Page 42 of My One & Goalie

He locks his crystal blue eyes on mine, his expression serious.

“You’re not intruding. I told you—I protect what’s mine. That bastard’s not going to touch you ever again. I promise you that. Pack your bags and then we’ll go to the station.”

“I don’t want Jett to be there.”

“Understood. Maybe Jackson and Harper could watch him for a while. I’ll text him while you get ready to go.”

“Okay.”

Xander leans forward, touching his lips to mine in a sweet, gentle kiss.

“Everything’s going to be okay. I’ve got you.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but they’re not tears of sadness or fear or anger.

No, they’re tears of relief and happiness.

Because for the first time in forever, I can trust someone with my whole heart. I know, deep-down, the bad boy of hockey has my back. Mine and my child’s. And he won’t let anyone hurt us again.

CHAPTER 17

XANDER

I’ve never lived with a woman I wasn’t related to.

Having Rachel and Jett around all the time is surprisingly easy. The two of them slip into my life like they’ve always been there, like we were meant to be a family.

I’ve never been more content.

“You boys ready for the big game?” Rachel asks as we walk into the arena.

Tonight’s our first hockey game, my coaching debut. Not gonna lie, I’m a little bit nervous. I want to win as a coach as much as I do when I’m a player.

“I am!” Jett cries, bouncing up and down between us, his energy palpable. His excitement’s contagious, firing up my nerves.

“Me too, bud.” I ruffle his hair. “You’re gonna do great. Remember, be as wide as you can and stay low.”

“Got it, Coach.” Jett beams up at me and my heart swells with pride.

He’s a great kid and I love spending time with him. And his mom.

“Okay, boys. I’m going to sit with Harper. Good luck out there!” Rachel squeezes Jett in a hug, then turns to me, lockingher hazel eyes on mine. “Good luck, Coach. You’re going to do great.”

She stands on tiptoe and presses her lips to mine in a soft kiss and all my nerves fly away.

I’ve got this.

We’ve got this.

“Thanks, babe. Love you.”

The words fly out of my mouth and she freezes for a split second, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“I love you, too, Xander.”

She kisses me one more time for good luck, then floats into the stands to join Harper. I watch her retreating backside, marveling at my new reality.

“Coach! Can you help me with my skates?” Jett tugs at my arm and I tear my gaze from his mom.