Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU Hockey Book 5)

“Yep. You’re stuck with me for life.”

I press my lips to his. “That’s a life sentence worth living.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just compare our marriage to a prison sentence.”

“A prison sentence of loooove.”

“Yep. You’re stuck with me for life.”

I press my lips to his. “That’s a life sentence worth living.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just compare our marriage to a prison sentence.”

“A prison sentence of loooove.”

The door to the corporate box opens, and Richard Cohen steps through with his partner, Seth Grant. Trailing in behind them is Zach Grant, Seth’s brother-in-law and the husband of Foster Grant, who’s playing against Asher tonight.

Beck and Jacobs have just got their camp up and running, and they’re getting married this summer. They’re still every bit in love.

“Jas … I think we live together.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

I catch sight of one of my shirts hanging in the open closet. “Fuck. I think you might be right.”

“Do you live here?” he asks.

A rough laugh comes from me. “No, I have my own place. You’ve seen it, remember?”

West hums as he drops onto the side of the bed. “No, I remember. It’s just … there’s an extra toothbrush in the bathroom.”

“Oral hygiene is important.”

“And half my washing yesterday was your clothes. I even cleared out a drawer to put them in.”

I pause. “You did my washing?”

“The coffee downstairs is the brand you drink.”

“I …” I mean, we ran out. It only seemed polite to buy more. Since I was drinking it. Nearly every day.

“When was the last time you slept at home?” he asks. I can’t make out his tone, but he’s clearly thinking. “Did you last week?”

“They’re a big part of your life, which means they’re a big part of my future.”

“I love you too. Just so you know.”

“You do? I was worried it was too soon or we weren’t there yet, and—”

“I think I fell for you as soon as you broke Tommy’s nose. Now, if that’s not too soon, nothing is.”

“You should’ve told me you have this violent side. I’ll break all the noses of anyone who tries to be mean to you.”

“This might be too soon to say, which is probably why I’m telling you when you’re passed out, but I want you to know that there’s one major difference between you and Ezra.” I take a deep breath and hold it because even though he’s not listening, the words hold weight, and they’re hard to say. “I thought I could potentially fall for Ezra. I’ve already fallen for you.”

Jasper moans, and I kiss the back of his head.

“I’m in love with you, Jasper Eckstein, and you’re just going to have to deal with that. Also, when we’re married, you can totally take my last name. No one will ever call you Fuckstain again.”

“I could tell you not to be jealous, but we know that won’t work. What I can tell you is I’ve never been with someone who makes me feel the way you do. My life is still a mess, and it probably will be until the twins are in college or moved out or, hell, until they’re thirty. But with you, everything isn’t so overwhelming. I can deal with all the chaos because when you’re next to me, you give me everything I need for myself. But you’re not just an escape. You’re not just my rock. You’re so important to me, and I need you to know that.”