able to support you and all your bills since you wouldn’t be getting the schooling for free, and that the medical bills would be beyond my pay grade. So I tried to say that I would convince you to stay home and finish school while I got established in the NHL. I figured we’d be fine, but then he threatened my career.”

Her heart hurt as she blinked through her tears, her gaze locked with his. “He did?”

“Yeah,” he said sadly, looking away. “He said he would pull me out of the game the following day, and I had to play—all the scouts were gonna be there and shit. So I did what he wanted, but I swear, Lacey, it never felt right, and I promise I regret it with everything inside me.”

She could only nod as her heart broke in her chest. Her father had not only ruined her by taking away her true love but also threatened and ruined Karson. He knew how much hockey meant to Karson and knew how to twist and turn his arm to make him play by his rules. It was disgusting and just wrong. Who intentionally hurts people like that? What was the big deal? They would have been fine, but he wouldn’t even allow them to try.

“As soon as I got to Tampa, I knew I fucked up and tried so hard to get ahold of you. Grady wouldn’t let me talk to you. I tried calling Rachel, but she wasn’t having it, and then finally, I decided to just fly up here and convince you to take me back. But then my coach bumped me down to the fourth line, and I knew that your dad had something to do with that.”

“Oh my God,” she breathed as she shook her head, completely infuriated with her father. She had no doubt that he did do that; he was hell-bent on keeping them apart.

“I know you are probably disgusted with me. I am too, Lacey, I promise, but it was my rookie year, my career, and how I was going to support you when I convinced you to take me back? But every time I went to get you, something held me back. The fear of rejection, your dad, so I just stopped and watched you from afar like a coward. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I am.”

Taking in a deep breath, she wiped her face free of tears as she shook her head. “I’m not disgusted with you, Karson.”

“You’re not?” he asked, surprised.

“No, I am disgusted with him. Your career was everything to you. You hoped and dreamed of being in the NHL. I understand that.”

“But I should have fought for you; you are my hopes and dreams. I don’t need hockey—I need you.”

She smiled, cupping his jaw in her hand. “Karson King, as much as I want to believe that I come first, I can’t compete with your love of hockey. I know that, love that about you, that you are so driven. You are hockey.”

“But I’m not complete without you,” he answered, covering her hand with his. “I hate what I did, I do, and I promise I am going to do everything to make it up to you.”

“Being mine is all I need.”

“I’m yours, Lacey. All of me.”

“That’s all I need.”

“Is it? What about your family? They are going to freak and probably try to ruin me.”

“I don’t care. They will deal because I love you, and I refuse to be without you, not since the moment our lips met in that cab.”

“Really?” he asked, his eyes clouding with emotion.

Love.

He loved her. Completely. She could see that, so with a nod, she said, “Really. I love you. So much, and nothing else matters but us. Everything else will fall into place as long as we are together, loving each other.”

His eyes searched hers as a small grin pulled at his gorgeous lips. “You believe that?”

“Wholeheartedly,” she swore, running her thumb along his jaw. “I believed it then, I believe it now. We are soul mates, Karson. We are meant to be together, and together we are complete.”

“Then marry me.”

Everything stopped. Her heart, her breathing, everything. All she could do was stare at him. Surely, she just heard him wrong.

“Say what?” she asked, a nervous giggle escaping her lips.

He eyed her and then asked, “Did I just read that wrong?”

“Read what wrong?” she asked, her body trembling. “No, wait, Oh my God, okay, just say that again, ’cause I think I heard you wrong.”

Still eyeing her, he asked, “What did you hear?”

“That you want to marry me, but really? You do, oh my God, you do!” she said, her heart pounding so hard against her ribs that her chest shook. “You asked me to marry you!”

He smiled as he nodded. Standing up, he reached his hand in his pocket, pulling out the little blue box that meant one thing. He’d shopped at her favorite store in the world. As he dropped to his knee in front of her, everything inside her went still as her eyes basically bugged out of her head.

Was this fucking happening?

Opening the box to a gorgeous round diamond that was in a diamond-encrusted, twisted band, he held it up to her and said, “I bought this today. After nine long years without you, I decided that I couldn’t go even another day without you as my wife. I love you, Lacey. With every single fiber in my body. You say I am hockey, but I don’t think so. I am nothing without you. I need you beside me, cheering me on and supporting me. I honestly don’t know how I made it this long without you because these last two days have been heaven with the taste of you on my lips. It would be an honor, a pleasure, and a gift from above if you would be my wife, Lacey Martin. I know this is crazy and insane, but like you said, we are meant to be together. We are soul mates—complete only together. So what do you say? Will you marry me?”

Looking from the gorgeous ring to his even more gorgeous face, Lacey still couldn’t believe this was happening. Quickly her eyes went back to the ring and then back to his eyes as she tried to comprehend this moment. Was this really happening? Was he really asking her to marry him after being apart for so long? Holy shit! He was, and there was only one thing to say, or better yet, scream.

“Yes! Yes, of course!”

With a huge grin and a sigh of relief, he slid the ring on her finger before standing and pulling her into his arms for a long, explosive kiss. Tangling his fingers in her hair, he lifted her off the ground, holding her so close that she was convinced they would become one. Which is what she wanted. She wanted to be one with Karson for the rest of her existence. Parting, he looked deep into her eyes, his face so happy and carefree. She knew she matched his expression. Her face hurt from smiling so hard, but it was what she wanted. She wanted a lifetime of smiling and being so damn happy with Karson.

Her heart and soul.

“Pack a bag,” he commanded as he placed her on her feet.

Confused, she asked, “What?”

He laughed. “Pack a bag while I get the tickets.”

“For what?” she giggled as he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

“We are going to Vegas.”

“For what?” she asked again, the insanity of it making her laugh.

Looking at her with the straightest face, he said, “To get married.”

“Be my forever.”

Lacey giggled, her eyes bright and playful as she leaned into him, her book falling into his lap as she kissed his cheek. They were at the coffee shop, lying on the bean bags as she studied and he played on his DS. He didn’t know why, but as he watched her, her brows furrowed and her mouth in a straight line as she concentrated, he needed to know that she would be his for the rest of his life. Things were about to get crazy. He would be leaving soon, and he needed to know that when he came home, she would be waiting for him.

Still giggling, she said, “I am your forever.”

His eyes turned serious as he cupped her face, kissing her nose. He needed to hear her say it; he needed to know that she was going to be with him forever. Through the draft, his rookie year, the lows, the highs. He needed to know that, no matter what, Lacey Martin would be his.

Running his thumb along her cheek, he said, “No, forever. Like, promise me that you’ll be mine forever.”

Her eyes matched his as she nodded slowly, her mouth turning up at the side. “I am and will forever be your forever.”

“And I am yours. Forever, Lacey.”

“Promise?” she asked, her lips curving even more, her hair astray from where she had been running her fingers through it in concentration.

Karson smiled as he held her close. “I promise that we will spend the rest of our lives together.”

“No matter what?”

“No matter what,” he promised. “It’s you and me to the end.”

“Forever?”

“Forever,” he agreed.

It was funny that Karson thought of that exact moment as he watched Lacey make her way down the aisle. He could still remember it like it was yesterday. The way her hair was a mess from her fingers running through it every second from the stress of finals. The way she smelled of Calvin Klein, her favorite perfume at the time. His shirt hanging off her thin shoulders and the way she got upset anytime he moved away to give her more room. She didn’t want him anywhere but with her, and he was completely fine with that. He loved being near her and still felt that way. The time apart was hell and he never wanted to be apart again. This was their chance for their forever, and nothing or no one was going to stop him from making Lacey Martin Mrs. Karson King.

His heart.

His soul.

His bride.

And man, what a bride she was.

He wanted to be irritated with her for making him carry the massive wedding dress on a late-night flight to Vegas, but when she said it was her mom’s dress, his irritation evaporated, especially now, seeing her in the dress. It was a little big on her, the main reason being that they couldn’t find a seamstress so early in the morning, but he didn’t care. He didn’t care about the dress, the way her hair was elegantly done in curls along her shoulders, or that her makeup was soft and classy; no, all he cared about was hearing her say those two little words.

The words that would seal their fate.

Their forever.

Yes, she was stunning, and he was one lucky bastard, but this all seemed like a dream. After all this time, all it took was for him to try to steal a cab from some chick to find his happiness. The last two days had still seemed unbelievable to him, but it just worked. They just worked. Of course, he jumped the gun insisting they go to Vegas and not considering the fact that he had a game that night, but after one call to Elli Adler, it was all taken care of.

It was as if this was all meant to be. That he was supposed to stand in the Chapel in the Clouds in Viva Las Vegas and marry the love of his life. Would everyone freak as soon as they found out? Hell yes. Did he care? Not in the least. Not when he was staring into a pair of pale green eyes that honestly took his breath away every single time.

She looked so perfect, beautiful in her mother’s dress. It was floor-length and poofy as all hell with crystals and lace everywhere. She was gorgeous, especially with that look in her eyes that said she loved him more than anything on this planet. Staring into those eyes, he knew that if this was the last thing he saw, this vision of brilliant beauty, then he would die a happy man. A complete man because he would have had Lacey as his wife.

Taking her hand, he kissed her knuckles before he said, “You look like a dream.”

She smiled sweetly, her eyes glazing over with tears. “Worth carrying the dress on the plane?”

He nodded slowly, his own eyes filling with tears. “Yes, and I want you to know that your mom would be in awe of your beauty in that dress.”

A single tear rolled down her cheek as she nodded. “She’s here,” she said, patting her heart.

He couldn’t trust himself to speak, so he covered her hand with his and nodded as the officiant said, “Ready to get started?”

They both nodded as Karson slowly wiped away her tears. Looking deep in her eyes, he asked, “Ready to become Mrs. Karson King?”

Her mouth curved in a grin, and she had a look in her eyes that said that no one knew how perfect this was but them, and she was right. This was their forever.

“I’ve been ready.”

“Me too.”

“So am I,” the minister joked, and they all shared a laugh before he got started by speaking of the foundation of love and how sometimes spontaneity is the best way of proving true love. Karson completely agreed with that. Was this practical? Nope and maybe a little crazy, but as he got in lost in her eyes, he really didn’t see any other way of doing this. He had to be married to her, and it had to be now. Not tomorrow, not the next day, or a month away, for that matter. When he knew what he wanted, he made it happen. He was impulsive and just a touch crazy, but he liked that about himself. He knew that this was right; he just wished he had found Lacey again long before this. His stupid fear kept him away, but that would never happen again, not when he was loved and supported by the love of his life.

“Now, it says you two have your own vows, so don’t let me hold you back from saying them. Please, Lacey, speak your love.”

Karson grinned as Lacey took in a deep breath before squeezing his hands hard. She was shaking slightly, and he could tell she was a little nervous. He wanted to think he wasn’t, but he could feel his own nerves shaking him from within. She could still turn and run from him, and if she did, it would honestly break him. It would make sense, though, if she did. Her family wasn’t here, nor would they be very happy when they found out about their little elopement. He didn’t care, but he knew she did. She may be upset with her father and brother, but they were just that. Her family. The only family she had, but that was about to change. He was about to become her family, if she’d have him.

“You want to do this, right?” he found himself asking.

“Isn’t that something you should have asked before paying for this?” the officiant asked and Karson laughed.

“Probably,” he agreed as he looked back at Lacey.

She nodded quickly, causing his stomach to flip as she squeezed his hands. “Of course! I’m just nervous. It all seems so unreal.”

“I know,” he agreed. “But if you don’t want to, we can wait.”

“No, I want to, right now. I don’t want to wait,” she promised.

“I don’t either, but I know your family isn’t here.”

“Neither is yours, but this is what we want. We are doing this.”

His heart was pounding in his chest as he got lost in her eyes. He wanted to believe that she wanted to do this, but he swore he could see the sadness in her eyes. She’d probably dreamed of some ritzy wedding on the river, and all he was giving her was an elopement to Vegas.

Was it enough?

“I want this, Karson, I promise. Yeah, no one is here but us and Mr. Preacher Man, but in a way, this is what I want. I want us. That’s all I need. I’m just freaking out because I don’t know what I’m going to say to really express my feelings. I want to do this right. We only get one chance at this, you know?”

“Yeah, this is it for me.”

“Me too,” she agreed. “And it’s perfect, don’t you think?”

He looked around the room that was made almost entirely of glass. The sun was coming up, and the lights of Vegas glittered beneath them. In front of him was the love he thought he had lost but thankfully found, and boy, did she look gorgeous. Yeah, this was what he wanted; he wanted her. It wasn’t ritzy, and their families weren’t here, but it was them. It was impulsive and crazy, but that was their love. So he nodded, leaning his head against hers, closing his eyes tightly. “I do.”

“Then let’s do this,” she said, a grin pulling at her lips.

He took in a deep breath, not really understanding how he got this lucky, when the preacher said, “Not to rush you two, but you only paid for an hour.”

Karson shook his head as he laughed, leaning back to look at Lacey’s shocked eyes. “Jeez, only an hour? Cheap bastard I’m marrying.”

He laughed harder, shaking his head. “I figured a quick wedding gave us longer in bed.”

Heat burned in her eyes as she nodded, her mouth curving up in a seductive way. Tearing her heated gaze from his, she looked at the preacher and said, “I retract my last sentence. He is the smartest man I know.”

“I’m glad. Please proceed.”

Lacey met his gaze and shook her head, a nervous laugh leaving her sweet lips. “I don’t know if I’m going to make it without crying!”

He laughed. “I might not either. You are so beautiful, Lacey. I’ve dreamed of this moment my whole life.”

Her eyes softened, and he could feel every ounce of her nervousness leave her body as she smiled sweetly. Taking a step toward him, she wrapped her arms around his waist as she looked up into his eyes. “I love you, Karson King.”

“I love you,” he whispered. “More than anything in this world. I promise to love, support, and be there for you, no matter what. It’s me and you, baby, to the end. And nothing, or no one, is going to stand in the way of that. I promise you, I’ll kill every spider you see… Wait, you’re still scared of spiders, right?”

She scoffed. “Is an ice hockey puck frozen?”

That had everyone laughing as he nodded. “I got you then, love. I’ll kill all those spiders and chase away every bad dream. I promise to love you with my whole damn heart and to always tell you you’re beautiful, even when you don’t think it. I’ll never go anywhere without promising to return, and even when I’m long gone, I’ll love and think about you constantly. I’m yours, Lacey. Always have been, always will be. So please, be my forever.”

Lacey was completely breathless as she got lost in Karson’s intoxicating caramel eyes. He looked dashing in a black dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck, his slacks hugging him in all the right places. His hair was brushed to the side, his eyes so full of love that it made her own heart ache with love for him. While a part of her couldn’t believe she was doing this, the other part knew there was no other way. She was his. Completely. And she didn’t want to wait to be his wife. She wanted him more than she wanted her next breath.

His eyes were swimming in tears, and she could see herself mirrored in them. She never really thought she was gorgeous, but that morning, she felt like she was. She had waited her whole life to wear her mother’s dress and standing in it felt right. Yeah, it sucked that her mom wasn’t there, but wearing her dress made Lacey feel her presence. It was a piece of her mother, and she had always known she would wear it when she married Karson. Even when she was going to marry Ethan, she had picked out another dress, saying that she didn’t want to wear something so old-fashioned, but it was a complete lie.

This dress was for Karson.

It was a masterpiece too. She’d always loved the ivory color of the dress. The way the skirt was draped to the ground while gathered tight along the waist to the bodice. It wasn’t flashy but still elegant, with crystals and lace covering her breasts and small, thin straps holding the dress up. It was stunning, and she knew that Karson loved it. His eyes spoke volumes; she always knew what he was thinking—when he was lying and when he was completely entranced by her love. Since the moment she’d appeared in the doorway, she’d seen that he was consumed by her, and she didn’t want anything else but that.

Reaching up, she slowly ran her thumb along his cheek to catch the tear that had escaped and smiled. She had waited for this moment for the last nine years, and there was no way she was going to allow it to be ruined with her nerves. She was ready.

She was ready to be his wife.

“I spent the whole ride here wondering what I was going to say as I stood here in your arms, looking into your eyes. All I could think was that I love you. That’s it. Nothing else. I couldn’t think of the pain, the emptiness I felt, or the anger that consumed me for the last nine years… None of that. Only love. I’ve loved you my whole life, and I never want that to stop. We’ve been apart for nine years, and I’m pretty sure this doesn’t happen, Karson. People don’t find their one true love again after being apart for so long, but we did, and I am convinced my mom sent you back to me.” She paused, her heart heavy with emotion as she swallowed around the sob in her throat. Taking in a deep breath, she said, “When I looked into your eyes, it was as if my love for you never went away, and I knew there was no other option but to love you again and for the rest of my life. I was made to love you, born to be with you, and I plan to never be apart from you. I’ve never loved anyone but you. You were my first real love, and now, you’ll be my last. So yes, I’ll be your forever because you are my forever.”

Cupping her neck, he leaned his head against hers as another tear slowly leaked out of his eye. The last time she’d watched tears rolled down his perfectly chiseled face was before she’d watched him walk away. But now, she knew they were tears of joy, happiness, and completion because they were about to become one.

“Okay, let’s get to the fun stuff, shall we?”

Without looking away from each other, they both nodded as Lacey slid her hand up his chest to his face, cupping it as she waited for the words that would be the start of their forever.

“Do you, Karson Jett King, take this woman whose body you now hold, to be your true and wedded wife? And do you solemnly promise before God to love, cherish, honor, and protect her; to forsake all others for her sake; to cleave unto her, and her only, until death shall part you?”

His eyes glittered with love as he promised, “I do. Forever.”

She found herself gasping for breath as she fought back the tears. She didn’t want to mess up her makeup and look like a drowned cat in their wedding pictures, but she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to hold them in. She had waited for this her whole life.

“And do you, Lacey Arielle Martin, take this man whose body you now hold, to be your true and wedded husband? And do you solemnly promise before God to love, cherish, honor, and protect him; to forsake all others for his sake; to cleave unto him, and him only, until death shall part you?”

The tears fell in steady streams as she nodded slowly. She’d always imagined when she promised herself to Karson that her family would be there to support them, but that wasn’t the case. She wanted to be sad they weren’t here, but she wasn’t. She wanted this. She wanted to marry Karson.

“Forever, I do.”

They were supposed to stay for lunch, but as soon as the photographers were done taking pictures of the new Mr. and Mrs. Karson King, Karson insisted on having their lunch delivered to their room. She laughed as he dragged her out of the venue and to their suite that doubled as a romantic retreat. When they had gotten to the hotel early that morning, he’d looked at her and then said to the host that he wanted the best room they could offer him. What they got was a huge suite with marble floors and counters, a view that was to die for, a tub she wanted to soak in with Karson, of course, and one huge-ass bed. Apparently Karson was ready to break-in the bed because he didn’t waste any time pushing the card in and throwing the door open.

“Someone is in a hurry,” she teased as she started to go in, but he stopped her.

“You have no freaking clue,” he groaned before swiftly picking her up into his arms, causing her to shriek in surprise.

“Karson!”

“Oh, hush, I got you,” he said and then shot her a wink. “Gotta carry my bride over the threshold.”

Her heart melted a little more as he slowly walked into the room before kicking the door shut. She expected him to put her down, but he carried her to the bed, laying her down slowly before covering her body with his. She welcomed his weight and closed her eyes in ecstasy as he kissed her long and hard. Threading his fingers in her hair, he deepened the kiss as his other hand held her face tenderly. As he kissed her, her heart pounded in her chest.

They were married.

The feeling was euphoric, to say the least, and as she got lost in Karson’s kisses, she knew this was the best moment of her life. She wasn’t lying when she said she had been waiting for this her whole life. She’d known when she first met him that he could be someone to completely steal her heart and he had. Thankfully, he had never given it back, or this moment wouldn’t be happening. She was excited for their future, the trips they would take in the off-season, the house they would make a home as they both furthered themselves in their careers. She was excited to grow old with him. To be his for the rest of their lives.

Sitting up on his elbows, he moved his fingers along her jaw as he whispered, “Let’s get this dress off you before I rip it off with no cares in the world.”

His need for her had her dripping between her thighs. She nodded as she fought for breath, and he sat up, pulling her with him. Standing her up, he turned her and slowly unzipped the back of the dress. When his lips touched her back, she took in a sharp breath as the straps fell down her arms. Soon the bodice followed, leaving her topless as he placed small kisses along her spine. Dragging his tongue along her shoulders, he bit her neck playfully before inching the dress down over her hips and dropping to his knees to help her out of it. He placed a kiss to the small of her back before running his tongue along her left butt cheek and then playfully smacking her right, causing her to jump.

She turned around, a grin on her face, and the smile on his face was glorious and all for her. He looked up at her like she wasn’t twenty pounds overweight or had boobs that weren’t real or tattoos covering every inch of her chest. No, the only thing in his eyes was pure and undying love for her.

“You are stunning, Lacey Arielle King.”

Her heart stopped at hearing her new name leave his lips. Taking in a deep breath, she cupped his face and said, “I love you, husband.”

Turning his face in her hand, he kissed her palm and then looked up into her eyes before saying, “I love you, wife.”

She swallowed past the lump in her throat and begged the tears to stay at bay, but when he stood, lifting her dress slowly, her heart exploded in her chest as she watched him take such care to lay the dress over the chair that was beside the bed. As he looked back at her, she slowly lowered herself to the bed as she watched him remove his shirt and then pants, leaving him in a thin pair of boxers, his erection visible and long.

Coming to the bed, he gathered her in his strong arms, lifting her off the bed and against his chest. He kissed up her neck and her jaw before meeting his mouth to hers. She felt so safe, so perfect in his large arms, against his strong chest.

Laying her down, he tore his mouth from hers and kissed down her neck to her breasts. She expected him to fondle her, but he only kissed her two peaks as he continued down, dipping his tongue into her belly button before sliding down the white lace panties that said “Bride” along her mound. He kissed her center softly, dipping his tongue inside her, causing her to gasp for breath under his talented mouth. Threading her fingers in his mass of dark hair, she cried out as he swirled his tongue around her clit. Dragging his mouth from her wanton pussy, he kissed her thighs, running his tongue along them before returning to her clit and continuing the unbearable assault. Holding her breasts, she bit her lip as she watched him move his mouth along her wet pussy. When his eyes met hers, she swore she came right there. His eyes were dark, possessive as he fucked her with his tongue.

She was his and he knew it.

“Oh, Karson, I’m going to come,” she cried, her legs shaking and her back arching as her gaze stayed locked with his. Tearing his mouth from her, he bit her thigh as she cried out in protest.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’m going to make you come, but I want to be inside you when it happens.”

She couldn’t argue with that; she wanted him inside her. He pushed his boxers to the floor, his cock springing out at her before he ran his hands up her thighs, dipping his fingers inside her. She thought he was going to finger her, but instead, he brought his fingers back to his mouth, sucking them between his lips, his eyes never leaving hers.

“You taste so fucking good.”

She didn’t know what to say, and before she could even try, he flipped her over like she weighed nothing and entered her without any kind of warning. Crying out, she squeezed his cock hard with her body as she fisted the blanket in her hand. Taking her hips in his hands, he lifted her up before thrusting inside her and taking her breath away.

Closing her eyes, she took each thrust, biting into her lip as Karson massaged her ass and then her lower back. When his hands slid up her back to her shoulders, she arched, taking him deeper as he dug his thumbs into the top of her back. She was there; she was going to come, but before she could, he pulled out of her and flipped her back to her back.

“Not yet,” was all he whispered before entering her again. “I want to watch you come all over me.”

It was by far the hottest thing that had ever been said to her. Or maybe it was the intensity in his eyes that had her digging her fingers into his shoulders. She wasn’t sure, but her whole body was burning with need. As he moved into her, she met his gaze and couldn’t look away if she tried. She never wanted this moment to end; she loved the connection they shared. He was the yin to her yang, and she couldn’t get enough of his hard body or soft kisses. He treated her like she was a delicate flower, but at the same time, manhandled her like she was a strong piece of marble. It was mind-blowing and glorious. Tears stung her eyes from the perfection of it all.

Snaking his arm under her neck, he brought her up to his mouth as he continued to move inside her. As his mouth caressed hers, he picked up speed, their bodies gliding together in beautiful harmony. She started to squeeze him with her impending orgasm, but when his hand slid between their bodies, she simply flew into the clouds. Crying out, his name falling from her lips, Lacey came harder than ever.

As Karson’s wife.

She wasn’t sure if that was the reason it felt so different, but as he moved into her, each time harder than the last, she felt whole. For so long she’d felt like something was missing, and it was Karson. She knew that, but at that moment, lost in his eyes as he came hard inside her, she knew that her body, her heart, her everything was Karson’s.

And nothing would ever change that.

Falling on top of her, he dusted her face with kisses before sliding his nose along hers. Looking deep into her eyes, he whispered, “I love you, Mrs. King.”

Her grin matched his as she ran her fingers along his sweat-dampened back. “And I love you more, Mr. King.”

As he kissed her softly, she knew that nothing could ever top the way she felt in that moment. She felt loved, complete, and perfectly euphoric, and it was all because of him.

In that bed, it was only the two of them, but tomorrow they would have to face the world. With Karson by her side, though, she knew they would be okay.

At least, she prayed they would be.

Opening her eyes, Lacey smiled when she found Karson fast asleep, looking peaceful and oh so gorgeous beside her. His hair was astray, his mouth hanging open as his long, dark lashes kissed the top of his cheeks. He took in a deep breath and stirred a little before reaching for her and bringing her closely into a cocoon of Karson. His arms shielded her from the world, his scent, manly and woodsy, intoxicated her, and the feel of his heart steady against her chest soothed her.

They were married.

She was really married to Karson Jett King, and he was hers. Completely and forever hers. Moving her fingers along his jaw, tears stung her eyes as she gazed at her gorgeous husband. Thoughts of waking up like this for the rest of her life warmed her to the core. They had forever together, and the thought of the life she hoped for made her giddy inside.

“Stop staring at me,” he grumbled against her lips. “I can’t sleep.”

She giggled as she cuddled deeper in his arms, his taut muscles hard against her soft body. “I can stare if I want—you’re my husband.”

His mouth curved up in a grin as his arms tightened around her worn-out body, molding her into his. “You’re right. I am,” he whispered against her swollen lips. “One who is tired to the bone. You worked me entirely too hard.”

To say they’d had unbelievable, mind-blowing sex every hour on the hour was an understatement. Her body ached but felt so damn good at the same time. In one day, she had made up for not having any kind of intercourse for the last three years. She wasn’t saying she was up-to-date though because she still craved it. Craved him.

Moving her hands along his shoulders, she laced her fingers behind his neck. “It’s almost seven. Aren’t you hungry?”

He shook his head. “I don’t want to leave this bed. Ever.”

She laughed, moving her nose along the stubble on his chin. “You know we have to. We have to return to our life.”

“Or we can stay here and say fuck it all.”

Her laughter filled the room. “We both know that can’t happen.”

“Yeah, I know,” he said, finally opening his eyes and meeting her gaze. “What’s gonna happen when we go back?”

Nerves settled in her stomach as she continued to move her fingers along his stubble. “Do you want me to move to Nashville?”

His eyes went dark and serious as he held her gaze. “Yes, I do, Lacey. Is that possible?”

She nodded. “Yeah, we’ll need to pack me up—”

“I’ll call and have that done.”

She smiled, hooking her leg over his hip. “Do you have a house or something?”

“An apartment, but once we get back to Nashville, we can find a house to make our home.”

“I like that,” she whispered against his lips.

“Me too. I have a homestead coming up, seven home games, so I’ll be home for at least a month. That will give us enough time, I think, to find something and hopefully move in right away.”

“For sure, if it’s vacant.”

“Yeah, true. I think there is a house in my captain’s neighborhood I like. I’ll call him and see who the Realtor is.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Me neither,” he said, kissing her softly on her lips.

Her heart pounded happily in her chest. They were really doing this. For some reason, she still couldn’t believe it was happening, but listening to them make plans, she knew it was. They were going to find a house and make it theirs. Make a life, just the two of them. It was a wondrous feeling, contemplating all the possibilities. They could have BBQs for his friends, who would become her friends, she hoped. Maybe his family would come down and stay. Or maybe even her own. It was a long shot, hoping that Nate and Grady Martin would come, but she could hope.

She was still thoroughly furious with her father and brother and planned to let them have it, but afterward she wanted them to love Karson the way she did. She wanted to have Christmas in Chicago, or maybe even in their new home, with her family and his. She wanted to have the boys come stay with her in Nashville so she could spoil them and give Grady and Rachel a break. She wanted Karson to be a part of the family like Rachel was, but something inside her said that would probably never happen. It was going to be like World War Three when her father got word of this. They probably already knew something wasn’t right since she hadn’t shown up for work or even called to tell Rachel what was going on. She was ignoring her phone and so was Karson. They were too busy, consumed with each other.

“What do you think your family is going to say?” she asked suddenly, meeting his gaze.

His beautiful eyes warmed her as he dusted kisses along her jaw. “They will be shocked and a little mad they missed it, but they will be happy I have my heart back.”

Running her fingers up the back of his head, she whispered, “I can’t wait to meet them.”

“I can’t wait for you to either.”

“When are you going to tell them?”

He grinned against her jaw, nibbling on it before looking up into her eyes. “How about after I make you come?”

Her eyes darkened as desire hit her right in the gut. “I like the way you think.”

“Good,” he muttered against her neck as he kissed along her naked chest. She usually didn’t care for attention to her chest since she really didn’t get anything from it, but there was something about watching Karson move his mouth along the tattoos on her breasts, the way his tongue licked along the curve of her that actually had her wet between her legs. Arching her back, she tangled her fingers in his hair as his hand found its way between her thighs, holding her pussy hostage. Bringing his mouth back to hers, he kissed her, his tongue finding hers as his fingers dipped into her wetness, curving up into her and leaving her gasping for breath.

Moving his hand in and out of her, he continued to kiss her. His kisses were teasing but also demanding, making it hard to think or move, for that matter. In seconds she was so turned on, she feared if she moved, it would hurt. Her heart was pumping hard, her blood burning with need, and her pussy crying for a release. She was almost there, riding his hand as he continued to kiss her in the most seductive way, when he stopped suddenly and withdrew his hand. She looked at him expectantly through hooded eyes as he kicked the blanket off their legs and then sat up, his cock jutting out toward her. She wasn’t sure what he was doing, but she wanted him in her mouth.

Going onto her knees and one hand, she took his cock in her mouth, holding at the base as she moved her mouth up and down his length. His guttural moans filled the large room as she moved her tongue along the head of his cock, sucking it and teasing him in the most unbearable way. Running his hands down her back, he curved his hand along her ass, tracing his fingers down her crack.

“Fuck, baby. Yeah, that feels good.”

His moans and words encouraged her to go on. His legs were shaking, his hands tangling in her long hair as she took him to the back of her throat and back out before moving her hand up the length of him, swirling her thumb along the tip. Repeating the motion over and over again, she felt him throbbing and knew he was almost there. When his fingers dipped inside her, she paused, her eyes rolling to the back of her head in pleasure but then remembered she had a job to do. Taking him to the back of her throat once more, she moved her hand to cup his balls, and that did it. He thrust in her mouth, his come shooting to the back of her throat as his hands gripped her hair, stinging her scalp. Sucking him completely clean, she kissed the tip before falling back on her haunches, a sneaky little grin on her face.

“I was supposed to make you come,” he pointed out once he could breathe.

She shot him a grin as she fell back onto the bed, spreading her legs for him. She moved her hands between her legs, dragging a finger through her wetness before holding it out to him.

“You still have time to do just that.”

His eyes were predatorily sexy as he took her hand in his and sucked her finger like it was covered in the most delectable chocolate. Kissing her palm, he kissed down her arm to her elbow before kissing the spot below her armpit, then down to her ribs, her hips, and between her legs. Kissing along her thighs, he moved his tongue across her mound before sucking her clit into his mouth. She cried out, her back arching up as she fisted the bedsheets in her hands.

“Oh my God,” she cried as he flicked his tongue quickly along her taut nub.

Pressing his hands to the backs of her knees, he pushed them back, opening her wider for him as he devoured her like it was the last pussy he’d ever eat. She hoped and prayed it was. She wanted to be the last taste on his lips, the last woman he’d ever touch, and she had no doubt that her hopes would be a reality. He loved her. Only her. Karson was the only man she truly believed would love her till his dying day, and she knew she would love him just the same.

Moving his fingers inside her, he began to fuck her slowly as he continued the unbelievable and life-altering assault to her clit with his talented tongue. Her body seized up, her eyes closing tightly as her toes flexed and she shattered beneath him, his name falling from her lips in almost a whisper.

“Fuck, Lacey, you are amazing,” he murmured against her throbbing pussy.

Reaching for him, she pulled him onto her and kissed him hard, her fingers biting into his shoulders as she shook with aftershocks from her orgasm. She welcomed his weight, almost craved it as she kissed the side of his mouth and his swollen lips. Leaning on one hand, he looked down at her, cupping her breast as his eyes met hers. She felt so loved, so special under his gaze that tears stung her eyes. How did she get so lucky to be this in love with someone? After so long apart, they were going to be happy.

Just the two of them.

“I love you, Karson,” she whispered, cupping his face.

He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath. When he opened his eyes after a few breaths, they were full of love as he whispered, “Not as much as I love you.”

She disagreed, but instead of arguing the fact, she took his mouth with hers and got lost in her husband’s stunning kisses.

Her husband.

Karson King was her husband.

Karson once said that a girl like Lacey didn’t come around twice, and he was right in a sense. Because in the last nine years, the multiple women he’d met, the ones he’d slept with, none of them ever measured up to Lacey. He remembered how he lost a friendship over Lacey, and he didn’t regret it one bit. In his mind, bros before hos was a distant thought because he loved Lacey to the fullest and put her on the highest pedestal in the sky. As he stroked her face, his eyes locked with hers, he knew why he did. She was by far the most unbelievable woman in the world, and she was all his now. Girls like her may not come around twice, but thankfully, Lacey had, and he wasn’t letting her go this time.

He knew they needed to get out of bed, shower, and maybe get something to eat since they had a flight to catch, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave the bed. He didn’t want to leave the easiness they had in this room. Here, it was him and her—no one else—but once they set foot outside of this room or answered their phones, the rest of the world would be there, and that worried him a bit.

He knew their love was strong and that nothing was going to come between them, but Nate Martin was a different kind of crazy and Karson had just eloped with his only daughter. He didn’t regret his decision one bit; he just wished he could shake the nervousness of having Nate and Grady come after him once they found out. They could do anything they wanted to him—he wasn’t going anywhere—but if they touched or hurt Lacey, he’d end up in jail. He’d die before anyone or anything hurt her.

He had somehow been blessed with one more chance with this angel of a woman, and he had no plans other than to make her completely and utterly happy. And satisfied in bed, of course. As they say, a happy wife, a happy life, and he wanted the best life ever with her. He couldn’t wait to get back to Nashville so they could find a house. It was bound to be one of the many adventures they would go on throughout their life together, and Karson would be lying if he said he wasn’t ecstatic about turning some house into their home.

They would have kids there, grow old, and hopefully have their grandchildren there. They would need a dog, one that would be good for kids—not saying they were ready for that yet, but one day, he wanted a houseful. Girls with Lacey’s eyes and spirit and boys strong like him but also with her eyes. He couldn’t wait to watch her with a baby in her body. The cravings, the moods, and the late-night runs for whatever she wanted. Watching his child be born from her body and afterward holding them both, knowing he was the luckiest man in the world.

It would be a blessing, and he honestly couldn’t wait for that part of their life. Threading his fingers in her hair, he brought his mouth down on hers, feasting on her succulent mouth as his body caught on fire with desire for her. It seemed like he was constantly hard, wanting her at every second. He couldn’t believe that his hopes and dreams were coming true. That he finally had Lacey as his.

“I still don’t believe this,” he whispered against her lips.

Her lips curved in a little half grin as she nodded. “Yeah, but it’s real. It’s us, Karson.”

“Forever,” he promised, running his thumb along her cheekbone. “And then some.”

Her cheeks reddened as she nuzzled her nose with his. “I know I’ve said it a billion times, but I do love you, Karson.”

He smiled as he framed her face with his hands. “Don’t ever stop saying it either. I love you too, Lacey.”

She gave him a happy grin before wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, holding him close to her. Letting out a contented sigh, he smiled as she said, “I really need to check my phone.”

“Why?” he asked incredulously. “The outside world is on that phone.”

“Exactly. I ran off without telling anyone where I was going. My family is probably freaking out.”

“Yeah, mine too,” he said, letting out a groan. “I know that when my mom saw I was scratched from the game tonight, she probably flipped. That’s why I shut my phone off.”

She giggled. “Great, now she is going to think I told you to shut it off so we could elope.”

“Ha, my mom knows me. She’ll know I convinced you to do this.”

“Didn’t take much convincing,” she laughed, but he set her with a look.

“Whatever, I saw the panic on your face.”

“Of course, it was out of left field!” she said, her face full of delight before she ran her thumb along his bottom lip. “But it was probably the smartest left-field suggestion on the face of this earth.”

He chuckled as she smothered him with kisses. Rolling him onto his back, she covered him with her sexy body and smiled down at him. “We did this,” she said and he nodded.

“We did,” he said, kissing her palm and then the finger that held her engagement ring and wedding band.

“We really need to tell people.”

“Yeah,” he said, sliding his hands up her thighs before cupping her sweet ass. “Or I can sit here and massage your ass before hitting it again.”

She scoffed as she shook her head. “You’re impossible.”

“You’re the one lying on me—naked, I might add. What did you think? I’d be like, ‘Yeah, let’s call my mom and tell her we are married!’” he joked, and she laughed like he wanted. “I’d much rather bury myself so deep inside your tight pussy and get lost in the feel of you.”

Her face turned red as her legs fell to the sides of his hips, her wetness hot against his growing erection. He thought he had her, and slowly his fingers slid up the inside of her thigh, tracing the lips of her sweet pussy, but as he went in for the kill, she stopped him.

“We have all night.”

“No, we have to leave to catch a plane at four in the morning. I gotta get in while I can because once we get back to Nashville, we are going to be going twenty-four-seven.”

“We can sleep on the plane, and I promise, we will never be too busy for naughty time. So call your mom. I don’t want her to hate me.”

“She couldn’t hate you, not with how much I love you.”

She bit into her lip, cupping his face as she looked deep in his eyes. “Please, call your mom?”

She batted her eyes and grinned triumphantly because she knew she had him. Laughing, he pushed her off him to retrieve their phones. If all she had to do was bite her lip and bat her eyelashes at him to get him to do things, he might as well accept that she would be running things because he was a goner when she that. Finding a pair of boxers, since calling his mom naked was a little weird, he slid them up before finding his phone then hers. Turning them both on, he walked over to the bed to find that she had found a shirt.

“I’m hungry. Wanna order room service first?” she asked as she flipped through the menu.

“We can if you want, or I can take you out.”

She smiled sweetly up at him. “I’m with you that once we leave, things are gonna be nuts, so I’m all about spending all our time just with each other.”

He leaned into her, kissing her temple. “Good, me too. Now, what do you want to eat?”

As they waited for their phones to boot up, they decided on dinner, and just as Lacey went to call, Karson’s phone went crazy. Looking up from the menu, they both watched as it rang with text messages and then with voice mails. Just when he thought it was done, Lacey’s started to go off. Reaching for her phone, he watched as her brow furrowed, and he hated that she did that.

“Ignore it,” he demanded but she shook her head.

“My father called the cops on you,” she said, letting out a long breath. “They think you abducted me.”

“Seriously?” he laughed. “Are they after me?” he asked, a little worried.

“No, it hasn’t been twenty-four hours.”

“Oh, well, that’s good,” he scoffed. “They are really going to think I abducted you when you tell them we are married. They’ll probably say I drugged you too.”

He thought she would laugh, but his heart sank when she didn’t. He watched as she scrolled through the text messages, her brow furrowing more with each text. When she dropped the phone to her lap and turned to look at him, he knew she was going to say it.

That this was a mistake.

“I’ll deal with them later. Let’s call for food and then call your parents.”

“Really?” he blurted out, feeling like an idiot. This was real; they were real. He needed to stop worrying that she might leave.

She smiled. “Yeah, check your phone while I order.”

She leaned over, kissing his cheek, but before she could pull away, he asked, “Are you sure you are okay?”

She nodded earnestly. “Yes, nothing can ruin the mood I’m in right now. I love you and nothing can stop that. Not even my dad calling the cops on my husband.”

Relief flooded him as love poured out of his pores for her. “I’m so glad I abducted you to be my wife.”

She giggled as she nodded. “I know, and to think, you didn’t even have to drug me.”

“Yet,” he teased with a wink, and she grinned as she reached for the phone to order. While she told room service what they wanted, he clicked on his messages to find that he had a text from almost every player on the Assassins. All wishing him well and hoping that everything was okay. He was surprised that Elli hadn’t told them why he’d left, but then again, he was glad she didn’t. It was his news to share.

“I think once we have a house, we should have a reception, housewarming kind of thing,” he said more to himself than to her, but she nodded with a bright smile on her face.

“That would be fun— Yes, I need the chicken linguini,” she said, turning the page of the menu.

He kissed her temple again and then turned to see that he had a text from JT.

Thomas: Where the hell did you go?

Thomas: Did that chick break your heart again?

Thomas: Did you off yourself, you asshole?

Thomas: I really don’t like being ignored. You better be getting laid or dead.

Karson laughed to himself as he texted him back.

Karson: I’m fine. I’ll call you when I get back.

He didn’t expect JT to text him back since he was probably showering as the Assassins game had just ended. They had lost, and Karson couldn’t help feeling guilty that it was his fault since he wasn’t there. He then reminded himself that he had put hockey above Lacey before, and he refused to do it any longer. It was one game. It would be okay.

When he came to a text from Kacey, he clicked it and smiled at what she said.

Kacey: So. Um. You’re scratched from the game tonight. This means one of two things: Dinner with Lacey went well and I have a new sister-in-law or it went really bad and you offed yourself. Which is it? Inquiring minds need to know and plus Ma is freaking the shit out. Might want to call her. Love you!

Why did everyone think he would off himself?

“How did she know?” Lacey laughed from beside him. He looked over and kissed her nose.

“Kacey knows me and knows what I’ve wanted to do since I met you.”

Her cheeks warmed as she leaned her temple against his. “That’s sweet. What are you going to say?”

He smiled as he quickly texted Kacey back.

Karson: My wife and your new sister-in-law says hi! Love you too. I’ll call you in a bit. Gotta call Ma and Dad.

She texted back quickly.

Kacey: I knew it! HI LACEY!

Lacey smiled beside him, and he clicked his camera to where it was on them, causing Lacey to cover her face quickly. “I look like hell!”

“You look gorgeous, come on,” he urged, bringing her hands down. Holding her jaw in his hand, he brought his lips down to hers and kissed her as he took the picture. Kissing her nose, he pulled back and hit send, and Kacey texted back just as quickly.

Kacey: Aw! I can’t wait to see you two! Congrats! Ma is going to flip!

Karson: I know. Lol. It’s gonna be fun.

Kacey: for sure, call me tomorrow! I want to fly down and see you two once you’re settled.

Karson: Sounds good to us. :)

Kacey: :)

“When she says your mom is going to flip, she means that in a good way, right?”

He grinned as the nerves settled in his stomach. He wanted to believe that his mom would be happy for him, but he was pretty sure she was going to freak out that she wasn’t there. No need to let Lacey in on his fears, so with a nod, he said, “Sure.”

He then found the number to dial his mother, hitting the speaker so Lacey could hear as it rang.

Regina King answered on the second ring with a loud, “Karson Jett King, where the hell have you been! I’ve been calling since last night, and then when I saw that you were scratched from the game, your father and I were sick with worry! Kacey tried to convince us not to worry, but it was hard when my baby was missing.”

Karson laughed as he rolled his eyes. “Ma, I’m fine. I promise.”

“You say that, but why were you scratched? You don’t miss a game for anything!”

She was right. Even when he was sick, he played. But he’d miss a game to marry Lacey.

“I know,” he said slowly. “The thing is, Ma, I flew out to Vegas.”

She paused. “What the hell for? Karl, what the hell is in Vegas?”

Karson laughed as his father said, “I have no clue. Is that where he is?”

“Yes!” she screeched, causing Lacey to giggle. “What the hell is going on, Karson Jett! Is that a woman I hear?”

Lacey shut her lips tightly, her eyes dancing with laughter as Karson chuckled. “Yeah, Ma.”

“Why are you calling me when you’re in bed with someone?” she yelled, obviously freaking out a bit. It was bound to get worse once he dropped the bomb of information he was holding. Glancing over at Lacey, he shot her a grin, kissing her lips before looking down at the phone.

Taking in a deep breath, he said, “Because I wanted you to say hi to your daughter-in-law.”

Crickets.

Karson swore he could hear the crickets on the other end of the line. Lacey looked over at him with worry lining her lips, but he shook his head. He knew his mom just needed to process it, and then she would be okay. Regina wanted nothing more than for her baby to be happy, and Lacey was the one to do just that.

“What’s going on, Regina? Why are you looking at me like that?” Karson heard his father ask.

“Our son got married,” she breathed and Karson grinned.

“What? Who?”

“Karson, he got married in Vegas.”

“What! Did he knock the chick up?” his father boomed.

“Oh my God,” Regina breathed. “Karson, am I going to be a grandmother?”

Before Karson could answer, he heard his dad snatch the phone out of her hand and then said, “Karson, son, what the hell is your mother talking about?”

“Hey, Pops,” Karson said slowly.

“Don’t ‘Hey, Pops’ me. You got married? To whom? Did you knock her up? Did you at least get a prenup before you went and married some girl you don’t know?”

“At least they want to protect you,” Lacey commented with a grin.

“Who’s that?” his father asked. “My daughter-in-law?”

“Yeah, Dad, and it isn’t just some girl I don’t know. It’s Lacey Martin.”

“Lacey? Why do I know that name?”

“Because I’ve loved her my whole life,” Karson answered, cupping Lacey’s face. “And I married her, Pops. I couldn’t waste another second without her.”

“Wow. You sound like a damn pussy, Kar, get it together,” Karl grunted as Lacey snickered against his lips.

“Oh, he’s a character,” she whispered.

“You have no idea,” Karson laughed as he kissed her nose. “I’m in love, Pops!”

“Still, be a man about it. Smack her ass, tell her she’s pretty and that you love her. No need to get all sappy and shit,” he said, making them both laugh again. “But okay, congratulations and can’t wait to meet you, Lacey.”

“Can’t wait to meet you, Mr. King.”

“That’s Pops to you, honey. Here is your mother. Maybe she can process some info now, but is she pregnant?”

“No, Pops, no kiddos yet,” Karson answered, and he didn’t miss the way Lacey bit her lip, the worried look back on her sweet face. Lacing his fingers with hers, he kissed her knuckles as Karl said, “Here, Regina. He married that girl he was in love with from college, Lacey, and they aren’t pregnant. Just in looooove.”

Lacey laughed out loud before saying, “I already love him.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty loveable,” Karson laughed as his mother got back on the phone.

“You married Lacey? How? I thought you hadn’t seen her in years!”

“Yeah, I got in a cab in Chicago, Ma, and she was there. It was like time hadn’t even passed,” Karson admitted, and it felt good to say that to someone else. “I went and won the game for her and then asked her to marry me. She said yes.”

“Oh my God, how romantic! That is just darling. I’m so excited for you and her,” she said, heavy emotion in her voice.

“Thanks, Ma. Once we are settled, I want you to come meet her,” Karson said as Lacey grinned.

“No, you two come here. Your next game isn’t till Friday. You can come here before going home,” she insisted.

“Ma, we have to pack her up and stuff. I’ll fly you two out to Nashville.”

“But I want to meet her now!” his mom protested. “You didn’t give me the chance back then, and now that you two are married—which by the way I didn’t get to be a part of—I think it is only fair that you stop in. Even if it is only for a couple hours.”

“Fucking hell,” he muttered and Lacey chuckled beside him. “Hold on.”

Hitting mute, he looked at Lacey. “What do you think?”

“I mean, if we don’t, she’s going to assume I said no. We really have no choice.”

“I know. She is a sneaky little shit.”

“Yeah, let’s stop on the way home. I’ll call and see what I can do.”

“We have to deal with your family next; are you sure?”

She nodded, her face warm with love. “I like that you said we.”

“’Cause that’s what we are. A unit. I’m not going to sit back and let you take shit for this, Lacey. We both wanted this.”

“I know,” she agreed. “It’s just my family hates you with a passion.”

He nodded. “I get that, but in the end, they’ll see that I’m what’s right for you.”

Placing her hand over his heart, she kissed the side of his mouth. “I know that and that’s all that matters. Finish with your mom while I call the airline.”

“Okay,” he said, going to hit the mute button, but first he met her gaze and smiled. “I love you.”

“And I love you.”

He knew she meant it, but something in her eyes seemed off. Deciding that he needed to talk to her more and ease her fears, he clicked unmute as he watched her go into the bathroom with the phone to her ear. He didn’t know what sent her to rush to the bathroom, but he was sure it wasn’t to call the airline.

Letting out a long breath, he said, “Ma, we are gonna see what we can do. I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, baby, I love you and congratulations. I know how much she means to you.”

Karson’s chest ached with love for his mother as he nodded. “She does. Thanks, Ma. I’ll call you.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

He had no doubt. Hanging up the phone, he got out of bed to follow Lacey into the bathroom. He found her leaning against the sink, the phone against her shoulder and, as he expected, her eyes were full of tears. When one slid down her sweet cheek, he took her hips in his hands, pulling her against him.

“What’s wrong, baby?” he asked, holding her close.

She shook her head. “Nothing, give me a minute— Yes, I need to change our flight from Chicago, Illinois, to Mosinee, Wisconsin, please. Yes, can we leave out to Chicago same day? The following morning will be fine. Yes, thank you, charge the Visa on the account. Yes, thank you, goodbye,” she said, hanging up the phone. She then said, “Okay, so we leave out a little earlier, and we have to stay the night with your mom, but it’s no big deal, I think.”

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he demanded.

“Are you even listening to me?”

He nodded. “I heard every word, but I want to know why you are crying.”

Her lip quivered and she looked away, but as quickly as she tried to hide her face, he cupped it, holding her so that he could look in her eyes. “Don’t hide from me,” he said sternly. “I spent the last nine years imagining your face, and now that you are my wife, I don’t want you to ever hide from me.”

Tears rolled down her face and over his hands as her lips continued to quiver. “I’m so excited to meet your family, I am. But they are so happy to meet me, and that’s not the case for you. My family hates you, but yet, you still love me, want to be with me and everything when I can’t offer you what you are offering me from your family.”

Her eyes locked with his, and he could see the pain and stress this was causing. Moving his thumb to catch her tears, he took in a deep breath. “Lacey, you don’t have to offer me anything but your heart. I don’t need your family; I need you.”

“I know, but I just want it to be good the way I know it will be with your family. I mean, they already like me and they haven’t even met me.”

“Because you are amazing.”

“Karson,” she whined, her mouth curving a bit but then it fell. He tipped her face up and met her gaze. She was lying to him and he couldn’t believe it. Didn’t she know that he saw through her when she tried to lie? He could still remember the first time she had tried to lie to him. It was after he had been stalking her for almost a week, begging her to date him. She didn’t want anything to do with him, or at least that was what she told herself and him. Truth was, she wanted him but she was scared, and that was fine, he could ease her fears. He still remembered the way she looked him in the eye as her mouth formed each lie, telling him to stay away. He didn’t listen, obviously. He had one thing on his mind, and that was to love Lacey for the rest of his life.

And just like that moment, he knew that she was lying to him now. He didn’t know why, but he had every intention of finding out and then doing whatever needed to be done to fix it. She only lied when she was scared, and she had no reason to be scared. Not when he was in her corner, loving her with every bit of his heart and soul.

“This isn’t about your family liking me; we both know that won’t ever happen. What’s wrong?” he demanded, and like he knew she would, the tears came faster down her cheeks. He bundled her up in his arms, kissing her temple and whispered, “Tell me, baby. Let me fix it.”

She shuddered against him, wrapping her arms around him as she cried into his neck. Kissing her cheek, he nuzzled his nose in her neck, his stomach churning at the sound of her sobs. Holding onto him tightly, she took in a deep breath and then whispered, “I’m scared.”

His stomach dropped as his heart broke in his chest. He knew this had to do with her family, and he wished that he could fix it. The only problem was he didn’t know how. How did he make people like him when they had spent the last nine years keeping them apart? It seemed unlikely that he would succeed, but when those two words left her sweet mouth, he knew he had no other option but to try.

Lacey didn’t want to cry.

She wanted to be happy. She was married to the man of her dreams, his family was excited to meet her, and they were starting a life together, but all she could think about were the texts and voice mails from her family.

Rachel: Where the hell are you? Are you okay?

Rachel: you’re worrying me. Did Karson hurt you?

Rachel: are you alive?

Rachel: this isn’t funny. I went to your apartment and you’re not there! What is going on? You have an hour to call me or text me because before I tell Grady.

Rachel: only thirty minutes left. Please, Lace, I’m worried.

Rachel: okay, this is insane. I’m calling Grady.

Grady: Hey, what’s going on? Rachel is freaking out.

Rachel: I told him. You better answer now! Next is your dad!

Grady: Seriously, what’s going on? And what’s this shit about you being with that fucktard King?

Grady: Lacey Arielle Martin, I swear to God if you don’t answer my calls or my texts, I’m telling Dad. For real, you’re worrying us.

Rachel: seriously, we don’t want to get your dad involved, please answer us.

Grady: that’s it, I’m telling Dad.

Rachel: he’s calling your dad.

Then started the nasty voice mails from her father since Nate Martin didn’t text. He proceeded to tell her that he was going to call the cops, and then he did call the cops, but they couldn’t do anything until she was missing for twenty-four hours. He threatened to kill Karson, tear him limb from limb, and bury him in a hole with the help of Grady, of course.

She felt horrible for worrying everyone, but she was just caught in the moment. Wrapped up in everything that was Karson, and now her family was freaking out, calling cops and threatening Karson’s life. How was she supposed to just call and be like “Hey, we got married!”? It wasn’t going to go that easy; everything was bound to be a clusterfuck of hell once she made that call. She knew she needed to do it. It would be like ripping off a Band-Aid, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She was scared of what they would say, what they would do. She didn’t want to lose her family, but she refused to lose Karson.

For a second time in her life, she felt like she was flying. Karson made her feel like that. Like she was lost in the clouds and never wanted to let her feet hit the ground. She didn’t want to go back to her life of nothing, her boring existence, only getting excited when she helped someone. Yes, her job was fulfilling, but her life wasn’t complete. But now that she had Karson, it was. Sure, they didn’t have anything figured out, but they would.

Because they had each other.

Lifting her face from his neck, she met his worried gaze and handed him her phone. “They are freaking out.”

He held her in one arm while his other scrolled through the messages. “I can see that.”

“I know I need to call them, but I’m scared, Karson. They ruined us back then, and I know they are going to try again.”

He tightened his arm around her and said, “But we won’t allow them. Maybe now that we are older, they’ll see we are serious. You need to call and tell them you are okay. If you want to wait to tell them about us, that’s okay, but at least let them know you are all right.”

She shook her head quickly, her heart aching in her chest. She loved him so much and couldn’t believe that he cared enough about them to have her call to ease their worries. They didn’t deserve his kindness, and they sure as hell weren’t going to get it from her. She refused to lie about them too. She was proud of her marriage, the man she chose; she just wished her family would feel the same. She could be wrong and they could surprise her and support them, but if they’d tried so hard to keep them apart, why would they just sit back and let her be happy now? Her father and brother were set in their ways and decided a long time ago that Karson wasn’t good enough for her, which was by far a mistake.

He was made for her.

Meeting his gaze, she shook her head again. “I refuse to hide us.”

He kissed her temple and whispered, “Just call them, baby. I’m right here.”

She nodded slowly and took the phone from him, deciding to call Rachel instead of her father. As Karson held her close, his lips at her ear, whispering how much he loved her, she listened as Rachel picked up on the second ring.

“Lacey! What the hell! Where are you? Are you okay?” she cried in relief. “Yeah, it’s her.”

Shit, she wasn’t alone. Lacey should have known better.

“I’m fine,” she answered. “My phone has been dead. I just charged it and saw all my missed calls and texts.”

“Where are you?” she asked. “Hold on, let me put you on speakerphone. Your dad and Grady are here.”

Wonderful, she thought, but then Karson’s thumb caressed her jaw as he dusted his lips along her temple. Calmness washed over her as she leaned into him, needing the support he offered.

“Are you all right, honey?” her father asked.

“Where are you?” Grady asked.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she answered, taking in a deep breath as Karson leaned back to look at her. “I’m in Vegas,” she said slowly, meeting his gaze. “With Karson.”

“Why. The. Hell. Are. You. In. Vegas. With. Him?” Rachel said, enunciating each word.

“Please don’t tell me you’re doing what I think you are doing,” Grady begged.

“Did he drug you? Kidnap you? The cops are waiting,” Nate bellowed. “Speak, Lacey! Tell us what is going on!”

She felt Karson tense up beside her as the tears gathered in her eyes. “We got married this morning at the Chapel in the Clouds, and we are blissfully happy. I wish you guys could have been there, but we just couldn’t wait,” she said happily, trying to keep her voice light, not allowing them to know that she expected them to freak the hell out. She expected yelling, but she swore she could hear a pin drop. She even checked to make sure they hadn’t hung up, but then like she expected them to, the yelling started.

“What the hell do you mean?” Grady yelled.

“I told you not to do anything stupid or impulsive! This is stupid and impulsive!” Rachel screamed.

“No fucking way, Lacey Arielle! Are you crazy?” Her father’s voice boomed.

“No, I love him and he loves me,” she declared, but she doubted they even heard her.

“No, Lacey, you’re not thinking clearly,” Rachel insisted.

“He is a worthless piece of shit, Lacey. He doesn’t deserve someone like you!” Grady yelled. “He broke your heart once! How can you trust him again?”

“He is after your money, your business!” Nate declared, causing Karson to scoff.

“Not that I need to defend myself, but my money is yours, Lacey,” he whispered in her ear. “Everything and anything is yours.”

She met his gaze and smiled. She never once thought he was after her business or money; it had never crossed her mind. She trusted him. “That’s not true. He loves me.”

“He left before. He’ll leave again!” Rachel cried into the phone. “Please, Lacey, you are making such a mistake.”

“He left because of Dad and Grady. He told me what happened,” she said, her own eyes burning with tears at the betrayal. She should be mad at them, not ashamed of her marriage, but her family was making it seem like it was the worst thing possible, like she was an idiot or something. Didn’t they understand how much she loved him? How he was the only person she had ever truly loved and needed?

“You two are supposed to love me. Who does this to someone they love?”

“What is she talking about?” Grady asked, causing Lacey’s heart to pound harder in her chest.

“Don’t act like you didn’t know that Dad threatened Karson’s career so he’d leave. That you two have kept him away from me all these years!”

“What is she talking about?” Grady asked.

“He’s lying,” Nate said calmly. “I wouldn’t hurt you, princess. I love you.”

Lacey shook her head. “If you loved me, you would support me. I love Karson, and I’m moving to Nashville to be with him.”

“What?” Rachel and Grady yelled.

“No! I swear to God, we will fix this. Just come home. We can talk this over. I promise, Lacey, I did it for you,” Nate begged. “Don’t make any more mistakes. Just come home. To your family.”

“I don’t want that, Dad. I am happy.”

“Lacey, no, I swear to God, your mother is probably rolling over in her grave! You are throwing your life away. Come home so I can fix this,” he begged, making her blood boil.

“My mother would be proud and happy that I am doing something to make myself happy.”

“Lacey, stop. This is insane. You don’t even know this douche. He’s a whorebag, sleeps around everywhere,” Grady yelled. “He’ll probably cheat on you in a week. Don’t trust him.”

Karson rolled his eyes as Lacey said, “I trust him. We love each other.”

“No! You are making a bad decision! Come home, I’ll call and get it fixed.”

“Dad, I don’t know if you realize this, but I’m not a scared eighteen-year-old girl any longer. I am twenty-eight years old and can make my own decisions now. I choose Karson.”

“You are making the wrong choice, Lacey Arielle. This is insane. We need to talk this through.”

“No, it’s not. I love Karson; we are husband and wife. I am going to start my life with him. I just wanted to let you guys know I am okay. I love you all, and when you are ready to support us then I will be more than happy to talk to you, but I refuse to sit here and let you bash my husband.”

“Well, when you marry shit, then it’s bound to get bashed,” Grady sneered.

“This is insane. He didn’t love you enough to stay. Why do you think he does now?” her father bit out and that stung, but she ignored him because she forgave Karson for that.

“Lacey, please,” Rachel begged. “Come home.”

“I’ll be back in Chicago on Wednesday to tie up any loose ends that we can’t take care of over the phone. I also want to say bye to the boys, and I guess, figure out how we are going to run the business with me in Nashville. We’ll figure it out, but my husband will be with me, and I expect you all to treat him with respect.”

“I wouldn’t piss on that asshole if he were on fire,” Grady growled. “He stole you from us.”

“No one stole anyone. I went willingly. I love him, Grady,” Lacey answered, running her nose along her husband’s.

“You are making such a mistake, Lacey. We can’t run a business long-distance; we need to be together,” Rachel cried. “Please don’t do this.”

“It’s done and I don’t regret it one bit. For once, I am actually happy, and I hope that you guys will respect that.”

“He is going to hurt you, Lacey,” Nate said, but before she could say anything, Karson took the phone from her.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Mr. Martin, but I can promise you that I will never hurt her again. I did that, and there isn’t a day that passes that I don’t regret what I did. I’m not going anywhere without her, I love her too much, and we would really like your blessing,” he said and then paused. “Again, I am sorry that you wish me to the fiery depths of hell, but I’m not going anywhere. I have your daughter, my wife, to make happy.”

With a grin on his face, he hung up the phone and laid it on the counter before gathering her in his arms. “That last part was more a jab and completely disrespectful on my part. Sorry about that.”

“It’s the truth, though.”

Why did he care if he disrespected them? They deserved it! They spoke so badly about him when they didn’t even know him. He was a good man, the right man for her, and even though her family treated him like the scum on their shoe, he still cared about their feelings. It was mind-blowing, but she knew it was because he loved her, and that meant the world to her.

Karson nodded. “You’re right, but still I shouldn’t—”

“You know what?” she asked, interrupting him.

“What?”

“I don’t care,” she admitted. “I have allowed them to control me my whole life. Where I went to school. What I wore. When I got new breasts. Who I loved. Everything and anything, I allowed them to have a say. I even allowed them to break my heart, but no more. I will not feel guilty for my love for you. I won’t regret this decision because I am finally happy. I don’t care that it’s going to be hell running a business that is based out of Chicago in Nashville, especially when my sister-in-law is hell-bent on bringing me home. All I care about is us and the life we are going to make.”

Brushing kisses along her bottom lip, he said, “That’s all I care about. But I just want to make you happy, and your family does make you happy when they aren’t being assholes. You need them in your life.”

“I do, but if they don’t accept you, I’ll deal. You are my happiness.”

He eyed her, his heart pounding so hard, it vibrated her own chest. “You’re mine, Lacey, always have been.”

He took her mouth with his, kissing her so hard it curled her toes against the cold marble floor. Pulling back, he kissed her nose and whispered, “It’s me and you, baby.”

“Forever,” she promised.

“Forever.”

“How long is the ride?”

Karson looked back at Lacey as he opened her door. “About twenty minutes, why?”

She grinned as she crossed her legs, holding her mother’s dress close to her chest. “I gotta pee and I don’t think I can wait. Can you stuff this in while I run inside real quick?”

He leaned over and kissed her nose before taking the dress. “Sure, hurry up. My mom is waiting.”

“Always so bossy,” she teased, her eyes locked with his.

“You don’t know my mom and her impatient self. If we don’t hurry up, she’ll come after us.”

“I got you. Be right back!”

He watched as she ran off to the bathroom inside the rental car place before tucking her mother’s dress in the back along with their bags. They had been married for a whole day. One full of drama and lots of sex, but even with all the shit with her family and his own, he couldn’t help the grin that sat on his face.

He was one lucky bastard.

Leaning against the door as he waited for her, he pulled out his phone and checked his Facebook. After posting a status of wedded bliss that he was sure everyone would be disgusted by, he was about to Like a picture that Shea had posted of his hockey team of children when his phone started ringing; it was Kacey.

“Hey you,” he answered happily. Even though it was about to be a freak show once he brought Lacey home, he was excited to see his family.

“Hey! Where you guys at? You land yet?”

He rolled his eyes. “Obviously since I’m talking to you.”

She paused. “Eff off, you on your way?”

“No, waiting on my wife to pee and then we will be leaving. Just got the car packed. Everything okay?” he asked, tucking his hand in his pocket for warmth. He should sit in the car, but he wanted to help Lacey in, make sure she was settled before he got in himself. The car was running with the heat on full blast, which was good since he was freezing his balls off. Shivering in his coat, he wished he was back in Tennessee. At least there if it was cold one day, it was warm the next. In Wisconsin, though, it was just fucking cold. All the time.

“Yeah, well, Ma is driving me insane getting ready for you two. I was hoping you were almost here so I wouldn’t have to deal with her.”

“Well, if you got your own place, you wouldn’t have to,” he suggested. “I mean, what twenty-seven-year-old female wants to live with her parents? Don’t you have a girlfriend yet?”

She let out a frustrated breath as he grinned like a kid with his hand in the candy jar. It was his life mission to drive his baby sister crazy, and bringing up her sexual orientation was the newest button he had discovered that really riled her up.

“I’ve told you a billion times, I’m not gay, and I like living with our parents because there are no bills. Since I am training for the Olympics, I can’t work much. You know this. Don’t make me kick your ass in front of your new wife,” she sneered. “And for your information, I am dating a guy right now.”

He rolled his eyes. He wasn’t one hundred percent sure she liked guys, and it would help him out if she’d just admit that she liked women. She played harder than some men he knew and she was ball-buster; she took no shit at all. Yeah, she may date guys, but they ran off as soon as she wrestled them to the ground and made them cry uncle. She was a tomboy through and through and crazy as hell. She even had her hair in a short pixie cut because long hair got in her way, or so she told everyone. He was pretty sure she just wanted to be a guy. He had never even seen in her a dress. Like, ever. That had to mean something.

“Whatever you say, sis. You know I’ll love you no matter what.”

“Oh my God, I am so beating your ass when you get here.”

“Bring it, sister,” he laughed just as Lacey came out the door, pulling down on her hat so that her ears were covered. She looked adorable, her face red from the cold, bundled in her jacket and scarf. He wanted peel each of the layers off and devour her, but that would have to wait. They were off to meet his parents.

Yay. Yes, that was dripping with sarcasm.

“We are leaving now. See you in a bit,” he said and then hung up without waiting for her to answer. “Ready, sweetheart?”

She grinned. “Yes, I think I will make it without peeing on the seat.”

“That’s always a good thing,” he said as she passed. Reaching out, he smacked her ass, causing her to jump before looking back at him with a playful glare. “You’re hot, and I love you.”

She rolled her eyes as she giggled. Going onto her tippy toes, she kissed his chin. “Love you more.”

