“All those Bolt games we went to when we were kids, and now you’re the captain,” I shake my head and smile. “I’m so damn proud of you, Knox. You did exactly what you said you were going to do, and you let nothing and no one stop you.”
“You were in my corner fighting for me every step of theway. I won’t ever forget that,” he says quietly. His eyes hold more emotion than words can ever say.
“It’s what family does,” I say simply. Blood makes no difference to me. He’s my brother and always will be. He nods briefly and looks down at his glass, keeping his emotions in check.
“Is no one going to mention the fact that you and McCormick are going to be teammates?” Olivia asks, looking around in shock.
Knox starts chuckling, and Travis and I join in.
“You follow hockey?” Knox asks her.
“My dad’s a big Chicago fan, and we grew up going to games. It’s a sport that stuck with me after I left home,” she grins at him.
“Chicago fan?” He wrinkles his nose in disgust. “We’re going to have to change that if we’re going to be friends.”
“I may be persuaded to jump ship to your side if you prove yourself worthy enough in the first game.”
“We’ll win the first one. Don’t you worry about that,” he laughs before looking at me. “She’s a keeper. Don’t fuck this up.”
“I’m not planning on it,” I softly chuckle and run my hand absently over her thigh as she lies against me. “So, you and McCormick on the same team? Olivia is right. You guys can’t go a full quarter without laying into each other. How in the hell are you supposed to be on the same team, let alone be his captain?”
“Karma’s a bitch, and I look forward to keeping that prick in line. He’s had it out for me since I stole the puck from him and got the winning goal, knocking his team out of the playoffs. If he wants to keep playing on my team, then he’s going to have to find a way to get over it,” he says, chuckling into his drink and taking a sip.
“He has a lot of talent, but he’s young and a hothead. You’llbe good for him, Knox,” Travis says. “He needs someone like you to keep him in line.”
“I’ll have no problem doing that,” he grins. “I hope I’m there to see pretty boy’s reaction when he gets the news.”
“You good?” I ask quietly, nudging Savi with my shoulder. “You’re too quiet. It’s making me nervous,” I laugh softly.
“Other than my worst nightmare coming to life? I’m peachy keen,” she mutters before standing up. “I’m going to get some more wine.”
“I’ll go with you,” Sophia says, watching Savi closely. I know she’s going to make sure she’s all right. She’s really bothered by this, and I have no clue how to make it better.
Without paying attention to where she’s going, Savi trips over Knox’s boot, and he instantly reacts, catching her before she falls and knocking her into his lap.
Her eyes get wide as she struggles to get out of his hold.
“If you wanted to sit on my lap, sunshine, all you had to do was ask,” he says arrogantly, knowing damn well it’s going to set her off.
“Your lap would be the last one I would ever want to sit on,” she says, gritting her teeth. “Let go of me, you big ass,” she pushes him away and finally stands up.
“I think what you mean to say isthank you for not letting me fall flat on my face.”
“No,” she says, pushing her long, dark hair out of her eyes that are burning with blue fire. “Ass isexactlywhat I meant,” she says, walking away.
“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” Travis chuckles, scrubbing a hand over his face as his wife leaves to catch up with Savi.
“Apparently not,” he says quietly, watching her disappear inside. Sighing, his eyes finally break away, meetingmine briefly. Something close to regret flashes so quickly that if I didn’t know him better, I would think I had imagined it.
He quickly recovers and tosses back the rest of his drink before getting into a conversation with Travis about a new tattoo he wants.
“How about we get Bee and call it a night?” I lean down and whisper in her ear. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
“Agreed,” she laughs softly. “Let’s hope they don’t kill each other tonight.”
“They are both adults and can figure out how to live in the same small town on their own. Not my concern anymore. I have more important things to worry about.” I kiss the tattoo behind her ear.
“Which is?” Her breath hitches slightly when I graze her skin with my teeth.
