The Sniper
I’vebeeninlovewithSebastianKempsincethesecondgrade. Yes, the SebastianKemp Worldfamoushockeyplayer.Internationalplayboy.Gorgeousheartthrob. Iknow,right?Getinline
I’vebeenbestfriendswithhisyoungersistersincegradetwo,butIwasconvincedthatheforgotIwasalive. That’swhyIwassosurprisedwhenIturnedonthenewsandsawmynameandfacealloverit,sayingthatwewereengaged Heshowsupoutofnowhere.
EightyearssinceIlastsawhimandsomehowlookingevenhotter. Hesaysthatheneedsmetopretendtobehisfiancée Justforonenight. Whatatease
It’slikefinallygettingyourfavoritedessert,butyouonlygetasmallbite. Still,anytasteofSebastianisbetterthannothing. I’lltakeabiteoutofhimanytime. Bytheendofthenight,mylifelongcrushlookslikehewantstodevour me. Butisitrealorpartofthecharade? Ihavenopuckingidea.
Become a fan of the hottest hockey team in town: The San Antonio Hyenas Where the guys know how to handle their big sticks and are so hot they’ll melt the ice!
Asteamy new hockey series from OTT specialist, Olivia T Turner Insta-love at its finest with no cheating and a super sweet HEAalways guaranteed.
To Lauren.
Who as a teenager dragged me to a hockey game to watch some cute boys play and then had to drag me back out
Contents
Copyright TheSniper
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Epilogue
Epilogue
Epilogue
GetObsessed
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AlsobyOliviaT Turner
Sebastian
“N
owcanyoutellme?”Iaskmyagentwithasteelylook “WhythehellamIinSanAntonio?”
We’reoutsideanofficeinsomeswankyluxurioushigh-riseinthecitywaitingforamysterymeeting.It’sbeenall top-secretthisandon-a-need-to-know-basisthatforthepastweek MyagentLydiasaiditwouldbeworthit Shesaid itwouldblowmysocksoff.
Ihavetobehonest,myexpectationsarelow
Interms ofhockeycities, SanAntonio ranks atthe bottom. Literally. The SanAntonio Hyenas are the worstteaminthe league.Havebeenfordecades.
Whatever ‘amazingdeal’she’scookedupisalreadystinkinglikeasweatyhockeybagintheTexassun Idon’twantany partofit.
Ifthepersonwe’remeetinghadn’tsenthisprivatejettopickmeup,Iwouldneverhaveagreedtocome There’snoway I’dflycommercialjusttotelltheHyenasthatI’llneverplayfortheirshittyteam.
“Alright,IguessIcantell you!”Lydiasayswithabigenergeticsmile.It’smakingmyhangover evenworse.Myheadis poundingandmypatienceiswearingthin.“HowwouldyouliketobeaHyena?”
“Howwouldyouliketobeunemployed?”
“Hearmeout,”shesaysassheperksupinherseat “There’sanewownerintown Didyouhearabouttheacquisitionthis summer?”
“Yeah,”Isayas Isinkintotheleather sofa,wishingIhadn’tgottenonthatjetafter all Iknew this wouldbe awasteof time.“Somebillionaireboughttheteam.Sowhat?”
“So,”shesays,barelyabletocontainherexcitement.ThisenergyiswhyIhiredherasmyagentwhenIenteredtheleague fiveyears ago.Sheseemedsoenthusiasticandfull ofspunk.Ithoughther exuberancewouldgetmemoresponsorshipdeals and higher paycheques. Ididn’ttake into accounthow itwould make myhangovers worse. “It’s notjustanybillionaire. It’s BrantleyVanMorgan”
Istareather.AmIsupposedtoknowwhothatis?
“Icanseethatyoudon’tlookimpressed,”shesays,hersmilenotevenfadingalittlebit “Butwaituntilyouseewhathe hasplannedforthisfranchise.”
“It’sthefuckingHyenas,”Isaywithalaugh,eventhoughit’sfarfromfuckingfunny.“WhywouldIeverplayhere?”
“Ithinkyouhavetolistenwithanopenmindandaclearheart”
IshakemyheadasIlistentoher.Howcanmyagentbesooutoftouchwithreality?ThefuckingHyenas?Really?! TheycallmeTheSniperforareason Iwastheleaguescorerforthelastfiveyears Nobodyhandlesapucklikeme Five yearsintheleagueandI’vebroughthomethreeStoneyCups. Whatawasteoftime Now,I’llhavetostartagentshoppingwhenIgethometoo “Icantellthatyou’renothappy,”shesayswhensheseesmyface.“ButSebastian,Ithinkyou’regoingto ” Thedoortotheofficeopens,interruptingher.Aguyinafittedsuitwalksoutandnodstous.“Mr.VanMorganisreadyto seeyounow”
IsighasIstandup.Thisbetterbeoverfast.IwanttobebackinMiamiandsettledinsomesleazybarthreewhiskeysdeep beforemidnight
“Remember,”Lydiawhispersaswewalktotheoffice.“Openmind.”
I’mmorereadytogivethemapieceofmymindasIheadin
BrantleyVanFuckface is standingat the head of the huge table inhis darkblue designer suit. “Welcome to the Hyenas
headquarters, Mr. Kemp,” he says ina deep authoritative voice. He looks like he’s hoveringaround fiftyyears old withhis salt-and-pepperhairandfinely-groomedbeard.“Please,takeaseat.”
LydiaandhimexchangehellosasIlookaroundtheluxuriousconferenceroomonmywaytoaseat Hehasfivesuitsonhis sideofthetable.Theylooklikealineofderangedmannequinswiththewaythey’resmilingatme.I’mtoohungoverforthis shit Islumpinmychairaseveryonesitsdown.
“Thankyouforcoming,”VanMorgansayswithanod “I’msurethatLydiafilledyouin?” “Nope.”
“Iwantedtokeepitasurprise,”Lydiasays,beamingasshelooksatthebillionaire.“IthoughtI’dletyoutellhim.” Oh,God,Ineedanewagent Preferablyonewhodoesn’tcallmebeforenoonandisn’tsodamnchipperallthetime “Perfect,”VanMorgansayswithagrin.“Mr.Kemp,we’dliketoofferyouapositionontheSanAntonioHyenas.” Istareathimwithdeadeyes Hestaresbackatme.
Isthisguyfuckingforreal?Iwasannoyedbefore,butnowI’mjustpissed Idon’tmeantobecocky,butI’mthebestdamnplayerintheleague.IwonthreeStoneyCupsinarow. Three! Icouldgo anywhere.LikeIwouldcometothisdumpsterfireofanorganization.AmIajoketohim?
Myhandssqueezeintofistsunderthetableasthepoundinginmyheadgetslouderandmadder “Iknow whatyoumustbethinking,”VanMorgansayswithahandup.“WhywouldI,SebastianKemp,thebestplayerin theleague,cometotheHyenasofallplaces?”
“Yeah,prettymuch.”
“So,letmemakemypitch.”
Icrossmyarmsandglareathim.“Youhavefiveminutes.” Hegrins.“Whatdoesahyenasignifytoyou?”