His grin was unstoppable as she climbed into the car and he shut the door, running around. Getting in, he basked in the warmth, rubbing his hands together before taking off and saying, “Off we go.”

“Yay!” she cheered, holding her hands to the vents. “It’s like crazy cold here.”

“Yeah, it’s insane.”

“For real,” she agreed, wrapping her arms around herself and looking out the window. “You grew up here, right?”

“I did. It’s a great place to live when it’s not cold,” he said with a grin.

“Do you like it more than Nashville?”

“No, I love Nashville. Tampa was nice too, the beach was beautiful, but Nashville is where it’s at for me.”

Excitement shone on her face as she looked over at him. “I’m really excited to live there. I’ve never lived anywhere but Chicago.”

Reaching for her hand, he laced his fingers with hers as he nodded. “You’re gonna love it.”

“I can’t wait,” she said and he could hear the excitement in her voice. He was glad to hear it too. After their conversation with the Martin family, he expected her to be a wreck. He would have been, but she was good. She kept to her word, saying she wasn’t going to let them ruin their honeymoon, as she was calling it. But Karson already had plans to take her somewhere amazing for the summer. He was glad that she wasn’t letting them get in the way or bother her, but at the same time, he felt like she was bottling up her feelings, and he didn’t like that. He wanted her to be honest, to yell and scream that her dad, brother, and sister-in-law were idiots. He didn’t want her regretting everything later, and at least if they talked it through now, she’d feel better.

“Answer me something,” she said, tearing him away from his thoughts.

“Hit me.”

When she pulled back and smacked his arm, he yelled out, “Ouch!”

But when he glanced over at her, he just shook his head. She was grinning at him, playfulness in her sweet eyes. “What? You said to hit you?”

“I meant with the question, Literal Lacey. Shit,” he said, rubbing his arm. “You hit hard.”

“I take boxing.”

“And that’s fucking hot,” he decided with a grin, making her snort with laughter.

“Anyway, serious here.”

“I was too until you slugged me in the arm,” he pouted.

“Aw, want me to kiss it?”

He smirked. “No, but I have something you can kiss,” he teased, wiggling his hips, gesturing to his cock.

She giggled loudly as she shook her head. “Anyway!”

He shot her a grin as he turned onto the street that held his high school. “Here is my high school,” he said as they passed his school. She looked out the window quickly as he glanced out toward his old school. He’d played some amazing hockey there and had the best time of his life. Things were so simple back then. His mom did everything for him, and all he had to do was study and play great hockey.

“It’s huge.”

“It has its own ice rink,” he supplied.

“Because that’s what you do in this cold-ass state, you play hockey.”

“The greatest hockey players are raised here, thank you,” he said with a nod.

“Chicago produces great hockey players too, I think.”

He glared. “Now, I’m just throwing this out there, but you know you have to be an Assassins fan, right? You’re not bringing any of those Chicago jerseys into my home.”

She set him with a look. “Is that right?”

“Yes, we are an Assassins household, not a Blackhawks one.”

She glared. “You can’t make me like your team.”

He glared back. “I can or you’ll never get my mouth between those legs again.”

“Now, that’s just plain wrong,” she said with shock lacing her voice.

“I’m serious about my hockey, Mrs. King.”

“I see that,” she said, letting out a breath. “Oh well, guess I’ll have to stock up on some Assassins jerseys.”

“Number sixteen ones, to be correct. Maybe we’ll get them to say Mrs. King above the number.”

“You’re swaying me to the dark side,” she said with a nod. “I guess it won’t be that bad.”

He scoffed. “Dark side, I think you have your sides mixed up, sweetheart,” he drew out.

When he glanced at her, her face was red, and this time, it wasn’t from the cold. “I really like it when you call me sweetheart. It’s all hot and countryish.”

“I aim to please, ma’am,” he said with a slow drawl.

“You should really do that in bed,” she suggested and he chuckled.

“Duly noted.” He laughed as his heart warmed. He loved their banter, their easygoing way. He honestly couldn’t get enough of her. And he had the rest of his life for this? He was pretty sure he’d just scored the goal of a lifetime marrying her.

“So anyway, stop interrupting me,” she scolded and he shook his head, a retort on the tip of his tongue but choosing wisely to swallow it. “When we were having that horrible conversation that we have yet to bring up with my family, what did Grady mean when he said you were a whorebag? Do you get around or something?”

He squeezed the steering wheel till his knuckles turned white. He wasn’t proud of what he had done since he walked away from her. Grady hadn’t been lying when he’d said that Karson had been around; he had. It wasn’t something he liked to talk about, but he was a young player in the fast lane. Girls flocked to him like a bear to honey. He had money, he was a good-looking guy, he was strong, and he was horny. Not a good combination when his heart belonged to another and he was trying to forget. He wished he could look at Lacey and say that he had been a perfect church boy, waiting only for her, but the good Lord above would shoot him down.

“Yeah, I got around,” he answered slowly. “I’m not proud of it, not in the least.”

“Like, how many?”

“I lost count, Lacey,” he answered, wishing Grady to hell. “I know that is the last thing you want to hear, but just know that is my past and it won’t ever happen again. I won’t cheat on you; I’m not that kind of man. All those women knew the score. I only wanted sex. I never had a relationship with anyone—you were the only one who ever mattered. You are the only one I’ve ever loved.”

He chanced a glance over at her, and she was looking at him, watching his every move. “I trust you. I just didn’t know and wanted to know what he was talking about.”

“Yeah, I was trying to forget you. Which is basically impossible—you left your mark on me, my sweetheart.”

She grinned as she reached out, taking his hand. “Right back atcha, hot stuff.” He chuckled as she continued, “I know all about that. That’s the only reason I was with Ethan, trying to forget you. It didn’t work, by the way, and I’d probably still be with him if he hadn’t cheated on me.”

Karson almost stopped the car. Say what?

“What? That dickwad cheated on you?”

She nodded. “Yup, found him with my cashier. It was bad.”

He already hated Ethan Stanford with a passion in his heart, but now that asshole had a death wish. While yes, he was glad they weren’t together, he didn’t like the idea of someone hurting Lacey.

“I thought you two just called the wedding off,” he said, turning onto the road that would lead to his parents.

“Oh no, he made me sign a non-disclosure clause so when people came at me, asking what happened, I had to say we parted ways. I wasn’t upset or anything. I really didn’t even care. He was nothing to me. I just tried to use him as a stand-in and it didn’t work. But anyway, apparently he had a sex addiction or some shit.”

Karson wasn’t sure why he liked her words, but he did. He didn’t want her to hurt in the least, but it warmed him from the inside out that she’d never gotten over him either.

“Or he is just a douche,” he supplied and Lacey nodded.

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Oh well, he’s long gone, and I’m with the one I love,” she said, kissing the back of his hand.

“Very true,” he said, squeezing her hand. She may be okay with it all, but he had every intention on slamming that asshole in the boards the first chance he got.

Douche.

“Here we are,” he said, pulling into the driveway of his family home.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” she gasped as she looked out the window.

“Yeah, I bought it a couple years ago for them as a fortieth wedding anniversary gift,” he said as he put the car in park. Glancing up at the white brick, ranch-style home, he smiled. He had been excited to buy his family the home that they would grow old in as soon as Kacey moved her ass out. They had given him everything, and he was more than happy to return the favor.

“Oh my God! How sweet!”

“Yeah, I like them a little,” he said with a grin before grabbing their bags. Shutting the door, he went around to retrieve his wife, but she was already getting out of the car. “You’re supposed to wait,” he scolded.

She smiled sheepishly before kissing his nose. “My bad.”

He chuckled as he brought her in close not only to keep her warm but because he just loved feeling her. Walking down the snow-covered driveway, they made it halfway to the house before the door opened and Kacey came out. A grin covered his face, happy to see her. He hadn’t seen her in over six months; he missed the little shit. Well, she wasn’t that little. She was almost as tall as he was.

“Ah, my sister. You remember Kacey, right?” he said, letting go of Lacey to hug his sister, but when his eyes met hers, he knew he was in deep shit. Before he could even react, her foot collided with his balls and all he saw were stars as he crumpled to the ground.

“I’m not fucking gay!”

Lacey had no clue what to do.

Her huge husband lay in the snow, holding his balls and groaning loudly while his equally huge sister stalked over him. And what a sight she was. Kacey King was the spitting image of her big brother: broad shoulders, dark hair that was cut very short, the same caramel eyes, and she was toned. She was built like a hockey player, and Lacey was actually a little scared of her. She had only met her once before, and when she had, Kacey had been much smaller. But now, Lacey was convinced she could take out a grown man.

And she had.

“Hey, Lacey, sorry you had to see that, but your new husband keeps saying I’m gay, and I’m not fucking gay! I like dick, Karson! Shit! Now you made me look crazy in front of your new wife. Way to go, asshole!” Kacey yelled before stomping off to the house.

Lacey’s eyes were wide as she looked from Kacey’s retreating back to Karson. “Oh shit,” she muttered, bending down to make sure he was okay. “Baby, are you okay? She got you good, huh?”

“Give me a minute,” he begged and she felt helpless. If any other chick had the balls to hurt her husband, she would have been all about taking the chick out, but this chick was his sister. So that posed a problem. Plus, his sister was scary huge. Lacey didn’t go into a fight without knowing she could win.

“I should have seen it coming,” he muttered, sitting up and taking in a deep breath. “I’m gonna kick her ass, I swear.”

“That’s one option,” she agreed with a nod as she rubbed his back. “Or maybe you shouldn’t call her gay anymore. I don’t think she likes it,” she suggested and he glared up at her.

“You think?” he said dryly before shaking his head. “Crazy ass.” He then got up, readjusting his balls before shaking his head. “Hope you aren’t planning to try to have sex anytime soon. I’m pretty sure she broke my balls.”

Lacey snorted but then gave him an exaggerated wink. “Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure I can fix you.”

He laughed as he bent down slowly to get their bags that he’d dropped. “You may be correct on that, but let’s not try for a couple hours. I’m still seeing stars.”

She couldn’t hold in her laughter as he wrapped his arm around her and led her inside. As soon as they walked through the door, the warmth and smell of a fire burning hit her right in the face. And for some reason, she felt at home. It was insane. She never felt at home anywhere but her childhood home, but the King home was just that. A home.

With a grin on her face, she looked straight ahead as a woman who mirrored Kacey came toward her. Her face was weathered but still beautiful, with dark brown eyes and even dark brown hair. She was tall like Kacey and looked the way Lacey had always imagined Karson’s mom would look like. She wore a pair of jeans and a purple Assassins sweatshirt, and of course, an unstoppable grin.

“Oh my goodness! She is beautiful!” she exclaimed before pushing Karson out of the way to wrap her arms around Lacey. “Just stunning,” she whispered as she hugged her warmly. Lacey hugged her back tightly. She wasn’t one to hug people, but it seemed right to be wrapped in Regina King’s arms. Pulling back, Regina cupped Lacey’s face and said, “You know, Karson always said you were the prettiest girl ever. He wasn’t lying.”

Lacey’s face flushed with embarrassment as she smiled at her new mother-in-law. “Thank you. It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. King.”

“Oh no, you call me Ma, and I swear, Lacey, it’s a blessing to meet you. Come here,” she said, almost on the brink of tears as she squeezed Lacey tightly again. Over her shoulder, Lacey could see Karson rolling his eyes but he wasn’t annoyed at all. She could see in his eyes he was loving every second of this.

“Karl!” Regina yelled, making Lacey jump as she backed away. “Karl, honey, come here and meet our new daughter.”

Lacey’s heart skipped a beat as Mrs. King’s hand slid into hers, holding it tightly. It had been so long since she’d felt a hand as soft as her mother’s. There had been something about her mom’s hand that, when Lacey held it, everything was right within a second. It had been slender and soft and held all the love in the world. She could, to this day, still remember holding her mother’s hand as she took her last breath. She hadn’t thought of that moment in a long time, and she knew it was because Mrs. King had the same kind of hand. It held love and happiness, something Lacey hadn’t been around in a really long time.

Soon Lacey was fighting back the tears as she swallowed loudly. She felt Karson’s eyes on her, and when she glanced up, his head cocked to the side. She shook her head, hoping to reassure him that she was fine. Nodding his head, he looked at his mother.

“Hi, Ma,” Karson said but Mrs. King waved him off. “Don’t speak to me right now, Karson Jett. I’ve told you so many times to stop calling your sister gay. I hope you can give me grandchildren now, you idiot,” she said with a shake of her head.

“Told you,” Lacey teased, sticking her tongue out at him and trying not to think too much in to what Mrs. King had just said.

He glared but shook his head as his mother said, “They fight like cats and dogs, these two. You’d think they hate each other, when really it’s the other way— Where the hell is that man? Karl!”

Lacey snickered as Mr. King hollered, “I mean, shit, Regina. I was on the can. Got to wash my hands before you kick my ass. Give me a damn minute!”

“I swear, they were all raised in a barn,” Mrs. King said with a shake of her head, while Lacey couldn’t help but laugh from her gut.

Finally, Karl King came around the corner, and looking at the older version of her husband, she couldn’t help but smile. Coming right to her, Mr. King grinned. “So this is my new daughter, huh?”

“She’s pretty, isn’t she, Pops?” Karson asked, his eyes locked on hers. She felt a little uncomfortable with all of them staring at her, but then she also felt like she belonged. Like she was a part of the family.

“That she is. You did good, son. No wonder you turned into a pussy,” he said, smacking Karson on the back while Karson rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“I didn’t turn into no damn pussy.”

“Yes, you did,” both his parents said with a nod.

“It’s nice though,” his mother said with a grin. “Endearing. I bet Lacey loves it.”

She laughed. “I do, but I don’t think you’re a pussy, baby.”

“At least someone around here loves me,” he said, pulling Lacey into his arms.

“Whatever you say, son. She only came for the pie,” Mr. King teased with a wink.

“I do like pie.” Lacey played along, receiving a huge grin from her new father-in-law.

“That’s not funny.” Karson glared, but Lacey thought otherwise.

“I think it is. Anything that takes the attention off you is great, in my opinion,” Kacey said, leaning against the doorframe.

“Shut up. I should kick your ass—my balls are still crying.”

“Good, I hope I broke them,” she sneered.

“I’m gonna cunt punt you, you watch,” Karson warned.

“Karson Jett! My God! That is so vulgar!” his mom scolded while Lacey snickered beside him. “I swear I raised him better than that.”

“She kicked me in the balls, Ma! Kiss having grandchildren goodbye!”

Lacey eyes widened as Mrs. King smacked Kacey on the shoulder. “You know how bad I want a grandbaby! Be careful next time!”

“I’ll kick him in the mouth next time.” Kacey decided with a nod.

“That’s better,” his mother said with a grin just for Lacey. “They really are great kids.”

“Seems like it,” Lacey laughed.

Smacking his hands together, all the attention went to Mr. King as he said, “Well, sweetheart, it’s wonderful to meet you. Make yourself at home. Our home is yours, but the game is on, so unless you want to watch Milwaukee with me, I can’t talk for another period.”

Lacey grinned. “Actually, I’d love to watch Milwaukee play. Did Karson tell you I love hockey?”

“A girl after my heart. No, he didn’t. Come on then,” he said, wrapping his arm around Lacey’s shoulders.

With a grin, Lacey looked back at Karson and asked, “Karson, baby, can you bring me some pie after you get us settled?”

Mr. King’s body shook with laughter as Karson’s mother and sister laughed loudly, but Karson glared, not the least bit amused. “Again, that’s not funny.”

“I think it’s freaking hilarious. Come on, sweetheart, let’s watch the game. Karson, get that pie,” Mr. King said, leading her to the couch. When she glanced back, meeting Karson’s gaze, he didn’t look at all upset. He looked quite the opposite and exactly how she felt.

Completely and utterly blissful.

Karl King cussed more than a sailor.

It was really odd because her father hardly ever cussed in front of her. He was very proper and cared too much about what people thought about him, but Mr. King didn’t have a care in the world. He was vocal and he was loud and Lacey totally loved him.

“For fuck’s sake! Did you see that play? Why didn’t he deke around him and go top shelf?”

Lacey shook her head. “I don’t know. It was obvious the goalie saw that he was going five-hole.”

“Obviously, dumbasses! And they want to go into the pros. Fucking hell!”

She couldn’t agree more and was having the time of her life.

“Karson, I swear to God, I will knock your damn teeth out!” Kacey yelled from the kitchen.

“Ma, tell her to admit it. It’s okay, I’ll love you no matter what—we all will.”

“I’m not gay!”

“She isn’t gay! I mean, my God, Karson, shut up and leave her alone!” his mother scolded, but Karson just kept grinning.

“I swear, they fucking fight all the damn time,” Mr. King said to Lacey with a shake of his head. “I miss Karson, I do, that’s my little buddy. But man, when he comes home or we are there, they are at each other’s fucking throats. Do you have siblings?”

Lacey giggled as she nodded. “I do, a brother.”

“Do you two fight like those two dumbasses?”

Her father would never call her a dumbass either. It was very refreshing, though, because it felt right. No one held back in the King household, but at the same time it was obvious that everyone loved each other. It was mind-blowing and simply amazing, and while Lacey loved it all, her father would hate it with a passion. Nate didn’t like loud, confident men who knew what they wanted, and that was Mr. King…and Karson, for that matter. No wonder he hated Karson so.

Not wanting to talk about Grady at that moment since she was still livid at him, she cleared her throat, buying her some time. “Usually. He’s extremely overprotective of me and treats me more like a fourteen-year-old girl than a woman,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “It’s annoying as hell.”

“I bet,” he said with a nod. “I never really understood the overprotective thing with siblings. It isn’t my business, why the hell do I care? I have six younger sisters, and do you think I cared who they were screwing? Shit no, but if that douche hurt one of them, they’d die. But everyone has to make their own mistakes. That’s how we learn, you know?”

Lacey smiled as she nodded. “Yes, sir, I do.”

“You’re a smart girl, but I bet they are madder than hell at you right now. I can tell you aren’t one of those kind of girls to jump into a marriage.”

“I’m not,” Lacey said with a laugh. “But I’ve loved Karson my whole life.”

“Yeah, I can tell. Anytime he comes in the room, you’re watching,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re as much of a pussy as he is.”

Lacey snorted with laughter. “Well, since I have one, it makes sense, huh?”

Mr. King’s laughter boomed through the living room as he smacked his leg in amusement. Calming down a bit, he pointed at her, a huge grin on his face. “I like you, Lacey. You’re a good girl.”

“Thank you. I have to say, you’ve made me feel like part of the family.”

“You are,” he stated. “And don’t think I didn’t notice that you left out that your family is mad about you running off to Vegas with Karson.”

Her face warmed as she shrugged her shoulders. “Mad doesn’t really cover what they are, but I’m good with it. I’m happy with my decision.”

“They’ll come around,” he said, almost like a promise. “Karson is a very easy guy to love.”

She wanted to correct him, but she didn’t see what that would accomplish. She really didn’t want to tell the father of her husband that her family hated Karson and that they wanted to kill him. The Kings liked her, and it worried her that if she mentioned that, they might look at her differently. No parent wanted to hear anything bad about their kid, not when they thought so highly of them, and Regina and Karl King loved their children.

“You know, he did fuck up; we all know this. But surely, if you can forgive him, then they can,” he added, and Lacey was surprised by that.

“Karson told you that?”

He nodded. “Karson tells me everything.”

That made her heart skip. She never told her dad anything, nor her brother. Rachel knew some of what she felt but only the stuff that she was okay with Rachel blabbing to her husband about. As she sat there, staring into the same eyes as her husband, she honestly couldn’t think of anyone that she told everything to, but that all changed the moment she gave herself to Karson.

“That’s amazing,” she said softly.

“We are open books around here. You love us, we love you. You trust us, we trust you. It’s easy, you know? No secrets, no lies, and no betrayal. That’s how I raised my kids, and that’s how my marriage works.”

“I am in awe of you, Mr. King,” she admitted and he grinned.

“Told you to call me Pops and thank you,” he said with a wink. “I know we just met and this may be weird, but if you ever need anything, I’m here, all right? If Karson loves you, and obviously he does since he waited almost ten years for you, then I love you. All right, honey?”

She smiled, tears stinging her eyes as she nodded. “All right, Pops.”

Satisfied with her answer, he turned back to watch the TV and all she could do was sit there and swallow back her tears. He had known her for maybe an hour and had already accepted her as his. Her father would never do that. He was such a standoffish man, but like Karl said, he was an open book and she admired that a lot.

Looking back at the TV, Lacey settled deeper in the easy chair and brought her legs up under her chin as she smiled while Mr. King yelled at the screen. When a piece of pie appeared in front of her, she looked up to find Karson holding it out for her.

“Thank you, baby,” she said, taking it from him.

He grunted something before handing his dad a piece and then climbing into the chair with Lacey. It was a tight fit, but she welcomed it. Anything to be closer to her man. Leaning into him, she took a bite of the peach pie and moaned loudly.

“This is the freshest pie I’ve ever eaten,” she groaned.

“Ma makes the best pies,” Karson commented, taking a bite of hers.

“That’s why I married her,” Mr. King said with a quick grin, taking a huge bite of his pie.

“I heard that,” Mrs. King said from the kitchen, causing Mr. King’s eyes to widen.

“Couldn’t tell me she was right there!” he scolded Karson in a whisper.

“It’s an open-concept kitchen, Pops, she’s always there!”

Lacey snickered as she shook her head. “Mrs. King, this pie is fabulous.”

“Thank you, love, and it’s Ma, remember?”

Lacey nodded. “Yes, Ma, sorry.”

She smiled warmly at Lacey before turning to wash some dishes. Lacey turned her attention back to the TV as she gobbled up her pie. Thankfully Karson was eating some too because she sure didn’t need all that sugary goodness—no matter how yummy it was. Once the dish was empty, she got up and went to the kitchen to clean her plate, but of course, Mrs. King intercepted it.

“How’s business, Lacey?” she asked, stopping Lacey before she made it back to the living room.

“It’s wonderful, thank you,” she said, leaning against the counter, surprised that Regina knew about her business. “Karson tell you about it?”

“He did, and he gets Kacey and me gift cards for Christmas every year.”

“Really?” Lacey asked, her heart skipping a beat. “That’s amazing and insanely sweet, Karson,” she said to him.

“Gotta support my girl,” Karson said with a shrug as his dad shook his head.

“Fucking pussy,” he said, setting Karson with a disappointed look.

“Leave me alone.”

Lacey laughed as Mrs. King said, “I love your bras. They are so comfy.”

“I love the thongs,” Kacey said with a grin. “So does my boyfriend.”

“Now that’s just gross, Kace. I don’t want to know that,” Karson said, making a face of disgust, his father mirroring him.

“Me neither. Shit, kid,” he said, shaking his head.

That had all three women laughing, and Lacey couldn’t stop grinning.

When Mrs. King’s laughter subsided, she asked, “Your cancer hasn’t returned, has it?”

Lacey shook her head. “No, ma’am. I have been cancer-free for a very long time.”

“That’s awesome. I know that always worried Karson,” Kacey said as her mom nodded.

“We are glad that it hasn’t and that you are healthy,” Mrs. King said with a nod.

“I am too,” Lacey said with a grin, her heart swelling in her chest. It was such an amazing and breathtaking feeling. These people cared about her. Loved her, even. How did she get so lucky to go from starving for love to being completely immersed in it?

When she felt someone staring at her, she glanced over to find Karson looking at her with nothing but love shining in his eyes.

He was the reason.

Soon the game was over and Mrs. King shooed them off to get freshened up before dinner. As much as Lacey wanted to be alone with Karson, she wanted to spend as much time as she possibly could with his family. She was enjoying herself immensely and didn’t want to leave the following morning. Not when she felt more a part of the King family than she did her own. It was a horrible thing to think, but it was the damn truth.

Following Karson through the immaculately beautiful house, Lacey found that Mrs. King’s taste was very bright and happy. Her home matched her personality to a tee, and Lacey couldn’t wait to get something for the house, maybe for Christmas or for her birthday, or even Mother’s Day. It had been so long since she had bought anything for anyone on Mother’s Day. It would be a bittersweet change. One she was ready for, she felt.

When they came to a door that said “Karson,” she glanced over at her husband with her brow raised. “They made a room for you here?”

“I mean, I did buy the house, the least they can do is have a shrine for me,” he said matter-of-factly.

Shaking her head, she laughed as she pushed the door open, and sure as shit, it was a shrine to Karson along with a bed and dresser. Every inch of the walls was covered in pictures of him from when he was a baby on skates until a year ago when he held the prized Cup above his head. There were even all his hockey awards and medals through the years and his high school and college diplomas.

“You finished college?” she asked, surprised, as she turned to look back at him.

He nodded, a sheepish grin on his beautiful face. “I promised you I would.”

Her heart stopped as she gazed into his showstopping caramel eyes. Closing the distance between them, she wrapped her arms around his middle and met her lips to his as pride poured out of her pores for him. As she slowly kissed him, her hands fisted the shirt he wore, and her eyes stung with happy tears. She couldn’t believe that he’d kept his promise. That he’d continued his schooling and got his diploma. All for her.

Pulling back, she cupped his face, running her thumbs along his jaw. “That is amazing. I am so proud of you.”

“Thanks, babe. I’m glad I did it. I have that security.”

“Yeah, that’s why I wanted you to get it,” she said, a tear leaking out of her eye.

“Why are you crying?” he asked, catching the tear and wiping it away.

“Because I always wondered and prayed all this time that, even if you weren’t with me, I always wanted you to succeed. And I’m just so proud of you, Karson. I love you so much.”

His face warmed as he hugged her tighter in his arms. “I wouldn’t have done it if I hadn’t promised you I would. I’d already let you down once—couldn’t do it again.”

That had the tears falling in earnest. Closing her eyes, she nuzzled her nose in his chest and just cried. She hated that her father had done what he did. All that time gone, time they couldn’t be together to push and help each other to succeed. It was heartbreaking and just so unfair. She knew who the love of her life was, so why did she have to wait so long to get him?

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he whispered, kissing her temple.

“I just wish that I’d been there.”

“But you’re here now, that’s all that matters,” he said softly.

She nodded, wiping her cheeks before looking up into his glorious face. “I’m sorry I’m so emotional. My family has me all kinds of fucked up, and being here, seeing how much your family has welcomed me is a reminder that when we get back to Chicago, it’s gonna be ugly.”

He shrugged. “Yeah, but we only have to be there for a day, and then we are off to Nashville.”

He was right, but the dread was heavy in her stomach. She didn’t want to deal with her family. She wanted them to be like the Kings. Elated that she had found her heart and soul and welcoming to Karson.

“Are you comfortable though, Lacey? My dad is a little hard to deal with, and my mom is suffocating as hell. Kacey is just a crazy bitch,” he wondered and she wanted to laugh. He actually looked worried. Hadn’t he seen that she was in heaven in the Kings’ household?

“Are you crazy? I love it here. I feel so complete. They have welcomed me with open arms.”

“Because you belong here—you’re a part of this family now. Always will be,” he said simply before kissing the side of her mouth and bundling her up in his arms. Kissing his lips softly, she threaded her fingers in his hair right as his kisses became more demanding. Sliding his tongue along her bottom lip, his fingers bit into her back and heat flooded between her legs.

Oh, God how she wanted him.

Biting her bottom lip, she let out a soft breath as she leaned into him, feeling every single inch of him. Pulling back only a breath, she whispered, “I don’t think you’re broken anymore.”

He chuckled against her lips before moving his lips along hers in a teasing way. “It still hurts a bit, but kissing you is mending it pretty well.”

She giggled, moving her hands down his back to his ass. “Want me to kiss it? Maybe that will fix you right up.”

His eyes widened as he squeezed her ass in his large hands, slowly moving his cock against her center. “Here?”

“What better way to worship you than by giving you head in the middle of your shrine?”

His mouth pulled up at the side as he nodded. “I really love the way you think.”

“Good, because I love you,” she said as she slowly unbuttoned his pants.

He gasped when her hand took ahold of his throbbing cock, and Lacey shot him a grin as she dropped to her knees.

As she took him into her mouth, his fingers tangled in her hair and he said, “I love you so much.”

And as she slowly pleased her husband, she couldn’t help but feel like she was coming out of her skin with excitement. Every day since being reunited with Karson had been a new adventure, and if the last five days were just a preview of their future, Lacey couldn’t wait. Things were moving along perfectly for them, and while, yes, she was scared shitless to go back to Chicago to retrieve her things, she also couldn’t wait. It was the start of something new and a brand-new start with her husband by her side. No one could touch the feeling she was filled with.

Not even the negativity of her family.

“Are you sure you can’t stay another day?”

Karson shook his head as he hugged his mom tightly. “I told you I would fly you guys down as soon as we get a house and settled.”

“I know, but you teased me with her. I love her,” she said, and he knew she was speaking completely from the heart.

“I know, Ma. I love her too,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Give us a month and we’ll fly you down.”

She nodded sorrowfully as she kissed him again. “Fine. I’ll let you go.”

He chuckled as he let her go so Lacey could hug her. There was something about his mom hugging his wife that actually had his heart skipping a beat. It seemed right, perfect even. Lacey fit in like he knew she would, and really how could she not? She was amazing, his family was awesome, and together they were just fucking perfect. He always knew that his family would love her like he did, and even he didn’t want to leave yet.

She just fit. The whole night they spent talking and shooting the shit with his parents had felt like they had been doing it for years. There was no awkwardness; Lacey was home. They all joked and picked on each other. When Kacey and he started fighting about her “boyfriend,” Lacey actually took Kacey’s side and told him to shut up. Everyone loved that, even he did. He liked that she stuck up for his sister; it meant that she felt comfortable, and he wanted her to be comfortable in his parents’ home. Their relationship was going the way he had hoped and prayed. He’d always imagined that she would come into his life and just fit. She would complete him, better him, and he couldn’t believe how right he was.

“As soon as we are settled, you guys will have to come down,” Lacey said, squeezing his mom tightly.

“Of course, we will be there with bells and whistles on,” his mom promised with a grin and tears in her eyes. “I hate that you guys can’t stay longer.”

“Regina, they have shit they gotta do, and then they have to make a home for themselves. You can fuss over them then. Shit, come here, son,” his dad said, hugging him tightly in a manly but loving embrace. “I love you,” he whispered, like he always did. It always soothed Karson when his father did that. Karl King was a blunt, hard to deal with kind of man, but when it came to loving his family, he was an all in sort of guy. Since he had been gone so much, playing twenty-one seasons of pro hockey, when he was home, the only things that had mattered were Karson, Kacey, and his wife. Karson was thankful for that because he felt like he learned how to love from his father. How to be the father and husband that a family deserved. “Call us when you land in Chicago.”

“I will,” Karson promised. “I love you too, Pops.”

Karl shot him a wink before embracing Lacey in a tight hug. When Karson noticed that Kacey stood off to the side with her arms crossed and her brows furrowed, he smiled. She was thoroughly pissed with him, and he couldn’t be happier. Walking over to her, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her temple. “Love you, Kace.”

“Love you too,” she mumbled into his neck.

They may fight like cats and dogs, but at the end of the day, he’d die for his sister. She was his best friend. Pulling back, he smiled. “So when do you know about the Olympics?”

“New Year’s Day.”

“Just keep training,” he said with a nod. “You’ll get on.”

“I hope so,” she said with a long breath.

“I know so,” he promised, kissing her cheek again. “Maybe you can bring that boyfriend with you when you guys come to visit.”

She laughed. “If he lasts.”

He gave her a knowing look and she glared. “I’m going to keep my comment to myself,” he laughed.

“That’s a good idea, asshole,” she muttered as Lacey came over to her to say goodbye.

After another round of goodbyes, they finally left the house and made the flight with only minutes to spare. He blamed his mother completely, but Lacey didn’t seem to mind or care. She sat contently beside him, her head on his shoulder as they flew to Chicago. While she seemed calm, cool, and collected, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. He didn’t trust the Martin men and was dreading seeing them, which he’d known he would. In a perfect world, they would go in and get out without seeing them, but that wasn’t the case. They would fight tooth and nail to keep Lacey there, but it didn’t matter. She was his wife.

They wouldn’t be there long either; she was mainly packing just the things she couldn’t live without. After a long conversation, they’d decided that she would keep her furniture at the apartment since she would need to fly up for work stuff. Plus, she still had nine months left on her lease, something neither of them had thought about when they were tangled in the sheets making plans. But he was okay with it all; they had a plan, a good plan, in his opinion. The only thing he worried about was her flying home alone for work.

What if her family tried to get to her when he wasn’t around? As much as he wanted to believe that she’d stand strong against them, he also couldn’t shake the feeling that she wouldn’t. Nate was a very manipulative person. He had controlled Lacey’s life since she was born, and now that Lacey had taken that power away, Karson didn’t put it past Nate to come at her, guns blazing. Lacey was his prized jewel.

It worried him, but as he looked over at his gorgeous wife, he hoped and prayed that their love would be strong enough this time. He really didn’t want to live without her. He wanted to grow old with her. He had so many plans and really needed her to be beside him. She was the one thing he needed for a life worth living.

After getting their bags, they headed out to where Lacey’s car was parked. When she stopped walking, halting Karson’s progress, he looked back at her to see that she was staring at her phone, chewing on her lip.

“What’s up?” he asked, his own brow furrowing.

She looked up and let out a breath. “My dad is waiting at my apartment with Grady.”

“Well, that’s wonderful,” he muttered. “Okay, well, let’s go get this over with.”

“Maybe I should just go?” she suggested and he shot her a dark look.

“Why the fuck would I be okay with that?”

She met his gaze. “My brother has hit you before. I don’t want this coming to blows, and I know how to deal with them. You don’t.”

“I’m not going to deal with them, Lacey, and neither are you. We aren’t letting them ruin our newlywed period, remember? We’re going to help you pack, and then I’m gonna take you to dinner. And tonight, I’m going to go to bed beside my wife. You aren’t facing this alone. We’ve already established this.”

“I know, but—”

“No ‘but,’ sweetheart. Let’s go, it’s cold and we don’t want to keep them waiting.”

She didn’t come at first, her eyes still locked on his, but he guessed she saw that he wasn’t going to budge because she started toward her car, throwing her things in the trunk. After shutting her door on the passenger side and coming around to get in himself, he started the car and was about to pull out when she said, “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do,” he said, meeting her gaze. “I love you.”

Her eyes watered a bit as she nodded. “I love you.”

He leaned over, meeting his lips to hers for only a second before running his nose along hers. “Everything is going to be okay.”

“Yeah,” she agreed while he went to put the car in reverse, but as he started to move, she said, “Promise me you won’t fight them.”

Karson found himself swallowing hard. He let Grady get a hit in once because he deserved it. Dating your best friend’s sister is against the guy code, but now, he felt like he hadn’t done anything wrong. So he married their daughter and sister. It wasn’t like he was after her money or out to hurt her. He loved Lacey and planned to make her happy. He wanted a life for them, a good one, and they would just have to accept that. But if not decking Grady and Nate in the face, if letting them hit him first was what she asked for, then maybe he needed to swallow his pride. It wasn’t about just him anymore, it was about Lacey.

About their love.

About their future.

Nodding his head, he said, “I promise.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime, sweetheart,” he said, putting the car in reverse again.

She smiled nervously at him before saying, “I doubt it will come to that but just in case.”

Letting out a long breath, Karson thought, Yeah, but just in case.

He had felt like he was on top of the world for the last five days, but something inside him made him feel as if he was about to be knocked right off into the unknown.

It wasn’t a good feeling either.

Karson always hoped that he would never have to look into the eyes of Nate Martin again. Lucky for him, he hadn’t had to in the last nine years. His luck had run out though, because now he was walking in behind Lacey to the lobby of her apartment, and there waiting for them were her father and brother. It seemed as soon as he walked through the door, they both glared at him. Karson’s gaze met his new father-in-law’s. The same eyes that Lacey had. His heart sped up in his chest, his hands sweating as he held his wife’s hand. He wanted to be confident that this would go okay, but something deep inside him told him that it wouldn’t. He didn’t deserve Lacey. He had hurt her before, and even though her family was responsible for that, they were her family. He was just the guy who loved her, and he wasn’t sure if that was enough. At any moment, she could realize that, and then where would that leave Karson?

Empty. He would be utterly empty.

Swallowing deeply, he held his former coach’s eyes and couldn’t help the way his eyes slitted. He hated this man more than words could express, and by the way Nate was looking at him, he was pretty sure the feeling was mutual. His old coach had aged, looking every bit in his fifties, and for some reason, he looked bigger as he stood slowly, Grady flanking him. Grady didn’t faze Karson at all. He had slammed that asshole into the boards plenty of times. He wasn’t worried, but he would keep his promise. Sucking in a deep breath, he tore his gaze away from Nate’s and looked over at Lacey.

She looked sick with worry.

She was working her lip, her eyes wide and her face red. He didn’t like that. They weren’t supposed to be nervous or worried; they were supposed to be happy. They had each other. Nothing would touch that. Well, he hoped it wouldn’t.

“It’s fine,” he said, hoping to sound more confident than he felt.

Squeezing his hand, she glanced over at him and nodded before glancing back at her dad. “Daddy, you didn’t have to come across town to see us. I told you I would come to Grady’s to see the kids,” she said, dropping Karson’s hand and heading for her father.

For some reason that bothered him. Weren’t they supposed to do this together? A united front? Was he being a fucking pussy? Crossing his arms, he watched as Lacey hugged her father and then Grady as she tried to smile. It didn’t reach her eyes, though. He was sure they knew she was putting up a front, and that pissed him off. She shouldn’t have to put on an act for anyone; she should be her fucking self. But these jerks had put her in the position to do just that, and he didn’t like that one bit.

“Had to come talk some sense into you,” Nate said, completely ignoring Karson. Which was fine. He didn’t want anything to do with the asshole anyway.

“There isn’t any sense to be talked into me, Dad. I came to pack. We have a full day,” she said after letting out a long breath.

“There is a lot to talk about, Lacey. Now, let’s go upstairs and talk.”

“Yeah, stay here, King,” Grady barked and Karson laughed.

“Cold day in hell, buddy. I’m here to help my wife pack,” he said, a grin forming on his face in an assholish way. “Then I’m going to take her home.”

Both men glared as Nate said, “That’s not happening.”

“Yes, it is,” she said, taking their attention from Karson. “I’m moving to Nashville with my husband,” she said sternly, and Karson could see it in their eyes. Both men were shocked, their mouths hanging open as their eyes widened with every word she said. They never expected her to stand up for herself, and within seconds, he had a feeling they were going to blow up with anger. Karson, on the other hand, was pretty fucking proud of her.

“This is insane, Lacey! You don’t even know this douche,” Grady yelled and Karson rolled his eyes.

“I do know him and I love him. Why don’t you guys try being happy for me instead of being jerks about it?” she yelled back, her eyes glazing with tears. She looked away and then met his gaze. “He is my husband. Accept it or don’t, I really don’t care.”

Reaching out, she took Karson’s hand and started for the door, pulling him along with her.

“Good seeing you two,” he said, knowing he was being a dick, but they had basically called him every name in the book.

“Is that mom’s wedding dress?” Grady asked suddenly, stopping her.

Nate and Lacey looked back at where Karson stood, and he looked down at the huge white dress bag that he had been hauling all over the damn United States.

“Yeah,” Lacey said with a shrug. “Why?”

“You wore your mother’s dress to marry this piece of shit?” Nate asked and Karson rolled his eyes.

“Man, they don’t like me,” he muttered but Lacey ignored him.

“Yeah, it’s my dress, and I wanted to wear it during my wedding. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to pack. You two are obviously not here to congratulate me, so I’ll call you later.”

They started for the elevator, and Karson thought maybe they would take the hint and go away, but he wasn’t a lucky man that morning. Standing in the elevator, one arm wrapped around his wife and the other holding her dress and their bags, he watched as his new in-laws stepped into the car. Both looked at him as if he smelled like year-old unwashed hockey equipment.

“What are you doing?” she asked and her father’s brows came up.

“I’m not done talking to you, Lacey Arielle.”

“Oh my God,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.

Karson squeezed her side, hoping to comfort her as they rode up to the top floor in awkward silence. When the door opened, they filed out, Karson and Lacey making their way to the door while her dad and brother trailed behind them.

“Don’t think they’ll knock me in the back of the head, do you?” he whispered in her ear, half joking and half serious but mostly wanting to make her laugh.

She scoffed as she shook her head, but, unfortunately, no smile. “Let’s hope not, but if they do, I’ll drag you into the apartment.”

“Good looking out, wife,” he said, tapping her ass playfully.

“Don’t touch her like that,” Nate barked from behind him causing Karson to laugh.

“You know we’re married, right? And that she is twenty-eight years old?” he asked, but he might as well have been speaking Jabba the Hutt’s language because they both looked at him like he had turned into the character from Star Wars.

“You are nothing to her,” Nate yelled.

“Actually, I am,” Karson said slowly. “I’m her husband.”

“Leave him alone,” Lacey shot back at her dad.

“He is delusional,” Grady laughed. “Why are you even hanging with this loser?”

“Because I love him, and he isn’t delusional, you two are. We really got married, paperwork and rings, the whole nine yards. We are married. I wasn’t pulling your chain or something,” she said as she opened the door. Walking past her, Karson went back to her room and hung her mom’s dress up, unsure if they were bringing it, before placing their bags on the bed. He really didn’t want to go back out there. He wanted them to disappear, but he knew they wouldn’t. They were obviously very set on talking her out of leaving. Too bad that wasn’t happening.

Taking in a deep breath, he walked back into the living room where Lacey was leaning against the kitchen counter with her father and brother in front of her.

“Dad, there is really nothing to talk about. I’m done with this conversation. There is nothing you can do. I’m happy. Don’t you want me to be happy?” she asked, and he could see the tears in her eyes. This was killing her.

“Maybe you guys should go, you’re upsetting her,” he suggested. “We have a lot to do. The movers are going to be here at four.”

“Shut the fuck up, King. No one asked you,” Grady snapped.

“It doesn’t matter if you asked me or not,” Karson snapped back, going to Lacey’s side. “Don’t you see you are hurting her?”

“Well, you should know since you are the king of hurting her,” Nate said, and any other day, he would applaud the guy for his word usage, but not today. Nate could promptly kiss his ass.

“I never would have hurt her if it weren’t for you trying to ruin my career,” he snapped, and the way Nate looked at him could honestly kill a person.

“I’m not going to tell you to shut up one more time,” Grady warned, and Karson couldn’t help but laugh.

“What are you going to do? Hit me? Bring it, asshole,” he yelled, but when Lacey’s hand came onto his chest, he looked down at her. His anger still bubbled inside him, but he instantly remembered his promise to her.

“Don’t, okay?” she begged.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said, kissing her temple.

She nodded before saying, “And he’s right, just go. We can talk when you two calm down and accept that this has happened. Yelling at me and threatening my husband won’t fix anything,” she said softly.

“Will you stop calling him that?” Grady yelled, his nostrils flaring.

“The hell it won’t, Lacey. I am very disappointed in you and pretty upset,” Nate said, his eyes locked on hers. “I have a lot to say to you.”

Who the fuck cared? Karson thought as he rolled his eyes. He was ready for these people to disappear.

“Who cares, Dad? What did you think?” she asked with a shake of her head, and it took everything for Karson not to laugh. Attagirl, he thought with a grin. “I was going to come home and do exactly what you say? That I would drop him the second you told me to? It worked nine years ago and most of my damn life, but now I am ready to live for me. I have to do what is going to make me happy.”

“You are ruining your life!”

“No, I’m not. I’m making it a life worth living, Dad!” she yelled back.

“Do you see this, Lacey Arielle? The way you are speaking to me? See how this trash is changing you?”

Man, this guy was a dick. He knew he made a promise, but how much was he supposed to take before he put her father in his place? It was getting sort of ridiculous.

“No, Dad, he’s not. I am talking to you like this because I am tired of it all. I have been unhappy for so long, and he comes back, and the next thing I know, I am elated. Like my heart actually pumps harder and I feel alive. You should be happy for me, thankful that your daughter has found happiness. But like always, because I’m not doing what you want, you are freaking out and trying to treat me like a kid,” she said, shaking her head. “You know what? You guys need to go. I really don’t want to talk to you; I am still so mad at you.”

“No, Lacey,” her father said, reaching for her hand. She tried to pull it away, but he held it tighter, his eyes pleading as he said, “I did it for you, princess. He is a cancer, he could have ruined you then, and he is going to ruin you now.”

When he heard her gasp, he was done. How dare he compare Karson to something so serious? Karson was going to lose his shit, but before he could, Lacey said, “No, you’re wrong, and the thing is, Karson did nothing but love me completely. But what you did, making him break up with me, damaged me more than the actual cancer ever did.”

Karson knew that his leaving had caused Lacey pain, but hearing that it damaged her more than her cancer had not only hurt Nate Martin.

It hurt him.

This was not how Lacey wanted to spend the day. When she woke up that morning after spending the previous day and night with the Kings, she was almost blissful. Just so damn happy and then she got to Chicago and it all went to shit. She knew that she would have to face her father; she even knew he would be upset, but she didn’t expect to do this now. She had been sure she would have time to pack, go to her office to pack that up and make sure everything was ready to go. Instead, her father came at her without much notice.

She should have expected it too. This was the first time she had ever defied him.

Her whole life had always been done the way Nate Martin wanted it to be. Even when her mother was alive, he controlled everything. What her mother did, who she was friends with, and where she worked. With Grady, it was all about the best hockey schools, the winningest teams, and paying truckloads so that he could train with professionals. Grady slept, ate, and played hockey. He didn’t even have a girlfriend till he got to college. The same went for Lacey; she jumped from activity to activity, but unlike Grady, she never really fit in anywhere. Just floating through life, doing what her daddy said.

When they lost her mom, everything got ten times worse. She never had friends because he wouldn’t let her go anywhere without him, and neither did Grady. They had each other. He let up a bit when they went to college, but he was still a very heavy presence in their lives. He never let them make any kind of mistakes; he was always there to tell them what to do. Looking back on it, Lacey didn’t think her mother or even Grady minded it, but Lacey did. She hated it. She hated how hard he was on her and how he tried to push her to do things she didn’t want to. She didn’t want to be a lawyer; she wanted to be a designer, and that seriously angered him. She really shouldn’t be surprised that he was so upset now because he had been doing this her whole life. Nothing she loved was what Nate wanted for her, and she had contended with a lot of things in her life, but now, with Karson, she refused to do anything but be with him.

Closing her eyes, she pushed back the tears as Karson’s fingers laced with hers. God, she loved him. He filled the room with his presence, taking up most of the space in her small kitchen. She loved it though. She needed it because she was sure that she wouldn’t still be standing there without him. Yeah, he lost his temper a bit, but who blamed him? They were basically verbally attacking him when he didn’t deserve that at all. Sure, they had run off and gotten married, but they loved each other. Couldn’t they see that? She just wished her family would just be happy for her because she was happy.

Looking her father in the eye, she shook her head slowly as a single tear rolled down her cheek. He had done so much more hurt than good to her, and maybe if he had been a better father, she would consider his pleas, but even then she didn’t think she would. She loved Karson. That’s all there was to it, and she refused to not follow her heart.

“You keep saying that everything you do is best for me, but, Daddy, I just can’t see how breaking my heart multiple times is good.”

“You are naïve, Lacey. You don’t think straight when it comes to this…this…guy,” he yelled, shaking his hand at Karson. “You’re reckless when he is around.”

“It’s not only Karson I am talking about, Dad. You’ve continually tried to run my life since I was born. When I was younger, it was understandable, but I’m an adult now. I know how to make decisions. I know what’s best for me.”

Grady rolled his eyes. “We’ve always been there, and you are completely going against what we know is right.”

“But you’re wrong, on both accounts!” she yelled, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what she was about to say was horrible and wrong of her since her father had done a lot of good, but he had also done a lot of bad, and she was tired of it. She wasn’t a child.

“How so?” he asked in disbelief.

Meeting her father’s gaze, she said, “You have repeatedly sheltered me, kept me under your thumb, and I’m sorry, but I can’t do it anymore.”

“I have loved and provided for you,” he asserted.

“I don’t doubt that you love me, but you have a shitty way of going about it. Like when Mom died and I need someone to talk to, instead of getting me real help, you pushed me off onto your sister.”

“I did that to give you a female companion.”

“I didn’t need a female companion, I needed my dad, but that’s not even the kicker,” she spat, her hands shaking. “When I lost my breasts, instead of approving the paperwork for the new ones, you lied and told me that the insurance wouldn’t pay for them.”

“What?” he asked, his mouth parting some. She knew she wasn’t supposed to know that. For the longest time she had kept her mouth shut, mostly out of fear of accepting it, but now with the way he was acting, it was time to throw it all out there.

“Yeah, I heard you tell Aunt Jen that I didn’t need breasts, they would just get me in trouble, and that it was a blessing that I lost them,” she said as her tears started to roll down her cheeks in droves. Karson’s hand squeezed hers as he leaned into her, kissing her temple. She took the strength he offered and ignored the look of distaste from her father as she continued. “But I needed them, I needed to feel like a woman, and you took that chance away from me.”

She watched as her father looked away and couldn’t believe that he couldn’t even look her in the eyes. He did everything she had said. This was his doing; what did he have to be embarrassed about if he thought it was right?

“Then I met Karson, Dad, and he made me feel like a woman again. I tried to push him away, but he kept coming, and finally I let him in.” Looking up at Karson, she brought his hand to her chest and then smiled sweetly at him. “I’ve never in all my life felt as loved as I do when I am locked in his gaze, but then you took that away from me too. You scared him away, manipulated him, and for the last nine years, I’ve been empty. So please, explain to me, how were you doing what was right for me?”

Her dad met her gaze, and he shrugged his shoulders. “I did what I thought was best, and maybe I didn’t do right by you with the cancer thing, but you have to understand I was scared.”

“Really, Dad?” Grady asked. “Is this true?”

“Leave it be, Grady,” he snapped before looking back at Lacey, “I’d just lost your mother; I didn’t want to lose you too.”

“I beat the cancer, Dad, and you continually treated me like I was helpless in that bed, bald with no idea how to care for myself. Then when I was starting to get better and get back to me, you wouldn’t approve the one thing I needed to feel like a woman, like I belonged.”

Her father shook her head, glaring. “The point is moot. It’s over, Lacey. But this, this is not over, and that man is not what’s best for you. If he was able to leave you once, he’ll leave again.”

“No, I won’t,” Karson said with a shake of his head. “Nothing will ever come between us again.”

Her dad shook his head, his face still so full of anger, and she honestly didn’t understand it. Why couldn’t he just accept Karson? He wasn’t going anywhere.

“There is no talking to you when he is around,” her father spat as he stood. “Why don’t you just leave?” Nate yelled at him, and Lacey rolled her eyes.

“In your dreams,” Karson said and Lacey could see the fire in his eyes.

“Do you hear this? Do you see the way this trash treats your family?” he said, pointing and looking at Karson like he was the vilest thing on the face of the planet.

“You have yet to refer to him as my husband or by his name, so yeah, I think he is taking this pretty well. Lord knows I don’t deserve someone to be this patient with my circus of a family.”

“You’re more than worth it,” Karson said, and her heart warmed as she met his gaze. “I can deal with anything as long as I can be with you.”

“I’m not going anywhere without you,” she promised.

“So this is what you chose? Over your family?” her father demanded, causing her brow to furrow. She looked at Grady. Why, she wasn’t sure, maybe for support, but he was looking at the ground, his brows brought in as he slowly shook his head.

“I chose him to be my husband, but it’s not one or the other for me. Why are you making this into a choice? Can’t you just support us?”

“Absolutely not, it’s a choice. It’s me or that.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Karson asked dubiously as Lacey’s heart pounded in her chest. Surely he was just talking out of his ass, because who would do that to their daughter?

But when Nate Martin met her gaze, his eyes told her he wasn’t playing around. “No, make a choice, Lacey, your family or him.”

“No, Lacey, I know how much they mean to you. I want to be with you, I do, but family is important,” Karson said softly. “I don’t want to lose you, though. There has to be another way. Why would you do this to her?” Karson asked her father.

“Because I hate you.”

“What the fuck did I do to you? I love her, that’s all. I promise I can take care of her.”

“You are worthless and don’t deserve someone so gorgeous and amazing.”

“You’re right, but she loves me too, and I can make her happy. Don’t make her choose; that’s just wrong,” Karson said with a shake of his head.

“Stop,” she said, swallowing around the lump in her throat. She looked over at Grady, but he wouldn’t look at her. Still she asked, “Does this go for you too? Are you going to keep the boys from me?”

Nate glared at Grady, but he ignored him, shaking his head. “No, Lacey, you can come see the boys. I don’t agree with what he is saying.”

“Oh, you don’t?” her father asked incredulously.

Grady shook his head. “No, Dad, I don’t. Yeah, we both think she is making a mistake. But she’s right—we never got to make mistakes because you didn’t let us do anything. And I’m getting to the point with you where I really don’t know who you are,” he seethed.

Nate brows came up. “Is that right?”

“Yeah. I don’t know why you are hell-bent on ruining her, but I refuse to keep my family and myself from my sister because she is married to some douche. I don’t have to deal with him, but I want to deal with my sister.”

“So you want her to leave?” Nate asked incredulously.

“No, Dad, I don’t, but I also don’t want to lose all contact with her,” he said, tearing his gaze off their father and to Lacey. “So yeah, after you are all packed and ready, come on over to the house. I know Rachel will want to say goodbye. I’m sure you’ll have to figure things out too with Lacey’s Lace.”

“Yeah, I’ll call you. Thank you, Grady.”

He nodded, but she didn’t miss the tears in his eyes. He then headed for the door, calling to their father, “I’ll be in the car.”

Her father ignored him and glared at Karson before meeting Lacey’s tear-filled gaze. She didn’t understand this. Why was he being such an asshole? “So you are choosing him then?”

As much as she didn’t want this to happen, there really wasn’t another choice. She loved her father. Even with all his antics, he was her father, but she refused to be treated as if she couldn’t make her own decisions. She could and she would.

So ignoring the sob inside her, she said, “Yeah, Dad. I choose Karson.”

When the door slammed, Lacey bit her lip to keep it from wobbling. How could her own father do this to her? What kind of person makes their daughter choose between two people she loves without even a second thought? But above all, did she make the right choice?

Of course you did, she thought, but that didn’t stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks and into her mouth. Swallowing her sob, since she didn’t want to worry Karson, she closed her eyes tightly just as his arms wrapped around her from behind. When he kissed the back of her head, she let go. Turning in his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck and just cried. Her body shook from her sobs, and she held on to him as if he was a life preserver and she was drowning. If a way, she was. In her own tears and pain.

The only comforting thought was she knew Karson would never let go.

Squeezing her eyes tight, she wished her mother were here. She would have supported Lacey¸ loved her, and would never have made her choose. Even when her father was hard on her, she would take Lacey somewhere and just love her. There was something about her mother’s love that made everything better. It was sort of like Karson’s love. Even with the heartbreaking ultimatum her father gave her, in Karson’s arms, surrounded by his love, Lacey knew that everything was going to be okay.

Kissing her temple, he whispered, “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I really am.”

“It’s not your fault,” she whispered. “It’s his.”

He nodded slowly, kissing her jaw as he tightened his arms around her. “What do you want me to do?”

A sob fell from her lips as her body shook. He was too good to her. What man stood beside someone who had a demonic family? Especially when he had the dream family that everyone wished for. The Kings loved and they loved hard, while all Lacey’s family did was hate. It was so ridiculous, and she really didn’t understand why this was going down the way it was.

“Just hold me for a little bit longer, and then I’ll wipe away my tears and we’ll pack.”

“We don’t have to pack, honey. We can delay everything if you want,” he suggested, but she shook her head quickly.

“No,” she whispered, pulling her head back and looking into his eyes. “I’m ready to start our life.”

“Me too,” he said softly. “But I don’t want you to do this all upset. Maybe you need some time to really hash this out.”

Her head cocked to the side as her eyes held his. “Karson, I’ve hashed and I’m good. Are you having second thoughts?”

He scoffed. “Fuck no, sweetheart. I want to take you home but—”

“No but,” she said, leaving his embrace. “Take me home, Karson. I’m yours.”

“It’s just I don’t like that he made you choose,” he said as she turned to go down the hall. Looking over her shoulder, she shrugged.

“Me either. But I made the right choice.”

A grin pulled at his lips as he nodded. “No pressure, eh?”

She smiled for the first time in hours and nodded. “None. You got this.”

Reaching for her, he took her in his arms and dipped her back, looking down at her. “I do and I always will.”

“Good,” she said, threading her fingers through his hair. “Now, let’s pack this apartment, and then go to my office and pack that before going to say bye to my nephews. Then, Mr. King, you are taking me home.”

Leaning down, he touched his lips to hers, not in a kiss but as a presence. His lips were so warm and powerful, while his eyes still were filled with worry. She wanted nothing more than to erase it. She didn’t want him to worry about something that couldn’t be changed. Her father had made the choice that he did, and he would have to live with that decision. While, yes, she was going to miss her father, she also realized that she might be a little happier not worrying about every step she took. Constantly asking herself if this would piss him off or if he would be calling within seconds to bitch her out. She was finally free, and while she was sad, she was also okay with it. She had Karson. What else did she need?

Holding her face in his hands, bringing her attention back to him, Karson whispered, “That is a great idea, Mrs. King.”

Later that afternoon, after getting everything packed in her apartment that she was taking, they headed to Lacey’s office where they packed up what she’d need from her office. Karson was beyond helpful but also curious, and Lacey loved that. She loved that he asked so much about the business and looked like a kid in a candy store as he snooped around the shop, holding up pieces and asking her to model them for him. Lucky for him, she owned every piece in the shop and promised to wear them for him every night. That seemed to please him immensely.

After packing everything up, he said that whatever house they got would have to have a big enough office for her to do the work she needed to. It meant a lot to her that he supported her so much because this business had been her lover for the last six years. As she stood in the middle of the shop, looking around at the soft teal and white walls with racks of lingerie and white shelves that held bras for all types of women and the drawers full of sexy panties, her eyes got a little misty. She’d built this store from the ground up and now she was leaving.

It was insane.

She had spent over eighty hours a week there. Working on mock-ups for new lingerie and then working hard to get more donations for her foundation for young women with breast cancer. Would she work as much as she had? She had a husband now. Would she live and breathe her job, or would she finally have a reason to get up from behind the desk? She knew the answer, and while it was bittersweet, she was going to miss this place.

When Karson’s hand slid into hers, he asked, “You okay?”

She smiled as she mentally shook herself out of her moment. She wanted this. She wanted Karson and happiness. Everything else would fall into place; she was sure of it. Squeezing his hand, she nodded before leading him back to her office so she could gather a few more things. Looking back at him, she said, “It’s weird to leave this place. I practically lived in this shop for the first three years it was open.”

“It’s a beautiful shop. You’ve done amazing.” When she grinned over at him from behind her desk, he asked, “Have you considered opening a new shop somewhere else? For example, Nashville?”

Her heart skipped a beat at that question. She had always wanted to do that, but she had never lived anywhere else and had never had the chance to expand. It was mainly fear that had held her back, but now, the possibilities were endless.

As she told him that, he smiled and said, “You do now.”

Her grin grew as she nodded slowly. “Maybe.”

That seemed to please him because within seconds, he was behind her desk, his lips crashing against hers, taking her breath away. She loved how into her career he was. He wanted to know everything and constantly told her how impressed he was. It was so fulfilling and perfect. Holding on to each other, they kissed for what seemed like ever before they came up for air, gazing into each other’s desire-filled eyes.

Smiling, he said, “You are lucky we have more shit to do, or I would ravish you against this desk.”

What a wonderful idea, she thought.

“Mm,” she moaned against his lips, moving her hips against his. “Who said we don’t have time for a quickie?”

He smirked. “I don’t do quickies,” he stated. “And plus, you have employees less than ten feet from us. They will hear you screaming my name, and then we’ll be the talk of the week.”

“Maybe I want to be the talk of the week,” she said, waggling her eyebrows at him, causing him to chuckle. “Want to do me on the desk?”

He stared into her eyes for a good long while before pushing her back against the desk. Watching her as her chest rose and fell, he slowly pulled her leggings down before lifting her hips and sitting her bare ass on the desk. Running his hands along her thighs, his eyes burned into hers. Her breathing picked up as she inched herself toward his hand, wanting him to feel her and take away all the stress of the craptastic day her dad had caused. She wanted to forget everything but her love for him. Forget her dad and her nerves about the move and her new life. She just wanted to forget.

Stopping right along the heat between her legs, he smiled. “The door is open.”

She looked behind her and then back at him, a look of horror on her face. “Close it!”

He laughed as he jumped over the desk and then quickly to the door, shutting and locking it before returning to her the way he left. Grabbing her desk chair, he sat down and then rolled up between her legs. She gasped for breath because honestly, it was beyond hot to see her husband between her legs in a chair as he was about to feast on her, his eyes dark and dangerous. She watched as he moved her legs over his shoulders before dropping his mouth to her already dripping wet pussy. Biting into her lip, she closed her eyes as her head fell back, his tongue sliding up and down the slit of her hot center. Holding on to the edge of the desk, she held in her cries, not an easy feat, as Karson took away every single stress in her body.

Arching her back, she pressed herself into his mouth, rubbing her clit against his teeth as his fingers bit into her thighs. Sucking her clit into his mouth, he swirled his tongue around it, driving her completely mad. Crying out, she slammed her hand over her mouth as he tortured her in the most delectable way. Sucking in a deep breath, she bit into her palm as he slowly licked the length of her, dipping his tongue inside her while his thumb pressed into her clit. Her body quivered beneath his touch, her thighs aching from holding them open, while her body tightened with each pass of his tongue.

“Oh my God, Karson,” she cried, not caring one bit that her employees might hear her over the music that played in the shop.

“Oh no, you don’t,” he said, removing his mouth from her pussy and standing up.

“Huh?” she gasped as her legs fell from his shoulders and hung lifeless over the desk’s edge.

“You’re going to come on my dick,” he demanded, unbuttoning his jeans and throwing them down, his cock springing out toward her.

Reaching out, she ran her thumb along the tip of him before taking ahold of him, her eyes locked with his as she directed him inside her. He went easy; she was dripping with arousal, and he filled her completely to the hilt. He pushed into her and she fell back on the desk as he slid up her shirt, kissing up her stomach and between her breasts as he slowly moved in and out of her, shaking the desk with the strength of each of his thrusts. Snaking her legs around his waist, she held on as he slowly and thoroughly fucked her into oblivion. When he leaned back, thrusting ever so perfectly into her, her eyes met his and her heart exploded with love for him.

“I love you,” she whispered, her eyes stinging with tears.

She never cried during sex, that was insane, but there was just such a connection between them. It was beautiful and perfect. So them. She’d never felt like this, and she knew that she never would again. This was it. Karson had always been the one. Her heart.

“I love you too,” he said roughly as his thrusts slowed and his fingers dug into her hips. Letting go of her hip with one hand, he brought his fingers into his mouth, getting them wet before moving them between their bodies to find her clit. Her body seized with the first touch, her legs locking up as he ruthlessly fingered the hell out of her clit. Moving his fingers quickly over her taut nub, his whole arm shaking with the motion, it didn’t take long before she came so hard she saw lights and her whole body went stiff.

Groaning loudly, Karson took ahold of her hips, and she was convinced he was going to knock the whole desk over, he was pounding into her so hard. And man, did she love every second of it. Digging her nails into his forearms, she squeezed him tightly with her body as he rocked her world. When he stilled, filling her completely with his own orgasm, she watched his beautiful face as he came with her name on his lips.

It sure was a sight to see.

She then slowly ran her hand down his chest, gasping for breath as her lovely husband did the same. Falling on top of her, he gathered her in his arms, kissing her neck, her jaw before meeting his mouth to hers. As his weight squished her into the desk, her eyes fell shut and she couldn’t have thought of a better way to let go of the stress she was holding on to.

When his lips met her jaw, he said, “I think this was a great way to leave this place.”

Her body shook with giggles as she nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Man, his wife rocked his world.

After their hot little encounter in her office, he loaded her things in the car as she said goodbye to her employees. He couldn’t help but notice how red she was as she said bye in such an awkward way, and he planned to tease her ruthlessly about it later. She was just too damn cute, but man, so successful. The whole time they were there, people were coming in and out, dropping loads of money and also saying how much her stuff meant to them. It was a beautiful, proud moment for him, watching her in her element, and he decided that his wife was a fucking badass.

When the car was loaded and his nose was frozen off, he couldn’t help but be ready to go back to Nashville. Not only was it colder than Frosty’s balls in Chicago, but it was full of people who didn’t care one bit for him. He was ready to get his bride home, no matter how the guilt ate at his chest. He really couldn’t understand what Nate Martin’s issue was, but he hated more than anything that he had made Lacey choose. He really didn’t get it, and at that moment, like he always did, he thanked the good Lord above for his family.

They were a circus of crazy, but they were his and they loved him, no matter what. Lacey may have lost her dad during all this, but at least Grady came around. Plus she was also gaining a family of clowns that would love her more than face paint and red noses. Hell, he would love her enough for a billion lifetimes. He wanted to be happy she chose him, but something told him that even though Nate had cut Lacey off, he wasn’t done. That man always got what he wanted. But so did Karson. So this was bound to be very interesting, to say the least. He wanted to believe he’d won, but Nate had taken Lacey away once before and that worried him.

Slamming the door to Lacey’s car, he ran back inside, kicking his feet to get the snow off, but he also gained the attention of everyone in the store. Lacey’s face was bright as she said, “And this is the reason I am moving to Nashville. My husband, Karson.”

A younger lady stood in front of Lacey, her eyes full of tears as she tried to smile, but it obvious she was upset. She was a skinny little thing, couldn’t be taller than 5’3”. Her eyes were a soft brown, and she wore a knit cap to cover her bald head. She was beautiful, and it killed him to know that she was fighting a battle that so many fought every day. He hated cancer with a passion and instantly felt for the girl. Clearing her throat, the girl said, “As much as it’s nice to meet you, I can’t believe you are taking our Lacey away.”

Karson smiled as he walked toward the two ladies. “I promise to take care of her.”

“Oh, I can see you will. She is a whole different person standing in front of me, and I know that is because of you. But she means so much to this city. To us cancer girls.” Her voice broke with the last sentence.

Lacey’s eyes filled with tears as she took the girl’s hand. “Karson, this is Bethany Williams.”

Karson held out his hand, taking her small one in it and squeezing it tightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too,” she said, wiping away her tears. “I hate that you are leaving. It’s so sudden!”

“Yeah, that’s the crazy thing about love. He came, he saw, he took me to Vegas, and put a ring on it,” she said with a goofy grin that hit him hard in the chest.

“I’m so happy for you,” Bethany said, squeezing Lacey’s hand. “I just wish you could stay here, only for my selfish needs, of course.”

Lacey smiled fondly. “Facebook and texting will be our friend. I’ll be flying back a lot too. Don’t worry.”

“Okay, I guess I can let you leave me as long as you answer my crying calls.”

Lacey nodded. “I promise. A couple states can’t keep me from always being there for you.”

