Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“No…” I reach around his neck, pulling his face down to mine. “Thank you,” I whisper, my gratitude pouring out as I kiss him, conveying without words how much his support means to me. He wraps his arms around me instantly, allowing me to lead for a moment before his lips and tongue take over, igniting a fire between us.
His eyes blaze when he finally lifts his head, a playful glint in his gaze. “I can go kick his ass again for another kiss like that.”
I laugh, the tension easing. “You don’t make it easy for me to keep my hands off you,” he whispers, leaning his forehead against mine.
“Who said I asked you to?” I reply cheekily, fully aware that I’m giving him an unmistakable green light.
He tilts his head, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Well then, sweetness, I guess I need to prove I have excellent hearing.”
“Cole, did you see that?” Barrett tugs at my sleeve, his eyes wide with excitement as I nibble on my cookie. Sydney and Uncle Jackson are standing in front of us, blocking my view of the commotion happening just beyond them-the bad guy who had been yelling at Luci. I don’t like it when people yell at her. It makes my stomach twist. She talks to them like she talks to me when I’m in trouble, just like that angry guy at the craft store. This one didn’t hurt her, but he was definitely being mean.
“What’s going on?” I ask, trying to peek around Uncle Jackson.
“Your daddy is kissing Luci.” He whispers, his finger pointing in the direction of the action.
“No way?!” I can’t believe it. I lean around Uncle Jackson, and there it is-Daddy holding Luci close, his lips brushing against hers.
“Look! He is!” I exclaim, my heart fluttering with joy.
Now he’s smiling at her, and I can’t help but smile too. “He did!”
Barrett’s grin widens, and he leans in closer. “You know what that means? Luci could be your mom if your daddy likes her enough.”
The thought sends a warm rush through me. “Luci’d be a good mom.” I say, my smile growing. Barrett beams back at me. He’s like me and Luci-without a mom.
“Yep. I hope I get a good mom too.” There’s a hint of sadness in his voice, and I can see it in his eyes.
“You will! We can ask Santa for that. And I’ll ask Luci if she can find you one too. She can find all kinds of things I can’t. Do you think she wants to be my mom?”
“Sure, Luci loves you! She loves me too. My dad says Luci has the biggest heart ever, like the Grinch at the end of the movie. You need to make sure they keep kissing, Cole. That means he likes her.”
I nod, feeling a sense of determination as Daddy approaches with Luci. “Ready for the movie, boys?” Sydney asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I nod eagerly, my mind buzzing with thoughts of how I can make Luci my mom.
–
Easton
“Tuesday night, practice is going to be short and sweet because our wonderful captain is running it while Fuckphries is away. We should be done faster since we do half our workouts in the morning,” Becker points out, a smirk on his face. “You can take her on a date then. We’ve got Cole.”
Jackson grimaces at the mention of my plans. “Just maybe ask Luci what he can dream about. I got the most unbelievable expression from him when I shared my idea last time. He told me Luci does much better and that he’d have trouble going to sleep.”
Kingston snickers, clearly amused. “He’s particular. Luci has spoiled him already. I’m pretty sure I’ve dreamed about some of the instructions she leaves at this point.”
“That’s what I’ll do then.” I start to rise, but Becker pushes my shoulder back down.
“What’s up?” I ask, confused.
“Where are you taking her?” He asks, his tone serious.
“Dinner. I didn’t do that last time.” I shrug, trying to downplay it.
“Again, where? And what after that?” Jackson probes further, his eyes narrowing.
“Why do you guys care?” I glance between them, feeling the pressure mount.
“Because you suck at this, East.” Kingston’s bluntness cuts through the air. “We’re trying to marry you off, so we need this to be a success.”
“The hell….” My mind reels at his words, and he bursts into laughter.
“What are you offended about?” Becker grins, clearly enjoying this.
“All of what he said! Why do you need to marry me off? And how do you know I suck at dates? I haven’t taken you out on one!” I protest, my voice rising slightly.
“You’re happier with Luci, so we’re keeping her for you. She loves Cole, and he loves her. It’s a win-win for all of us.” I open my mouth to argue, but Jackson holds up a finger.
“We already voted and decided. You didn’t show up for it, so… too bad. Even if you cast a dissenting vote, you were outnumbered. I would have brought Cole in if needed.”
Becker cackles, fist-bumping my twin.
“Now be more specific. We need to approve your choices.” Becker waves his hand at me, urging me to spill the details.
“You three are experts?” My tone drips with skepticism.
“Between the four of us, we should be able to come up with something.” Becker defends himself. “You did good with the first date, actually. It gave her time to process and deal. Now we step it up and make you look like a good catch.” He flashes me a cheeky grin.