“Ashithockeyteam”
“Iwastalkingabouttheanimal.”
“Idon’tknow Adirtydogthateatsscraps”
“Hyenasarethemostcunningofalltheanimals,”hesaysashestaresmedown.“Theymaynotbeasmajesticasalionor asimposingasagorilla,buttheyaretoughtenaciousbeastswhoworktogethertowardtheircommongoal.”
“Isthisaninterviewforazooorforahockeyteam?”
Lydiaputsherhandonmyarmandsmilesnervously.“He’skidding.” Iwasn’t
“Ihaveavisionforthishockeyteam,”VanMorgansaysinafirmtone.“TheHyenasaregoingtogofromthebottomofthe packtothetop Andwe’dlikeyoutobeapartofthatjourney”
ItakeadeepbreathasIstareathim.
“Yourteamisnotacontender,”Itellhimbluntly.
“Anyteamintheleagueisacontenderwithyouonit,”heanswers Maybe,butIcan’tdoitonmyown.“Whoelsedoyouhave?”
“HarrisSutton,”hesays “All-stardefender”
“Yeah,maybetenyearsago,”Isaywithalaugh.Thatoldveteraniswellpasthisprime.“Anyoneelse?”
“NolanBarlowe”
Hegrinswhenheseestheshockonmyface.Nolanisbyfarthebestgoalieintheleague.Ididn’tknowhesignedhere.I turntoLydiainshock.Shenodswithaknowingsmileonherface.
“EdvardSvensson”
“What?” I whisper as chills ripple down my spine. He’s the best player in Europe, but he always refused to move to America Idon’tknowhowthisbillionairegotSvenssontocomeandjointheHyenasofallteams Theremusthavebeenashit tonofzeroesonthatcheck.
“We also gotAustinGambill inthe draft,” he says witha grin “How would youlike to have the number one draftpick linedupbesideyou?Howmanygoalsdoyouthinkyou’dscorewithhimpassingyouthepuck?”
Arecord-breakingamount.
IhavegoosebumpsasIsitalittlestraighterinmychair
“Iknow you’vehadproblemswithteams takingcheapshots atyou,”VanMorgansays.“Your currentteaminMiami has failedtoprovideyouwithproperprotection Well,theHyenashavealreadysignedTuckerMcKinstrytobeyourenforcer” Myjawdrops.He’sthetoughestfuckerintheleague.I’mnotsureifhe’sabetterboxerorabetterhockeyplayer,butIwant himonmysideforonce.AlotofthosecheapshotsIgotovertheyearswerefromhimandtheydid not feelgood.
PlayerswillthinktwiceaboutfuckingwithmeiftheyknowthatTuckerMcKinstrywillbeunleashedonthemiftheygetout ofline.
“And,”VanMorgansaysasmyheartratepicksup,“toleadthepack,Ibroughtinlegendarycoach,FinnMoss.” I’mtoostunnedtospeak.He’sthebestcoachinthehistoryoftheleague.He’sretirednow,well,he was retired.
“Inadditionto all of that,” VanMorgancontinues, “we have a new state-of-the-art arena nearingcompletion We have everythingweneedtoformanewdynastyintheleague.Allwe’remissingisTheSniper.”
Myheartisbeatingsofast MyheadachehasclearedandI’mfeelinglightheadedinstead Thisis incredible It’sexactlywhatIwant.WhatIneed.Anewstart.Achancetobegreat.Truly,trulygreat.
“Andthisiswhatwe’dliketoofferyou”
VanMorganslidesapieceofpaperacrossthedesk.IturnitoverandmythroatmakesasuddenwhimperingsoundwhenI seeallofthezeroes.
Idon’tevenwanttonegotiate Iwanttojumpontothetableandscream‘YES!!!’atthetopofmylungs
“Just one thing,” Van Morgan says as he slides the paper back. “We do have our reservations. We must consider your reputation”
Theexcitementinmychestdeflateslikeasadballoon.
Iglance atLydia She looks as concernedas Ifeel She mighthave beenkeepingthe funannouncementfromme,butshe wasn’tkeepingthispartfromme.She’sasinthedarkasIam.
“Sebastian Kemp is known as a team player,” Lydia says, jumping to my defense. “He’s a hard worker, a once-in-agenerationathlete,andagoal-scoringmachine”
“Nooneisdebatinghisaccomplishmentsontheice,”VanMorgansays.“It’sofftheicethatistheproblem.”
Mystomachsinksasthreeyearsoftabloidheadlinesrunthroughmymind
Flavor of the Week for Sebastian Kemp: Actress Wynona Belle.
Sebastian Kemp wraps new Ferrari around a telephone pole
Penalty Box or Jail for Sebastian Kemp? Star Hockey Player Caught In Another Bar Brawl. There’smore. Lots more.
Lydiaturnstomewithatightsmile
“Youdon’tbecomeabillionairebylosingmoney,”VanMorgansays.“Iliketoensurethatmyinvestmentswillbringmea return Andit’shardformyinvestmentstobringmeareturnifthey’restuckinsomesmalltownjailforfightinghillbilliesorif they’vedriventhemselvesoffacliffafterdowningabottleofJackDaniel’s.”
“Those days are over for Sebastian,” Lydia jumps inwitha near-frantic tone.“He’s turnedover a new leaf.He’s a new man!”
VanMorgandoesn’tlookconvinced.Probablyit’sthebagsundermybloodshoteyes.
“Ithasn’tbeenannouncedtothepressyet,”Lydiasayswithadeepbreath Igivehertheside-eye “ButSebastianhasanew girlfriend!”
“Whoisitthisweek?”VanMorgansaysinaflattone Hedoesn’tlookimpressedwithmyagent’sbogussurprise “It’snotlikethat,”Lydiasayswithahigh-pitchededgetohervoice.“She’sasmart,wonderful,capablegirlthatSebastian isinlovewith!”
Whatisthiswomangoingonabout?I’mstaringatherasifshe’sgonecompletelymad “She’skeepinghiminline,”Lydiasayswithanervouslaugh.“Infact,they’reengaged!”
VanMorganlooksskeptical “Engaged?”
“Yup!”Lydiasays.Sheturnstomewithwideunblinkingeyes.“Right,Sebastian?”
MychestachesasIstarebackather
Ireallywanttojointhisteam.Eventhoughit’stheHyenas,thisrostercouldbesomethingspecial.Andturningtheworst franchiseintheleagueintothebestwillreallycementmylegacyforalloftime.Icanreachthenextlevelwiththiscrew the legendarylevel
Isn’tthatworthlyingaboutafiancée?
Hell,IcanjustsaythattheengagementfellthroughafterIsignthecontract
“Yes,”Isay,noddingalongwithawarmsmileonmyface.“I’manewman.I’minloveandengagedtobemarriedtothe loveofmylife”
Lydiatakesherfirstbreathinfiveminutes.
Iimaginethatnotmanypeoplehavesuccessfullyliedtothisman,buthedoesn’tcallusoutwhileheskepticallystaresus down
“Okay,”VanMorgansayswithouttakinghispiercingeyesoffme.“I’mhavingacocktailpartyatmyhouseonFridaynight. Itrustyouandyourfiancéecanattend?”