“Thank you,” she said, hugging Lacey tightly. It was very moving to see how much Lacey obviously loved the woman. He wanted to know who she was, what her story was, and planned to get all the information once they were alone. When Bethany let Lacey go, she set Karson with a look that meant she wasn’t joking around. “You make sure she is always happy. She’s a different person when she smiles.”

“I plan to do just that,” Karson promised, and his chest tightened when both women gave him a wide smile.

Wrapping an arm around Lacey, Bethany said, “Good, she deserves it.”

Karson couldn’t agree more.

After a tearful goodbye, and once they were in the car, Karson looked over at Lacey as he started the car and asked, “You okay?”

She nodded with a grin. “Yeah, I’ll miss everyone but I’m good.”

“Good,” he said, squeezing the steering wheel. “So who was that?”

“Bethany?”

“Yeah.”

She smiled, wiping her face with a tissue. Her makeup was smeared across her face, but to him, she was gorgeous. Hell, she was magnificent no matter what. “I love her so much. She is only eighteen and has had breast cancer since she was sixteen. They thought they had it all, but it came back and she had a mastectomy about six months ago.”

“That sucks,” Karson said as he pulled out into traffic and then going the direction that Siri was telling him to go.

“Yeah, her boyfriend left her when it happened, and she was devastated. I met her through the girls’ group I am in.”

“Girls’ group?”

“Yeah, I have a foundation that I started, and one of the perks of being a part of it is free counseling. It’s once a week and I go to the last meeting a month, just to check on the girls.”

He smiled. He knew all about her foundation and all the good it did. He was a proud sponsor, but she didn’t know that. No one knew. “So I’m pretty sure I need to buy a private plane for you so you can come to Chicago as much as you need to.”

She laughed. “Please, I can take Southwest. I’m fine, but thank you. That’s sweet.”

He shot her a grin as she went on, “But anyway, back to Bethany, she was a quiet girl from the start, but somehow we became friends. Then after she got her breast implants, I started making pieces to help her feel girly. It’s hard not having nipples, and sometimes girls don’t know how to accept it. Thankfully, every girl I’ve helped loves herself now. That was my goal when I started, and I’ve done pretty well at it.”

“That’s amazing, baby,” he said softly. “I’m very proud of you.”

Her cheeks reddened as she smiled a true smile. “I am very passionate about the things I love. Helping people is something I strive for because I didn’t have that. I didn’t love myself until you came along.”

That simple sentence meant more than she’d ever realize. As his chest constricted, he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You blow me away, Lacey. Really.”

“Thanks,” she said softly just as they pulled into the Martin residence. “I’m nervous.”

Karson looked over at her and squeezed her hand. “It’s going to be fine.”

“Rachel is going to lose it and, ugh, I hate to leave the boys.”

“We will come visit whenever you want.”

She nodded with a grin. “I know, but it’s hard to say goodbye.”

“But it’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later. You’re not leaving for forever, Lacey.”

Her grin grew as she leaned over, kissing his jaw. “You are my favorite person.”

“Awesome, ’cause you’re mine,” he said with a wink. “Come on, let’s go say bye.”

Jumping out of the car, Karson went around to retrieve his wife before they rushed to get out of the cold. Opening the door, Lacey led Karson in, and then two little boys who looked just like Grady attacked her. It was kind of freaky, and he wondered if Rachel had anything to do with the boys. She must have been just a carrier because those boys were Grady through and through.

“Auntie Lacey, you’re moving?” one of them asked, the taller of the two.

“Yeah, buddy, but I’ll visit all the time,” she said, bending down and hugging them both close to her.

“But we don’t want you to go,” the smaller one said with his lip out.

“You won’t even know I’m gone. You two are starting hockey soon and are so busy with school. When summer comes, maybe I can convince Mom and Dad to let you guys come stay with me and Karson.”

Saying his name must have brought attention to him because both boys’ heads whipped back to look at him. Standing, Lacey wrapped her arms around his waist and said, “This is my husband, Karson. Karson, these fine, strapping boys are my nephews, Flynn and Zander.”

“Hey, guys,” Karson said, fist-bumping both of them. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You play hockey?” Flynn asked and Karson nodded.

“I do, for the Assassins.”

“Ew, that team is wack,” Zander said with a look of disgust on his face. “You chose the wrong team.”

“Did I?” Karson scoffed.

“For sure, the only team in the NHL that’s worth anything is the Blackhawks,” Flynn said, crossing his arms across his chest, looking so much like Grady it was scary. “My daddy plays for the Hawks.”

“I know who your daddy is, and didn’t we just beat your team the other night?” Karson asked, poking fun at the little hard-ass.

“Sure, but didn’t we beat you for the Cup two years ago?” he asked with a smug little grin. “And don’t we have more Cups than years you guys have even been a franchise?”

Little shit.

Glaring, Karson nodded. “Touché.”

“Well, then,” Lacey said, taking Karson’s hand and messing Flynn’s hair up, a nervous laugh coming from her. “My nephew is sort of hard-core about his hockey, just like his daddy. And, by the way, where are the parental folks?”

“Kitchen. Mom is acting crazy about something.”

“Great,” Lacey muttered before grinning at the boys. “All right, go watch TV. I’ll visit with you in a few.”

The boys ran off and they followed them through the massive and gorgeous home. It looked straight out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, done very modern. He remembered Rachel being very OCD, and by the looks of the house, that was still very much in play. Nothing was out of place. There were no toys, no nothing. It was impeccable, not something he was used to. He loved a house to look like it was a home. Lived-in. Not a showroom.

Reaching the huge, state-of-the-art kitchen, they found Grady and Rachel leaning against the butcher-block island.

“Hey,” Lacey said with a wave, but both of them just stared at her. It was a little awkward. Wringing her hands together, Lacey said, “Okay, do you want me to go in there with the boys? Why are you two looking at me like that?”

“No. Hey, how are you?” Rachel said, coming over and hugging her tightly. “Sorry, I just don’t know why this is happening.”

“Because I got married,” Lacey said as they parted. “You remember Karson.”

“Of course,” she said, meeting Karson’s gaze. She didn’t look pleased to see him, and he didn’t understand that. They were cool back in the day.

“Beautiful as always and awesome home,” he said with a grin. “It’s great to see you.”

“Thanks,” she said before turning her gaze to Lacey. “Please don’t go.”

Well, then.

Lacey shook her head and then said, “He makes me happy, Rachel. Don’t ask me to do something I can’t do.”

“But we make you happy.”

“You do, but I have to follow my heart. Don’t you want me to be happy? You, out of everyone, you know how unhappy I’ve been.”

Karson watched as Rachel’s eyes filled with tears and then she nodded slowly. “I know.”

“Yeah, so please be happy for me,” Lacey pleaded.

“I am,” she said quietly. “But that doesn’t mean I agree with it, or that I don’t think you are making the biggest mistake of your life.”

Moving his hand to the small of her back, he watched as Lacey’s eyes glazed over with tears, but she didn’t allow them to fall. Taking in a deep breath, she looked up at him and smiled. “You’re supposed to be my best friend.”

“I am, but this is insane. You are going to regret this.”

Lacey slowly shook her head. “Okay, then. Karson, let’s go sit with the boys for a little bit and then we’ll go.”

He nodded, but he could see the devastation in her eyes. He was sure she thought that Rachel would be on her side, and it destroyed him that her best friend wasn’t there for her. What was wrong with all these people? Lacey was the light in the sky for him. The missing piece to his heart. He loved her with all the bones in his body, unconditionally; why didn’t they? Had she really been living with only these kinds of people? What happened to loving someone, no matter what?

Turning back to Rachel, she said, “We have to get back to the apartment for the movers and then dinner reservations and also an early flight to catch. So excuse us.”

“What about the business, Lacey?”

“What about it? I’ll run it from Nashville. Nothing will change.”

“Just that you won’t be there.”

“I’m a flight and a phone call away. It will be fine.”

“I sure do hope so. You’re throwing everything away.”

“I am doing no such thing.”

“The business will suffer.”

“Over my dead body,” Karson said, receiving a look that told him to shut up from Rachel. Too bad he didn’t listen well.

“He is clouding your judgment.”

“Rachel, let it go,” Grady muttered, his eyes locked on the side of her face. “She is an adult.”

Lacey nodded toward Grady. “Listen to your husband because you have no clue what you are talking about. We are done here,” she said, setting her with a look. “Now, excuse us.”

She laced her fingers with his and they walked toward the living room, but when she stopped in the hall, away from the kitchen and living room, Karson wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. Her body was so tense and rigid with emotion.

“They will come around,” he whispered against her cheek. “I’ll prove that this wasn’t a mistake.”

“We will,” she whispered back, sucking in a deep breath.

“Huh?”

“We will prove that it wasn’t. We are in this together, like you’ve said from the beginning,” she said, meeting his gaze.

“You’re right. Don’t worry.”

Nodding slowly, she bit into her lip and met his gaze. “Give me a few minutes with the kids and then I’ll be ready.”

“I’m ready when you are. Take as much time as you need,” he said, threading his fingers in the back of her hair.

When a tear leaked out of her eye, he caught it, wiping it away before kissing the spot he had just rubbed. “Thank you.”

“Always,” he whispered before kissing her forehead. “Now go on.”

She sent him a weak grin before turning and heading to where her nephews sat. As he watched her, he knew this was a huge risk for her. Leaving her family, her business, and starting over somewhere new. He just hoped when she remembered this time, all the pain and heartache caused by choosing him, she would think it was all worth it.

That he wasn’t a mistake.

It felt good to be home.

With his hand locked with Lacey’s, they made their way through the Nashville airport with ease. It was an earlier flight, so it wasn’t that busy, thankfully. Karson needed to get Lacey back to his apartment because he had to hit the ice with the Assassins by seven a.m., which meant he had an hour. Having hired a car service, Karson helped Lacey in before getting in himself. He was dragging ass a little. He had spent most the night making sure she slept well. After leaving Rachel and Grady’s, Lacey was a mess. She cried the whole way home and it killed Karson.

He just couldn’t grasp what the fuck the Martins’ problem was. Didn’t they realize how much they were hurting her? And if they did, what assholes! Who hurts someone whom they allegedly love? It was insane and drove him up the wall with irritation, but he couldn’t change it. He couldn’t make it better, and that left him feeling lost.

Once they got back to her apartment last night, she cried for a little longer and then finally fell asleep. As he watched her tear-streaked face as she slept, guilt ate away at him. Maybe this was a bad idea? He was uprooting her from her home, everything she knew, and taking her somewhere brand-spanking-new. What if she got to Nashville and hated it? It petrified him to the core, but that morning when she woke with a bright smile, he figured maybe it would be okay. He wasn’t going to let her family ruin her homecoming. He was going to make this the best he could. Or die trying. He wouldn’t see his wife cry anymore. He refused to.

Sitting back in the car, he smiled over at her. “Isn’t that cold here, huh?”

“No, it’s bearable,” she said with a big grin. Ever since they’d landed in Nashville, her grin could light a room and it warmed him to the soul. The excitement was coming off her in waves, and he couldn’t wait to show her the city, to make this city her home. He just wished he could get rid of the guilt.

“So where are we going?” she asked, lacing her fingers with his.

“My apartment.”

“Cool.”

“Yeah, then I have to go to morning practice. Sorry to leave you when we just got here.”

“It’s fine,” she said, waving him off. “I think I’m going to take a nap. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Yeah, how are you feeling?”

She shrugged. “Tired but excited. This is a new start.”

“A great one.”

“For sure. So you go to practice, I’ll be waiting for you when you get back.”

“Awesome. I’ll be back before you know it. You won’t even miss me,” he said, kissing her temple.

Looking up at him, she gave him a sneaky grin. “Of course I will.”

He kissed her lips then, basking in the feel of her sweet lips against his before snuggling her close. The ride to his apartment was short, and when they arrived, he hurried her inside after paying the driver. Throwing the door open, he carried their bags to his room, tossing them down on the ground. The movers would be there later that afternoon, and he wasn’t sure where he was going to put all her things, but they would figure all that out later. He only had thirty minutes to get to the rink and get ready. He hated to leave her, but he really had no choice. He had to go.

Coming back into the living room, he found her wide-eyed as she looked around his dump of an apartment. It was nice when it was clean, but, unfortunately, clean was the last word to describe his little apartment at the moment.

“In my defense, if I had known before I left to go to Chicago that I would find the love of my life, marry her, and then bring her home, I would have cleaned.”

She laughed nervously. “This is disgusting, Karson.”

He looked around at all the takeout containers, pizza boxes, and beer cans. Along with that, there was equipment everywhere, and yeah, it looked like a bachelor pad for sure. There were even Playboys sitting on the table with a bottle of lotion and a box of tissues. There was also a smell. When her eyes settled on the tools of male masturbation, his face turned red.

“I promise I’ll clean when I get back. My room is clean.”

She laughed. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “The sheets are clean and everything. I usually sleep on the couch.”

“Okay,” she said, slowly shaking her head, her eyes still grazing all over the room and then the kitchen, which was ten times worse. Fuck him, why didn’t he call JT to clean or something? Oh, he was too busy getting married and having lots of mind-blowing sex.

When another nervous giggle came from his bride, he looked up as she said, “My hands are twitching. I want to clean.”

He laughed before coming toward her. “Please don’t. It’s my mess, I’ll get it clean.”

Kissing her lips, he brought her in against his strong chest, his mouth devouring hers and hoping to distract her from his disaster of an apartment. When they parted, since he knew that time was against him, he smiled against her lips. Looking into her sweet green eyes, he was mesmerized by them as his chest ached. She really came home with him. She was really married to him. She was his. They were going to do this.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he said, his voice rough with emotion for this gorgeous woman.

She smiled, her cheeks warming with color as she slowly moved her fingers through the stubble on his jaw. “I love you, even if you are messier than hell.”

He chuckled before kissing her nose and then letting her go. “I’ll call you before I come home in case you’re hungry or something.”

“Sounds good. Bye, have a good practice.”

“Thanks, babe,” he said, flashing her a grin before running out the door. Something about saying goodbye to her as he left for practice really pleased him. While he didn’t want to leave her, he liked that she kissed him goodbye and wished him well.

It was real, married people shit, and he liked that. A lot.

Rushing to the arena, he couldn’t stop thinking of Lacey. He worried about her being alone but then pushed that aside. His lady was strong, and he had no doubt that she could take care of herself. He wouldn’t even be gone that long, and then he and JT would clean the shit out of that apartment, get ready for the delivery of her stuff, and then he would need to call the Realtor to find them a house. While he loved that his apartment was so close to the arena and everything else he needed, it wasn’t big enough for Lacey and her office and then him and JT.

Arriving at the arena, he looked at the line of cars of his teammates and knew he was late.

“Fucking hell,” he said, rushing to park his truck before sprinting toward the door. The last teammate always did extra laps per Shea Adler’s rules. While Karson could probably use the extra cardio since the only cardio he had been doing was sex, he really wasn’t in the mood. When he entered the locker room though to see all his teammates, almost all dressed, he knew that laps were in his future.

“Thirty extra laps,” Shea said as he passed Karson. “Welcome back, by the way.”

“Thanks, Cap,” Karson said, his shoulders falling. Everyone chuckled and razzed him as he headed toward his locker, shaking hands with the men who were not only his teammates, but his brothers.

When he got to his locker, JT glared at him. “Hey, fucker.”

Chuckling, Karson said, “Good to see you too.”

“Whatever, asshole. Where have you been? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Karson said, pulling his shirt off as he toed out of his sneakers. “Everything is great.”

“What happened?” JT asked, annoyed. “Obviously, I’m not asking to get some generic answer.”

Setting him with a look, Karson said, “Aren’t you a ray of sunshine this morning?”

“Fuck you, where have you been?”

Karson really need to reevaluate his relationship with his asshole, but meeting his best friend’s gaze, he could tell that there was genuine worry in his eyes.

“Aw, Jordie Thomas cares about me,” Karson teased, batting his eyes, but that just pissed JT off more.

“King, stop fucking around,” he warned and Karson laughed.

“I got married,” he said like it wasn’t that big a deal, even though he knew it was.

Talking stopped around him as thirty pair of eyes cut to him.

Apperently none of them saw his facebook.

“What?” JT asked. “Did you say you got married?”

“Yeah,” Karson said with a grin, dropping his pants and boxers before putting on his underwear that had his cup built into it. He should have felt weird with the whole team staring at him with his cock out, but he was in a hurry to get ready.

“To who?” Phillip Anderson asked. “I didn’t think you were seeing anyone.”

“I wasn’t,” Karson said, pulling his body armor shirt on. “I dated her about ten years ago, we met up in Chicago, flew out to Vegas, and got married.”

“’Cause that’s something sane people do,” Erik Titov said, receiving a few laughs.

Karson chuckled as he nodded. “Sane people don’t push away the mother of their child when they love her, but who’s judging?” Karson said, and that shut Erik right up.

“For real?” JT asked. “You really did it?”

Holding up his hand that held a black metal wedding band, he grinned. “Sure did.”

“Holy shit,” JT gasped with a shake of his head.

“Well, I guess congratulations are in order then.” Shea’s voice boomed through the locker room. Holding up his Gatorade bottle, he said, “To King’s new marriage.”

“To King,” the whole room toasted and Karson smiled in appreciation.

Then Shea said, “We’ll have to go for beers one night. First round’s on me.”

“I’d like that, thanks, Cap.”

“No problem. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

“She’s amazing.”

Shea laughed. “She has to be to get you to fly to Vegas to marry her.”

Karson’s face warmed as he nodded. Bending down, he taped up his socks just as Coach yelled, “Did King finally decide to show up to play?”

Karson’s head snapped up and he said, “I’m here, Coach.”

“My office, now!”

Oh shit.

“Ha, you’re in trouble,” JT teased as he laced up his skates.

“Fuck off, Thomas,” he said as he followed his coach into his office, his stomach churning with nerves. What did he do? Elli said he was good until today. Was he not? Fuck!

Shutting the door behind him, he fell into a chair in front of his coach’s desk as Coach Baxter filled his cup with coffee. “Have a nice vacation?”

Karson squirmed in his seat. “Wasn’t really a vacation. I got married.”

“Oh,” he said with a nod. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Looking over at Karson, he said, “You can’t take off for four days and expect me to play you the minutes I was.”

“I wouldn’t think it, sir. I know I have to earn my spot back.”

“Good, tear that ice up this morning, show the guys that you deserve it,” he said sternly as he dropped his weight into his chair, it squeaking from his size. “I don’t like not playing one of my star defensemen.”

Compliments didn’t come from Coach Baxter so that surprised Karson and caused a grin to come across his lips.

“Yes, sir,” Karson agreed with a nod, and then started to get up but stopped when Coach continued.

“Now, the reason I called you in here,” he said slowly and Karson’s heart dropped. He thought they were done. Slowly lowering himself back in the chair, he met his coach’s gaze as he asked, “Why the fuck is Nate Martin telling me to bench you?”

You’ve got to be kidding me, Karson thought as he let out a long breath.

“I married his daughter,” he said simply. “In Vegas, and he’s never really liked me.”

“You married Lacey? Wow, shit, she’s a good girl,” Coach said with a nod.

“That’s why I married her,” Karson said, his grin back.

Coach laughed. “Yeah, well, now you’ve pissed off Nate Martin, and he’s probably the craziest mother-trucker I know.”

“Yeah, not the ideal father–in-law.”

“Not in the least,” Coach scoffed. “Okay, well, I told him to shove it. You are my best defenseman aside from Shea, so he can kiss it. But watch yourself. That asshole will try to ruin you.”

Karson took the warning with a grin. “Yeah, but the only way he can do that is taking Lacey away.”

Coach’s brows shot up as he shook his head. “Newlyweds make me gag. Get the hell out of my office and go do your laps.”

Karson laughed as he did what his coach told him and went to finish getting ready. As he laced up his skates, his mind was flooded with thoughts of what Coach said.

That asshole will try to ruin you.

Yeah, he will, but Karson wouldn’t give him the chance. He had it good here in Nashville, and now that Lacey was with him, nothing could touch him. He felt invincible.

“So I guess you are moving out then?” JT asked from beside him as he taped up his stick.

“Yeah, I’m gonna call a Realtor today.”

“Sucks I’m losing my roommate.”

“I’m sure you’ll be okay with all that extra space to lay it down.”

JT grinned as he nodded. “Yeah, true.”

He grinned back as he stood to put on his shoulder pads. Looking over at Karson, JT asked, “You two are staying in the apartment until you move though?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t we?” Karson asked, his brows furrowing.

JT laughed. “Does Lacey know I live there?”

“Um, I think so. I don’t know, but thanks for leaving your shit out. She saw it.”

Shaking his head, JT laughed some more as Karson stood there, confused. How was this funny?

“Dude, she is going to be pissed,” he finally said.

“No, she was fine. I told her I’d clean it when I get back.”

“No, I mean about me living there too. I don’t know many women that want to share a place with her husband and his best friend.”

Karson thought for a moment. Had he told Lacey that JT was his roommate? Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “I’m sure it will be fine, and it’s temporary. No big deal.”

Right?

Lacey’s husband was a slob times two.

Instead of taking the nap she so desperately needed, she had spent the last three hours cleaning her new home. The things she found, smelled, and cleaned would forever be burned in her mind. She and Karson were going to have to have a long, long conversation about cleaning and his masturbation habits.

The tissues…the tissues.

Ugh, she thought as she shuddered with disgust while she washed her hands for the billionth time. Leaning against the sink, she took in her work. She had done really well. It looked like a brand-new apartment, and she was sure her hubby would be pleased with her work. Going to his—well, their—room, she undressed and then took a long shower to clean off all the germs she had collected. Even with the cleaning session from hell, she was still grinning.

She was in Nashville. With her husband. It was pretty freaking awesome, in her opinion. Her heart still hurt from the rejection of her family, especially Rachel’s, but she wouldn’t let that bother her. She was excited. Change sucked, it did; she knew this. When she lost her mom, it sucked. When she got cancer, it sucked even more. When she started college and was a mess, it sucked but it was bearable. When Karson left her, it sucked badly. Then she left for Nashville with her husband, and her family hated him and didn’t support them, and Lacey decided that that sucked the most.

She finally had all the love she wanted and needed, but that didn’t mean anything to her family. They decided they knew better and didn’t believe in her or her love with Karson. It was frustrating, to say the least, but she wasn’t going to let it ruin her. Not when she was starting a new life. Not when she finally had her chance at true happiness. She still prayed and prayed that Karson was right when he said they would come around. The only problem was that she wasn’t very confident in that. The Martin family was very stubborn.

When her phone rang, she wrapped a towel around herself and went into the bedroom where her phone sat on the bed. She expected it to be Karson, but to her surprise, it was Rachel. Her heart ached in her chest as she hit answer. Excitement filled her at the hope that her best friend was calling to apologize and to say how happy she was for Lacey. It was a long shot, but Lacey still thought it could happen.

Happily, she said, “Hello?”

“Hey, the mock-ups for the campaign came in. I am forwarding them to your email now. Do you have a second to talk them over?”

Her heart sank as she swallowed her sob. “Yeah, hold on, let me get my laptop and throw a shirt on,” she said before putting the phone down and getting dressed quickly. Finding her laptop and entering Karson’s Wi-Fi info from the Post-it note on the fridge, she hooked everything up before logging in to her email. Like Rachel said there would be, an email was waiting for her. Clicking it, she downloaded the files and looked over each of the photos.

She loved them.

“They are great,” she said as she brought the phone to her ear.

“Yeah, Grady threw a fit though and wants me Photoshopped out of them. I told him to shut it, though.”

“Oh, okay, are you sure?”

“Yeah, I love the pictures, and if these women can be brave enough, then I can. I think we all look incredible.”

“I agree,” Lacey said with a nod. “I’ll have to show them to Karson. I think he’ll like ’em.”

“Yeah,” she said offhandedly, slowly breaking Lacey’s heart. Where was her best friend who she would giggle with and talk with about boys? They were both married now; shouldn’t they be elated about that? This is what they always wanted, but now, because Lacey was married to someone they all thought was unacceptable, all their young-adult wishes were being ignored. It wasn’t fair. And really, Lacey didn’t think it was Karson. It was the fact that she left with him, that he took her away. Because of their selfish wishes of keeping her in the same state with them, they wouldn’t accept Karson. How shitty was that?

Clearing her throat, Rachel said, “So you approve?”

“Yeah, I’m good with them. It’s going to be a great campaign.”

“I think so too,” Rachel agreed. “I am going to send it to the marketing team, and I’ll have more mock-ups soon.”

“Sounds great, thank you. Good idea you had here.”

“Yeah, so I also forwarded you some other things that need to be signed and sent back.”

“Okay, I’ll do that in a bit. I need to blow-dry my hair.”

“Okay, talk to you soon,” Rachel said and then the line went dead.

Her best friend of ten years had just hung up on her.

Tears welled up in Lacey’s eyes as she slowly shook her head. Why would Rachel do that to her? Not only was it incredibly rude but also didn’t she have any kind of respect for Lacey? She guessed not. When her phone buzzed, she looked down to see a text from Karson.

Clicking it, it said:

Karson: Got a Realtor. Wanna go look at houses today?

Lacey: Yes, that is exactly what I need right now.

She smiled as a tear slowly slid down her cheek. Rachel could try to hurt her all she wanted, but Lacey wasn’t going to let her. She had someone who loved her and supported her; screw everyone else. She wasn’t going to fight for someone’s love and respect, not when she had always tried to do right to others. She deserved better than that, and if Rachel wanted to be a bitch, fine, Lacey would ignore her.

Karson: You okay?

Lacey: Rachel is a bitch.

Karson: I’m sorry, sweetheart.

Lacey: No biggie, when are you going to be home?

Karson: Leaving in 10.

Lacey: see you when you get here.

Karson: can’t wait.

She smiled again before laying her phone down and then opening the rest of the emails from Rachel. They were nothing major, so she digitally signed them quickly and sent them back before blow-drying her hair and curling it. She did her makeup and then got dressed for the day. She dressed lighter than she would have in Chicago, and that tickled her for some reason. She was so used to the cold, but it really wasn’t that bad in Nashville. It was actually sort of warm.

It was so exciting!

Unpacking her bags, she hung all her clothes and put away her shoes. There would be more boxes coming, and she wasn’t sure where they were going to put everything. The apartment wasn’t small, but it wasn’t big enough to hold all her stuff and then her office supplies. They really needed to find somewhere else to live. When the realization that they would be doing just that as soon as her husband came home set in, she had a little more pep in her step as she hung her clothes, thoughts of Rachel’s bitchiness a distant thought.

When she was done, she gathered Karson’s blue sheets and started for the laundry room. He may have said that they were clean, but just to be safe, she wanted to wash them herself. After starting the washer, she looked in the dryer and folded the clothes in there before starting back for their room when she noticed another room. How she hadn’t noticed this earlier was beyond her but it excited her. If Karson was okay with it, maybe she could set up her office in here until they bought their first home.

Grinning, she opened the door to find more mess and clutter, but that wasn’t what had her pausing. In the bed was a buck-naked woman with her legs wide open, giving Lacey a view that would haunt her in her dreams.

Gasping, she said, “What the hell?”

The girl stirred, but instead of waking up, she cuddled deeper into the bed as anger burned in Lacey’s veins. Who the fuck was that!

Slamming the door, hoping like hell it woke the damn bitch up, she stomped to Karson’s room for her phone to call him, but before she could reach it, the front door opened and Karson called out, “Honey, I’m home.” He then paused and said, “Man, Lacey, I told you not to clean!”

Whirling around the corner, Lacey put her hands on her hips and said, “Who the hell is that girl in that bed in that bedroom?”

“Huh?” Karson asked, his face scrunched up.

“Oh, that’s Melody. She’s still here? Bitch was fucked up last night,” a man said as he came around Karson and threw his bag down. He was huge, bigger than Karson with dark brown eyes and chocolate brown hair, also sporting a beard that gave the Duck Dynasty guys a run for their money.

“You left some chick here?” Karson asked incredulously. “And couldn’t tell me?”

“Who are you?” Lacey asked, irritated.

The guy grinned widely at her, his eyes piercing into hers as he said, “Jordie Thomas, but I go by JT, and I’m Karson’s roommate, which means I’m your roommate now too, darling.”

What. The. Fuck.

“Don’t call her darling, asshole,” Karson said glaring. “And go get that chick out of here.”

Lacey’s heart was thumping against her ribs. Surely, she’d heard this mountain man wrong. “Hold on, what?” she asked for clarification. “He’s your—our—roommate?” she directed at Karson.

“Yeah, we live together, but we are going to move as soon as we find a house. No biggie,” Karson said with a nod, closing the distance between them and grasping her hips. Placing a kiss to her lips, he smiled before saying, “Till then though, JT will not bring his girls home.”

“The fuck you say. I pay for this place just like you do. If you get to hit something, I do.”

“Oh my God,” she muttered, panic filling her. She had never lived with a guy before and was already freaking out slightly about living with Karson, but now she lived with two guys. She was not okay with that. Not at all!

“Is this not okay?” Karson asked with worry lining his lips.

“Told you she’d flip,” JT threw in their direction. “Hey, where are my Playboys and lotion?”

“I threw them away,” she said, her stomach dropping. “I thought they were Karson’s, and he doesn’t need that anymore.”

He laughed. “And you cleaned up all my come tissues? I’ve been collecting those since I came home from St. Louis. I had a good pile going.”

“Thomas! Shit!” Karson scolded while Lacey burned with embarrassment and disgust. This guy was an animal; that’s all there was to it.

Looking up at Karson, she said, “No, this is not okay.”

She then turned out of his arms and went to his room just as the naked girl came out the door. “Who are you?” she said with her nose up at Lacey.

Lacey paused and glared. The girl was perfect. Skinny, great tits and ass. Lacey instantly hated her. “None of your business. Put some clothes on! My husband is here and doesn’t need to see all that.”

“Your husband?” she asked, but Lacey didn’t care. She went into Karson’s room, slamming the door and then falling onto the bed. What the hell? Why didn’t he tell her? This was something you told your wife, not have it be a surprise! When she heard the door open, she closed her eyes tightly and let out a breath. Karson’s weight pushed the bed down as he lay next to her, moving her hair out of her face so he could see her. Meeting her gaze, he gave her a nervous half grin.

“Sorry?”

She sat up then. “Karson, why did you think that was okay? Why didn’t you tell me that you had Grizzly Adams as your roommate? Or that you had a roommate at all!”

“I’m sorry,” he said, sitting up too and holding his hands up. “I thought I had told you, and it really isn’t a big deal because we are moving out. It’s only temporary.”

“I mean, I get that, but I’ve never lived with anyone but my family, and now I am living with you—which is already a change—but then you throw in Willie Robertson, and Karson, I’m freaking out a bit.”

“The beard is throwing you off, isn’t it? He’s actually a cool dude,” Karson said, but that just pissed her off even more.

“No, it’s not the damn beard. It’s the fact that I’ve lived alone my whole life! Even when I was engaged with Ethan, I wasn’t going to move in with him till after I was married, but now I am living with two men, one who is my husband and the other who jacks off more than a horny teenager! Don’t you think that’s a little bit of a culture shock?”

“Wouldn’t it be like living with your dad and Grady?”

Lacey almost hit him. Glaring, she said, “So, you’re my dad.”

“Fuck no,” he said, making a face.

“Okay then! Karson, I’m seriously about to lose it. This is not okay.”

“Okay, jokes aside, I get it. I’m sorry and I’m going to fix it. I promise, JT will be on his best behavior.”

“That is what worries me. What is his best behavior? Am I going to walk in on him skinning a rabbit while whacking off?”

“That might be a little hard,” Karson noted with a grin, and this time, she did smack him in the arm.

Holding his arm, he laughed as she said, “I’m serious! He freaks me out.”

Karson gathered her in his arms and she tried to get away, but he wasn’t having that. Holding her close, he kissed her lips. “I’m trying to make you feel better, and I promise you have nothing to worry about. He is a great dude. I promise.”

She nodded as his nose skimmed her jaw. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not. I’m just…it’s just…ugh, I’m just scared, Karson,” she admitted quietly against his forehead. “It’s so much change at once, and Rachel is being a bitch, and I always thought that she would be the one to support me no matter what, you know? I expected my dad and Grady to be hardheaded about this. But I always believed that my friendship with Rachel was strong, and she just broke my heart.”

He nodded, kissing her jaw and then the side of her mouth before looking in her eyes. “I’m sorry, baby,” he said softly, moving his nose with hers. “I don’t know what their problems are.”

“She hung up on me, treated me like her boss instead of her best friend. It hurt.”

“Maybe she just needs time to process, you know? This is a huge change for everyone. They are going to have to get used to it all.”

She nodded slowly as her heart ached. “I just hate that she is acting like this.”

“I know and I’m sorry, really. The guilt is eating at me,” he said, meeting her gaze. “I feel horrible.”

Her brows came together. “Why would you feel that way? It’s not your fault.”

“But it is,” he said softly, his hands resting against the small of her back. “I stole you away.”

“I came with you; you didn’t steal me.”

He smiled. “Still, I don’t like when you hurt, and it seems like that’s all you’ve been doing lately, hurting, and I don’t like that. I want you to be only happy.”

Cupping his face, she whispered, “Karson, there are going to be highs and lows, but no matter what, when I look at you, I feel nothing but the highs. You honestly make me the happiest person on earth. My family will come around once they see how happy you make me and how much I love you. I believe that. Maybe for Thanksgiving, we’ll have our new house and our families will come and it will be amazing, you know?”

Her heart wanted those things more than anything and she knew Karson did too, but her brain ruined her hopes, reminding her that it was never going to happen. Her dad would rather walk through glass than be anywhere near Karson King and his family, but maybe he would change his mind. It was still a month until Thanksgiving. A lot could change in thirty days.

Hell, her whole life had turned upside down in five.

Karson tightened his arms around her and kissed her bottom lip, his fingers dancing along the ass of her jeans. “I want that more than you’ll ever know. I just want you to be happy.”

She smiled, meeting her lips to his. “I am as long as I am with you.”

“Then, Mrs. King, prepare for a life full of happiness.”

“Good, ’cause I’ve lived without it for a long time.”

“Time to change that,” he said against her lips, his eyes full of love.

“I am starting to like change.”

“Me too,” he said, taking her mouth in a hot assault. Threading his fingers in her hair, he laid her back, kissing her thoroughly and most lusciously. Arching into him, she wanted to take their kiss to another level but felt like she couldn’t with their roommate only a room over.

Pulling away, she said, “You know we aren’t having sex when he is home.”

“Why the hell not?” he asked skeptically. “That’s insane.”

“I feel weird. It’s rude for me to be screaming your name while he’s in there just hanging out. What if he starts whacking off or something? That’s gross. Ew, yeah, the mood is ruined. Get off me,” she said, pushing him off while his body shook with laughter.

“You’re killing me,” he said as she sat up, fixing her shirt. “He doesn’t care and won’t whack off to the sounds of our lovemaking.”

“Still, don’t want to chance it. Ew,” she said, shuddering again.

Cupping the back of her neck, he brought his lips down on hers and everything else was forgotten. Kissing Karson was pure magic. That was the only thing she could think of as her lips moved with his. When his hand slid between her legs, she angled her center into his fingers, crying out into his mouth. When he smiled, her lust cloud disappeared and she remembered that they couldn’t do this.

Pushing him back again, she said, “Get away!”

He laughed as she stood, straightening her clothes. “I am going to kick him out so I can get that hot pussy in my mouth before we go meet the Realtor.”

Heat flooded her panties as she grasped the wall for support. Shaking her head, she said, “As much as I want that, I need to go meet my new roommate and be nice. He probably thinks I’m a bitch or something.”

“Never,” Karson promised as he stood and took her in his arms. “You’re too sweet.” She smiled as he kissed her softly before parting to open the door. “I promise he’s a good guy.”

“I mean, he has to be if you live with him,” she said with a grin as they headed toward the living room. But as soon as they entered it, she wished she would have just stayed in the room and let him devour her.

Because standing only feet away from them was JT.

Fucking the naked chick from behind over the couch she had just cleaned.

“For the love of God,” Karson yelled as Lacey gasped beside him, covering her mouth and turning away. Who could blame her? Boobs were bouncing, ass cheeks were clapping, and really, no one wanted to see their roommate like that.

“Almost there guys, hold on,” JT said, waving them off.

“Oh my God, he did not just say that,” Lacey said before rocketing back into the bedroom.

Again, who could blame her?

“Are you fucking kidding me? Are you doing this to fuck with me?” Karson yelled as his best friend stilled, slapping the girl hard on the ass.

He was going to kill him.

Sucking in a deep breath, the girl arched her back, meeting her mouth to JT’s for a long, disgusting kiss. Why was he still standing here? Watching as JT moved out of her and seeing way more than he wanted of his best friend, Karson looked up at the ceiling and shook his head. “I’m going to kill you, Thomas.”

JT chuckled. “Dude, when the itch hits, gotta scratch it.”

Glaring, Karson met his gaze as he pulled his boxers up and the girl laid her naked ass on the couch. He was going to have to buy a new couch now. “You’ve never done this before, and we’ve been living together for years, so I call this you being an asshole and trying to fuck with my girl. And that makes me mad. What the hell?”

“Dude, you’re being a chick, Melody is leaving and it won’t ever happen again, well, that is until you two leave,” he said, stretching his arms over his head.

“Oh, I am?” the girl asked and JT nodded.

“Yeah, we’re done. See ya later.”

Her face scrunched up as she stood. “Wow, you are a dick.”

“Proud of it, darling. See you later,” he said as she passed by him. He smacked her ass with a shit-eating grin on his face. She must not have liked that because she flipped him the bird before disappearing down the hall.

“What is your problem? Lacey was coming out to get to know you.”

JT laughed. “Well, she got an eyeful, huh?”

“For real, JT? What the hell is going on?”

He shrugged. “Dude, I was getting it in real quick, no big deal. Stop being such a prude about this.”

He wasn’t being a prude! He wanted to know why his best friend was being an asshole. “Do you not like her? Is that why you are doing this?”

“I am not worried one bit about your wife. I don’t even know her.”

“Are you trying to set boundaries, show us that this is your apartment? Is it about what I said earlier, about you keeping it in your pants?”

He paused and Karson knew that was just it. Jordie Thomas was a prideful man, also a “do whatever the hell he wanted kind” of man. Usually, Karson liked that about him, but today, he would kill the guy and not think twice. This was already a hard transition for Lacey; he didn’t need his best friend acting like a douche.

Setting him with a look, JT said, “Why are you asking so many questions? Fuck, Karson, marrying this girl’s turned you into a pussy!”

He was so tired of being called a pussy.

“You know what, forget it. Don’t let it happen again, and stop being an asshole!”

“Whatever, dude,” he said, falling on the couch and reaching for the remote. Looking back at Karson, he snapped, “Don’t you have houses to look at?”

Wait. “Dude, are you jealous?”

“Please.”

“You are!” Karson said, pointing at him. “What the hell?”

“Dude, you run off and got married, no worries about the apartment we share or the fact that you’re my best friend. You didn’t even tell me anything, and now you’re moving out. It’s shitty.”

“Who is the pussy now?” Karson asked.

“Fuck off,” JT sneered with a shake of his head.

Falling onto the couch beside him, Karson looked at the TV as he said, “Even though I am moving doesn’t mean you won’t still be my best friend. You’ll always be my friend, Jordie.”

He was going for sincerity, but he feared he might have come off kind of patronizing.

“Don’t be a jerk. I’m not a chick.”

He was acting like one, Karson thought, but JT was like a bear. And you don’t poke bears.

“I know it’s a lot of change, but it’s time for me to be a man and love the one I love. She makes me happy.”

“I know,” JT said with a nod. “It’s just I don’t like being alone, but I don’t let people in. The first person I did let in is leaving now.”

That stung a little. JT was a hard-ass, had been the whole time Karson had known him. His dad had killed himself when he was little and his mom tried her best, working three jobs, but all anyone saw when they looked at the Thomas family was trailer trash. He was the kid from the other side of the tracks, and because of that, he had a thick skin no one could penetrate. Even with his mom now married to some rich guy who owned some big ski resort, Jordie still hated the world. It was sad, but Jordie was a good guy. They’d clicked from the beginning.

Sometimes people grow and move on though, and it was time for Karson to do that. He just hoped one day that Jordie would too. He’d hate for him to grow old and lonely, but if he didn’t let people in, he would.

“I thought we’d be bachelors for life,” JT said softly, his eyes still locked on the TV.

Karson smiled. “Then why did you push me to buy her a ring.”

“’Cause I knew she made you happy, and even though I’m a selfish dick, I want what’s best for you. Even if it is you moving on while I’m still in the awesomeness of bachelorville.”

“Thanks, man,” Karson scoffed. “You act like I’m dying or something. We can still hang out if you don’t fuck chicks in the living room and scare my wife off.”

JT laughed as he nodded. “Yeah, maybe. Sorry about that.”

Jordie didn’t say sorry much, so when he did, Karson took it to heart. “It’s cool. She’s really amazing, and I’d like you to get to know her.”

“Yeah, let’s go to dinner tonight.”

“Sounds good to me,” he said, getting up to go retrieve his wife. “Now we gotta go look at houses.”

“Good luck with that,” JT said, meeting his gaze, and Karson grinned.

“Thanks, bro,” he said, cupping JT’s shoulder briefly before heading toward his room. When he opened the door, Lacey was at her laptop, her brow furrowed and chewing on her lip. It reminded him of when they were back in college, and warmth filled his chest. She was so beautiful and all his, as long as his best friend didn’t scare her off. Or her family broke them up.

Smiling, he fell on the bed beside her, and she looked down at him and shook her head.

“Is he done?”

“Yup, got off and everything. Told you he wouldn’t whack off,” he said with a grin, but she obviously didn’t think he was funny. “He said he is sorry.”

In so many words.

“Whatever, I don’t care. We are finding a house today.”

He smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

Looking at the screen, his brows shot up. “Is that you?”

On the screen was his beautiful wife in a see-through lace number that covered all her naughty bits, but still, she was naked and fucking hot.

She nodded, looking down at him. “Yeah, it’s for a campaign we’re doing. Love Yourself in Lacey’s Lace.”

It was catchy, but…

“So people—men—are going to see this?”

Her lips pursed. “I mean, I guess, but it is geared toward women.”

“Well, yeah, but Victoria’s Secret is geared toward women, and I’ve enjoyed their ads quite a few times.”

Her lips pursed as she looked at him. “Okay, are you uncomfortable with this?”

“A little,” he admitted. “You can see every inch of your breasts, the tattoos, your body that’s supposed to be just for me. Would you be okay with me doing an undies ad, my junk out for the world to see?”

She paused, chewing her lip. “That’s different because sex sells. This is to make women feel beautiful in their skin. Each of us is different, and we all pose in my pieces, looking fabulous.”

He nodded slowly, but still jealousy ate at him. All he saw was some asshole checking out his wife. “I don’t know. I think I don’t like it.”

“Okay,” she said, closing her laptop and meeting his gaze. “What does that mean?”

“It means I don’t like it,” he said with his hands out, confused by the question.

“So, what? Are you trying to say I can’t do it?”

“Whoa,” he said, holding his hands up. “I don’t tell you what to do, Lacey. I let you know my opinion, and you take it into consideration. If you are happy with it and think it will help your business, you do you. But I’m a jealous fool, and all I can think is that dudes will be staring at your hot bod. I support you, no matter what.”

“Really?” she asked softly. “Grady told Rachel she needed to Photoshop herself out of it.”

“Well, I don’t know how their marriage works, but in this one, we will talk it out. Plus, I know you are doing it to help people. Not to just flaunt your body around.”

She giggled. “Lord knows, I don’t have the body to flaunt.”

His face scrunched up as he set her with a look. “You have the body to flaunt. You are made of beautiful curves and hotness, Lacey. Don’t ever think otherwise. You are beautiful.”

“You have to say that,” she said, leaning into him with a grin. “But thank you.”

Now that bothered him more. “No. I don’t. I say what I want, and I mean what I say. You are fucking gorgeous, and I love you. Those two statements can never be overused on you because they are the truth.”

Her face warmed as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and chest. “I love you too. Thank you for being you.”

“I won’t be anyone else but the man who loves and supports you. I know that things have been shitty the last couple days, but I am the one person you can depend on.”

She nodded, her hand cupping his neck. “I know and the same goes for you.”

He smiled as he ran his nose along hers. He loved her more than anything, and he was ready to love her the way she deserved. He was ready for this amazing life that was at the tips of their fingers. It was going to be a good life.

Together.

Forever.

Even though forever was nowhere near enough time to love this girl. He needed lifetimes, but he only had this one, and he was going to make it the best there ever was. Holding her close to him, he smiled as his eyes locked with hers. He could see their whole future together, and it was a good one.

A house, maybe a dog or cat, and then kids.

It was time to get started.

“Good, now let’s go find us a house.”

“Whatchy’all think?” Jamie, their Realtor, asked with a big bright smile. She was very Southern and very happy. While Karson thought she was cool, Lacey seemed a little annoyed with her. “Isn’t it awesome!”

Everything was awesome to Mrs. Jamie Jones.

But even Karson thought the five-bedroom, six-bathroom, two-million dollar home was awesome. It was very elegant but had the Southern charm that came with Nashville. The rooms were huge, and Lacey loved one that had French doors and a patio attached. She’d said it would be her office, and Karson knew that this house was a top contender. She hadn’t said that about any of the billion other houses they had looked at. The living room was massive; the open floor plan led to the kitchen in an effortless way, and it was stunning. He could see them raising their kids and growing old here.

“It is beautiful,” Lacey said with a tight-lipped smile, then in a lower voice she whispered to Karson, “But the price is a little scary. Two point three million. That payment is gonna be huge.”

“Not really. It’s in a great neighborhood, it’s only twenty minutes to the arena—that’s fantastic—and it’s big. We can have massive parties, and also my captain lives on the next road over and loves it here.”

“Still the price is kind of up there,” she said, making a face.

“How much was your apartment? That had to be a good million?”

“No, it would have been seven hundred thousand, but I didn’t buy it, I rented.”

“Okay, so you lived there for how long?” he said, wanting to prove that she’d thrown money away. This was going to be an investment in their future. They could give this house to their kids when they were ready to travel the world.

“My dad paid the rent for the first two years, and I paid for the last two,” she said, looking up at him. “I couldn’t afford it until I paid my dad off, and since he knew where I would be, he paid for it.”

Karson hadn’t known that.

“Okay,” he said slowly and really didn’t understand that. She seemed to be well-off. “You have money though, right?”

“Okay, I’m gonna let y’all talk for a good little second. I’ll be back,” Jamie said, and without waiting for them to answer, she left them alone in the living room.

Lacey looked at him with a questioning gaze. “I mean, I have some. Right around thirty thousand saved, but that’s my emergency fund for the business. I haven’t built back up my personal savings yet.”

“This was really something we should have talked about before we came,” Karson said softly.

“Yeah,” she said slowly. “It’s just the price makes me nervous. Like, how much would the payments be?”

“Around nine thousand a month,” Jamie said, popping her head around the corner. She was obviously listening to them, and when Karson glanced at Lacey, he was sure she was having a heart attack. “Being a successful business owner and then an awesome hockey player, y’all can do that.”

Lacey’s face scrunched up as she took in a deep breath.

“Also, it’s vacant, so as long as everything is sound with your paperwork for the loan, y’all can close early.”

“I would buy it outright,” he said and both women gaped at him.

“What?” Lacey asked.

“Outright? Oh, then y’all could move in as soon as the paperwork is signed!” Jamie said with a little more pep in her voice.

“Hold on. Excuse us, please,” she said to Jamie.

“Yes, ma’am,” she said, going back around the corner.

“She can still hear us,” Karson said with a grin.

“I don’t care,” she said, waving him off. “What do you mean, you want to buy it outright?”

“I don’t have debt. I don’t like it.”

Flabbergasted, she yelled, “Everyone has debt, Karson!”

“Not me, I am completely debt free.”

She could only blink as she shook her head. “That’s insane. So you have no debt? And two million dollars sitting around?”

He shrugged. “Yeah.”

“What about your car?”

“Bought it off the lot. Cash.”

“What? That is ridiculous to me. I am, like, sixty grand in debt!” she yelled, her chest falling and rising every second.

Karson reached out, taking her in his arms, hoping to calm some of her freak-out. They really should have discussed this before they came to buy a house. But like anything else, they acted first and thought later. Setting her with a grin, he said, “Not anymore. When we are done here, we’ll go to the bank and put you on my account, and then you pay your debt off. I don’t like debt.”

“Karson, no, that’s crazy,” she said with a shake of her head. “It’s okay to have debt.”

“No, it’s not. You are my wife, and we will be debt free. I don’t want anything left behind if something happens to us. We don’t want to be like other people who fight to stay afloat. We are both successful. I want to be smart about this.”

Her eyes searched his, and he loved how perplexed she looked. With a grin, he asked, “What?”

“How much do you have?”

“A lot,” he answered. “I’ve been saving for the last nine years.”

“Why are you saving? Why aren’t you blowing money like a bachelor would? You should be broke. Just saying.”

He laughed and then skimmed his nose along hers. “Someone told me a long time ago that I wouldn’t be able to financially support the woman I love. I made sure that when that time came, I could.”

When the realization of what he was saying to her set in, her eyes clouded with tears as her lip wobbled before she tightened her arms around him. “My dad said that?”

“Yeah,” he said with a nod. “I wanted to make sure that when I got you back, no matter what, I could give you everything you wanted. And then if, God forbid, your cancer came back, I could pay for it all.”

Her eyes watered as her little lip continued to tremble. “I love you.”

His heart blew to smithereens in his chest as he held on to her. “I love you more, Lacey. Now tell me, do you want this house?”

She looked around the house and then met his gaze. “Does it feel like home to you?”

“Home is wherever you are, Lacey.”

Her mouth pulled up as she leaned into him. “Are you sure you want to spend that kind of money on this? Maybe we can find a smaller house.”

“No. Do you want this house?”

She bit into her lip as she searched his eyes. “I do love the office.”

“It’s big too,” he added. “I can have a man cave in the basement.”

“Yeah, and I love the kitchen.”

“Me too. You better believe you’ll be cooking for me in there.”

She laughed. “Or the other way around.”

“Sure,” he said with a nod. “The bedroom is nice. I could carpool with Shea if I needed to.”

“Yeah, and when your family or mine comes, they can stay here. It’s huge.”

“I know,” he said with a nod. “Say the words, Lacey, and it’s ours.”

He could feel her heart pounding against his chest. Her breathing was labored and he swore she’d never looked so beautiful. She looked good in this house, and Karson was convinced that this was it. He loved watching her walk around and ooh and aah over everything. He knew as soon as they pulled up that she loved it. She was just worried about the price, and he never wanted that to happen again. He would give her the world.

As long as he could buy it outright.

He wasn’t playing with the whole debt thing. He not only saved money like crazy for the reason he told her. But the reason he never had anything on credit was because when he was younger, his parents’ house had almost been foreclosed on. If it wasn’t for his grandma coming and paying off their debt, they would have lost the house. It was a really bad time for them, and Karson was scared that they wouldn’t come back from it. But in true King form, the family not only came back from that, they came back stronger, and Karl King never bought anything on credit ever again.

“I want it,” she said slowly, her shoulders coming up as she smiled innocently. “But if it is too—”

“Then it’s ours,” he said, interrupting her. “If you want it, then it’s ours. No matter the price. I’d give you the world, Lacey.”

Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks as her eyes shone with love. “So we are doing this? You are buying me this home?”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “We are buying this home. It’s yours as much as it is mine.”

“This all seems so unreal,” she whispered against his lips. “How did I get so lucky?”

Running his lips along hers, he whispered, “I’ve asked myself that ever since I woke up beside you, and I have a feeling I’ll be asking that for the rest of my life. You are a dream come true, Mrs. King.”

Her face reddened and her lips touched his, and his eyes filled with tears as he held her close. He had been waiting for this moment his whole life. The moment he would buy a home with her. He had thought he would never see her again. Hold her again, kiss her, and show he how much he loved her. Like she said, this was all so unreal, but each step they took to solidify their love made it even realer. They were married, they were now buying a house, soon it would be time for a baby, and that alone had a tear leaking out the side of his eyes.

His dreams really were coming true.

All because of the beautiful blonde he held in his arms.

His forever.

Still on the high of his offering to buy her dream home, Lacey couldn’t stop grinning. She had always imagined her first home with her Karson and the beautiful Greek revival-style home was it. Her family’s house was big and ostentatious, and when she’d lost her mom, it wasn’t a home; it was a cold place that was her personal prison. When she moved out after college to her small little apartment, it sort of felt like home, but mostly because she was the one paying all the bills. When she got engaged to Ethan, he had a massive mansion that he was convinced she would love, but she did not like that house. She was hoping that she could convince him to sell it once they were married because she’d never wanted a big house. She had been there, done that and didn’t want to get lost in her own house. She wanted a home, somewhere that held all the love in the world, and also something she wouldn’t get lost in. Karson was giving her that.

He was giving her everything she could ever ask for.

Like he said they would, he put her on his account, and when she saw how much money he had, she almost fell onto the bank floor. Twenty-two million dollars. Karson had saved twenty-two million dollars over the last nine years.

That. Was. Insane.

And he acted like it was normal! Like it wasn’t a massively huge deal when it was. He said it would be more if he hadn’t bought a new truck and bought his parents a new home and then cars for them and his sister. That honestly stunned her. His generosity was beautiful, but still, she was completely and utterly speechless. She hadn’t seen that much money before, and now, she had it. Well, it was Karson’s, but he kept insisting that what was his was hers, which was completely insane. Most women would shit themselves and run to the nearest Jimmy Choo, but not Lacey. She had not even an inkling to spend it, but she had it and it scared her.

Holy. Shit. She was a millionaire.

“I don’t know about this,” she said, looking over her laptop at Karson. He was sitting on the couch with JT beside him, playing a game on the PlayStation 4. Surprisingly enough, JT wasn’t that bad once you got past the beard, the anger, and the masturbation. He was actually really nice and funny. He didn’t apologize for his little adventure on the couch, but he did say he didn’t mean to disrespect her, and she took that as an apology. Karson had said that JT didn’t do well with new people and he wasn’t lying, but it was obvious that he cared about his friend enough to be nice to Lacey. She liked that and couldn’t help but like him.

“You idiot! Don’t shoot me. Shoot the bad guys!” Karson yelled, knocking his shoulders into JT. “What baby? Sorry,” he said, looking over her.

“You paused it!” JT complained.

“My wife is talking. Shut the hell up for a moment,” he shouted before looking back at Lacey. “Now, what, babe?”

JT grumbled something and Lacey smiled. “I said are you sure about this?”

“About what?”

“Paying all this,” she said, not wanting to tell JT what she was doing.

“Yeah, I don’t like debt,” he said for the umpteenth time that day.

“He doesn’t,” JT added. “Like at all, and he tries to make me get rid of mine. He’s weird.”

Karson nodded and then returned to his game. Lacey looked back down at her computer, staring at her credit card balance before clicking over to her loan with her bank and then her car loan and bit her lip. This was insane.

“I don’t know,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “This is crazy to me. It’s a lot of money, Karson.”

Pausing the game, he looked over at her as JT yelled, “Karson! Fuck! I was about to ruin that dude!”

“One second!” he yelled back before looking Lacey in the eye. “When I married you, I knew that it was for better or worse, sickness and health, richer or poorer. I wouldn’t have done that unless I loved you with all my heart. I trust you with everything inside me, and I want to have a good life, debt free, with you. Now, pay the shit off before I steal your computer and do it for you.”

“Damn,” JT drew out. “He told you.”

“Shut up, JT,” she said, glaring, but then met Karson’s gaze and her heart clenched in her chest. “Always so bossy.”

He smiled. “You just wait until we get in the bedroom later,” he said with a wink, making her body burn with lust.

“Don’t distract me with sex.”

“Mind-blowing sex, you mean,” he corrected and she laughed.

“You’re hopeless.”

“And you love me.”

“I do,” she agreed.

“For fuck’s sake, can we play or do I really have to sit through the Newlywed Show? Everyone knows you two are gaga for each other. Let’s play,” JT groaned. “Jesus.”

Karson smiled. “Pay it, Lacey, and if you want, deposit your savings into the business account and shut down your personal one since you have mine.”

“I gotta call the bank to do all that,” she said, holding her breath. This was all such a headache. She was nervous but at the same time so excited to be debt free. Everything was so unbelievable and she’d honestly never thought this would happen. While she was afloat with her business, she always thought she would be in debt. But now she was about to be twenty-eight with no debt at all, and it was all because of Karson. He had completely changed her life, and she really didn’t know how to repay him. How do you say thank you to the person who not only loves you but also gives you the world? It was insane.

“Okay, well, pay that shit and then we will go to dinner,” he said, returning to his game. “And I swear if you say anything else about it, I’ll steal that computer.”

She laughed even though she knew he was completely serious. Taking in a deep breath, ignoring all the thoughts that told her it was insane, she did what her husband said and paid off all her debt. When she was done, she went back to his account to make sure everything had gone through. Two of the payments had, but she knew the car payment would take a minute. They were always so damn slow. She was about to shut it down when a payment on the list caught her eye.

There was a ten thousand dollar payment to The Lacey’s Lace Foundation.

Her foundation.

Her head cocked to the side.

What the hell.

Clicking a new window, she went to the banking site for the foundation and logged in. Going to the donation page, she found that there had been a donation of ten thousand dollars every month from an unknown donor since the foundation had been open. Clicking back on Karson’s bank, she searched for transactions to the foundation and they matched the dates of payments from the unknown donor.

Surely not, she thought as she stood up, taking her laptop and phone with her. Karson and JT were so engrossed in their game they didn’t notice as she went to her room. Shutting the door, she laid her laptop on the bed and cursed the mess in the room. While they were gone looking at houses and then going to the bank, the movers had come. She hated the storage unit their room had been turned into. Ignoring it though, she dialed Rachel’s number.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hey, are you at the office?”

“Yeah, about to leave,” she said in a way that made Lacey’s skin crawl. It had always been easy to talk to her best friend, but not anymore.

“Do me a quick favor. Check the donation files and see if you have info on a ten thousand dollar monthly donation that has been coming in since the beginning of the foundation.”

“If you were here, you could do it,” she snapped.

“You’re right, but I’m not. Are you going to do it, or do I need to wait?”

“I’m looking, hold on.”

“How nice of you,” Lacey said sarcastically as she shook her head. Never in the six years since opening Lacey’s Lace had she thought about firing Rachel, but she was thinking that at that moment.

And it honestly brought her to tears.

“I don’t have any info on them. It has been an anonymous donation since the beginning. Don’t you remember when it first happened?”

She stopped for a second. She did remember. She’d cried for hours and couldn’t believe that someone wanted to help her foundation. People were donating thousands, but no one had donated ten thousand until her anonymous donor came along. They always joked that it was an angel her mom sent. And they were right.

It was Karson.

“What?” Rachel said, and Lacey didn’t realize she had said that out loud.

“Karson is the anonymous donor.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, I was looking through his bank account, and it was him. He’s been donating ten thousand dollars a month since I started. Can you believe it?”

“No, that’s crazy,” Rachel gasped. “I’m impressed.”

“He’s been helping my foundation for years, and I didn’t know.”

“None of us did. That’s amazing and awesome. Kinda lessens my hate for him.”

“You have no reason to hate him.”

“He took you away, so of course I do,” Rachel said, her voice rich with emotion. Lacey had suspected that was the reason, and that pissed her off. Karson was a good man and he loved her. He had made that loud and clear in so many ways, regardless of what her family thought of him. She just wished they wouldn’t have spent so much time apart. If only their pride and their fears could have been ignored. Their lives would have been so much different if they hadn’t. “Why were you in his bank account though?”

Wiping her face free of the tears she hadn’t even realized were falling, she took a deep breath as she said, “I was paying off my debt. He doesn’t like debt and wanted to go into our new house debt free.”

“He paid your debt?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“He loves me,” she said simply.

“Yeah, sure, but you guys bought a house?” she asked, her snippy voice back.

“Yeah, it’s gorgeous. I hope you’ll come to see it.”

Rachel paused and Lacey’s heart stopped. “I don’t know. We will see,” she said, and Lacey was just glad she didn’t say no outright. Anyone else she would have said fuck off too, but it was different with Rachel. She was basically her sister, and Lacey missed her more than anything.

“I’d really like to have my best friend back,” Lacey admitted. “You’ve been hurting me lately.”

“Yeah, well, you broke my heart when you left without even a backward glance at me or who you were leaving behind.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you, Rachel. I just want to be happy.”

“And it hurts even more that we weren’t enough to make you happy.”

“You guys do make me happy, but I love my husband and had to come to where he was,” she pleaded, but she didn’t think Rachel cared.

When the door opened and Karson came in, his brows shot up as he mouthed, ‘What’s wrong?’

She shook her head as Rachel said, “It’s whatever, Lacey. I don’t know. I’m still so mad at you. I think this is all a mistake, and yeah, he is glitzing you with a house and paying off your debt. But what’s gonna happen when he throws you away like he did before? Am I supposed to pick up the pieces again?”

“A true best friend would,” she snapped. “But that doesn’t matter because he only did that because of my dad.”

Karson rolled his eyes as he fell onto the bed beside her. “Why are we still talking about this?” he asked and Lacey shook her head again to shut him up.

“Or maybe that is just his excuse.”

“No, Daddy admitted it.”

“I don’t believe that one bit. Your dad is good to you,” she snapped, and Lacey’s tears started to fall in earnest. How did she not believe her?

Clearing her throat, she said, “Ask Grady, Rachel. He’ll tell you.”

“Whatever, I got to go get the boys from day care,” Rachel said, slamming something, and Lacey’s heart just ached.

“Give them a kiss for me and tell them I miss them. I miss you too.”

“Yeah, well, if you didn’t run off to Nashville then you wouldn’t miss us,” Rachel snapped and then she hung up on her. Dropping her hands to her lap, Lacey took in a deep breath.

“I’m so tired of her talking to me like that,” she said, swallowing back a sob. “It doesn’t matter how mad I get at her, I don’t disrespect her. I care, and she is my best friend, but I really don’t know what to do, Karson. She is pissing me off.”

“Tell her that.”

“I will tomorrow, and if she doesn’t like it, she can find somewhere else to work.”

“Didn’t she start the business with you, though?”

“She did, and I thought she was in it till the end, but if that were the case, she would respect me. I just don’t think she does,” she said sadly, her tears rolling down her cheeks and off her chin.

Sitting up, Karson wrapped her in his arms and kissed her jaw. “Baby, it takes time to adjust. You were always there before. Now she is doing everything. Give it time, but I agree that she needs to respect you. You need to say that. Leave the personal shit at the door.”

“Yeah,” she agreed, leaning into him. He kissed her temple before gathering her closer to him. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“Yeah? Did you pay all that?”

“Yeah, and I also noticed something.”

“That’s JT’s subscription to that porn site. I canceled my card yesterday and he added his, I swear,” he said quickly, and she couldn’t help it, she lost it. She laughed so hard tears streamed down from her eyes before she quickly shook her head.

“No, not that!” she laughed and he smiled.

“Oh, good,” he said, letting out a long breath. “Then what?”

Turning to face him, she put her computer beside them as he picked up her legs and laid them across his lap, looking deep into her eyes. She had said before that his generosity was breathtaking, but she’d had no clue the extent of it.

He was by far the loveliest person on this planet.

And he was all hers.

“I saw that you’ve been donating to the Lacey’s Lace Foundation for the last six years.”

His face didn’t change as he nodded slowly. “Yup, every month.”

Her eyes watered again before she whispered, “That’s my foundation.”

“I know; the name kind of gives it away,” he said, a grin pulling at his lips.

She giggled before smacking his chest. “Why, Karson? For so long without telling me?”

“Because I was scared you wouldn’t take it if you knew it was me.”

Shaking her head, she couldn’t believe it. For so long he had been supporting her and she hadn’t even know it. All that time she spent mad that she didn’t have him, he was believing in her, hoping for another chance. All he would have had to do was ask because she had been hoping just like he had. It was a cruel joke, keeping them apart, and her anger at her father burned a little stronger. How could he have done this to them?

“All I keep doing is thinking about all that time we spent apart. How things would be so much different if we wouldn’t have broken up, or if you would have come for me sooner, or if I would have come to you,” she said, her lip wobbling as she held his gaze.

“I know,” he said, his eyes reflecting the same thing hers did.

Penitence.

“I can’t believe that you’ve been doing that all this time, for me. It means so much.”

“When you love and believe in someone, you do anything for them,” he said it like it was that simple. But if it was, then why didn’t her family follow the same example?

He had continually left her speechless from the moment she saw him in the cab back in Chicago. And since then, he had changed her life completely. Each second that passed between them was something she would forever treasure, but this moment she would hold near and dear to her heart. She didn’t know if he realized how much he helped her foundation, how many girls he gave a chance to feel like a woman or helped with their treatment, and she really didn’t know how to thank him.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she met her lips to his and kissed him long and hard before coming up for breath. Looking deep into the eyes she loved, she whispered, “You said earlier that I make your dreams come true. But really, you’ve been making mine come true since the beginning.”

With all the sincerity and love in the world, Karson smiled as he said, “And I’ll continue until my dying day.”

So would she.

And she wouldn’t stop until she proved how grateful and blessed she was to have him.

Pressing her lips to his, Lacey slowly pushed him back, straddling him as her mouth devoured his. His hands ran up the back of her jean-clad thighs, settling on her ass and causing heat to go straight to her core. She could care less if JT was in the room over. It had been far too long since her husband had been inside her, and it was time to rectify that. Tearing her mouth from his, she pushed off his chest and then stood up above him. Looking deep in his eyes, she undid her pants and a grin came over his beautiful face. Crossing his arms behind his head, he watched her intently as she stepped to the side and inched her pants down her body. Lifting her shirt over her head, she threw it aside before dropping back down on top of him.

He was hard. Deliciously hard against her as she slowly moved herself along his body before meeting her mouth to his. Heat flooded her panties as she teased him with her hot center over his thick cock. He groaned against her lips, his fingers dancing along the lace of her ass, inching their way inside. Kissing down her throat, his fingers found the inside of her panties, gripping both of her butt cheeks and squeezing them tightly. She gasped against his ear as his finger ran up her crack, tickling her asshole, and something inside her liked it.

The dirty girl who lived deep within her.

“You like that?” he asked. She could feel him grinning against her throat, but she didn’t feel the least bit embarrassed. He wasn’t teasing her; he wanted to know. He wanted to please her.

“Yeah, but I’m not into anal sex. I just like the pressure.”

“Good to know,” he said roughly against her neck and then flipped her over, covering her with his massive body.

Grinning up at him, she said, “I’m supposed to be showing you how eternally grateful I am for you.”

“Baby, you do that by smiling,” he said before pulling her panties off and then opening her legs up wide. “Now let me show you.”

“Oh God,” she cried out when his mouth covered her already dripping wet pussy. Gripping the blanket, she held on for dear life as Karson mercilessly assaulted her clit. Arching into his mouth, looking for her release, she moved against his lips, heightening the pleasure. Holding her by her hip with one hand, he dipped his tongue inside her, fucking her with it as his finger flicked against her clit. Squirming under his mouth, her body was tight and she knew she was almost there. Her body was shaking, her legs were jelly, and her heart was about to come out of her chest. When he moved his mouth from her entrance and went back to her clit, she knew she was going to come everywhere, but then he pressed his thumb against her asshole, and she couldn’t hold it in if she tried. Crying out so loud, she was sure that not only had JT heard her but also the neighbors as she came with the strength of an army.

