Big Stick

by R. C. Stephens

  I look over to Flynn, and she has tears streaking her cheeks. She doesn’t try to hide it or wipe them away. I just pray this night was a good idea.

  Lucas continues to speak. “Doctors told me I would spend my life in a wheelchair. Paraplegic, I’ve still got use of my hands. My sister made it through with some cuts and bruises. She was small, and by some miracle that car seat saved her life.” Lucas pauses again as he tries to work through his emotions. “My entire world changed because a woman didn’t realize she had drunk too much alcohol at a party.”

  Lucas goes on to tell his story, and I sit quietly watching Flynn, my knee bouncing up and down at the thought of making my speech next.

  “I will be attending the 2020 Summer Paralympics representing our country in wheelchair basketball,” Lucas says proudly, and the crowd bursts out in applause. “Thank you to Oliver and Myles. It’s the second year they are hosting this event, and I’m so grateful to your dedication to this cause.” Lucas looks my way and smiles.

  Flynn looks startled when I get up from my chair and Oli goes to take a seat beside her. I notice that he takes her hand.

  “Hello, I’m Myles Sanders, team captain for the Blackhawks.” I pause because loud applause breaks through the hall. I wait for it to quiet down. I also adjust the mic to fit my height. “In June of 2011, I was drafted into the NHL. It should have been the best night of my life. My dream of a hockey career came through, and I got the girl of my dreams.” I turn my head to look at Flynn and smile. She smiles back through her tears. I take a lungful of air and continue. “The most memorable night of my life turned into a nightmare.” I continue to discuss the details of the accident.

  Oli and I agreed that it was better for me to give the speech this year, because we never truly spoke to Flynn about the details of that night, and even though you can never have total closure from such a tragedy, we want to share this part of us with her so she will feel like she’s a part of our pain and healing. The three musketeers. Us against the world.

  “Tonight, in honor of the parents I lost, Kevin and Patricia Russell, I am asking you to second-guess. I am asking you to be aware. But most of all, I am asking you to go out of your way to be a good human being and stop the random guy. Don’t be afraid that your friends will think you’re a jerk for questioning them. Do the decent thing and save them from the biggest mistake of their lives. I wish someone could have done that for the man driving the pickup truck that smashed in to us. It would have spared five lives…” I pause and look over at Flynn. She’s a sobbing mess of tears, and Oli has his arm around her.

  “I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight and supporting MADD.” I wrap up my speech, eager to get back to Flynn. I pull away from the microphone, and the CEO of MADD says a few more words before telling everyone to enjoy their dinner.

  “Flynn, I …” I begin. Oli gets out of my seat and gives her a kiss on the cheek. He whispers something in her ear.

  “Hey, baby.” I press a kiss to her lips, which are moist from her tears. “You okay?”

  “Thank you.” She says it so quietly I barely hear the words. “Thank you for sharing that with me. Thank you for inviting me and making me a part of tonight.” She takes a napkin and dabs at her eyes.

  “Let’s go find somewhere private.” I give her my hand, and she takes it.

  I guide her out of the hall, stopping to ask one of the waitresses if there’s a private room. She directs me past the restrooms to a bridal room.

  We enter a room with a fancy loveseat, a wing-back chair, and an area with a mirror that looks like a makeup station. I lock the door behind us, and I’m turning to talk to Flynn when her arms come flying around my neck and her lips press against mine. “Thank you.” she repeats, and I know exactly what she means.

  “I want to share every part of me.” I kiss her back feverishly. “I love you so damned much.” The kiss is wet from her tear-stained cheeks.

  “My parents would’ve been so proud of you and Oli. So proud.” She swipes at her tears. “I can’t seem to stop crying.” She laughs through her tears.

  “It’s okay, baby. It’s good to cry. It’s good to let it out.” I place my forefinger under her chin and will her to look me in the eyes as I share her pain and heartache. Her tears slow down, and she blows out a breath. There is a water dispenser in the room, and I get her a little.

