Page 127 of Crease Collision

“It’s a beautiful country. We could sail around some of the islands too.”

“You can sail?” he asks.

“No, but I can hire someone who can. Let me take care of this while you’re busy.”

“Deal. But I get to approve the hotel.”

I love that we’re not two hockey players discussing a hypothetical vacation. We’re Kai and Ozzy, making plans like any other couple.

We leave the High Line at 23rd Street and walk back to Kai’s. Along the way, he reaches for my hand and holds it all the way to his building.

“Today was nice,” he says as we step inside the cool lobby.

“It was.”

In the elevator, he surprises me. “You should bring over more clothes and things. Half of the closet in my room is empty, and I’ll move stuff around in the drawers. If I need to, I can put some of my things in another bedroom.”

He’s trying very hard to act casual, as if he only invited me over for a swim, but his eyes tell me there’s a lot riding on my answer. But if I make a big deal out of it, he’ll get flustered.

“Okay,” I say. “I’ll do it while you’re at practice tomorrow.”

“Perfect.”

The elevator opens, and I can’t help but smile as he steps aside so I can unlock the condo door.

Just a normal afternoon with my boyfriend, walking around the city that’s starting to feel like home. Getting a clear signal that he wants me to stay. And my heart racing because I wasn’t sure this would ever happen for me.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

OSKAR

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Laurentian Cup.”

The roar in Condors Arena is deafening as two league officials carry the gleaming trophy to center ice. The Pulse have retreated to their dressing room, but Kai and his teammates are gathered in a loose, dazed circle, already sporting their new Laurentian Cup Champions hats.

I’m two rows behind the Condors’ bench, vibrating with a joy so intense it’s almost painful. I can’t remember ever being this happy for anyone in my life. A small part of me aches with the wish that it could be the Fury out there, but I shove it down. This is Kai’s moment.

My focus locks in as the commissioner steps onto the ice and begins talking. After a quick speech that I barely hear, he calls Nico, the Condor’s captain, forward. Wearing a smile broad enough to light up the city, Nico accepts the Cup and lifts it over his head. The crowd goes insane.

Nico skates a slow lap, then hands the Cup over to Kai. Time seems to slow as Kai hoists it high, his face a mask of disbelief and pure joy. He starts his lap, but after only a few seconds, he glides to a stop in front of the home bench. His face is sweaty, and when his eyes find me, the light in them is wild.

He nods, just a small tilt of his head, but it’s everything. His grin, already huge, looks like it’s about to split his face. As my throat tightens, I have to blink back the sudden sting in my eyes. He holds my gaze for another heartbeat before turning away and continuing his victory lap, the happiest man in the world.

Before he left for the game, he said he’d text me from the locker room. “Whether it’s to help me raise hell or keep me from crying, I want you with me.”

When the Condors leave the ice, I stay put and send him a message.

OSKAR: CONGRATS, BABY! I’m so proud of you!

A couple of minutes later, my phone buzzes.

KAI: We’re having a team party tomorrow, and you’re my date! No arguments. I don’t feel like going out tonight, so meet me at home? I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Does he really think I would argue about being his date? Our teammates know about us, and photos showing us together are appearing more often on social media. I’d go anywhere with him.

OSKAR: This sounds fantastic. I’ll be waiting for you.

I take a cab back to the condo in time to catch part of the postgame press conference. Kai’s smile is so big his cheeks must ache, but I can see the exhaustion around his eyes. Most people will remember how happy he looks. I’ll remember how tired he looked.