Aftershocks shook her body as he slowly licked along her pussy lips, then her thighs, and onto her hips as she gasped for breath. Leaving a trail of kisses, he released her breasts from her bra and kissed each of them before nipping up her neck.

“I think you liked that,” he whispered in her ear, playfulness in his voice.

“Ugh, yeah, I think so,” she said, still unable to catch her breath. “I would say I feel bad for JT, but I saw his balls flapping in the wind. So, yeah, no cares in the world.”

Karson chuckled against her neck as his fingers traced along her wet center. “I can’t get enough of you. You are honestly paradise for me, Lacey.”

Breathless, she brought his lips to hers and demolished his mouth in a frenzy. She couldn’t get enough. There was something about his body that begged for her, and she had no problem giving in. Pushing him back, she crawled on top of him and then reached between them, undoing his pants. Lifting up, she watched as he freed himself from his jeans and boxers, his cock rock hard and standing at attention beneath her.

Directing him toward her, she lowered herself onto him until he completely disappeared inside of her. Both of them groaned out at the instantaneous connection before she started to grind her body lightly against his. His fingers bit into her thighs as his hooded eyes watched her slowly fuck him. She felt gorgeous, beautiful in his gaze, and it only fueled her to move faster. Picking up speed, her ass smacked against his thighs as she took him deeper inside her, feeling him in her chest as his hands ran along every single inch of her.

When she met his gaze, his eyes were dark with desire and she knew that he was almost there. But then, out of nowhere, he threw her off him. Before she could recover and ask what the hell, he was behind her, his cock deep within her.

God, she loved when he did that.

Crying out against the sheets, she held on to the end of the mattress as he thrust hard and fast inside her. Taking her leg, he hooked it over his hip, holding it tightly as he continued to pound into her. Breathing wasn’t an option—hell, nothing was. This man was fucking every coherent thought out of her head.

When he pulled completely out of her, she cried out, but then he flipped her over like a rag doll and entered her from the front, his fingers finding her clit. Her body seized out of nowhere, her legs and pussy squeezing him as he thundered into her. Out of her mind with lust, she held on as Karson devoured her. It irritated her a little since it had been her plan to do just that to him, but then again, she was reaping the benefits. And by the look on his face, so was he.

“Fuck,” he groaned as his body stilled.

His cock pulsated inside her and she tried to breathe, but she couldn’t. She was absolutely and entirely spent. How was she supposed to move after that? After being fucked stupid, essentially. He was by far the greatest partner she had ever had in her life, and she was going to be on the receiving end of this beautiful man for the rest of her life.

Life was practically perfect.

Dropping down on his side, he kissed her lips before taking in a deep breath. Closing her eyes, she cuddled into his neck, taking in his yummy man smell.

“You are far and away the hottest and best lay of my life. Baby, I’ve been with a lot of girls, but there is something about you that fucking drives me wild.”

She giggled against him. “I was, no joke, thinking the same damn thing, though I have no doubt my number is lower than yours.”

“Thank God we are together,” he whispered, lifting her face so he could look in her eyes. “You know what I mean?”

She nodded as her heart ached in her chest for him. Yeah, she knew what he meant. There was never a love like your first love or your last, and Karson was both. “I love you so much, Karson.”

His mouth perked up at the side as his eyes bored into hers. “I love you.”

Every time he said it, it was like the first time. As clichéd as it sounded, it was special and she knew he meant it. It came from his soul, those three words, and she couldn’t believe she was the one graced with such a beautiful love. How did this happen? It was all too good to be true, but she felt his heart beating, his breath on her mouth, and was getting lost in his sweet eyes. He was there; he was real and wholly hers.

Cupping her face, he asked, “Are you excited for our house?”

Tears stung her eyes as she nodded again. Her throat was tight with emotion as she gazed into his intoxicating eyes. There was no way to express how excited or thankful she was for their new home. They were going to be so happy together, and she couldn’t wait. They would grow old and continually be blissfully happy together.

“Me too, I can’t wait. Hope you are ready for lots of shopping and décor choices. Lord knows, I’m not,” he said with a grin.

She grinned back, her mind filling with all kinds of ideas that she wanted for their home. “Oh, I am. Don’t you worry about that. I got you. I’ll make our home gorgeous.”

“No doubt from my end. Someone as amazingly creative as you couldn’t do anything but make our house exquisite.”

She smiled shyly as her eyes fell shut and she hooked her leg over him, wanting to be closer. She ached in all the right spots but could still go for round two. Opening her eyes to see if Karson felt he same way, she found that his eyebrows were drawn together and he didn’t look like a man who had been thoroughly pleased. More like a man with a lot on his mind.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly, and he turned his head to look at her, a grin pulling his lips.

“Of course, just thinking.”

“About?”

He took in a deep breath and said, “I want to tell you something, but I’m worried it will hurt you.”

Her heart kicked up in speed as she gazed in his eyes. The afterglow of their glorious lovemaking was gone, and now pure panic settled in her chest. “Well, you have to tell me now.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I guess I do,” he said, looking up at the ceiling. “The thing is, Lacey, this morning when I was at practice, my coach called me into his office and informed me that Nate Martin had called him, demanding I be benched. Thankfully, Coach told him to fuck off.”

“Really?” she whispered, hoping to God there was another Nate Martin with a grudge against her husband.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t want to hurt you, but I need you to know that he is out to get me, and I don’t trust him one bit.”

She nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. He was never going to stop. “I’ll call him in the morning.”

“No, don’t,” he said with a shake of his head. “I don’t want him to know that we know he is out to get me. I want to keep going, but I want you to know what’s going on. I won’t keep things from you.”

Running her hand up his chest, she met his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you dare. It is not your fault. We are going to be fine, but we need to remember what he is capable of. I didn’t have you for nine years, Lacey, and I honestly can’t go on without you.”

“I feel the same way,” she whispered. “Maybe he’ll stop now that your coach wouldn’t do it.”

“I don’t know. I have a weird feeling about him. Let’s just be smart and honest with each other, okay? If you feel like something is up, talk to me, and I’ll do the same. We are in this together.”

As much as she wanted to yell at her dad, she couldn’t ignore the love that was enveloping her. Karson could love for an army, and she felt the blunt force of his love every time she looked into his eyes.

Cupping his face in her hands, she brought her lips a breath from his and whispered, “Forever.”

“Damn right,” he said roughly against her lips. “Forever and always.”

“I feel weird.”

Karson looked over his shoulder and laughed. “But you look so damn hot.”

Lacey made a face as she looked down at the fitted purple and black Assassins jersey that was adorned with a number sixteen and Mrs. King across the back. She was too cute for words, and pride burned in his chest knowing that she was wearing his number and name.

Even if she wasn’t an Assassins fan.

Yet.

“I feel bizarre. This is not my team.”

“The hell you say, woman,” JT said with his hand on the door. They had been about to walk out and head to the arena before Lacey came out in her jersey. “You bleed purple and black now.”

She set him with a look that had all of them laughing. It was funny how in a two short days, JT and Lacey were getting along like old friends. It surprised Karson how quickly JT warmed up to her, but he was thankful for it. He didn’t want his best friend hating his wife. That was awkward.

“It’s so odd,” she said, crossing her arms.

Closing the distance between them, Karson asked, “But doesn’t it feel good to know that you are supporting your man?”

She smiled as she nodded. “Yeah, I guess I should embrace my new team.”

“Yes, you should, and you’ll look hot doing it,” he said with a wink as his arms came around her. “Now, the car service will be here at six. When you get to the arena, find your seats and enjoy the game.”

“Be ready by six in this jersey,” she said with a grin. “And watch my boo thang kick some butt! Who are you guys playing, by the way?”

“The Kings.”

“How fitting, my first game as a King and you’re playing the kings,” she said with a grin that hit him right in the chest.

“Gag. Let’s go, King,” JT groaned from behind them.

Smirking down at her, he said, “I gotta go. The man-child is restless.”

She giggled as JT growled, “Fuck off.”

Meeting Lacey’s gaze again, he said, “See you at the game.”

“I’ll be the Blackhawks fan in the Assassins jersey,” she teased with a wink and he laughed.

“You’ll be an Assassins fan by the end of the night, I just know it,” he said with full confidence. Everyone who came into the Assassins’ arena always had a good time, and Karson had no doubt that his girl would leave a fan. She just needed to be immersed in the society of it all.

“We will see,” she said with a shrug. “Good luck, I love you.”

“For the love of God, let’s gooooo,” JT whined and Lacey giggled against Karson’s lips.

“I am going to kill him, but I love you too, baby. See ya later.”

And as he left his Blackhawks-loving wife, he knew by the time the final buzzer sounded she’d not only be an Assassins fan but a proud one. Forgetting all about those Hawks.

Once they got to the arena, Karson found himself a tad bit nervous and he really didn’t know why. This wasn’t the first time that Lacey would see him play. She was there when he played in Chicago, but something had his stomach in knots. He wasn’t sure if it was that or if it was that he had just written a check for their new home. He had acted like it wasn’t a big deal to drop two million on a home, but it was by far his biggest purchase. Though, he knew it was worth it.

This was their brand-new start.

So he chalked his nerves up to the game, the upcoming move, and then the fact that as soon as they were settled, his mom would come and grace them with her presence. Despite the fact they’d just recently seen her, his mom was hard-nosed about calling every single day not only to talk to him but to Lacey too. While it was sweet, he was starting to think it was a bit much. She was suffocating them both, but Lacey didn’t feel that way. She loved Regina King and couldn’t wait until she came to visit.

He guessed it was good that his wife loved his mom. It wasn’t a normal event for that to happen, but still. It was weird. He was starting to think they had a better relationship than he did with his own mother, and that left him feeling jealous. Who got jealous of his wife and mother’s relationship? That was ridiculous! But Karson found himself feeling that way.

Leaning back in his locker, he closed his eyes as his music brought him to another level, leaving thoughts of his mother and even Lacey behind. He had to focus; he had a game to win. He had to prove that he deserved his spot on the second line, that he could even take the first line. Jakob Titov had slowed down since his latest injury, and while it sucked to hope for his teammate’s position, he had to think of his career. His contract was coming up for renewal, and he was hoping to give Elli Adler a reason to pay him the big bucks that she paid her top line.

He had a family to provide for.

As Muse’s electric sound pulsated in Karson’s ears, he mentally prepared himself while he waited for it to be time to get dressed. When his phone dinged with a text message, he almost ignored it, but not only was it from Lacey, it was a picture message. Clicking on the text, his eyes about fell out of his head. His beautiful wife was standing in only the jersey, no pants, and just a little peek of her purple lace undies.

The caption read: I think I look better like this. What do you think?

He scoffed as he typed back quickly.

Karson: I think it’s going to be mighty hard to play with a boner if you show up like that.

Lacey: lol, wouldn’t dare. I know how jealous you can get.

He smiled.

Karson: That’s fucking right.

When another picture came of her with her legs open, the jersey draped along the inside of her thighs, his tongue fell out of his mouth.

Karson: Fucking hell, Lace. Are you trying to kill me?

Lacey: Just giving you something to keep you nice and warm until I see you.

Karson: I’m going to be burning until I’m deep inside you.

Lacey: mmm. can’t wait. Now stop ogling me and get ready to kick ass.

Karson: I have to go whack off first.

Lacey: smh…men.

Laughing, he turned the music back on and then closed his eyes. He was just teasing her, but the images of her in next to nothing weren’t going away. So when he found himself in the bathroom, his cock in one hand and his phone in the other, he wasn’t that surprised.

The girl drove him mad.

Two hours later when Karson hit the ice, his eyes immediately searched for her, and what he saw pleased him. Standing in a pair of jeans, thankfully, boots up to her knees, and his jersey, Lacey looked like a fan. She even had his name and number written on her face like she used to when they were in college. In one hand was a beer, and in the other was a foam sword, identical to the one that the Assassins’ mascot, the Assassin, carried.

Beaming at him, she waved with a bright grin on her face as his heart tightened in his chest. She was there to cheer him on, and that alone had all the nerves evaporating. With his girl in the stands, he could do anything. He had felt that way back in college and felt it even more now that she was his wife. Feeling on top of the world, Karson sat down on the bench as the game started.

Erik won the puck, sending it back to Shea, and the game was on. But like always, the Kings came out to win, meaning this was going to be an awesome game. Looking across the ice, he found Lacey watching the game intently, cheering when the Assassins did something good and that pleased him. She was trying, no matter how weird it was. When the tap on his shoulder came, Karson jumped over the boards just in time to get the puck. Sending it up to Anderson, he went to the line, just in case the puck came back, and it did. Sailing it across the ice to Thomas, he watched as JT shot it, hoping for a rebound, but it sailed to a Kings’ player instead. Going on defense, Karson started skating backward and then a player dug in, trying to get by him.

He wasn’t getting by Karson though. Not with Lacey in the building.

Poke checking the player, Karson caught the puck and then rushed back down the ice. He had JT behind him and knew that he also had Brooks and Franklin to his left. Crossing the line into the Kings’ zone, Karson faked a shot, knowing that JT was behind him. Like he knew he would, Thomas sent it over to Franklin, where he sailed it past the goalie’s shoulder with ease.

It was a beauty of a play.

As his teammates wrapped him up in a hug, congratulating each other, the crowd went wild. Karson looked up to find his wife screaming her head off as she jumped up and down, and his grin grew even more.

Seeing her like that felt fucking amazing.

But knowing that later he would be tangled in the sheets with her felt even more miraculous.

Life couldn’t get any better.

Lacey chewed on her lip as she stared at the calendar on the fridge in her new home.

In four days, Karson was leaving for two weeks.

For the first time since they were married.

She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She knew it was his job; she knew he had to go, but for the last month, they had been inseparable. They did everything together with only the company of JT. Went to the movies, dinners, shopped for the new house, and hung out, enjoying each other. She even went to watch him practice and then to all his games. Wherever Karson was, there was Lacey, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Besides being completely engrossed in each other, they’d also moved into their new house. It was easy to say she loved it. Every single detail of the house was spectacular to her and everything she’d dreamed of. She loved it when they looked at it, but seeing all their furniture in place, along with bringing in new stuff, was actually making it a home. She loved the raised ceilings, the beautiful hardwood, and the kitchen was to die for. Karson had wanted to hire a decorator, but Lacey had it under control. She made their home everything they ever wanted. It screamed Lacey and Karson. Before, she had never seen herself living in Nashville in a country-chic inspired home, but she was doing it.

And she couldn’t be happier.

Well, that was until she saw that her husband was going to be leaving her.

She knew it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. She was leaving a week after he was for Chicago for a weekend, and surely she would be fine until then. She had lived by herself before. Plus, she had work she could do. Stuff to clean. And things… Who was she kidding? She was going to be lost without him. She had no friends, didn’t know what she could do while he was gone, and really, she was scared. She was usually good by herself, liked it actually, but now that she was spoiled by his love, she didn’t want to be apart from him. She was being selfish and she knew that, but it didn’t stop the worry that settled in her chest.

Running her fingers through her hair, she turned to take the glass of sweet tea she had just poured to the counter where her computer sat. Karson was at practice, and when he got back, they were supposed to go to the mall to look at stuff for the house. Later that night they would go over for dinner at his captain’s house with some of his other teammates. She was nervous to meet his friends, but then again, after meeting JT, she figured she could deal with anyone. Also, the wives would be there, so maybe she would make friends. At least then she wouldn’t be lonely when Karson left.

Leaning on her hand, she clicked through the emails that Rachel had sent her. Rachel had been a little better, but it was nowhere near the relationship they had before she left for Nashville. Lacey didn’t realize how dependent she’d been on her friendship with Rachel until she didn’t have it. It was weird not being able to call your best friend to bitch about your husband leaving his nasty clothes all over the place or how messy he was or how she was nervous that he was leaving. If Lacey even mentioned Karson’s name, Rachel would change the subject. She wouldn’t even entertain the idea of Karson.

Lacey was soon accepting that her life with Karson was one thing and her business with Rachel was another. It bothered her to the core, but what was she supposed to do? It was getting to the point that when she called Rachel, it was only for work and that was it. She didn’t even ask about her nephews anymore; she saved that for when she texted Grady, which was only once a week.

She missed them.

All of them. And while it was killing her, she still couldn’t regret marrying Karson. She was so happy. He made her smile constantly, sometimes without even being around. He loved her and had no shame showing it at a moment’s notice. He was considerate and kind, and man, he burned up those sheets. Just thinking about his lip curving in such a sinful way and his dark seductive eyes capturing her before he devoured her could have her grinning like a schoolgirl in seconds. They worked and she wouldn’t feel sorry for that. Not when she was more in love than she had ever been in her whole life.

While she loved all of them—Karson, her dad, Grady, Rachel, and the boys—she just wished there was a way to have some kind of balance. To get her family to love him as much as she did. She knew it was a long shot, but there was no hurt in praying it would happen. Or that at least they would try.

Clicking out of an email, Lacey went to the order summary for that day. She wanted to make sure that the new piece she had designed was selling well. It was freaking gorgeous in her opinion and all Karson’s idea. It was a black corset, but instead of regular lace ties tying it together, he said to use hockey laces. He thought it would attract all the female hockey fans. Looking at the numbers, she could say that he was right. It was a hit, and she couldn’t wait to send it off for mass production.

Picking up her phone, she clicked his name and wrote him a quick text.

Lacey: K’s Laces are selling really well.

Karson: Told you they would.

She smiled. While she was glad he texted her back, she didn’t expect him to. He was supposed to be practicing.

Lacey: Are you done?

Karson: Nope, I’m in a meeting. I’ll be home in an hour. I was actually about to text you and let you know. You good?

Lacey: Yeah, just working.

Karson: Cool. I’ll be home soon.

Lacey: :)

Laying her phone down, she checked a few more things and was about to get ready to go to the mall when her phone rang. She assumed it was Karson, but when the display read that it was her father, she was sure her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Picking the phone up slowly, she hit the accept button and said, “Hello?”

“Lacey Arielle, it’s your father.”

“Hey, Daddy,” she said slowly.

She hadn’t talked to him since he’d walked out of her apartment back in Chicago.

“I was calling to ask if you are ready to come home.”

Straight to the point, as her father always was. Sitting back in her chair, her brows came in. “Um, I’m coming to Chicago in two weeks for a meeting and to check on the store.”

“No, I mean are you ready to come home for good.”

“I am home, Dad.”

“No, Chicago is your home. Tell me you are done with this charade. Surely, you are ready.”

Closing her eyes, she pinched the bridge of her nose. “Daddy, it isn’t a charade. I love Karson. I’m happy.”

“I don’t believe that. Come home.”

“No, I am home.”

He paused and her heart went insane in her chest. She hadn’t spoken to him in weeks, and he thought he could just call to demand shit? How unfair was that? And why? Did he really assume she would just obey him? He was delusional!

“You know, I really don’t see what you don’t understand. I am happy, I am in love, and Karson and I are building a life here. We bought a house, and maybe we’ll get a dog or something, but we are happy. He is my husband, my partner for life,” she said, anger lacing her voice. When she remembered what he had done, for a second time, she decided to call him out on it. “We heard about you calling his coach. That was really low of you. I’m going to ask that you don’t do anything like that again, but knowing you, you probably will.”

She shook her head, completely disgusted with the person she called her father. “Daddy, I need you to respect me. Respect my marriage, and if you can’t do that, then please don’t call me back,” she said sternly. In her head, she knew Karson would be proud of her, but it didn’t keep her heart from pounding so hard it hurt in her chest. The times were few and far between when she actually stood up to her dad, but this had to stop. Karson was everything to her.

“Fine, Lacey,” he said softly and her heart ached. She hated this. She wanted her dad to be a good man and support her. She wanted him not to try to sabotage her and Karson. She wanted him to be happy for her. Not so controlling. But that wasn’t the man Nate Martin was.

“Fine, I guess I’ll let you go then.”

“No, sweetheart, I miss you,” he said and she paused.

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Well, I miss you too, Daddy.”

“And you’re right, I was wrong for trying to ruin that scum’s career,” he said and Lacey rolled her eyes.

“He isn’t scum, Daddy. He is amazing.”

“That’s up for debate. But also, I’ve decided that I was wrong for trying to make you choose, and I really would like it if we can have a relationship. You’re my princess.”

Tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes as she swallowed hard. Her father wasn’t the man she needed for a father, but he was the only parent she had and she did care for him. As much as she wanted him to love Karson right off the bat, she knew it was going to take time. Maybe since he was willing to respect her relationship, Grady and Rachel would. She’d have her family back, and that was something she really did want. Something she craved.

“I would like that too,” she said softly.

“Good, so you said you two bought a house?”

She smiled as she gushed about their new house, telling him every detail. He listened, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t actually care. He asked questions about where it was and how much it cost, which she thought was weird. But then again, her father was all about money. When she said Karson bought it outright, she was trying to get her father to like him. Since he had said that Karson would never be able to support her, she wanted to show that he could, tenfold. She wasn’t sure it worked, but he seemed impressed.

“Wow, but is your name is on the deed?”

“Yeah,” she said, confused by the question. Why did that matter?

“And there is no prenup, right?”

Her stomach clenched. What was he getting at? “No, we don’t need one.”

“That’s very unsafe, but I guess you both have something to lose and something for leverage,” he said, disappointment lacing his voice.

“There is nothing to lose because this is forever.”

“Nothing is forever, Lacey. Don’t be so naïve,” he scolded, making her feel two feet tall.

“Our love is,” she said with as much strength as she could muster.

“Well, let’s hope so because if not, he can get half your business, and you don’t want that. Not after all the work and time you’ve put into it. Lord knows you are way more successful than he’ll ever be,” he said, and she could just imagine him shaking his head.

“Actually, not that it matters, but Karson is more successful.”

He laughed. “Honey, don’t let him blind you with buying that house with cash. It doesn’t mean anything; he’s only a hockey player. Mediocre at that.”

She let out an annoyed breath. “I’m pretty sure I said not to put down my husband. And not that I have to defend him, but I will because he is an excellent, smart player. He is a beautiful man, and I am proud to be married to him.”

“I’m entitled to my own opinion of him, and until he proves me wrong, I will think what I want of him,” he said in a matter-of-fact way. She hated when he talked like that. Like he was so smart while she was a freaking idiot.

Squeezing the edge of the counter, she snapped, “You’re right. But don’t forget, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, and most of them are just full of shit.”

“I’m pretty sure you just insulted me, and I will blame that on your husband,” he said through a tight lip.

“Actually, I came up with that, but whatever,” she said, and she wished she had hung up a long time ago. While she did want her father in her life, the key was small doses. She should have ended this call a long time ago. It wasn’t time to bring Karson into this. She should have never told her dad anything; he didn’t care. If he did, he’d be happy for her.

“Yes, well, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

Putting her glass in the sink, she said, “I think Karson’s parents are going to come down.”

“So you won’t be coming home?”

“No, Karson has already made plans with Regina and Karl to come here,” she said, and the invite was right there, but she wasn’t sure how Karson would feel about that.

“Well, maybe we will come there then, if you have the room. I don’t think anyone wants to spend it without you.”

Oh. “Well, yeah, that should be fine. I’ll discuss it with Karson.”

Her father scoffed. “It’s your home and your family. Do you really need to discuss anything with him?”

She glared. “Since you did break us up, kept us apart for nine years, and then tried to get him benched on his team, ugh, yeah, I think I need to discuss this with him. Karson is a good man, but I don’t expect him to welcome you with open arms.”

“Who am I welcoming?”

Lacey twirled around quickly to see her husband standing in the doorway, looking deliciously wet from a shower and sporting a grin just for her. His shoulders took up most of the doorway, and her insides clenched at the thought of digging her nails into them. He was undeniably sexy.

“My father,” she said, causing his face to twist in horror. Smiling, she said into her phone, “I don’t know, but I’ll let you know in the next couple days so you can make plans one way or the other.”

“Fine, that’s reasonable. I guess I will let you go.”

“Yeah, Karson just got home and we are going shopping before dinner with some friends tonight. I’ll be in touch.”

“Okay, I love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” she said back and didn’t miss the way Karson looked at her. His look told her he was surprised by her sentiment to her father but also glad that she was talking to her dad. She had told her dad that Karson wouldn’t welcome him, but somewhere deep in her heart, she thought he would. He would do anything for her as long as it made her happy. She hoped he knew she would do the same for him.

Hanging up the phone, she set it on the counter before reaching for him. He came willingly, wrapping her up in his strong arms and lifting her off the ground as he kissed her senseless. Closing her eyes, she ran her fingers up the back of his neck into his hair where she held on as she kissed him long and hard. She had four days to collect all the kisses she could to get her through the two weeks without him. She wasn’t going to cheat herself of any of them.

Parting, Karson grinned down at her before saying, “Hey, wife.”

“Husband, how was practice?”

“I think I tweaked my hip, but I’m good.”

“Aw, want me to rub it later?” she said, waggling her eyebrows playfully.

He grinned as he nodded. “That’s exactly what I want. With your tongue. And then I want you to drift to the left and suck me off.”

Heat washed over her as his grin grew. “I can always depend on you to be direct,” she laughed.

“Always,” he said with a wink. “So what did your dad want? That’s odd that he called, right?”

“Yeah,” she said, twirling her fingers in the small, wet hairs at the base of his neck. “He called to say he missed me and wanted a relationship with me.”

“Really? Wow.”

“Yeah, he said he was wrong for calling your coach.”

“So he apologized? That’s surprising.”

Lacey thought for a second. “No, he never apologized.”

Karson scoffed as he shook his head. “Ha, didn’t expect him to.”

That bothered her. Why didn’t he apologize? And why hadn’t she noticed it until Karson mentioned it? Letting it go though, she said, “Yeah, he wants to come for Thanksgiving.”

He made a face that said it was a bad idea before saying, “Really? Why? My family will be here.”

“We’ve never spent a holiday apart, so I don’t know. He wants to come, and I said I’d talk to you about it,” she said, chewing on the inside of her lip.

“I don’t know, baby. Do you think it’s a good idea?”

She shrugged. It probably wasn’t, but she wanted her family and his all together. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s up to you. You made plans with your family; I don’t want to change them.”

His eyes darkened as he shook his head. “This is our first Thanksgiving as a couple in our new home. I want you to be happy.”

“I know, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable,” she said, looking away.

Lifting her chin, he met her gaze and asked, “Do you want him to come?”

Still chewing on her lips, she knew she did. Like she had said, they’d never spent a holiday apart, and while it was probably time to grow up and allow that to happen, so much had already changed. Maybe spending holidays together could be the one thing that could stay the same, and maybe her family could figure out a way to tolerate Karson.

“Yeah, I think I do.”

“Then invite him. We have the room.”

A grin pulled at her lips as she met his gaze. “Are you sure?”

“If it makes you happy, yes,” he said, kissing the side of her mouth. “I can deal as long as you are smiling.”

Cupping his face, she kissed his bottom lip before beaming at him. “I love you, husband.”

“And I love you, wife.”

Something still wasn’t sitting right about Nate Martin coming to Thanksgiving dinner. While he wanted to believe that he had Lacey’s best interest in mind, Karson couldn’t help thinking the asshole would come to sabotage their first holiday together. He didn’t want to think that of his father-in-law, but come on, the guy didn’t have a good track record. Usually, he would say tell the guy to fuck off, but he knew Lacey wanted this. Her dad was an asshole, but he was her dad. He just hoped that Nate had Lacey’s happiness in mind and not his own. Knowing him though, he probably didn’t. This was just a way to get close to her and push Karson away. But no matter how much Karson didn’t feel right about it, he’d do anything for her.

Even spend a holiday with Nate Martin.

He loved her, and as he drove to Shea and Elli Adler’s house, his hand in her lap, her fingers tangled with his, he knew he’d probably face a billion Nate Martins just for the chance to be near her. She was stunning. In a long, tight skirt, she had a white blouse on that was lacy at the top, giving a sexy but very classy view of her breasts. Her hair was in a high bun, her makeup heavy and dramatic, and her heels were tall and sexy. She looked like she had been taken out of some sort of city magazine before being placed in the seat beside him, and he couldn’t help but be turned on more than anything.

His wife was a hottie.

Squeezing her hand, he said, “You look gorgeous, sweetheart.”

She smiled over at him, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

With his brows coming in from her nervous grin, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I have to admit, I’m a little nervous to meet your friends.”

He laughed. “They are awesome. The guys are okay, I guess, but you’ll like the wives. Elli is great. She is friendly and you’ll love her. Audrey is nice, her sister Fallon is kinda bitchy, but that’s only when she is pregnant. Unfortunately, she’s pregnant right now. Piper and Reese are good people, so you should be good. Just make sure that Fallon is always eating, and you shouldn’t have a problem.”

She giggled. “Feed the pregnant woman and everyone is nice—I think I got it.”

He kissed the back of her hand and nodded. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time. They are really great people. They are my family here.”

“I’m excited to meet them,” she said just as they pulled into Shea’s driveway.

“Here we are,” he said, shutting the car off and getting out. Going around, he opened the door and helped her out. Taking in her long legs and killer shoes, his groin tightened even more. “Shit, woman, those heels are killing me.”

She gave him a sneaky grin before she whispered, “Maybe I’ll wear them to bed tonight.”

“Oh yes, please do,” he practically begged as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Looking deep into her sparkly green eyes, he could tell she was happy. He loved the grin that sat on her lips, the way her eyes shone with love, and how she just looked utterly blissful. He did that. He made sure his woman was the happiest she could be and he wouldn’t stop. His sole purpose in life was to make sure this woman was loved, supported, taken care of, and completely happy. He had done really well so far, and the future looked positive for them.

As long as Nate didn’t mess with them.

Holding her face, he ran his thumbs along her cheeks as his eyes locked with hers. He couldn’t believe that he was leaving her in a matter of days. After spending every waking moment with her, it was going to be as hard as it had been nine years ago to walk away from her. Yeah, he knew she was a phone call away, but he was going to miss her eyes, her lips, her body, everything.

“It’s gonna be hard leaving you for two weeks.”

Her grin dropped as she nodded. “It’s gonna suck. Hide me in your suitcase?”

He smiled. “I wish I could, but do you really want to share a room with me and JT?”

She shuddered as she shook her head quickly. “Hell, no. Not with Sir-Masturbates-A-Lot.”

He chuckled as he collected her up in his arms, running his lips along hers. “Then I guess we will have to resort to FaceTime.”

“Yup, and then we will be the ones masturbating,” she joked with an exaggerated wink.

He nodded, holding his grin in. “Yes, we will. How will we survive?”

“One orgasm at a time,” she said, her grin taking over her sweet face.

That had them both laughing as he squeezed her tightly to him. As their laughter subsided, he met her gaze and kissed her nose. He wasn’t going to make it without her. He really couldn’t get enough of her, and the thought of two long weeks without her had his stomach churning. He wasn’t ready to leave yet. He’d probably never be ready; he needed more Lacey. He always needed more.

After kissing her lips softly, he whispered, “I haven’t even left yet and I miss you.”

Her eyes clouded a tad as she nodded. “It’s going to be hell.”

“But we will get through it,” he said with a nod. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Let’s keep telling ourselves that. Maybe it will work,” she said sadly and he hated that.

“I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to,” he said, hoping to ease some of her anxiety. Or maybe his.

“I know, Karson, and this is your job. I knew that from the beginning,” she said, cupping his face. She kissed his lips, her lips moving ever so softly against his and curling his toes as he held her tight. Pulling back, she met his gaze and said, “And when you get home, I’ll be waiting.”

“Naked?”

“Naked,” she agreed with a grin, kissing his lips again.

“Okay, let’s get inside before I take you back home,” he teased and she grinned, her cheeks coloring sweetly.

“Okay,” she agreed as he took her hand and started for the house.

As they reached the door, he looked over at her and smiled. “Warning, there are like a billion kids. Each of them has an average of like three kids,” he said with a chuckle. The Assassins men were fertile. “But you like kids, right?”

“Yeah, love them,” she said, returning the grin.

“Good,” he said with a nod. Looking deep into her eyes, he squeezed her hand and said, “You know, we should talk about having some soon, don’t you think?”

Her grin was gone within seconds and soon replaced with a straight line. Her eyes went dull as she looked away, bringing her lip into her teeth. Cocking his head to the side, he asked, “What’s that look about?”

“Nothing,” she said with a shake of her head. “It’s just, um—”

“Hey, y’all!”

Karson looked over to see his boss standing in front of him in all her beautiful glory. His boss was not only a knockout but also the greatest person alive. She would do anything for anyone, and everyone loved Elli. You had to; it was a rule or something. One that if you broke would bring Shea Adler after you. And no one wanted Shea Adler after them.

Glancing from Elli to Lacey, he saw that she had changed her worried expression to a bright grin that only he knew was fake. One he didn’t like nor understand the need for. He didn’t know what he had said. He asked if she wanted to talk about having kids. What was wrong with that?

What the hell just happened?

Lacey’s heart was slamming against her ribs harder than a wrecking ball.

Cue the Miley Cyrus song.

Her hands were clammy as she twirled her ring around her fingers, but she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t sit still for anything. As she stood in the middle of the room, all Karson’s friends staring at her and introducing themselves, all she could do was think about what he said:

You know, we should talk about having some soon, don’t you think?

As Elli talked about loving her shoes, Lacey’s head was swimming with her own panicked thoughts. There was a reason why people dated before they got married, and while yes, they’d dated as kids, they weren’t the people now they were then. She loved Karson. She loved who he was now; he was a great man. But from that single question, Lacey knew one thing that she wished she would have known before she’d married him.

That he wanted kids.

But the problem was, she didn’t.

To say she was internally freaking out was an understatement. She was more like having a full-out anxiety attack. People got divorced over the issue of kids. It was a deal-breaker. Lacey had completely invested herself into their relationship, and now it could all come to a crumbling end. She had left her home, her family, her business all behind for him, and now that could be for nothing. She wasn’t sure how hell-bent Karson was, but she saw the yearning in his eyes when he said it. When they were back in Chicago, he had been in heaven as they cuddled with her nephews. He loved kids.

He wanted them.

And shit, his parents wanted grandchildren, and he was all about pleasing his parents. She then remembered hearing him say to the Realtor that the house was big enough for a least three kids, but she’d paid him no mind. She was too busy looking at the sinks. Why didn’t she pay attention! The signs were all there. But they never talked about it, and now…now she could lose everything.

“Menfolk, let’s go to the deck for a beer. Let the beautiful women get to know our newest addition to the Assassins family,” Shea called out, making Lacey jump.

He was a big man, demanding the attention of the room, but as she looked around, she realized all the men did. Tate was a giant and Lucas had shoulders like Karson’s. Phillip and Erik were thick with muscle, but they were lean, obviously for the speed on the ice. All of them were good-looking too, but then as her eyes met Karson’s, she knew that no one could hold a candle to him. Her man was all kinds of sexy, and soon her eyes stung with tears at the thought of losing him.

How could she tell him she didn’t want kids?

Would it break him? Would he completely throw her away and go find someone who would have babies? He loved her, but was their love strong enough to replace his need for children? She knew how men were; they needed to spread their seed, but Lacey just wasn’t for it. She couldn’t do it.

Snaking his arm around his waist, he put his mouth to her ear. “You okay?”

She nodded. “Fine.”

“She’ll be fine, Karson. Go on now. We need to get to know each other,” Elli said with a bright grin.

Karson laughed. “I know, just checking on her, boss.”

Lacey smiled as his lips met the side of her mouth. “Are you sure?” he whispered.

Taking his jaw in her hand, she met his eyes with hers and did her best to lie. “Yes, everything is fine. Go get some beer.”

He eyed her, and she was sure he could see she was lying. She didn’t even know why she tried. She couldn’t lie to him. Never had been able to. He saw right through her and that made her more than nervous. It terrified her. She guessed he’d decided to wait to interrogate her, and he kissed her softly on her mouth before saying, “All right, sweetheart. Have fun.”

Smiling, she watched as he walked away. His beautiful back muscles flexing with each step he took, his ass that of a god, and those legs carrying him like he was a feather. He was honestly a thing of beauty, one whom she loved and was horrified to lose.

“You two are adorable,” Elli said and Lacey beamed over at her. Elli was a beautiful woman, long auburn hair and green eyes that made Lacey feel at home. She was on the thicker side, but it worked for her. All of the women were beautiful, actually, and it was very intimidating.

“Thank you. We are very happy,” she said as all of them sized her up.

“Good, we want that. Come on, we’ll all have some wine and cheese while we wait for the chicken to finish cookin’,” Elli said, taking Lacey’s arm with hers and leading her through the large home. Lacey wasn’t one for big houses, but the Adler home was flawless and very well lived-in. There were toys everywhere along with hockey equipment and everything that a family would have. It was evident that the home was full of love.

As she was led toward the kitchen, Lacey took in all the pictures of all the children and pictures of Elli and Shea through the years. Their wedding pictures were the ones that stood out the most. She couldn’t wait to get her prints back from their wedding so she could adorn their home with them, but then her chest hurt at the thought of Karson kicking her to the curb before that could happen.

For a split second though, Lacey considered the idea of having a child just so she wouldn’t lose Karson, but then her eyes met a little girl’s eyes in a picture, and she remembered exactly why she didn’t want a child.

“Your daughter?” Lacey asked, stopping and pointing to the little girl. She looked a lot like Shea but had Elli’s green eyes.

“Yes, that’s our sweet girl, Shelli. She’s seven,” she said, pride pouring out of her pores. She then pointed to another picture of all five children. “Then we have Posey, six, the twins, Owen and Evan, are five, and Quinn is two, almost three.”

“Wow, packed house,” Lacey said with a grin as Elli laughed.

“Yup, couldn’t be happier.”

“Will you have more?” she asked as they started toward the kitchen.

Everyone laughed as Elli began shaking her head almost violently. “Hell-to-the-fuck no. I got my tubes tied, and Shea got his stuff snipped. We are fertile as hell, had to take double precautions. I even try to get him to use condoms still, just to be sure,” she said, causing everyone to laugh again and soon Lacey was laughing too. Elli’s laughter was contagious.

“Where are they now?”

“Shea’s parents are in town, so they are all hanging out at his sister’s house since we had this planned before they came in,” she said, pouring Lacey a glass of wine.

“Must be nice to get away.”

“You have no idea. I think it’s easy to say we all love our little bits, but it’s nice to just be us and the guys every once in a while,” she said and everyone nodded in agreement.

“Karson said the Assassins’ average was three kids a couple,” Lacey said and everyone snickered.

“One for me, but that’s not by choice. I haven’t been able to get pregnant,” Audrey said. She was the same size as Lacey, almost the same build too, but the girl was stunning. Lacey couldn’t help but imagine Audrey modeling her pieces and stealing the show. She was curvy but had these brown eyes that were gorgeous with gold flakes floating in them. She was beautiful.

“I’m sorry.”

“We are good with it, I promise. Our little Penny is enough. She is a firecracker.”

“That’s wonderful,” Lacey said, and while Audrey said she was okay with it, she could see the yearning in her eyes.

“I have two,” Piper said, bringing Lacey’s attention to her. She was itty bitty but still so dazzling. It was kind of intimidating how gorgeous all these women were. All of them done up to the nines with big personalities. Just in the ten minutes Lacey had spent with them, she knew they were all very successful and smart. It was kind of mind-blowing. “Dimitri and Katarina.”

“I only have one,” Reese said with a shrug. “But my husband’s niece is basically our daughter too, so I guess, you can say two for me. She’s twenty and engaged, kind of crazy.”

“You could be a grandma,” Elli teased and Reese rolled her eyes.

“Lord, let’s hope not. Poor Jude has been through enough with just Phillip,” she said with a shake of her head, but then she smiled. “Anyway, I think it’s funny that Karson said that, but he’s right. It’s your fault, Elli! Big ol’ family.”

“No, Fallon is right up there with me now!” Elli said back before taking a long pull of her wine. Lacey giggled as Fallon glared at Elli.

“I think it is wrong that everyone is drinking while I sit here. Pregnant.”

“Would you like a block of cheese?” Lacey asked, holding the cheese out to her.

Fallon’s glare deepened. “Did your husband tell you to feed me?”

Lacey paused and then grinned. “He did.”

“Smart man, I always did like him. Thank you,” she said, taking the hunk of cheese and taking a bite of it.

“That’s supposed to be for everyone, Fallon,” Elli scolded but then looked the other way when Fallon shot her a look that could kill. That had everyone trying to hold their laughter in but failing desperately. Elli then turned to Lacey and said, “She’s a really great girl when she isn’t pregnant. Please check back with her in a month or so.”

Lacey giggled as Fallon contentedly ate her cheese. “Will do.”

“This is the last one. I’m done,” Fallon spat out.

“She says that every time,” Audrey added and Lacey smiled.

“I have three already; my oldest is almost a teenager. I’m done.”

“For as angry as you get, let’s all hope so,” Elli said, cheersing her before taking a long sip. Fallon kept glaring, eating her hunk of cheese, and all Lacey could do was giggle. She was a hoot.

With a grin, Elli asked, “Good, so tell us, how are you liking Nashville?”

“I’m adjusting. It’s not that cold and I like that. Also, it’s just beautiful here.”

“That it is. I love my home.”

“It’s kinda crazy,” Piper then said, all the attention going to her. “We still can’t get over it all. Karson’s never been one to date anyone or even be in a relationship, so hearing that y’all got married was huge news.”

“Yeah, it was kind of crazy.” Lacey said with a fond smile. “We were together in college, but then some stuff went down and we broke up. I hadn’t seen him for nearly ten years before last month.”

“Oh my God! That’s insane. And y’all just decided to get married?” Audrey asked.

Lacey smile grew, her heart warming. “We got into the same cab, and that’s all it took. I never stopped loving him, and he never stopped loving me.”

“That’s so romantic,” Audrey swooned as her face flushed with color. “And y’all ran off to Vegas?”

Lacey nodded. “We did. Greatest decision of my life.”

“Aren’t you worried you aren’t the people you were then?” Fallon asked. “I always worried about that with my husband, but we kinda got to know each other. Y’all just did it. No turning back, ya know?”

Everyone went quiet and Lacey chuckled.

If only you knew, lady, she thought sadly as she shrugged.

“She has diarrhea of the mouth when she’s pregnant,” Audrey apologized and Lacey waved her off.

“I think when you know, you know, and I’ve always loved Karson. He really isn’t that much different. He still makes me laugh and giggle at the silliest things. We have this banter between us that is us, you know? And he’s good to me. Loves me. Unconditionally. I’ve changed a lot through the years, and he still loves me.”

“That’s really wonderful,” Audrey said, and Lacey didn’t miss the look she flashed Fallon.

“He’s a really great guy. We all just adore him to pieces,” Elli said with a grin.

“He is. He went and got the car for me when I went into labor with my son,” Piper said with a grin. “My husband just stood there, completely out of it.”

Everyone giggled and Lacey realized it must have been an inside joke. Then Audrey said, “He’s kept Penny for us plenty of times and even Aiden, Asher, and Stella, right, Fallon?”

“Yup, he’s a great babysitter, loves kids,” Fallon agreed.

“Yeah, he’s gonna make a great daddy. You’re very lucky,” Piper said with a grin.

“Yeah,” Lacey answered, looking down at the rim of her glass before slowly tracing it with her finger. “He makes me really happy.”

Looking up, they all sent her a grin, and Lacey could tell they were all being very sincere. They cared for Karson and that was nice. He had said that this was his family, and in just a little bit of time, it was clear that was true. But what killed her was the fact that they all knew he wanted to be a father. If they knew, then it was obvious it was a big deal to him, and knowing that hurt Lacey to the core.

After a little bit of silence, the conversation came easily for them. As Lacey sat there, they all talked about their kids, their jobs, and then their husbands and the season. She tried to add in at the places she could, but she felt every bit the outsider. She didn’t like feeling like that, but it just seemed like they had known each other their whole lives. She’d assumed they’d met through the guys, but they were almost like sisters.

“How long have y’all been friends?” she found herself asking. “You guys seem like sisters or something.”

They all grinned at each other, and the love was apparent between the five women.

“Audrey and I are sisters, and then Elli and I have been friends for what, ten years?” Fallon asked and Elli nodded.

“Around there. I used to be a photographer, and when I worked the wedding scene, Fallon’s wine was always there. We just clicked as friends.”

“And then we are twins,” Piper said pointing between her and Reese. Lacey didn’t know that. They looked like night and day, but if she did look closely, she could see the resemblance. “And we grew up with Elli. She is like our second big sister.”

“And then the guys brought us closer as friends,” Audrey said with a nod.

“Wow,” Lacey said, feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. If they had been just friends because of the guys, she wouldn’t have felt like such an outsider, but being basically family, she felt like she didn’t belong. It was apparent that these women were extremely close, and Lacey’s hopes of maybe gaining a friend quickly disappeared. It was sad because usually she made friends pretty easily, but really, she wasn’t even trying.

All she could do was think about Karson.

And what he had asked.

And how everyone knew he would be a great father.

As his question swirled in her head at speeds unknown, her heart fell into her stomach and dissolved in the acid. How was she going to tell him? She had never told anyone she didn’t want kids. Never had to. Even with Ethan, he had been the one to tell her he didn’t want kids, and it worked. But with Karson, it was different. She loved him and she didn’t want to disappoint him, and above all, she didn’t want to lose him.

But she just couldn’t bring herself to bring a child into the world.

Looking through the patio doors for what seemed like the hundredth time, he checked on Lacey.

She looked perfect standing with the other women in the Adlers’ home with a glass of wine and a bright smile on her face. The smile didn’t match her eyes though. She may be enjoying herself, but something was troubling her and he was dying to know what it was so he could fix it. He had replayed their conversation at least seven times, and each time, he still didn’t know what he said wrong. All he did was ask when she wanted to consider having kids. He assumed she’d be happy, excited even, but she shut down on him. It didn’t make sense.

“Dude, she isn’t going anywhere,” Shea joked and Karson smiled as he looked toward where his captain stood with a beer. Tate, Lucas, Phillip, and Erik all mirrored him with grins on their faces as Karson shrugged his shoulders shyly.

“Just making sure,” he said and they all chuckled as his eyes fell on Fallon’s growing belly. Looking back at Lucas, he asked, “When’s the baby due, Lucas? A month?”

Lucas nodded, letting out a long breath. “Yeah, thank God. She is driving me insane.”

“Doesn’t she always?” Tate asked, his Swedish accent still present after living in Nashville for over six years.

“Yeah, but now we have Stella, who is her mother made over, and it’s insane. When Emery comes, let’s pray she is like me,” he practically begged, and they all laughed.

“That’s a lot of kids. Reese and I are good with our two,” Phillip said with a grin. “Maybe one more, if I can talk her into it. Sawyer has been great.”

“That’s now. He’s your kid. He’s bound to fuck something up,” Erik pointed out and Phillip scoffed.

“Both your kids are you in miniature, so really, who is in trouble here?” he said back and Erik glared.

“They are like Piper too… Shit, yeah, we are fucked,” he said, laughing, and soon everyone chuckled along. “Might want to wait though, you know?”

Phillip’s brow came up. “Why?”

“Because with Claire getting married, next comes a baby, and you don’t want to be a grandpa having a kid. That’s weird.”

Everyone went silent as Phillip’s face turned red. “That’s not funny. Don’t talk about her like that. She isn’t having no damn baby; she isn’t even having sex.”

Shea sputtered with laughter as Tate and Lucas took long swigs of their beers and Erik and Phillip glared at each other. Karson, meanwhile, leaned against the post and enjoyed the show. Claire was Phillip’s niece who was basically his daughter. He loved her like she was and did anything he could to help her succeed after having a real shitty childhood. She lived in Vegas, running a burlesque club, and had made something of herself. Still though, the thought of Claire having a kid was insane. The girl was only twenty, but then again, she did just get engaged to a hockey player from the Kings named Jude. He was a punk, but he seemed to really care for Claire. Phillip still hated him though.

Which obviously meant all of the Assassins hated him.

“If you think that girl isn’t having wild sex with Mohawk kid, you are delusional,” Erik laughed but no one else did. If there was one thing you didn’t joke about around Phillip, it was Claire. And Reese. And their little boy, Sawyer.

“Do you want me to kill you?” Phillip asked. “’Cause I will.”

“Leave him alone,” Shea said with a shake of his head.

“He gets so mad though; it’s cute,” Erik said with a grin.

“I’m gonna murder you,” Phillip promised while everyone snickered.

“Anyway,” Shea said loudly, putting a stop to their bickering. “Did y’all hear about Jakob?”

Karson’s ears perked up as he sat up against the pole. Jakob was Shea’s best friend and his linemate. He had been getting hurt a lot lately, and his career was a little iffy as a result. While Karson wished him well, he was also gunning for his spot. Playing with Shea would make him even more of an asset than he already was. It would be good for his career.

Without waiting for an answer, Shea said, “Things aren’t good with his elbow. He’s retiring.”

“What?” Tate asked. “That’s insane.”

“That fucking blows,” Lucas said. “I’m gonna miss playing with him.”

Everyone agreed since none of them wanted to see one of their friends stop doing what they loved.

“He’s really upset, but he’s taking it well. Gives him more time with Harper, Ally, and Journey,” Erik, who was Jakob’s younger brother, said.

As much as he wanted to be happy that this was a chance of a lifetime for Karson, Shea hated that his friend had to quit. Jakob was a good man and played some damn good hockey. After a messy hit though, his arm hadn’t been the same. Sucks, but it was the game.

“Yeah, I’m considering it,” Shea said, and Karson whipped his head over to his captain.

“What?” Lucas said.

“What do you mean?” Erik added.

“You want to retire?” Tate said.

“Shut up,” Phillip said, and shock was visible on all their faces.

“There is nothing wrong with you,” Karson added. “You are a beast.”

Shea laughed. “Yeah, I know, but it’s just the kids are getting older and I want to be there for them. We are leaving all the damn time, and it’s hard on Elli. With her running the Assassins and then running the household, I feel like a dick. Especially when I am the one who was knocking her up every year.”

“Does she know?” Lucas asked and Shea nodded.

“I mentioned it a few times, and she says it’s my choice. I don’t know. I’m getting old.”

“No, you are not,” Tate said. “You are still a great player.”

Shea smiled. “Yeah, I know. Maybe another couple years. When the boys start playing, for sure. I want to coach their teams.”

Phillip clapped his hands. “Okay, boys, we have maybe two years to talk him out of leaving us!”

Everyone laughed as Shea shook his head. “You guys will be fine without me. Don’t worry.”

“I do not think so, Cap,” Tate said, a little bit of awe in his eyes. He had always admired Shea. Almost in a creepy way, but he was young and really looked up to his captain.

“Don’t worry,” Shea said, cupping Tate’s shoulder. “If I stop, I won’t be gone. I’ll still be out there yelling at you assholes.”

“Our days have been made,” Karson joked and everyone chortled.

Setting Karson with a look, Shea said, “You just wait. When you have kids with that beautiful wife of yours, you’ll see how hard it is to leave.”

Karson smiled, his cheeks warming. “It’s hard to leave her now.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean, but just wait. It gets worse,” Shea promised, and Karson had no doubt his captain was completely right.

“You won’t have long until you find that out though, huh, King? You know you’re next. You have to knock her up to keep our average up,” Lucas joked, and Karson couldn’t help but have a new wave of worry wash over him for what he had said to Lacey. “Me and Shea are in competition to see who can have the most.”

Shea laughed. “If you knock her up two more times, you win. I’m done. Elli took my balls.”

Lucas scoffed. “She’s always had them.”

Shea glared as he punched Lucas lightly in the arm. “Fallon has yours in a glass box. Always has!”

“Whatever, she lets me have them every once in a while,” Lucas said in mock sadness, receiving a good round of laughs. Karson laughed along with them before glancing back inside to check on Lacey. She was sitting now, the same grin on her face as Elli told a story about something. Elli was very animated and demanded the attention of everyone in the room, but he knew that Lacey wasn’t there. She was somewhere else. Somewhere he needed to be too.

“You know who doesn’t have balls anymore?”

Karson looked over as all eyes met his.

And then with a chorus, they all said, “King.”

It was true, and Karson didn’t care one bit. Lacey could have them.

She had all of him.

After a great dinner with his teammates and their wives, Karson took his own wife home. It felt great thinking that. His wife home. And they had done just that. In no time at all, they made the home they bought theirs. He found himself excited when he came home to her or when he lay in bed with her. It felt right, complete. It was their home. But as he stood in a pair of boxers, he looked across the bed at his quiet wife as she threw pillows onto the ground and he knew something was off. Usually they joked around and he bitched about the many pillows she had on the bed, but tonight, she wouldn’t even really look at him.

He couldn’t help but notice that she looked smoking hot in a little lace shorts and lace tube top thing. He could see every single one of her tattoos on her chest. The ones that marked her fight still made him breathless like they did the first time he’d seen them. The swell of her breasts, her cute little tummy and then that ass, ugh, he loved her ass. As she bent over to plug in her phone, he got a full view of the spectacular thing as it practically ate the shorts she was wearing, and everything inside him went tight. Deciding he needed a handful of her, or two, he jumped onto the bed and then over it before coming up behind her, sliding his hands down her thighs and kissing her shoulder and throat as his hands massaged the two globes.

It had been tense around them, and he had the best remedy for tension.

“Did you have fun tonight, my love?”

She leaned back into him, lengthening her neck for him as he trailed kisses up her throat. “I did,” she answered breathlessly.

“Good,” he said roughly against her skin. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” she said as his hand came up to cup her breast, while his other one went to cup her hot pussy. “Better now,” she whispered, arching herself into his hand. He loved how responsive she was. How only a small touch could send her into ecstasy. Running his tongue down her neck and shoulder, he bit her shoulder softly, making her flinch back into him, her ass nestling against his swollen hard cock.

“Fuck, you are so hot,” he whispered against her burning skin. “Do you want me inside you, sweetheart?”

Before she could answer, he moved her shorts to the side and slid his finger inside her slick, wet center, swirling around her taut bud. She cried out, her knees buckling as her head leaned against his chest. Kissing up her neck, sucking her earlobe in his mouth, he moved his two fingers against her clit, wanting to erase every single bit of tension from her delectable body. As she moved against his hand, her moans filled their room, sending his body into overdrive. Biting into her shoulder, he was surprised when she came undone against him, jerking and writhing under his hand as he soothed her skin with his tongue. Stopping his fingers, he cupped her, squeezing her as he kissed across her back, licking and biting a trail of love along her. That was quick and he figured she’d needed that.

And he was always one to provide a good orgasm here and there.

Turning her in his arms, he took her mouth with his, moving his tongue with hers as he slowly backed her into the door that led to their bathroom. Yeah, it would be easier to take her to the bed, but there was something about this door that made him want to fuck her against it. Gripping the back of her thighs, he pressed his body into hers as he devoured her mouth. His cock strained against her hot pussy, her arousal getting all over his boxers. She relaxed against him for the first time in hours, and his heart swelled in his chest as he moved his mouth with hers. He didn’t know what was going on, but after he made her come a few more times, he planned to find out.

Chucking his boxers down and off, he continued to kiss her as she pulled her panties down and kicked them away. Taking her in his arms again, their mouths met in a fevered rush before he all but consumed her. Her heat teased his cock, and he begged to be inside her. He wanted to make her come again though. He wanted to hear his name fall from those swollen lips.

He wanted to taste her.

Dropping to his knees, he buried his face between her thighs as she cried out, bucking against the wall, her fingers tangled in his hair.

“Oh shit,” she cried out, arching into his mouth as her sucked her senseless.

As he swirled his tongue around her taut nub, her thighs squeezed his face while he fed from her unrestrained pussy. She was thrashing, her body shaking, and he knew she was almost there. She only needed a little more. Guiding his finger between her thighs, he slid two fingers inside her and slowly started to fuck her as his tongue teased her clit and his pinkie tickled her ass.

Sucking in a deep breath, she whispered, “Oh yes.”

He loved that she loved when he touched her there. He thought her ass was the greatest thing on her, and the fact he got to play with every single inch of it had his cock begging for release. While he would love to get in that ass, he wouldn’t do that unless she was okay with it. The thought was almost enough to have him rocketing to an orgasm. His baby was a dirty little thing.

Taking her clit into his mouth, he removed his fingers and slid them to her ass. Still licking her, he swirled his wet with her arousal fingers around her tight hole. When she clenched her asshole, he smiled against her pussy.

“Relax, baby, I won’t hurt you,” he said, nibbling at her nether lips.

“I can’t handle it,” she cried out, her body arching toward his mouth.

“Yes, you can,” he demanded and he slid his finger inside her achingly slow. Crying out, her hands gripped his shoulders as her ass squeezed his finger. His whole body went tight; he wanted to bury his dick inside her, feel her like this, but she was panting and it made him nervous. Maybe he’d misread this.

He went to remove his fingers, worried he was hurting her, but then she began to writhe against his mouth, and that’s all it took to know she was ready. Unable to control his breathing, he began to slowly move his finger in and out of her tight ass as his cock ached against the cloth of his boxers. He couldn’t handle this. He was going to come, but pushing his need back, he sucked her into his mouth, wanting her to get hers before him.

“Oh God, Oh God, fuck me, Karson, shit,” she panted and then she jerked against his mouth, her clit throbbing against his lips as her ass squeezed his finger with her release. Leaning his forehead against her pussy, he took in a deep breath, her scent intoxicating him as he slowly withdrew his finger.

“I swear, Lacey Arielle King, you are the hottest woman I have ever been with in my life,” he whispered against her pussy before running his tongue along the length of her lips. “I just want to eat you, over and over again. Never stop.”

Kissing up her stomach to her breasts, he ran his lips along the lace before meeting his mouth to hers. Slowly, he removed his boxers, standing up fully as his cock nestled between her legs. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he hooked her leg over his hip and pressed into her heat, her slick, wet pussy covering his cock with her arousal.

“Fuck, I want you,” he said roughly against her jaw.

“Take me.”

Sliding his hand over her ass, his fingers tickled the spot he wanted. “Here?”

Her eyes met his and she blinked, her breathing picking up as she searched his eyes. She wanted it. He could see it in her sweet, beautiful eyes, but she was scared.

“I’m scared it will hurt,” she admitted and he couldn’t help but smile.

She was so perfect.

“I’ll go slow and take my time. I’ll make you feel good, I promise.”

Bringing her lip in between his teeth, his eyes burned into hers, praying she trusted him enough to take her in the most delectable spot. Licking her lip, he released it and she smiled, her heart pounding against his chest. “I’ve never done it before.”

“I know,” he said softly, moving his hands down her back and cupping her ass. “You’ll like it.”

“I think I will,” she whispered shyly, her eyes dancing with lust.

“Mmmm, I like that my baby is naughty,” he said and then he smacked her ass hard. When she didn’t flinch at all, his cock throbbed even more. “Oh, I’m going to fuck you so good.”

“Please,” she whispered. “Now.”

Taking her by her hips, he lifted her up and then over his shoulder before carrying her to the bathroom. Opening his drawer on his side, he got his lube before going back to the bedroom and throwing her down on the bed. Grabbing her by her ankle, he pulled her to the edge of the bed before licking up her ankle to her knee, where he nibbled as he opened the bottle and coated his cock with the cool liquid. She watched with intent eyes, her green eyes a glittering color that had his chest tight.

Throwing the bottle down, he took her by the back of the neck and brought her up to him before covering her mouth with his and swirling his tongue with hers in an erotic dance. Her chest arched against his, her breasts pressing into his chest as she deepened the kiss. He could feel her heart beating out of control and that excited him. She was going to like this. He knew she would.

Tearing his mouth from hers, he flipped her over, smacking her ass hard before kissing it softly, her soft cries filling the room and making him harder than ever. When he smacked her other cheek, she looked over her shoulder at him before he lowered his mouth to her sweet ass, kissing and soothing the red spot where his hand was. Running his lips along her ass, he smiled. “You are so beautiful, Lacey, and all mine.”

“Yeah, I am,” she said and then she wiggled her ass at him. “Take me, Karson. I need you.”

He swore he almost came at that moment. Drawing in a deep breath, he moved behind her and parted her cheeks to the side, squirting the lube down the crack of her ass before swirling it along her hot, tight hole. Working his finger into her to ready her for his cock, he said, “It’s gonna sting a bit, but you’ll like it. If at any time it’s too much, tell me, I’ll stop.”

“Ohh, I don’t want you to ever stop,” she said, her eyes closed and her mouth parted as his finger picked up speed in her ass. His free hand was shaking against her ass, his body so taut that he wasn’t sure if he was going to last inside her. He knew it would be quick, which was good since this was the first time for her. He was excited for the future though.

Withdrawing his hand, he held her ass open and moved his cock to her entrance. “All right, sweetheart, here we go,” he whispered and then slowly moved into her. It was a fucking tight fit and he thought she was going to stop him, but his baby took him like a champ, whimpering his name. “Fucking hell, Lacey, you blow my fucking mind,” he said through gritted teeth, trying to hold out, but she was squeezing him oh so fucking tight. His hand trembled against her ass as he continued to move in and out of her, her body squeezing his like a vise grip.

“Oh my God,” she cried out, arching her back as he slowly, achingly slowly, moved in and out of her. Moving his hands from her hips to her ass, he held her as he watched himself disappear in and out of her. Moving his hand around to her pussy, he slid his fingers along her clit, finding the nub and moving figure eights around it. Crying out, she arched against him, her body shaking under his touch. His whole body was burning, his chest felt as if an elephant was standing on it, and every time she whimpered his name, his cock throbbed inside of her.

Lacey cried out, her nub throbbing against his fingers as her orgasm took over. Curling his toes against the hardwood floor, he gripped her hips, his heart hammering in his chest as his balls drew up and he came hard inside of her. Closing his eyes, he rocked in and out of her, drawing in deep breaths as his heart pounded in his ears. Fuck, that was good, he thought as he slowly ran his hands along her thick ass. Opening his eyes, he slowly pulled out of her and then reached down for her, bringing her back against his chest, running his hands along her breasts and stomach.

Kissing her jaw, he asked, “How do you feel, baby?”

“Sore,” she answered, her hand running up into his hair as she lengthened her neck for him. “And dirty, but amazing too.”

“Good,” he said with a grin, kissing her neck and then her ear. “Want to take a shower?”

“Will you wash my hair?” she asked, nuzzling her nose along his.

“Of course,” he agreed, his mouth moving along her jaw. “You are unbelievable, baby. Did you like it?”

A grin pulled at her lips as she nodded slowly. “I did. A lot.”

“That’s great,” he said breathlessly. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” she whispered back.

She lay languidly against him, and he wasn’t sure she was going to make it. It had been a long night, and then he had just given it to her in the naughtiest way. Crawling off the bed, he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. Her nose nuzzled in his neck as she said, “You don’t have to carry me; I weigh a ton.”

“You weigh nothing,” he answered, opening the glass and marble shower and stepping inside.

She smiled. “That’s ’cause you are all strong and stuff.”

His mouth broke into a grin as he turned on the shower, the water running over their bodies. Standing her up, he leaned her against him and held her. Kissing his cheek, she wrapped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes as she laid her head against him. He held her close and moved his hands along her slippery body. Reaching for the soap, he lathered her up and then him as best as he could before washing them off. When she looked up at him, a sneaky grin on her face, he smiled, putting some bubbles on her nose before reaching for the shampoo all while her giggles ran down his spine.

As he washed her hair, he realized he had never really thought this was how he would spend his night with his wife. But there he was, a grin on his face, feeling completely content. He always thought marriage was going to be shit because he wouldn’t be with the girl he wanted. But by the grace of God, he was with her, and being married to her was more than he could have ever dreamed of. He had so many plans for them, but even if all he did was stay in the shower with her and wash her hair, he’d be okay.

Once he was done washing them, they got out and were playful as they brushed their teeth and redressed for bed. Crawling under the sheets, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him and kissing her forehead. Her face was full of a blush and her lips were still swollen from their hot kisses. In other words, she was drop-dead gorgeous. Running his hand up her face, he twirled his fingers in her wet hair and smiled when she opened her eyes.

“I’m worn out,” she said shyly. “That was amazing, all of it.”

“It was,” he agreed, his other arm tightening around her so she couldn’t go anywhere. His arm was falling asleep but he didn’t care. He wanted to be as close as he could to his striking wife. Kissing her lips, he closed his eyes, basking in the feel of her so close. He was going to miss her when he was gone, but the thought of coming home to her after a long two weeks away almost had him excited. If they did these kinds of things when they hung out all the time, he could just imagine what they would do once they were back together after being apart for so long.

Opening his eyes though, he remembered the reason for the hot sex and eyed her for a second. He’d been trying to ease her tension and he’d succeeded, but they needed to talk. He didn’t want to upset her or stress her out, but he had to know what he had said that was wrong.

When he moved his thumb along her jaw, she opened her eyes and then smiled.

“What?” she asked, her cheeks warming.

His eyes searched hers. She was tired, he could see that, but he needed to know what was going on. “What happened earlier?”

Her face didn’t change expression as she asked, “Earlier?”

“Yeah, when I asked about having kids,” he reminded her, and as soon as the last words left his lips, she looked down between them. “What’s up with that?”

She shrugged and he could feel her heart picking up in speed. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? That’s not an answer. What’s going on?”

Meeting his gaze, she bit into her lip. “I’m not ready for that.”

Something was off with the way she said that. “What do you mean? You’re not ready to discuss having kids, or having them?”

“Both,” she said softly. “It just seems so soon, you know? We’ve only been married a month.”

“No, I get that.”

But still he wanted to talk about the possibility of having them in the future. The way she said it kind of gave him the feeling she never wanted them. That was insane though. She loved kids.

“How many do you want?” she asked softly as he met her gaze. Yeah, something was definitely off; she was holding something in and he didn’t like that.

Shrugging, he said, “I don’t know, maybe three?” When her face twisted in horror, he added, “But if you aren’t ready yet, which I totally understand, then maybe we can get a dog or a cat?”

“Yeah,” she said softly. “We’ll see.”

“You’re okay, right? I’m getting the vibe that this isn’t something you want,” he said and she moved her nose against his jaw.

“I don’t know,” she whispered.

“Why don’t you know? It’s pretty much a yes or no question,” he said, pulling back so he could see her face, but she looked away.

“I just don’t know,” she answered again. “Is that a deal-breaker for you?”

“What?” he asked confused. “What do you mean by that?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, ignore that, I’m sorry. I’m supertired, Karson, can we do this later?”

“Do what? Talk about our future?”

She let out a breath as she met his gaze. He could see something in there. He wasn’t sure what it was, but her eyes were watering a bit with tears and he was extremely confused. Looking away again, she said, “It’s just I don’t know what I want. I know I want you, but the thought of having a child just isn’t there right now.”

“Okay,” he agreed before taking her chin in his hand and lifting it up. “But you know you can tell me anything. I love you, no matter what.”

She nodded slowly. “I know. I just want to wait a bit before we discuss that, okay?”

“Sure,” he agreed, but he didn’t agree at all. He didn’t know what was going on, but something wasn’t right.

“I love you,” she whispered, her eyes meeting his.

“I love you too,” he said back, cupping her face and moving his thumb along her lip. As he watched her slowly close her eyes and heard her breathing level out, all he could do was play her question in his mind over and over again.

