Nicki awoke in a state of bliss. Tyler’s strong arms held her close to him, and his chest moved her lightly up and down as he breathed. She inched her face closer to his neck and inhaled the musky scent that always seemed to waft from him. She’d heard all of the bullshit about people’s natural scents. How it affected different people in different ways; especially those who you loved. Although she had remained skeptical, she began to reconsider. He didn’t even have to be in the room. Just the traces of him left on his pillow or clothes were enough to inebriate her.

After taking one last, sweet breath, she lifted her head to look at him. She watched as his eyes darted back and forth behind his closed lids; he must have been dreaming. Nicki found herself wondering what he was dreaming about. A small, trivial part of her hoped that he was dreaming of her.

She dreamt of Tyler constantly, but only when he wasn’t with her. When he was on the road, she had a hard time functioning without him. The most difficult part by a landslide was trying to sleep without his warm body next to her, keeping her safe. But as soon as she drifted into the realm of unconsciousness, she was surrounded by him. It was her mind’s personal slice of heaven.

Nicki secured her arms a little tighter around his neck and laid her head back down. It was these moments that made her truly appreciate everything she had. She didn’t have many material possessions, but she had a small family and a few friends that loved her more than anything. And she had Tyler. He was more than she had ever dared to ask for.

What he had said to her earlier shocked her. She ran through over and over again the things he told her, attempting to engrave every last word into her brain. It went against everything she knew, but she was trying her hardest not to doubt herself, to doubt him. As forgiving as she was, she would never let herself forget. Allowing herself to believe in the one thing that she wanted most seemed much too dangerous.

A strange noise ripped her out of her stupor. Was that Marshall? Nicki picked up her head and looked around the room. Marshall wasn’t in there. She waited, focusing her ears on the space around her. Maybe he needed a walk. She had no idea where Freddy had run off to. She heard the noise again and giggled. It was Tyler’s stomach.

“So cute,” she muttered under her breath.

She knew Tyler didn’t like it when she called him cute. Apparently, it wasn’t a very manly compliment. Nicki could have cared less. He knew how good looking he was, even if he wouldn’t be boastful about it around her. There was a time in his life not too long ago that he was completely absorbed in himself, and she wouldn’t soon forget it. It was his adorable moments that made her fall in love with him in the first place.

Nicki kissed the tip of his nose and finally convinced herself to get up. Tyler was going to be starving when he woke up, and the least she could do was have something ready for him to eat. She carefully slipped her arms out from underneath his neck and put her palms on the bed on either side of him. When she pushed herself up, his arms fell limply to his sides, evoking another giggle from Nicki. It was a hassle trying to get off of him; she had sacrificed most of her flexibility during their previous activities. She made a face as she lifted herself up and felt him slide out of her. It was a mystery how she had even fallen asleep like that in the first place.

After glancing back at Tyler to make sure he was still asleep, Nicki threw on the shirt he had been wearing earlier. If it was socially acceptable, she would wear nothing but his clothes for the rest of her life. They were comfy, big, and always smelled like him. Marshall greeted her when she opened the door to the hallway. She looked around the apartment, noting the absence of a certain boisterous roommate. Freddy and Tyler must have planned for him to be gone all day.

Nicki couldn’t help but smile. She loved the two of them to death. And she was enthusiastic about Evaline moving in with them. It was like they were a growing family. Nicki never thought she could care so much about a group of people who weren’t in any way related to her. Well, one might be. Someday.

The thought was too much to bear. Forever a little girl at heart, she whispered, “Nicki Olivia Seguin.”

It wasn’t one of those perfect, meant-to-be kind of names, but she could get used to it. Fast. Her cheeks turned red from her own embarrassment. She was being foolish.

** * * * *

Nicki stood and looked down at the island, taking pride in her work. It was the best damn grilled cheese she’d ever seen. She put a hand on her hip and laughed. Tyler claimed to be a mature adult, yet his favorite thing to eat was a grilled cheese sandwich. Not steak, not burgers, not even pizza. Grilled cheese. The first choice of every seven year old in America.

She grabbed a Pepsi out of the fridge, picked up the plate in her free hand, and walked out of the kitchen towards their room. Nicki set everything down on the bedside table and took a moment for herself, to appreciate his sheer beauty. It was impossible to comprehend. She let her eyes fall in a straight line down his body. From his gorgeous face, to the arms she loved to feel around her, to his sculpted abs. She lingered an extra second at arguably her favorite part of him, before taking in his ghostly white legs that always put a smile on her face. She loved every single perfect inch of him.