  “Better?” I ask with a slight smile.

  She places the cup of water on the table. She gives me a mischievous smile.

  “Tink?”

  “Kiss me,” she says, although by the look on her face, she’s saying “fuck me.” A wide smirk curves my lips because my bossy girl is once again telling me what to do, and as much as I like to take control of things, I know with her it’s gonna have to be give and take. I lean forward and slowly kiss the corner of her lips. I use my hand to tilt her head up to me and press a hard kiss on her mouth, but I don’t deepen it.

  “Tease,” she calls out through the kisses.

  I laugh. “Me? You look good enough to eat.”

  She cocks a brow.

  “Just wait until I get you home.” I continue to press soft kisses across her cheeks.

  “Home,” she sighs. “I like the sound of that.”

  I hold her hands in mine and gaze into familiar and loving blue eyes. “You’ve given me more in these last few months than I ever could imagine. I never saw myself settling down or having it all.” My heart is full of love for this woman as she gives me a knowing look.

  “I never thought I would have this, either.” She smiles sadly. “I always wanted what Mom and Dad had, and after the accident, I just didn’t think it would be possible…until you.” She kisses me with every fiber of her being.

  “Until you, baby,” I say through the kiss, and in my heart, I know that Flynn and I will make it, no matter what.

  Epilogue

  Flynn

  One year later

  The Blackhawks are playing tonight, and my man is on fire. Sitting up front, right behind the Plexiglas, has my nerves on edge. The Blackhawks took the cup last year, and pressure is on for another good season. Myles gets hold of the puck and stickhandles his way across the ice. Internally, I’m both giddy and giggling; stickhandling has become a kinky inside joke between us. He likes to say that I stickhandled my way back into his life, both figuratively and literally.

  A player shoves Myles into the Plexiglas in front of me. Once I know he’s okay from the hit, I get totally turned on. It may be odd but growing up around hockey will do that to you. Myles shoves the guy back. Before he skates away, he turns back to wink at me. Yup, he’s definitely getting laid later on.

  “Excuse me. Sorry, excuse me,” Sloane excuses herself past some people so she can make it to the empty seat beside me. “Sorry, I’m late. What did I miss?” she asks, getting comfortable in her seat.

  “Not much. Oli scored a goal. Some idiot just shoved Myles into the glass. He got him back. Usual stuff.” I shrug.

  “Cool.” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a hot dog.

  I give her a sidelong glance. “Really?”

  “Yeah, I’m starved. I got off work and came straight here,” she says, as if there’s nothing wrong with pulling a hot dog out of your purse. I don’t pursue the conversation because it’s Sloane, and telling her it’s weird won’t make a difference.

  “I’m starved, too. Didn’t have a chance to eat. I had a meeting with Tara before I got here. I’m getting my own office. She’s been very pleased with my work, and she told me if I keep up with the cases the way I have been, I’ll be on the fast track to becoming junior partner.” I let out a loud squeal. “I haven’t told Myles or Oli, so keep things quiet.”

  She takes a large bite of the hot dog. It’s oozing ketchup, mustard, and relish. Gross. “I’ll keep your secret,” she says through the bite in her mouth.

  Jamie scores a goal for the Blackhawks just before the buzzer goes, and they win the game. Everybody is cheering l
ike crazy. I just stare at Myles, a little starry eyed.

  It takes a while to shuffle out of the arena after the game. Both Sloane and I head to the locker rooms.

  “I wish I could be one of them.” She sighs, looking at a reporter interviewing a guy from the team. As if KPLG news anchor isn’t a good job.

  “Um, you’re an anchor. That’s better.” My brows dip together.

  “Yeah, but she gets to see half-naked hockey players.” Sloane pouts.

  My lips twist. “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Maybe,” she agrees. “Besides, KPLG isn’t a really big station. It’s local. Tonight, the station made me wear a witch’s hat, since Halloween is next week.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” I ask, a little confused.