“They’llbethere!”Lydiasays,jumpinginbeforeIcananswer.“Right,Sebastian?” It’sTuesday,whichmeansIonlyhavethreedaystofindafakefiancée.
It’sgoingtobealmostimpossible,butI’llhavetotry.Iwanttobeapartofthisteam.Badly.
“We’dlovetoattend,”Isay.
“Andyourfiancée’sname?”VanMorganasks. Lydialooksatmewithwideeyesandatightsmile.
“Alina,”Isay “AlinaHoover” Ihavenoideawhythatnamepoppedintomyhead,butitdid. Shewasmyyoungersister’sbestfriendgrowingup Ihaven’tthoughtaboutherinyears,soIhavenoideawhythatwasthefirstnametocomeup.Weird.
“Perfect,”VanMorgansayswithanod “IfeverythinggoeswellonFriday,we’llhavethecontractreadyforyoutosign” “Or,wecanjustsignitnow,”Lydiathrowsoutwithanervouschuckle.“Sincewe’reallhere…” “Fridaywillbefine,”VanMorgansayswithafirmnod.
Hestandsupandeveryonefollows Idon’tknowwhyhepaysforthesefivepeopletobehereifhe’sjustgoingtodoallof thetalkinghimself,butwhatever.Iguesswhenyouhavebillionsinthebank,savingmoneyistheleastofyourconcerns. HeshakesLydia’shandandthenmine
“I’mgoingtobringaStoneyCuptoSanAntonio,”hesays,hiseyesbrimmingwithintensity.“Multiplecups.Ihopeyoucan joinusinthefun”
“So,doI.”
“UntilFridaythen.I’mlookingforwardtomeetingthisfiancéeofyours.It’sgoingtotakeastrongwomantokeepthewild SebastianKempinline”
“LikeIsaid,I’manewman.”
“Good,”VanMorgansayswithadismissivenod “BecauseIwon’thavealiabilityonmyteam,nomatterhowtalentedhe is.”
MystomachsinksasIheadtothedoor. Fuck. IwalkwithLydiatotheelevatorsinsilence.Westareatthefloorandceilinguntilthedoorsopenandwestepinside. Oncetheyclose,webotherupt.
“WhydidyousayIwasengaged?!”
“Whydidyougiveaname?!”
Theelevatordescendsaswecurseandshoutsomemore
“Whoisthisgirlanyway?”Lydiasayswhenwelandonthemainfloor.“Whatwashername?AlinaCooter?”
“Alina Hoover,”Isayinasharptone,alreadyfeelingdefensiveofher.“Shewasmysister’sbestfriendgrowingup.” “Thiscouldwork.Areyoustillclosewithher?”
“Ihaven’tseenherineightyears.”
Shedropsherheadandreleasesasoundlikeadyinganimalwouldmake “Eightyears?”shesayswhileshakingherhead.“She’sprobablymarried,orpregnant.” Myjawclenchesatthethought
“Well,eitherway,we’llhavetocutherachecklargeenoughtomakeheragree.It’stheonlyway.”
Idon’tevenknowifmysisterMarieisstillfriendswithher.IguessI’llhavetocallherandask.I’llprobablygetanearful inthatphonecall
“Wheredoesthisgirlliveanyway?”Lydiaasksasweexitthebuildingintothehotdesertsun.
“Myhometown,”Isaywithasigh “Shakings,Colorado”
can’tstopstaringathim He’sthemostbeautifulthingI’veeverseen
HowmanytimeshaveIopenedthispictureandstaredathim,dreamingofthedayIcancuddlehimonthebedandhold himinmyarms?Toomanytocount
He’sallIcanthinkaboutlately.Mymindisconsumedwiththoughtsofstrokinghisbodyandkissinghishead.I’dbethe happiestgirlintheworldifhewasmine
“Thatpicture again?”mycoworkerEddiesayswithashakeofhisheadashewalksintooursharedofficewithacoffee. “Whydon’tyoujustbuyonealready?”
IsighasIshutdownthepicture
“MylandlordwillkickmeoutifIgetadog.”
“Don’ttellhim,”Eddiesayswithashrugashesitsathisdesk Hespillssomeofhiscoffeewhenheputsitdown “Shit”
“I’mgoingtohavetobringhiminandoutforwalks,”IsayasIimagesearch‘pugpuppies’onemoretime.Ourdesksare attachedandfacingeachother,soIcangazeatthepuppieswithoutEddie’spryingeyes.“Andmylandlordlivesdownstairs.”
“That’seasy,”Eddiesaysashepullsouthisemptypocketandwipesthespilledcoffeewithit.“Hidehiminyourjacket.” “Whataboutinsummer?”
“Underyourdress?”hesayswithashrug IsighasIturnbacktothepuppies.It’shopeless.I’llnevergetone. Iwantonesobadlythough
“Headsup,”thebubblyreceptionistJanesaysasshepopsherheadintoouroffice.“TheComedianisontheway.” “Shit,” I whisper as I open a contract, smooth out my hair, sit up straight, and switch my music fromTaylor Swift to somethingoldandclassical,allatthesametime.
TheComedianisourboss,Mr.Seinfeld.WecallhimTheComedianbecauseofhisnameobviously,andironicallybecause he’sthemostunfunnypersonintheworld He’smeanandwouldcrackaskullbeforehe’devercrackajoke “MissHoover,”hisdeepvoicebellowsfrombehindme. MyheartstartspoundingasIturnaroundwithaforcedsmile “Hi,Mr Seinfeld Ilovethattie” Hefrownsashelooksatit.“MywifeboughtitatCostco.Orangejuicespilledonitwhileitwasinthetrunk.” “Well,youcan’tevenhardlynotice!”Isaywithaweirdhigh-pitchedlaugh.
Animageofhimsittingathisbreakfasttablescowlingattheorangejuicecartonwhileeatinghiscerealpopsintomymind “Itookalookatyourproposals,”hesayswithasternglare.
Ohgod Thisisit!
I’vebeenworkinghereforsixyearsandI’vebeendesperatetogetahead.Thisismyshot.Icanfeelit. Wemakehigh-endluxuriouscustomclosetsandMr Seinfeldhasbeenlookingtoexpandhisveryprofitablebusinessinto somenew locations.Ijumpedattheopportunityandwroteupproposalsforfivenew cities.Ittookforevertoresearch,butI thinkIdid a good job. Atleast, Ihope Idid. And I’mreallyhopinghe’s goingto consider me to be the one to runthe new branchonceitgetsthegreenlight
“Notgood,”hesaysbluntly.Mystomachdrops.Myheadspins.ImightpukealloverTheComedian’sCostcoshoes. “Wha ?”Igasp,notabletofinishthewordI’msoshocked Hetossesthefilesontomydeskandtheylandwitha slap.“Allsaturatedmarketsandwehavenoedgetohelpstartusoff withabang”
“CanI…tryagain?”
HelookslikeabigMuppetashefrownsatmewiththosebushyeyebrowsandlargeforehead.“Bringmeonemorecity. AndMissHoover,itbetterbetheone.”