Tyler turned over onto his side and hugged his pillow. Nicki tried to stifle a laugh. It was one of the most precious things she had ever seen. She didn’t know whether or not to wake him up. Originally, that had been her plan. But he looked so peaceful; she knew she would hate herself if she did.

There was always plan B. Nicki made her way over to her side of the bed and curled up behind him, grabbing the sheet that had gathered by his knees and draping it over them. She had no idea what to do with her arm, so she let her hand rest on his hip.

She nearly melted when he grabbed her hand and wrapped it around himself, substituting her arm for the pillow he had previously been cuddling. Nicki grinned as he rested his cheek in the palm of her hand. She could feel the corner of his mouth stretch into a smile. There was no way he was actually asleep.

“Ty,” she whispered as softly as she could.

He didn’t react at all. His breath was still heavy and consistent. Nicki scoffed. He was really sleeping. It was safe for her to arrive at the conclusion that she had the most adorable boyfriend ever. And he was completely, totally oblivious to it. She wished Freddy was there to take a picture.

All too coincidentally, she heard the door to their apartment open. Heavy footsteps made their way through the rooms. Nicki could tell who was home just by their footsteps. Both boys sounded like elephants walking across the hardwood floor, but Tyler had quicker steps.

She hoped Freddy would see the open door and come in. Minutes later, he did just that.

“Freddy!” she mouthed excitedly. “You HAVE to get a picture!”

He threw his hands up over his mouth and ran back into the hallway. She knew he would shit on Tyler for the rest of eternity for it. She’d take the heat. It was worth it to be able to look back on this someday. Freddy rounded the corner with Evaline’s professional grade camera. He took a few shots with that, then pulled his phone out of his pocket and got a few more. For a second, Nicki felt bad for Tyler. Then she realized that if he got mad, it would just give her an excuse to make it up to him. In a very big way.

Nicki felt Tyler stirring in front of her. Freddy’s incessant snickering probably woke him up. Tyler groaned and stretched his shoulders back into Nicki’s face. He was obviously startled that someone was behind him and turned quickly to face her, twisting her arm underneath him by accident.

“Shit, Tyler!” she shrieked. It felt like her arm was broken. Before she could even look at it, he’d grabbed her around the waist.

“Oh my God, are you okay?!”

“For fuck’s sake!” Freddy screamed from the doorway. “Put on some fucking clothes!”

Nicki ignored him, as did Tyler. She was his main concern at the moment. Apparently, pants could wait.

“Uh… I don’t think your arm is supposed to look like that,” Freddy said cautiously.

Nicki glanced down at the arm that Tyler held in his hands. At first, she didn’t notice anything strange. He gently tried to turn it over, sending a searing pain up to her shoulder and down to her fingertips.

“Fuck,” she snapped, biting her lip in agony.

“Nicki, I’m so sorry, I had no idea…”

“Don’t worry about it. I think I’m fine,” she said, attempting to remove her arm from his caring grasp.

She winced as the shooting pains came back full strength. Then she really looked at her arm. Her forearm was facing outwards, but her upper arm was in its natural position.

“Ummm… I think I should probably go to the hospital.”

** * * * *

“I am SO sorry,” Tyler mouthed from across the room.

Nicki smiled at him. “It’s okay.”

By some strange chance, Dr. Garrett was just about to clock out as Nicki and Tyler rushed into the emergency room. At first, he was alarmed, thinking it had something to do with her previous injury. Once they explained, he offered to take them to his office and bypass the thick forms and long wait of the ER.

“Well, Ms. Westmoore. I don’t know if this will come as good news or bad, but you’ve hyper extended your elbow. It’s not a serious condition, but I’ll have to prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. And you’ll need to wear a sling for a week or so, to immobilize it while it heals.”

Nicki watched as Tyler covered his mouth with his hand. It covered nearly half of his face. Something about it turned her on. She wanted that hand on her.

“Okay. That’s fine. Can I get out of here?”

Dr. Garrett scribbled something on a small notepad and ripped the page off before handing it to Tyler. He left the room and entered again seconds later with a blue arm sling. Nicki scrunched her face and held her breath as he placed her arm in it. She glanced up at Tyler. His face mirrored her pain.

“We can all get out of here,” he said, chuckling. “Bring this to the desk right outside, they’ll fill the prescription for you. Again, I hope there will be no reason for us to meet again until your next check up. Have a good day.”

They exited the room and the doctor made his way towards the exit. Nicki searched the hallway for the desk he was talking about. When she started to walk, Tyler’s arms pulled her back.

“I am so so so sorry.”

Nicki held her good hand up to his face. “It’s alright, sweetheart. It’s not even your fault. It was an accident. I love you.”

She leaned in to kiss him. When she pulled away, he forced a smile.