  “I’m freaking scared of witches, Flynn. Have you seen the Wizard of Oz? With my dark hair, I probably looked like that wicked witch that melted. Now when people see the broadcast, they’ll remember me as the witch,” she says, pouting her lips.

  “Last week it was a moose. I don’t think it makes a difference,” I reply.

  “You’re right. I’m not sure a moose is a friendly animal.” She quirks her lips to the side.

  “Okay, then.” I’m lost in this conversation.

  The guys finally come out of the changing room. A reporter stops Myles to ask him questions about the game tonight. She’s a pretty female. He answers her questions in a professional and friendly manner. He really is good in front of the camera. Probably why Blackhawk fans adore him. Once the camera cuts out, the woman places her palm on his shoulder and leans in to whisper in his ear, and I’ll be damned—I think she has just propositioned him. It’s nothing new. He gets propositioned all the time. Though this was in front of me, so it feels different. I’m jealous and pissed off. In my mind, I envision sucker punching the bitch.

  I turn to Sloane. She’s laughing so hard she’s holding her stomach. “OMG, Flynn, you have to see your face right now. Too bad I didn’t get a pic.”

  I notice Myles letting the woman down, and his glare turns on me. Maybe he wants to make sure I’ll behave. He doesn’t need to worry. I’ve matured. I roll my eyes at Sloane. I’m not going to make a scene and do something that would embarrass Myles. The reporter is still talking to him. I think I hear her tell him that if things don’t work out to give her a call. I’m seeing red at this point, and yes, I still want to sucker punch her. She’d never expect it, and Oli would be so proud.

  I begin to walk toward Myles. Sloane’s hand on my shoulder stops me. “Don’t do it, Flynn.”

  I shake off Sloanes comment and continue to walk over to Myles and the reporter’s hand slips off his shoulder. When I reach him, I lean in and plant a kiss on his lips. I linger for a moment and deepen the kiss. He groans into my mouth, and I pull away. Mission accomplished. “Hey, babe,” I say with a satisfied grin.

  The woman clears her throat and says something to the cameraman. Myles snakes an arm around my waist.

  “Great game.” I smile.

  “Thanks.” We both walk over to Sloane, and Myles tells us, “Oli should be out in a minute. He’s making himself pretty.”

  My brother comes sauntering out of the locker room in a suit. “Sorry. Too many reporters in there tonight.” He winks at Sloane. “Hey, Shorty.”

  Myles takes me by the hand. “Come,” he says. I notice him glance back at Oli as he guides us toward the arena.

  I look the opposite way, toward the exit. “Aren’t we going the wrong way?” I ask, confused.

  Sloane giggles, and Oli hushes her.

  We enter the arena. It’s empty. The Zamboni is just finishing cleaning the ice. Myles opens the door to the rink. Good thing I’m wearing a warm sweater under my Blackhawks top. I follow him because he clearly has something up his sleeve tonight. We’ve been living together for almost a year now.

  A red carpet is laid out on the ice. That’s strange. Myles walks me out to center ice on the carpet. Oli and Sloane stay behind.

  “Tink?” He smiles then runs his fingers through his hair. He’s nervous. Myles is nervous. It doesn’t happen often.

  “Yes,” I reply in a level voice because I’m still not sure what’s happening, and I’m a lawyer. I stay cool, calm, and collected under almost any circumstances. It’s a response I’ve worked hard to achieve.

  “Tink,” he repeats. I remain quiet, albeit still confused. I look over to my brother and Sloane. They’re watching us expectantly. Myles’s voice pulls my attention back to him. “We met when we were six. Every good memory I have of my childhood is linked to you. Every horny memory of my adolescence is linked to you.” He snickers, and I let out a hearty laugh. “In all seriousness, though…” His features straighten, out and I see the emotion in his gaze. “I’ve loved you ever since I can remember. You’ve always been mine, but you know me… I’m a sentimental old fool, and I need this to be official because you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I didn’t think I’d be able to sustain a relationship, but honestly, this past year has shown me there’s no work involved, because I love you. It’s just so damn easy, and we’re so good together. Life just makes sense, ya know?” He pauses to smile and see if I’m on board.