Is that a deal-breaker?

He wasn’t sure if it was. He wanted kids, but he wanted them with her and only her.

So if she didn’t want them, would he be okay with that?

Lacey could feel his eyes on her, but she didn’t move. She couldn’t look into his knowing eyes, not when he saw right through her. She knew that he was worried about the conversation they’d had and she was too. Practically scared to the core. She didn’t know what to say, how to tell him that she wasn’t ever bringing a child into this world. She didn’t want to break his heart; it was clear how much he wanted a child, but she wouldn’t be the one to do it for him. She didn’t know how long she lay there, but she could sense him drift back to sleep.

Finally opening her eyes, she took in his peaceful face, the way his eyelashes kissed his cheeks, the way his mouth parted, his breathing even. He was utterly gorgeous. The thought of someone else being the mother of his children ripped her to shreds as she watched him sleep. She couldn’t imagine someone else holding him, kissing his lips, and being underneath him as he moved into them. It was a heart-wrenching thought since she loved him so much, but it wouldn’t matter if he couldn’t accept her decision.

Soon tears leaked out of the side of her eyes as she cuddled into his chest, needing his comfort. When they were younger, she had always imagined having his children and watching them grow with him, but then she grew up and saw that it would be cruel for her to bring a child into this world. Especially a little girl. It would basically be a form of murder, and that wasn’t fair to her unborn child.

She wouldn’t do it.

She couldn’t do it.

And while the thought of losing Karson over it practically killed her inside, she knew it was the right choice. Even if it was one that could ultimately ruin her marriage.

She cuddled into his chest and his arms came around her, holding her close as her lips pressed onto the spot above his heart. As she lay in the cocoon of his warm arms, she wondered if she could chance it. Maybe it would work out, maybe their daughter would grow up to be a healthy adult with no problems at all. But then what if she grew up and developed the cancer Lacey had fought. The same cancer her mother and even her grandmother had had to fight? Would it be fair to watch her daughter battle for her life when she had the choice not to bring that child into the world?

She didn’t think so.

Opening her eyes, she looked up at his chin as the tears slowly leaked out of her eyes. She couldn’t do it, but she couldn’t lose him either. Would he understand once she got the balls to voice her fears? She shouldn’t be scared to tell him her deepest and darkest fears. He was supposed to support her no matter what, and she knew he would. That’s why she couldn’t tell him. He would be miserable as long as she was happy, and she couldn’t do that to him. She loved him too much.

“I don’t want to lose you,” she whispered before kissing his chin.

“You won’t,” he answered and she swore her heart stopped. She hadn’t known he was awake. She had thought he had fallen back asleep. Looking down at her, he cupped her face and kissed her nose. “I don’t know what you are holding in, but I can practically hear your brain going a million miles a minute.”

Her heart was in her throat as his eyes searched hers. Clearing his own throat, he said, “I am here and I’m not going anywhere, Lacey, and neither are you. The sooner you realize that, the better. I bet getting all that out of your head would make you feel better too, and when you’re ready to unload it on me, I’ll be here.”

She didn’t know how to answer him so she only nodded before pressing her lips to his. She didn’t want to admit that he was right, but she bet her eyes told him he was.

“I’m sorry, Karson,” she whispered against his lips.

“For what? You’ve done nothing wrong,” he said roughly against her lips, his eyes searching hers. “Even what you are keeping in isn’t as bad as you think, I bet.”

“I just want to be with you forever,” she said and he squeezed his arms around her. Despite their wanting two totally different things, she wanted Karson for the rest of her existence. He was it for her. Her one true love.

“You will be.”

Closing her eyes tightly, she prayed to God he was right.

But she couldn’t shake the feeling that their time was limited like it had been before.

And she couldn’t shake the feeling for the next four days. Of course, Karson was amazing, always the doting husband, and he never brought up what they’d discussed in that bed. She wasn’t sure if he was giving her time or if he knew the truth and didn’t want to accept it. She didn’t know which one was worse. While she loved that he was giving her time to figure everything out, she hated it. She should just be honest, voice her choice, but it scared her that he would just accept it and live unhappily until the moment he decided she wasn’t worth it. And then she would be left alone.

Something she just couldn’t be after being with him.

Knowing that he might suspect that she didn’t want children killed her too. It furthered her assumption that he would just brush her decision under the rug and go on with life like it wasn’t a big deal. But it was. She could still remember when they were younger and they discussed having kids. They were so young and silly, but they were Karson and Lacey. She loved the way they were together.

“I think we should have two boys and a girl,” he said, his eyes shining with excitement. “But not till we are old, like thirty.”

“For sure,” she agreed. “I’ve got to start my business, and you’ve got to kick ass in the NHL before we bring kids into the world.”

“Absolutely. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we are good and rich in a huge house before we have kids.”

She rolled her eyes, flicking her finger along his chin. “Doesn’t matter if we are rich or have a big house, Karson. It matters if we are happy.”

“Well, yeah, but my kids aren’t going to grow up without everything they need.”

“They’ll have everything they need as long as we love them,” she pointed out as she met his gaze. “I didn’t need anything but my mom’s love, and that’s all you needed from your parents.”

“You’re right,” he agreed, a grin pulling at his lips. “So we’ll wait till we are thirty, and we’ll have two boys and a girl, right?”

“Why two boys?” she laughed. “What about three girls?”

“The hell? I’m not paying for all those weddings!”

She giggled. “Weddings? No one will get near your girls,” she teased and he nodded, stone-faced.

“Damn right, I’ll have my shotgun cleaned out every day,” he said. “But no, really, I need hockey players.”

“Fine,” she shrugged. “Two girls and a boy.”

“No, two boys and girl. So she can be our princess and you can be my queen,” he said with a wink.

Her face warmed. “Okay, you talked me into it…since you know we can control this,” she said and he laughed.

“This is true, but still. I think we should name them Karter with a K, Kameron, with a K, and Kami, with a K, of course.”

Her brows came in as she shook her head. “Let me remind you, I am not down with a houseful of K names. No way.”

“K is a solid letter.”

She laughed. “So is every other letter in the alphabet.”

“I wouldn’t be scared of some dude with a Y name.”

She gave him a deadpan look. “You’re right, but still. Only one K name.”

“I’m telling my mom,” he teased and she laughed.

“Shut up, what about Karter with a K, Greyson, and Addison?”

His lip curled as she shrugged. “Let’s let this go for a while. We have ten years till we have kids, so we’ll revisit this when I knock you up. Maybe by then you’ll come up with something a little better than those names.”

She glared. “I like my names. They are better than all Ks.”

“I tend to disagree, but it’s okay because I like you and all your stupid names,” he smirked, cuddling his nose against hers. Leaning her back in the bed, his hand went up her ribs, and when she stopped him, he grinned. “So no practicing for babies yet?”

She smiled. “Not yet.”

He nodded, wrapping her up in his arms and kissing her nose. “I can wait. For both.”

“Me too,” she agreed. “I can’t wait, though.”

“Me neither,” he said against her lips. “It’s going to be amazing—our life together.”

And it was. It was everything she’d ever imagined. The love, the sex, the togetherness—they had it all, but would it be enough for him when she told him the truth? She wasn’t sure, but she couldn’t think of that right now. Not when she was watching him pull his bag out of the trunk so that one of the Assassins’ workers could take it.

He was leaving.

For two weeks.

She had been so stressed out about the kid thing that she hadn’t even realized time was slipping through her fingers. Looking around, she saw all the players with their families. They were hugging, some kids were crying, but the wives seemed to be pros while Lacey was a big, blubbering mess. Big fat tears ran down her face as he handed his bag off and then looked over at her, his lips curving at one side.

“It’s only for two weeks. Don’t look at me like that,” he said before reaching for her and pulling her into his chest, hard. Wrapping her up like he was never going to see her again, he kissed her lips, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. “It won’t be long at all, sweetheart. Don’t cry.”

“I just don’t want you to leave,” she cried, sucking in a deep breath.

“I know. I don’t want to leave, but we both know I have to.”

“Yeah, I know,” she said with a nod. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you more,” he promised, kissing her lips again. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she deepened the kiss, praying that it would hold her over until he returned. It was going to be a long fourteen days, and she hoped it wouldn’t be too much torture without him.

“I’ll call you every chance I get.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she said, her lips dusting against his. His eyes were full of worry and maybe a little bit of regret. She didn’t like that at all and mentally slapped herself. There was no reason to worry him or make him feel bad for having to leave. This was his career. This is how he helped support them. Wiping away her tears, she smiled and said with as much strength as she could muster, “I’ll be okay.”

“Yeah, you will. It will go quick.”

“Yeah,” she said with a nod. “Make sure you win for me.”

“I always win for you,” he said with a wink before kissing her lips again. “I’ll call you when I land.”

“Okay, I love you,” she said, kissing him again.

“I love you more,” he swore, kissing her one more time before letting her go and slowly walking backward. “I’ll see you soon.”

She could only nod as she covered her lips with her hand, holding in her sob. The last time she watched him walk away, he left her for good. This time though, she didn’t feel like she was dying inside because she knew he was coming back. Though, it still sucked to see him leave. When he sent her one last wave before disappearing onto the plane, she let out the breath she was holding and let her arms fall to her sides.

“First time leaving, huh?”

Lacey turned suddenly to see Elli with her mass of children. The three boys ran circles around her while the girls stood just as pretty as their mommy, holding her hands.

“Yeah,” she said with a nod. “It’s hard.”

Elli smiled. “Yeah, I used to act like he was leaving for good, but now, I can say bye without the tears. So do the kiddos, huh?”

“Daddy will be back soon,” the tallest one said. Her eyes were bright and so beautiful.

“He goes to win hockey for us,” her sister said, a sweet little grin on her face.

“They love their daddy,” Elli said with a nod. “Once you two have children, watching him leave won’t be so hard ’cause you’ll have the kids to keep you busy.”

Lacey’s heart ached as she slowly nodded. “Yeah.”

“Anyway, I stopped to tell you to call me if you need anything. If you want to come over and watch a movie with me and my crew, you’re more than welcome to. You’re always welcome at the Adler casa.”

“Thank you, Elli. That means a lot to me,” Lacey said and it did. She didn’t think they had clicked when they first met, but maybe she was wrong. Elli was really nice.

“Anytime! This coming Friday, the girls and I are getting together for a wives-only night to watch the game, drink wine, and just spend time together without our kids. You should come!”

“Yeah, just send me a reminder,” Lacey said, but she didn’t think she would go to that. When it was just her and Elli, it was fine, but when she was surrounded by everyone, it was weird. She felt like an outsider, and she didn’t like feeling like that.

“Of course, hang in there, lady. He’ll be home in no time. Two weeks is nothing, but the month-long ones suck!”

“Month-long ones?” she asked in horror and Elli smiled.

“Yeah, but don’t worry, we wives stick together.”

“Thanks a lot,” she said, returning the smile as Elli nodded.

“Okay, well, I’ll let you get home. Call me anytime.”

“I will,” she said, even though she knew she wouldn’t. Elli was very nice, and she knew she meant well, but she didn’t know Elli like she knew, say Rachel. With her husband on that plane, she was officially completely alone in Nashville.

And that didn’t sit well with her at all.

Karson was worried about Lacey.

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination or if she really was as miserable as she sounded. Every time he talked to her, she didn’t seem like herself. She was very short with her answers and mostly let him do the talking. It was weird. She was usually so full of life, and he didn’t know what to do to make it better. It was killing him. He shouldn’t feel bad for having to leave her, but he did, and he wasn’t sure what to do about it.

For the first time in years, he was actually considering retiring. He always thought he would play until he was old and unable to move, but after spending so many years away from her, he realized that maybe he should retire. It would give him time to be with her, start a family, and live a life with her, but as soon as the thought came to mind, he knew he couldn’t do it. He lived for hockey, and while, yes, he lived now for Lacey, she was going to have to adjust.

This was his career, the way he was going to give her everything she could ever need. He would put their children through school on this salary and travel the world with it. As hard as it was on both of them, they would survive. They loved each other more than anything in this world, and some time apart was always good. It made coming home and being together even more precious. They would just need to adjust, and then everything would be fine.

When his phone rang, he looked down, hoping it was Lacey, but still pleased to see it was his mom. If anyone would know what to do, it would be Regina King.

“Ma, what’s up?”

“Hey sweetheart, just calling to check in.”

“That’s cool, how are you?”

“Good, my hip’s been acting up. It’s a little suspect, I think.”

“Damn suspect hips, I have one myself,” he said with a grin and she laughed.

“We are getting old, my dear.”

“We are. It’s sad.”

“It is,” she laughed. “How’s LA?”

“It’s LA,” he answered with a grimace.

“That sounds nice. Are you busy? Out sight-seeing?”

He let out a breath, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m in the hotel.”

“Why? Aren’t the boys out? Isn’t that what you guys do?”

“It is,” he said, closing his eyes and squeezing them tight.

“Okay? Why aren’t you? Are you sick? What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s not that, Ma,” he said, opening them and shaking his head. “I just feel like an asshole out enjoying the city with Lacey at home, alone.”

“Why is she alone? Has she not made friends yet?” she asked as he leaned back in the bed.

“Nope, not yet. I know that my boss has invited her out, but she hasn’t gone. I don’t know. I feel bad, you know?”

“Well, I can see that, but it’s part of being a hockey wife, Karson. She’ll be fine. She’s a strong girl,” his mother said, making him feel somewhat better, but still something kept him from completely committing to the idea of Lacey being fine.

“I don’t know, Ma. I mean, I even considered retiring; that’s how worried about her I am.”

“Karson, that’s insane. She’ll be fine. You’re treating her like a damn precious jewel. She’ll be fine.”

“She is, though, but it’s not only that. She isn’t acting like Lacey. It makes me nervous that she’s gonna hightail it back to Chicago before I can even get home.”

His mother tsked him, making him feel like he was nine again before saying, “You need to get that notion out of your head. That girl isn’t going anywhere. She is completely committed to you, honey. This is the first time you two are apart since getting married. It will get easier.”

“But what if I’m not worth waiting on?” he asked, almost in a whisper. He knew he could say anything to his mother and she wouldn’t judge him at all. Neither would his father, but he would take his fair share of name-calling before Karl actually consoled him.

“Karson, baby, come on,” she said, and he could almost see her shaking her head. “You don’t believe that, do you?”

“I don’t know, I’m just nervous. I went nine years without this woman and now I have her, and I swear, Ma, it seems like a dream. It freaks me out that, at any moment, I can wake up and she’ll be gone. I don’t deserve her. I hurt her, broke her heart, and somehow she decided to take me back. But now I’m going to be gone all the time. How is that fair to her?”

He took in a deep breath and was surprised how much he was holding in. He didn’t realize how insecure he was of their relationship. He was always so confident in front of Lacey, but when it was just him and his mom, the truth came out. He was scared. He didn’t want to lose her.

“I can promise you, Karson, she isn’t going anywhere. When you love someone, you accept all of them and their career. She knew what she was signing up for. She knew who she loved, and that’s a hockey player. It’s hard, it sucks, and I hated every single second of it, especially when your dad left all of us alone. But in the end, I knew that he was doing it to provide for us.”

“Yeah,” Karson agreed with a nod. “You’re right.”

“I usually am, despite what your father says,” she said and he laughed.

When his laughter subsided, he asked shyly, “Do you think we’ll be okay?”

She didn’t even hesitate. “Yes. I think that you guys are going to be great. She loves you, honey, and boy, do you love her. The sparks fly when you two are together. We were all blinded by it. Stop questioning it; just love her. You can’t go wrong if you do that.”

He could do that. It was easy to love Lacey; it came naturally, but there was always Nate Martin trying to ruin them. “That’s not a problem, but what is a problem is her dad.”

“What does her dad have to do with any of this?”

“He apparently calls every day, and while I am glad he does because she does love him, I feel like he is setting seeds in her to take her away again.”

His mom scoffed and then said, “Jesus, Karson, what is wrong with you? I’ve never heard you so insecure and paranoid.”

He smirked, feeling a little silly as he said, “I don’t want to lose her.”

“You won’t as long as you love her and do right by her. Stop worrying about all the outside shit. It’s about you two. That’s it. As long as you love her and she loves you, nothing else can touch that. You have to believe that.”

“But I loved her and she loved me nine years ago, and look what happened. I spent nine years without her.”

She paused. “Okay, maybe you’re right, but you two are adults now. Surely she can see through the bullshit. You both just have to believe in each other.”

“I believe in us, Ma. I’m just worried she doesn’t. I’m scared she misses home and wants to go back.”

“Have you told her this?” she asked, and he could tell she was getting frustrated with him. Hell, he was frustrated with himself.

“No, she’s already upset I left. I don’t want to put all that on her too,” he said, running his hand through his hair again.

“Communication is the key, Karson. How are you both supposed to feel good about your relationship if you don’t talk about the things that bother you?”

There was a lot they needed to talk about, but neither of them was doing it. Before he could answer her, she asked, “Have you two had a fight yet?”

He thought for a moment. They’d had little tiffs but not a full-blown fight. He hadn’t wanted to upset her. “No, I hope we don’t either.”

“Why? You need to. Fighting is good. It means that there is something to fight for. Don’t walk on eggshells around this woman because you are scared to lose her. Don’t be a doormat, Karson. That is just insane.”

“No, I won’t. I just don’t want to upset her because I’m insecure.”

“I get that, but you guys have been living in this honeymoon phase, and now that you two are apart, you are unsure of your relationship. That’s not good, Karson. You need to feel good about you guys twenty-four-seven,” she said and he nodded. Like always, she was right.

“Is he acting like a pussy again?” he heard his father ask.

“For fuck’s sake,” Karson muttered as his mother laughed.

“Leave him be! This is why he doesn’t talk to you. You’re an asshole. Jeez!”

“Man, I love you too,” his father barked at her.

“Love you more, sweetheart!” she called and Karson laughed.

“Thanks, Ma,” Karson said with a grin.

“Anytime, my love. Now do me a favor and call Lacey. Talk to her.”

“You don’t think that’s something I should do in person?” he asked, when subconsciously he was trying to prolong the conversation with her. While his mom was completely right, he really didn’t want to upset Lacey. Which again was something that was bound to happen. Man, maybe he was a fucking pussy. It was all Lacey’s fault. She did this to him.

“Stop trying to drag this out. FaceTime her and fix all your uncertainties before you do something you’ll regret. Like retire or drive that girl away with your insecurities. Because, while you haven’t voiced them, one day you will, and it will be a clusterfuck of crazy and she’ll run the other way. Communication, Karson. Communication.”

“Okay, Ma,” he agreed. “I’ll call her once I’m done talking to you.”

“Good, and I promise you, it’s going to all be fine. You two are meant to be together.”

“I’m glad you think so because her family doesn’t agree.”

“’Cause they are jackasses.”

“Jackasses you’ll be breaking bread with at Thanksgiving.”

“Why on earth would we do that?”

“Lacey invited them.”

“I thought she was a smart girl,” she said and Karson smiled. “Oh well, the sooner, the better, I guess. It will be awkward, but they are family.”

He nodded. “Yeah, yay for in-laws.”

“Yay, indeed,” she said with a laugh. “But I did get a beautiful daughter-in-law out of it.”

Karson grinned as he slowly nodded. “Yeah, you did.”

“One you’re about to call.”

Shit.

Biting the end of her pencil, Lacey eyed her drawing while trying to decide if she liked it. It was a white lace scallop-edged bra that tied in the front and around the neck. The panties were scalloped too with matching ribbon ties at the sides, but what made the set was the design of the lace. It had big peony flowers in it with little touches of smaller ones. She tried to imagine it in black, maybe teal or purple, but the white was the one that stood out the most.

Yup, it was a keeper.

Setting it to the side, Lacey smiled for the first time in five days. She had been so stressed with Karson leaving and working her ass off that she hadn’t been able to draw, but when she woke up that morning, she had the urge. So she found herself out on her patio, wrapped up in one of Karson’s big sweatshirts and his big sweatpants with a blanket wrapped around her and a hat on her head with her pad on her lap.

She felt productive, finally.

After doing lots of moping and cleaning, she’d finally decided to take a shower last night and now felt a little more like herself. She still missed Karson more than words could describe, but she was able to go back to her daily routine. It helped that he called whenever he could and sent her cute little messages and also that she hadn’t worn anything but his clothes. While yes, they drowned her, she felt closer to him and it helped. So she was going to stick with what worked and didn’t make her want to commit herself to a mental hospital.

It was all her fault though. The moping and the cleaning and not showering. Elli had invited her over twice this week, and even Reese had Facebooked her about getting together, but for some reason she came up with an excuse for why she couldn’t do anything. It just wasn’t the same. They weren’t Karson, and they sure as hell weren’t Rachel or any of her friends back home. It was just hard. She wasn’t sure why, but she just didn’t want to do anything. The fact she was drawing was a surprise.

Maybe it was the start she needed to get back to herself. Should she go to the wives’ dinner to watch the guys play? It didn’t seem as horrible as it had sounded when Elli invited her. Maybe she could go and really get to know the women. They truly were nice and cared for Karson. They didn’t know her and didn’t have to be nice to her, but they had, and because of that, she should give them a chance. She needed to start to set some roots in Nashville and make friends. It would be ideal, and maybe then she wouldn’t feel so alone since Rachel wanted nothing to do with her and her husband was off playing hockey.

Yeah, she’d go. It would be good for her. It was time to put Karson’s clothes up and put on some of her own. It was time to spread her wings and make Nashville home. Happy with her decision, she worked more on her drawing with a grin on her face. She couldn’t wait to tell Karson she was going out tonight. He would be happy for her and excited that she was getting out. She knew he was worrying like crazy about her, and maybe this would ease his worries and her own.

When her phone rang, she looked up from her notepad to see that it was Rachel. Her brows pulled together because today was Rachel’s off day, which meant she didn’t call Lacey.

Reaching for the phone, she hit accept and said, “Hello?”

“I miss you,” she blurted, and Lacey could tell she was either crying or holding back the tears.

Pausing, Lacey wasn’t sure what to say, but then said the only logical thing. “I miss you too.”

Rachel let out a sob before saying, “I’m sorry. I really am. I thought that you were leaving to hurt me, but you weren’t, and it’s taken me so long to realize that.”

“Well, this is sudden,” Lacey said, sucking in a deep breath.

“Yeah, I know,” she said and Lacey could hear the tears in her voice. “Me and Grady got into it last night, and he’s right. You have to do what makes you happy.”

Lacey nodded. “I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to be happy, and Karson makes me beyond that. I had to follow my heart.”

“You’re right, and it was wrong of me,” she said, hiccupping. “You accepted me when I started dating Grady, and I know that was weird. I was wrong and I’m sorry.”

Lacey’s heart exploded in her chest as she cuddled deeper in Karson’s clothes. He was going to be ecstatic to hear that Rachel apologized. Lacey sure was. “Water under the bridge,” she said, her grin unstoppable. “So you’ll come for Thanksgiving dinner?”

“Of course. When your dad said that you had invited us, I was surprised. But then Grady and I were talking, and he told me what your dad did. I felt so stupid and I’m so sorry for doubting you. I realized that you deserve to be happy, and if Karson is the guy to do it, then I support you two.”

“Thank you,” Lacey said as a tear rolled down her face. “That means the world to me. I’ve been so lonely without you.”

“I have too,” she agreed and Lacey grinned. She finally had her best friend back. “So, man, I feel so much better. Anyway, what are you doing?”

“Sketching. Karson is away. He’s playing in LA tonight.”

“Oh wow, I didn’t know he was gone.”

Probably because you never asked, Lacey thought but instead said, “Yeah, he won’t be back till next Monday.”

“Oh, really? Why don’t you come home then? We can hang out and the boys would love to see you. Grady comes back Wednesday and we can all go to dinner. It would be great. I know you were coming in on Friday, but come in early. It would be awesome!”

Lacey bit her lip. “Oh, I don’t know. I have things to do around here, and I was supposed to go to dinner with the other wives tonight.”

“You can do that another time. Come home; let me take you out to make up for being such a bitch. We can go to Michigan Ave., and I’ll get you something nice.”

Lacey wouldn’t mind going home. She did miss the boys and would love to see Rachel. It had been a long month without them, and she could always go to dinner with Elli and the girls another night. She had been dreading going home since things were shitty between her and Rachel, but that wasn’t the case now. She could go home and visit, and it would be like old times. Time would fly by. It was a no-brainer.

“Yeah, let me see if I can change my flight and I’ll call you back.”

“Cool! I’m so excited!”

“Me too,” Lacey said with a grin. “I’ll call you back.”

“Okay.”

Lacey hung up the phone and gathered her things to head inside. After locking the door since she still was a tad bit scared of being by herself, she laid her things on the island and looked up the number for the airline. Within minutes, her flight was changed and she was leaving later that night. Excitement coursed through her body as she texted Rachel her flight info and then rushed upstairs to shower and pack. But when she got halfway up the stairs, she paused.

Maybe she should have called Karson first?

She doubted he would care one way or another, but still, it would have been considerate of her. Unlocking her phone, she went to his contact, but before she could hit call, her phone started ringing with a FaceTime call from the same person she was just thinking of.

With a bright grin on her face, she hit accept and almost came out of her skin when Karson’s gorgeous face appeared on the screen.

“Hey baby,” she gushed, her heart pounding in her chest. Seeing him did something to her; she missed him so damn much, and when she told him that, he smiled. He hadn’t shaved since he left and looked all rugged and sexy with his hair in disarray. When she noticed that he wasn’t wearing a shirt, everything inside her went scorching. Jesus, he looked good.

“Hey sweetheart, I love seeing that smile on your beautiful face.”

Her cheeks warmed as she made her way up the stairs. “Seeing you put it there,” she cooed as she entered their room. Falling onto the bed, she held the phone out but changed the angle a few times so that her face didn’t look so fat as she said, “What are you doing?”

“Lying around, just got off the phone with my mom.”

“Oh, how is she?”

“Good, she says hi,” he said with a loving smile.

“I can’t wait to see her,” she said, wishing that he were lying next to her. She wasn’t too sure how she was going to handle not seeing him for the next nine days, but thankfully Rachel and the boys would keep her busy. “I was about to call you, actually.”

“You were? Miss me that much?”

Lacey’s heart stopped. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“I miss you more than that,” he said with a wink that sent heat straight between her legs.

She giggled as she sucked in a deep breath. “Nine more days without you is going to be torture. I want to feel you against me,” she whispered and he nodded.

“I want the same thing, sweetheart. I do,” he said roughly. “Only nine days and then you are mine.”

“Mmm. I can’t wait,” she said, beaming at him. When he smiled back, all his pearly white teeth gleaming, love warmed her chest. Man, she loved him with such intensity. “Anyway, I was calling not only to say I love and miss you so much, but I am going home early.”

His grin fell as his brows came in. “Home?”

“Yeah, back to Chicago,” she said slowly, waiting for his face to change, but it didn’t. Instead, his brow furrowed more. “What’s wrong?”

“Lacey, Chicago isn’t your home anymore. Nashville is. With me.”

She paused, eyeing him. “I never said it wasn’t. I really didn’t even mean to say that. I’m just excited to go back.”

“Oh, really?” he asked, but sarcasm dripped from his voice.

“Yeah, Rachel called and she apologized. She wants me to come early so we can hang out and stuff. I figured since you weren’t home, I would go.”

Gauging by his reaction, she decided she must have figured wrong. “So Rachel just called out of the blue and apologized?”

Chewing the inside of her cheek, Lacey thought his statement through. The way he said it made it sound like it was suspicious, but that wasn’t the case. She knew Rachel and knew that she meant every word. “Yeah, she and Grady had been talking, and she came to the realization that she was wrong.”

“After a month, she finally decided that? I don’t think so, sounds a little fishy to me,” he said and that irritated Lacey.

“Rachel loves me, always has. She was just being selfish, and I forgive her for it.”

“Conveniently,” he muttered and Lacey was no longer irritated, she was pissed.

“What the hell does that mean?” she snapped as she sat up.

“I just think it’s funny how she all of a sudden wants to forgive you when I’m gone. It’s not like I can come up there with you, so now they can try to convince you to stay.”

Her brows came in as she shook her head. “She didn’t know you were gone.”

“But your dad does,” he pointed out. “And he probably told her, and then they thought up this master plan to get you to come back and ultimately stay.”

“That is crazy! Do you hear yourself? Come on, Karson.”

“He’s broken us up before, Lacey. Remember that,” he stated, but Lacey didn’t want to hear that.

“He has been very good to me lately. He hasn’t once talked bad about you while on the phone with me—”

“Doesn’t mean he isn’t running my name through the mud and plotting against us,” Karson said, interrupting her. “I just don’t trust them, and you’re so easily manipulated, Lacey. All you want is your family to accept us, but you don’t see that they can be conspiring against us.”

“Karson, stop! They wouldn’t do that. They want me to be happy, and they see who makes me happy. That’s you,” she snapped. Then glaring, she said, “Well, usually. Right now you’re just pissing me the hell off.”

“I don’t care. You aren’t thinking clearly. I’m trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need you to protect me from my own family. I’m fine and know how to handle them. You said yourself that they would come around, but now you are accusing them of plotting against us.”

“Yes, I thought they would, but it wouldn’t be the total 180 that both of them have done. Just yesterday you were talking about how big of a bitch Rachel was being, and now she calls and everything is sunshine and unicorns? That doesn’t set off any kind of alarms. Didn’t you talk to your dad yesterday?”

She had. But she wasn’t going to give Karson the satisfaction of knowing that. “I don’t see how that matters. She realized her wrongdoing and is rectifying it, Karson. Shouldn’t you be happy for me? I’m going to have my best friend back, my family.”

He shook his head, and all of a sudden, she was looking at the ground, his bare feet the only thing she could see. “Karson?” she asked, and finally his face was back on the screen.

“I don’t trust them,” he said, letting out a long breath. “And I’m freaking the fuck out thinking that they are going to talk you into staying, and I’ll lose you again.”

She’d wanted to be with him so much before, but at that moment, she would give anything to be in front of him. She wanted to wrap her arms around his neck, touch her lips to his, and just hold him. Maybe then he would see that she wasn’t going anywhere without him for good. “Karson, you aren’t going to lose me. I’m yours.”

“You were mine before, but then your dad ruined that.”

She paused, eyeing him. What the hell was going on? “I thought we buried that? I thought we were moving forward, not rehashing the past. What happened to believing in us?”

“I do, but do you?” he asked, meeting her gaze. “’Cause lately, you’ve been quiet, and I feel like you’re hiding shit.”

She was, but she wasn’t going to tell him that when he was visibly upset. “I miss you, that’s why I’ve been so quiet and stuff. I don’t like being alone.”

“You wouldn’t be alone if you made friends. Elli said that you’ve been turning down her invitations left and right.”

“Because I’ve been missing you too much to leave the damn house,” she pointed out.

“But you’re leaving the state to go to Chicago.”

“To visit my family,” she said, annoyed with this whole argument. It was stupid and pointless.

“So when you’re with them, you won’t miss me then? What, are you going to replace me with them? Is it one or the other?”

“Oh my God, you are acting like a fucking pussy. What the hell is going on, Karson?”

“I’m not acting like a fucking pussy, Karl, I’m being serious. You won’t make friends, you won’t leave the house or do anything to make Nashville your home, but you’ll jump at the chance to go back to Chicago. How do you think that makes me feel? Do you think that gives me the confidence to know that you aren’t going to leave me?”

“This is insane and stupid!” she yelled with a shake of her head. “Do you not want me to go? I don’t get it! Tell me what you want and I’ll cater to you,” she snapped and he glared.

“I don’t want you to cater to anything you don’t fucking want to, Lacey. Do whatever the hell you want, and I’ll just sit here and hope you don’t leave me after they manipulate you into doing just that.”

She was going to kill him. “I’m not going to leave you!”

“We will see. Have fun in Chicago.”

“Are you serious right now?” she asked incredulously.

“As a damn heart attack, but whatever, I’ve got to go.”

“Oh no, you don’t. You hang up on me, I swear to God, I will fly out to LA and kick your ass.”

“What else is there to talk about, Lacey?”

Her heart was pounding, and while she wanted to knock him upside the head, she wanted to kiss the living shit out of him at the same time. “The fact that I fucking love you, you big idiot!”

He looked away, bringing his lip between his teeth. Ever since they had gotten back together, he had always been so confident in them, and she really didn’t understand this. Had she really been that distant? Along with missing him, she was still trying to figure out how she was going to tell him about the kid issue. Seeing him like this, so desperate for reassurance of their love, really gutted her. She didn’t want to leave him and she wasn’t going to, but would he leave her once he knew?

“I’m not ever going to leave you, Karson. You’re going to have to leave me for this to end.”

“Won’t happen,” he promised. “I can’t live a life without you.”

She wanted nothing more than to bottle that sentence up and keep it forever. Just to remind him down the road if need be. “And the same goes for me. It doesn’t matter what anyone says about you or about us, Karson. I’m yours, and that’s not going to change.”

Looking at her, he took in a deep breath. “I feel like an asshole for leaving you, and I feel bad doing anything because I’m not with you. I’ve even considered retiring, but I don’t think I can.”

“And you won’t,” she said with a shake of her head. “This sucks, we both know this, but we are going to be fine because we love each other. Love is about sacrifice, and I have no problem sacrificing my time with you so you can do something you love. It sucks, and I hate being away from you, but no matter what, I’ll be waiting for you to come home to me.”

Her eyes stung with tears as he nodded slowly. “I don’t want anyone waiting for me but you.”

“Good. No one ever will,” she said, a grin pulling at her lips. “Now stop fighting with me and tell me you love me.”

He smiled as he looked deep into her eyes. Her heart was in her throat as she waited for those three words. She loved this man with every ounce of her soul, and nothing would ever change that. She hated that she had made him question that and refused to allow it to happen again. She believed in them because he did; that couldn’t change. He was her rock.

“I love you so much, Lacey,” he said roughly. “Sorry for fighting with you.”

“Eh, that’s what married people do. Too bad we can’t have makeup sex,” she said with a wink and he grinned.

“Nine days and I got you.”

Closing her eyes, she sucked in a deep breath before opening them to meet his heated gaze. “I’m counting down the seconds.”

“Me too.”

Staring into his eyes, her heart ached as she asked, “Are you sure you are fine with me going back to Chicago?”

He slowly nodded as his eyes stayed locked with hers. “As long as you are home to welcome me back, then yeah, go, and let’s hope Rachel is being genuine.”

“I think she is,” she said softly with a shrug. “I’ll see right through her if she isn’t, though.”

“Good, be careful.”

“I will,” she promised, but she wished she didn’t have to make that simple promise. She wished that everyone would trust everyone. That all of them would be authentic and true, but that may not be the case. She wasn’t sure what she was walking into back in Chicago, but she prayed it wasn’t what Karson thought it was.

“King!”

Karson’s head snapped up and toward the direction from which Coach Baxter was yelling his name. Coach stood in all his seven-foot glory with his bushy eyebrows touching and his lips in a straight line. Everyone looked back at Karson before smirking like a bunch of assholes.

“My office, now!”

When he turned to enter his office, Karson’s stomach sank. Had he done something wrong? Had he been playing shitty and not realizing it because his head was flooded with thoughts of Lacey calling and saying she was staying in Chicago for good? He knew that he was overreacting and probably being a dumbass, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she would, no matter how many times she promised she’d be home before him. It worried him, but he needed to leave his personal shit at the door. When his skates hit the ice, that’s all that mattered—his game.

But even knowing that, all he could think about was how happy she sounded on the phone when he spoke to her that morning. She was all chipper and excited to get out. They were going shopping, she and Rachel, and even though Rachel was all happy-go-lucky, saying hi to him on the phone, he didn’t trust her. Something just wasn’t right. You don’t go from wanting to throw your friendship away with someone because of their choices in life to accepting everything and acting as if things weren’t rough for a month.

It just didn’t work that way, but Rachel was the bestest friend in the world now and was spoiling Lacey with a trip to Michigan Ave. Was Karson jealous? More than he would ever admit, but it was deeper than that. He was scared too. In his head, he kept hearing the words:

“I’ve decided to stay in Chicago.”

Yeah, it was pathetic, and even his mom said he was being an idiot, but he couldn’t help it. He even talked to JT about it, but he wouldn’t even listen to Karson. He called him a dumbass and walked away. It was so frustrating because he felt like shit, and he didn’t want to feel like that. He wanted to trust that Lacey would leave and come back. He didn’t want to have the need to piss on her, marking his territory so that no one would want her. He wanted to just know, and he knew it was pitiful to feel that way, but he did. And obviously, it was affecting his game.

Kicking off his skates, he stood, his stomach dropping to the ground as JT called out, “Ha, King’s in trouble again.”

“He’s always in trouble,” Titov teased.

“That’s why we call the laps King’s Dozen,” Shea laughed, but Karson didn’t find any of it funny.

“Fuck off, guys,” he muttered as he pulled his sweatpants up before walking toward the office.

“Aw, someone’s emotional,” Brooks called out, getting a good round of laughs.

“He always is,” JT laughed. “Biggest puss I know.”

“Fucking assholes,” Karson said before entering Coach’s office. Coach looked up and then said, “Call Adler in here too.”

Oh, fucking hell, Karson thought as he popped his head out. “Adler, Coach wants to see you too.”

Unlike they had with Karson, the room went silent as Shea stood and came toward the office in only his boxers. He really didn’t care for clothes—it was kind of disturbing, but no one ever said anything to him. Passing by Karson, he entered with an ease that only the captain of the team would have before lowering himself into the chair beside Karson’s.

“What’s up, Coach?”

Karson sat down in the chair as Coach said, “Meet your new linemate.”

“What?” Karson asked, shocked, but Shea wore a look of ease as he nodded.

“Sounds good to me,” he said, but Karson wasn’t sure he’d heard him right.

He had sucked lately. Too consumed in Lacey to care about anything else, but Coach was putting him on the first line with Shea fucking Adler? What the hell?

“Me? His linemate?”

Coach looked at him like he was stupid. “That’s what I said. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No,” Karson said, shaking his head. “But haven’t I been sucking?”

Adler chuckled as Coach looked at him, deadpan. “If I thought you sucked, why would I put you on my first line with my best defensemen? Obviously I think you are up to playing with Adler, or I wouldn’t have put you there. Now I’m not going to sit here and suck your dick with praises. You’re playing with Adler tonight, and if you mess up, I’m dropping you to the fourth line. Now get the hell out of my office,” he snapped before turning to his computer, dismissing them.

Standing up, Karson said, “Thanks, Coach.”

But he ignored him as they left the office, and Karson knew he should feel on top of the world and a part of him did, but the pressure was palpable.

“Hope you’re ready,” Shea called as he walked past him.

“No pressure at all,” Karson muttered as Adler laughed before reaching for his jeans to put them on.

Karson walked by him and dropped himself down on the bench, still really not getting what just happened. While he knew that Jakob Titov was out and he knew the spot was open, he never thought he would be the one to move up. He wanted it. More than anything, but he really didn’t think it was his position to take.

Apparently, he was wrong.

“What happened? You grounded?” JT asked as he dried his balls.

Redirecting his gaze with a grunt of annoyance, Karson said, “I’m playing with Adler tonight.”

“No shit!” JT hollered, smacking Karson on the shoulder. “Moving on up, to the east side,” he started to sing, but it was cut off when someone threw a roll of tape at him.

“Shut up, Thomas,” Channing Alexander yelled. He was the newly acquired forward that Elli had brought in from the Bruins. Good guy, bit of an asshole though. Plus his name was a mouthful, so everyone called him Chan. “Your singing sucks.”

“That’s not what your girl said last night,” JT called back. “When I was pounding into her, she was singing right along with me.”

Some guys snickered as Karson shook his head, a grin pulling at his mouth. Chan was an asshole, but JT was the king of all assholes.

“Whatever, dude, she wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole,” Chan called back, glaring.

“That’s what you think, but my dick puts Shea’s stick to shame,” JT said before giving everyone a full view of his dick. Groans filled the locker room as JT spun his dick in circles for everyone.

“For fuck’s sake,” Karson said, turning so he wouldn’t have to see all that.

This was his life.

After the commotion of Chan and JT going at it was over, Karson headed to the bus that would take him to the hotel. As he waited for all his lugheaded teammates to get on the bus, he pulled out his phone to text Lacey.

Karson: Hey.

It took longer than he would have liked for her to answer him back, but he knew she was busy. When her text finally came, he clicked it and smiled.

Lacey: I love you and miss you.

Karson: I love you more and miss you way more.

Lacey: Doubt it. Whatcha doing?

Karson: Just got done with practice. Guess what?

Lacey: What?

Karson: They moved me to the first line with Adler.

He waited for her response, but instead of a text, his phone started ringing.

Smiling, he answered, “Hey.”

“This is something you wanted? This is so good, right?” she asked, and he could hear the excitement in her voice. It sent his heart into overdrive.

“Yeah, it is,” he answered shyly, wishing that she was with him.

“Oh my God! I am so excited for you. And oh so proud. You are so awesome, baby!”

He grinned as he looked down at his knees. “Thanks, it means a lot.”

“That’s so cool, so you’ll be playing with him in tonight’s game, right?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Let’s hope I don’t fuck up.”

“You, fuck up? Please, you are my manly man who kills it. I’m so excited.”

He actually blushed as his mouth pulled up at the side. “Me too. You’ll watch tonight, right?”

“I’m going to do my damnedest to. I have dinner with my dad and his girlfriend. I’m pretty sure he’s gonna tell me they are getting married. Yay.”

“I haven’t met a girlfriend. Didn’t even know he had one.”

“Yeah, Sabrina. She’s a snob, but he loves her so I tolerate her.”

“How nice of you,” he teased and she laughed.

“Yeah, don’t know why since I can’t get the same treatment.”

“True that,” he said, making her laugh again.

“God, I miss you.”

“I miss you too, only a little longer.”

“Thank goodness, but yeah, I’ll be watching. Gotta watch my man on the first line! I’ll make them eat in the bar.”

He laughed. “Good idea.”

“I’ll even wear my jersey.”

“You brought it with you?”

“Of course,” she said like it was only natural. “I also brought your sweatshirt, your sweatpants, and a pair of socks. I’m pathetic.”

He laughed. “What for?”

“To cuddle in,” she said softly. “They smell like you and it makes me feel better.”

He liked that. Maybe he didn’t have to piss on her. She wore his scent and that had to mean something. He just hoped that something was that she would come home to him.

Pleased, he said, “I like that. A lot.”

“I do too,” she said roughly into the phone.

Everything went hot inside him from those three simple words. She was by far the hottest woman ever, and when her voice went all throaty and sexy, Karson was a goner. Shifting in his seat, he said, “You sound happy.”

“Eh, I miss you, but I’m having fun with Rachel and the kids.”

“That’s good,” he muttered and he hated himself for not being happy about this. He wanted her to be happy, but he wished she was happy back in Nashville.

“Yeah, but hey, I got to go. I want to try on some outfits that I picked out and then we are going to lunch. Call me before you head back to the arena?”

Not wanting to let her go, he said, “New outfits, huh?”

“Oh yeah,” she said in a suggestive way. “Shows off my ass really great.”

His groin was tight in a matter of seconds, which was extremely awkward since Shea had just dropped into the seat beside him. “Ugh, baby, you’re killing me.”

When the sideways glance came from Shea, Karson knew he had to let Lacey go before his new linemate got an earful. “You just wait till we get home. I’m gonna drive you crazy. I got in some pieces I designed, and I can’t wait to model them for you.”

Yup, he was sporting a full-on erection with his captain beside him. His cock hurt so badly, he fell forward in the seat, pressing his forehead into the seat in front of him, hoping to relieve some of the pressure.

It didn’t work.

“Please God, send me those pictures,” he groaned into the phone.

“This is really awkward,” Shea muttered beside him, but he wasn’t paying him any attention. He was fully focused on Lacey.

“Maybe. If you tell me how much you love me, I might be inclined to do just that.”

Closing his eyes, he smiled. “Lacey Arielle King, I love you so much that words could not begin to define that love. Nothing could. My love for you is so big and abundant that it takes over my soul, my own being. You are everything to me. My heart, my soul, my existence is made to love you.”

“Yup, super fucking awkward,” Shea said, but still Karson wasn’t listening to him. Instead, he was waiting for her response.

“Wow,” she gasped. “That was really passionate.”

“I try,” he said with a grin. “Now can I please have the naughty pictures of you?”

“Yeah, I’m moving,” Shea said, and then he disappeared as Lacey’s laughter filled Karson’s ear.

“Yes, I’ll send them tonight, but just to let you know, I feel the same way.”

“Yeah?” he asked, his heart palpitating in his chest.

“Yup, always have, and always will.”

“Good,” he said, completely satisfied. “I’ll let you go, sweetheart. Have fun shopping.”

“I will,” she said softly, almost like she felt guilty. “Wish you were here.”

“Me too, baby, I love you.”

“I love you more, talk to you soon,” she said in a peppy voice.

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye,” she said, and as he hung up the phone, his chest ached. She sounded so happy. So different from when she was home in Nashville. It bugged him and he didn’t want it to. He wanted to be happy that she was having a good time, but something inside him told him she would never feel that way about Nashville. It was obvious she loved him, he didn’t question that, but he did question if she’d ever be happy in Nashville.

And not knowing the answer was killing him.

Karson was proud of himself.

He left his issues with Lacey at the door and was playing some damn good hockey. As he sailed across the ice, Shea at his right, he moved the puck with the blade of his stick while waiting for his forwards to set up. The played called for Brooks to crash the net after Karson shot, but it wasn’t going to work. He didn’t have a clear shot. So without looking, he acted like he was going to shoot, but instead, he sailed the puck to Shea and he took the shot without even thinking, Karson suspected. When it flew through the goalie’s five-hole, Karson threw his arms up in the air as Shea pointed to him with a grin on his face.

“Great pass, King,” he said, tapping Karson’s head when he reached him. With a grin on his face, he congratulated his linemates before heading to the bench for another round of congratulations. With that goal, it put the Assassins up by two against the Ducks. Tate was hoping for a shutout, and Karson was all about giving him one. Gotta keep his goalie happy.

Sitting on the bench, he squirted some water in his mouth as he watched the Assassins fight off the Ducks. Since they were down two and it was only the second period, he figured they were trying to get some momentum, but the Assassins weren’t going to let them get it. Thoughts of Lacey tried to sneak back in, but Karson pushed them away. He hoped she was watching, but he wasn’t going to stress if she wasn’t. She was with her dad. Having a grand fucking time.

Shaking his head, Karson leaned back and squirted more water in his mouth. As it dripped down his chin, he wished he could just let it go. She was coming home. She was going to adjust, and they were going to be fucking happy together. That’s all there was to it, damn it. Clearing his mind of all those negative thoughts because he had a damn game to win, he watched as his teammates fought to get the puck out of their zone.

Stealing the puck, Titov raced up the ice and had a two on one, but somehow there was miscommunication because the Ducks got the puck back, sailing back up the ice. Thankfully though, Tate was there, fighting off the three shots. JT tried to clear the zone, but then a Ducks player stopped it and shot it, though it rebounded off Tate’s left leg pad. JT cut left and raced to the puck to clear it, but so did another player. The player somehow tripped JT up, and before he even crashed into the wall, Karson knew it was going to be bad.

But nothing could prepare him for the sounds of JT’s pure agony or the image of his leg lying lifeless in a way that wasn’t natural.

No, he wasn’t ready for that.

Her father and Sabrina were getting married.

Yay.

While she wanted to be excited for her father and the big, glitzy wedding they were planning, Lacey couldn’t muster up those feelings. It was clear that her father was extremely happy, and she knew he would be. He loved Sabrina, but it still bothered her. It should have been her mother sitting beside him. She should be the one to move his hair back to the side. The one to look at Lacey with all the love in the world and tell her how proud she was of her. She should be there. But she wasn’t.

And it still gutted Lacey umpteen years later.

While dinner was nice and she enjoyed spending time with her father and his new fiancée, she hated the way any time she brought up Karson, they changed the subject. It was essentially the Sabrina and Nate show, and it was annoying as hell. She wanted to talk about her house, about how Karson was playing on the first line that night, and how she couldn’t wait to get home to him, but she basically wasn’t allowed to. It irritated her to no end, and the first chance she got to leave, she took it.

She knew that her father was upset she left so suddenly, but she was just burnt out. After a full day of shopping, hanging with her friends, and spoiling her nephews, dinner with the newly engaged couple was the last thing she wanted to do. What she wanted to do was cuddle up in Karson’s clothes and watch him kick ass on the ice. She only caught the first period, but he looked amazing and she knew he would continue kicking some major Ducks ass.

A grin sat on her face as she pushed open her apartment door and locked it behind her. Looking around the apartment, it felt so dull. She used to love this place. It was her own sanctuary of loneliness, but after sharing a home with Karson, she found herself missing his socks laying all over the place and the many cups of water that he left everywhere. She missed him; she always did.

Being back in Chicago was great though. Yeah, it was colder than a snowman’s balls, but she couldn’t help but miss it. Nashville had great weather and she loved how it didn’t know what it wanted to be weather-wise, but she loved the bite that Chicago gave her. Her beautiful city always kept her on her toes. Also seeing all her friends, visiting the store, and seeing all her clients caused her to be a little misty-eyed. She missed this place, but it wasn’t home without Karson.

Home was where your heart was.

And her heart was with Karson.

It was that simple.

While she couldn’t wait to go home to welcome him, she was going to enjoy Chicago and get her fill before returning back. She would treasure her time with her friends and steal as many kisses from her nephews as she could. She would make the next week last her until she came back, but maybe by then she wouldn’t miss it as much as she had. It had been hard, but she knew that it was because of all the changes. She didn’t do change before Karson, but since being back with him, that’s all she had done. Change after change, and while, yes, it was good and she was happy, it was all a little crazy.

But it was their crazy.

Hanging her coat up and then her scarf, she saw the pile of mail Grady said he had dropped off. Picking up the pile, she went to the counter to open it all. She would need to call to have her mail forwarded now that they’d moved into their house. There was no reason to keep mail going to her apartment, especially when they wouldn’t be renewing the lease. It worried her a bit to do that since she wouldn’t have her own space to stay when she came to check on the store, but then again, it gave her more time with her nephews since she would stay with Rachel and Grady.

Just thinking of Rachel, a grin formed. It was like they hadn’t been fighting for the last month, and Lacey couldn’t stop being giddy from it. She was thankful that Rachel had let it go and that she had apologized. Whenever Karson called, Lacey planned to tell him that Rachel was completely genuine. It was honestly like they were back in college. She asked questions about Karson for hours, and it was great to talk to a fellow hockey wife who went through the same things Lacey was going through now.

Lacey had everything she wanted, and life was good.

She just hoped it stayed that way.

She and Karson still hadn’t spoken about the kid thing since that night in bed, and she wasn’t sure if he’d forgotten or if he was waiting for her to speak to him. If that was the case, he would be waiting a long time. She knew that was wrong, but why ruin a good thing? They were happy and they were adjusting to being apart. Soon they would be pros and the time would fly by until the moment they were together. It was going to be fine. Great even, and then they would discuss the kid issue. Even then, they would work it out. That’s what they had to do because they belonged together.

Still smiling, she flipped through her mail that was mostly junk mail until she came to a letter from her doctor. Her brows came up as she opened the letter to find that her doctor needed her to come in for further testing because her levels were off. As her stomach sank, she sucked in a deep breath, rereading the letter. Checking the time, she figured it wasn’t too late to call the doctor who had been her physician for as long as she could remember and who was also a close friend of the family.

He answered on the second ring. “Why are you calling me at nine o’clock, Lacey Martin?”

She smiled. “It’s Lacey King now.”

“Oh really, no invite for your favorite doctor?”

“We eloped.”

“How very spontaneous of you. I’m surprised I haven’t seen your father for a heart attack,” he joked and Lacey giggled.

“Me too, actually. Anyway, I was calling because of this letter I got a week ago. Why didn’t anyone call me?”

He paused for a moment and then said, “You know I was thinking of you the other day. I was wondering why I hadn’t seen you yet. I need you to come in.”

She felt like her stomach flip-flopped in her body as she asked, “Is it serious?”

“Eh, it could be.”

Swallowing past the lump, she asked, “On a scale from one to cancer, what are we at?”

“Maybe a seven. I’m not sure, but your blood work was all over the place. I’m hoping it’s nothing too serious and I can fix you up with some meds,” he said softly, but Lacey’s heart wasn’t slowing down any. “But if it’s cancer though, we’ll kick its ass again. Don’t worry. How about you come in Monday? I’ll have my receptionist call you.”

Lacey scoffed, trying not to think the worst. He didn’t sound that worried, so hopefully she would be okay. “Will she actually call me this time?”

“Yeah, I’ll make sure of it, and believe me, this won’t happen again. I’m sorry for the mix-up.”

She nodded. “No biggie. It might only be cancer,” she teased, but he didn’t laugh and that made her more nervous.

“We will see. I’ll see you Monday.”

“Okay,” she agreed before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone. Sitting on the barstool, tears gathered in her eyes. Her body felt like it was tingling everywhere and she couldn’t catch her breath. Things had been looking so good, and like she thought it would…

The other shoe dropped.

Her hand was shaking as she reached for the phone to call Karson. Wiping away a tear that had rolled down her cheek, she bit into her lip as she waited for him to answer the phone. It took a second, but it felt like eternity. Finally, he answered, and when he did, she knew something was wrong.

“Hey,” he said in almost a whisper. “Hold on.”

“Okay?”

She paused as she waited for him and finally he said, “Hey, sorry, I’m at the hospital.”

“Why?” she said, panic lacing her voice. “Are you okay?”

“Did you not watch the game?”

“No, only the first period. My dad wouldn’t let me do anything but listen to their crap. But that doesn’t matter, are you okay?”

“Yeah, baby, I’m fine, I promise.”

“Okay, then why are you there?” she asked, her heart slowing down a little bit.

“JT shattered his leg in the game tonight,” he said sadly and her heart dropped.

“Oh no, is he going to be okay?”

“They aren’t sure if he’ll play again, but he will walk. It’s bad though. He’s laid up right now, stoned out of his mind.”

“Oh my God, what happened?”

Karson explained the play and how it was one of the scariest things he had ever seen. Lacey’s heart broke not only for JT but also for Karson. He was understandably upset; the guy was an asshole, but he was Karson’s asshole. And, she guessed, hers as well. “He was trying to hold in his pain, but man, Lacey, his leg was laying a whole different way. It was bad.”

“That’s so scary,” she cried and she almost laughed. Who would have thought that she would be crying over Jordie Thomas? When she met him a month ago, she would have never thought this moment would come, but it had. Jordie was family. “Are you okay?”

“I’m shaken up. Worried about him and I’m dog-tired, but yeah, I’m okay. Hearing your voice makes it better.”

She smiled and knew she couldn’t tell him about her appointment. He was already worried about his friend; she couldn’t add her own issue on top of that. Especially when it was probably nothing. She was fine. It wasn’t cancer, and there was no reason to have her husband worked up over nothing. She’d have Rachel go and everything would be okay.

No reason to worry at all.

But when Monday came and Lacey sat on the little bench in Dr. Bellows’s office, she was bursting at the seams with worry. After a weekend of ultimate hell trying to think where the cancer could be because she didn’t feel any different, she was basically freaking the hell out. She spent most of Saturday self-diagnosing herself and then Sunday debunking her diagnosis. Some people really needed to stay off WebMD, and Lacey was one of them.

Every time she talked to Karson, she wanted to tell him, but he was so worried about his friend. JT had surgery, but then they flew him back to Nashville for another one while the guys headed to Arizona. Because he was so worried about JT and then playing well, she hadn’t told him, even though she knew she should have. Hell, she wished she had, and now she sat in the doctor’s office with Rachel driving her insane.

“This is nerve-racking,” Rachel said for the hundredth time.

Lacey nodded. “Yeah, you’re not making it any better,” she said with a forgiving smile.

Rachel giggled nervously. “Sorry.”

“No biggie He’ll be in soon, no big deal.”

“It kinda is. Like, why isn’t Karson here?”

Lacey bit the inside of her cheek before taking in a deep breath. “He has a game tomorrow and his friend is hurt. He has a lot going on.”

“But you’re his wife, you trump everything.”

“I know,” she said, not wanting to admit that she hadn’t told him. “But there was no reason to get worked up. There is nothing wrong.”

“If there was nothing wrong, we wouldn’t be here,” she muttered and Lacey glared.

“Thank you, Captain Obvious. If you don’t want to be here, you can leave,” she snapped, but it was all her nerves. She didn’t mean to be so brusque, but Rachel was stressing her the hell out.

“I’m sorry. I’m just worried,” she said, not meeting Lacey’s gaze.

“I am too,” she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. When her phone signaled a text, she hit the screen to see it was Karson.

Karson: Busy?

Lacey: Yeah, I’ll call you in a bit.

Karson: Okay, I love you.

Her lip wobbled as the tears streamed down her face. She didn’t want to have cancer again. No one did, she knew that, but she had so much to live for. She just got Karson back. She didn’t want to lose him and put him through that kind of pain. Biting into her lip and reminding herself that she was just fine, she wrote him back.

Lacey: I love you more.

Wiping her hand along her cheek, she tucked her phone between her legs and took in a deep breath. Then she waited. And waited and waited. She was so frustrated and on pins and needles that when the door opened, she almost came out of her skin. Dr. Bellows was a thin older man, with gray hair and a gray mustache that he curled at the tips. Wearing black-rimmed glasses, he carried Lacey’s chart in his hand, flipping through the papers as he dropped down on his stool. The tension was unreal, and Lacey could hear her heartbeat in her ears.

“Well,” he said quietly, moving the papers up and around the file. “Looks like it’s not cancer.”

“Oh, thank God,” Rachel cried out, raising her hands like she was praising the good Lord above.

Lacey sucked in a deep breath before wiping her face and letting out her breath in a whoosh. When she felt someone’s hand on her back, she let go. She had been holding it in all weekend, telling herself that she was fine, and she was. But at that moment, it was like she was taken back to the time when she sat on that bench and Dr. Bellows’s diagnosis was way different. She remembered the shock she felt, the way her father didn’t understand, and how everything seemed to stand still. All she could remember was the chemo, the pain, and then the surgery that took her breasts. She could still see the look of pure heartache on her dad’s and brother’s faces. The way they cried when she did and how they begged for answers. She could still feel the sobs that would crash out of her because some days she wished she would just die, but then others she begged to stay alive. There was something worth living for out there, and she didn’t know it at the time, but it was Karson.

Sucking in a deep breath, her body shook as she sat up to see that it wasn’t Rachel comforting her, but Dr. Bellows. “You okay, Lacey? You heard me, right? It isn’t cancer.”

“Yeah,” she nodded, wiping her face. “I was convinced it was, though.”

“Eh, I was a little worried, but thankfully it isn’t. You have a guardian angel looking after you.”

Her lip started to wobble again as she slowly nodded.

Her mom.

After learning of her new diagnosis, which was a very mild case of hypercalcemia, Lacey walked with Rachel to the car in silence. There was so much information that Dr. Bellows had overloaded her with, and while she was glad it wasn’t cancer, hypercalcemia seemed like a pain in the ass. A manageable pain in the ass, but a pain nonetheless. She was going to be fine though, and she was thankful for that. Just a new morning med and blood work every month to make sure her levels were good.

“That was intense, but I am so glad you are okay,” Rachel said, wrapping her up in a tight hug.

Smiling, Lacey hugged her back tighter. “Me too, thank you for coming and driving me insane.”

“Anytime. I’m sorry I had to be your stand-in for you husband,” she said, and the way she said it was almost like a jab. Or maybe she was being paranoid like Karson. She wasn’t sure, but one thing was for certain, she didn’t like the way Rachel said that.

“No reason to drag him all the way here for nothing. I am fine.”

“You didn’t seem fine. I’m pretty sure you thought you had cancer, but it’s whatever. It’s over with.”

Lacey looked away as she shrugged. “You’re right, it is over with. Got my prescription and I’m ready to get my levels all normal. Thanks anyway for coming.”

“Anytime. I’ll call you. I gotta go meet Zander for lunch.”

“Give him a kiss for me,” Lacey said, expecting Rachel to turn to leave but she just kept grinning at Lacey. “What?”

“I love this. I love having you home.”

Lacey smiled as she nodded. “Yeah, but it’s only for six more days. Then I’m off to go back home.”

Rachel’s brows furrowed as she shook her head. “No, this is your home.”

“No, my home is where my husband is.”

Rachel looked down as her shoulders fell. “I thought being here would remind you that this is your home.”

Lacey’s heart picked up in speed. “What does that mean?”

“I just thought being here would help make you want to stay.”

“Is Karson here?” Lacey asked, her blood pressure rising. “Because last time I checked, he lived in Nashville, which means I live there too. That’s my home.”

“Yeah, I know,” she said, and something inside Lacey broke. How dare she!

“So what, you were playing me? Just trying to get me to come back? Ugh! Karson was right,” she yelled roughly, throwing the door open to her car.

“Whoa, what? What is Karson right about?” Rachel said, taking ahold of Lacey’s arm.

She jerked her arm away, glaring at Rachel as she yelled, “That you were just being nice to me to try to manipulate me to come back!”

“Whoa! Never, not at all, Lacey. I meant every word! But I did think that if you came home earlier and stayed for a while, you might not want to leave,” she said ashamedly.

“Why would you think that, though? Or hope it? Would you leave Grady if the roles were reversed?”

Rachel shook her head quickly, a perplexed look on her face. “No, hell no.”

“Exactly. I’m married now. I live in Nashville with my husband. I love being here with you and my family, but Karson is home.”

Rachel slowly nodded. “You’re right. I was wrong to think that. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah,” Lacey said, her heartbeat slowing a little. Her face was still hot with anger, but she could see that Rachel meant it. “I love him.”

“I know. I just thought you loved us and here more.”

“Don’t put that on me; that’s wrong. Don’t make me choose.”

Rachel nodded again. “I don’t mean to, it’s just hard. I wish he were here so you could stay.”

“That would be ideal, but it’s not the case.”

“Maybe one day,” she said with hopeful eyes.

“Yeah, maybe,” Lacey agreed, but she’d never admit how she wished that would happen. She would love to move back to Chicago, but only if Karson were with her. She doubted he would ever move to the Hawks, but she couldn’t help but wish he would. It would make the issues in her life disappear, but then he wouldn’t be happy, and she didn’t want that.

“I’m really sorry, Lacey. I don’t know what Karson said, but I have a feeling he doesn’t trust me because of your dad. But I promise, I have your best interests at heart,” she said and Lacey shrugged.

“It’s just hard right now with us being apart. He knows you are a good person,” Lacey said, letting out a breath. “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Wrapping her arms around Lacey, Rachel hugged her as Lacey squeezed her back. “I’m glad you are okay.”

“Me too,” she whispered, hugging her best friend tighter. “Okay, go on, Zander is waiting.”

“All right, call me later,” Rachel said with a grin as they parted, getting her keys out of her purse.

“Will do,” Lacey agreed before getting into her car and shutting the door. Leaning the back of her head against the headrest, she closed her eyes, letting the weight of the world fall away. She had been so nervous, scared, and mad that her life could be turned back upside down. Thankfully, it was something mild and manageable, but the fear she had been trying to keep in check all weekend still burned in her chest.

“Well, that was a tense couple hours,” she said to herself before opening her eyes and turning the car on. As she pulled out of the parking spot, she picked up her phone and headset to call Karson. She really should tell him about everything, but then she thought it would be better to tell him in person. Even though there wasn’t anything seriously wrong, she knew he would be upset that she hadn’t told him, and she wanted to be there to assure him she was okay.

When he answered, she smiled. “Hey lover,” she cooed.

“Hey baby, what were you doing?”

“Just a checkup at the doctor, no biggie. Had to change everything over, and I got a referral to a good doctor in Nashville,” she said brightly.

When he paused, she knew he thought the worst and immediately said, “I’m fine, Karson, I promise.”

“Okay, cool, that’s good you got a doctor in Nashville.”

“Yeah, I’m good with it,” she agreed. “How’re you holding up? How’s JT?”

“Funny you should ask. He’s as angry as ever and going to have another surgery in the morning.”

“Oh crap,” she said, her heart aching for him.

“Yeah, me and a couple of the guys are flying back to Nashville today to try to raise his sprints before flying back out here.”

She paused. “So you’ll be in Nashville?”

“Yup, in a matter of hours. Fucking sucks you won’t be there.”

“Ugh, yeah,” she agreed, her heart sinking. “Now I wish I would have just stayed home.”

“Yeah, but you’re having fun, and I won’t be there but for two hours,” he said, and she wasn’t sure who he was trying to console—her or himself. “I couldn’t cheer JT up and then lay it on you in that small time frame.”

She giggled, her heart skipping a beat. “Yeah, it would take more than two hours to make JT feel better.”

Karson laughed. “This is true, but I was thinking I needed way more time with you.”

“I agree. You would,” she giggled as she turned onto her street. “I still wish I was home.”

“Me too. I’ll see you very soon, and then I am going to need two days to make up for all the sex I’ve deprived you of.”

Oh God, the next six days were going to drag.

And they did.

She was miserable when she was alone, but when she was with Rachel or the girls from the shop, she was actually okay. She didn’t want to ball up and cry because she missed Karson. They distracted her, and she was thankful for that, but she knew that she couldn’t do this every time Karson had to leave. She was going to have to get used to being without him, and that didn’t sit well with her.

When they were younger, she thought she would have this in the bag. She had been ready to be a hockey wife, and she probably would have been already if she had been with him, but being apart for those nine years really hurt them. Now she wanted to glue herself to him and never let him leave. She couldn’t get enough and she knew that it would get better, but in a way she didn’t want it to. She liked that she was so engrossed in him and that she missed him to the extreme. It meant she loved him, and the fact that he felt the same way was refreshing.

They had an all in kind of love and she treasured it.

But her family. Well, that was another story.

“Are you sure you have to leave?” her father asked as he handed her a mimosa. They were at her old family home for brunch before she flew out in a couple hours to be there when Karson got home. To say her body was shaking with anticipation was an understatement. She couldn’t wait to see him. Wrap her arms around him and get lost in his kisses. Not even her family could bring her down. She was finally going to have her husband back.

“Yeah, Dad, I am very sure,” she said with a bright grin. “I get in a two, gives me time to clean before picking Karson up at four. I am very excited.”

She saw Rachel make a face along with her father, and she hated how much it bugged her. When Grady met her gaze, he said, “That’s great. I bet he is excited to see you too.”

Surprisingly enough, Grady was actually being nice about Karson. It was extremely weird, and Lacey wasn’t sure if he was being genuine or not, but she took it and ran. “Yeah, he is. Two weeks is too long without your spouse.”

Grady nodded as he took Rachel’s hand in his. “Yeah, it is.”

“I don’t want you to leave, Lacey,” her father said then. “But I guess every parent has to let go of their child. You’ll be doing the same one day.”

No, she wouldn’t, but she appreciated her father’s sentiment nonetheless.

Smiling at her, he cleared his throat before saying, “Let’s hope he doesn’t mess up and lose you again.”

Biting the inside of her cheek, she shook her head. “He won’t.”

And while she was completely confident in that, she hated the way her family looked at her like she was the dumbest person on earth. As if they all knew that Karson was going to break her and leave her in his dust. She knew he wouldn’t though, and she didn’t care what they thought.