“I can see right through that, you know,” she said. “Don’t sweat it, babe. You know how easily I get hurt.”

“Yeah, and I hate seeing you in pain. All I want to do is fix it. And now you’re hurt because of me.”

She sighed. “Is there anything that will make you feel better?”

“Let me make it up to you.”

“How?”

Tyler shrugged. His face was contorted, like hurting her had actually caused him physical pain.

“I know how,” she said, changing her tone of voice. “You can take me home, take off my clothes, get on top of me, then eat the god damned sandwich I made for you.”

His cheeks turned red and his eyes opened wide. “Are you… kidding?”

Nicki bit her lip and shook her head. She loved seeing his reactions to things he didn’t expect her to say. He handed her the slip Dr. Garrett had given him, never breaking eye contact.

“I’ll pull up the car.”

She watched as he walked away stiffly. She knew what that walk meant. Nicki laughed to herself as she turned the corner and approached the desk where pharmacists were filling prescriptions. A man who couldn’t have been more than a few years older than her took the slip, reached under the desk, and handed her an orange prescription bottle.

“Take one with breakfast, and one with dinner every day for two weeks. You’re all set.”

Nicki thanked him and power walked down the hallway towards the exit. She smirked when she saw Tyler already idling out front. He must have sprinted to the car to get it there that fast. When he noticed her coming towards him, he jumped out and opened the door for her. Before getting in, Nicki stood on her tip toes and trapped his bottom lip between her tongue and front teeth, gaining pleasure from his pain.

“You suck,” he mumbled.

“You would know,” she taunted, winking at him.

“In the car. Now.”

She obeyed and got in the car, struggling to buckle herself with her one arm. Luckily, it had been her left elbow. Her left arm really wasn’t much use, anyways. Once Tyler got back in and started to drive, Nicki turned to face him. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

“What?”

There were a hundred different answers she could give him, none of which could fully describe what she was feeling. Nicki reached her right arm across the car and massaged his inner thigh. He let out a strained breath.

“If you actually want to make it home alive, I suggest you don’t do that.”

Nicki giggled and removed her hand, only to run it through her hair.

“Yeah, that too. Don’t do that.”

She hadn’t even known he was paying attention. Whoops. Nicki turned her head to look out the window. She had no idea how she would control herself for the fifteen minute ride home.

Somehow, she made it. Nicki unlocked her door and threw it open before Tyler got the chance to turn off his car. For someone with only one working arm, she was still moderately agile. From the way Tyler was staring at her, she gathered he had noticed as well. He opened his mouth and shook his head slightly. Tyler’s gesture tied knots in her stomach. It was one thing to feel an absolute desire for someone, it was another for them to want you back.

Nicki ran awkwardly into their building and up the stairs. The inability to move her arm threw her off balance somewhat, but the adrenaline coursing through her veins kept her going. Tyler caught up with her and smacked a hand to her butt, giving her a firm squeeze before unlocking the door. She adored when he got excited. Sometimes, it felt like she was the guy in the relationship.

“Hey, how’d it go?”

“I hyper extended my elbow. I’m fine,” Nicki spewed out in a single breath.

Freddy raised an eyebrow. “Okay… well. I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Yeah, thanks Freddy,” she said, racing towards her and Tyler’s room. She could care less how suspicious it looked. Freddy was obviously going to know what was going on.

Nicki let herself fall onto the bed, taking care not to hit her arm on anything. Tyler came in soon after her, slamming the door behind him. He hurriedly kicked off his shoes and took off his shirt in a single movement. Nicki stared at him, in nothing but jeans. Somehow, it was nearly sexier than when he was completely naked. Saliva started to pool in her mouth. She was literally drooling over him.

“Come here,” she choked out.

Lust had come and conquered. Nicki furrowed her eyebrows, feeling a physical ache for him. It was inconceivable. She’d already had him twice that day, in a matter of minutes. How had the yearning already returned?

Tyler climbed onto the bed, crawling slowly over her like an animal readying to attack its prey. His movements drove her wild, causing her heart to pump at double its normal pace. Her eyes fluttered shut as his lips met hers. His lips were painfully soft and perfectly plump. Nicki made sure to never take them for granted. A mouth like that was hard to come by.

Just as she was through appreciating the softness of his kiss, he turned zealous, forcing his long tongue into her mouth. A moan slipped out of him, drawing one subconsciously out of Nicki. She tugged at his hair as he explored every cavern and crevice. When he was met with her tongue, he slowed, caressing it gently. Nicki had never experienced anything like it. She had no idea where he’d learned it. The pure sensuality of it birthed a throbbing sensation between her legs. At a loss for what to do, she raised her hips to grind against him. Tyler took it as a sign that she was ready for more.