Ifeelnauseousashewalksaway Now,Ireallywantapuppytocuddle.
“Crashedandburned,”Eddiesaysfromtheothersideofthecomputer “CanweturnofftheMozartcrapnow?” IsighasIturnTaylorSwiftbackon,notknowingwhattodo.
MymindblanksasIlazilycheckmyphone Mr Seinfeldmakesuskeepthemlockedaway,butrightnow,Idon’tcarethat I’mbreakingprotocol.
“Whatthehell?”IwhisperwhenIseethatmyphonehasblownup.Thirty-sixtexts?Didsomeonedie?
“What The Fuck,”Eddiesayswaytooloudforanoffice Hisshockedheadpopsupovermycomputerscreen “Sebastian Kemp?!You’reengagedtoSebastianfucking Kemp?!”
“What?”
“I’velistenedtoyourambleonfor hours aboutfuckingpuppiesyetyoudon’tmentiontheoneinterestingthingaboutyour life?!You’reengagedtoTheSniper?!Ididn’tevenknowyouknewSebastianKemp!”
“Iknewhiminhighschool…”
“DoeshehavetheStoneyCupathishouse?”
“Hewasmybestfriend’solderbrother,butIhaven’t ”
“Holyshit,it’s your house!YouhavetheStoneyCupatyourhouse?!CanIcomeoverfordinner?”
“Wait,”Isaywhenmymindstopsglitching “Didyousayengaged?”
Hegrabshismonitorandyanksitaround,spillinghiscoffee,butthistime,hedoesn’tevenattempttocleanit. “Look!”
MymouthdropswhenIseewhathe’stalkingabout.It’satabloidsitewithmynameonit.
Hockey Superstar Sebastian Kemp Engaged to Hometown Honey, Alina Hoover. It’snotjustmyname Mypictureisuptheretoo TheonefrommyFacebookprofile Mymuddledbraintriestopieceitalltogether,butnothingisclickingintoplace.AllIcandoisstareatthescreenwithmy mouthhangingopenlikeadrowningfish
“It doesn’t make anysense…” Iwhisper as Istare at the letters that are no longer formingwords. The entire article is filteringthroughmymuddledbrainandcomingoutamess.
“Wait,”Isay,narrowingmyeyesonEddie.“IsthisoneofthosemeanYouTubepranksthataresupposedtobefunny,but arejustcruel?”
“Canyougetmeticketstoagame?”Eddiesays,staringatmeinawe “Frontroworinanexclusivebox?” MyphonevibratesonmydeskandInearlyjumpoutofmyskin.It’smybestfriend(andSebastian’syoungersister)Marie. NowIknowthisisnoprank Mariewouldnevercallunlessitwasanemergency Ifshe’scallingovertexting,it’slifeand death.
“Alina!”shescreecheswhenIpickup.“What is happening?!You’re engaged to my brother?!” “I I ”Idon’tknowwhatthehellisgoingon It’slikesomeonetookmylifeandshookituplikeasnowglobe I’mstill tryingtocatchup.
“We’renotengaged,”Isay,tryingtokeepmyshakyvoiceallcalm “It’samistake”
“It’s on every news channel,”Marieshouts.“How did this happen? Are you two dating behind my back?” “No!Ihaven’tseenyourbotherineightyears”
ThelasttimeIsawSebastianwasatmyhighschoolgraduation.HehadjustsignedwiththeEelsandwasabouttomoveto Miami.Hebarelylookedatmetheentirenight.
ThereceptionistJanepopsbackinwithredcheeks She’slookingalittleoutofbreath “Alina!”shesayswithabigsmile “SebastianKempisheretoseeyou.”
“He’shere?!”me,Marie,andEddieallsayatthesametime “Congratulationsbytheway,”Janesays.“He’s so hot.”
Janerushesbackouttogethim
“Igottago,”IsaytoMarie.I’mfeelingvery flustered.SebastianKempishere?Thebiggestcrushofmylifeis here?At my office?Wantingtotalkto me?
Ineedasecondtobreathe
“Don’t you dare hang up with me,”Mariebarks.“Put me on speakerphone.” “Marie,Idon’tthink ”
“He’s my brother!Put me on speakerphone. I know he’s got his dirty hands all over this!” “Alright,alright,”IsayasIpushthebutton.
“I’m so sorry about this, Alina,”Mariesays,herloudvoicefillingmywholeoffice.“I’m going to kill my brother. ” IstandupwithmyhandstremblingandturntoEddie.“Canyougiveusaminuteofprivacy?”
“Notachance,”hesaysashefixeshistie. “Ohfuck,”IwhisperasIfixmyselfup myhair,myshirt,and IswearI’veneverdonethisbefore myboobs. Istareatthedoorwithmyheartpoundingastheunrequitedloveofmylifemakeshiswaydownthehall
WThatword repeats over and over inmyhead as SebastianKemp walks downthe hall inslow motion. Atleast, that’showitfeels
ThelasttimeIsawhim,hewasstillaboy.He’sallmannow. Andhe’sstunning
Janeistalkingupastorm,distractinghimashewalks.
Itaketheopportunitytocheckhimout.MybreathstallsasIlookhimupanddown.He’snotjusthot,he’sstylishtoowith designer everything dark jeans, light blue button-up shirt, brown blazer Designers around the world probably send him clothes indroves hopinghe wears somethingoftheirs. Iwouldn’tblame themeither. This manis a walkingbillboard. He’s gorgeous
Tall,muscular,andhemoveswiththelitheagilityofapredatorcat.Iguesssomethingsneverchange. Hisbodyhasmineonfullalert,butit’shisbeautifulfacethatreallygetsmyheartracing.
I spent myteenage years dreamingof those lips. Just a quickglimpse of those piercingblue eyes could keep mycrush ragingforweeks.
I’veneverlovedaboylikeIlovedSebastian AndIprobablyneverwill.
Hehasaspecialplaceinmyheart theplacewherefirstcrusheslive
I’mtryingtoremainthecalm,cool,collectedwomanI’vebecomesincethelasttimehesawme,butIfeelmyselfslipping rightbackintobeingMarie’slovestruckbestfriend.
“Heresheis,”Janesays,presentingmewithajealouslook.“TheSniperhimself.” Sebastianstopsshortwhenheseesme.Hisblueeyeswidenalittleashestaresatmeinshock.
Why is he looking at me like that? Shit, I had spinach for lunch Do I have any in my teeth? “Alina?”hesaysinalowvoiceashisicyblueeyespullmeinlikeamagnet.“Wow,I ” “Is that him?!” Marie screeches over speakerphone “Sebastian you better explain yourself before I tell Mom Why is every major news outlet saying that you ’ re engaged to Alina?!”
“I’mahugefan!”Eddiesays,practicallypushingmeoutofthewayasherushesoverwithanoutstretchedhand.“Myteam istheElectrics,butI’vealwaysbeenabigfanofyou!CanIgetaselfie?”
Sebastiannevertakeshisstunnedeyesoffme.Evenashissisterripshimanewonethroughmyphoneonthedesk,evenas Eddiethrowshisarmoverhisshoulderwhiletakingapicture,andevenwhenJaneflicksherblondehairandsaysthatshe’s leaving.Helooksmesmerizedbyme.