Karson loved her and she was going to see him in a matter of hours.

Karson’s leg hadn’t stopped bouncing since he left Minnesota.

He was ready to get off this plane, away from his teammates, and into Lacey’s arms. It had been a long fourteen days without her, and he was ready to be home with her. He had to leave again in four days for a game in Florida, but he’d only be gone for two days. He wasn’t in the least bit worried about that trip because Lacey was going to go with him. It was going to be great. He was going to get her in a little bikini and throw her in the ocean.

That was his plan.

When they got back though, their families would be flying in, and then it would be time for their first holiday together. While he was excited for their first milestone together, he sure as hell wished they could do it without her family. He still didn’t trust them. Especially since every time he talked to her, she would say how much fun they were having and how they were all spoiling her. He knew what they were doing. Trying to make Chicago more appealing so she would stay, but his baby proved them wrong.

She was waiting for him.

He really wasn’t sure why he was so nervous about it all. His mom was right and he knew he was overreacting, but man, it was hard. He just hadn’t realized it was going to be that tough. All everyone kept saying was that he was going to get worse once they had kids, and that honestly terrified him. He felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest and left with her; how in the world could that get worse? He wasn’t sure, but still, he couldn’t wait for that moment.

Holding his sweet wife in one arm and then his beautiful child in the other.

The image was there and he couldn’t wait.

But before all that could happen, he had to get off this plane and into her arms.

Everyone was excited and all talked happily as the plane descended through the air. The long trips like these always took a toll on all the guys. Well, the ones with families, that is. The other guys didn’t mind, and he used to be that way. Now though, he had a beautiful woman who made his life worth living. One who was waiting for him.

As the plane’s wheels hit the ground, Karson’s heartbeat picked up. He was minutes from being with her. Basically shaking in his seat, he felt Shea’s gaze on him and felt slightly embarrassed, but then he remembered that he didn’t care.

All he wanted was Lacey.

“Excited, I see,” Shea mentioned and Karson grinned.

“Ready to see my girl,” he said as he silently begged the plane to stop and to open the doors. He didn’t care that he was in the back; he was going to be the first one off the damn plane.

Shea chuckled as he nodded. “I remember when I left Elli for the first time. Of course, she cried like I was dying or something and it killed me, but when I came back, I rushed off the plane and attacked her. I didn’t feel right when I was gone. It sucked.”

Karson couldn’t agree more. “I know exactly what you mean,” he said, but then the doors opened and he hopped up. “See ya.”

Shea laughed as Karson rushed up the aisle, knocking Brooks back into his seat as he tried to get out of the plane.

“Damn asshole!” Brooks called up to him, but Karson just waved.

“Gotta get my woman,” he said, receiving a whole round of name-calling and razzing, but he didn’t care. He had somewhere to be and that was wrapped completely around Lacey. But when his coach stepped out in front of him, plowing through him wasn’t an option.

Shit.

Tapping his toe, he watched as Coach packed his bag and then stretched his back. He almost asked to be let by, but when Coach met his gaze, Karson promptly shut his mouth. Coach Baxter was not a good flyer, never had been, and everyone knew not to mess with him, but Karson had to go.

“Sorry,” he muttered before climbing over the seat and around him, which brought on more laughter and name-calling, but Karson was out of the plane and his eyes were set on one person.

Lacey’s face lit up as she started for him, the biggest, brightest smile on her beautiful face. He rushed toward her, but she was there before he got off the stairs. Grinning, he dropped his bags and took her in his arms, dropping his mouth to hers as love overwhelmed him. Lifting her up in his arms, he deepened the kiss as her fingers raked through his hair.

God, he had missed her.

Pulling back, she grinned down at him as she cupped his cheeks. “Hello, husband.”

His eyes closed as he leaned his head against hers, taking in the same breath she took. “What a hello, wife,” he muttered, his lips meeting hers again.

She smiled against his lips before pulling back, a sneaky little look on her gorgeous face. Her face was red from the cold, her eyes bright, and she looked utterly breathtaking. “This isn’t even half of the hello you are going to get once we are home,” she said with a wink.

Grinning, he kissed her before throwing her over his shoulder. She cried out, but he ignored her, picking his bags up and nodding toward his boss, who was watching with a knowing grin on her face.

Yup, he was about to ravish his wife.

And he wasn’t sure he was going to make it home to do it.

He threw her and his bags in the car, and she giggled as he shut the door and ran around the car. Getting in, he shut the door before reaching over to bring her to him, crashing his mouth to hers. Moving his tongue with hers, his cock straining against the zipper of his jeans, he almost came off the seat when her hand cupped him..

Yeah, he wasn’t going to make it home.

Tearing his mouth from hers, he turned the car on and said, “Take your pants off.”

“What?” she laughed, obviously not getting that he wasn’t kidding.

“Take your fucking pants off, Lacey,” he demanded, and he could feel her gaze on him. But as he pulled out of the spot, he watched out of the corner of his eye as she slowly slid the cotton pants down her legs. “Panties too.”

“Karson! In the car?” she yelled, but he could hear the lust in her voice. This turned her on.

“Yes, now,” he commanded, and as he pulled onto the main road, his hot little wife slid down her black lace thong and held it up to him.

“Done.”

“Good girl,” he said roughly before sliding his hands between her legs. She opened her legs as far as she could, giving him access to her hot pussy, and when his fingers slid between her wet nether lips, both of them moaned in satisfaction. “Lacey, I’m going to find a spot, and I’m going to fuck you so hard in this car,” he muttered, sucking in a deep breath as his finger found her taut nub. “I’m going make you scream so loud.”

“Oh God,” she cried out, arching into his hands. His heart was hammering in his chest, his cock so hard it hurt, and he couldn’t see straight. He needed to pull over. He needed to find somewhere to fuck his hot little wife and he needed that now. Swirling his finger around her clit, he searched his brain for a spot to take her. Their house was thirty minutes away, but there was a park by his old apartment. One he ran at on Sundays and usually no one was there.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Whipping the car to the left, he took the road that went past his apartment. He could go there, but he didn’t have a key on him. It was back at the house. As he pleased his wife, her moans filling the car and making it so hot he couldn’t breathe, he sped down the road and then took a hard right onto the street that led to the running park. He hoped there wasn’t anyone there, but just to be sure they weren’t seen, he went to a spot that was covered by high bushes. Parking behind the shrubs, he put the car in park with his other hand before turning it off. Dropping the seat back, he withdrew his hand and then lay back against the seat, his eyes locked on Lacey’s.

“Come here,” he directed and her brows came up.

“Come where?”

“On my face,” he said to her perplexed look. “Now.”

She smirked as she got up on her knees, her sexy ass wiggling as she crawled on top of him. “I like this demanding stuff. Superhot.”

“Oh, you just wait,” he muttered, taking her by the back of her thighs and lifting her up to his mouth. As he brought her pussy down onto his mouth, her knees came to the sides of his head against the head rest. He heard her head hit the roof of the car, but soon his mouth was going to work on her and he assumed she didn’t care. When he flicked his tongue against her hard clit, she cried out, rocking against his mouth as he devoured her. Sliding his hands up the back of her thighs, he massaged her ass cheeks as he continued to feast on her wet pussy.

He had missed the taste of her, the feel of her, and he was going to get his fill. Spreading her ass cheeks, he sucked her clit into his mouth, biting and flicking his tongue against it as she screamed out, his name falling from her lips. When his fingers teased her asshole, she arched into his mouth and then shattered.

Jerking against him, she cried, “Oh fuck me, Karson!”

“That’s my plan,” he said roughly against her wet hot center as his hands left her ass for his jeans. While he unbuttoned them, she sat up, looking down at him with a spent look on her beautiful face. Her body was red, her legs shaking, but he was in no way done with her. Releasing his hard cock, he lifted her up like she weighed nothing and then slowly lowered her onto him. As he disappeared inside of her, he held in his groans, his whole body going tight as her hot pussy surrounded his throbbing cock. His fingers bit into her ass as she slowly lifted and lowered herself onto him.

He met her mouth to his and their mouths moved together as she slowly rode him into oblivion. Without breaking their kiss, he lifted her shirt and cupped her breast, squeezing it as his body went blazing hot. There was no way he was going to last in her burning hot pussy. He was going to come like a sixteen-year-old, and he couldn’t even be embarrassed by it.

She was fucking scorching.

Taking her by her hips, he couldn’t take the slow movements anymore. He wanted it hard and he wanted it fast. Lifting her up by her hips, he arched up into her, thrusting into her as she panted his name, holding on to his shoulders as he took what he wanted.

Which was everything she had.

It only took a second for his balls to draw up before the lights went off and he came so hard, he was the one groaning her name. Thrusting once more, she jerked against him, her pussy squeezing him, milking him of his orgasm as they both sucked in air, trying to breathe, but both being unsuccessful. While he lowered her, his cock went deeper inside her as his mouth collided against hers. Drawing sweet, toe-curling kisses out of her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tight to his chest.

Parting, he kissed her nose and then both sides of her mouth before whispering, “I missed you.”

She smiled against his lips, wrapping her arms tight around his neck. Looking deep in his eyes, she said, “Welcome home, baby.”

Her mouth came back down to his, and all he could think was if this was how he was going to be welcomed home every time he left, he’d take the time apart.

As long as he got to be with her like this when he got home.

His Lacey.

Thanksgiving was tomorrow and Lacey was a complete mess.

While the last week and a half had almost been like a dream, this holiday had been the elephant in the room. She hated that she’d let her nerves of getting both families together for Thanksgiving bother her while she was on the beach with Karson, but she had. Well, she had when they weren’t having lots of sex. She didn’t know what it was, but her husband was on her like a stick was to a puck, and she had no problem reaping the benefits of it.

She loved it, actually.

But even though she was in sex heaven with her sexy, mouthwatering husband, the day was finally here, and her family would be there in a matter of hours. Her stomach was a mess and she kept telling herself that it was fine, but for some reason her stomach wasn’t listening. She was nowhere near ready for this. She still had so much to do to get ready for tomorrow and wished like hell that she and Karson could have just stayed in bed, eating turkey and watching the parade.

That would have been a good way to spend the holiday, but no such luck. Instead, she was going to have a house full of tension. Then on top of that, she was on babysitting duty for JT. How she got conned into that was beyond her, but since they’d gotten back from Florida, JT had been staying with them. He couldn’t fly yet since he might have to have one more surgery before going back home to Colorado so his mom could take care of his whining ass and they could start rehab on his leg. Until then though, Lacey was stuck with him. Not that she minded much, but that was before she realized JT ate like a horse and bitched constantly.

It was annoying.

“I’m hungry,” he complained from the stool in front of her. She was getting lunch ready since Karson would be there at any time with his family from the airport. She wanted to make sure everything was perfect, but it was hard when her toddler, aka JT, was bitching.

“I’m cooking, JT,” she said, waving her hand out in front of her where the soup was cooking.

“Yeah, but I want something else. Can you make me a sandwich?” She glared, but he shot her a grin. “Please?”

She rolled her eyes, getting the things for a sandwich before making it and practically throwing it at him. “When do you leave again?”

He scoffed. “Annoyed with me?”

“Yes,” she said and he grinned even more.

“That hurts my feelings,” he said, batting his eyes at her.

“You have no feelings, JT, stop,” she said dryly and he laughed.

“You hit the nail on the head, huh?” he said and she glared. “But no, I’m leaving in a week, as long as my appointment goes well on Monday.”

“Cool,” she said with a nod.

“You know you’ll miss me,” he teased and she smiled.

“I’ll miss the Jordie before hurt Jordie. Hurt Jodie bitches more than a teenager on her period after having her boyfriend leave her for her best friend.”

“Damn. That’s insulting,” he stated and she grinned.

“I only speak the truth.”

Batting her eyes at him, she turned just as the door opened and Regina came through with a huge grin on her face. “There is my favorite daughter-in-law.”

“I’m your only one,” Lacey laughed as they wrapped up in a tight hug.

“Thank God,” she said, squeezing Lacey tightly.

“Not if Kacey gets married,” Karson called, and when she heard an umph, she laughed as Regina rolled her eyes.

“Anyway, how are you?”

“Good, it’s great seeing you,” Lacey said and meant every word; she loved her mother-in-law.

“You as well, my love,” Regina said with all the adoration in the world in her eyes.

“Have you lost weight?” Karl barked, making Lacey jump.

“No, sir.” She yelped as he hugged her tightly.

“I don’t believe you. Karson, you feeding this girl?” he yelled as Karson walked in with Kacey trailing behind him, both carrying the bags.

“Yeah, Dad, she eats,” he said, dropping the bags. “Ma, you are only staying for the weekend. What’s up with all the bags?”

“Oh, I brought Lacey all my cookbooks and then some odds and ends for this gorgeous house. I can’t wait for the tour,” she gasped as she took in the exposed white wood beams above them. They were Lacey’s favorite thing about the kitchen.

“Good purchase, son,” Karl said with a nod, and when Lacey’s eyes met Karson’s, he grinned. Coming toward her, he took her in his arms, kissing her lips.

“Figured the most amazing woman in the world needed the best house money could buy,” he muttered against her lips.

“Oh, how sweet,” Regina cooed. “We did a good job with him.”

“Gag me,” Kacey added with a roll of her eyes.

“Fucking pussy,” was Karl’s answer as JT nodded.

“Yeah, he is,” he said as Karl grinned. “How you doing, King?”

“Good, how’s the leg?”

“It’s hanging on,” JT said with a wink.

“By a thread,” Karl said with a nod. “Be careful next time.”

“Will do,” he promised.

“Yeah, if you’re going to play hockey, you should probably know how to skate,” Kacey said, coming to the counter and grabbing JT’s sandwich before taking a bite. “Usually you push people into the boards, not run into them.”

JT glared. “I didn’t run into it. I was pushed, and my leg snapped.”

“Good story, bro. Keep with that,” she taunted and Lacey tried to hold in her laughter.

“Please, I could skate circles around you,” JT laughed as he sized Kacey up. While JT was a big dude, Kacey played dirty, and Lacey wasn’t sure who would win out of the two of them.

“Um, sorry, but you can’t,” she said, pointing to his cast leg. “You pretty much can’t do anything.”

His mouth turned up into a sinister grin before he said, “Oh honey, I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Kacey’s cheeks reddened and Lacey didn’t miss the way she looked at JT. Like she wanted to gobble him right up. Before they could say anything else, Karson said, “Thomas, stop looking at my sister like that, and Kacey, stop poking the bear.”

“Aw, are you the bear, Thomas?” she cooed, bringing his sandwich to her lips and taking a bite of it in a very suggestive way. Lacey couldn’t help it, she giggled before Kacey asked, “Am I supposed to be scared of you?”

“Yeah, you should be,” he said with a wink before snatching his sandwich back. “I’m very rough.”

“Okay then,” Karson said, taking Kacey by the back of her arm. “Let’s go. Baby, I’m gonna show them their rooms and then go get your family.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, leaning into him as Kacey shook her arm out of his grip. “I can go.”

“No, it’s fine. You’re busy. I don’t mind at all,” he said, kissing the side of her mouth.

“You’re the best,” she said before kissing his lips.

He grinned as he kissed her again. “Only for you.”

Her heart warmed as he winked before leading his parents and sister out of the room. Once they were gone, she looked back at JT as he watched Kacey walk away. Smacking his shoulder, she scolded, “Don’t look at her like that.”

JT laughed. “You her keeper?”

“No, I’m yours, and I’m trying to protect you from the wrath of Karson.”

JT continued to laugh. “I’m not worried about your husband. But his sister, yeah, I’m gonna get me a piece of that.”

She made a face, shaking her head. “Doesn’t it weird you out, though? She looks like Karson, just a girl.”

“Hey, Karson is hot, and if he were a girl, I’d do him. You aren’t a dumb chick, Lacey. You know how to pick them.”

“I think I just threw up in my mouth,” she muttered, holding her stomach. “It’s not every day you hear a straight guy say he’d do your husband.”

“If he were a girl,” JT reminded her with a grin.

She shook her head. “Whatever. I’m telling you it’s a bad idea. Stay away from her.”

“Nah, she wants it. Always has. We’ve been hot for each other for a while. It’s bound to go down since we are both in this house tonight.”

Lacey groaned, shaking her head. Karson was going to go ballistic if they did do something and he found out. Her Thanksgiving was already on thin ice; having JT shack up with Kacey was sure to blow the ice to hell if her family didn’t do it first. But she knew JT, and what he wanted, he got. Plus, she saw the way Kacey looked at him, and it meant nothing but trouble.

“Damn it to hell,” she muttered before meeting JT’s playful gaze. She then said, “Be careful and please don’t get your yuck on anything.”

Smirking, he teased, “Don’t worry, I’ll use lots of tissues.”

Glaring, she declared, “I hate you, Jordie Thomas.”

But by the look on his face, she didn’t think he cared.

This was going to be a great holiday.

Not.

After getting his parents settled, Karson went back toward the kitchen with Kacey on his heels. Looking back at her, he said, “What are you doing?”

“Going in the kitchen.”

“Why?”

“Because Lacey is in there, and unlike the old folks, I don’t need to settle down.”

He glared. “Stay away from Thomas.”

She laughed. “I thought I was gay.”

“You are, so stay away from him.”

She rolled her eyes as they entered the kitchen and then she called out, “So my brother says to stay away from you.”

JT looked up, a smirk forming on his face, causing Karson’s brows to furrow even more. “Aren’t you gay?”

She glared and Karson choked on his laughter. “She is, so stay away from her.”

“I can bring you back to the dick side of life, you know,” he said to her, pissing Karson off.

“No, leave her in carpet town, please,” he said before wrapping his arms around his wife, but before he could fully hold her, Kacey punched him in the middle of his back. Of course, it hurt like hell, but there was no way he was going to let anyone know that.

“I’m not gay! And I’ll show you. JT, wanna come fuck me?”

“Hell yeah.” He scoffed as Karson shot him a look of death.

“Oh wait, you can’t move well. I need a man who can put it down. You obviously aren’t that,” she said with a shrug, acting as if she was talking about the weather and not having sex with her brother’s best friend. “Lacey, is this done?” she asked, pointing to the soup.

“You guys are insane. Please don’t do this in front of my family,” she begged and her nervousness was coming off her in waves. “But yes, it’s done.”

“Yeah, really. Don’t be an asshole when her dad gets here,” Karson warned and one of Kacey’s brows came up.

“Isn’t this the dude who broke you two up?”

“Yeah,” Karson said with a nod.

“Then screw him. I’m going to ride JT right in front of him and wave,” she said before making a crude motion and waving her hand.

“Sweet baby Jesus, yes, please do,” JT begged until Karson shoved him in the shoulder.

“No, and fuck no,” he said, setting JT with a look. “We are trying to turn over a new leaf.”

“I’m sorry, no leaf-turning for me. You don’t break my brother’s heart and get away with it.”

He loved his sister, he did, but this was not the time for ultimate loyalty. “Please be nice, for me?”

“I don’t even like you,” she said with a shake of her head. But when her eyes met his, he knew the truth. “But I’ll be nice. I can’t speak for the old folks though.”

“Oh God, this is going to be a train wreck,” Lacey groaned, leaning her head into Karson’s shoulder.

“No, it’s going to be great,” he promised, but he wasn’t sure if he could keep that promise.

Waiting out by the rental car counter, Karson played on his phone while he waited for his in-laws. Grady had rented a car for him and his family, while Karson had the pleasure of driving Nate and his new fiancée back home. The idea of acting as if he didn’t see the Martin family had Karson wanting to entertain it, but Lacey wanted her family for Thanksgiving. So he would deal. Just as long as she kept smiling.

She hadn’t stopped since the moment in the car when he came home a little over a week ago. Every time he looked at her, she was grinning and looking every bit the gorgeous, happy wife he wanted. Their time in Florida was amazing, but it pulled at his heartstrings. They would have started their lives together in Florida if Nate hadn’t have interfered. He knew he shouldn’t have thought that, but as he sat on the beach, his wife in her yellow bikini looking fucking hot, he could imagine their doing just that as kids. She probably would have been pregnant because they were kids and careless, but he would have loved every second of it.

They would have been happy most of all, but that was the past. They had each other now, and no matter how much Karson hated Nate Martin because he was the man who had tried to steal his forever, he smiled as he headed toward him. Because he was his wife’s dad and he loved her.

“Welcome to Nashville,” he said, but only the boys smiled.

“It’s not cold here!” Zander called out to him before fist-bumping him.

“Yeah, it’s really nice,” Flynn agreed and Karson grinned as they bumped fists too.

“Yup, and as long as it’s cool with your parents, we have this huge backyard full of stuff you guys can discover,” he said, and the boys seemed pretty excited about that.

Meeting Grady’s gaze, he sucked in a breath, waiting for the insult, but to his surprise, Grady held out his hand to Karson. “Thanks for having us,” he said as Karson took his hand.

“Thanks for coming. It means a lot to us,” he said with a nod. Looking at Rachel, he said, “Always a breath of fresh air, Mrs. Martin.”

She didn’t seem impressed with him and said, “Hey, Karson. Where’s Lacey?”

Yeah, he didn’t trust Rachel as far as he could throw her.

“She’s at home with my parents. They are getting ready for tomorrow. Plus my buddy is staying with us since he got hurt, so she is babysitting him.”

“Keeping her locked up then?” Nate asked and Karson wouldn’t let that bother him.

Shaking his head, he took Nate’s bags. “Nope, I volunteered to come get you guys so she could feel good about tomorrow. She’s nervous about cooking and it all going well.”

Again, no one seemed impressed with him. He thought he was awesome, but obviously he was not a winner in the Martins’ eyes.

“By the way, my name is Karson,” he said to Nate’s fiancée, holding his hand out to shake hers, but she looked at him like he stank. “And it’s wonderful meet you,” he said before grabbing her bags and helping them load up the car.

Yeah, this was going to be awesome.

Getting into his car, he was surprised when Rachel got in with Nate and Sabrina. Looking back at her, he said, “You’re not gonna ride with Grady?”

She set him with a look. “The trunk was small and couldn’t hold all our bags, so I said I would ride with you.”

“Oh, I can put it in the back of my car if ya want,” he offered, but instead of taking that as a good thing, Rachel glared.

“Don’t want me to ride with you?”

“Oh, I don’t care one way or another. I just assumed you’d want to be with your husband,” he said, putting the car in drive and pulling out.

Halfway down the road, he checked the mirror to make sure Grady was behind him, and thankfully, he was. Hitting the highway, Karson settled in for the ride. It was probably going to be a long one.

“How long will it be before we are there?” Nate asked.

“About forty minutes. Do you need to stop?”

“No, just wondering how long I’ll be trapped in the car with you,” he snapped back and Karson let out a breath.

“Can we let this go, please? For Lacey?”

“No,” Nate answered without even thinking. “I don’t like you, and soon you’ll be gone.”

“Eh, doubt that,” Karson said with a nod, not letting Nate’s hatred get to him.

“We’ll see,” he said almost as a promise, and Karson didn’t like that one bit.

Before he could voice that, Rachel said, “Do you even want to be with her?”

“The hell? Yeah, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be dealing with you people,” he said with a little more acid than needed in his voice. “She’s the only reason I tolerate the crap you guys throw my way.”

“We haven’t even started yet,” Nate said, glaring. “You have brainwashed her or something, but she’ll come to her senses and come home.”

“She is home,” he reiterated before shaking his head. “I’m not going to fight with you, so just let it go.”

“Never, not till I get my baby back,” Nate promised and it churned Karson’s stomach.

Before he could say something though, Rachel said, “I just don’t get it though. If you love her and want to be with her, why was I the one at the doctor with her?”

His brows came in. “I don’t know; why did you go with her?”

“Well, when they say your best friend could have cancer, you tend to want to be there for support. So really, who loves whom?” she snapped, and when what she said registered in Karson’s head, he whipped to the side of the road, putting the car in park and turning to look at Rachel.

“What?” he demanded. “What did you say?”

“Whoa, asshole,” Nate yelled, but Karson shook his head.

“No, what did you say?” he asked, looking deep into Rachel’s eyes. The cockiness and bitchiness were gone, and he could see the fear in her eyes.

Good.

“I said who loves—”

“No, not that bullshit because I love her more than you ever will, but about the cancer. Lacey has cancer?” he asked, his heart pounding in his ears.

She shook her head as her eyes bored into his. “Wait, are you really going to act like you don’t know?”

His body trembled with anger as he shook his head. “I have no clue what you are talking about, but I have no problem in the world letting you walk.”

Nate barked with laughter before shaking his head. “You really are worthless.”

“Shut up,” Karson snapped, setting Rachel with a look.

But before she could speak, Sabrina said, “They thought she had cancer, and you weren’t there for her. You were off playing hockey, leaving your wife to fend for herself. Thankfully, she had family to be there for her since you couldn’t.”

Rage filled him from the tip of his head to the bottom of his feet as he slowly turned, gripping the steering wheel. They thought she had cancer and she never told him? She lied to him? What the fuck? Clearing his throat, he put the car in drive and drove off as the betrayal ate him alive.

“You can let go of the act, Karson. It’s obvious who really loves her.”

“Fuck you, Martin,” he muttered, slamming his foot onto the gas.

“Don’t talk to me like that,” he demanded, but Karson wasn’t listening.

He wanted to think that they were just playing him. Working him up so he would lose his shit and ruin his relationship with Lacey, but that wasn’t going to happen. He’d keep his cool.

Until he got Lacey alone.

And then he would find out the truth.

Ignoring them the rest of the way home, Karson’s heart didn’t slow down in speed. His hands were clammy, his chest ached, and he hoped to God what they said wasn’t true. Surely, she wouldn’t lie to him. Surely, she wouldn’t keep something so serious a secret from him. Why? He didn’t understand.

Turning onto their street, Karson’s heart was about to come out of his chest. The knocking was killing him, but he couldn’t make it stop. Pulling up behind his truck, he put Lacey’s new car in park and threw the door open.

“Wow, nice house,” Grady said as he got out of the other car.

“Thanks, man. Can you help them with their shit? I gotta get inside real quick.”

“Sure? You okay?” he asked and it was so weird.

Karson shook his head. “Why are you being nice to me?”

Grady shrugged his shoulders before looking back at where his wife and father were getting out of the car. Meeting Karson’s gaze, he said, “Because you make her happy, and I don’t want to lose my relationship with my sister.”

“That makes sense. Thanks,” he said, letting out a breath. “But your wife and Dad can kiss my ass.”

With that, he headed inside to find Lacey standing with his family with a huge grin on her face. Everyone was smiling, but when the door slammed behind him and Lacey met his gaze, her grin fell as a look of horror came across her face.

“Oh shit, did you kill my family?”

“Almost. We need to talk,” he demanded, coming toward her.

“Are you okay?” his mom asked but he shook his head.

“Not now, Ma,” he said taking Lacey’s arm in his hand. “Come on.”

But before he could even direct her into the other room, her father called out, “See how your husband treats us, Lacey? Makes us fend for ourselves.”

Karson gritted his teeth as Lacey said, “You obviously pissed him off. He’s shaking! What did you do?”

Karl took a step forward and jerked a thumb toward Nate. “This your father, Lacey sweetheart?”

She let out a breath. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I don’t know what is going on. Give me one second to find out and I’ll fix it. I’m so sorry.”

“No worries,” he said, and before Karson could even stop him, Karl’s fist connected with Nate’s nose.

“Oh shit!” JT called out. “Dude, your dad just decked your father-in-law!”

“Oh my God,” Lacey cried.

“Dad!” Kacey and Karson yelled.

“Karl!” his mother screamed before pulling him away.

“Oh my gosh, you barbarian! My Nate!” Sabrina cried, gathering him in her arms, but he pushed her away, standing up and glaring. Grady stood between him and Karl, holding his dad back.

“Not here, Dad. This is Lacey’s home,” he said, but obviously Karl King didn’t care that it was their home.

“He’s right. Jesus, Karl!” Regina yelled, smacking his arm. “Not here!”

“No, that asshole hurt my son, so it’s payback time,” he said, shaking out his hand. Looking at Karson, Karl said, “No one hurts my son or my new daughter-in-law and gets away with it.” Meeting Nate’s gaze, Karson was horrified as blood gushed out of his nose. Before he could even move though, Karl said, “That was damn near ten years coming, Nate Martin. Leave these kids alone. They love each other.”

“Burn in hell, you asshole,” Sabrina cried. “I’m not staying here!”

“How dare you surround us with these savages, Lacey Arielle?”

“You haven’t seen savage yet, dickwad,” Kacey warned. “That’s only one King who has it out for you. There are two more of us.”

“That’s enough!” Karson yelled, shaking his head.

“Great family to join, Lacey,” Sabrina scolded.

“Don’t make me pull those extensions out of your hair. We are a wonderful family. You guys are the ones with a stick up your ass,” Regina yelled, and this time, Karl was holding her back. “We love Lacey!”

“Well, you guys are nothing more than trash in my book,” Sabrina snapped with a dirty look on her face.

“Don’t talk to my momma like that, you bitch!”

“Man, this is better than Jerry Springer,” JT said, and Karson didn’t even know what to do.

“Shut up, JT,” Lacey yelled before throwing her arms up. “Everyone just shut the hell up!”

Lacey’s shoulders fell beside him, and Karson looked down at her. He was mad about the potential lie and really didn’t want to care about this, but he knew she was upset. This was a clusterfuck of bad. She covered her face, and he watched as her shoulders shook with sobs.

“This was such a bad idea,” she whispered, and no matter how mad he was, he couldn’t let her cry. Before he could wrap her up though, his father came to her and raised her face so he could look at her. Wiping away her tears, he smiled.

“I’m sorry, honey, but I protect my own, and you are part of that now,” he said, and before Lacey could say anything, he walked away with Kacey and Regina in his wake.

“Ah, man! It’s over?” JT complained, and Karson swore he was going to kill him. But before he could, Lacey looked up at him, her watering eyes begging him to do something, but he had no clue what to do.

So he shrugged his shoulders and said, “Happy Thanksgiving?”

“Really?” she asked and he could see that she was annoyed. Well, she was about to be even more annoyed.

“No, but it’s only about to get worse,” he muttered and then met her gaze. “Can I see you in our room? Now.”

And as he headed for the bedroom, her hand in his, pulling her with him, he knew that everything was a mess, and it would probably be better for him to wait. But he couldn’t wait.

He had to know why his wife lied to him.

Lacey couldn’t believe what was happening.

First JT was driving her up the damn wall, then she was entertaining Regina, Karl, and Kacey while trying to get JT from flirting with her sister-in-law, and then her husband walked in, pissed as hell, but that wasn’t even the kicker. Her father-in-law probably broke her dad’s nose, and now, Karson wanted to talk.

Happy-fucking-Thanksgiving, Lacey!

Wiping the tears from her face, she tried to keep up as Karson dragged her through the house, up the stairs, and into their room. Before the door could shut though, she asked, “Do you think it’s a good idea to leave them alone?”

“I don’t fucking care,” he said before slamming the door. “I want to know what the hell happened in Chicago!”

Her head cocked to the side. “Chicago?”

“Yeah, apparently you thought you had cancer again, and instead of calling your husband, you called upon your fucking cunt of a best friend.”

Oh. Shit.

Only able to blink at Karson, she sucked in a deep breath.

“Talk, Lacey! Tell me why you lied to me. You told me you were fine! Why would you keep something like that from me? What the fuck?”

Her palms started to sweat before the last word left his mouth. Her heart jackhammered against her ribs, and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. This was something she should have been the one to tell him, and she hadn’t. She fucked up.

“I’m so sorry, Karson. I totally forgot to tell you when I got back.”

“When you got back!” he practically yelled. “I would have been there for you. I would have held you and been the rock you needed.”

“You were, though,” she tried to say calmly, but her voice was shaky. “Even without knowing it, Karson, you were. All I needed was your voice, and I knew I was going to be okay.”

“No! You should have told me.”

“You’re absolutely right. I should have and I am so sorry, but when I called, you were at the hospital with JT and already going through so much. I figured I’d tell you later that weekend, but I just couldn’t put any more stress on you.”

He shook his head, his face red with anger. “No, JT is not my wife—you are. Yeah, I was worried about my friend, but you would have come before he did.”

“I know that, and you’re right, I should have told you. But I kept putting it off, and then finally, I went and they said I was fine. I just have a blood issue that made my levels all messed up. I figured I’d tell you once I got home, but then we had our amazing week together, and then I was nervous about this, and it just slipped my mind. I’m so, so sorry.”

He bit into his lip before looking away. She took a step toward him to comfort him, but he put his hand up, stopping her. “No. Give me a second. I am so fucking mad.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

As he looked down at her, she could see the tears in his eyes and they honestly devastated her. Ignoring his outstretched hands, she pushed them aside and wrapped her arms around his middle, nuzzling her nose in his chest. He wouldn’t put his arms around her like he usually did, and soon the tears were falling in buckets down her cheeks.

Clearing his throat, he said, “Do you know what it was like to look into Rachel’s and your dad’s eyes and feel like the lowest piece of scum on this fucking earth? They made me feel like I didn’t deserve you, like I was worthless because I wasn’t there for you like I should have been. I am your husband. I am supposed to be there and be your fucking rock, and you didn’t give me that opportunity.”

“I’m so sorry, Karson. You’re right, I was wrong. I should have told you,” she cried, hugging him tighter. “You are worth so much more than they’ll ever admit, and you do deserve me.”

Taking her face in his hands, he tipped her head back, looking deep into her eyes. His caramel eyes were swimming with tears and everything inside her just hurt. She never wanted to hurt him; she was only trying to protect him from worrying about her. “No, I don’t. No one does, but somehow, I convinced you to marry me and now you are mine.”

“Forever,” she swore.

“That’s fucking right, for-damn-ever, and don’t forget it,” he demanded, and when his voice broke, she almost came undone. Swallowing back her own sob, she couldn’t believe she had done this.

“I won’t,” she promised as his thumbs caught her tears, wiping them away.

“Don’t ever do that to me again. Tell me next time. Let me be there. I don’t care what the hell I am going through. You are it. My number one priority. Nothing matters but you.”

Her lip wobbled as she slowly nodded her head. “I promise and I’m so sorry.”

Lowering his mouth to hers, he kissed her softly and she held on to him like a life preserver. She never wanted him to look at her like that again. Like she had stabbed him in the back, over and over again without a care in the world. She really had forgotten and was just living life with him, but it would never happen again. She wanted to be mad at her family, throw the blame on them, but it was no one’s fault but her own, and she would accept the blame. She should have told him back when she talked to her doctor. Instead, she stressed and worried when she could have handed some of that over to him.

“I really am sorry,” she whispered against his lips as her hands snaked around his neck, her eyes searching his.

He shrugged. “This is going to happen, Lacey. We are going to do dumb shit, and one person is going to be there to knock sense into the other. It’s what marriage is. We are going to fuck up, but it’s okay because I love you, and it’s easy to forgive something like this.”

Bringing him down to her, she rested her head against his, kissing his nose. “I’m sorry that I’m a dumbass.”

“Stop saying you’re sorry,” he demanded. “It’s over. We fought, we’ve made up, and now we get to go downstairs and face the clusterfuck of crap that is our families.”

“Can’t we just stay up here?” she asked, dusting her lips along his.

“Don’t tempt me,” he said roughly against her. “Plus, I’m pretty sure my mom is going to be the next one to hit someone.”

“Probably Sabrina,” Lacey supplied, but Karson shook his head.

“I’m hoping for Rachel. I don’t trust her,” he said, his eyes telling her the same thing.

“Why?” she asked. “She has been so good to me.”

“I’m telling you, she is conspiring with your dad or something.”

Lacey smiled. “No one is conspiring against us. They just don’t like you.”

He scoffed. “Oh, really?”

“What? You knew that,” she said with a grin, knowing that he didn’t give a damn if they liked him or not.

“Yeah, I do.”

“But,” she said, her fingers pinching his chin. “I don’t care. I love you.”

His grin grew as he squeezed his strong arms around her. “Good, ’cause I love you too.”

Her heart sang for him as her lips met his for a long, drawn-out kiss. As his tongue moved along hers, he stole her breath by deepening the kiss, his fingers clutching her face. Pulling away suddenly, he shook his head. “If we don’t stop, I am going to take you right here, not caring that both our families are down there at each other’s throats.”

With a sneaky grin, she stepped out of his arms and then slowly lifted the dress she was wearing up and over her body, taking the apron she wore with it. With her eyes locked on his, she undid her bra and let the cups fall away and onto the floor before slowly sliding her lace thong down her thighs. She used to be embarrassed by her body, but in front of Karson, she loved her body. Because he did. Biting her lip, she beckoned him to her.

“Isn’t it said that after you have a fight, you have makeup sex?”

He swallowed loudly as he slowly nodded. “I’ve heard that’s how it works.”

“Then come here,” she said in a throaty way. “Let me make you forget why you were ever mad or hurt.”

Taking a step toward her, he took her naked body in his arms, and against her mouth, he said, “I forgot the moment you said you loved me.”

And as her husband slowly lowered her onto their bed, everything that was going on downstairs was a distant thought.

She had better things to do.

Her husband being the obvious choice.

But they couldn’t stay up in their room forever.

No matter how much they wanted to.

Cuddling into his side, she said, “I don’t know what is going to happen when we get down there.”

“Nothing good, probably,” he whispered against her hair. “But if we don’t go, they are going to come after us.”

“I’m surprised they haven’t yet.”

And right as she said that, a knock came at the door. “Guys, um, sorry to bother you, but Lacey, I think your dad is wanting to say bye.”

“We are coming down now,” Karson called out to his sister. Looking down at her, he said, “Time to face our happy family gathering.”

She groaned as she got out of the bed, finding her underwear before sliding her dress on. “You should have told me no to inviting them.”

He scoffed as his threw his shirt on and then pulled his jeans up. “No way, you wanted this.”

“But it was a bad idea.”

“But it was supposed to make you happy,” he answered back and she smiled.

“You really are a great husband.”

He shrugged one shoulder, a grin pulling at his luscious lips. “I try.”

He held out his hand and she took it, beaming up at him and knowing that whatever was going on downstairs wouldn’t matter or faze her a bit with this man at her side.

“Are we going to try to talk him into staying?” he asked, cupping the back of her neck.

She shrugged. “It would be best since I don’t want them to be flying home on Thanksgiving.”

He nodded. “Then let’s go talk them into staying, and then I need to put my father in time-out for hitting.”

Lacey giggled as they left the room and made their way to the kitchen where eight adults stood in tense silence. Zander and Flynn were watching TV, but as soon as they saw Lacey, Zander said, “So, they are trying to leave because someone hit someone. I don’t know. I want to stay.”

“I got you, buddy,” Karson said with a thumbs-up. “And then we’ll go out and play some ball.”

“Cool,” Zander said with a grin.

Flynn then chimed in, “Can we play hockey instead?”

“I like the way you think,” Karson said with a wink before they made it into the kitchen. When they entered, all eyes fell on them and Lacey took in a deep breath.

This was going to be interesting.

“Lacey Arielle, we are leaving,” her father said with his booming voice. “This was a bad idea to put us all together.”

“Yeah, it was. Fucking douche, your dad is,” Karl said back. “But we love you, Lacey.”

“No one is going anywhere, and no more name-calling,” Karson said, holding his hands out.

“Who are you to tell me anything?” Nate barked, but before Karson or even Karl could say anything, Lacey set him with a look.

“He is my husband and this is his family, Dad,” she said with her hands on her hips. “This is my first Thanksgiving as a married woman. I am making a damn turkey and you are going to stay, and all of you are going to get along, and we are going to enjoy this damn holiday. If anyone has a problem with that, I don’t freaking care. You will deal because you are dealing for me! Don’t ruin my holiday,” she said, meeting everyone’s gaze.

“Damnnnnn, your wife is mean,” JT loud-whispered to Karson, but when Lacey met his gaze, he was grinning.

“Nah, she is spectacular.”

With her lips curved up, she met her dad’s gaze. “Now, there are soup and sandwiches if JT didn’t eat them all.”

“I left some,” he piped in but she ignored him.

“While you guys get something to eat, Karson will go put your stuff in your rooms. Then after lunch, I’ll show you around and we can enjoy this holiday. Got it?”

Nate’s eyes narrowed as Sabrina’s protest filled the room. “I don’t want to stay, Nate. I want to leave. I don’t trust these people.”

“These people are my family,” Lacey said sharply. “Yeah, they are rough around the edges, but they are good people as long as you are good to them. So get off your damn high horse, take a damn sandwich, and relax, okay?”

“I have never—”

“Yeah, I don’t care. Now eat,” she said, pointing to the food. Sabrina looked at Nate and Nate looked at Lacey. “Is that okay with you, Daddy?” she asked, her tone stern.

His nose was the size of Texas with little pieces of tissue coming out of each nostril. She wanted to laugh at how silly he looked, but she knew that would only cause more problems. She fully expected him to walk right out the door he had entered, but to her surprise, he didn’t. He nodded as his hand met the small of Sabrina’s back. “We came to spend Thanksgiving with Lacey.”

“But how can you trust these people?” she screeched, putting Lacey’s nerves on edge.

“We can’t, but again, we are here for Lacey, not them.”

“Nothing else will happen,” Lacey promised before looking back at where Karl stood with Regina. “Right?”

Karl nodded. “Oh, I got my lick in. I’m good.”

“He will be on his best behavior,” Regina promised.

Lacey made a face of disbelief, and Regina laughed as Kacey said, “I was thinking the same thing,”

She giggled as her husband’s arms came around her waist. “So let’s let go of the past and just enjoy dinner. Celebrate our beautiful marriage and our togetherness,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“I swear to God, it’s your fault he’s a pussy,” Karl muttered and Lacey couldn’t stop her grin if she tried.

“Dad! Not in front of them,” Karson complained, but Karl didn’t seem to care.

Grady laughed as he shook his head. “Karson, I’ll help you take the suitcases to the rooms. Rach, get the boys fed.”

“You want to stay?” she asked incredulously and Grady nodded.

“We were staying, no matter what,” he said simply as he came to Lacey. “Way to stand up for yourself,” he whispered before he kissed her temple.

She smiled as she nodded. “Thanks for coming.”

“Anytime. Come on, King.”

As she watched her brother and husband carry the bags of her family in order for them to stay, she almost couldn’t believe it. Everyone was staying and they were going to have dinner as a family.

She was slowly but surely getting everything she wanted.

It had been a tense afternoon, but Karson didn’t care.

Lacey was beaming.

She was so happy it was insane. She was basically bouncing through the house, making sure everyone was good, cleaning and cooking like Betty fucking Crocker. It was cute, and he was pleased that she was happy. He wanted to say it was because he’d made her come at least twice while they were upstairs, but he knew it was because everyone was getting along.

For the most part.

His father hadn’t said anything to Nate, and he hadn’t said anything to his father, which was probably for the best. They all sat in the same room, but it was pretty easy to assume who liked whom. It was the Kings on one side, the Martins on the other, while JT sat in the middle with a bowl of popcorn in his lap waiting for something to happen. He had been grinning like a kid in a candy store since Karl had almost broken Nate’s nose, and it irritated Karson to no end. Or maybe it was because he kept giving Kacey eyes. Karson wasn’t sure, but JT was lucky he was immobile or Karson would kick him the hell out.

While he wanted nothing more than for Nate, Sabrina, and Rachel to disappear, he had to admit that hanging with Grady was turning out to be like old times. He never thought he would be sitting outside with a beer in hand while a fire burned in front of him and Grady sitting at his left, but he was. And the best part was Lacey was tucked up under his arm, her arms wrapped around him tightly as her head rested against his shoulder.

JT sat across from them with Kacey to his left. The seat beside her was Rachel’s, but she was inside putting the boys to bed. Thankfully, his parents and Nate and his fiancée were already in bed. Karson had decided that Sabrina could fall off the face of the earth and he wouldn’t miss her a bit. She was a terrible woman. But what bothered him the most was that when Lacey was in the room, Rachel was sweet as honey, but as soon as she left, she was glaring at Karson.

She was up to no good, and there was no way he wasn’t going to keep his eye on her. He wouldn’t let her ruin what he had, which was everything he could have ever dreamed of. Looking down at Lacey’s profile as she grinned over at whatever the hell Kacey was running off at the mouth about, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. She felt so good against him. So perfect and life was good with her in it.

“Zander is going places. Kid’s got a mean wrist shot,” Grady said, taking Karson’s attention away from his beautiful wife.

“Yeah, he got me in the shin earlier,” Karson laughed and Grady grinned.

“He reminds me a little of your game. He’s vicious, hungry, while I was always the laid-back one.”

Karson scoffed as he shook his head. “No, you were the nervous one, but it worked for both of us. He’ll be great.”

“Yeah, I think so, especially with me as his dad and you as his uncle.”

Karson knew that had to be hard for him to say, but it really meant a lot to him. “Absolutely.”

“Flynn, on the other hand, there could be six of each of us helping him and that kid won’t make it. He can’t even skate yet.”

Karson smiled. “He has heart. He’ll get there.”

“I sure hope so. I don’t want him to be a designer, but he loves decorating the house with Rachel. Kind of scary,” he said with a sheepish grin. “He’s a great kid.”

“He’s my favorite,” Karson admitted. “Zander is a bully.”

Grady laughed. “Yeah, he is. But again, good kid, just too damn competitive.”

“Have no clue where he got that from,” Karson said, and they shared a knowing look as they both grinned.

Sucking in a deep breath, Grady nodded. “Can I talk to you over there real quick?” he said, pointing to the garage.

Karson eyed him, a grin playing on his lips. “Wanna kick my ass?”

Grady laughed. “Shut up and come on.”

As he got up, Karson kissed Lacey’s temple as he untangled himself from her. “Be right back.”

“You okay?” she asked and he smiled.

“Yeah, Grady wants to beat me up,” he joked, but Lacey didn’t laugh.

“Don’t joke like that,” she warned and he grinned.

“It’s good. I’ll be back.”

Heading to where Grady stood, Karson crossed his arms, a little cold since he didn’t have Lacey’s body heat. “What’s up?”

“I want to apologize.”

“For what exactly? We have a pretty extensive history, Martin,” he teased and Grady nodded, a grin pulling at his mouth.

“First when I hit you for dating my sister. I was pissed ’cause I didn’t trust you to care for her. I didn’t think you could make her happy. I was wrong.”

“Accepted, next.”

Grady shook his head, a grin pulling at his lips as he continued. “I’m sorry for hitting you with my stick in the neck that one time.”

“Forgiven. Sorry for that time I slashed you in the back of the knee.”

“It’s okay ’cause that one time I ‘fell’ on you, I really was just trying to drop an elbow in your back.”

“Yeah, I felt it, but then I came back at you, slamming my stick in your back.”

“I had to go to the chiropractor because of that. It was bad,” he said with a laugh. “But that one time I slammed you into the glass, dude, sorry.”

“Man, I was sneezing blood for a week!” Karson yelled, but with a grin on his face. “But it’s cool ’cause that time I shot the puck at your face, I mean, I could have really hurt you.”

“Yeah, thank God, I ducked.”

“No shit,” Karson agreed and they both started to laugh.

As their laughter subsided, Karson took a long pull of his beer and he smiled. They had tried to kill each other for the last nine years. It was kind of stupid. They both loved the same girl; why couldn’t they just let go and accept it? More him than Karson, of course.

“But really, King,” Grady said slowly. “I’m sorry for keeping you guys apart. For helping my dad. I never knew what he did to you, and that was shitty as fuck. He kinda manipulated me until I realized what he was doing. I know he’ll never apologize, but I will, and I am sorry. I watched for nine years as my sister just went with the motions of life. She didn’t live. But then when I saw you two in her apartment, the way the color was in her eyes again, her face bright, I wanted to be mad, but it was hard when I could see how happy she was.”

“She completes me, man. I told you that back then.”

“Yeah, you did, and I’m truly sorry for the shit you two have been through. It’s obvious you two belong together.”

Karson grinned. “We do. I mean, after nine years, we still love each other like we were never apart.”

“That’s special, dude,” Grady agreed. “And I hope you can forgive me, but if not, I understand. Just know that you guys have my blessing, and I look forward to future blood-matches—I mean, holidays together,” Grady joked and Karson laughed.

Shaking his head, he said, “You have my forgiveness, dude, and let’s hope that over time, things will get better.”

He nodded. “I think they will.”

“As long as your dad lets us be.”

“Yeah,” Grady agreed. “I’ve tried to talk to him, but he’s gung ho on getting Lacey back in Chicago, where she ‘belongs,’” he said, making air quotes.

“I think Rachel might be there with him,” Karson said slowly, not wanting to piss Grady off but also trying to get the info he needed.

Grady shook his head. “She loves my father because she didn’t have a dad growing up, but she agrees that he was wrong for that he did. Plus she loves Lacey like a sister. She won’t try to hurt her.”

Karson wasn’t sure about that, but he shrugged. “I hope you’re right.”

“I am,” Grady said with a grin, cupping his shoulder. “I’m glad we cleared the air.”

“Yeah, for sure, man,” he agreed just as Rachel came out the door.

“Grady, can you come to bed with us? The boys are restless.”

He nodded as Karson asked her, “Do you need anything?”

She shook her head though. “Nope, they just need their daddy.”

“All right, baby, I’m coming,” he said before turning to Karson. Shaking his hand, he said, “Good talk.”

“For sure.”

With a nod, he called out to the group, “I’ll see everyone in the morning.”

Everyone said goodnight as the couple disappeared to their boys, and Karson walked to where his wife sat. Sitting beside her, he wrapped his arms around her as JT continued with the story he was telling.

“So then, Karson is drunk as shit, I mean, like, falling over the place, crying and snorting everywhere.”

“What the hell?” Karson demanded. “What are you talking about?”

“About how much you love me,” Lacey supplied before looking back at JT. “Go on.”

“This is going to be bad,” he muttered and Lacey giggled beside him.

“So then he’s like ‘Why did I leave? How could I do this? Oh my God, I love her, but she won’t take me back!’ Lacey, I shit you not, it was fucking depressing. I had known the guy, no joke, like maybe eight hours, and he was sobbing on me like we had known each other our whole lives. That was the first time I heard your name. ‘Lacey, my Lacey,’” he said, mimicking Karson.

“Aw, how sweet,” she said, batting her eyes at him, but he couldn’t even look at her.

“I hate your ass,” Karson seethed but JT just laughed.

“No, I can top that,” Kacey said as she slowly crossed her bare legs. It was damn near forty degrees out and she was wearing booty shorts. What in the hell? But that didn’t matter. If she was about to tell the story he thought she was about to tell, he was going to throw her in the fire.

“Don’t you dare, Kacey! I’ll throw you in the fire,” he warned but Lacey waved him off.

“I’ll hose you off, Kacey. Keep going,” she urged while Karson rolled his eyes.

“So anyway, we come home from school before he goes into the draft, and he is a mess. I mean, like totally dead inside. It’s kind of sad and depressing, and for the longest time I was convinced he was going to kill himself,” she laughed and Karson glared.

“Because me offing myself is funny,” he deadpanned, but even Lacey was giggling beside him.

“No, never, but it’s funny that you are so big and scary, yet cry like a child,” JT supplied, but again, Karson didn’t find any of this amusing.

“So to cheer him up, me and a bunch of our guy friends went to this bar, hoping to get him out of his funk. So I’m sitting there, drinking my underage drink since I got picked as DD, and I hear someone singing. Badly. I look up and Karson is on the stage singing ‘End of the Road’ by Boys II Men, and I’m telling you, it was horrible!” she said but had to pause because she started to laugh though Karson was glaring. “He comes off the stage and no one claps, and then I’m like ‘Karson, tuck your crazy back in, buddy. You’re letting it show.’ So then he goes, ‘What? I am singing and I want to fucking sing this song, and you can’t do anything about it. You don’t know what I am going through,’ or something like that. He fell off the deep end. And now, it’s freaking hilarious, but then, I called my mom from the bar and told her to commit him.”

Lacey smiled up at him and held his gaze. “How sweet.”

“It was pathetic.”

“But we were pathetic,” she answered, still grinning. “I cried in the shower for six months straight.”

Karson nodded. “I did the same thing.”

“And I would look at pictures of us and I never took your shirt off. Even when I wore dresses.”

“I kept your underwear under my pillow for a year.”

“’Cause that’s not creepy at all,” JT muttered and Lacey smirked.

“Yeah, I can’t top that,” she admitted, and he grinned before pressing his lips to hers. “Is it sadistic that we are sitting here talking about how miserable we were?”

Karson shrugged. “Maybe, but I think it just reiterates how much we love each other.”

“I like that better,” she agreed before snuggling into his neck.

“Me too,” he said as JT made a big show of yawning. It was obnoxious and totally JT, but he couldn’t pay him any attention. Not when his beautiful wife was locked in his sights.

“Okay, I’m heading to bed. I have a full day of eating tomorrow,” JT then said, but still Karson couldn’t tear his gaze from Lacey’s.

“I’ll help you to bed,” Kacey said, but Karson was lost in Lacey’s beautiful eyes. He loved this girl something insane and couldn’t believe how happy he was. Those years of crying and moping around without her really didn’t matter now. All that mattered was her.

“Maybe into it too?” JT said and that did it.

Whipping his head to where his sister was helping JT up, he said, “What the fuck? No. I’ll help him.”

“Shut up and ogle your wife. He’s joking. I’m not having sex with him,” Kacey said with a shake of her head. “I mean, I have standards, and lumberjacks are not up to my standards.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I could bang you until you scream differently,” JT said before his hand slid down to Kacey’s ass.

“For fuck’s sake,” Karson muttered.

But before he could get up and kick JT’s good leg out from underneath him, Kacey punched him in the chest and said, “Don’t touch my ass, jerk.”

JT heaved for breath as Karson laughed. Lacey then said, “I’m just throwing this out there, but I think Kacey can take care of herself. Plus, we can cuddle watching the fire burn out,” she suggested and Karson couldn’t agree more.

“Okay, as you were,” he said to them. But then warned, “Don’t fuck my sister.”

“Can’t promise you anything, bro. I like that she’s dominating.”

“I will kill you,” he promised, but JT just grinned.

“I think it might be worth it,” he said with a wink, but when Karson looked at Kacey, she looked annoyed.

Thank God.

“Shut up and come on,” she said, helping him into the house. He didn’t trust either of them, but they were adults, and if they did it, they did. And then Karson would kill them both.

But for now, he was going to cuddle with his wife and enjoy the night before a busy day of dealing with their families.

Kissing her temple, he said, “I love you.”

“I love you,” she said, grinning up at him. “What were you and Grady talking about?”

“He apologized,” he said and Lacey’s brows shot up.

“Really?”

“Yeah, for everything and gave me his blessing.”

“What in the world? I never would have expected that,” she said, as shocked as he had been.

“Me neither, but then again, I think he gets it,” he said and she nodded. “Now all we need is for your dad to do the same.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

“Wasn’t planning on it.”

And with that, they sat under the stars, laughing until their stomachs hurt before he brought his mouth down on hers. Holding on to Lacey as his mouth moved with hers, he knew he didn’t care. He didn’t need anyone’s blessing because he was going to love her until his dying day.

No matter what.

The next morning, nerves made Lacey have the bubble guts. As she slowly tried to untangle herself from her husband’s vise grip of a hold, she couldn’t brush aside her anxieties. She needed to get downstairs and start the turkey, but he wasn’t letting go. She was already having a mini panic attack at just the thought of how the day was going to go with their parents, and she really didn’t need to chance not having a turkey for dinner. As she tried to remove her leg, he held on tighter, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck. Her eyes drifted shut at the small touch of his hot lips against her neck. When his tongue peeked out of his lips, tracing the spot that his lips had just touched, he shifted, his cock hard against her leg, and she groaned.

She couldn’t do this right now.

“Karson, no. I gotta go start the turkey,” she said, trying to push him off her, but it was like a mouse trying to push off a lion. Her hunky husband ignored her pleas, moving his mouth down her chest. She arched into him, wanting to curse her responsive body but then again loving that she reacted like this. Only he could get her motor running when she was nervous as shit. “Please, Karson,” she pleaded once more, but she wasn’t sure if she was asking for him to let her go or to make love to her.

“Mmm,” he groaned against her chest as his hand slid into her panties, dipping his finger inside her. “Five minutes.”

“Two,” she said quickly as his finger swirled around her clit.

“Three.”

“Two and a half.”

“Three, so I can eat you out.”

Oh, how perfect that sounded, but no, she had to be strong. “Karson, no. Two.”

He growled against her neck before sitting up and tossing the blankets off them. Ripping her panties off her, he threw them to the side before spreading her lips.

“Guess this is going to be the fastest orgasm of your life,” he said, his eyes burning with lust, and as her husband dropped his mouth to her pussy, she knew she was in trouble. Ruthlessly, his mouth moved against her hot center, his tongue swirling around her clit as he fucked her quickly with his fingers. Gripping the sheets, she bit her lip to keep from crying out. Her dad was in the room over, his parents in a room across the hall to the right. JT was in the room right across from them, and Kacey was on the other side. There was no way she could wake them all with her sounds of lovemaking. But when he sucked her clit into his mouth, his fingers dancing along her asshole, she couldn’t help it. She cried out, coming hard against his mouth as she rocked against his lips.

Without giving her time to recuperate, he sat up and slid his cock inside her, taking her breath away.

Groaning, he bit out, “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the feel of you. You blow my fucking mind, Lacey.”

Holding her by her neck, his other hand bent her leg back as he thrust inside her over and over again, taking her breath, taking her coherence, everything. Taking it all. As he pounded into her, he met her gaze and smiled as he squeezed her at the back of her knee, sinking deep inside her. Biting her lip, she watched as his body flexed, his muscles moving with each thrust he made. She felt him throbbing as her pussy squeezed him and knew he was almost there. Reaching up, she brought him down to her, meeting her mouth to his as he slowly moved in and out of her.

As their tongues danced together, their bodies hot against each other, all her nerves about the day slowly disappeared. Why did she care? It would go fine, and then she would come upstairs and make love to husband all over again. Tearing his mouth from hers, he pulled out of her and rolled over to the spot beside her.

“You’re done?” she asked, surprised, but he just shook his head.

“No, come here. I want to eat you some more,” he said roughly before pulling her on top of him.

“I gotta go cook turkey,” she whined and he set her with a look.

“I want your pussy in my mouth, right now. Fuck that damn turkey.”

She grinned. “That’s so dirty,” she giggled and he rolled his eyes.

“Give me your pussy now.”

“Take it,” she quipped back and he grinned.

“Fine.”

It always amazed her how he lifted her like she weighed five pounds, but soon her knees were at the sides of his head as his mouth moved against her pussy. Closing her eyes, she rocked against his mouth until she felt his hand jerking against her thigh. Looking back down, she saw that he was jacking off and quickly decided that was not okay with her. Moving off his mouth, she turned around, sitting on his face before lying across his body and taking his cock into her mouth.

“Oh fuck,” he muttered against her pussy as she took him deep to the back of her throat, licking him and playing with his balls like she was born to do just that. His fingers danced along her ass, playing with her asshole and her entrance as his tongue assaulted her clit. Licking the tip of him, she took him all the way into her mouth before pulling back and doing it over and over again. When he started to thrust into her mouth, she braced her hands by his hips as he fucked her mouth and she fucked his face.

It was glorious.

His body went rigid as he thrust up, filling the back of her throat with his orgasm as he groaned loudly against her wanton center. She wasn’t there yet, and she wanted to come, so she continued to ride his face as she sucked him dry. Gripping her hips, he flicked his tongue against her clit as she rocked against his face, so close. But then he pushed her off him, and before she could bitch at him because she was almost there, he was between her legs, his body holding one leg back as his fingers were deep inside her ass and his mouth between her lips. Crying out, she held on to the sheets as he drove her insane.

As she shattered, he pressed the base of his tongue against her clit and she gasped for breath, riding the waves of her orgasm. He removed his mouth from her and she stared up at the ceiling, really unsure how she was supposed to cook a turkey after that. Trailing kisses up her body, he stopped below her ear and said, “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Smiling, she snuggled into him and kissed his lips, her climax all over his beautiful face, but she didn’t care one bit. It was sort of hot. Cupping his face, she whispered, “Happy Thanksgiving. Now, I have to figure out how to cook a turkey.”

“Yeah. I’m going back to sleep.”

She pushed him away before rolling over. “Jerk.”

When his hand came cracking against her butt cheek, she squealed before going to clean up and get dressed. When she came out of the bathroom, Karson was laid out on the bed, deliciously naked.

“Damn turkey,” she muttered as she passed by him, when really, she wanted to climb on top of him and ride him into oblivion. Looking away so she wouldn’t be tempted, she went out the door. But as she went to shut it, the one across from her opened.

With wide eyes, she watched as her sister-in-law locked lips with JT in a long, passionate kiss. When his hand slid down her ass, cupping it before pecking her a few more times, Lacey was speechless. She should have known better, but still! She’d thought Kacey wouldn’t give it up. Obviously, she’d been very wrong.

“Oh my,” she murmured, breaking up their kiss just as the door handle wiggled under her hand. She turned to hold it closed so that Karson couldn’t get out, but the door had already opened and her big, burly husband stood naked in front of her.

“Hey, can you plea— What the fuck!”

Kacey’s eyes widened as JT just grinned. “Hey, bro.”

“I told you not to fuck my sister!” Karson yelled, but it didn’t seem to faze JT in the least.

“I didn’t. She fucked me. My leg is broken.”

“Good God,” Lacey muttered, covering her eyes. “Karson, please don’t kill him.”

“It’s not a big deal. Go back to bed,” Kacey tried, but even Lacey looked at her like she was an idiot.

“I’m going to kill you,” Karson growled at JT, trying to get past Lacey, but she dug her heels into the ground, trying not to let him by.

“Can you put some clothes on first? I don’t want your dick touching me when you’re kicking my ass,” JT said, sounding bored. “Or how about we both promise it will never happen again, and we call it an oops.”

“Ooh, I like that,” Kacey said with a nod.

“Me too,” Lacey agreed. “Please don’t kill him. Not today. Maybe tomorrow.”

Karson looked at all three of them and then shook his head. She could see the rage on his face, feel it, and it worried her. She really didn’t want Karson killing JT today. “I’m going back to bed, but, JT? Fuck you.”

He then slammed the door, leaving them all speechless. Looking back at Kacey, Lacey said, “I saw that going way differently.”

“Me too,” she said slowly. “Do you think he’ll kill JT in his sleep?”

“I don’t know,” Lacey said, worried.

“Don’t worry, sugar. I’ll sleep with one eye open,” JT rumbled in her ear, kissing her jaw.

“So what, you two are together?” Lacey asked.

“Fuck no,” JT said and Kacey agreed.

“Hell-to-the-fuck no.”

“But you guys are acting like you are,” she said, confused. They were kissing and holding hands. Lacey didn’t think you did that after a one-night stand.

“I respect her. Care how she feels. She’s special, but she also knows this was a one-time thing. I don’t do relationships,” JT informed her.

“Yeah, and I’m good with it,” Kacey said and she was telling the truth. Or at least masking her feelings really well.

Shaking her head before looking at JT, Lacey said, “Couldn’t just keep it in your pants, huh?”

He shrugged. “She’s hot and she put it on me. Couldn’t say no.”

“Whatever, you pushed me into the wall and— Well, I’ll save the details,” she said, her face turning red.

“No, don’t. Come in here and whisper them to me,” he cooed, and then he slowly shut the door as his mouth met Kacey’s, leaving Lacey alone in the hall.

“I thought it was one time,” she mock-whispered at the door.

“Maybe two,” JT groaned through it and Lacey made a face.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered. “Karson is going to kill you two,” she yelled under her breath at the door, but when she didn’t hear anything but heavy breathing, she took that as them not caring. Deciding that her turkey needed her attention, she started for the stairs. She hoped that went as planned because so far, her day was full of unexpected surprises.

But the rest of the day was no different.

She guessed everyone woke up on the right side of the bed because yesterday was a thing of the past and everyone was actually civil. Well, if you called Karson threating to kill JT while her father glared at Karl and Sabrina bitched about everything and anything civil, then yeah, it was civil. Along with all that, Zander broke her glass shelf with a hockey puck, and Flynn told her the colors didn’t match in the living room. Rachel was quiet but helpful while Regina suffocated her with love. But really it didn’t bother her. Her dinner was great, and she was able to spend all kinds of time with all the people she loved while being enveloped in the love that Karson gave her.

There wasn’t a moment when he wasn’t kissing her, touching her, or just being near her. When she glanced outside to check on the guys, he met her gaze and she knew that he was thinking of her. He tried to talk to her dad, and even though it didn’t work, he didn’t let it bother him; he kept smiling. He and Grady were best friends again, and it was beautiful seeing him with her nephews. He was so loving and attentive to the kids and it killed her inside.

Since yesterday when they had talked about her keeping the doctor thing a secret, she kept thinking about the kid issue. She really needed to talk to him about that, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She didn’t doubt that it would go to hell, and then they would be trying to figure out how to get back from it. It was inevitable, and she knew she couldn’t wait much longer to tell him. He loved her and she loved him; they’d work it out.

Together.

She hoped.

“Best damn dinner I’ve ever had, sweetheart. Good job,” Karl said, rubbing his belly, demanding Lacey’s attention. “Got yourself a winner, son.”

Lacey beamed as Karson grinned. “Yeah, she’s a keeper.”

Everyone smiled and then Nate said, “Your mother would be proud, Lacey. That was a beautiful dinner.”

Pride warmed Lacey’s chest as she leaned into Karson. Meeting his gaze, she kissed his lips and knew exactly what she was thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Karson.

Karson felt like he had just said goodbye to the Martins, but that was two weeks ago, and, unfortunately, he was already back in their presence. At first he wasn’t looking forward to coming back to Chicago—he wasn’t fond of this place—but he was surprised when he found himself having fun off the ice. He thought this trip would be crappy since her dad would surely be around twenty-four-seven, and he was, but Karson just ignored him. There was something about helping Lacey hand out gift bags to breast cancer survivors that made dealing with Nate Martin worth it.

Watching Lacey in her element had to be like watching him in his. She was so caring, so spectacular as she talked to each woman about her struggles and tribulations. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. The annual Lacey’s Lace Foundation Drive was everything Karson had always imagined it to be and was glad to be there to witness it. The women were inspirational, but his wife was an angel. Everyone loved her almost as much as he did, and he was lucky to be able to come to such an event.

But his in-laws, yeah, they still hated him.

Everyone was all smiles until they realized that Karson was standing in the doorway. Then just as quickly as their grins came, the look of distaste replaced it.

With his lip curling up, Nate asked, “You brought him?”

Lacey rolled her eyes. “Well, yeah, he’s playing tonight, and he wanted to be here for the drive.”

“Why?” Sabrina sneered. “You don’t even care.”

“Actually he does, and please don’t talk to him like that,” Lacey demanded. “He has been amazing. The ladies eat him up.”

She grinned back at him and he smiled. The women had eaten him up, and he had to admit he enjoyed the attention, but the best part was the way Lacey would hold his hand and introduce him to everyone.

“This is my amazing husband, Karson King. He plays for the Assassins, ugh, I know, but it’s okay because he is the best. So I’ll cheer for his team,” she would say with a wink before cuddling into his side.