“This isn’t gonna be easy,” he said, out of breath. “Are you sure about this?”

Nicki slipped a hand underneath the band of her sweatpants and pushed them down as far as she could. The damage she could do was minimal due to her recent disability.

“Ty, I need you,” she pleaded. “Now.”

Tyler pushed her hair back from her face and smiled at her. “Okay. Just be patient with me.”

He fumbled with her shirt, trying to find a way to take it off without hurting her.

“Just leave it on,” she said hastily.

Tyler shrugged and carried on, sliding her sweatpants down the length of her legs. She could hear a hushed chuckle from the end of the bed.

“You didn’t put on underwear?” he asked her.

“Nope.”

“Sweet Jesus.”

Nicki smiled to herself. She hadn’t thought twice about it. It never occurred to her that it would make Tyler excited. A long, probing finger interrupted her thoughts. Nicki whimpered as it traveled through her, moving in ways that were unattainable by other body parts; creating feelings that were entirely new and unique. She looked at Tyler, who was grinning like an idiot at her. A very handsome idiot. She studied the way his muscles moved in his arm and chest as he tried to warm her up. He’d gotten her there minutes ago, but Nicki wasn’t quite ready to let him stop. She let her eyes wander back to his. When she met his gaze, she nearly unraveled. His stare was so passionate and so powerful it easily could have knocked the wind out of her.

Every few seconds, she told herself she’d tell him that it was enough. And every few seconds, she postponed her announcement. It didn’t help that Tyler looked as though he was having the time of his life. Nicki knew it made him feel good when he satisfied her, so she let him have his moment. It wasn’t any skin off her back.

She let her head fall onto the pillows and closed her eyes, focusing all of her senses on one area. Nicki privately thanked God that hockey players had such great hands; Tyler debatably the best in the entire league. As if sensing her gratitude, Tyler became aggressive, driving her to the edge of her sanity.

“Hey,” she huffed. “Save it for the main attraction.”

The grin finally dispersed on Tyler’s face, and was replaced with an undeniable determination. His expression said it all; she’d asked for it. And she was going to get it. For the first time, he unbuttoned his own jeans. Nicki sighed, becoming agitated with her injury. Tyler caught on to her frustration. He slipped his fingers into her hair.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “I’ll make it better.”

His words sent chills up and down her spine. Nicki cherished his confidence in the bedroom; the absolute knowledge that he could give her exactly what she needed. She ran her good hand up his chest and nodded, giving him the signal that she was ready.

Tyler let most of his weight down on her, trying to avoid her arm. Nicki cringed anyways. The pressure on other parts of her body were transferring to her elbow, firing up the pain again. She drew in a sharp breath.

“Get on top,” he ordered, lifting himself off of her.

Once Tyler had flopped onto his back, he helped Nicki get on top of him. Every movement was a battle. When she was above him, she lowered herself with control, finally taking him in. A groan pushed its way through her lips. It was loud and unrestrained.

His arms found their way around her and he used his powerful abdominals to sit up and kiss her. The intensity of his kiss made her squeeze her muscles around him, evoking an extensive moan from Tyler.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and deepened the kiss. His mouth came down hard on hers without an ounce of control. It had become a free for all. Nicki continued to squeeze him, taking pride in each and every pleading noise that escaped his lips.

After getting her fill, Nicki touched her hand to his chest. He pulled back to look at her. She flashed him a devious smile and shoved as hard as she could, forcing him back to the pillows. Tyler clenched his hands around her, outstretched thumbs meeting just below her belly button. She briefly questioned whether or not she would wake up bruised the next morning.

To Nicki’s delight, he used his hands to move her hips. It was easily her favorite thing that he did in bed. She loved the feeling it gave her; forfeiting herself entirely to his devices. Nicki looked down to meet his gaze. His eyelids were heavy with satisfaction, and his mouth was open just enough to moan. He seemed to note that she was having trouble keeping herself up.

“Grab the headboard,” he said hoarsely, never ceasing his motions.

She leaned over him and clutched the top of the headboard with her right hand. It helped stabilize her. Not only did it keep her from falling, but it gave Tyler the angle he needed to push her over the edge. Nicki could feel it coming.

“Ty, I’m close,” she panted.

His response would haunt her dreams for the rest of her life. Tyler began to thrust in time with the movements of his hands. Nicki’s head was spinning. She grasped the headboard so tightly that her knuckles turned bright white. The grunting beneath her only heightened her sensation. She heard herself whining, but lacked the control to stop it.

