Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
The cake buzzer sounds as I climb to my feet on achy knees.
I have just enough time to dash to the bathroom to wash my hands thoroughly and get the cakes on cooling racks before my Valentine’s surprise for Shawn is ruined. I guess women really are the best at multitasking, after all!
I make more frosting, and as I decorate the cake, Jacob and Hayes stay with me, cracking jokes and taste-testing frosting until the late hours of the night. By the time the cake is finished, my fingers are sticky, my back is sore, and my heart feels fuller than it ever has before. Only one more sleep, and we’ll be together again, the way it’s meant to be.
***
The drive is equal parts chaos and comedy.
Jacob insists on being the DJ, which leads to a heated argument over whether or not Creed deserves a place on the playlist. Hayes tries to mediate, but his suggestion to play country music only makes things worse.
“Okay, new rule,” I announce from the backseat. “No Creed, no country, and no more arguing.”
“Fine,” Jacob grumbles, flipping to the next song.
Hayes glances at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “You’re a natural diplomat, Riles.”
“Someone has to be,” I reply, smirking. Sometimes, having three boyfriends feels a lot like corralling a herd.
As we near the city, my excitement grows. I can’t wait to see Shawn’s face when we show up with his favorite cake and burgers. And whatever Jacob’s secret surprise is.
He’s going to love it. I just hope he knows how much we’ve missed him.
We hit a drive-thru just before the hotel, the smell of burgers and fries wafting into the car as Hayes pulls into the pickup lane.
“You don’t need fries for the road,” Jacob argues as Hayes places the order. “We’re eating the burgers with Shawn.”
“I do need fries,” Hayes counters, pulling out his wallet.
“You’re not an athlete anymore, dude.” Jacob retorts. “You need to watch your weight. Riley won’t appreciate a dad bod.”
“Need fries,” Hayes insists, turning to look at me. “Back me up here, Riles.”
“Fries are non-negotiable,” I say, leaning forward between the seats. “And I’m not an athlete either.”
Jacob groans. “We’re going to end up with greasy fingers and a mess all over Hayes’s car.”
“I have napkins,” Hayes says smugly, accepting the bag of food from the drive-thru worker and handing it to me to inspect.
“You just got outvoted, Jacob,” I say, waving a fry in front of his face before popping it into my mouth.
“Fine, but I’m not cleaning up the crumbs.”
“Noted.” Hayes is already digging into the fries as he pulls back onto the road. Laughter bursts out of me when Jacob grabs a handful and stuffs them into his mouth, all his arguing about the necessity of fries for the road forgotten.
As we near the hotel, the skyline lights up, a glittering reminder of the bustling city. My excitement builds, a fluttery mix of nerves and anticipation. I can’t wait to see Shawn’s reaction to our surprise arrival. I can’t wait to hold him in my arms and see his cocky smile again.
The hotel is far nicer than I expected. It’s one of those towering places with valet parking and a chandelier visible through the glass doors. Hayes whistles low as he pulls up to the entrance.
“Fancy,” Jacob says, raising an eyebrow.
Hayes shrugs, grabbing the bag with Shawn’s favorite cake. “He’s in the NHL now. Guess it comes with perks.”
I slide out of the car, smoothing my sweater and jeans as I take in the building. The lobby's marble floors and high ceilings make me feel a little out of place, but Hayes and Jacob stride in like they’re right at home.
We avoid the reception desk and head straight to the elevator. Jacob clutches the cake box, scanning the place like he’s sizing up the security detail.
I clutch the bag of burgers and fries, my nerves kicking up a notch.
“Okay,” Hayes says, his voice calm but firm as he presses the button for Shawn’s floor. “Everyone ready?”
Jacob smirks. “For what? Hand-delivering fast food and cake to Shawn’s palace? Nah. I need a few more minutes to psych myself up.”
“Don’t forget the surprise factor,” I add. “He has no idea we’re coming.”
Hayes smiles, his hand brushing mine as we step into the elevator. “Let’s make it a good one, then.”
The doors close, and the anticipation tightens in my chest. Whatever happens next, it’s going to be memorable. I can’t wait to be reunited with the missing part of my heart.
SHAWN
Valentine’s day on the road sucks.
Don’t get me wrong, playing in the NHL is everything I’ve worked for, but nights like this make it hard to enjoy the grind. I’m in a beige-on-beige hotel room with nothing but ESPN highlights for company and the memory of the team dinner lingering like stale coffee. I usually eat like a horse, but tonight, I picked at my food, missing Riley and my brothers and craving one of our simple nights together where we kick back with takeout, watch stupid quiz shows, and slowly get our girl naked.