Easton and Caroline shared a deep love during high school. Easton was a talented hockey player, while Caroline came from a more ordinary background but wholeheartedly supported him in pursuing his dreams.
An unexpected moment of intimacy led to Caroline becoming pregnant, but Easton’s mother threatened her to protect his full-ride hockey scholarship. Out of love for Easton, Caroline made the painful decision to leave him, pretending to be the one who had cheated. Heartbroken, Easton accepted the separation.
Years later, unable to forget his true love for Caroline, Easton returned to uncover the truth behind their past. As he approached her house, a young girl suddenly emerged and called him “Daddy,” leaving Easton bewildered.
What had I been thinking? At a time when I should have some pride and turn down his proposition, I’d done the exact opposite. He’d given me a big check, and then I’d given him a big hard-on. Regardless of whether or not he’d said the money wasn’t tied to sex, I was having a…
Easton lazily made a circle around the boards, eventually passing us. His movements were loose and easy. He tapped on the glass with his stick as he skated past. Hailey’s eyes grew big as she realized who he was. “Mom, that was Easton. Easton is a hockey player. Did you know that? Did you know…
“I mean you remembered how much I loved this. I mean, love this ice cream. I mean, I—” She was stammering and stuttering and had the most adorable flushed face. I pushed past her into the living room, not allowing her to protest. I paused to appreciate the little touches she’d added to the once-sterile…
Easton’s longing gaze did nothing to sooth the turmoil boiling inside me. With a wry smile, he walked to the apartment door and let himself out. I wanted him, but he’d made it clear he didn’t want emotional attachments. Would I be able to do that? Yes, I told myself, I would. I’d experienced the…
Caroline point of view The next three weeks sped by. Easton was a constant presence in our condo when he wasn’t on a road trip. Somehow, we’d managed to keep our clothes on thanks to one long road trip and two kids who constantly demanded his attention. Regardless, he sent sizzling looks my way often,…
I slid my hands down her waist and cupped her gorgeous ass in my palms, pulling her even closer, letting her feel the hardness under my jeans. She made the cutest sounds as she ground her hips into mine. She was fucking driving me insane. I was going to strip her naked and bend her…
“Yes,” she answered shakily. “I’m processing. Would you care to elaborate?” I told her everything about Caro, about the death of her husband, about the kids, and about her moving to Seattle. She listened quietly, making a brief comment here and there. When I finished, I waited for her response. “I’m surprised. I’m thrilled. I’m…
Eventually, the couples wandered off to mingle, and Avery excused hersel to check on the caterers. “How are you, Big E?” Ice asked when we had a rare moment alone. To my surprise, his blue eyes were warm and inviting. “I’m doing okay. I’m spending the day tomorrow with the kids and Caro.” “How’s that…
“Do I have a choice?” “Nope.” He grinned. “You don’t want to miss Kaden’s cooking. The guy is a genius in the kitchen. I’m salivating thinking about his prime rib.” “Why aren’t you going to your cousin Cooper’s house for Christmas?” “Riley has a Monday Night Football game tonight, and they flew to San Diego…
My heart slammed hard in my chest as I listened to his words. Unable to think of an appropriate response, I was flippant. “That must be some strong eggnog you bought,” I joked, but his gaze remained serious. “Caro. I want us to try again. Start over, as best we can. Put yesterday behind us…