Oh no How big is that piece of spinach?
IturnawayforasecondandrunmytongueovermyteethbutIdon’tfeelanything.
“Sebastian!”Marieshouts.“I know you can hear me I can hear myself echoing through the office!Answer me!” Hefinallyseemstosnapoutofit “Hi,Marie”
“What are you trying to pull? This is my best friend you ’ re messing with. I can’t believe ” “It’salright,Marie,”Isay,tryingtointerruptherbutshejustkeepsongoing “Icanhandlethis”
“No, you can’t. You’re too nice. Sebastian, you tell me what’s happening right now or I’m going to drive over there and ”
“How aboutwe go to a more private spot?” Iwhisper as Iclose the
screechingphone.
“I’dlikethat,”Sebastiansays,smilinggratefully.
He keeps lookingatme as Ibringhimdownthe hall to the emptyconference room It’s made ofglass windows, so we won’tgetmuchprivacy,butatleastit’ssoundproof.
EveryonewepassdoesadoubletakewhentheyseewhoI’mwalkingwith Sebastianishockeyroyaltyafterall Andeven thepeoplewhodon’tlikehockeystillknowSebastianfromhisgoodlooksoroff-iceantics.
MybodyissotightandtenseaswewalkinandIclosethedoor Ifeellikemyheartisgoingtopoundoutofmychest “Well,yoursistersayshi,”Isaywithastrainedsmile.
HelaughsanditeasessomeofthetightnessI’mfeeling.
Istillcan’tgetoverthis ThisisSebastianKemp The SebastianKemp I’mnotstarstruckorfeelingoverwhelmedbecausehe’sacelebrity.He’smoretomethanthat.He’sthefirstandonlyboy I’veeverloved
“I guess you’re wondering what’s going on,” he says with a nervous laugh as he half-sits, half-stands against the giant conferenceroomtable
“Iwaskindofcuriousastowhymyfaceisalloverthenews.”
“Andwhyit’ssayingwe’reengaged?”
“Yeah,thattoo”
He takes a deep breathand runs his hand throughhis wavybrownhair. InearlymoanwhenIsee the silkylocks tumble backdownonthesidesofhisface
He’swayhotterinpersonthanheisonTV.It’snotevencomparable.
And I’ve seenitall. The award events whenhe’s dressed ina crisp tuxedo, the charityfunctions whenhe’s handingout frozenturkeysorschoolsuppliesinahoodieandjeans,andthelate-nightpressconferencesaftergames,bothwinsandloses thosearemyfavorite.Sometimeshecomesoutinhissweatyshirtbeforehe’sshoweredandhismessyhairlookssodamn good Ilovethesmileonhisfaceafterawin,butIloveitevenmoreafteraloss Healwayslooksabitsadandhisvoicegets alldeepandgrowly.Hiseyesgetallflintyandhardlikediamonds.Iwatchhimandfantasizeabouthimcominghometome.I makehimadrink,curluponthecouchwithhim,andmakehimfeelbetterinallsortsofways
“Ifuckedup,Alina,”hesays,droppinghishead.
Evennow,Iwanttogotohim.Iwanttomakehimfeelbetter. Instead,Icrossmyarmsandkeepmyfeetplantedinplace.
He tells me about beingoffered a contract inSanAntonio withthe Hyenas, and how the owner was worried about his reputation Too much drinking, and fighting, and girls I never look at those articles I’m happy wearing my rose-colored glassesthankyouverymuch.
“MyagentblurtedoutthatIwasengagedandsomebodyprobablyleakedittothepress,”hesayswithashakeofhishead “Iguessshethoughtitwouldhelpmyimage.”
“Areyouengaged?”
MywholebodyisonedgeasIwaitfortheanswerthatmightcrushmyheart “No,”hesaysandItakeabreathofrelief.“Theowneraskedwhatmyfiancée’snamewasandI…saidyours.” Helooksmeintheeyesashesaysitandmykneesbucklealittle “Whyme?”
“Idon’tknow”
I’mabouttoletitgo,butthenIdon’t.I’mnolonger theshymeekgirl heonceknew.I’mastrongconfidentwomannow, despitewhatmytremblinglegsseemtobesayingaboutit.
“Comeon,Sebastian,”IsayinafirmvoiceasIstarehimdown “Myfaceisall overthenews Youowemethetruthat least.Whydidyousaymyname?”
Hetakesadeepbreathandtiltshisheadashelooksatme “Ialwaysthoughtyouweremarriagematerial You’retheonly girlI’veevermetwhoIcouldseeasmywife.”
MymouthdropsopenasIstareathiminshock Me?Marriagematerial? What?Whendidthishappen?
“ButyouhardlyevenknewIwasalivebackthen,”Isay,stunnedtomycore.“Youignoredme.Ithoughtyouhatedme.”
“Hated you?”hesaysinafiercetone Heclosesthedistancebetweenusinasnap I’msuddenlylookingupathisbeautiful faceashiswarmcolognefillsmylungs.“Ineverhatedyou,Alina.I…wasscaredofyou.”
“Scared ofme?”
“ScaredthatyouwouldbetheoneandIwouldscrewitup.”
We stare at each other for a long moment. I’ve always dreamed of hearing those words slipping fromhis lips. In my fantasies,I’dsaytheperfectthingorsteponmytoesandkisshim,butrightnow,allIcandoisstarebackinshock.
“Iwantedtotellyou,Alina,”hesaysashereachesoutandtouchesmyarm.Goosebumpsslidealongmyskin.“ButI ”
Thedoor oftheconferenceroomopens behindus andTheComedianbarges in.I’msoshakenandonedgethatIbarkat him.“Whatdoyouwant?”
Mr Seinfeldjerkshisheadbackinsurprise,butthenquicklyrecoverswithasmileasheturnstoSebastian “Alina,you didn’ttellmethatyouwereengagedtothegreatSebastianKemp.”
EvenTheComedianlooksstarstruckbySebastian “Thatwas all a misunderstanding,” Sebastiansays, flashingme anapologetic look. “I’ll clear itup rightawaywiththe newsoutlets We’renotengaged”
“That’sright!”Isayinabubblyvoice.“We’realreadymarried!” Sebastianlooksatmeinshock.
Istepbesidehim,slidemyhanduphismuscularback,steponmytoes,andkisshischeek “Isn’tthatright,baby?” Hegrinsatmeandmycrushcomesroaringbackfullstrength.It’slikeitneverleft. “That’sright,”hesaysashesmilesdownatme “Thislittleladyhasmademethehappiestmanintheworldwhenshesaid Ido.”
IgrinasIstandonmytoesandkisshischeekagain Becauseit’spartoftheshow.
AndbecauseIhavetogetasmanykissesinasIcanbeforethisallblowsupinourfaces.
Chapter Six
Alina
don’tknow,”IsayasIstepoutofthebathroominalongflowingredgown Sebastianhaditsentoverthisafternoon It’s beautiful somethingJulia Roberts would wear at the end ofa blockbuster movie but wearingit inmyapartment is makingmefeelnothingbutfoolish
Marieisslowlyshakingherhead,staringatmeinawe.“It’sstunning.”