Nicki cried out as he finally got her. She clenched her jaw and tensed her muscles, giving one last squeeze around him. Tyler’s hands gripped her harder and he continued to drive into her. He was relentless. Nicki watched as his mouth opened wider and his eyes pressed shut. At last, he went limp underneath her.

Affectionate hands caressed her skin, taking her down from her high. Once she caught her breath, Tyler held out the palm of his hand. Nicki pressed down on it with her own palm, trying to push herself up. He slipped his other hand underneath her thigh, doing his best to make it easier on her. She awkwardly toppled off of him, muscles too weak to give her any real support. She ended up on her back.

“Did you hurt yourself?” Tyler asked in a hushed voice.

She shook her head and inched over to him, curling up beside him. Nicki let her slinged arm rest on his stomach. Tyler put one arm around her, pulling her as close as physically possible. His other hand rested on her ribs, right below her sling. It wasn’t the most comfortable she’d ever been with him, but it would have to do.

Nicki allowed the warmth radiating off of him to relax her. She closed her eyes and listened to Tyler’s breath slowly return to normal. There would be no conversation. They were both physically drained. Nicki knew very well how it worked. They would each pretend to be asleep, so the other wouldn’t interrupt their idyllic, pleasant thoughts. Some of her favorite moments with Tyler occurred during those silent times.

She used the stillness to her advantage. She permitted herself to think, to daydream. In the darkness that her mind provided, she saw herself in a wedding gown. It was a beautiful, silky, pure kind of white. It draped elegantly over her curves, gathering in bunches on the grass beneath her. The heels she wore sank subtly into the earth. When she looked around, she saw she was surrounded by family, both old and new. The skies above her were a perfect, clear blue and the sun shone bright, reflecting off of the diamond ring that embraced her finger. She glanced up, catching the gaze of most attractive man she’d ever laid eyes on. The sunlight softened his harsh features, but made his brown eyes glitter and sparkle. The sight alone was enough to stop her heart from beating.

He loves me, she thought to herself. Only me.

That beautiful, gentle man belonged to her. Only her.

** * * * *

Tyler drifted in and out of awareness. He had used every liter of his body’s energy. But his mind was still sharp and alert.

He knew that Nicki hadn’t fallen asleep. Her breath was too light, too shallow. He wondered what was running through her mind.

The sling that held her arm brushed against him, pummeling him with another wave of guilt. Tyler nearly broke down in tears when he realized he had hurt her. He still wasn’t sure quite how he held himself together long enough to get her to the hospital. He was supposed to be the person keeping her safe; the one who healed the wounds other people inflicted on her. It killed him to know that it was his fault she was in pain. What if he had broken her arm?

He shuddered at the thought, and tried to push it away. Tyler silently promised to be more careful when he was around her. He always seemed to underestimate her fragility. He dipped his chin so that his lips brushed against her forehead. One of the fingers that rested on his stomach moved slightly, stroking his skin. Those two, simple gestures said everything, yet nothing.

Tyler wished that every day could be just like this one. To wake up every morning and know that he had nothing to do besides spend his day with Nicki. He was never disappointed. Even the days they spent on the couch, watching bad TV shows and pathetic horror movies, were amazing. Being with her intoxicated him.

When their relationship was new, he figured that eventually he’d start to get sick of her. He planned to have days when he wanted to rip her head off, and nights where he snuck out while she was asleep to party with the guys. It had never crossed his mind to be unfaithful, but he couldn’t deny that he had no intention of ignoring other girls completely.

He couldn’t have been more wrong. No matter how much time he spent with her, as soon as he walked out the door, he missed her. If he could bring her everywhere he went, he would.

A phone buzzed across the room. Both of their phones were on vibrate, and they were both on their dresser. Tyler decided to stay put. Whatever it was, it could wait.

More buzzing hummed through the air. It was a call this time. Tyler planted a kiss on Nicki’s head as he lifted her arm off of his stomach and got out of bed. He let her arm down softly. At some point, when he had been lost in thought, sleep had taken her.

Tyler grabbed the phone that was vibrating. It was his.

“Hello?”

“Heeyyy Seggy.”

“What’s up Marchy? I’m kinda busy.”

Snickers came across the line. “Busy with Foxy?!”

“Yes. Well, no. What do you want?”

“Coach says to come to the rink. We’re having a pre-game day meeting I guess. Want me to pick you up?”

Tyler sighed. The last thing he wanted to do was sit in the meeting room and listen to Claude’s tired speeches.

“Nah, I’ll drive. Thanks, though. I guess I’ll see you soon.”

He ended the call and crawled back onto the bed, trying not to scare Nicki. The last thing he needed to do was alarm her and make her get hurt worse. Tyler slipped his fingers through her hair and brought his face down to hers.