  A lone tear streaks down my cheeks because in the last year I’ve become a sentimental old fool myself. For the first time in my life I wear my emotions on my sleeve, and damn, it feels good. “I know,” I respond, because I love him, and I know he needs to make sure I’m on board with him for what’s to come. I give him an assured nod.

  He drops down on one knee and pulls a robin’s egg blue box out of the front pocket of his suit pants. He opens it up to reveal a glistening diamond ring. I gasp loudly, not because I wasn’t expecting it, but because he stole my breath away.

  “Flynn,” he says, and I love that he’s switched from Tink to Flynn now. “Will you marry me?”

  My hands come up to my mouth, and the sobbing begins as I nod my head frantically. I’m still too emotional, so the word hasn’t come yet. He stands up to place the ring on my finger, and then he kisses me. I finally come up for air and scream, “Yes, yes. Myles, I would love to marry you.”

  My brother and Sloane run toward us on the red carpet.

  Sloane is squealing as she wraps me in a hug.

  Oli shakes Myles’s hand and pulls him in for a guy hug.

  Then Oli turns to me. “I’m so happy for you, Flynny.” He gives me his infamous bear hug.

  Myles gives Sloane a hug.

  Myles walks back to me and drapes an arm over my shoulder. “Come on, we have a wedding to plan.”

  Did you love this Embrace? Check out more of our new adult titles here!

  Don’t miss more books by R.C. Stephens! Sign up for our newsletter here!

  Acknowledgments

  I couldn’t do any of this without my family. Your love and support make it possible for me to write.

  Stephanie, thank you for your super power agenting. You are not only an awesome agent, but you’re always there to offer advice and support.

  Huge love to my team at Entangled. Candace, you are a rock star. Thank you for loving this story and believing in it. Curtis, thank you for your eagle’s eye on detail. Jessica and Riki, thank you for promoting Big Stick the way you have.

  Thank you to my author friends who have been there to support me through this process and offer great advice.

  Readers, you are the reason I write stories. To those of you that have read every one of my books I appreciate your dedication so so much. It means everything to me that you take the time to read my stories. To all the new readers who are reading me for the first time. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I hope you loved Myles and Flynn as much I do.

  To the bloggers, your support means everything. I’m always so in awe by each and every one of you for selflessly promoting the books you love. I appreciate you so much.

  XOXO

  R.C. Stephens

  About the Author

  As far
back as R.C. Stephens can remember she was a sucker for a good romance. Of course, there had to be a prince charming even if he ultimately was a dark knight and there had to be a happy ending.

  She watched the movie Dirty Dancing way too many times growing up and Jean Claude Van Damme movies too. Go figure!

  After years of saying she would write a book one day, she finally put pen to paper and carved out the plot line for what would eventually become the best-selling Twisted Series. Now R.C. is just finishing up her eleventh book and can’t seem to stop the stories running through her mind.

  Discover more New Adult titles from Entangled Embrace…

  Irish on the Rocks

  a Murphy Brothers novel by Magan Vernon

  Grace maddens me, but she’s a longtime friend of the family, so giving her a job as my assistant is the only way I can keep everyone off my back. But the more time I spend with her, the more I find myself looking differently at this girl from my past. But she’s my brother’s best friend and completely off limits. I just wish I could stop thinking about her.

  Until We’re More

  a Fighting for Her novel by Cindi Madsen

  Chelsea is the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck, focusing only on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat. But now she’s finally back, and things are weird between us. By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’s feeling the same. And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.

  Talk British to Me

  a Wherever You Go novel by Robin Bielman

  Mateo Gallagher isn’t being cocky when he says he gets attention from millions of women. As the Dating Guy on morning radio, it’s his job to give the single guy’s perspective on love and dating, and with a faux British accent, nobody knows who he really is. That he’s contracted to stay single is no problem—until he meets Teague Watters. She changes the rules of the game, and for the first time he wants more.