Epilogue
Sully
“Umm…what are you doing?” I come to a full stop in the doorway of Pax’s office, disbelief clouding my vision.
“Heh…” He has the audacity to look sheepish as he sits with his shirt unbuttoned holding up my book to the camera that’s facing him. “Well…this was supposed to be a surprise.”
“Count me surprised.”
“Right.” In a nervous tick, he scratches the side of his jaw. “Surprise, then! I’m promoting your book.”
“Wait. What now?”
“Ya. You know, me being your boyfriend and all, a professional hockey player, aaaaand your inspiration,” he winks, “I thought it was about time to share romance with the world.”
“Okay. Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?” Feigning a search, I look around the room until he stops me.
“Very funny. I just want to support you.” He tugs me into his chest. “And by the way, I don’t see my name in your acknowledgments. I’m quite upset.”
“What happened to the guy who shuddered at the idea of me mentioning his name in the book?”
“I’d like to think he’s evolved.”
“Hmmm…”
“Into something lovable.”
His thumbs are sweeping up under my hoodie to graze my skin. “I do love lovable things…”
“Besides, real men read romance.”
“Oh! Really?”
“Yes. In fact, that’s my whole campaign on socials.”
“You’re very sweet.” I pepper some kisses along his jaw.
“Yes, I am. Now be sure to acknowledge me in your next book.”
I squirm on his lap until I’m repositioned to be straddling him. “I could arrange that in exchange for more lessons.”
“Done.”
His mouth is on mine in a soft, gentle kiss.
“Any day. Anytime. Anything you want to learn. I’m your guy.”
“Perfect.”
Before he can deepen the kiss, I push lightly on his chest. “By the way, did you happen to check the dedication?”
“You didn’t,” he teases.
“Oh, I did.”
“You realize what you’ve just done, don’t you?”
“What’s that?”
“You’ve created a romance monster out of me. Now I won’t just be reading your books because you’re the author, but I’ll be reading them to find little Easter Egg references to myself.”
“That makes you an egomaniac, not a romance monster.”
“Maybe I’m both. Would you still love me?”
“I love you more because you’re both.”
“Mmm.” He kisses me long and hard. “That’s what I like to hear. I love you, Sully. Forever.”
***