“Nicki,” he whispered, leaving small kisses across her entire face. “Hey, wake up.”

Her eyes dragged open and a smile spread across her face. “Hi.” She sounded adorable.

Tyler’s lips pulled back, exposing his white teeth. “Hey, babe. I just got a call from Marchy, I gotta head over to the Garden. Some prep stuff, I think.”

Nicki’s smile instantly morphed into a pout. “Now?”

He nodded. The disappointment in her face was like a knife in his gut. Tyler brushed against her cheek with his thumb.

“Just go back to sleep, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.”

She complied, letting her eyelids fall. “Mmm. I love you,” she mumbled, already half asleep.

He smiled again and pressed his lips to hers before getting up. “I love you too.”

** * * * *

“So what were you and Foxy up to?”

Tyler shook his head as he took a seat next to Brad at the long conference table.

“Hello to you, too.”

Brad ignored his comment.

“I thought you guys couldn’t get nasty because she got stabbed.”

Tyler scoffed. “Marchy, you really have a way with words. And yeah, she got cleared today.”

He shouted and smacked Tyler on the back. “Good for you, Seggy! Hope you didn’t pull anything. Claude will put you six feet under.”

Brad’s exclamation drew the attention of a few other teammates. Milan plunked his heavy body down next to Tyler.

“I’m guessing something good happened,” he said flatly. Whenever Brad shouted, everyone was curious as to why. There was normally an interesting back story.

“Segs gave Nicki the old one, two today. Ain’t that right buddy?”

“That doesn’t even make any sense, man.” He turned to Milan. “Apparently, Marchy is more excited than I am that I can have sex again.”

Tyler felt a little guilty over sharing such personal things with his team. If it just concerned him, he would care less. But he thought Nicki deserved a little privacy.

“Fuck, Marchy. You are one strange bastard.”

“Fuck you.”

Milan just shook his head. He wasn’t much older than Brad, but he had wisdom way beyond his years. Before coming to Boston, Tyler never would have expected it from him.

“So how are things with you two? I’m not the only one who’s noticed the way you’ve been acting lately.”

Tyler smiled. “We’re good. We’re really good, actually. Wait… what do you mean the way I’ve been acting?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, man. You just seem really happy. Like, really happy.”

“I am,” Tyler stated, not sure what the big deal was.

Nathan took a seat at the opposite end of the table. He’d obviously been listening.

“Segs, I don’t think you get it. You’re acting like Luc did before he – “

Brad jumped in, sending a fist flying into Tyler’s gut. “The fuck was that for man?!”

“There’s no way. No fucking way. Horty’s right. You’re acting like a pussy, just like Luc did. Seggy, don’t do this to me. I need a wingman.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Tyler shouted, grabbing his stomach. Normally, a hit like that wouldn’t have bothered him. But his muscles were exhausted, and Brad had hit him in a weak spot.

“You’re gonna fuckin’ do it, aren’t you? When?”

Tyler was stunned and speechless.

“Wow, you really are,” Milan said under his breath. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“How did you guys figure it out?” he asked quietly. “I’m not shitting you, I just decided on the way here.”

Brad leaned back into his chair and stared at him. He could feel other sets of eyes on him as well.

“We’re a team, bro. We’re with you every day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m having a hard time believing it. But you’re a completely different person, Segs. I almost don’t even know you anymore.”

“In a good way,” Milan added, glancing at Brad. He and Nathan both nodded.

Tyler looked down at his lap. He wasn’t sure what to say next.

“Well, since you already figured it out, I think I need some help.”

“Horty and I are basically experts,” Milan said, almost joyfully. “Let me guess, you want to do it after the game tomorrow if we win. On the ice, in front of the cameras, the whole shebang.”

He nodded.

“Do you have a ring?” asked Nathan.

“No, I don’t. I was gonna go when we get out of here. Will one of you come with me? I have no freaking idea how to do any of this.”

“I can’t believe you’re serious,” Brad said. He sounded disappointed.

“That makes two of us. I’m never gonna stop being your wingman, bro. I’ll reel ‘em in and hand ‘em over to you,” he said, chuckling. “With me out of the game, there’s gonna be double the girls for you.”

Brad laughed and they pounded fists. “Thanks, Seggy. But I doubt Foxy would be very happy about you going out and getting me girls.”

Tyler waved him off. “Nah, she doesn’t care. She’s good like that.”

“You’re one lucky asshole,” said Brad, shaking his head.

A grin formed on his face. “Yeah, I am.”

Milan gave him a pat on the back. “So have you practiced at all?”

“Practiced what?”

“You know, what you’re gonna say. Getting on one knee, all that shit. The last thing you want to do is make a jackass of yourself. Especially if you’re doing it on the ice in front of God knows how many people.”