“Really?” I say, turning to the mirror The dress is stunning, she’s right about that, it’s just me in the dress that’s the problem.“I’veneverwornanythinglikethisbefore.”
“And you’ve never flownina private jetbefore,” she says as she jumps up to adjustthe dress inthe back, “and you’ve neverbeentoapartyatabillionaire’shousebefore” AndI’veneverbeenonadatewithSebastian…
“YoureallythinkIcanpullitoff?”Iaskwithadeepbreath Hereyesaregettingwateryasshelooksmeover.“Ido.” “Whyareyougettingsoemotional?”
“Idon’tknow,”shesays,wipinghereyes.“Iwassomadatmybrother,butthemoreIthinkaboutit…ThemoreperfectI thinkitis.Youandhim…Usassisters…Asfamily.”
“We’vealwaysbeenfamily,”Isaywithawarmsmile,feelingmyowneyestearingup “Yeah,butitcouldbeofficial.”
“Whoa,whoa,whoa,”Isay,catchingmyselfbeforeIdiveheadfirstintofantasylandwithher “It’sjustadate It’snoteven reallyadate.It’safakedate.Superromantic.”
Marie is smiling like she didn’t hear a word I said. “We’ll see,” she whispers. “It’s not just a date. It’s the start of somethingspecial.Icanfeelit.”
BythetimeSebastianpicksmeupatfive,I’malldolledup.Mariespenttheafternoonworkingonmyhair,twistingsomelocks intosmallintricatebraidsandcurlingothersuntiltheybouncelikeSlinkieswitheverystepItake.Wehaveagreattimetalking, joking,andreminiscingaboutourteenageyears Adaylikethishasbeenlongoverdue Weusedtodothisallthetime,butever sincewegotjobsandsettledintoadulthood,we’vebeenforgettingtodothesmallthings.Thingsthatmakehavingabestfriend likeMariesomuchfun
“Letmeanswerit,”Mariesayswhensomeoneknocksonthefrontdoor.
“Benice,”Icallouttoherasshewalksover “Hello?”Mariesaysinadeepvoiceassheslowlyopensit.
Sebastian’sdeepvoicecomesrumblingdownthehallway.“Hey,Marie.”
“Youbetter haveher backbeforecurfew,”Mariewarnslikeanoverprotectivefather reluctantlysendinghisdaughter out onherfirstdate.“Or,I’llcomelookingforyou,andtrustme,they’llneverfindthebody.”
“I’llbegood,”Sebastiansayswithachuckle “Bestbehavior,Ipromise”
“Alrightthen,”Mariesayswithasigh.“Lookatourgirl.”
Shestepstothesideandopensthedoor,revealingmestandinginthemiddleofmyapartment
Sebastian’s jaw drops whenhe sees me. He sucks ina breathand holds itas he takes me
womanhe’severseen
He’slookingravishinghimselfinafittedblacktuxedothat’smakinghimlooklikehecouldbethenextJamesBond.He’s holdingabigvibrantbouquetofredrosesinhishand
“Wow,Alina,”hesaysaswestareeachotherdownwithheatedeyes.
IfMariewasn’there,I’mnotsurethatwe’devenleavethisapartment Wemighthavespentthenightinmybedroomwith thesenicefancyclothescrumpleduponthefloor.
“Youlook ”hesays,unabletofindthewords “Magnificent”
“Thankyou,”Isayshyly.“Areyoureadytogo?”
“Thelimoisdownstairs,”hesaysasheofferstheroses.“Theseareforyou.”
OurhandstouchasItakethem Itgivesmegoosebumpsandmakesmycheeksgoallred I’mfeelinglikeashyawkward teenageronceagain.It’scrazyhowthismancanmaketheconfidentwomanI’vebecomevanishsoeasily.Ilikeitinanostalgic kindofway
“Thankyoufortheflowers,”IsayasIbringthemtomynose,usingthemtohidemyblushingcheeks.“They’rebeautiful.” Sebastian’seyesarestillonmeasMarietakesthemfrommyhandstoputinwater
We’resuddenlyaloneinthetinyentranceofmyapartment.I’vedreamedaboutthisthousandsoftimes Sebastianpicking meuponadate butI’mnowrealizingtherewasneveranydialogueinmyfantasies.Whatdoyousaytoagorgeoussuperstar heartthroblikeSebastianKemp?
“Ilikeyourtuxedo,”IsayasIslidemyhanddownhislapel,feelinghishardchestmusclesunderneath. IsuddenlyrealizewhatI’mdoingandsnapmyhandbacklikeI’vejusttouchedahotstove Myeyessnapuptohisasmycheeksgetniceandhot.
Hesmiles.Itmakesmesmile.
I’mgoingto have to stop blushingafter everytouch, look, or word fromthis manifanyone is goingto believe I’mhis fiancée.Ijustdon’tknowhowtopullthatoff.
“Therosesareinwater,”Mariesaysasshereturns,wipingherhandsonherpants “Youtwoconartistsarefreetogo” Webothsaygoodbyeandthenheaddowntothelimo.It’sbeautifulinside.
“Haveyoueverbeeninalimo?”Sebastianasksoncewe’removing “Justatprom,”Isay.
“Ohyeah,” he says witha grin. “Iremember that. YouwentwithConnor Hartwell. Iwas so jealous. Iwanted to clock him.”
Mymouthdropsinshock.Ican’tbelieveherememberedthat.
“Youwerejealous?”Isay,stillnotquitebelievingit “OfConnorHartwell?”
He sighs aggressivelyas he runs his hand throughhis hair. “WhenIsaw how youlooked inthatpinkdress… And then watchingyouwalkintotheschoolonhisarm Yeah Iwasjealous” Wow.Ihadnoidea.
“Iwouldhavegonewithyouifyouwouldhaveasked,”Isaywithateasinggrin.IknewitwasalongshotsinceSebastian paidmenoattentionandhadgraduatedtwoyearsearlier,butIstillthoughtaboutitconstantlybackthenjustthesame “Ishouldhave,”hesaysashepiercesmewiththosegorgeousblueeyes.“Maybethenwewouldn’thavewastedall this time”
IsmileasIlookathimandthenIdropmyeyes.I’mnotsureifthepasteightyearshavebeenwastedtime.Wejustweren’t readyforoneanotherbackthen Sometimespeoplehavetofindthemselvesbeforetheyfindtheirsoulmates Ithinkthat’swhat thoselostyearswereforbothofus.
“Ikeptlookingatthedoorallnight,”Isaywithashylaugh.“Ihadthisfantasyofyoukickingthedoorsopen,marchingup tome,andtakingmeforadanceunderthecrystalball”
Hereachesoverandtakesmyhand.HishandissofterthanIthoughtitwouldbe.It’sstrongertoo.
IgetwarmshiversracingthroughmeasIlookupathim
Forasecond,Ithinkhemightkissme. Iwanthimtosobadly
Mychintiltsup,mylipspart.I’mmesmerizedbyhismagicalblueeyes.I’mahelplessfawntrappedunderhisspell. Heshiftsinhisseat.Ishiftinmine.
