All the Way (Hot Jocks #2)(63)

“No. I should be thanking you. You’ve changed the man I am. In all the best ways.”

Becca blinks away the tears and gives me a soft look. “That’s fake news, and you know it. People don’t change, Owen. You’ve had this inside you the whole time.”

“Then it took you to bring it out,” I say, leaning forward to press my lips to hers.

“Maybe,” she murmurs back.

“Definitely.”

She rolls her eyes at me, and I’m a little in shock that she can’t see this as clearly as I can. She’s strong and brave and fearless. I was the one who was lost without her.

“Our story isn’t about your past, it isn’t about how you fell down,” I say, taking her hand in mine. “It’s about how you stood on your own two feet and took your life back. I’m just honored that you let me be part of that. You’re the strongest person I know, Becca. I love you.”

“I love you too . . .” She hesitates for a moment, chewing on her bottom lip and looking down at our hands.

My stomach tenses. “But? Why do I feel like there’s a but coming?”

She looks up and meets my eyes again. “But . . . part of me is just scared that one day you’re going to wake up and realize I’m not enough for you.”

My heart gives a little clench. “Why would you say that? I love you. You’re everything I want.”

She swallows, looking unsure. “I’m scared that someday another girl is going to capture your heart.”

“Honestly, babe, she will.” I interlace her fingers with mine and give her hand a gentle squeeze. “She’ll be the little girl who calls you Mommy.”

“Owen, you can’t say things like that.” Becca sniffs and starts to cry, the tears that welled in her eyes earlier sliding down her cheeks.

I wipe them away with my thumbs. “I love you, and I always will. You’re it for me.”

She shifts closer on the bed, still watching me, still taking in everything I’ve said. “Show me,” she says.

And I do.

? ? ?

I hope you enjoyed All the Way! Up next is Teddy and Sara’s story in Trying to Score.





“Make a sex tape,” they said.

“It’ll be fun,” they said.

Spoiler alert: they lied.

I’m an overworked attorney, but hey, at least my latest case is an interesting one. I’ve been hired to help my friend Teddy keep a sex tape he made years ago private. And considering Teddy is a pro hockey hunk with a huge reputation and an even bigger following, this news can’t get out.

Plus, I have an extra interest in making sure that tape never sees the light of day. Because the other person in that video?

Is me.

Your favorite hot jocks are back with an all new stand-alone novel. If you like sexy, confident men who know how to handle a stick (on and off the ice), and smart women who are strong enough to keep all those big egos in check, this series of athlete romances is perfect for you!

Get Your Copy of Trying to Score





Acknowledgments


This book. Gah! This little book has meant so much to me, and I’ve poured so much of myself onto its pages. Don’t ever let it be said that I don’t get into character—because going to a cheap massage parlor called Number One Foot and running a half marathon both took place over the course of writing this story. It’s true that the first three miles are the hardest, in case you were wondering. And yes, seeing your best friend naked really does change everything. Everythinggg.

First, I would like to thank my amazing husband, John, for his unending love and nonstop encouragement. The strength of your belief in me is a little overwhelming at times, but means so much. I have never met someone so encouraging, loving, accepting, and sweet—all coupled with an incredible strength. I don’t know what I would do without you, and I hope to never find out. I’m so blessed that I get to do life with you. First you were my friend, then you were my whole world, and it was such an easy transition. My best piece of advice is to marry the guy who makes you laugh every day—marry the guy who makes you smile simply by walking in the room. And you do, babe. You really do.

Next, I would like to thank my lovely readers for continually trusting me to deliver a satisfying read. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope I never let you down.

To my wonderful assistant, Alyssa Garcia, you do so much, and I would be totally lost without you. Thank you a million billion for everything that you handle—big and small—so I can write, and edit, and ya know, sleep.

To my editing team—the incomparable Pam Berehulke, whose editing schedule books up two years in advance (for good reason). I’m so grateful to work with you. A big hug to Rachel Brookes for your love and advice with this story. Thank you for believing in Owen to redeem himself and not be a total douche. Elaine York, I am so happy that you always make time to spend with my words and help me whip them into shape—my books are always better because you have worked on them. Sue Grimshaw, I appreciated the second look you gave this story and your advice on the changes to chapters thirteen and fourteen made them so much better.

To author Nana Malone, thank you so much for your beta read and thoughtful advice on this story. I adore you! I would also like to thank the quick beta reads by Stacy and Zetti. You guys rock.