He’d never considered any of that. “Shit,” he muttered.

Tyler tried to picture himself doing it. It was such a foreign idea. Then he thought of Nicki’s arm.

“Fucking shit. I can’t do it tomorrow,” he said, frustrated. They stared at him, awaiting an explanation. “Earlier, I kinda… rolled over on her. She has to wear a sling. On her left arm.”

His three teammates burst out laughing. “Thanks, guys. That makes me feel so much better. I’m sort of freaking out right now, if you can’t tell.”

Brad wiped his eyes. “Sorry, Seggy, but that’s friggen hysterical! And you didn’t realize this til now?!”

“No. Jesus, you two should know what it feels like,” he said, addressing Nathan and Milan. “I can’t think straight.”

“Yeah, I remember. It’s nerve-wracking, man. I get it. Say we win tomorrow. You obviously can’t do it then. You could do it in Florida.”

Tyler thought it over. “How do I know when the right time to do it is? I don’t just want it to be some random thing. She deserves something special.”

Before anyone could answer, Shawn sat down next to Brad. “What’s this, the fuckin’ secret society? Why are you dickholes whispering?”

“Ayyyy, just the guy. Segs needs your help,” Brad said, a little too loudly. Tyler shushed him.

Shawn raised an eyebrow. Out of all of the guys on the team, he was the least close with Shawn. They barely had anything in common, on or off the ice. Tyler got the feeling Shawn wasn’t exactly fond of him.

“You need my help? Never thought I’d hear that one.”

All of the sudden, Tyler was feeling insecure. He dropped his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “I, uh – “

Milan stepped in to save him. “He wants to propose. But he can’t figure out when to do it. We’ve already ruled out tomorrow night. Horty suggested Florida. Segs wants it to be special.”

Shawn did a double take. “You didn’t just say that.”

Tyler looked up at him. His face was stoic and serious.

“Wow. I don’t want to be that guy, but are you sure you’re ready? Tyler, you’re only twenty-two.”

Whenever Shawn called him by his first name, he felt like he was being reprimanded by a parent.

“I dunno if I’m ready. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. But I can’t wait, either. Dude, it’s her. She’s the one, there’s no doubt about it. You can’t look me in the face and tell me I’m not serious. You guys know me. Would I ever say that if I didn’t mean it?”

Shawn blew out a breath. “No, I guess you wouldn’t. That’s mature of you, Segs. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, dad,” he joked. Shawn laughed. It was one of only a handful of times he laughed at something Tyler said.

Shawn leaned forward. “Alright, I’m not supposed to mention this yet, so you three have to keep your mouths shut, okay?

They nodded in unison.

“I got together with the guys from my foundation and some really important people from the Mayor’s office. If we win the cup this year, in the fall we’re going to organize a charity ball. I’m talking red carpet, Boston’s elite, thirty thousand dollar dress type of deal here. It’s gonna be something that this city’s never seen before. Segs, we could work something out for you, if you’re willing to wait until September or so.”

Tyler glanced around the room as he thought it over.

“Dude, that would be sick,” Milan said. “I can ask Brittany what she thinks, if you want. All chicks are basically the same with that shit.”

“Yeah, okay. Thanks.”

He sighed. It did sound like the perfect plan. But he wanted to do it now. He had no idea how he could spend an entire summer with her and never bring it up.

“Listen,” Shawn started. “It won’t happen if we don’t win the cup. I know it’s tough with all of this on your plate, but you have to get in game mode, man. We win tomorrow night, you’re golden. And you’ll have plenty of time to plan everything. Just, for now, try to push it aside. We need you in this.”

“Believe me, it just gives me another reason to want to kick the shit out of the hawks tomorrow.”

He was going to do everything in his power to make sure they won.

** * * * *

By the time Tyler got home, it was well past ten thirty. Freddy was sitting on a stool in the kitchen, tuning his guitar.

“Hey, how’s Nicki?”

Out of the corner of his eye, Tyler saw a head pop up over the couch.

“Ask her yourself. She’s been driving me crazy. She won’t shut up about you.”

He smiled and walked over to the couch. Nicki looked at him with big, excited eyes.

“I missed you!”

Tyler squeezed onto the couch next to her and wrapped his arms around her before kissing her cheek. She wriggled in his arms like an exuberant little kid. He placed his chin on her shoulder, thrilled to be back with her. If anything, the conversation he’d had with his team only clarified things for him. Waiting was going to be the most painful part.

“I missed you, too.” He left tiny kisses along her neck and shoulder; he could feel her shivering. “How’s your arm?”

“Honestly, it already feels a little better. I took one of those pills a couple of hours ago.”