Theairchargeswithelectricdesire Myheartpounds
AndthenthedriverslamsonthebrakesandIflyofftheslickleatherseat.SebastianreachesformeasIflyontotheground inthemostunclassy,unglamorouswaypossible
“Areyouokay?”heasksashegrabsmyarmandpullsmeup.
“I’mfine!”Isay,flushingwithembarrassment.
Thewindow partitionslidesdownandthedriverislookingatusthroughtherearview mirror.“Sorryaboutthat,Mr.and Mrs.Kemp!Acarcameoutofnowhere.We’llbearrivingattheairportveryshortly.”
Sebastianpushesthebuttontothewindow,raisingitbackup. We’realoneagain,butthemomentisgone.
Iruinedit
Asusual.
Alina
Thelimowasimpressive,butVanMorgan’sprivatejetisunreal It’ssosmoothandquietasittakesoffintotheair,leaving Coloradointherearviewmirror.Doplaneshaverearviewmirrors?Probablynot.
“Whatareyouthinking?”Sebastianaskswithabeautifulgrinonhisface I’mnotabouttotellhimsomethingstupidlikethat,soItellhimaboutanotherthingthat’salwaysonmymind. “Puppies”
“Puppies?”
Ilaughattheperplexedexpressiononhisface.“I’mobsessedwithgettingone.” “So,whydon’tyou?”
“Mylandlordwouldkillme,”Isaywithasadlaugh.“Imeancomeon,howmuchfusscanalittlepugpuppycause?”
“Besidestheclawsonthehardwoodfloorsandthebarkingandthe accidents ”
“You’resupposedtobeonmy side,”Isaywithagrin.“UnlessyouwanttotakemylandlordGeorgetotheparty…” He’ssittinginthebigleatherseatinfrontofmewithaglassofscotchinhishand.Thisjetseatsabouttwentypeople,but besidesthepilots,we’retheonlyoneshere.Iwonderaboutthestewardess,butIdon’task.Sebastianprobablytoldhertostay homesowecouldbealone.Atleast,that’swhatI’mthinkinginmywishfulmind.
“No,”hesayswithagrin “I’dmuchratherhaveyouonmyarm,Alina You’rethemostbeautifulgirlintheworld” Ismile eventhoughit’s justflattery. He could literallybe datinganyone. Anystunningmodel, anygorgeous actress, any cool-as-hell singer He couldn’tpossiblythinkI’mmore beautiful thanall ofthem, butyet He’s lookingatme like that’s exactlywhathe’sthinking.
TheplaneisflyingatitscruisingaltitudewhenSebastianstandsup.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Iaskwhenhelooksatthegalleyinthefront. “SomethingIshouldhavedonealongtimeago.”
Iwatchhimwithinterestashewalksoveranddisappearsintotheservingarea Whatisgoingon?
Thelightsintheplaneturnoffandbesidesthewarmglowofthelightsofthecitydownbelow,I’mplungedintodarkness. Softmusicbeginstoplay The Lady In Red byChrisdeBurgh IsmileasIlookdownatmyreddress.
Twirling,sparkling,lightinglikethatofacrystalballfillstheplane’scabin.
I’mshaking my head with a smile on my face as Sebastian walks back out with his hand on his lower back He’s so handsome.Soregal.He’smypast,andmypresent,andhopefullymyfuture,allrolledintoonestunningpackage. “Willyoudancewithme?”heasks,offeringhishand “It’snotprom,butitwillhavetodo” Islidemyhandintohisandstandup.“Thisisbetterthanprom.”
“Yeah,becausethatassholeConnorHartwellisn’there” Ilaugh.“Youwon,Sebastian.Noneedtobejealousanymore.”
Wesettleintoeachother’sarmslikeit’sthemostnaturalandeasiestthingintheworld.Ican’ttakemyeyesoffhisaswe dancearoundtheemptyplane,swayingtothetimelesslovesong It’sthemostromanticmomentofmylife.I’llneverforgetit. Atthechorusofthesong,heslowlyspinsme Isettlebackintohisarmsandourmouthscometogether I’vedreamedofkissingthismansomanytimessincebeforeIevenhitpubertybutitstilltakesmebysurprise. The delicious way his hands tighten on me so needy and full of desire The soft tenderness of his mouth The low masculinegroanasIpartmylipsandhetastesmytongue.
It’sallbetterthanwhatIwasabletodreamup. Imoanashispossessivehandstightenonmywaistandhepullsmecloser.Hisbodyissobig.Sohard.
Afiresparksinmycoreandradiatesthroughmeaswestandintheairplanewhilethesongplays,ourtonguesdoingallthe dancingnow.
I’mbreathlesswhenwepullaway Myheartisracing
IlookintohisbeautifulblueeyesandgetemotionalwhenIseethewayhe’slookingdownatme.He’slookingatmelike I’mallhis Likeit’salreadysettled I’mhisgirlandthat’sthat “Ishouldhavedonethatyearsago,”hesaysinadeepgrowlyvoice.“I’msorryittooksolongtorealizemygirl wasin frontofmeallalong.”
“Don’tbehardonyourself,Sebastian,”IwhisperasIslidemyhanduphissoftshirt,feelinghishardmusclesunderneath “Ifthingshadbeendifferent,wemightnothavehadthisamazingmoment.Wemightnotbehererightnow,together,likethis.” HiseyesdroptomylipsandIgettinglyalloverknowinghe’sgoingtokissmeagain
That beautiful mouth descends on me and he kisses me with a little more urgency. A little more passion. My head is spinningasIkissthisgorgeousmanwhilewerocketthroughtheair
Wehaveafewmorehoursbeforewelandandthistime,we’renotgoingtowasteasecondofit.
Sebastian
Ikeepmygirl nice and close as we step outofthe limo infrontofVanMorgan’s giantmansion Agroupofpaparazzi are hangingaroundwithcamerasandvulturouslooksontheirfaces.Theireyeslightupwhentheyseeme.
“Watchit,”Iwarninagrowlastheycomeswarmingover,shovinglightsandcamerasinourfaces Idon’tcareifthey takepicturesofme,butIdon’twantthemnearmygirl.I’musedtothecrazinessoffame,butAlinadidn’tsignupforthis.
Ipullherbehindmeasamicrophoneisthrustintomyface
“Sebastian,isthisyourfiancée?”thereporterwiththecardboardhairasks.
MyhandssqueezeintofistswhenIseethemtryingtogetAlinaoncamera.Everyprotectiveinstinctinmybodyawakens likeanenragedbeast She’s mine
Ipusha cameramanawayandhe falls onhis ass.Thatwill probablycostme fiftygrand,butIdon’tcare.I’mreadyfor more
Iwhipmyheadaround,glaringatthenextguyrushingovertotakehisplace.I’mgoingtosmashmyknucklesintohisjawif hepointsthatcameraatmygirl.
“It’sokay,”Alinasaysinasoftvoice.