He felt so good as everyone gushed over how happy she looked and how perfect they were together. It was a good day, even with Rachel sending him looks of pure hatred. He didn’t care. Lacey was his main concern.

“She’s right, Sabrina, that was rude. We are sorry, princess,” Nate said and Karson had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Meeting his gaze, Nate said, “Thank you for coming and supporting Lacey.”

“I’m lucky to experience this. It’s amazing.”

“Yeah, he’s been great. Too bad he couldn’t do that when we had the cancer scare,” Rachel said as she came up to the group.

“I told you I didn’t tell him. Stop trying to make him feel like crap for that,” Lacey snapped, her brows drawn in. “I’m lucky to have him.”

“No baby, I’m lucky,” Karson said, kissing the spot on her brow that was furrowed. “And as much as I want to stay and enjoy you guys’ company, I gotta go. We have meetings.”

She turned to face him, and he didn’t miss the relief on everyone’s face.

Assholes. Thank God, Lacey wasn’t staying there long.

Snaking her arms around his waist, she smiled up at him. “Sure. I’ll be at the game.”

“In an Assassins jersey?” he asked with a wink and her face reddened.

“You suck,” she muttered, but he leaned in close, kissing her jaw.

Then he whispered, “You know it turns me on seeing you in my number. Just think of the things I can suck.” She gasped against his ear, and he grinned as he pulled back. “Now be a good girl and wear your man’s number.”

Making a face, she shook her head. “Okay. I’ll be in a damn Assassins jersey.”

“That’s just wrong,” Rachel said with a shake of her head. “Your team is the Hawks.”

Without even leaving Karson’s gaze, she said, “No, it’s the Assassins.”

“She’s married to an Assassins player. She really has no choice in the matter,” Nate said, but Karson could hear the venom in his voice. He was pissed his “princess” had come over to the good side.

“See, he’s coming around,” she whispered, kissing his lips.

“Sure,” he laughed and she rolled her eyes.

“Anyway, you’re leaving afterward, right?”

“Yeah, but you’ll meet me right in the bar of the hotel?” he asked, wishing like hell her family would disappear so he could love on his wife.

“That’s the plan,” she said with a nod, and he actually felt okay about leaving this time. She seemed ready for it, even though he knew neither of them really was. He would only be gone for a couple days, but still, he didn’t want to leave her. She was leaving the following day, but he didn’t trust Nate not to try to talk her into staying. He may be trying to act like all was well and forgiven, but Karson didn’t miss the way Nate looked at him or the way he didn’t even say goodbye after Thanksgiving. He’d kissed Lacey and left, no word to him or his family. Which was understandable, but he wasn’t on the road to accepting Karson anytime soon.

Karson knew this. Lacey was still in delusional land about it. She really thought he was coming around, but Karson couldn’t disagree more. Cuddling into her, he said, “What time is your flight tomorrow?”

“Four.”

“Why don’t you just stay until Karson gets home?” Rachel asked.

“Yeah, honey, no reason to be home alone,” Nate said just like Karson knew he would, but he didn’t say a word. It was Lacey’s decision, not his.

“Um, I don’t know. I have things I need to do at the house, and I think I’m having lunch with his boss on Monday,” she said with a shrug. “I’ll be back in a couple weeks.”

Karson’s heart pounded with pride as he dropped his mouth to hers. Kissing her long and hard, he didn’t care that he had onlookers. His baby was going to their home and she was adjusting.

What more could he ask for?

He could ask for a damn win, that’s what he could ask for.

Karson couldn’t believe they lost the game in overtime, but what was worse was the look of pure satisfaction when he saw Lacey at the hotel bar. Glaring, he wanted to enjoy the picture-perfect view she was creating, but it was hard. Even with her sporting his jersey, it sliding off her shoulder as she wore a pair of jeans and boots up to her knees, he couldn’t miss the grin on her face. Her hair was in a braid along her shoulder with a purple knit cap angled off to the side. Her eyes were bright with purple eye junk, but that grin told him she was a little too happy they lost.

“Shouldn’t you be upset I lost?” he asked as she entered his arms, squeezing her arms around him.

“You see, what had happened was,” she started, laughing, and his furrow deepened, but she just giggled. “I was cheering for you guys. It’s not my fault your team lost.”

“You’re a horrible hockey wife, woman,” he teased and she laughed as she kissed his chin.

“Sorry, I bleed Blackhawks’ red and black.”

“You need to change that,” he said, squeezing her ass. “But we shouldn’t have lost.”

“Nope, it was Shea’s fault. He let that dude deke him,” she said with a shake of her head.

Karson nodded. She was right, but he wasn’t going to admit it. “Whatever,” he said and then he waggled his eyebrows. “Wanna go in the bathroom for a quickie?”

She giggled, her face reddening. “As fun as that sounds, my dad and Sabrina are waiting to have drinks. Plus, I gave it to you earlier.”

His grin dropped. “Ugh, why are they here?” he whined and she sent him a look.

“He wants to send you off! He’s trying, Karson.”

He grumbled as she dragged him to where Nate and Sabrina sat, Nate looking like a high-rolling businessman and Sabrina like his trophy wife.

Weren’t they adorable?

Not.

“Great game,” Nate said with a grin as Karson lowered himself down into the seat. As his gaze met Nate’s, he not only wanted to gouge the guy’s eyeballs out but he had never wanted to skip out on drinks as badly as he did right then. Thankfully though, it was only an hour before Lacey started yawning.

“You tired, baby?” he asked, rubbing her back as she nodded.

“Yeah, dead on my feet, but I don’t want to leave you yet,” she pouted and he smiled.

“We should be heading out soon,” he said, reassuring her so she would leave. He knew they’d had a long day; he, too, was beyond tired. There was a pillow and a blanket with his name on it.

“Yeah, I’ll wait,” she said, leaning against him, but he wasn’t having that.

“No, come on. I’ll walk out and get you a cab,” he said, standing up.

They said their goodbyes to Nate, and Karson was glad to be rid of him as he walked Lacey to the front. With her tucked into the crook of his arm, he kissed her temple before asking a bellman for a taxi.

“I can manage to stay, just let me lean on you,” she said, cuddling into him.

“No, go on home and sleep. Call me in the morning.”

“I don’t want to leave yet,” she complained and he smiled.

“Only five days, not long at all,” he said, kissing her again. She achieved a smile as the bellman came back to tell them he had a cab for her. After turning Lacey in his arms, Karson’s mouth came down on hers, kissing her with all the love in the world. As her fingers snaked up his chest, resting at the base of his neck, his tongue moved with hers and he hoped she realized how much he was going to miss her.

As they parted, he kissed her lips a few more times before smiling against them. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you too. Have a safe trip,” she said and he saw the tears in her eyes.

“No crying,” he managed to say around the lump in his throat.

“Not possible,” she said as they started to fall. “I hate being without you.”

“I know, me too,” he said with a nod. Kissing her nose, he wiped away her tears before kissing her lips. “Off you go. I’ll see you in a couple days. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She nodded, stepping back out of his arms. “I miss you.”

“I miss you more,” he promised and then she slowly disappeared out the doors. Standing there, he watched through the glass doors as she got into the cab and then she was gone. Feeling incomplete, he started back for the bar and soon fell into step with Shea.

“They are saying it’s gonna be another two hours before we can leave,” Shea muttered, obviously mad about that or perhaps because he was the reason they lost.

“Great,” Karson said sarcastically. “Want a beer?”

“Yeah,” he agreed as they made their way toward the bar.

When Karson noticed that Nate and Sabrina still sat at the table by the bar, he wondered why. Wasn’t it past their bedtime? “One second, it’s on me,” he said to Shea before heading over to them. “I thought you two had called it a night.”

“No, we were waiting for you to come back,” Nate said, tapping the edge of the table. “I have something to offer you.”

“I’m sure I don’t want it,” he answered, crossing his arms across his chest. “I’m not leaving her, Nate. Give it up.”

“Why not? Just go. No one wants you here,” Sabrina sneered but Karson rolled his eyes.

“Obviously she does.”

“You aren’t good enough for her,” Nate said, but again, Karson shook his head.

“She thinks I am. That’s all that matters.”

“No, you’ve glamoured her! She isn’t thinking right,” Sabrina complained and Karson raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not a damn vampire; I’m her husband. She loves me. Let it go,” he almost begged. “Just let us be happy.”

“Never. You will disappear,” Nate promised.

“What, are you going to kill me? ’Cause that’s the only way I’m leaving her. I will continue to do everything to keep her with me. You aren’t going to take her away.”

Without letting them say anything else, he turned away, but as he started for the bar, Nate said, “Don’t walk away from me.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” he said over his shoulder and then settled into the seat beside Shea. “Fucking assholes.”

Shea looked over and then back from what Karson assumed were Nate and Sabrina. “Her parents?”

“Dad and soon-to-be stepmom,” he muttered before taking a pull of his beer. “They are hell-bent on breaking us up.”

“Wow, assholes,” he agreed before taking a sip of his own beer.

As they watched highlights on the TV, Karson didn’t bother looking back at his in-laws. He couldn’t believe that they did that after sitting with Lacey and acting like they approved of Karson. It was sickening. Shaking his head, he pulled his phone out when it vibrated to see it was Lacey. She was home and wanted to tell him she loved him. Smiling, he wrote her back and decided to leave his little conversation with her dad for tomorrow. She was tired, and he didn’t feel like keeping her up as they hashed it out.

Sitting back in his chair, he tucked his phone in his pocket and was ready to go. It was getting late, he was tired, and there was a chick staring at him. Really staring at him. Like she was eating him up with no concern for others.

Looking at Shea, he asked, “Do you know her?”

“Nope, not at all,” he answered and soon the girl was making her way toward him.

She was gorgeous, banging body, and a dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination. She had dark hair, darker eyes, and lips as red as a stoplight, but Karson wanted nothing to do with her. Before Lacey, he would have jumped at the chance to tear her apart, but now, she did nothing for him.

“Karson King, you just gonna stare at me or are you gonna say hello?”

Huh?

He gave her a friendly smile. “Sorry, do I know you?”

“Well, yeah,” she said with a grin. “Jeez, you don’t remember?”

His head cocked to the side. He remembered every girl he been with. Their names may be fuzzy, but he never forgot a face, and he was pretty sure he’d never been with this one. “You must have me confused with someone else.”

“Nope, we spent the night together about a year ago, met here.”

He shook his head. “Nope, wrong guy. Maybe my buddy Jordie?”

“No, it was you. I would never forget you.”

He laughed as her hand reached out, moving up his arm. Edging away from her, he smiled. “I’m married now.”

“Oh?” she asked, leaning into him, which made him lean into Shea trying to get away from her. “She doesn’t have to know about us.”

“There is nothing to know,” he said, taking her by her arms and moving her back some. “I love my wife.”

“That’s what they all say, but it’s fine, whatever. Break my heart,” she feigned hurt, but Karson saw right through her. When her hands rested on his thigh, he went to move them, but then her lips pressed against the side of his mouth. Before he could react and push her away, she was backing up, grinning.

“What the hell?” he asked with a glare. “I told you I’m married. Don’t fuck around like that.”

“Oops, hope she doesn’t find out,” she blinked not so innocently. “Good thing no one is watching us.”

“Hey, this isn’t funny. Go on and troll on someone else,” Shea bellowed. “We don’t have time for shit like that.”

She pouted as she puckered her lips out at Karson. “He has time. He always has time for the ladies,” she said, and when she reached out again, he stopped her.

“Leave me alone,” he warned. “Go. Now.”

“Aw, always so domineering. I love that, but I’ll go since you are obviously ‘committed’ to your wife,” she said, putting air quotes around committed. Glaring, he watched as she backed up, going to the other side of the bar with a conniving little grin on her face.

Looking over at Shea, he said, “I have no clue who that is.”

“Obviously someone trying to cause problems,” he said with a shake of his head.

Then it dawned on Karson.

Whipping around, he looked to see his in-laws grinning as they stood up, putting their jackets on. When Nate met Karson’s gaze and nodded his head to him, he knew that Nate had caused that. He knew with all the fibers of his soul that he had been set up. Or tried to be set up. He’d brushed her away like a fly, but why were they grinning like that?

Standing up, he rushed to catch up to them, taking ahold of Nate’s arm to stop him. “What the fuck are you up to?”

Nate grinned. “I have no clue what you are talking about.”

And then he tore his arm from Karson’s grasp and started for the door, leaving Karson in his wake.

Son of a bitch.

When Lacey rolled over the next morning, she stretched her body out as she slowly opened her eyes to the picture of her and Karson in front of their home with a “Sold” sign in their hands. His face was priceless and he looked every bit like a man who was utterly blissful. Lacey mirrored his expression, excited for their future, but seeing that picture meant one thing.

She was in her apartment, alone.

She hated that. She wanted to be home in Karson’s arms, but that wouldn’t happen for another four days. She had a full day, and that would keep her busy until she flew out to Nashville. Thankfully, she was meeting Elli for lunch tomorrow too, so really, she only had to get through two days without any distractions to keep her from missing Karson terribly. She figured she’d work. She wanted to do a new summer line of bathing suits, and to do that, she needed to come up with something amazing.

Sitting up, she pushed her hair out of her face and saw that her phone was blinking beside her. Reaching for it, she saw she had some missed calls from Rachel and then texts from Karson. Clicking on his text, she cuddled in the blankets as she read them.

Karson: hey, we’re finally about to take off, but listen some shit went down and I need to talk to you. Call me if you wake up and get this. I love you.

Karson: You awake?

With her brows pulling together, she clicked on the icon to call him but then a call came through. It was Rachel.

“Hey,” she answered. “Let me call you back. I need to call Karson.”

“Before you do that, I think you should know that some chick was all over him last night, from what Sabrina said this morning. Apparently Nate is pretty upset about it but doesn’t know how to tell you without hurting you. So yeah, your husband is a dick.”

“Whoa, what?” she said, sitting up again. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Last night he was at some bar with some chick,” Rachel said slowly as if Lacey didn’t comprehend what she said, and really, she didn’t. “I told you he was bad news.”

“Actually, you never said that,” Lacey said as her heart kicked up in speed. “He wouldn’t hurt me like that. I know he wouldn’t. I need to let you go.”

“People saw him. Don’t be naïve.”

“And don’t be a bitch, Rachel. I’ll call you later,” she snapped before hanging up the call and calling Karson. He answered right away.

“Hey,” he said, and she could hear it in his voice; he was worried sick.

“Rachel called me this morning, told me you were with some chick at the bar.”

“Figured she would, either her or your dad.”

“So it’s true?” she asked, her heart dropping into her stomach.

“There was a chick at the bar and she came on to me, claiming we’d had sex before, but I don’t forget faces. I’ve never seen her before; I can promise you that. She was all over me and then kissed the side of my mouth. I pushed her away and told her to go away. Shea was there, saw the whole thing. I promise. Nothing happened.”

Her blood burned as she let out a breath. “Well, that’s undesirable. Especially in front of my dad.”

“Baby, it was him,” he claimed, causing Lacey’s brow to go up.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that he set me up.”

Lacey shook her head because she couldn’t believe he was blaming her dad. She didn’t care that it happened. It didn’t bother her because she trusted him, but why did he have to blame her dad? Her dad had been good to them lately. Supportive, even. Yeah, it was still a little tense between them, but he was trying. “Karson, please. He is coming around, I promise. He wouldn’t do that,” she urged, but before she could go on, he interrupted her.

“No, baby, I’m telling you,” he said, sounding almost panicked. “I walked back in after saying goodbye to you, and I went over to the table because he was still there, and he said, I have a deal for you. I told him I didn’t want to hear it, I don’t care. And then he and that fiancée of his go on and on about I am going to lose you because I don’t deserve you.” He sucked in a deep breath as her mind went crazy. This wasn’t true. Her dad wouldn’t do that. He was being supportive. “And then I’m like whatever, and I walk off and I’m sitting there with Shea and that chick comes up and does what she does, and when I look back, your dad is grinning at me like a fool. So I confront him about it, and he tells me he doesn’t know what I was talking about, but it was obvious he did, Lacey! I’m telling you, this is his doing. He’s playing you.”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sucked in a deep breath before letting it out. “Karson, I’m not mad. I trust you. I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt me, but blaming my father for what some dumb bitch did isn’t right. He wouldn’t do that. He supports us now.”

“The hell he does,” Karson barked, and she could hear the frustration in his voice.

“I don’t agree. I think he does. He’s been great lately. He hasn’t been nearly as mean as he was.”

“Because he is playing you!” he said slowly but very forcefully. “He is going to keep on trying to break us up. You’ve got to cut all ties, babe, or this is always going to happen. I can’t keep looking behind me to make sure Nate Martin isn’t back there trying to set me up.”

“So you’re asking me to choose?” she asked, her heart pounding. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”

“No. Lacey. Please,” he begged. “I am feeling like you don’t believe, like you think I am trying to cover my ass or something.”

“That’s exactly what I think,” she said without thinking.

When he paused, she instantly regretted her words. Letting out an annoyed breath, she said, “I didn’t mean that. It came out wrong.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, I mean that I think you are being paranoid when there is no reason to be. I completely trust you and believe that this girl came on to you. It’s fine. I promise.”

“But you don’t believe that your dad is setting me up,” he stated and she could hear the aggravation in his voice.

“I don’t think he would do that to me, but I will call him.”

“And he’ll lie.”

“Karson, please. He’s trying.”

“The fuck he is, Lacey. He’s blinding you, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you start believing more shit he does and ultimately leave me.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s a little insane, don’t you think? He only wants me to be happy.”

“Why the fuck are you defending him? Look at his track record, Lacey. He has tried to break us up nonstop,” he yelled and she could hear it in his voice. He was livid, but she didn’t care. He was wrong.

“Not since he tried to call your coach. Since we had that call, he has been good.”

“Because he is secretly planning shit!”

“Karson,” she said, closing her eyes in complete frustration. “I am not going to keep going back and forth with you. I’ve told you that I believe you about the chick—”

“But you don’t believe me about your dad. Yeah, I heard you loud and clear,” he interrupted with a shortness to his voice. Silence stretched between them and Lacey had no clue what to do. “You are supposed to trust me when I tell you something.”

“And I do, but he’s my dad, Karson. The only family I’ve got.”

“I’m your family.”

Oh Jesus. “I’m not doing this with you. Stop taking everything I say so literally. He is my only parent; I don’t have two parents like you do. Yes, mine is an asshole most of the time, but he is my dad.”

“I get that, Lacey, but he is trying to break us up,” he pleaded. “And the fact that you don’t believe me and trust him instead speaks volumes.”

“Oh, really? And what volumes does it speak?”

“That I should just get ready for you to walk out on me,” he said, and this time there was no frustration in his voice, there was pure defeat. “Not believing me now just tells me that later, when he does something even more drastic, you’ll be on a one-way train out of here.”

“He isn’t going to do anything. He hasn’t done anything now,” she said slowly. “Plus, I’m not going anywhere. I thought we agreed this was forever.”

“It is on my end. To the fullest, but I don’t believe it is for you.”

“Why are we doing this?” she said, exasperated. “We are fighting over nothing.”

“That’s the thing, Lacey. This isn’t nothing, and just to let you know, it hurts that you don’t believe me.”

“Are you kidding me right now?” she asked, unable to comprehend this. “I believe that some slut was trying to hit it because I fucking want to hit it all the damn time and I am not mad, but the fact that I don’t believe you about my father setting you up hurts your feelings? That’s insane.”

“I want you to trust what I tell you, and you don’t.”

Kicking the blankets off herself, she got out of the bed, her body burning with anger. “Okay, I’m done. I’m letting you go because I refuse to do this with you any longer. I will not feel bad for thinking you are being paranoid. Most wives would lose their shit on their husbands for shit like this, but I believe you.”

“Fine.”

“Fine,” she said and she wanted to hang up so badly, but she wouldn’t do that. He was being dumb, but he was her husband. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said, defeated, and it killed her, but she was sticking to her guns. Hanging up, she let out a roar of annoyance before shaking her head. He was beyond frustrating!

“Freaking idiot,” she muttered before dialing her dad’s number. When he answered, she said, “Did you set my husband up by sending some slut to try to get him to have sex with her?”

“Lacey?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Did you do that or not?”

“Do what? I didn’t catch all that.”

“Did you set my husband up by sending some slut to try to tempt him?”

Her father didn’t even pause. “I would never, princess. I saw it happen, but I wasn’t even going to tell you because I don’t want to hurt you with that.”

Biting the inside of her cheek, she nodded as the tears welled up in her eyes. She wanted to believe him, she wanted to trust him, but she also wanted to trust and believe Karson.

“Did he push her away?”

“Not at first,” he answered slowly. “But after she kissed him, he did.”

“Are you lying to me, Daddy? Because Karson is saying you set him up.”

He laughed and Lacey didn’t understand that. This wasn’t a laughing situation. “I don’t know why he would say that. I didn’t even talk to him.”

“So you didn’t try to offer him a deal?”

“A deal?” he scoffed. “Jesus, am I the Mafia? No, honey, I didn’t.”

Her lip wobbled because she didn’t know who to believe. Did she believe her husband, whom she loved and trusted? Or her father, who was the only parent she had left? She may not trust him fully, but she had to believe that he wouldn’t do something like this. He knew that she would cut him off if he were lying. Would he really risk their relationship to ruin her and Karson’s marriage? She wasn’t sure, and that alone had her hanging up the phone without saying goodbye. When he tried to call back, she ignored it and decided that she needed to step away from this right now.

She just needed time to think.

But thinking wasn’t what Lacey did.

She just stewed.

She was mad at Karson for being mad at her, and then she was mad at her dad for not knowing if he was lying to her or not. She wasn’t sure what to do, and she had no one to call to talk to. She was mad at the people she wanted to discuss this with. Rachel hadn’t done anything really, but still Lacey was mad at her for quickly accusing Karson of cheating. He wouldn’t do that. He loved her. While she had no clue whom to believe, she did know that she did not want to be at lunch with Elli Adler. Yes, Elli was the sweetest person in the world, but Lacey would much rather be at home, stewing.

But that wasn’t where she was. Nope, she was sitting in a booth at J. Alexander’s with Karson’s boss, talking about everything under the sun. Well, Elli was talking, Lacey was more just listening. And stewing. Yes, she was still stewing.

“Shelli is my wild child. Posey, not so much, she’s cautious. And then the boys are just all nuts. Take after their daddy.”

Lacey smiled like she was supposed to. “They are beautiful children.”

“Thank you,” she said proudly with a grin. “They are our everything.”

“I would imagine.”

Elli smiled as she met Lacey’s gaze. “How are you adjusting? Are you happy here?”

Lacey shrugged. “Sure. I mean, it’s been a big change, but I do love it here.”

“Karson mentioned something about opening a Lacey’s Lace here, which, by the way, I’ve bought out your online store. Honestly. I love it all.”

She grinned as she nodded. “Thank you, but yeah, maybe. We are still doing the numbers and trying to find a good location. It will be my first time expanding.”

“Well, I think you should. I got my moms’ group to check you out, and then all the Assassins’ wives are wearing your stuff,” she said with a little flush to her face. It was understandable since they were talking about lingerie. “You know what?” she gushed quickly and Lacey grinned. Elli was very animated.

“What?”

“You should open one here and then sponsor the Assassins. The exposure would be insane, and then we could do a spread of Assassins’ wives wearing your stuff. Kinda like you did for the women of different sizes.”

“Wow, you followed that?” Lacey asked, surprised but flattered.

“Yes! I told you I’m a fan, and I love your body, not in a weird, creepy way,” she said, causing Lacey to grin. “I didn’t know you were a breast cancer survivor.”

Lacey nodded. “I am. They are fake,” she said, pointing to her breasts.

“So? You deserve them after everything you went through. At least, I think so, and I also love the tattoos. You are stunning. All of us think so.”

She grinned shyly as she shrugged. “Thank you, but yeah, your idea is a great one. Maybe I’ll do it if we do expand here.”

“I think you should. It would be good for you.”

“Yeah, but it’s not only about me. I mainly just want to help people.”

Elli grinned as she nodded quickly. “Oh, I think you do, and I especially love how you donate so much of your sales to your foundation.”

Lacey was a little overwhelmed; she’d never expected Elli Adler to know so much about her business. “Yeah, my main focus when I started was helping women who had to fight like I did. Or really, anyone. I just want people to feel sexy; I’m really not worried about making money.”

“Oh, you do,” Elli giggled, her cheeks darkening more. “And Shea thanks you.”

They had a good laugh at that. When their laughter subsided, Lacey took a long swig of her sweet tea before meeting Elli’s gaze again. “You light up when you talk about your business. You’re really quiet any other time.”

Lacey shrugged. “Yeah, I love my business and I know what to say when it comes to that, but I’m really closed up unless I know you.”

“Well, I hope that we continue to get to know each other. I like you and I really think you’ll click well with the other wives. I know you’ve been a little distant, and it’s hard to get to know new people, especially when your life has completely changed,” she said with bright eyes and a grin on her face.

“I’ve been traveling too,” Lacey added with a nod. “But yeah, I would love to get to know the wives some more. I got a little intimidated that night we all hung out.”

“Yeah, we are a little in-your-face, but everyone means well.”

Lacey nodded. “I know.”

And she did, but it was hard. She went from having family, friends, and a business in Chicago to coming to Nashville and only having Karson. While that was more than enough, she felt like she was starting over and it was nerve-racking. With her friends back in Chicago, it was easy. She could sit there and not say anything and feel completely happy, but here, she always felt like she didn’t belong. She knew that it was because she didn’t even give anyone a chance, but it was scary getting to know people. She had to put herself out there, and she wasn’t good at that unless it was with the business. With Lacey’s Lace, she would do anything to have someone listen. Or even with Karson, she loved talking about him. But anything else, she thought she was boring and that no one wanted to listen to her.

She didn’t have kids. She didn’t have a family like Karson’s. And no one wanted to talk about her cancer. That was depressing! She didn’t have hobbies because she’d been so immersed in getting Lacey’s Lace up and running. She didn’t go to anything because she didn’t like showing up alone. All she cared about was Karson, her business, and hockey. She really wasn’t all that interesting, but that wasn’t the only problem.

Between missing Karson like crazy and wanting to go home to be around something she knew, she wasn’t adjusting. She was cutting corners and only accepting Nashville as her home when she had to. Karson thought she was going to leave him, and she didn’t want him to think that. She had to change. She had to adjust or this was never going to work.

Elli could be the start of that.

Looking across the table, Lacey asked, “Is it hard being Shea’s wife?”

Elli smiled. “In what context do you mean? Because I love Shea, and I love being his wife and the mother of his children.”

Lacey nodded. “No, I know that, but I mean when he is gone. Do the women flock to him?”

“Oh yeah,” she said with a nod. “But with Shea, I know where I stand. I know that I hung the moon and stars in his eyes. No woman can touch what I can do for him, and I remember that always.”

“Yeah, that’s how I feel with Karson.”

“Then y’all will be just fine. Not trusting someone and the doubt that they’ll be true is what kills marriages. ‘Give in to love, or live in fear.’”

“Rent,” Lacey said with a grin.

“Yup, I’m your go-to Broadway girl.”

They shared a grin but then Lacey looked down, letting out a breath. Elli’s words were riveting and hit Lacey right in the soul. She didn’t want to live in fear; she wanted to love Karson. “He hates my family,” she said more to herself than Elli. “And he thinks they are setting him up.”

Elli leaned on her palm as she held Lacey’s hand. “Karson is a pretty stand-up guy, ya know? But I can see where that would cause a problem.”

“Yeah, I just feel like we can’t win. Something is always coming after us.”

“They usually do with the good ones. Don’t worry, y’all are the picture of love. No one can touch true love, believe me, I know. But nonetheless, I’ll keep you in my prayers,” Elli said with a nod and Lacey smiled.

“Thanks, Elli,” she said, feeling a little better.

“Anytime,” she promised. She then asked, “What kind of movies do you like?”

“Anything really,” she answered with a shy smile. “I’m not picky.”

“Have you read Pride and Prejudice or seen the movie?”

Lacey nodded. “Yes, I love the book, read it in school. I haven’t seen the movie though.”

Elli grinned. “Well, good. I am having everyone over tomorrow for movie night and we are watching that. You should come. I won’t accept anything but a yes.”

Lacey laughed at the look Elli gave her. She wasn’t playing around, but Lacey was sure she could get out of it if she wanted to. The thing was, while it made her nervous, she knew she had to go. This was her home now. Elli was a friend, and she needed to make more if she planned to be completely happy in Nashville. No more playing around. It was time to put down roots.

“I would love to.”

Staring at his computer, he ran his fingers through his hair.

This was not good. Not good at fucking all.

Picking up his phone, he dialed JT’s number and waited for him to answer. JT had flown to Colorado after his last surgery and would stay there until he was done with his physical therapy. That was if they could keep a therapist to work with him. He had already driven off two in only two weeks. He hated the therapy though, and wasn’t shy about telling everyone. It was easy to say that Jordie Thomas was hard to deal with.

That being said though, Karson needed his best friend.

“What?” he answered and Karson rolled his eyes.

“Well, hello to you too, asshole.”

“You would be mad too if some dude was bending your leg in all sorts of ways and getting pissy with you because you won’t cooperate. I fired his candy-ass, fucking douche.”

Make that three he had driven off.

“Did you ever consider that maybe you should do what they want? They are professionals.”

“I don’t give two shits. It hurts. I don’t want to do it.”

“Then you won’t get better,” Karson reminded him. “And then you’ll never play.”

JT paused for a second and then said, “Fine, I’ll be nice to the next one.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Karson muttered. Remembering why he called, he said, “So I have an issue.”

“Okay?”

He explained what had happened in Chicago. As he retold everything, he still couldn’t fathom that Lacey didn’t believe him. Why the hell would he lie? There was no reason to and furthered the point that her father was the motherfucker who was trying to ruin them! But she didn’t see it that way. She had fucking daddy issues and was allowing them power to believe something that wasn’t true.

“Wow. That blows, dude. If I’d been there, I would have kicked his ass,” JT promised but Karson couldn’t even appreciate that at that moment.

“Yeah, I know, but that’s not the kicker.”

“No?”

“No, the dude somehow got pictures of her kissing me and put them online or paid her to do it or something. They are suggestive as hell though, and Lacey may not be mad now, but after she sees these, she will be.”

“Seriously?” JT asked. “Dude, send me the link.”

“Hold on,” he said as he sent the link in an email to JT. “Done.”

As he waited for JT to get the pictures, he looked at them with pure disgust. She was all over him, her long hair falling along her shoulders, her lips so close to his and from the angle the shot was taken, it looked like she was kissing him on the lips. He knew that Lacey trusted him, but she was not going to be happy that these pictures were on the Internet or that they had tagged Lacey’s business in the post.

Stupid Puck Bunnies R Us site.

“Oooweee. Not good.”

“I know. She’s going to rip me apart,” Karson groaned.

“Why did they have to tag her business though and make it seem like you came on to the girl? Have you contacted your lawyer? This is slander in a way,” he said and Karson nodded his head.

“Yeah, I did. He is contacting the site, but I just found it and it’s been up for hours. There are already over a hundred comments about how I’m a pig and then some of how women want me to come on to them.”

“Well, you are. But still, fuck those bitches. They don’t know you. This happens to everyone. Don’t let it get you down,” he said, but it did, and he knew Lacey was going to freak.

“I don’t even know how to tell her,” he said, his chest hurting. “She’s going to be so upset.”

“Yeah, good luck with that.”

“Thanks, I called for support, asshole,” Karson snapped. “Way to drop the ball.”

“Dude, my leg is burning with pain. I’m sorry I’m not holding your hand and crying with you.”

“You’re such a jerk,” Karson complained while letting out a breath.

“Yeah, I am. But hey, since I’m already on jerk-status right now, how’s your sister? I need to call her, see if she wants to come this way for another trip to pound town,” he laughed.

Karson could only blink. He did not just say that. Knowing that nothing good would come out of his mouth and that he would probably ruin his friendship, if that was what this was called, Karson decided to hang up. Laying his phone down, he shook his head before his eyes settled on the pictures of him and the girl. He didn’t even remember her name or anything about her, but that didn’t keep half the women on the site from calling him everything under the sun while the other half said they wanted a piece of him.

But he didn’t want them. He wanted Lacey.

Deciding that he had to call her, he dialed her number. They had only texted since their fight yesterday, and it was mostly just them checking in and telling each other they loved the other. Things were tense, and he knew this was going to make things worse.

“Hey,” she answered. “I didn’t expect to hear from you now. Aren’t you at the arena?”

“Not yet,” he responded. “I have another hour before I gotta leave.”

“Oh, okay. I was sitting here working on some drawings for a line I am thinking about doing for the Assassins’ wives. Elli had the great idea of sponsoring the Assassins and then doing like a campaign with them if I expand to Nashville,” she said with excitement lacing her voice. “It would be cool, I think.”

“Sounds amazing. So you hung out with Elli?”

“Yeah, we had lunch the day before yesterday. And then yesterday, I went over for movies with her, Harper, Reese, and Piper. Since Fallon is about to have her baby, she didn’t come. And then Audrey was sitting at home with her because she was bitching that Lucas wasn’t home or something. I don’t know, there are a lot of people to keep up with,” she said with a laugh and Karson smiled.

She sounded happy and he liked that a lot. He liked it even more that she was out doing things. For the last two days, he had convinced himself that she wasn’t going to stick around, but maybe he was overthinking the whole thing. She was obviously trying to adjust to Nashville, and maybe her dad didn’t have as much of an effect as Karson thought he did.

“Sounds like you had fun.”

“I did,” she gushed. “Loads. I had to stay the night though ’cause I drank too much wine. I woke up with Quinn on my chest and Cheetos in my hair.”

He laughed. “Sounds like a party right there.”

“It was. I ate breakfast with the kids and Elli and then finally left. She told me to stay, but I didn’t want to be a bother, plus I needed to get the ideas out of my head and do some work and clean before you got home.”

“I think we are flying out tonight instead of in the morning,” he said with a grin on his face. “I’ll get a ride home.”

“I’ll pick you up,” she said. “I want to see you.”

“It’s going to be stupid late. I don’t even know when, if so. Don’t worry about it.”

“Well, text me when you land, and if I’m up, I’ll come get you,” she suggested.

“I don’t want to bring you out of bed,” he answered.

“Just text me okay?”

“Okay,” he agreed and then bit his lip. Maybe he shouldn’t tell her, but he knew that would be a terrible idea. Clearing his throat, he said, “I need to tell you something.”

“Oh crap, it’s not good, huh? You cleared your throat.”

He smiled and wanted to laugh, but before he could answer her, she said, “We are good, right? Like it’s been shitty the last two days, and I know that one of us has to swallow our pride and apologize. If it needs to be me, that’s fine, I’ll do it, but I just want us to be good. I love and miss you too much to fight with you.”

Ugh, she was killing him.

“Lacey, we will always be good. No matter what, I’ll love you, and I miss you even when I’m a room over from you. We are going to fight, and we are going to disagree—that’s what couples do—but don’t apologize, okay? Because it isn’t over, and I need to be the one to apologize.”

“What do you mean?”

Clicking send, he said, “Check your email.”

“Okay?” she questioned slowly. He heard her computer open and then it sounded of an email. “What is this?” she asked and he cleared his throat again.

“It’s a puck bunnies site where pictures of hockey players are posted. Are you there?”

“Yeah,” she said sharply. “And on the front page is my husband with some tramp practically in his lap.”

“Yeah, I don’t know how pictures were taken.”

“Oh, and look, they tagged my site. Bet I’ll get a lot of traffic from this,” she said, and he didn’t miss the sarcasm.

“Yeah, told you I was going to be the one apologizing,” he said, forlorn.

He didn’t say anything and the silence was killing him. Finally, she said, “I thought you said she kissed the side of your mouth.”

“It’s the angle. She didn’t kiss me full-on, I promise.”

“Hm,” she muttered, and it was as if she was slowly jabbing him in the gut with the butt of a hockey stick. “My dad said she kissed you but didn’t say if it was the side or not,” she said offhandedly and that irritated him.

“Talked to your dad about it?”

“Yeah, and he denied all your claims,” she said, the sharpness back in her voice.

Shaking his head, he said, “Don’t doubt it. Bet he told you he would never do that to you because he loves you so much and never wants you to be unhappy.”

“Funny, ’cause that’s exactly what he said,” she snapped and his blood boiled.

“You know he did this, right? He probably took the fucking pictures himself.”

“Oh, be real! Like my dad knows about this site.”

“I’m telling you, this is his doing,” Karson promised. “I have no way to prove it, but I wish you’d believe me.”

“I don’t know what to believe. You told me that it wasn’t that bad. This is bad. This looks like you guys are planning something.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Lacey, you know me better than that. I don’t want anyone but you.”

“So you say,” she retorted. “How do I know what you do when I’m not there?”

He couldn’t believe this. “So now you don’t trust me?”

“No, I do,” she cried, and even though he was mad, it cut him down to size. He didn’t like hearing her cry. “I can’t believe this has happened, and I wish you’d leave my dad out of it. I really don’t think you’d do this to me because I know how much you love me, but why bring him into it?”

“Because he is to blame for it. He set the whole fucking thing up!” he yelled, and when she took in a deep breath, he regretted saying that. It was over and he knew the truth. While it would be ideal for Lacey to believe him, he had no proof, and there was nothing he could do to change her mind. Her dad had some kind of hold on her and it drove Karson crazy, but he was her dad and he had to respect the stupid son of a bitch. So, swallowing his pride because he refused to lose her, he said, “But, you know what, it doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for this girl coming up to me and taking a picture of her kissing me and posting it online. I am sorry they tagged your site, and I’m sorry that this looks bad. My lawyer is on it, and hopefully, everything will be taken down soon.”

“That would be great if that could happen,” she muttered as she sniffed back her tears. He wanted nothing more than to be there with her, to hold her and make it better, but he was six states away.

“I’ll make sure of it. I’m sorry.”

“I just want it all to go away, and I want you to stop blaming my dad for stupid shit. This wouldn’t have been a fight if you hadn’t blamed him. I had no problem believing you. I trust you.”

Biting his lip until he tasted blood, he held in his retort. If she fucking trusted him, then she would know her dad was a lying fucking dick. But fine, he wouldn’t blame her dad for shit anymore. He’d bite his tongue and pray that he didn’t come between them, but Karson couldn’t shake the feeling that Nate Martin would.

That he would succeed for a second time.

“Okay, I love you, Lacey,” he said, closing his eyes as he leaned on his hand. This was so exhausting, but he’d keep on fighting just to hold on to her. Nothing was going to come between them. He wouldn’t allow it. Lacey was his forever. “So much, and I’m sorry that we are dealing with this shit. I miss you and can’t wait to be home.”

“I love you, text me when you get in,” she said, but Karson didn’t believe one bit that she meant the words.

And that scared him to the core.

Lacey checked the clock for a third time.

It was well past three in the morning, and she hadn’t heard from Karson. Letting out an annoyed breath, she couldn’t believe that she allowed herself to end their phone call the way she had. It was childish and stupid of her. She basically just brushed him off, and he deserved better than that. When she told him she loved him, she better mean it every time or there was no point in even fighting for their love.

She was a being a bitch, but then, he was being an idiot.

Instead of owning up to the mistake he made—or not even that he made, the situation he was put in—he was trying to throw the blame on her father. She wasn’t saying that she was sure that her father hadn’t set Karson up, but she did find it hard to believe. She really did think that Karson was being paranoid. He didn’t like the situation and needed an out; her father was that out. That was going to have to stop or things were going to get real ugly quick. She wouldn’t stand for that. Not when she had already put a stop to her dad bad-mouthing and bashing Karson. They needed to learn to get along because she needed both of them in her life.

Exhaling, she checked the clock for a fourth time. They must have pushed his flight back till tomorrow, but if they did that, why didn’t he call? He must be mad at her, and she was honestly over it all. She didn’t want to fight with him. When the tears started to well up in her eyes, she decided that she needed to get to bed. She needed to be able to pick him up tomorrow, and if she didn’t go to sleep, she wouldn’t make it to the airport by nine like she was supposed to.

Standing up, she made sure everything was locked up before going to their room to undress and get in the bed. Shutting off her lamp, she checked her phone once more and set her alarm before turning on her Pandora. It was the only way she could sleep without Karson. After plugging her phone in so it wouldn’t die, she cuddled into Karson’s pillow, and as soon as she shut her eyes, tears leaked out the sides of her eyes. It smelled just like him, and she missed him so much. She wanted to believe that things would be okay, but all she could think was that, for the rest of her life, Karson and her dad would be at each other’s throats. Holidays would be tense and horrible because people couldn’t get along. She knew the only way that would change was if she and Karson split up or she stopped talking to her dad, but she couldn’t do that. She loved her dad—he was her only parent—but she also loved Karson. With her whole fucking heart and she needed him like her next breath.

But would that be enough?

As her lip wobbled, she cuddled into his pillow and shut her eyes tighter, wishing sleep would take her, but all she could do was think about the shit that was going on. Biting into her lip, she wished it would all go away and that she and Karson could be happy and that everyone would just be fucking happy. Was that too much to ask for?

When the bed shook with someone getting into it, she whipped around, her body hitting a hard one. She let out a cry of distress but then Karson’s arms came around her, hugging her close to him. Kissing her forehead and then her nose, his lips moved along hers as he held her tight. Melting against him, more tears leaked out of her eyes. Her love for him ran deeper than anything in this world and she couldn’t lose him. She just couldn’t, but the world was against them, it seemed.

Could they win?

“I thought you were going to call me,” she whispered against his lips. He pulled away, his eyes searching hers.

“I didn’t want to get you out of bed, and I don’t know,” he whispered back, his arms tightening around her. “I just feel off.”

“Me too,” she admitted. “I don’t like fighting.”

“But we’ve done that a lot lately,” he said sadly and she nodded, tears stinging her eyes. “You know what I was thinking about as we rode back?”

She shook her head. “What?”

His mouth pulled up at the side as his eyes filled with tenderness. “That moment in the coffee shop when I had the Catappellas sing to you.”

She smiled as a tear rolled down her cheeks. “I knew I loved you then.”

He closed his eyes as he leaned against her head. “I always knew I was going to love you. Forever, actually, and I have and always will, but mostly, I was thinking of that song. I listened to it over and over again because it reminded me of how perfect we are. That our love is true and I don’t want it to ever end.”

“Me neither,” she whispered as her fingers traced over his lips. “I just feel like everything and everyone is against us.”

“They are. That’s why it’s so important that we don’t ever forget what’s important. We can’t let anyone win except for us. We have to win because our love is worth fighting for,” he said, his eyes blazing with love for her. She could see in his eyes that he meant every single word, and she felt it in her soul that he was completely right.

They did have a love to fight for.

The next morning, Lacey was at her computer on the phone with Rachel while Karson slept in. They had spent the night cuddling and making love. She’d never felt more in love than she did at that moment. She needed to stop worrying about all the outside shit and remember that their love was strong. As she watched him sleep, the sun shining on his sweet face, all she could remember was that moment in the coffee shop when he sat there and said words that, to this day, she still hadn’t forgotten.

“I can’t sing for shit, but I will pay to have someone sing to you. I don’t dance well, but I’ll do it just for the chance to touch you. I’m not one to listen to guys sing to find the perfect song for a girl, but I did for you. Most of all, I don’t usually pour my heart out to a person in front of a full coffee shop because I’m not that much of a romantic, but for you, I’d do it all. I’d do anything to be with you, and I’ve waited for someone like you my whole life. It’s true, all of it, and I would be the luckiest man in the world if you’d agree to go out on a date with me. Please give me the chance to make you fall for me like I have been falling since the first moment I set eyes on you.”

She could still remember the way he looked, the way he smelled, and the way he tasted. She was completely and utterly his and had been even after he left. It was one of her favorite memories of them and one she would never forget. With a grin on her face, she leaned against her hand as she printed out a sheet of locations she wanted to check out today. They had plans to go look at buildings for a potential expansion of Lacey’s Lace. Karson suggested it before they fell asleep last night and Lacey was beyond excited. She was ready to open another chapter of her life in Nashville.

With Karson.

“Can you fly in on Friday? They want you to speak at a meeting. I totally forgot to tell you, and I thought it was next week.”

“This Friday? As in two days?”

“Yeah, I can get you a flight in, and I’ll pay since it was my fault. I’m sorry,” she apologized as she let out a breath. “I haven’t been feeling well.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. What’s wrong?” she said, even though it wasn’t fine. Karson had a game that weekend. Maybe she could fly in and fly out Friday and be back in time for the game.

“Just sick. I think I’m pregnant again,” she said but she didn’t sound too excited about it.

“Oh. Is this a good thing or not so good?”

“It’s a ‘Shit, why didn’t we wrap it up?’” she said with a laugh.

Lacey smiled. “Oh,” she said with a grin and Rachel laughed.

“Eh, we will see.”

“Let me know,” she said, clicking onto the Puck Bunnies R Us site. She hated this site. With a passion in her heart. Every time she thought of the stupid catchy name, she wished the creators to the fiery pits of hell. She hated seeing her name tagged to such trash, but it wasn’t Lacey’s first time on the site. Nope, Ethan was always on there and they always tagged her, but she never knew about it until after they broke up.

Stupid site.

When it came up, she smiled when she saw that the picture of Karson and that ho had been taken off. Thank you, Karson’s lawyer.

“Hey, can you try to get me an in and out flight for Friday?”

“I tried ’cause I know Karson has a game Saturday, but the earliest I can get you in is Saturday night at nine, so then I figured since you are going to miss the game anyway, you can stay till Sunday.”

“No, do the nine,” she said, annoyed that Rachel had tried to make that decision for her.

“Oh, okay,” she said sounding a bit stunned. “So things are good with you two?”

“Yeah, they are great,” Lacey answered as she shut down her computer. “We are going out to look at places to expand Lacey’s Lace here in Nashville.”

Rachel went silent for a second and then very forcefully asked, “What?”

“What? What’s the problem?”

“You want to open a store in Nashville? That isn’t crazy to you?”

Lacey’s brow came up. “We don’t think so.”

“We? So this is Karson’s idea?”

“No, it’s mine too,” she said, not sure why it mattered. “We think it would be good to expand and have something here for me to maintain. I miss doing that.”

“Then come back! You two haven’t even been married a year, and you want to open a store? What if you guys break up? Divorce or something!”

“We won’t,” Lacey yelled back. “Why are you so upset about this? This is my business. I know what I am doing.”

“Oh, it’s only your store? So I haven’t been here every single step of the way?”

“I didn’t say that,” Lacey said a little less sharply. “I just don’t understand why you are so against it.”

“I am thinking of you; you aren’t. You are letting him blind you into a decision that isn’t good for you.”

“He didn’t blind me into anything. This was my idea; he just supports it.”

But like Lacey hadn’t even said anything, Rachel said, “He’s a hockey player, they move from team to team all the time, so no telling if you’ll be there for another month or year. Plus, you guys’ relationship is still so new, and honestly, it could end at any second. Between him running all over the US with chicks throwing themselves at him, and then the fact that you don’t know him, it’s just stupid to do this. Don’t make a mistake that you can’t come back from.”

“I don’t agree,” Lacey said, shaking her head.

“Have you talked about how long he’ll be there? It’s going to take two years just to get it off the ground and running. Then what? He leaves and you stay there? I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

She might be a tad bit right, but Lacey wasn’t ready to admit that. “I don’t know. I was talking to his boss, and she wants to do a campaign with all the hockey wives wearing my stuff.”

“That’s a great idea. Let’s do it, but wait on another store. We’ve been doing just fine with one for the last six years.”

Lacey bit her lip. “I don’t know. Don’t you think it’s time for a change?”

“Lacey, it’s been nothing but change since you got with him. Relax a bit. Wait it out. Make sure this is real.”

“But it is,” she said softly. “We are forever.”

“Sure you are,” she said, but Lacey didn’t think she meant that. “But what are you going to do, open a new store wherever he goes? You’re a hockey wife now. You have to do what he wants.”

“And I’m fine with that because what I want, he wants.”

“It doesn’t work that way. You have to be smart about this.”

“I thought I was,” Lacey said, completely annoyed with this. “I mean, all I said was I was going to go look and now we are arguing.”

“Lacey, I am saying all this for you. Don’t get up under something you can’t get out of.”

“Okay, I hear you.”

Even though she really didn’t agree, there was some truth and something to consider in Rachel’s words. She had been there from the beginning and knew that this wasn’t an easy feat. She had worked hard for Lacey’s Lace, and she would do the same for the next one but this time with the help of Karson. But maybe she should wait. Lacey hated the doubt that Rachel caused. She should just ignore her, but she couldn’t shake the idea that maybe she was right.

She loved her store, treated it like it was a piece of her, and she didn’t want to leave pieces of her all over the damn United States. Maybe one store was enough. The online sales were awesome, but even with that, she wanted to expand. It was always a dream of hers to be all over the place, helping women because not everyone wanted to shop online. They wanted to try stuff on, and she wanted to give that to people. She did, but was it smart to do that now?

“Ugh, I think I’m gonna be sick. We can talk more Friday. Talk to you later.”

“Yeah, feel better, or take a test or something. Bye,” Lacey said, hanging up the phone and letting out a breath.

She had no clue what to do.

“What’s wrong?”

Looking up, she found Karson leaning against the doorjamb, his shorts hanging low on his hips, barefoot and bare-chested. His hair was all in a frenzy, and the stubble on his chin was dark and sexy. In other words, he was fucking hot.

“Hey, good afternoon,” she teased with a grin as he came over and leaned into her, kissing the top of her head.

“Good afternoon,” he said pulling her out of the chair and into his arms. He was all warm and homey and she never wanted to go anywhere. She could live in his arms. “What’s wrong?”

Running her fingers along the lyrics on his chest, she let out another breath. “Just thinking about expanding.”

“That shouldn’t make you huff. It should make you happy.”

“It does, but it also makes me nervous,” she admitted, meeting his caramel gaze. “Rachel thinks it’s a bad idea.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I bet she does.”

Rolling her eyes, she complained, “Karson.”

Leaving his arms, she turned to go to the coffeepot to pour him some as he said, “What? Seriously? Of course, she doesn’t want you to do that. More roots here and putting you farther from them. I bet your dad will be calling in no time.”

Huffing, she poured milk and sugar in his cup before bringing it to him and saying, “It’s not only that. What happens when you move?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said, taking the cup. “Thank you, by the way.”

“You’re welcome, but how do you know that? Hockey players trade to teams all the time.”

“This is true, but with the deal they are working right now, I’ll be here for seven years. And if I do move, which I doubt, I’ll probably retire so I can raise our kids. But if I don’t, it will be fine because we will hire a team to run this store. We will be okay.”

There was a whole lot of stuff in his answer that made Lacey’s stomach twist, but still, she wasn’t sure it was the best idea. “I just remember how hard it was opening Lacey’s Lace, and I don’t know. It makes me nervous.”

“So you are letting fear keep you from this? Just because of the doubt that Rachel caused? That’s crazy, Lacey. You have a good thing in this company. Something you can capitalize on. Everyone believes in you. Believe in yourself and leave the naysayers in your dust.”

Running her fingers through her hair, she took in a deep breath. “I don’t know. She was there from the beginning, Karson.”

“What are her reasons for not doing it? Because I’m a hockey player?”

“Yeah, and that our relationship is so young. We could divorce or something.”

“Do you believe that?” he asked and she shook her head. “Okay, then what’s the problem? I eased the first worry, you smashed the second, so what other reason is there not to do this? Not to take the chance. Plus, we are looking, baby, not signing paperwork.”

There wasn’t another problem, and he was right, but still, she wasn’t one hundred percent committed.

“I don’t know. Maybe we should wait a bit.”

“For what?” he asked, his expression telling her he was not happy at all. “What are we waiting for?”

“I have no clue,” she answered, shaking her head. “But I don’t know if I’m ready.”

“You were ready before you talked to Rachel.”

“I know, but now I’m not sure,” she said as he stood, draining his coffee.

He shook his head as he exhaled a long breath. “I’m going to go take a shower. When I come out, let me know if you are going to believe in yourself and take a chance or keep doing what your family thinks is right. They continue to try to keep you under their thumb, and you allow them. Do what makes you happy, baby. That’s all I want, for you to be happy.”

Taking the hem of his shorts, she pulled him to her. “I’m happy with you.”

His lips curved in a sinful grin as he cupped her face. “Same here, but I get so frustrated when you do what they want. Follow your heart; do what you want.”

She nodded and was about to say that she would when her phone started to ring. They both looked over to see that it was her father.

“Oh look, your dad is calling to talk you out of it too. Are you going to let him ruin more of your dreams of helping women all over the world? Or are you going to do what you want to do?”

Biting into her lip, she looked at her phone as he dropped his hands and started out of the kitchen. As she watched his retreating back, she knew what she wanted. Reaching over, she rejected her father’s call. When the ringing stopped, Karson looked over his shoulder at her and his brow came up.

“You aren’t going to answer that?”

She shook her head. “Nope, I’m gonna take a shower with my husband, and then we are going to go out and look at locations for my new store,” she said, coming up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. “And I expect lunch and maybe a new pair of boots.”

Grinning, he kissed her temple. “I’ll do all that, and I’ll even do you against the wall in the shower.”

She nodded, her lips pursed. “I think we have a deal, husband.”

“Good, let’s go, wife.”

The search for a new store went well, but Lacey didn’t fall in love. He understood that the space would call for her to love it and didn’t push her on the matter. He wanted her to settle there. He wanted her to have a store and something to do there. But most of all, he wanted her to be comfortable, and if the locations they saw didn’t do that, then they would wait. They did get some ideas though, and she seemed excited.

Things had been a little tense between them, but he blamed it on himself. He was still irritated with her whole family, and the fact that she didn’t fully believe him really bugged the hell out of him. She seemed to move on from it, hadn’t mentioned their fight or anything. When her father kept calling over and over again, she finally answered it and Karson was surprised when she said she was going to do what she wanted.

He wanted to think that she was finally done being under their thumb, but he still felt like he’d never really shake the Martins until Lacey did. She had to put them in their place, but to do that, she had to believe Karson. It was a tangled web of crap and he wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but he wasn’t going to let that bother him. He was about to go to the Adlers’ house for dinner, and he was going to enjoy this time with his wife.

“It was just, with my store back in Chicago, I walked in and knew it was it. You knew? Kinda like with our house. I just knew it was ours, ya know?” she asked, leaning back in the car, running her palms down her jeans. She was wearing the new cowboy boots he had gotten her with some tights jeans and a billowy copper colored shirt that made her eyes shine. Her hair was in big curls down her shoulders while her makeup was soft and classy on her beautiful face. Karson had no problem saying his wife was all kinds of hot.

“Yeah, I get it, and I completely understand,” he said, kissing the back of her hand.

“Okay, so you aren’t upset I didn’t pick something?”

“Not at all. This is a big decision,” he answered with a grin. “It will happen.”

“For sure,” she agreed before letting out a long breath. “I don’t want to leave tomorrow.”

He liked how unmotivated she was to leave because he didn’t want her to leave either. “Can’t cancel, huh?”

She shook her head. “Nope, I love speaking for the foundation.”

“I know, wish I could go and support you.”

She grinned over at him. “In a perfect world, you would be there, but no biggie, I’ll be home before you get home from the game on Saturday.”

“Cool,” he said as he pulled into the Adlers’ driveway. Shutting the car off, he got out and went around to help her out. Smiling a thanks to him, she held his hand as they headed to the front door.

Elli answered the door before they knocked and grinned widely at them. “Hey, y’all! Come on in!”

“Hey!” Lacey said with as much enthusiasm as Elli had. They hugged tightly before Elli leaned up to kiss Karson’s cheek.

“So glad y’all could make it. Quinn has been begging for Ms. ’Acey, and Shelli and Posey want their nails done pronto, so good luck to you. Shea is in the garage with Evan and Owen, shooting the puck, obviously. So disperse how you please, and I am going to finish dinner.”

“Do you want help before I’m attacked by your kidfolk?” Lacey said, and Elli laughed as Karson took her coat and hung it up.

“No, go get attacked. If I have to hear Quinn call your name one more time, I’m gonna flip. He’s killing me. He loves Lacey something fierce.”

Karson grinned. “She’s easy to love.”

Lacey blushed as she waved a hand at him. “He has to say that.”

“No, I don’t,” Karson laughed as he kissed her temple. “I want to say it.”

“Aw! I just love y’all so much!” Elli basically cheered as Karson grinned against Lacey’s temple.

“I’m gonna go play with Shea and the boys,” he said, and she leaned up to kiss his jaw.

“Okay, have fun,” she said and he smiled back before heading to the garage. He couldn’t help but feel amazing as he headed toward the garage. Lacey was bright and excited to be there. She hadn’t been like that ever since coming to Nashville, and he felt down in his soul that she was adjusting. That she was making Nashville her home.

Once in the garage, after greeting his captain and the boys, they played some intense two-on-two. Since Karson and Shea were giants, the boys made them play on their knees. And only because of that, they lost to some five-year-olds.

“You two cheated!” Karson complained as he got up slowly. Playing intense hockey on his knees was probably not the best idea.

“How?” Owen laughed.

“We don’t cheat,” Evan said, shaking his head. “Y’all just slow.”

“Oh my God, they sound like Elli,” Karson said to Shea and he laughed.

“They are their mother made over,” Shea muttered as Karson looked down at the cute little guys.

“You cheated using your super twin mind-powers on me and your dad. It’s not fair.”

Owen sputtered with laughter as Evan rolled his eyes. “Again, y’all just slow and we are beast mode, like my dad.”

“Yeah, you slowed our dad down,” Owen said, placing his hands on his hips. “Might need to trade him, Dad.”

Shea laughed. “Talk to your momma about that.”

“Wow, thanks, Cap!” Karson complained, feigning hurt, but they all laughed at him.

“Anytime. Now go on inside, boys. Wash up for dinner. Momma should be done soon.”

The boys fist-bumped Karson before running out the door, and once it slammed, Shea looked over at Karson and asked, “Want a beer?”

“I don’t say no to beer,” Karson said with a grin before Shea put one in his hand. They said cheers before taking long pulls.

“Get that shit taken care of with Lacey?”

He nodded before saying, “Yeah, my lawyer got it taken down, thankfully. I have a private investigator searching to see who put it up.”

Shea met his gaze. “Don’t want to let it go?”

Karson shook his head. “I need her to believe me. Her dad is up to no good.”

With JT being gone and Karson still mad at him about not only sleeping with his sister but also wanting to do it again, he hadn’t had anyone to talk to. So his captain was now the person he talked to besides Lacey and his mom, of course.

“I get that, but you two have fought enough about this. Let it go, move on,” Shea urged, and he was more than likely right, but Karson wanted that validation.

“I just feel like she thinks I’m a liar and hiding shit and stuff,” Karson pointed out, but Shea still shook his head.

“I know, but if she’s over it, you should be too,” he said and Karson slowly nodded.

“You’re right. I’ll call it off.”

“Good, don’t keep kicking a dead horse, you know? Just let it go.”

Shea was completely right. What would he win if he were proven right? Nothing. It would cause more problems for Lacey, and he didn’t want that. The best thing to do would be to just forget it all and hope that Nate Martin left them the hell alone. They had so much more to fight about in the future, and the quicker he learned how to let go, the better. He wouldn’t always be right and neither would she, but he had to learn that sometimes it was better to bite your tongue. He knew the truth, and maybe one day it would come out. Until then, he would love and support her with everything inside him.

When Owen called them in for dinner, Karson followed in behind Shea as they discussed the upcoming game against the Blues. Playing on Shea’s line was as easy as breathing now. They had a connection on the ice, and he liked the way they played. He missed playing with JT, but then again, he knew he was becoming a better player playing with Shea.

When they entered the living room, he froze in the doorway midsentence as his gaze settled on Lacey. She sat on the floor, Quinn in her lap, his arms and legs wrapped around her tightly as she painted the girls’ toenails. Evan sat beside her, reading something off his iPad, while Owen’s head lay on her thigh. Karson’s heart stopped, coming up into his throat. He had always imagined her like this, surrounded by kids and loving them with every fiber of her being. And man, did she look good doing it.

Looking over at him, he grinned as Shea said, “Yeah, the kids love her. That’s all I’ve been hearing about lately. Mrs. Lacey this, Mrs. Lacey that. Kind of annoying.”

But Karson didn’t think it was annoying at all.

He thought it was perfect.

And he wanted to see his own children climb on her.

Soon.

Holding Lacey’s hand, Karson kissed the back of it as he turned onto their road. They’d had a wonderful night, full of fun and love. After a home-cooked meal of fried chicken and potatoes, they all hung out with the kids. Every second that passed, the harder Karson fell for Lacey. He was already insanely in love with her, but seeing her with Quinn, watching her wipe his nose and holding him when he started to cry, honestly pulled at every single one of Karson’s heartstrings.

He wanted to watch her with a child of their own.

A little girl with long dark hair and her green eyes, or even a little boy, tough like his daddy. He didn’t care; he just wanted to watch her grow their child, bring it into the world, and then love it with every single ounce of herself. She would make a great mother, and he knew he would make a great father.

He’d always wanted kids.

When Kacey was younger, before he turned into an asshole to her, he used to nurture her and looked out for her to the extreme. His mom would always joke that wherever Kacey was, Karson was right there beside her, making sure she was safe. He still did that a little now, but when they were younger, it was different. She was his baby sister. He had a duty to love and protect her. But then they got older and she turned really annoying, so he decided to beat her up most of the time. He smiled at the memories of tying her up to a tree or breaking her hockey sticks, or even sucking all the gas out of her car because he had run out of gas in his car. He was almost demonlike to her, but he loved her.

And he would love his own little human just like he knew Lacey would.

Kissing her hand again, he grinned over at her before pulling into the driveway. “Great night, I think.”

She grinned back, her face blissful as she nodded. “Yeah, I had such a blast. I just love that family. Really. Good people.”

“For sure,” he agreed as he shut the car off and got out. Running around the car, he helped her out and then into the house. As he hung their coats, he wondered if she had considered what they had talked about before. He hadn’t brought it up in some time; maybe it was time to try to talk about it again. As much as she may think they were rushing it, he didn’t think so. They were getting older, and he wanted to enjoy kids while he was young enough to do it. He didn’t want to be an old dad, unable to play hockey with his boy. He wanted to do it soon, and he hoped that she did too.

“Hey, wife,” he said and she turned around, grinning as she took steps backward to the kitchen. She looked positively beautiful. She was meant to be in this house, with their children running around them. It was going to be perfect.

“Hey, husband,” she answered back, her face bright and happy. It was the first time in weeks he’d seen her fully smile at him like that. It reminded him of the days they got married and when they bought the house. It was her true, from-the-heart smile. The one he was completely in love with. The one she blessed only him with.

“The kids are great, huh?” he asked, following her into the kitchen.

She nodded earnestly. “Yes, I love them dearly. The last couple times I’ve been there, I just feel at home. Elli is a great host, I think.”

“True, she is. Quinn took to you, hard-core,” he said as she handed him a bottle of water.

Her face lit up as she said, “Oh, I know, he’s my little sweetheart. I just want to squish his cheeks! He looks just like Elli, but then dark like Shea. It’s kinda awesome how adorable all of them are. A great mix of both of them.”

“Yeah, Elli is gorgeous.”

“She sure is, and Shea is a hunk,” she said with a sneaky grin that had him smiling harder.

“Oh, is that right? You got a thing for my cap?” he asked, only halfway kidding, but her teasing smile gave her away as she wrapped her arms around him, kissing his chin.

“Nope, only got a thing for you.”

He met his lips to hers, running his hands down her back before cupping her ass. Parting for breath, he got lost in her eyes as his smile pulled at his lips. She was everything he ever wanted or needed, and the thought of having a baby with her caused his heart to come out of his chest. Squeezing her ass, he said, “I know we talked about his before and we said we’d wait, but I’d really like to discuss having kids soon,” he said. As quickly as the words left his mouth, her grin disappeared and her demeanor changed. “See, why do you do that? What?” he asked as she moved out of his arms and reached for her water.

Taking a long pull of it, she shrugged her shoulders before expelling a breath and shaking her head. “I thought we were going to let this go for a while, just enjoy us.”

“I know, but I’d like to start trying maybe, I don’t know. I just always thought we would have kids by now.”

“Sure, but that was if we’d been together for the last nine years. We’ve been apart, Karson. It’s crazy just to jump into having kids,” she said; however he couldn’t help but feel like there was more.

“I don’t think it is. We love each other. We are financially stable and we both love kids. I don’t want to be an old dad. Just waiting till now has us at forty-eight when the kid graduates. I want to be able to play with my kid, ya know?”

“Yeah, I got you,” she said with a nod, but then she shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know, Karson,” she whispered. “I just don’t know.”

“What don’t you know?” he asked, eyeing her. “Why do you shut down on me every time we discuss this? I feel like you don’t want kids or something.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he knew that they had some truth to them. But that couldn’t be. She loved kids; she would be a great mother, but even knowing that didn’t keep his heart from beating uncontrollably as he waited for her to answer.

Looking up at him, her eyes were swimming with tears, and he didn’t understand until she whispered, “I don’t.”

His head cocked to the side, and he was sure he’d heard her wrong, even though he knew he hadn’t. He’d heard her, but he still couldn’t believe it. “What?”

Her lip wobbled as she sucked in a deep breath. “Karson, I don’t want kids.”

His eyes squinted. “What? How? Why? That doesn’t make sense. You love kids.”

She nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek, dropping over her jaw onto her blouse. “I do, very much so, but I don’t want kids of my own.”

“Why?” he asked, unable to comprehend what was happening. It didn’t make sense. “How do you love kids but not fucking want them?”

Her lip wobbled some more as she looked down at the ground. “Can we let this go?”

“Fuck no, we are talking about this. I don’t understand.”

“What is there to talk about? I don’t want to have kids. I won’t have kids! So if you want them, good luck, ’cause you aren’t having them with me,” she yelled, looking up at him, her eyes drowning in tears. They rolled down her cheeks in streams as she heaved for breath, looking away and letting a sob leave her lips. “I can’t do it.”

“You can’t have kids?” he asked, but she shook her head, covering her mouth and leaving the kitchen. “That’s different, Lacey. Talk to me,” he said, taking ahold of her bicep and stopping her. “Don’t walk away from me. Talk to me.”

As she looked up at him, his heart went in his throat. She was suffering and he didn’t know what to do. Did he allow her to walk away and leave it alone? No, he couldn’t. He had to know. “Talk to me.”

Biting into her lip, she searched his eyes and then asked, “You really want kids badly, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” he answered with a nod, and her tears came faster as she shut her eyes. “But I want to know why you don’t. Or can you not? Tell me something here.”

“I can have them; I just refuse to,” she said through her tears, sniffling before wiping her nose with the back of her hand.

“Why? Tell me why,” he urged. “Why are you holding this back? It’s me!”

He could feel her heartbeat from where he was holding her arm. She was working her lip as she stared up into his eyes and he couldn’t breathe. He didn’t know what was happening, but he could see the light leaving her eyes, and he didn’t know why. He didn’t grasp what was going on.

“I’m afraid you’re going to leave me,” she whispered, her tears rolling down her lips. “Or that you’ll stay and be miserable.”

Taking ahold of her shoulders, he almost shook her as he said, “I’m not going any-fucking-where. Tell me what the hell is going on.”

