Never Say Never: An Enemies-to-Lovers Secret Identity New Adult Sports Romance (Western Wildcats Hockey Book 4)

Well, fuck.

That’s not how I planned to share the news of my nuptials.

Needing to occupy my hands, I pick up my glass and drain the water. From over the rim, I stare at my parents and mentally prepare myself for their reaction.

There’s only one other time that they’ve been rendered speechless.

That was more than four years ago.

And Britt?

Her eyes look like they might fall out of her head and roll around on the table.

If I were smart, I’d have kept my big trap shut.

I have the feeling that if we were to do a deep dive into my psyche, we’d find that what I’m really trying to do is bind Britt even tighter to me so she can’t escape.

At every turn, that’s what it seems like she’s trying to do.

And I can’t fucking stand it.

This is the first girl I’ve met who isn’t impressed by my family or that I’m headed to the NHL after my senior season. She doesn’t melt into a puddle when I flash my dimples.

I have the sneaking suspicion she wouldn’t look twice in my direction if I didn’t chase her ass down on the daily.

Like seriously…who is this chick?

And why does she act like I have a highly infectious disease she’s deathly afraid of catching?

It’s a conundrum that needs to be solved.

Mom is the first one to regain her power of speech as she waggles her finger between the two of us. “I’m sorry…did you just say you’re married?” There’s a pause. “As in—married?”

“To each other?” Dad tacks on, as if trying to play mental catchup.

I glance at Britt. Her lips are smashed so tightly together there’s a good chance they’ll disappear.

“Yup.”

Mom clears her throat. “Okay. Um…when did this happen?”

I have to hand it to the woman. She’s cool, calm, and collected.

Just like always.

There’s not much that rattles her.

Luckily for me, we’ve always been tight. I couldn’t have asked for a better mother. No matter what happens in my life, I can always turn to her for advice. Or at least with help breaking something to my father.

“Last weekend.”

Dad scrubs a hand over his face and mutters, “In Vegas, I presume.”

“Which means that congratulations are in order.” Mom glances around for our waitress who hustles over as soon as they make eye contact. “Could we get a bottle of your best champagne, please?”

“Of course.” The woman vanishes as swiftly as she appeared.

Within five minutes, our crystal flutes are filled with golden bubbly liquid. I’ve never been one for champagne. If I’m going to drink, it’s beer. But I’m thankful that Mom is attempting to smooth over the situation since Dad hasn’t said much.

I’m sure I’ll get an earful later.

When she raises her glass, the three of us do the same. “Gray and I want to welcome you to our family, Britt. We look forward to spending more time together and getting to know you on a deeper level.” Love shines brightly from her eyes as she turns her attention to me. “Colby is an exceptional man, and if you married him, then you recognize it as well and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. That also tells me you’re special because our son doesn’t open his heart to just anyone.” Her gaze settles on my father. “I wish you two just as much happiness as we’ve found.”

Dad’s expression softens as a smile tips the corners of his lips. “To Colby and Britt.”

We clink our glasses before sipping the sparkly liquid.

I peek at Britt. The stiffness of her posture has disappeared, and her expression has relaxed, making her look even more beautiful.

That’s all it takes for air to get trapped in my lungs.

Maybe this relationship started off as an impulsive decision fueled by too much liquor, but who’s to say it can’t be more?

Who’s to say it already isn’t?