MyteetharegrittedasIlookdownather.Mymusclesareflexed.Mybodytense.Lividheatisrippingthroughmelikea firestorm
Alinagentlytouchesmyarmandsmilesupatme.“It’sallgood,Sebastian,”shewhisperstome.“IknowwhatIsignedup forandIdon’tmind”
I’mstill breathingheavilyas she steps forward witha radiantsmile. “I’mAlina Hoover,” she says to the nosyreporter. “It’ssonicetomeetyouall.”
“AreyouengagedtoSebastianKemp?”thereporteraskswiththatdamnmicrophoneinherface.
“Isuream,”shesaysassheshootsmeasmileoverhershoulder.
MyfistsarestillclenchedandI’mtakingdeepheavybreaths,butI’mstartingtocalmdown Ihavetorealizethatmygirl cantakecareofherself.She’sdoneitwithoutmeforyears.
“Howdidyoutwomeet?”
“Well,Iwasingradetwo,”shesayswithalaugh.Thereareabouttencamerasonher,butshedoesn’tseemflusteredatall. She’samazing.“Iwentovertomyfriend’shousetoplayBarbiesandIsawhimforthefirsttime.Hewassittingonthecouch, playingvideogames Hehadtheseblueshortsonthatweretooshortforhim hewasalwaysgrowingsofast andanX-Men T-shirt.Hishairwasallmessyandstickingupintheback.AssoonasIsawhim,Ifellinlove.Iknewhewastheoneforme.” I’mrockedassheturnsaroundwithashysmile
Sheremembersthat?IthoughtIwastheonlyone.
Irememberseeingherwalkintomylivingroomwithherbrownhairinaponytail,tiedbackwithaboutfourdifferentcolor scrunchies.Shewassocute.Forthefirsttimeever,Irealizedwhatitwasliketohaveacrush.
I spent the afternoon pretending like I didn’t notice her, but I did. I kept glancing at her out of the corner of my eyes, wonderingwhyIcouldn’tstop
Sheanswersafewmorequestionsandthentheyturntome.
“Sebastian,areyousigningwithTheHyenas?”oneofthemasks
“Nocomment,”Igrunt.
“Wouldn’titbeexcitingtohavethegreatSebastianKempplayinginSanAntonio?”Alinaaskswithagrin,hypingmeup “I’msuretheamazingpeopleofSanAntoniowouldlovetohavetheStoneyCupbroughttotheirlovelycityforthefirsttime
ever,don’tyouthink?”
“So,doesthatmeanhe’ssigningwithTheHyenas?”thereporterasks,turninghismicrophonetoher.
“We’llsee,”shesayswithaknowinggrin “Maybe Maybenot”
Ihookherarmwithmineandpushthroughthecrowd.Theytrytofollowusupthepath,butthewarninglookIgivethem makesthemfallback
“Youdon’thavetotalktothem,”Iwhisperoncewe’realone.
“Iknow,”shesayswithabubblysmile “It’sfun WaituntilthewholecityistalkingaboutyoujoiningTheHyenas You’ll getanextrazeroaddedtoyourcontract.”
IshakemyheadandlaughasIlookather.Thiswomandoesn’tstopsurprisingme.“You’reamazing.”
“Abouttimeyounoticed,”shesayswithagrin
Is ittoo soonto be inlove? How caneverythingmove ata glacial pace for years and thensuddenlyrocketforward at lightningspeed?
Iguesslovecanbegoofylikethatsometimes.
Twogiantbouncersarewaitingatthemassivedoors They’reabouttoopenthemforuswhenIremembersomethingand stop.
“Holdon,”IsayasIreachintomycoatandpulloutmygrandmother’soldweddingring. Alina’seyeslightupwhensheseesitandI’msuddenlywishingthatIwasgivingittoherforreal “Fortheshow,”IsayasItakeherhand.
“Right,”shesayslikeshe’ssnappingoutofsomealternatereality “Theshow” Ihatethatwe’redoingthis.Iwantthistobereal.Iwantthistobearealengagementring.Iwanthertobepledgedtome.
AshiverripplesthroughmybodyasIslidetheantiqueringonherfinger.It’sanantique,butit’sbeautiful.Agiantdiamond withaplatinumband.Shecan’tseemtotakehereyesoffit.
“Isthisyourgrandmother’s?”sheasks.
“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“Thisisnotthefirsttimethisringhasbeenonmyfinger,”shesays,smilingasshelooksupatme.“MarieandIusedto playdress-upinyourmom’sroom Thisringwasalwaysmyfavorite” Oneday,I’llgiveittoherforreal.
“I’mafraidthatMariealreadybeatyoutothepunch,”shesayswithagrin.“Weusedtopretendweweregettingmarried.I mightstilltechnicallybeengagedtoher.I’mnotsure,I’llhavetocheck.”
“Mysisterisgoingtohavetofightmeforyou.”
“MymoneyisonMarie,”shesayswithalaugh “Yoursisterfightsdirty”
Shekeepslookingattheringaswewalkuptheremainingsteps.SheheadsstraighttothebouncerswithaconfidencethatI findsoattractive
“Mr.SebastianKempandhisbeautifulfiancée,AlinaHoover,”shesays,showingthemtheringasifit’stwoticketstothe event.
Theybothrecognizemeandopenthedoorswithanod “Enjoyyournight,”oneofthemsaysasweheadin “Partyisinthe back.”
Theplaceisspectacular ThehouseIgrewupincouldfitinthislobbywithroomtospare Alinawraps her armaroundmineas weheaddeeper intothehousetowardthenoise.I’venever feltsoproudtohavea womanonmyarm She’sradiant She’sagoddessinthisreddress I’mtheluckiestmanintheworld Warringthoughts arebattlingitoutinsideofme.IwanteveryonetoseewhoI’mwith,butIalsowanttokeepher all to myself.I’veneverbeensoflusteredlikethis.MyobsessionwiththisbeautyisgettingstrongereverysecondI’mwithher. Heads turn and the whispering starts when we step into the backyard It’s dark out, but the backyard is lit up by the gorgeousin-groundpoolandalloftheglowinglanternshanginginthetrees.It’slikeamagicalfairytaleouthere.
“Doyouknowallthesepeople?”Alinawhispersassheholdsmyarmalittletighter
“Some,”IsayasInodtoDustinReese,stardefensemanofTheQuebecCitySpears.“SomeIknow,someIknowof.” Thecrowdsuddenlypartsandahugeuglybrutechargesout
“Ohshit,”IgaspundermybreathwhenIseeTuckerMcKinstrybarrelingtowardmewithanastylookonhisface. He’s the toughestfucker inthe league. Ithinkhe onlyplays hockeyso he canlegallypunchpeople inthe face. And he’s goodatit Thepunchingpart Athockey,he’sonlyslightlyabovemediocre
“Who’sthat?”Alinaaskswithabitofunsurenessinhertone.ShestepsbackasMcKinstrycomesmarchingrightuptome.
“Thethingofnightmares,”IwhispertomyselfasIstarebackatthosecrazyeyes ThelasttimeIsawthismanwaswhenhe slammed me into the boards so hard I thought my ribcage shattered. He skated away fromme so carefree like it was just anotherdayattheoffice.
Igulpashestepsrightuptome.“SebastianKemp,”hesaysinhisdeepgrowlyvoice. “Hi,Tucker.”