Closing her eyes, she sucked in a deep breath, and he could see the tears caught on her eyelashes. Her face was red, her nose running, and he could practically feel her shaking. Opening her eyes, she met his gaze and said, “If we have a girl, she could get cancer. Like I did.”

His heart stopped. While he had never thought of that, he could see why this would worry her. “Okay, that’s understandable, but we could also have a boy or a girl who doesn’t have the genetic mutation. You don’t know. You can’t predict the future.”

“I don’t care. I refuse to do that to our child. I’m not having kids, Karson. Never.”

He stared into her eyes, not sure what to say. This was a sensitive subject, something he didn’t know anything about because he didn’t go through that. He didn’t know the fear, the pain, and the pure hell Lacey went through. He’d heard the stories; he held her when she cried. He’d made it his life goal to make sure she knew she was every bit a woman, and a gorgeous one at that, but he didn’t know what it did mentally to someone.

“So you won’t even consider it? Even though we have no clue what the future holds. They could find a cure,” he suggested, but still she shook her head.

“No. I’m not having any kids.”

Wiping her face, she stepped out of his grasp and let out a breath. He understood this was a tough subject and she had every right to feel this way, but what about what he wanted? He wasn’t trying to be an asshole, but shit, he wanted kids, and she was basically shutting him down without even considering the possibilities. Looking at her, he couldn’t really fathom this.

“You won’t even consider it for me?” he asked and she shook her head.

“I know you want kids, and I am sorry, but I can’t give them to you. I refuse to put my child through what I went through. I won’t do it.”

“Okay,” he said slowly, looking down at the ground. “What about—”

But before he could even finish his sentence, she said, “Karson, I’m fucking not having any damn kids, and if this is a deal-breaker, then it is, and I’ll pack my shit and go.”

“Whoa, slow your damn roll,” he said, a little taken aback by her outburst.

“No! You are pushing this on me and acting just like my fucking dad. I am tired of people telling me what I should do. I make my own decisions, and I’m not having kids!”

“But that’s the thing, this isn’t just your decision, it’s mine too. It’s my future too.”

“No, it’s my choice. I make the decision, and you get no damn say at all,” she snapped, wiping her face as her eyes burned with anger. “It’s my fucked-up body with its fucked-up mutation that can ruin our daughter’s life! I refuse to do it, Karson! Just say the word and I’m gone.”

He fucking hated that cancer. He’d despised it before, but even more so now. It had ruined his beautiful wife’s sense of self-worth, and he didn’t know what to do to make it better. But one thing was sure, he was pissed. As he glared, he shook his head. “I’m not saying any word, Lacey. I am trying to talk to you about this, and you are flying off the damn handle!”

“No! You are trying to make me do something I don’t want, and I won’t allow you. You keep telling me that I allow people to manipulate me, and that’s what you are trying to do. They won’t find a cure! If they could, they would have already, and then I wouldn’t watch women suffer every damn day. I wouldn’t have lost my breasts, I wouldn’t have felt like I was worthless, and I wouldn’t have thought when you left it was because I was defective. But I am defective! I can’t give you want you want, and I know that deep down inside, you don’t want me. Just like before. I know it was my dad’s doing, but you were going to realize it. It was bound to happen.”

He couldn’t even believe what he was hearing. “Are you fucking kidding me? Do you hear yourself? This is insane and you are being ridiculous.”

She glared as she pointed to herself. “Oh, now, I’m being ridiculous? Add it onto my list of fucking fucked-up things about myself!”

“Don’t forget stubborn, Lacey, because Lord knows you’re that!”

“Well, you’re an asshole!” she said and he rolled his eyes.

“Guess I am. Maybe even inconsiderate.”

“Oh, for sure, inconsiderate!” she yelled and he shook his head.

“You know what, no, I’m not. I fucking do everything to make sure you are happy, comfortable, and the most satisfied woman in the damn world. And no matter what I say, you put yourself down. When you need someone to pick you up, I’m there, and I would be there for you all the fucking time if you let me. But you hold these pieces of yourself and I don’t understand why. You hide behind these walls and allow your family to dictate your life, but when I want to talk about our future, you shut down on me and accuse me of being like them when we both know I am nothing like them. What am I doing wrong? Tell me so I can fix it. I want to be the man you deserve.”

“Maybe I don’t deserve you or anyone because I’m not even worth it. Obviously everyone thinks I can’t think for myself.”

“Are you serious right now? Do you want to throw a fucking pity party for yourself? Because I refuse to do it for you. Get it together, Lacey! Don’t let your cancer define you. It’s gone; you beat it. You are so much stronger than you’ll ever realize,” he urged, but she looked away and it irritated him to the core. “And stop listening to everyone else; listen to your heart. Do what you want because that’s what I want for you. I want you to be happy, but all I am asking is for you to have the consideration to include me in decisions that are life-altering. You are just shutting me out, not even giving me the chance to decide with you. We are supposed to be a team, but you went from being a team player to a one-man team, and it’s pissing me off, Lacey. Include me.”

“You say you want to be included and make a team decision, but every time I don’t agree with you, you blow up on me.”

“What! When did I blow up? Minus now?”

“You want me to do what you want, or it’s no way.” Her tears started falling in floods again as she shook her head. “And I won’t allow you to do that to me. I did it for years with my dad, and I won’t allow you to do it to me.”

Frustrated beyond belief, he shook his head “You know what, you’re delusional. I am the most patient man in the world; my dad calls me a fucking pussy, Lacey! I can sit here and say all this till I’m blue in the face, but you’re already shaking your head,” he said, completely disgusted with this argument. “You need someone to blame for you freaking out, and you are pushing it all on me. Whatever. When you’re ready to have an adult conversation, I’ll be in my man cave,” he said and then he turned, heading to his cave.

“Fine,” she yelled at his back.

“Fine,” he yelled back, and when he got to the door, his eyes met hers and he honestly almost gave in. He nearly went to her and wrapped his arms around her to comfort her, but that would be giving in to her. That would be condoning her immature behavior. For blaming him for everything when he did no wrong. He tried being supportive, he tried to talk to her about the whole thing, but she was so damn stubborn and didn’t want to hear a thing he wanted to say.

Fine. They could talk in the morning, and maybe then she’d talk to him rationally instead of flying off the damn handle. He understood that it was stressful and that she was scared, but damn, give him a chance to talk. To try to figure out some way to make her feel better about the whole thing. He could accept that she didn’t want to have kids—that was fine—he was going to suggest adoption, but she wouldn’t even allow him to. It was whatever; they could talk in the morning.

But when he woke up, Lacey was gone.

Lacey was ignoring his calls.

Her phone had started ringing as soon as she landed, but she put it on silent and went straight to the women’s health center. As she stood at the podium in front of more than a hundred women who had either won their battle or were fighting for their lives, with tears in her eyes and love in her heart, she talked about strength and about loving yourself, but she felt like a complete fraud.

Where was this person last night?

Because the person who stood in front of Karson and yelled and screamed was a complete coward. Especially after leaving without even saying goodbye. She wanted to call and apologize, but she was so embarrassed. Karson was right. About everything, but she just flipped. She was tired of being told what to do, and she felt like he was going to do just that. He knew what he wanted, and he deserved that, but she couldn’t give it to him. Because of that, she put up the biggest wall in the world and placed all the blame on him.

It was her crutch. One she wasn’t proud of, but it always came out when she felt like the world was coming down on her. When her dad tried to control her, she shut down and conceded, the same with Rachel, even. But the only time she didn’t was when Karson was there, when he was supporting her, being her rock. But as he held her gaze last night, trying to suggest things that she had already thought of, all she saw was him saying fuck it and throwing her out. She wouldn’t back down from her decision, and she knew she owed it to him to talk it through, but in the end, she knew that he would decide that she wasn’t worth it.

So she left.

They needed some distance; she needed to think, and being around him, thinking wasn’t an option. He wanted to talk things out and fix them, but sometimes things weren’t fixable. This was one of those things. Maybe love wasn’t enough to hold them together, and that scared her. She had started to build a life with Karson, and like she had said last night, maybe she didn’t deserve it. Any of it.

He said not to allow her cancer to hold her back, that it didn’t define her, but for her whole adult life, even her younger life, cancer was her evil. It took her mother, her womanhood, her confidence in herself, and now because she was scared it would take all that from her child, it would ultimately take Karson away too. Because of all that, it did define her and she was terrified of it. At any moment, it could come back and take everything she had worked so hard for. And she couldn’t do that to her child. She wouldn’t.

But that more than likely meant she was going to lose Karson.

And she couldn’t decide what was worse because either way, she would lose everything.

Closing her eyes, she wished she could suffer from amnesia. Like forget everything. Forget watching her mother suffer and then die. Forget the pain, the feeling of dying and losing a part of herself that, if she wouldn’t have remembered its being there, she wouldn’t miss. She wished that she could forget how much pain she felt when she lost Karson and maybe even his presence altogether. Because maybe then the thought of his being with someone else, making a child and being happy, wouldn’t hurt so badly. Maybe then she wouldn’t feel like she was going to dissolve into nothingness because she didn’t have him.

But then again, why? Why would she want that?

If she didn’t remember watching her mother fight so hard and die trying, she wouldn’t have had the strength to fight her own battle. Yeah, she lost a piece of herself, but because of that, she was helping the world. And forgetting Karson was just plain dumb. He was her saving grace, her other half, her forever, and forgetting him would be worse than living through the pain of losing him.

Running her hands through her hair, she wished her world could be perfect. She wished that her family loved Karson, that she wasn’t scared to have children, and that they could live happily ever after. But as she sat at her desk, clicking through her email, she didn’t see that happening. She saw herself growing old and alone because no one would ever be Karson. She wanted to believe that maybe she would move on, but as soon as she thought it, she knew it was downright hilarious.

There was one person in the world for her and that was Karson.

Her forever.

Blinking back her tears, she swallowed past the lump in her throat as her desk phone rang. Glancing at it, she cleared her throat and then picked it up. “Lacey King, how can I help you?”

“Well, Mrs. King, let me tell you how you can help me,” Karson said and her heart completely stopped in her chest. “You can first explain to me how it is okay for my wife to run off and get on a plane without telling me goodbye. Without kissing me and promising that she would be back because I’m sitting here, thinking that she won’t. So please, can you help me with that?”

“Karson,” she whispered.

“Plus, Mrs. King, I think it is ridiculous that I had to call your work phone to get ahold of you,” he added, causing her lip to start to tremble. “Is your phone broken or are you ignoring it?”

She bit her lip to keep it from moving as she closed her eyes. “I’ve been busy all morning, and I was going to call you once I left the office.”

“Couldn’t text me that?”

Wiping away the tear that rolled down her face, she sucked in a deep breath. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say that you love me, that you’ll be home when I get home tomorrow.”

Clearing her throat, she wiped away another round of tears as her heart thudded against her chest. “I love you, and I wish I wouldn’t have left without saying goodbye because I miss you so much,” she whispered as she sucked in a deep breath.

“Are you coming home to me, Lacey?”

She nodded even though he couldn’t see her, but then the door opened and Rachel burst in, saying, “I need you to sign this, and then I have a lady on line two who wants to order in bulk for some kind of goodie bag? For something, I don’t know, she wants to talk to you.”

When Lacey looked up, Rachel’s eyes filled with worry as Lacey said, “Karson, I need to go.”

“Seriously?” he asked. “I am trying to talk to you.”

“I know, and I’ll call you back. I promise.”

“Okay, I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said and then said bye before setting the phone down. Closing her eyes, she pinched the bridge of her nose as she said, “Now what do you need?”

“What’s wrong, first?”

“Nothing. What do you want, Rachel?” she asked, meeting her best friend’s eyes. She must have known that Lacey wasn’t in the mood because she didn’t press for info, only did what she came into the room for. After talking to Melissa Eaton about ordering over three hundred pieces for goodie bags for a breast cancer survivors’ gala for over an hour, Lacey hung up the phone and leaned back into her chair as Rachel set her with a look.

“Now that that’s all taken care of, care to explain why you look like your dog died? Did Karson end up on the internet again?”

She shook her head. “No, not at all.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

Looking across the desk, she whispered, “He’s going to leave me.”

The surprise on Rachel’s face wasn’t unexpected, but what was was that Rachel listened as Lacey cried and told her everything that had happened. Rachel didn’t try to stick up for Lacey’s father or even herself when Lacey accused her of trying to push Lacey into doing things. She just listened. Like she used to do.

Wiping away her tears, Lacey said, “I just don’t know what to do. I love him, more than I could ever explain, but he wants kids, and I can’t give them to him.”

Rachel nodded as she leaned back in her chair, holding her stomach. Earlier that morning, she’d confirmed that she was pregnant with her and Grady’s third child. Lacey wanted to be excited for a new niece or nephew, but her heart just ached for Karson and his need for his own child. “Did you ever think that this is something you two should have talked about before you got married?”

Lacey nodded. “We didn’t talk; we didn’t even think. We just did it, and I don’t regret it, I don’t. I love him, but I know this is going to end my marriage.”

Rachel shook her head, visibly upset. Lacey wasn’t sure if she wanted to say “Told you so” or if she wanted to comfort her. “Don’t you remember Maddy and Richard?”

Closing her eyes, tears stung her eyes. She did remember and wished like hell she didn’t. “Yeah,” she whispered.

“Richard didn’t want kids and Maddy wanted them so bad. She stayed with him, but then she decided she wanted more and left with everything, and he was left with nothing. He thought they were forever, but he was wrong. Plus, she knew from the beginning that he didn’t want kids. Karson is just finding out.”

“I know,” she said, her throat closing with emotion.

“If he decides that it isn’t worth it, then he’ll leave you.”

“I know,” she said again, wiping away her tears as she sucked in a deep breath.

Leaning up, Rachel held her gaze and said, “Lacey, let him go. I know you love him, and I get it, but there is so much that isn’t working for you two. And sometimes love isn’t enough. You aren’t adjusting well to Nashville, to making friends. You hate when he is gone, he has sluts trying to get with him all over the place, and your family and your business are here. Plus, on top of all that, we all hate him. Maybe it’s time to accept defeat and just let him go.”

Lacey shook her head. “But I love him, and what if our love can hold us together?”

Setting her with a look that told her she was dumb, Rachel said, “Then what are you worried about? If your love is so strong and can withstand Hurricane ‘I Don’t Want Babies’ and everything else that gets thrown at you two, then why are you worried he is going to leave you?”

She bit the inside of her cheek as she looked away. Rachel had a point, one that was slowly cutting Lacey open and gutting her. If it wasn’t going to happen, why was she so worried about it?

Maybe she didn’t believe in their love like she thought she did.

Maybe it wasn’t as strong as she hoped.

Maybe it was time to let go.

Karson had played the worst game of his life.

It was just sad and ridiculous, and he wasn’t the least bit surprised when Coach threw him down to the fourth line. He sucked.

Majorly.

Embarrassed didn’t even cover what he was feeling. He was mortified. He had never played that horribly, never, not even in pee wees. He was missing shots, missing passes, and acting as if he hadn’t skated a day in his life. It was insane and it was entirely his wife’s fault. Or maybe his fault. He wasn’t sure, but he needed to get home. He was ready to talk this out and fix it so they could move forward.

This was stupid. He still couldn’t believe she just took off and didn’t even talk to him. That was going to have to stop. She couldn’t run or shut down every time there was a fucking problem. He was her partner, her everything; she needed to talk to him. He was there to be her rock, to support her and love her unconditionally. So why not take the support he offered? He understood that she was upset, and that was fine, but she had to allow him to help. It was his job. At least that’s how he felt about the whole thing.

Pulling into the driveway, his brow rose when he didn’t see any lights on. Maybe she’d gone to bed. It was late, and she’d had a late flight, so maybe she just hit the sheets. Deciding that was okay since he missed holding her, he rushed out of the cold, slamming the door behind him.

“Hey Lacey,” he called out, kicking off his boots and hanging up his jacket. “I’m home.”

But there was no answer. She must be asleep. Locking the door, he took the stairs two steps at a time, but when he entered their room, it was empty.

“Lacey?” he called, but it was silent. Looking around, nothing was clean and everything was exactly as he’d left it. Messy, of course, which meant Lacey wasn’t there because she would have cleaned. To make sure though before he started to panic, he rushed downstairs, calling her name and looking all over the place.

But she wasn’t there.

Cupping the back of his neck, he felt dizzy as he came to the realization that his wife hadn’t come home. Jerkily, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed her number as his heart pounded in his chest, vibrating his soul. When she didn’t answer, he called again and then again. Finally, she answered, her voice full of remorse as she said, “Karson.”

Just his name. And it felt like knives going into his chest, one by one.

Billions of them.

“Lacey, where are you? I’ve called a few times, and I just got home and you aren’t here,” he said, panicked.

“I’m still in Chicago,” she answered, taking in a sharp breath.

“Why? Do you have something tonight or tomorrow? I thought you said you were coming home?”

Silence stretched between them and he could hear her trying to hold in her tears. He knew the truth before she uttered the words. “I’m not coming back.”

Glaring at the wall, he swallowed past the lump that was his heart and asked, “What do you mean?”

“It just isn’t working.”

“Again, what do you mean?”

“I mean, we are two different people now. You want kids, and I don’t. You’re beyond messy, and I’m not. I’m not adjusting to Nashville, it’s hard to be away from my family, and I just don’t think this was a good idea.”

“Do you really believe that?” he asked, unable to breathe as he waited for her answer.

“I don’t want to lose you, I really don’t, but I also don’t want you to break it off with me because I’m not everything you thought I was.”

“Who said you aren’t everything I want, Lacey? I never said that, did I?”

“No, but I just feel like I’m not. I bet you thought you were getting a wife who would adjust beautifully, who was made to be a hockey wife, and who was able to give you an abundance of children, but that’s not me. I hate when you are gone, I hate being away from the only place I know, and I refuse to have a child. How am I good for you?”

He was going to wring her neck. “How is it that someone who I think is so beautiful and amazing and perfect can be so fucking insecure about our relationship? This is new. We have to fight to get through the shit, but we are meant to be together—”

“But I’m not—”

“No, I’m not done—”

“But I am. I don’t know how to live with the constant fear that you will wake up and decide I’m not the one for you.”

“Lacey, I haven’t done that in the last nine years! Every day I wake up, I think of you and think of how much I love you. I’ve never fucking stopped, so how in the world, even after living without you for so long, am I going to wake up and do that when I have the chance to wake up to you? It doesn’t make any fucking sense!”

“We aren’t who we were though. You were in love with someone else.”

He laughed. “Are you freaking kidding me? You still are hardheaded, a pain in my ass, and a clean freak who loves hockey and loves helping people. You make me laugh, you turn me on so fucking bad, and I honestly think that just the last twenty-four hours I’ve been away from you is too long apart. I need you, Lacey, like I need to breathe. I am in love with you, only you—nothing will ever change that. Not even your little running stint you’ve done.”

As she cried softly in his ear, his heart broke as he asked, “Do you love me, Lacey?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “But I’ve loved you my whole life, and maybe love isn’t enough.”

“No, it is. If you love me, come home and everything else will fall into place. Together we can do anything.”

He waited for her to agree. It was a simple request, an easy one, and it was the right thing to do. Yeah, things were rough right now, but everyone went through rough patches. They would figure everything out and they would be just fine. She just had to trust him. Believe in them.

“I just don’t think I can because, no matter how much I love you, it won’t give you everything you need.”

“As long as you love me, that’s all I need. I just need your love.”

“No, you need more, and I don’t think I can give it to you.”

“Come home, Lacey. It will all work out.”

“I don’t think it will,” she whispered. “Maybe we just need some time apart, some time to think.”

“That’s the last fucking thing we need,” he exclaimed. “Stop this. Come home to me.”

“I can’t.”

The two words became his undoing. Swallowing hard, past the lump in his throat and the tears that threatened to fall, he begged, “Yes, you can. Where is the woman who I married? Because I don’t know this person. This coward I am talking to. You promised you’d never leave me.”

“And so did you, all those years ago. So I guess we both broke our promises.”

“I had no choice. You have a choice, or maybe this is your dad’s doing again. Is he sitting there coaching you on how to leave me?” he snapped, tears welling up in his eyes.

“No, he doesn’t even know,” she cried. “Only Rachel knows and even she didn’t try to talk me into this. I made this decision myself.”

“Bullshit,” he sneered. “If you love me, you wouldn’t want to leave me.”

“I am trying to protect us from a world of hurt later. If we continue this and later decide that it was a waste, then what?”

“Then at least we fucking tried. At least we fought for what we believed in. I believe in us, in you, and I don’t think we will ever break up. I think we will live a great life because I am going to do everything I can to guarantee that,” he begged. “Lacey, I thought you believed in us too. What happened? What did I do wrong?”

“You didn’t do anything. It’s me.”

“Really? You are going to do the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ thing?”

“I just don’t want to waste your time.”

“Let me make that fucking decision.”

“No, because if I stay with you, I’ll fall harder than ever, and then when you decide you’re done, I’ll be broken. Every second I’m with you, I fall deeper in love with you. I can’t be broken again. It was the worst thing I have ever been through.”

“So you aren’t broken now?” he asked, completely and utterly pissed off. “Because I am.”

Swallowing loudly, she let out a sob, and he wanted to reach through the phone and shake her. This was killing her, so why was she still doing it?

“You know I don’t care about the kid thing, right?”

“That’s a lie,” she snapped. “A fucking lie. Don’t lie to me to make me feel better.”

“No, I love you. I don’t need anything else but you,” he reiterated. “Come home and I’ll show you that.”

“No, you don’t understand. You don’t know what it is like to sit here and know that I can’t be the woman you deserve. To know that I’ll never hold my own child, feed it with my own milk, and give it the world. I want to be everything you deserve, but I can’t be. That’s why I am ending this.”

It was like she’d struck him. “Oh wow. Really? So you are ending it?”

“It’s what’s best.”

“It’s bullshit,” he snapped. “I don’t care about the baby stuff. Yeah, I want kids, but I want you more than that. You think you are less of a woman, but you are the woman for me. I don’t need anything, anyone, but you, Lacey. Do you need counseling? I will go with you. Please don’t do this to me.”

She sniffed loudly before letting go of another sob as his body shook with anger. He didn’t understand any of this, and he hated more than anything that they were doing it over the phone. He wanted to help, he wanted to make things better, and he couldn’t do it long-distance. He needed to be with her. “Just come home, Lacey. We can fix this. It isn’t lost yet.”

“You can’t fix everything.”

“Yes, I can, or I’ll fucking die trying. Come home.”

“No,” she answered and that was when the tear rolled down his cheek. “I can’t.”

“You can, but you won’t.”

“Just give me some time to think.”

“There is nothing to think about. You either love me, or you don’t. You either want to fight for us, or you don’t.”

Clearing her throat, she sucked in a deep breath and he was dying inside. Wiping the tear away, he sucked in his own breath and begged, “Please come home, Lacey.”

“I can’t,” she answered again, further breaking his heart. “But I do love you. Don’t forget that.”

It was the same thing he’d said to her nine years ago, but this time, it wasn’t Nate Martin who’d broken them up. Or so she said. But before he could say anything more, she hung up the phone. Anger and frustration coursed through his body as he stared down at the display of his phone. It was a picture of her, of course. Lying in bed, with her blond locks around her face, a bright grin on her face, and her eyes full of such love.

She did love him. He knew that, but he didn’t understand how she could think that she wasn’t the woman he deserved. How stupid was that? She was everything he needed. She was his life. As the tears slowly rolled down his cheeks, he didn’t know what to do as he looked around the home they’d built together. She was supposed to be there. Not in Chicago, not with her family who would plant more seeds of doubt in her mind.

Why was she doing this?

Hitting his mom’s number, he wiped away his tears as he waited for her to answer. When his dad answered instead, he said, “Hey, Dad. Where’s Ma?”

“Busy, what’s wrong? You sound weird.”

“I need to talk to Ma,” he said, holding back his sobs.

“She’s busy. What is wrong?” he asked again and Karson shook his head.

“Please, I need to talk to her.”

“Talk to me,” Karl King said with his booming voice. “You aren’t crying, are you? What’s wrong?”

His dad was the last person he wanted to talk to about this. He didn’t do emotion well, but Karson needed someone to talk to. He needed some kind of guidance. “Lacey went back to Chicago. She left me.”

“Why the fuck would she do that? What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything,” Karson answered, a little taken aback by the question.

“She wouldn’t leave if it was nothing. She’s all googly-eyed for you.”

“Yeah, well, she left, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Go fucking get her. If you love her, you don’t stop trying. You lost her once because you were too much of a damn coward to go for what you want. Are you really going to do it again?”

“I couldn’t before,” Karson said, wiping away another damn tear. He hated this.

“But now you can. Go get on a damn plane, fly up there, and bring your wife home. Fix it, Karson, or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life like you have for the last nine. Don’t lose this girl. She’s a good one.”

Karson’s lip quivered as he nodded his head. He knew this; it wasn’t any damn secret, but why couldn’t she realize this? “She thinks we are too different now, and then she doesn’t want to have kids because they could get the cancer she had, but I want them. She is using that as an excuse. She’s just scared, and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Can you blame her? She wears the scars of the cancer every day, son. I hope you aren’t pushing her into that.”

“No, not at all. I told her I didn’t need kids, I needed her.”

“Then why is she being stupid?”

“I don’t know!” Karson yelled. “She’s driving me insane. She said that she isn’t the woman I deserve.”

“Well, that’s dumb. She’s more than you’ll ever deserve. I love her like she is mine, but I get it. Cancer ruins people, and in her mind, hers took every single bit of her womanhood. Your job as her husband is to reassure her that isn’t the case.”

“I’m trying, but she isn’t listening to me.”

“Then you’re not trying hard enough.”

“Dad—”

“No. Don’t call back until you have your wife back,” he said and then the line went dead. Dropping his phone in his lap, Karson ran his hands down his face, sucking in a deep breath. As he opened his eyes, they landed on a picture of him and Lacey at their wedding, both of them locked in each other’s gaze, completely blissful. Beside it was another picture of them in college, young and entirely in love.

She was his forever.

And he wasn’t going to let her throw that away.

He had done it once before, and he wasn’t about to have a repeat performance

He was going to bring his wife home.

Or fucking die trying.

Lacey hadn’t slept all night.

Sitting on her couch with her legs up under her chin, she sipped on her coffee as she replayed her and Karson’s conversation over and over again. Tears rolled down her face as her chest ached with agony. While a part of her thought it was a good idea to end things, the other parts thought she was insane. She understood what he was saying, agreed with him, but the fear of not being enough just gutted her.

She wanted to believe in them, and she had until she learned of his need for a child. How she didn’t remember that from when they were in school was beyond her, but now that she knew, it wouldn’t be fair to him to stay with him. He may say that she was enough, but it was obvious how much he yearned for a child of his own. He loved kids, and she would be depriving him of his wants and needs.

Leaning her head back, her lip quivered as she looked up at the ceiling. If this was the best choice, then why did it hurt so badly? Why did she feel like she was making the biggest mistake of her life? God, she missed him. She wanted to call him, but she wouldn’t allow herself. He had a way of making things seem like they weren’t a big deal—he had always been like that—but this was a big deal. She wasn’t right for him.

But then she didn’t think anyone was. For him or for her. They were born to be together, but then her cancer ruined any chance of a future together. She wished she could go back to when she was young and naïve, when the thought of having a child with Karson took her breath away instead of scaring her to the core. She wished that they wouldn’t have to live apart.

She wished they didn’t have to now, but she really saw no other way.

Wiping away her tears, she took a sip of her coffee when she heard a knock at her door. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was a little past seven. Unsure who it could be, she slowly got up, and when she reached for the door, she thought maybe it would be Karson.

Part of her was elated at the thought.

The other part was terrified.

With her heart in her throat, she pulled the door open to find Grady on the other side, bundled up in a jacket.

“Oh, hey,” she muttered as she stepped to the side so he could enter.

“Good morning,” he said as she shut the door. “You look like hell.”

Lacey scoffed. “Thanks.”

“Anytime,” he said, taking his jacket off.

“Listen, I’m not in the mood for company. Rough night,” she said, but he didn’t pause from taking his jacket off.

Throwing it to the side, he turned to look at her and said, “Yeah, I don’t care. We need to talk because I’m pretty sure you are making a huge mistake.”

“Huh?” she asked as he dropped his large self into the chair by her couch.

“Rachel said that you told Karson you weren’t coming home. Is that true?”

She nodded as she sat down on her couch, crossing her legs as she wrapped up tightly with her blanket. “Yeah.”

“Why? That’s idiotic, don’t you think?”

Biting the side of her lip, she shook her head. “He’s better off without me.”

“Why’s that? ’Cause I’m pretty sure we both think otherwise.”

“I don’t belong in Nashville. I haven’t adjusted, and I miss Chicago and my business, and it’s been tough.”

“Last I heard, you were adjusting well and things were fine. Opening a new store and shit, so stop with that crap and tell me the real reason,” he demanded, leaning on his forearms. “You know I don’t do bullshit.”

And he was right. Grady didn’t do bullshit. Never had. Holding back her tears, she whispered, “I don’t want to have kids of my own.”

His brows came together. “Why the hell not?”

“Because if I have a girl, she’ll get cancer like Mom and I did.”

“Okay, I got you,” he said with a nod, but she didn’t miss the pain on his face. He was older when their mother had died, but he’d loved her as much as Lacey did. They didn’t talk much about their mother because usually it ended with the both of them in tears. “But Mom had you.”

“She didn’t know that I would get it.”

“Yeah, because she couldn’t predict the future and neither can you.”

“But she didn’t even know about the cancer.”

“Yeah, she did,” Grady said with a nod. “She had a scare when she was younger, but she said it didn’t keep her from living her life. She only had one life, and she was going to make it the best she could ever imagine.”

Lacey’s chest ached as tears gushed down her face. “She never told me that.”

“Yeah, she did, I remember. You were young, though. Like four. She said that she would never change having us because we made her life worth living.”

“Oh,” she responded, wiping at her face as her chest ached. Why hadn’t she remembered that?

“But it’s not only that you only have this one life, it’s the fact that you can’t predict the future. What if your daughter doesn’t get it? You are putting a diagnosis on a person who isn’t even here. Plus, what does this have to do with Karson? Is he forcing you to have a kid or something?”

She shook her head as a tear rolled down her face. “No, he wouldn’t do that. He said the same thing you did, but I know how much he wants a kid. He loves me, and he’ll let go of wanting a child just so I’ll be happy. But then what if one day he decides I’m not enough?”

Grady shook his head. “That’s dumb. He wouldn’t do that.”

“You can’t guarantee that.”

“And you can’t guarantee that your daughter would have cancer,” Grady pointed out and Lacey promptly shut her mouth. “I carry the gene too, Lacey. Did I allow it to keep me from living my life?”

“You had boys.”

“But I didn’t know that in advance. I wanted kids so I had them, and now I pray that they don’t go through what our mother went through. But I wouldn’t change having them. Or this next one.”

She swallowed passed the lump in her throat but couldn’t look at him. She couldn’t imagine him not having Flynn and Zander. He was a wonderful father.

“You are trying to predict the future, and that’s not fair to him or you. Why can’t you two just enjoy life, see where it takes you?”

He had a point, but she wouldn’t admit that. Shaking her head, she said, “While that is a big part of why I want to end it—”

“You don’t want to end it. You think you do, but I can see it on your face. That’s the last thing you want. You want to be with him because he makes you happy, but you are scared, and you are going to regret that,” he said sharply, sitting up and crossing his arms. “Live for you, Lacey. Do what makes you happy.”

“I want to,” she said as more tears streamed down her face. “But it’s not only that I don’t think I’m enough, it’s that everyone hates him and he’s always gone and then all this shit with girls can pop up, and I don’t want to do that again. I did it with Ethan, and I just don’t think I’m meant to be a hockey wife.”

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Hockey is in your blood. Stop making excuses. It’s not attractive. If you want to be with the guy, be with him and everything else will work out.”

“That’s what he said,” she said softly and Grady nodded.

“Because he’s right,” he added. “And who cares if Rachel or Dad or Sabrina likes him? It matters if you like him, if he makes you happy.”

“But what you guys think matters.”

“It shouldn’t. At the end of the day, we are all going to be too concerned with our own lives to be what you need. He’s what you need,” he said and Lacey agreed. She didn’t want to worry about what other people thought, but it was so hard when they were constantly putting him down and cheering for their marriage to fail.

“I just hate how no one supports us except you, and everyone is practically rooting for us to fail,” she said sadly, her heart breaking inside her chest. “I just want to have my family, and I want Karson, and I want it to work. I want the support, the love from my family, and it’s like I can’t have both.”

“And that’s not fair, but it won’t change,” he said as she looked up, wiping her tears. As she met her brother’s gray eyes, he said, “I need to tell you something, Lacey.”

“What?”

“I know you might get mad, but you have to remember, I didn’t want you to hurt anymore.”

Her heart picked in speed as he held her gaze. “What?”

Clearing his throat, he ran his hand through his sandy blond hair, his bicep flexing as he sucked in a deep breath. “Dad has this obsession with you. After he lost Mom, all he had left of her was you. I mean, you are spitting image of her, and you are the closest thing to her.”

She never realized that, but it made sense, and dread filled her gut as she watched her brother shift uncomfortably in his seat.

“No one is good enough for you, and while I agree, I don’t agree with how he has gone about it,” he said slowly. “I never knew about him running Karson off until you told me, but I did know about Ethan.”

Her brows came together. “Ethan?”

“Yeah, Dad always knew that Karson would be the one person to take you away from him. He told me that plenty of times, and that’s why he hates him so much. Well, he decided that if there was someone to replace him, then you’d never leave. So he paid Ethan to be with you.”

Her heart sank as she searched her brother’s eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, but then he wanted to be traded, so Dad paid him off again to break it off with you so he wouldn’t take you with him.”

“Oh my God,” she said, covering her mouth.

“Yeah, when I found out about it, I lost it,” Grady said, shaking his head. “I saw Ethan after one game, once you’d split up, and I went after him, was about to kick his ass, but then he told me what Dad did. So I confronted Dad and he admitted it, trying to say he did it to keep you close. I don’t know if you remember, but Dad had a black eye and said he got hit with the butt of a stick at practice. That wasn’t true. I hit him, and I’ve had an issue with him ever since.”

“Grady,” she gasped through her hands as tears gushed down her face. She couldn’t believe the words that she was hearing. Her father had either constantly tried to run her life or ruin her; she wasn’t sure which, but it hurt nonetheless. While she hadn’t loved Ethan, she had cared for him and thought he felt the same. To know it was all fake just hurt. It seemed like such a waste of time. Above all though, why did her father keep doing this to her? Meeting Grady’s gaze, she asked, “Do you think he set Karson up?”

Grady nodded. “I have no doubt, and I know he’s been using Rachel as a pawn. She craves attention from him since she has no dad, and I’ve told her repeatedly to stay out of it. But she’s selfish, like him, and doesn’t want you to leave.”

“I didn’t believe him,” she whispered as her body shook with a sob. Closing her eyes tightly, she wrapped her arms around her center, trying to hold herself together. She felt like at any moment she could fall apart. When Grady’s arms came around her, she sobbed into her big brother’s chest and let go. She just didn’t understand why her father would do this. Why would he hurt her like this? The pain was unbearable, but the worst part was that she hadn’t believed Karson. She hadn’t believed in their love.

“Why doesn’t Dad love me, Grady? Why doesn’t he want me to be happy?”

“He does, a little too much, and he doesn’t know how to let go. I love you, a lot, but as much as I want you to stay here, I want you to be happy. He doesn’t understand that. He wanted to control your life and, Lacey, you can’t let him. You have to do what makes you happy, and Karson does that. I’ve always known that, but I thought he was a jackass who ran out on you for the big leagues and I was wrong. I apologized to him for that, but I refuse to sit here and watch you throw him away for some petty-ass reasons.”

“He’s never stopped loving me. Ever,” she cried. “But I’m just so scared.”

“There is no reason to be, though. Like you said, he never stopped loving you in all that time, so why would he now?”

“Because I won’t—”

“Stop with the ‘I won’t,’ ‘I can’t,’ and the other crap you keep saying. If you love him and you want to be with him and you know that life is nothing without him, then you know what you have to do.”

“I have to go home,” she answered as she sucked in a deep breath.

“Yeah, because Chicago isn’t your home anymore. Home is wherever the hell he is.”

Looking up at Grady, her lip wobbled as she tried to smile. He had always looked out for her, always overprotective, and didn’t let anyone get close to her unless he thought they were good people. To know that he was in Karson’s corner meant a lot to her, and she couldn’t help but think maybe he was right. It hadn’t seemed right to break it off with Karson, but her fears were too much to handle. She’d turned into everything she hated, and she’d tried to let go of the one person who had always been her biggest supporter.

Who loved her, no matter what.

Even when she was being an idiot.

“I should call him,” she said reaching for her phone.

“Probably a good idea. I’m going to get a cup of coffee, and I’ll call the airline for you,” he said, but before he could get up, the door was flung open and in stomped in her husband.

“Karson?”

He turned and looked at her before looking at Grady. Pointing back at Lacey, he said, “I came to get her back. You have a problem with that?”

Grady scoffed. “None at all.”

Karson gave a curt nod and then met Lacey’s gaze. Her heart sang for him as her body shook with the need to be near him. He looked like hell, his hair all a mess, he wasn’t shaved, and his clothes were wrinkled, but he was her hell. Her husband.

Before he could say anything, she stood and said the only thing she could think of.

“I love you.”

Karson wasn’t expecting that.

“What?” he asked, confused as his heart continued to pound in his chest. He hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep, and he’d been on edge the whole flight to Chicago. He’d tried to fly out as soon as he got off the phone with his dad, but the earliest they had was first thing this morning. Deciding he couldn’t sleep in the bed he shared with her without knowing if she’d ever sleep there again, he’d left for the airport and hung out there until his flight. So as he looked into her swimming-with-tears green eyes, he wasn’t sure if he’d heard her right or if he was hallucinating.

Clearing his throat, he looked deep into her eyes as she said, “I love you, Karson. I was wrong. You were right. I should have come home. I’m sorry.”

He almost collapsed to the floor, and he was convinced he would have if she hadn’t wrapped her arms around his middle, pressing her lips to his. Melting against her, he wrapped his arms around her as relief flooded through him. He thought this was going to be a fucking train wreck. He thought he would walk in here and she would kick him back out, but that wasn’t the case. Somehow overnight, she had gotten her head out of her ass.

Thank sweet baby Jesus.

Pulling back, he kissed her lips again and then again, before whispering, “I love you too. So much, but please, don’t do shit like this again.”

“I promise,” she whispered against his lips. “I knew I was wrong, but I was so scared, Karson. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Lacey. Nowhere. Not unless you are with me.”

Pressing his forehead to hers, he smiled, and when she smiled back, his heart soared. But then he heard a voice he could have gone without hearing at that moment, or ever, really.

“What the hell? I thought she left him,” Nate’s voice boomed.

“That’s what she said,” Rachel said, and when Karson looked over at her, he saw that her brows were pulled together, completely confused.

“Lacey, what is going on?” Nate asked as Karson’s arms tightened around her.

“What are you doing here?” Lacey asked, her fingers locking together around him. He could feel her heart pounding, and he could understand why. This was about to be ugly, but this time, he hadn’t promised anything and he wasn’t going to hold back.

“I came to check on you, honey. Rachel said you two split up,” Nate said, shutting the door and tucking his hands in his pockets.

“We never split up,” Karson corrected. “We just had a misunderstanding. Everything is fine.”

“Are you sure?” he asked Lacey, completely ignoring Karson.

“Yes. I said everything was fine,” he answered back, and this time Nate’s eyes met his.

“I’m talking to my daughter,” he said, venom lacing his low voice.

“Well, I am talking to you,” Karson said, but Lacey laid her hand on his chest, stopping him.

“I think you had the right idea before, Lacey. I thought you were done,” Rachel said, but Grady came over, sliding his arm around her waist.

“This isn’t our business, Rachel,” he insisted. “I think we should leave.”

“It is my business,” she said, pushing out of his arms. Looking back at Lacey, she said, “Lacey, this is not a good idea. Let him go.”

“Yes, listen to your best friend, your father,” Nate urged, but Lacey shook her head.

“No,” Lacey said sternly. “I’m tired of doing what you tell me. I let you and Rachel put doubt in my mind, but no more. I want my happiness, and that’s Karson.”

“No,” Rachel said, shaking her head. “You are making a mistake, Lacey.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. It won’t work. You two are different people, and he wants kids and you don’t. It won’t work,” Rachel persisted, and Karson decided he really did hate that woman.

“We will work it out,” Karson hissed. “We are still learning. This is new to us, and we can figure it out as long as all of you stay out of it.”

“I told you this is none of your business, and Karson’s right. How do you know what will work between them?” Grady asked Rachel and that surprised Karson. “She is an adult. She can make her own choices. It’s not our life. It’s hers.”

“Whose side are you on?” Nate demanded.

“Hers,” Grady asked. “Or his. Whatever. I just want my baby sister to be happy, and if it’s with that guy, then I support it.”

“You’re insane,” Rachel complained. “He is going to hurt her again.”

“Never,” Karson promised at the same time that Lacey said, “He isn’t the one out to hurt me.”

Karson paused, looking down at her along with everyone else. While she was right, he didn’t understand her statement. Letting go of him, she took a step toward her father but not without lacing her fingers with Karson’s, holding their hands behind her back. “You are.”

“What?” Nate said, his bushy eyebrows shooting up. “I want nothing more than for you to be happy.”

“No, if that were the case, then you wouldn’t continually sabotage me.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Lacey Arielle?”

“He has done nothing but love you,” Rachel added, and Lacey cut her a look that could kill.

“Shut up, you don’t know anything,” she snapped, and Rachel made a face as Lacey turned her attention to her father. “How could you?”

“How could I what? I haven’t done anything.”

But Lacey shook her head, her hand squeezing Karson’s. He moved behind her, wrapping his free arm around her waist to give her support as she said, “You’ve tried to ruin my life over and over again, and I’m done, Dad. We are through. You won’t hurt me any longer, nor will I ever talk to you again.”

“What? I would never. I’ve only loved you.”

“I’m not even going to go back as far as when all the cancer stuff happened or even when you ran Karson off. I forgave you for all that, but paying Ethan to marry me and then cheat on me? That is inexcusable.”

“What?” Karson gasped as Nate’s face went white. “He did what?”

“No,” Rachel whispered. “That can’t be true.”

“It is,” Grady and Lacey said together.

“My father paid off my ex-fiancé to date me, and when he realized that Ethan was going to take me away, he paid him off again to break it off with me.”

“You are disgusting,” Karson muttered, shaking his head. Anger flooded him. And while, yes, he was glad that Ethan was long gone, he would never want Lacey to go through hell, to hurt the way she did. To know that all the pain and heartache was caused by her father, it just hurt. How could he do that to his own daughter? His own flesh and blood.

“And I know you set Karson up. I know that you tried to use that to break us up,” she said, her eyes never leaving her father’s. Karson wanted to be satisfied that she had come around and knew the truth, but she was visibly shaking with anger. It didn’t matter how he felt, or that he was glad she knew the truth, because it hurt her, and he didn’t want her to hurt. He was madder than hell at that moment, and he wanted nothing more than to pound Nate Martin’s face in, but this wasn’t his moment, it was Lacey’s. She had to stand up to him.

“No, he didn’t,” Rachel said, and Karson hadn’t noticed that she’d started crying. Looking up at Nate, she asked, “Did you?”

Grady squeezed her shoulder, and Karson didn’t understand the relationship between Rachel and Nate, but it was obvious that her heart was breaking at the realization that he was a complete jackass.

Sucking in a deep breath, Nate looked away as he said, “Yes. I did all that, but it is because I love you.”

“How can you claim to love her when all you’ve done is hurt her over and over again?” Karson asked, shaking his head. “When you love someone, you lift them up, you support them, not try to wreck them. And you’ve been wrecking Lacey since the beginning!”

“You have no clue what I have done for my daughter, so keep your damn mouth shut,” he sneered, his face turning red with anger. Not a bit of remorse was in his face. Karson didn’t think Nate felt bad at all, and that pissed him the fuck off.

“Don’t talk to Karson like that,” Lacey snapped as the tears rolled down her cheeks, landing on her shirt. “And he’s right. You haven’t done anything but cause me pain, and I’m done.”

“You don’t mean that,” he said, shaking his head. “Yes, I’ve made some mistakes, but I did them with the intention of helping you.”

“How is keeping me all to yourself helping me? You isolated me from the world, completely shattered my confidence, and if it wasn’t for Karson, I would be a freaking mess. I would be nothing.”

“You don’t need him,” Nate demanded. “You need me.”

“No, I need my husband.”

“And that’s me,” Karson added just in case anyone forgot, but he didn’t think anyone was really listening to him.

“The thing is, if you would have apologized at least once, I may have been able to forgive you, but you’ve never once apologized for these mistakes, Dad. There have been no consequences for breaking my heart. I just brushed it under the rug and let it go, but I won’t do that anymore. I have to do what is best for me, for my husband, and that’s to let you go. It hurts,” she said as her voice broke, and it killed him to hear her crack like this. “It hurts so damn bad, but I can’t allow you to hurt me anymore.”

“Lacey,” Nate said, but she turned, her eyes meeting Karson’s. They said to get rid of him, and lucky for her, Karson had no problem doing that.

“No, you need to go,” he said, pushing her behind him. “She’s said what she needed to say, and you need to respect that.”

Nate’s eyes blazed with anger as he took a step toward him. “I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but you aren’t going to keep me from my daughter.”

“I will if that’s what she wants. She’s my wife, and I have to protect her from people like you.”

Oh, that pissed him off. His face went red, his breathing labored, and a vein popped out of his forehead as he spat, “You son of a bitch.” He then went to swing at Karson, but before his fist could connect with his jaw, Karson blocked his arm and then plowed his fist into Nate’s face, knocking him on his ass.

“Oh my God,” Rachel cried, covering her mouth, and he heard Lacey’s gasp, but he didn’t turn. His eyes were trained on Nate’s as he wiped the blood from his mouth.

“Get the fuck out,” Karson demanded. “You aren’t welcome here or even at our home in Nashville,” he said, shaking out his hand. Dude’s face was hard at hell.

“I will ruin you,” Nate promised but Karson laughed.

“Bring it, asshole, because you’ll never win. Never.”

Looking past him, Nate tried to look at Lacey but Karson blocked him. Ignoring Karson, he said, “Lacey, please, give me another chance. Let’s talk this over.”

But Lacey shook her head.

“Not a snowball’s chance in hell. I won’t allow you to hurt her any longer. I have to eliminate the bad, and you are the bad. So, goodbye,” Karson said, slowly backing him out the door.

“Shut up, you piece of junk. I’m talking to my daughter!”

“He’s right,” Lacey cried behind him. “You are my father and I love you, but you don’t know how to love me. I’m better without you.”

“You don’t mean that,” Nate said, his eyes filling with tears. “I did it for you.”

“No, you did it for you. They’ve asked you to go. Just go, Dad,” Grady said, stopping him from advancing on Karson.

“You are nothing to me now, Grady. How dare you tell her?” he hissed, glaring at his son.

“I am fine with that. I have my sister, my wife, and my children. I’ll make it without you,” Grady said and then he looked back at Lacey. “We both will.”

She nodded as she squeezed Karson’s hand and turned into his chest as Grady escorted Nate out, Rachel following behind. Looking deep into Lacey’s eyes, he saw how much pain was in them and he wanted to erase it all, but he knew that Grady’s words rang true. She would make it without her father.

He’d make sure of it.

Holding Karson’s hand in hers, she held the ice along his knuckles as she cried softly. The last twenty-four hours had been hell. Between breaking it off with Karson, to realizing she was an idiot, to being willing to beg him to take her back, she also had accepted that she had just completely cut ties with her father. She still couldn’t believe what he had done, and the fact that he just stared at her instead of apologizing… She knew she had no choice but to let him go. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen between her and Rachel, but she’d spent about an hour apologizing to Lacey. At that moment though, she was mad. But soon she hoped she could forgive Rachel. It was easy to say that her father was using her to get to Lacey, and while he’d succeeded, it wasn’t Rachel’s fault for wanting a father figure. The girl had it bad growing up, and Nate had always been there for her. It was sad but it was the truth, and Lacey knew she would never fully trust Rachel again, but she would never stop loving her. She was sure they would figure it out. They had to work together, and she was family. But the main thing Lacey had to remember was that Grady was right; she had to do what made her happy.

And Karson made her happy.

“Are you okay?” he asked, cupping her jaw before catching her tears with his thumb and wiping them away.

She looked up at him and managed a small smile. “I will be once we are home.”

“Our flight leaves soon,” he said softly, running his thumb along her cheek. “I’m sorry your dad is a dick.”

She shrugged. “Yeah, maybe one day I’ll be able to look at him and he’ll be the father I need, but until that day, I don’t ever want to look at him again.”

“That’s fine with me, sweetheart,” he answered. “But I still can’t believe what he has done.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to talk about it anymore. It’s over. He broke me, and I won’t allow him to keep doing it. And talking about it reopens the wounds.”

“Then no more talking about it,” Karson decided, taking the ice off his hand and throwing it in the sink. Looking down at her, he cupped her face and said, “You know I love you. More than anything.”

She nodded. “I love you more than that.”

He smirked before dropping his lips to hers, kissing her long and slow, sending crazy jolts through her body. As he drew slow, mind-blowing kisses from her, she knew that she had been mentally insane to think that she could let this man go. As he held her in close to him, his mouth moving ever so slowly against hers, she knew that she was going to love him until her dying day.

All she had to do was look into his eyes to know he felt the same way. It was so like him to charge up here and demand she go home with him. He wasn’t one to give up, and he wasn’t going to let her go. There was no other option. She was supposed to love Karson for the rest of her life.

“I’m sorry, Karson, for not believing you about my dad,” she whispered against his jaw. “I was an idiot, grasping at straws, trying to salvage a relationship with him because he was the closest thing to my mom.”

Karson nodded, kissing below her ear. “He’s your dad, Lacey. I understood. Yeah, it hurt and burned like a bitch, but I got it.”

“Still, I was wrong to do that. I should have believed you. You’ve never done me wrong.”

He was quiet for a moment, but then he shook his head. “No, I did. I should have stood up to him all those years ago. I didn’t fight the way I should, and I’ll always be sorry for that, but I promise I’ll make up for those nine years for the next hundred.”

She smiled, pulling back to look at him. “I should have done the same. Swallowed my pride and found you, but I listened to him and lost out on those years. So I have to do the same thing. I’m not going to lie; I’m excited about it.”

He grinned, kissing the side of her mouth. “I didn’t get to say my long, thought-out speech I had come up with on the way here,” he whispered against her lips.

She smirked, moving her fingers along his jaw. “You didn’t need a speech. I knew that I had messed up the moment I hung up the phone. I just didn’t want to accept it, though. I wanted you to believe that if I let you go, you’d be with someone who could make you happy and give you everything you needed.”

“There is no one but you,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers. “I don’t know why you would think that there could be someone other than you. For years, I knew that there would never be another Lacey Martin, and I accepted that. I never wanted to marry anyone but you. I never wanted children with anyone but you. I don’t want to grow old with anyone but you. You’re it, sweetheart, so don’t ever think that again. It’s you or no one.”

She nodded slowly. “I won’t,” she promised. “I’m so sorry, Karson.”

“Haven’t I told you before that we are going to make mistakes? We are going to mess up, but the one thing we have to remember is that we love each other and our love will conquer all.”

“I just want to make you happy,” she whispered against his lips.

“Okay, wanna know how?” he asked, leaning back so he could see her whole face. Holding up one finger, he said, “Smile.” And then with each finger he named off something else. “Don’t hold anything back. When you’re mad, tell me. If I’m messy, tell me so I can fix it. Suck me off, I like that,” he said with a grin, causing her to grin back earnestly. He was so silly and all hers. Holding up another finger, he said, “But really, all I want is for you to be happy. As long as you are satisfied with our marriage, with me, there is nothing more I can ask for.”

Her heart sank since she knew there was something more he wanted. “A child?”

Meeting her gaze, his eyes looked sternly into hers as he said, “Let’s nip this kid thing in the bud real quick, okay?”

She could only blink as his hands slid into the waistband of her PJ pants. Her heart started to race because this was the one thing she thought would keep them apart, but by the way he was looking at her, she knew that she was completely wrong. They would work it out even though she had seen no way of that ever happening.

“Did it ever cross your pretty mind that we could adopt?”

“You don’t want that. You want a child of your own.”

“No, I want to watch you be a mother. I want to love a little person with you and raise them to be a fantastic adult. Together.”

Her lip started to quiver as she nodded. “I would love that, but I know you want a child of your own. Hell, I would love one too, but it just scares me so much.”

“I know, baby, but just think of it this way. If it is a girl, then she will be the strongest little shit in the world. Yeah, her grandma didn’t win the fight, but her momma did, and you’ll teach her to be strong. We will be proactive, teach her about everything you went through, and if, by God, it happens, we will fight. Together,” he promised as the tears spilled over her cheeks. “Nothing can stop us as long as we have each other.”

He made it sound so easy, so perfect, but could it be?

“The main thing, Lacey, is that we have to do this together. We have to make the decision together. We have to work together because we will fail if we don’t. You can’t run off or shut down every time you get scared. Talk to me; let me help you fix it because that’s what I am here for. If you need counseling to help with the years that the cancer took, then, baby, tell me and I’ll be right beside you, holding your hand. I am here to love you and support you. That’s my job, and if you don’t depend on me, then what am I supposed to do?”

She didn’t know how to answer him, so she didn’t as her gaze stayed locked with his, her heart clanking against her ribs. She could feel her body vibrating with each beat her heart took. Maybe she could use some counseling. It worked for other people, but she hadn’t gotten it because her dad wouldn’t allow her. It scared her, but with the thought of having Karson beside her, holding her hand and comforting her through all the pain, she knew she could do it. All she needed was him.

Holding her face, his thumbs wiped away her tears as he said, “I can’t promise you today or even tomorrow because I don’t know what the future holds, but, Lacey, I’ll love you no matter what. You bring out the best in me, and I don’t want anyone but you. Every single second of every day I’ll love you, and I’ll never stop.”

“I won’t either,” she vowed as she held him close. “I’ll love you no matter what.”

“Good, then we’ll be fine.”

She nodded slowly as he hugged her tightly. Closing her eyes, she nuzzled her face in his neck, her arms so tight around him, needing him more than he would ever know. He would never realize how much good he did her. How he took her soul and polished it up to perfection. He made her a better person. He gave her the strength and the love she needed.

Kissing his neck, she remembered what Grady had said earlier and cleared her throat before whispering, “My mom had me even after fighting cancer because she said she wanted to live a life that she was proud of, and she knew that a child would do that for her.”

Pulling back, he cupped her jaw as his eyes bored into hers. Swallowing past her sob, she admitted, “I’m not sure I’m strong enough to do that. How can I put a death sentence on our child?”

He scoffed. “You’re stronger,” he urged, cupping her jaw. “I know you are scared, baby, I get it, but how can you not have a baby if you want one? Yeah, it could happen, but what if it doesn’t? That’s years of joy we would miss out on, and you’ll regret that. Didn’t we say we didn’t want to live with regret anymore?”

She nodded. “We did.”

“Then tell me, baby, do you want to have a child?”

She did. So fucking bad. Always had. She always imagined having Karson’s baby. Carrying it in her body and loving it more than she loved herself. As the tears fell in streams down her face, she nodded, holding his gaze. “Yes.”

“Then let’s do it. Your mom was right. This is the only life we get, and together it will be the best life we can make it. Just never forget that I’ll be right there with you, helping you, supporting you. I’ll be here as long as you want me.”

“And when I don’t, you’ll come out after me,” she added and he smiled.

“Always.”

Her stomach went nuts with butterflies as she looked deep into his eyes. Could they really do this and throw all caution in the wind? Would they be okay? One thing was for sure, she knew she could do anything with Karson beside her.

“My life is complete with you in it.”

“So is mine, and that’s why we have to work for this. Things that are worth a damn aren’t easy. You have to work at it, you have to nurture it and take care of it, or it will go to hell. And we can’t let that happen,” he said, his eyes watering a bit as he gazed into her face. “And I won’t. But I’m not going to lie. It’s gonna be hard. It’s gonna suck sometimes, but as long as we work together, we will be okay.”

“You’re right.”

“I know,” he said with a wink. “But my main concern is making you happy. While I would love to toss you up on this counter and try to get you pregnant, I know you need time to accept that we are going to do it. That we are going to welcome a child, our child, into this world and love it with all our hearts.”

When a tear rolled down his chiseled face, she came undone, her heart aching with love for him as he said, “I honestly can’t wait for that moment, and I know it’s going to be the second best thing I’ve ever done.”

Wiping away his tears, she asked, “What was the first?”

“You.”

She gasped for breath as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her. “Never fails, you’ve always been the one to sweep me off my feet, no matter what.”

“That’s damn right, wife, and that will never change,” he said with a wink. “Now let’s get you packed and get you home.”

Smiling, she kissed his lips hard, their hearts beating as one. “Great plan, husband.”

And it was. Did she have any kind of idea how their life would pan out? Nope, not at all, but as long as she was with Karson, it would be the life she needed. There was still so much to learn about each other and so much that could go wrong, but she didn’t care. She didn’t make a mistake taking the leap and marrying him after being apart for so long. A little voice inside her had told her it was the right decision, and she believed wholeheartedly that it was her mom. It had been hard, but she knew it was worth it. He was worth it.

Because he was it.

Her forever.

By the tenth novel, I’m pretty sure my family and friends know I love them.

Just in case though: Michael, Mikey, Alyssa, and Nick—y’all are my everything and I love you so much.

Noey, Dad, Kristina, and Patsy, thank you and I love you.

Bobbie, Nortis, and Stacey, y’all are my best friends and I love you so much.

My editor, Lisa, you’re not only my editor, you’re my friend, and I’m so blessed to have you. Thank you for helping me grow, pick out covers, and for being totally awesome. Couldn’t be that without you.

My cover designer, Regina, I swear to everything holy, you are amazing! This cover rocks, you rock!

Thank you! My authors, you know who you are and why I love you.

My readers, this couldn’t be done without you. I love you. All of you. With all my heart. Thank you.

Ed Sheeran, you rock, dude, love you to pieces.

My mom, there isn’t a second that passes that I don’t wish you could be here celebrating my accomplishments. I love you, Mom. Thank you and I miss you so much.

Upcoming from Toni Aleo

Want more of Karson and Lacey? Even Kasey and the rest of the Assassins gang?! Well tune in December 10, 2014 for A Very Merry Hockey Holiday, an Asssassins Novella!

A Very Hockey Holiday (Assassins 7.5)

Becoming the Whiskey Princess (Taking Risk Novel 2)

Clipped by Love (Bellevue 2)

And a brand new series is coming in 2015 from Toni Aleo

The Spring Grove Novels

Bring on the cowboys!

Make sure to check out these titles and more on Toni’s website.

Or connect with Toni on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram and more!

Also make sure to join the mailing list for up to date news from the desk of Toni Aleo.

A little snippit of A Very Merry Hockey Holiday

Shea and Elli

The Adler residence not only looked like Santa crapped all over it with Christmas decorations but it also looked like a tornado had gone through it. Wrapping paper and toys covered every square inch of their living room, but Shea Adler didn’t care.

His family was happy.

Like they had done for the last seven years, they woke up at the butt-crack of dawn and surrounded the tree, passing out gifts. With each year, it became more hectic though. When it had been just him and his gorgeous wife, Elli, it was easy but consisted of a lot of sex under the tree. Then Shelli came, again easy. Then Posey, still easy, but when the twins came, things started to get a little rowdy. By the time Quinn came, it was a mess. Lots of tearing of wrapping paper and lots of screaming, but he didn’t care. The kids were always happy.

And he actually liked the chaos.

“Mommy, I love it! Thank you! Daddy, you’re the greatest!” Shelli exclaimed as she held up her new iPad.

“But I want an iPad, Daddy!” Posey complained.

“Open the box, honey,” Shea said softly. She did then gave him a sheepish grin.

“Thank you, Daddy,” she giggled, holding up her iPad.

“You’re welcome, honey,” he said as Elli leaned against him.

She looked gorgeous with her hair a mess and in his big Assassins tee with long pants. Her feet were covered by the new reindeer socks that Quinn had gotten her. She had on earmuffs that the girls gave her and also gloves that the twins had picked out.

“Warm and toasty?” he asked and she grinned.

“Oh yes, my kiddos give the best gifts, don’t you think?”

He chuckled as she looked him over. He was wearing a big, bright purple scarf that the girls had selected, along with knee-high hockey socks that the twins had gotten him, and reindeer slippers. He looked like a total loser, but he wore his gifts with pride. “I say I think you are right.”

She smiled before leaning up to press her lips to his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned her forehead against his jaw as they watched the kids tear open presents and cheer when they got something they wanted. He always loved when they got clothes though. Their faces were priceless. Especially Owen’s. He didn’t hold anything back and made sure they all knew that a gift wasn’t what he wanted. Shelli was kind and always thanked them for things even if she didn’t want it. Which didn’t happen a lot.

Just to mess with her though, he got her a Ninja Turtle, and when she opened it, she asked if it was for one of the boys. He told her no, it was for her, and her face was something for the books. He’d never laughed so hard in his life before telling her it was his, when really, he was going to give it to one of the rookies. The others kids were just happy to get to open presents, and he enjoyed that they were so ecstatic. They still had Christmas with his family later that night, and they were even going to Elli’s dad’s house the following day, which would be awkward because her mom and sister would be there. Since they were still trying to suck up to Elli, he was sure that they would get something overly extravagant for the kids, and he hated that. They didn’t have to buy the kids’ love or Elli’s, they just had to be good to them.

That was obviously hard for Victoria and Olivia Fisher.

Kissing his beautiful wife’s forehead, he said, “Wanna open my gift?”

“You got me something?” she asked sweetly and he smiled.

“You know I did. You probably already know what it is,” he said, getting up and going to the tree to retrieve the gift.

“I really don’t,” she reassured him as he handed her the large box. “Shelli, baby, hand me Daddy’s gift.”

“Got me something?” he teased and she shot him a grin.

“You know I did. I love Christmas.”

That she did. It was her favorite holiday, and that was one of the main reason he wished they weren’t going to Michael Fisher’s house. He didn’t want her sister and mother to ruin Elli’s favorite holiday.

When the kids stopped opening their gifts and gathered around them, Shea nodded toward Elli for her to go.

“No, you go first,” she said, basically jumping in her seat. “I’m so excited for you to see what it is.”

To please her, he nodded and opened the box. It was a watch box, and when he opened it to the expensive-looking watch, he smiled. “Thank you. I needed a new watch.”

“That’s not even the best part, look at the base.”

His brows pulled together as he focused on the watch to see that it not only had the time but a picture of Elli and the kids. “And the inscription,” she added.

He smiled as he read the inside of the watch: To the best daddy in the world. We love you. So much.

His grin grew as he put the watch on, looking over at Elli. “I love it. Thank you.”

He then leaned over, kissing her lips as the kids giggled and some said ew. Parting, she grinned as she bounced in her seat.

“Your turn.”

“What is it?” she asked as she pulled the wrapping off.

“A horse,” Shea deadpanned and she giggled. “Open it and see.”

Her grin was unstoppable as she torn open the box. When she looked inside, he smiled when a perplexed look came over her face. Pulling out a smaller box, she glanced at him and he chuckled.

“You thought it was that mixer, huh?”

“Maybe,” she said slowly as she started to unwrap the smaller box.

“It’s under the tree,” he answered and her face lit up.

“Then what is this?”

“Open it and see.”

The kids were basically bouncing off the walls in anticipation. Everyone knew what he had gotten her, and it had taken almost a year to plan. He was excited to see what she thought, though. Opening the box, her brows came together as she took in what she was looking at.

“Are these plane tickets?”

He nodded as she pulled them out.

“To Fiji?” she asked but then separated the tickets. “There are only two here.”

“Because only you and I are going. For a week.”

“What? I can’t leave the kids or even the team! You’re crazy.”

“Mom and Dad are going to come stay with the kids, and I already cleared it at work. We are leaving after New Year’s.”

“What!” she gasped, looking at him in disbelief. “Really?”

His hand came down on her thigh and he smiled. “We haven’t had a vacation since Shelli was born. I think it’s time we had some us time, don’t you think?”

When she looked up at him, tears gathering in her eyes, he knew he had done good. Great, even. “Yeah. I think so,” she agreed, wiping her eyes. “A whole week? Just us? No yelling, boogers, or hockey?”

He laughed. “Just us and the beach. We are staying in a hut with no one around but a guy to give us food and drinks.”

“Sounds like paradise.”

“It will be.”

“Oh my God, I can’t wait! Thank you!” she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him hard on the lips. When she parted, she was frowning though. “I only got you a watch.”

He scoffed. “Baby, you’ve given me the world and then some. Now it’s my turn to give you everything you can dream of.”

“You do that every day, Shea, just by loving me,” she said, tears rolling down her beautiful face. Her eyes still hit him straight in the gut, and her lips could knock him to his knees. She was everything and more. He would give her anything she asked without even really thinking.

“I love you,” she whispered, her lips ever so close to his. “More than words could express.”

“I love you.”

“Group hug!” Shelli exclaimed, and soon all five of their children jumped in where they could fit in. With Shelli in his lap, Quinn on his back, and Evan around his waist, he looked into the eyes of his forever and smiled. Elli was holding Posey and Owen close but still holding him too, a beautiful, happy grin on her face.

“Daddy, I love you,” Shelli said, kissing his cheek. “I love you too, Momma.”

“Yeah, I love you,” Quinn said.

“Me too, I love y’all,” Owen said.

“I love you so much. Thank you for my presents,” Posey said softly.

“I love you more than they do,” Evan informed them, ever serious but the instigator of the family. Soon everyone was protesting on who loved whom more.

Finally, Elli said, “Guys, stop. I love you all. The exact same. You are all the world to me.”

They all grinned and seemed content with that. Looking over at Elli, Shea smiled, holding her jaw. “You happy, baby?”

She nodded, kissing his nose. “So much so, it hurts, Shea. You’ve given me everything I could have ever asked for.”

His heart pounded in his chest as he got lost in her eyes. How did he get this lucky? To find his soul mate and not only marry her but make beautiful children with her. Kissing her nose, he said, “And to think, I still have the rest of our lives to give you even more.”

Her grin grew as her eyes clouded with tears and she said, “Merry Christmas, my love.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Copyright © 2014 by Toni Aleo

This book, Tangled in the Laces and Laces and Lace is a work of Fiction. Any names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Books by Toni Aleo

Dedication

Letter from the Author….well, me.

Tangled in the Laces

First glance

Challenge accepted

Coincidence?

This is True

You’re beautiful

I love you

Yesterday

Laces and Lace

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Acknowledgments

Upcoming from Toni Aleo

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday

Copyright Notice

Table of Contents

Title Page

Books by Toni Aleo

Dedication

Letter from the Author….well, me.

Tangled in the Laces

First glance

Challenge accepted

Coincidence?

This is True

You’re beautiful

I love you

Yesterday

Laces and Lace

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Acknowledgments

Upcoming from Toni Aleo

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday

Copyright Notice

Table of Contents