He tightened his arms around her waist. “Good.” It was a shame she wouldn’t be out of the sling tomorrow.

Tyler had to consider the fact that it was a blessing in disguise. Maybe he needed some time to adjust, time to plan everything out. He wanted it to be absolutely flawless. He wanted it to be something she could brag about for the rest of her life. A story she could proudly tell their kids someday. His heartbeat started to pick up. Only if she said yes.

He had never considered the fact that she might not want to. What if she said no?

“You okay sweetie?” she asked, sensing something was wrong.

He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m good. Just a little tired I guess.”

“Aww,” she said, snuggling up to him. “Let’s go to bed then. You need your rest for tomorrow.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you in there.”

Tyler released his arms and watched as she walked down the hall to their bedroom, hips swaying. He wondered if she did it on purpose.

“God, don’t tell me you guys are gonna go for round four,” Freddy said, perturbed. “I think you have a problem.”

“How… did she tell you about it?” There was no other way he would know how many times.

“Yeah, Ty, she did. You need to keep your girlfriend under control. There are some things that I really just don’t need to know about you.”

He was in disbelief. And he had felt bad about telling the team. He never thought she would be so open about it. Tyler motioned to the kitchen. After giving him a skeptical glance, Freddy turned his back and walked away. He followed, trying to keep his footsteps quiet.

“What did she say?” he whispered once they were seated at the island.

“Dude, I hope you understand that I’m not comfortable repeating it. This is not bro territory. I mean, good for you. But I ain’t touching that one with a ten foot pole.”

Tyler shifted on the stool. “Well… was it good stuff?”

Freddy snorted. “Uh, yeah, I’d say good doesn’t begin to cover it. I wouldn’t be surprised if she starts a new religion after you.” He paused to see Tyler’s reaction. “What the hell is up with your face right now?”

He was having a difficult time getting the words out. It seemed so easy in his mind. When his team talked about it, he never actually had to come out and say it. Tyler looked over his shoulder to make sure Nicki wasn’t around.

“I’m gonna ask her to marry me,” he said. His voice was barely audible.

“You’re WHAT?!”

“Shh! Come on, man.”

“You’re joking, right?”

Tyler sighed. It irked him that no one was ready to believe it.

“I’m not joking. I really need your support, Freddy. I’m freaking out.”

He raised his eyebrows. “This is insane.”

“I know.”

“Tyler Paul Seguin is going to ask a girl to marry him,” he murmured. “I’m gonna be honest with you bro, I figured you’d be at least thirty before you decided to settle down.”

“You know how I feel about her.”

“I get it, Ty. But marriage? That’s huge. You’re really ready to dedicate the rest of your life to one girl? How can you be sure?”

“I can’t explain it. I just know.”

Freddy continued to stare at him. “You guys have only been together like, six months. You don’t think it’s too soon?”

“Dude, I know that it’s too soon. She just turned twenty. That is way too young to be getting married. I’m not ready to have a wife. But I’ve put a lot of thought into it. When the fuck will I be ready? Most likely never. And if I’m this sure about it, I don’t see any reason to put it off. Freddy, she almost died. I nearly lost her forever. It put things in perspective. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

“Alright, man. You sold me. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Tyler let out the breath he’d been holding in. “Thank you.”

Freddy grinned. “I’m going to be the Best Man, right?”

“Goes without saying,” he answered. He got up and gave Freddy a shove on the shoulder. “Thanks for everything, Freddy. I really don’t know what I’d do without ya.”

“Don’t say that shit to me,” he snapped, still grinning. “Now go give it to your girlfriend. Pretty sure she’s watering at the mouth waiting for you.”

Tyler laughed and said goodnight. When he walked down the hallway he saw that their bedroom door was closed. Half expecting her to be in some sexy pose, he turned the doorknob and crept into the room. The light was off and it took a while for his eyes to adjust.

He felt his way over to the bed. Once he got close enough, he could make out Nicki’s form underneath the sheets. Tyler could hear her breathing softly; it sounded like she was sleeping. He stripped down to his boxers and got in beside her, wrapping himself around her. She moved one of her legs between his. Tyler lightly brushed the side of her face.

“You awake?”

The only response was her steady breath. She was out cold. He moved his lips to her ear.

“I love you,” he whispered. He didn’t let a night go by without saying it to her, even if she wasn’t awake to hear it.

He softly kissed every inch of skin that was accessible to him. Tyler knew there was no way he was falling asleep any time soon. His mind was racing. He pulled her closer and rested his cheek on the side of her face. A hushed whine came from her lips. What he would give to spend the rest of his life with her, just the way they were. He was determined to make it happen. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer.