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It was unfortunate that Lucy Chen could not wear her engagement ring from the man she loves, but he asked that they keep their relationship a secret, and she understood. As an internationally known pop star, cameras, fans, and attention always followed her, and it made her fiancée, Emmett Lang, uncomfortable. She saw the ring where it was stowed in her jewelry box and closed the lid to pay attention to her best friend and publicist, Tamara Collins.

“Before this tour starts, we have to time out the announcement of your engagement,” Tamara began.

“No, we’re not telling anyone we’re engaged. Lucy and I agreed we’ll get married secretly, and then we can release a statement. I want to wait until the last possible second to be in the limelight,” Emmett insisted. “I thought that’s what we agreed to. Right, Lu?”

“Yeah, of course. I get it, and I already told Tamara we’ll tease that I’m getting married and when but not to whom, and then we’ll announce that we got married after it happens when I’m performing in New York City,” Lucy recalled the plan she had been over a hundred times and was frustrated that Tamara was showing her lack of support.

“Okay, good. If this is done, my shift starts soon. I’ve got lives to save. Have fun on your tour,” Emmett said and kissed Lucy’s cheek.

“Aren’t you coming by after work to say goodbye? I leave tonight, and we won’t see each other for at least a month with my tour date schedule.”

“I can’t. I’m sorry, I promised some friends we’d go out tonight.”

“You’d rather go out and drink with your friends then see me off before I go on tour?”

“Come on, Lu, I’ll see you in like six weeks. It’s fine. I really can’t get into this right now. I gotta go,” Emmett gave Tamara a curt nod and offered a last little smile to Lucy before he left her house.

“Okay, why are you marrying him?” Tamara asked once Emmett had left.

“I love him, and he loves me,” Lucy answered as if it was simple.

“You love him, and he tolerates you.”

“No, I’m just…hard to love. My career is difficult for people to handle, which is why Emmett has wanted everything between us to be a secret, but he’s only willing to put up with all the sneaking around because he loves me.”

“And, because he likes going out with celebrities. He doesn’t want to be famous, but he loves rubbing elbows with them and telling his buddies all the stories afterwards.”

“Fame isn’t easy, Tamara. He’s been so patient with me. So many before him haven’t stayed this long or wanted to marry me. My career seems to have too many strings.”

“Or, you just haven’t found someone that’s just as cool about being in the public eye as you are.”

“No one’s disapproval is going to stop me. I’ve dreamed of getting married ever since I can remember, and it’s finally happening. It may not be a fairy tale, but I never needed that, you know. I just want to be happy.”

“I hope Emmett makes you happy, but there’s still time to back out of the wedding. Hell, I’ll even be the getaway driver if you don’t want to make it down the aisle.”

Lucy rolled her eyes and poured herself some more tea. “I know you’re looking out for me, so I’m just going to say I appreciate that you’re like a sister to me. Okay, we should probably do some last minute packing before we leave tonight.”

“This international tour is gonna be AWESOME!” Tamara grinned.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Every night of the first month of the tour had been electrifying for Lucy as she performed in sold out arenas filled with her beloved fans. She was exhausted between shows, but she still had to go on a morning talk show and tease her upcoming nuptials to a mystery man. It was the most Lucy could share with her fans, and she wanted to tell them that after years of heartbreak and the media’s obsession with her dating life, she had finally found someone to settle down with. Hopefully, it would mean she could stop being painted as “flaky”, or “promiscuous”, or “non committal”, and all the other colorful words the media used when describing her based on her romantic history. It was nice that those comments would be coming to an end.

Tamara scrolled through her phone only minutes after Lucy’s interview and was amused by the social media response. “Your fans are really happy for you, and they’ve got all sorts of guesses who your fiancée is. Some of these guys are HOT. I kinda wish you were marrying Chris Evans like this person on Twitter said.” She waved her phone in Lucy’s face.

“My fiancée is plenty hot. He’s a firefighter,” Lucy responded.

“Whatever you say. Rest up. Tonight you’ve got that benefit gala.”

“I wish Emmett was coming with me. Since I’m going alone, I’ll probably be seated at the singles table. It doesn’t matter, though. I’ll be supporting a good cause, and I don’t really know how long I can stay anyways. This tour is zapping all my energy.”

“Good news is you get to spend the night in your house in your actual bed.”

“Yeah, I’ve missed L.A.”

“Are you going to see Emmett while you’re in town for the next 24 hours?”

“I wish, but he’s got a double shift. He finishes work right when I have to jet off to Colorado.”

“Oh, darn,” Tamara replied sarcastically.

Lucy flashed a face of unamusement at her best friend. “Let’s go nap at my house.” Tamara nodded and followed her to their car. The second Lucy reached her bedroom, she fell right into bed to get some much needed rest and only woke up when her stylist arrived to start getting her ready for the gala. She did not even remember agreeing to wear the beautiful, long, green dress that was brought up to her room to wear, but Lucy admired herself in the mirror once she put it on. She snapped a photo to send to Emmett, since she wanted her fiancée to see how nice she looked. He did not reply to her text, but she just assumed he was busy at work.

After walking the red carpet alone, Lucy went inside the ballroom to find her seat. She read the place card at the setting next to her and did not recognize the name, so at least she had the potential to make a new friend.

So many approached her to share their congratulatory wishes for her engagement, and Lucy only wished that Emmett was there to share in the joy, but that was happening a lot in recent months- missing Emmett and who they were together at one point in their relationship. When she returned to her seat at the end of cocktail hour, Lucy turned to the man that was about to sit in the chair beside her. She did not recognize him, but at first glance, he was attractive in a black tuxedo with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. “Hi, I’m Lucy.”

“I’m Tim,” he introduced himself and shook her hand as his eyes betrayed him and scanned her body’s generous curves in a green dress that looked striking. “I can’t go anywhere without listening to your music.”

“Not sure about that, but that’s kind of you to say,” she responded and took her seat.

He pushed her chair in before lowering himself into his own. “I didn’t say that as a compliment. Some people like to listen to music with actual substance, but apparently, that’s not the popular opinion, and I’m stuck hearing your ear worms instead.”

She had gotten those kinds of comments before; it hurt a little each time, but everyone is a critic and not all can be satisfied. “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. Of course, I think my lyrics are substantive and tell stories. Maybe you’re hearing my songs, but you’re not actually listening, or maybe we just have different taste.”

“Different taste it seems,” he replied, his lips a thin line.

There was an awkward silence, so purely for the sake of salvaging her evening that she was stuck being seated next to him, she said, “I’m sorry, I’m at a bit of an disadvantage. I don’t know who you are Tim…” Lucy glanced at his place card again and read, “Bradford.”

He snickered, “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised you don’t watch hockey, but I’m the center for the L.A. Kings. Have been for the last ten years.”

“Oh, hockey? You have the audacity to give me grief about my music when your whole life is hitting a disk with a stick?”

“It’s called a puck, and there’s a bit more to the sport than that.”

“Are you saying I’m misjudging something I don’t fully understand?”

Tim opened his mouth but stopped himself. She seemed smarter than the media made her out to be. He decided to surrender, “Fair.” Her self-satisfied smile that took over her face was positively effervescent.

“Can’t say I’ve actually watched a hockey game, but maybe I should check one out, since apparently there’s more to hockey than hitting a puck.”

He appreciated that she corrected herself and did not call a hockey puck a “disk” again. Tim replied, “Maybe you should.”

“And, maybe you should listen to my music, and I mean really listen.”

“I just might.”

She leaned in just a little closer as she turned to face him better. “I’ve got a busy year ahead of me. I’m traveling a lot to perform, but I promise I’ll make time to watch a hockey game when the season starts.”

To match her, Tim angled himself to turn his back to the person on his right while inching towards Lucy. He could not explain why, and he barely noticed that he was bridging the gap between them, but there was something equal parts maddening and captivating about her. “Listen, if you ever want to come watch a game live, I can give you my number and get you in a box. Give you the real hockey experience, so you can really appreciate it.”

She was sure it was supposed to be a challenge given the heat in his gaze, but there was a lilt to his voice that Lucy mistook for flirtation. There is quite a fine line between challenging and flirting, and Tim seemed to cross it in a way that made her blush. “I’m flattered, but I have a fiancée.” It was pretty amazing that Lucy was actually able to say that truth since she had said so during an interview that morning. Keeping the secret of her engagement from her friends and fans had truly weighed on her.

His eyes widened, and he began to stammer, “W-w…I-I was just inviting you to be my guest at one of my games. I promise I wasn’t hitting on you or anything…not that you’re not gorgeous, I-I…it’s just that I don’t really have time to date.”

Lucy wanted to comment on the fact he called her “gorgeous”, but there was something else curious about what he said. “What do you mean you don’t have time to date? You’re a famous hockey player. I bet there are plenty of women that throw themselves at you.”

“A lot of people want to get close to me, because I’m an athlete and not because of who I am aside from that. Not that I blame anyone. It comes with the territory, but…it’s just easier to focus on my career instead of wasting my time with women who want something from me instead of want me. Besides, I’m getting older. It takes more to stay in shape, so that doesn’t leave me with space in my life for anything or anyone else.”

“Sounds like it can get a little lonely.”

“I’ll admit it does, but this is what I always wanted- to play hockey professionally.”

“And, that’s all you want? No marriage or kids or anything like that?”

Deep in his heart, he had wanted a wife and kids to cheer him on at his games. After all, it was a bit disheartening at times when his teammates could look up to a box and wave at their loved ones while Tim had no one to look out into the crowd for, but hockey required making certain sacrifices including not having anyone to share his life with offseason. “It’s not in the cards. I was engaged once. Thought it would happen, but we ended things a few weeks before we were supposed to get married.”

“Oh, that’s awful. I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks. I’m sure that won’t happen with you and your fiancée.”

“I hope not. Actually, I think he would like to go to a hockey game. Could he tag along if I took you up on your offer to sit in a box?”

“Absolutely,” Tim smiled.

Lucy handed over her phone to him to exchange numbers. “If you end up actually liking my music, you can come to one of my tour dates.”

“Tour dates? You said you were traveling to perform. I didn’t know you were going on tour.”

“I’ve been on tour for a few weeks now. It’s this long international tour to spend time with my fans for the next year, so there might be something that fits with your busy hockey schedule. Of course, I’ll be performing a lot of those ear worms you don’t like.”

“The ear worms might just grow on me.” Was it the ear worms or Lucy that was growing on him? Perhaps he had misjudged her.

“High praise coming from a tough critic.”

“I didn’t mean to sound like one. I know I hate people judging me saying I should retire when I’ve got a few more seasons in me.”

“Comes with the limelight, I guess. People judging you when they don’t really know you.”

“It frustrates me sometimes, and I did that to you when we sat down. I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright. I did the same thing. I clearly don’t even know actual hockey terminology and have to do some studying before coming to one of your games.”

“Do you know that hockey is played on skates at least?” Lucy laughed, a light, sweet laugh that made his heart thump.

“I’m not THAT bad. I know that much.”

“Just checking,” he responded with a grin. When their entrees were served, he realized that at some point, his knee moved to rest against hers or hers had been the one to touch his; it was unclear. All Tim knew was that he just noticed how their legs were touching under the table, and he refused to pull away.

Lucy completely ignored the rest of the table in favor of talking to a most unlikely dinner companion. There was something calming about Tim that made her comfortable, and though her exhaustion kept her from dancing along with the other guests, she enjoyed staying seated right next to him where they spoke nonstop for the whole evening.

He watched her yawn for the third time and said, “I hope I’m not boring you.”

She covered his hand and assured, “No, you’re great. Really. I’m just traveling a lot right now and feel exhausted pretty much every second of every day lately.”

“Right. Your tour. Well, I won’t keep you any more tonight. I should probably head home, too. I’ve got an early practice.”

“Let’s get out of here.” Lucy withdrew her hand from him and signaled for her security to escort them to the service entrance where they waited for her car to arrive. “You don’t have to stay out here and wait.”

“Just want to make sure you get home safely.”

“I have security and a driver looking after me.”

“Of course. Sorry,” he apologized and felt a bit embarrassed.

She found his little blush to be adorable and stood up tall to give him a kiss on the cheek. “It was really nice to meet you, Tim. I hope our paths cross again.”

“Me, too, Lucy,” he breathed as a smile pinched his cheeks.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After practice, Tim stopped his coach outside of the locker room. “Hey, Grey, can I talk to you for a sec?”

“Sure, son,” Wade Grey said, then he noticed the trepidation on the other man’s face. “You want to talk about your contract, don’t you?”

“I haven’t gotten it renewed yet. How is that even possible? I’ve had the most goals in the league three years in a row. I’ve been on this team for a decade. How can I still be waiting on my contract?”

“Actually, I don’t think you’ll have to wait too much longer after that news came out. How could you keep such a big secret from us?”

“What secret?” Tim wondered.

“Don’t be coy. I saw the news this morning about you and your fiancée. Congratulations.”

“Fiancée? What are you talking about?”

“You’re the mystery guy engaged to Lucy Chen. It’s all over the tabloids, and of course, the owners have seen the news. This is exactly what management has been looking for from you. Being married and showing you’re in a stable relationship promotes the wholesome values of this team and gives you an edge over some of the younger players the team is considering signing and renewing contracts with. Hopefully, you should be hearing about your renewal soon.”

“But, coach, actually Lucy and I…”

“I have to go to a meeting, but congratulations again.”

Tim wanted to correct Grey that he was definitely not Lucy’s fiancée; he had only met her one time the night before; he needed to set the record straight with his coach and the media. First, he felt obligated to call Lucy.

“Hey, Tim,” she answered the phone as her heart skipped a beat.

“I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“Of course not. I’m just getting off the plane.”

“Where are you?”

“Denver. My performance is next Friday, but I’m spending the week here resting among the mountains and beautiful national parks. I find being outside to be very restorative.”

“That’s great.”

Lucy felt the pause and asked, “Tim? Are you calling about those rumors?”

He was grateful that she broached the subject first. “Yeah, I haven’t seen anything, but my coach said he read something about how I’m your fiancée. I didn’t say that to the media. I don’t know where anyone got that theory from.”

“It happens a lot. There’s always speculation about my dating life as if that matters. Look, it’ll blow over in a news cycle or two. Do us both a favor and don’t speak to the press about this. Giving them quotes only draws more attention.”

“Noted. I guess I should thank you for the rumor. My team’s management has been begging me to settle down as if that makes me a better hockey player or something, and since the media said I’m your fiancée, my coach said they might renew my contract.”

“I’m glad something good is coming out of this then.”

“I do feel bad. I don’t want this to hurt you or bother your actual fiancée. I’m sorry about that.”

“Wow, most people don’t care about how the rumors effect me. But, don’t worry about it. Seriously. This happens a lot. I’ve learned not to let it get to me. Congrats on your new contract. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but it sounds positive.”

“You really are very kind, you know.” Tim smiled.

Lucy felt butterflies flap around in her stomach. “You’re sweet.”

“I’d like to repay you for this somehow.”

“That’s not necessary. It’s not like it’s such a bad rumor for me to be engaged to a handsome hockey player.”

“You think I’m handsome?” Tim felt heat spread through his cheeks.

How did Lucy let that slip out of her mouth? She was clearly more tired than she thought and needed to end the call before she embarrassed herself further. “I gotta go. Bye, Tim.”

“Bye,” he responded with a grin clear in his voice and hung up. As he walked over to his car, he groaned when he caught sight of who was leaning against his truck. “Before you start giving me grief, Ang…”

Angela Lopez Evers cut him off with a wave of her hand. “So, you’re supposed to be my best friend in the world, and you didn’t bother to tell me you’re engaged to one of the most famous and talented singers of our generation?”

“It’s a dumb rumor fabricated by tabloids to sell magazines. I just met her last night at this charity thing,” Tim tried to explain.

“You two look really chummy in the photos. There’s one of her holding your hand and another where she’s kissing your cheek.” 

“That was all innocent. She’s got a fiancée, but it’s not me! Honest.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “For a second there, it almost sounded like you were jealous.”

“I’m not jealous. I really don’t even know that much about Lucy. We sat next to each other at dinner, and sure we talked for most of the night, but I’m sure she was just being nice. Lucy says this engagement theory stuff will stop in a couple of days, so I’m planning on laying low and following her lead on this.”

“Wait, you talked to her about what everyone’s saying? Did she call you?”

“I called her to straighten it all out and swear to her I didn’t make a comment to the media or anything.”

“Since when do you have her number?”

“I asked her for it last night when I offered for her to come to a game.”

“You invited THE Lucy Chen to a hockey game?”

Tim nodded. “Yeah.”

“Wow, for a guy who doesn’t date, you sure are flirting.”

“I wasn’t flirting with her. She said she doesn’t know much about hockey, so I thought I would offer her to come. I was just being friendly.”

“Since when are you Mr. Friendly?” Tim only rolled his eyes, so Angela continued to tease, “I shouldn’t be surprised you finally decided to be friendly to someone who’s so pretty.”

“Who’s pretty?” Wesley Evers, a fellow L.A. Kings team member, asked when he joined his friends next to Tim’s truck.

“Lucy Chen. Tim’s fiancée,” Angela answered and gave her husband, Wes, a quick kiss.

“She’s NOT my fiancée,” Tim corrected emphatically.

“Our favorite perpetual bachelor has finally decided to settle down. I’m thrilled,” Wes smirked.

“Cut it out. You know all of this is just fake news,” Tim put his hands on his hips.

“I wish it wasn’t. She’s talented and beautiful, and I bet she’s cool, too. Besides, it would be nice to see you with SOMEONE. There’s still time before the season starts. Not much, but if you can get a fiancée in a night, you could have a wife with a baby on the way by the season opener,” Angela snickered.

“You’re not funny,” Tim crossed his arms, and then he saw the flashing of cameras with paparazzi clamoring next to the gates to snap a photo of him. Sure, he had gotten his picture taken a few times but never had he experienced so many cameras in his direction after practice. “I think that’s my cue to go.” He waved to the eager photographers and climbed up into his truck to drive away.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As someone who diligently checked social media, Tamara was quite entertained with all the commentary swirling around regarding Lucy and Tim. “You two would make a hot couple. He’s a zaddy,” she said where she was lounged on one of the couches in Lucy’s suite.

Of course Lucy had noticed how attractive Tim is. She stared at him for an entire night, but she did not want to entertain Tamara’s commentary. “He’s just a nice guy who got caught in my media storm. I can’t believe he apologized to me about it.”

“That was nice of him.”

“He’s a good guy. Very sweet. At first, he was a little rude, but Tim warmed up to me.”

“I can tell by that smile on your face.”

“I’m not smiling,” Lucy bit her lip to stop her mouth from curling upwards in what seemed to be a subconscious reaction to him. Her phone buzzed. “It’s Emmett,” she announced the caller before answering, “Hey, sweetie.”

“What the hell, Lu?” Emmett snapped.

“I take it you saw the news.”

“Apparently you’re engaged to Tim Bradford now. How do you even know him?”

“He was seated next to me at the gala you refused to go to with me.”

“You know I don’t want to walk red carpets and get my picture taken. You said it was fine.”

“It was fine that you weren’t there.”

“This is why I hate the media. You sit next to a guy one time, and everyone starts saying you’re together. This isn’t the first time these rumors have spread since we started dating.” 

“I know, and that’s something I warned you about. Staying out of the public eye comes with its own problems.”

“Sometimes I hate it.”

“Only sometimes? It seems to bother you all the time. I can’t help how much media attention I get. I can’t stop people from posting whatever they want to about me or travel under cloaks to avoid getting my picture taken. You know what comes with the territory. I warned you when we started going out.”

“Doesn’t seem like this circus is worth it anymore.”

Lucy’s lungs faltered.

Emmett had not stopped himself from making such a harsh confession, so he knew he had to apologize for being too brutal in his honesty. “I didn’t mean that, Lu, I’m sorry.”

It crossed her mind how Tim felt bad for her and Emmett felt bad for himself, but it was not fair to compare the two men. “You know, I think I need a nap. Give it a few days, and this mess with Tim will be done.”

“Good. I don’t like that people are starting to give you a couple name.”

“A couple name already? That’s fast!”

“Don’t sound so happy about it unless you want to be with him, then I guess I shouldn’t get in the way of ‘Tucy’.”

“Come on, Emmett. You know it’s not like that. I love you. Besides, ‘Tucy’ isn’t a cute couple name.”

“Whatever. I gotta hit the gym.”

“Okay, b-,” Lucy did not even get a chance to finish the word before he hung up.

“That didn’t sound good,” Tamara said, since she was shamelessly eavesdropping.

“He’s a little annoyed, but I’m sure he’ll get over it.”

“If he doesn’t, you can go always go out with this hockey player. Tim holds a lot of records apparently.” Tamara’s cursory Google search indicated quite a lot of statistics that seemed to be impressive.

“Really?” Lucy found herself typing his name into the search bar at lightning speed to read up on Tim Bradford. Through the duration of their conversation the night before, he had not brought up how well he played and only that he loves hockey. His humility was unique.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As the days passed, less and less photographers were standing outside of the practice facility to take a picture of Tim, which proved Lucy was right just as she was about how her music was deeper than his initial impression. Behind some of her poppiest beats were descriptive sad lyrics that made him realize just how much he had misjudged Lucy. He even added one of her songs to his workout playlist and followed some of the news about her tour as it continued through the summer.

Even though he was done with his morning run, he let Lucy’s song finish playing before Tim paused his workout playlist and called his coach.

“Hi, Tim. No, I haven’t heard anything about your contract officially,” Grey answered the phone saying, since he knew the purpose of the call.

“Okay, what have you heard unofficially?”

“The owners are drawing it out and waiting until the last possible second to renew contracts. They could drag this out until the trade deadline.”

“FEBRUARY? It’s the beginning of fall. That’s almost five months that I have to wait to hear if I’m getting signed again? How can they do this to me?” Tim felt disrespected by the team he had played on for his whole professional career.

“I know it’s not fair to you. The only movement I saw towards your renewal was when the news broke about your engagement to Lucy Chen. Any chance you two could tie the knot sooner rather than later? I know the owner would love to see that you have a wife. It could be enough to get this contract finalized before February.”

Tim was instructed not to say anything, so he had not even corrected his coach about the false rumor. “I’m a solid player. I’ve been loyal to the Kings when other teams have tried to poach me. How come it matters if I’m married or not?”

“I don’t make the rules. Our owner likes seeing his players show commitment off the ice. I don’t want to rush you down the aisle if you two aren’t ready yet, but think about it, or you might have to be okay with getting traded.”

“Traded? At my age? I won’t be given the kind of offers I used to get. What if no other team wants me? I don’t want to be forced to retire. I swear I got a few more good years in me. Can’t you do anything?”

Grey was sympathetic; he knew how dedicated Tim was. “Aside from officiating your wedding, there’s nothing else I can do. I’m really sorry.”

“Me, too,” he sighed before ending the call and driving over to the Lopez Evers house.

Angela answered the door and assessed her friend in an instant. “What’s got you so stressed out?”

“It’s nothing,” Tim lied and shouldered past her to enter her home.

“Nothing, huh?” She did not believe him for a second.

“Hey, Tim. Let me grab my bag, and we can head over to practice,” Wes said when he descended the staircase.

“Oh, Tim isn’t leaving until he tells me what’s wrong. Is it the season opener this weekend?”

“No, I’m excited about that. It’s my contract.”

“Still no news? Mine was renewed months ago,” Wes replied.

“Yeah, well apparently since I’m unmarried, the team might not want to re-sign me.”

“That’s a little weird,” Angela said.

“I know, but Grey said the last time there was any discussion about renewing my contract was when the tabloids said I was engaged to Lucy.”

“Really?” Angela smiled.

“Don’t look so happy. You know there’s nothing going on between us.”

“Nothing? I’ve seen her name pop up on your phone a few times,” Angela pointed out.

“Okay, focus that detective energy into your actual cases and stop looking at my phone,” Tim insisted. “And, we’ve just texted a couple times. She’s really busy. She mostly just sends me pictures of the cities she’s in or asks me questions about hockey, and I tell her about some songs of hers that I actually like.”

“Look at you becoming friends with someone who isn’t an athlete or married to one,” Wes grinned.

“Hey, I was friends with Angela before you even met. She’s the one that found who robbed my house years ago, and you only met her and made her a hockey wife because of me, so Angela doesn’t count,” Tim responded.

“Maybe Lucy Chen could be the next hockey wife if you play your cards right,” Angela suggested.

“She’s got a fiancée. We’re really JUST friends, and barely friends for that matter. I haven’t seen her since the night we met.”

“But, you’d want to see her again,” Angela deduced based on the fact Tim stayed in contact with Lucy despite their competing packed schedules.

“Lucy is in Boston right now. With her tour dates and my game dates, I don’t know when we’ll be in the same city again let alone when she would have the energy to see me.”

“That wasn’t a ‘no’,” Wes noted with a smirk. His wife’s detective skills were rubbing off on him, and he picked up on certain things.

“Maybe you SHOULD try to see her again. Get more gossip spread about you two. It could be enough to get your contract finalized,” Angela suggested.

“I won’t use her like that. No way. She’s a good person, and I’m sure that would get her and her fiancée upset. I wouldn’t want to do that.”

“Even if it meant getting to play hockey for another season or two?”

“Even then,” Tim assured. 

“If you play well at the season opener, the team might think about renewing your contract,” Wes offered as an alternative solution.

“Let’s hope.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After firing off a “good luck” text to Tim for his first official game of the season, Lucy got ready for her concert and was pleasantly surprised when she received a reply from him.

Tim: Thanks. Good luck on your performance

Lucy: Usually people say break a leg

Tim: That doesn’t make any sense.

She rolled her eyes yet was still grinning.

Lucy: You still have a lot to learn

Tim: So do you. Right wing is a real position

Lucy: Hockey sounds made up. I think I need to see a game to prove it’s a real sport. Any chance I can take you up on your offer? My fiancée would love to come see you play too.

Tim: Maybe later in the season when your tour dates aren’t so hectic. I got to hit the ice

As much as he wanted to see Lucy again and have her in the stands at one of his games, he kept thinking about what Angela said. Tim refused to make headlines with Lucy again. It would not be fair to her even if it meant he could play the sport he loves for another year.

Lucy locked her phone with a frown. She thought they had become friends, but he seemed to rescind his previous invitation to have her attend one of his games. It was weird, but she could not ponder what happened for too long. Her fans were waiting for her to go out onto the stage.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As it was Emmett’s favorite city in the world, Lucy was more than happy to have a small intimate wedding ceremony in New York City to appease him. She arrived a few days early to prepare for their nuptials that were scheduled to take place on Friday morning before her three sold out performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in the city. Emmett said he would arrive late on Thursday night, so she had some time to herself to walk around and explore New York.

It just so happened that when she looked up activities to do in the concrete jungle, a hockey game appeared on the list.

Even without a formal invitation from Tim, surely Lucy could still attend the New York Rangers and L.A. Kings matchup on Thursday night. “Hey, Tamara, can we go to a hockey game?”

“Why would you want to do that? Oh wait, is that Tim guy playing?” Tamara wondered.

“Yeah, the game’s tonight, and since Emmett won’t get here until super late, I’ve got some time to myself.”

“Or time to run away and leave him at the altar.” Lucy’s pursed lips made Tamara sigh. “Fine, I’ll get us tickets to the game. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see Tim after?”

“Not sure if he’ll want to see me. Last time I suggested I watch him play, Tim seemed a little…I don’t know. It was weird, but that was a few weeks ago.”

“Do you have something cute to wear to the game? Maybe grey or black? Those are the L.A. Kings colors.”

“Yeah, I’ve got something.”

“Perfect. Guess we’re going to a hockey game.”

For some reason, Lucy was nervous as she finished getting ready to go to the game. She hoped her presence at Tim’s game would not be unwelcome. Even though she barely knew him, she appreciated their growing friendship and did not want it to end. They reached the box where Tamara had purchased tickets just as the team was warming up on the ice.

“There’s Tim,” Tamara pointed out.

Lucy smiled reflexively when she read “BRADFORD” on the back of his jersey. She carefully watched him skate around, and when the warm up ended and Tim looked up at the stands, Lucy started waving like a fool, even though she was certain he did not notice her all the way up in her box.

Tim always scanned the crowd as if expecting to have a loved one in the audience even though he knew he never had someone come to the game for him…aside from his fans. But, he could sense a pair of eyes on him almost burning through his helmet into the back of his skull, so when he did his normal check of the stands and saw Lucy Chen amongst the crowd, his jaw dropped. In a black top and grey jeans with her hair down and wavy, she looked pretty even from so far away like everything else was out of focus except her. As the captain, he wanted to make sure he gave his team an extra special pep talk before the game so that they played well enough to impress Lucy.

She had seen the postgame highlight reels as she did her best to follow the Kings ever since Lucy had become somewhat of a hockey fan, but watching an entire game was a different, more captivating experience.

Tamara noticed how loudly Lucy cheered and her thunderous applause when Tim scored a goal.

Then, he scored another.

Then, he scored a third, and the whole crowd erupted.

Lucy knew she had to preserve her voice for her upcoming concerts, but she was still screaming loudly along with the other fans.

“Your guy is good,” Tamara commented.

“He’s not MY guy. We’re friends.”

Tim found Lucy’s eyes where he was on the ice still being applauded for his third goal of the game, and they exchanged huge smiles and held eye contact. 

Tamara gave Lucy a sideways glance, because friends don’t look at friends like THAT.

Since she had been so wrapped up in the excitement of the game, Lucy only checked her phone once Tim left the ice to go to the locker room after the Kings secured their win. Among her notifications was a message from Emmett.

Emmett: This isn’t working. I can’t do this anymore. I’m not coming to New York tonight.

Lucy was supposed to be married in less than twelve hours as she promised her fans only to be broken up by text. What was she supposed to do?

Chapter Text

No matter how many times Lucy read Emmett’s message, the words did not change.

He ended their engagement the day before their wedding via TEXT?

She forgot that she was at a New York Rangers versus L.A. Kings hockey game standing in a box. All that mattered was that her three year relationship with Emmett Lang was over right when she thought she was about to start the happily ever after phase of their lives together.

“Lucy? Lucy?” Tamara nudged her friend who was staring at her phone in horror. “What’s wrong? If it’s a tabloid rumor, you know you’re supposed to ignore those. Hey, Lucy!”

There was a ringing in her ears that drowned out everything else, but when she felt someone shake her arm, Lucy finally looked up from her device. “What?”

“Did something happen?” Tamara wondered.

“I…,” all she could manage was to hand her phone to Tamara, since she could not find the words.

“HOLY HELL!” Tamara gasped after reading the very simple message from Emmett. “He did NOT just do that!”

“We...how could he…I mean...we’re engaged! We’re-we’re supposed to get MARRIED tomorrow morning. Emmett...,” Lucy was struggling to speak.

“How could he do this to you? You’re incredible. He’s lucky.”

“This can’t be happening. I love him.”

Despite the fact that Tamara never liked Emmett, she wanted to be supportive of her friend. “Let’s go back to the hotel, eat tons of ice cream, and watch a movie.”

“Good plan,” Lucy agreed. Her hand was shaking as the rest of the world seemed to rush back into focus; she was in public and needed to escape.

“Ms. Chen, Tim Bradford would like for you to come to the locker room,” a security guard said.

“Tim. Right, Tim,” Lucy swallowed hard. She attended the game to support him, but the breakup message from Emmett truly stunned her.

“I’m afraid Ms. Chen needs to go, but tell him ‘hello’ from us,” Tamara spoke to security on Lucy’s behalf and then turned her friend towards the exit to lead her away.

On shaky legs, Lucy started walking, but then she paused. “Actually no, we’ll go to the locker room. Can you take us there?” Something in her gut urged her to see Tim regardless of her emotional state.

Tamara was surprised by Lucy’s decision, but was happy to follow her. Together, security escorted them through tunnels to the entrance of the locker room where hockey players started leaving with cameras and fans swarming them. They were lead inside where the men were in different states of dress and undress since they were showering and changing.

A few shocked faces followed Lucy, since they could not believe the international superstar was in their presence, but she ignored all of that in favor of searching for Tim.

It seemed to happen in slow motion how he walked out of the showers with a towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets stippled across his broad chest as if he was a painting, his perfectly toned arms and abs sculpted like a statue. He looked good in that suit the night they met, but WOW Lucy thought he looked even better underneath.

“You’re here,” is what he said by way of greeting; Tim had been so surprised to see her in the stands throughout the game as if he had taken one too many knocks to the head during gameplay and was merely imagining her. Yet, there she stood looking positively beautiful, and he could not believe it.

“Wanted to see what all the fuss is about. You gave my music a chance, so it was only fair I watched a hockey game.”

“You could’ve watched it at home.”

“I was told live is better. Besides, I was in the neighborhood.”

“Right, your tour. You’re performing in New York this weekend.”

“If you want to stay in town, I can get you a ticket,” Lucy offered.

“That’s very kind of you.”

“Let me guess, you’re not interested.”

“It’s not that I’m not. I mean...obviously, that’s really nice of you, but I’ve gotta train and practice. This is hockey season, you know. I have to focus.”

“Of course. I-I forgot that you don’t have time for anything other than hockey.” Why was she disappointed that he would not come to one of her performances? She could not exactly explain it, but she wished he would be in attendance.

Tim noticed her disappointment and felt guilty. “You know, we don’t have practice tomorrow. We’ve got the day off, so I could stay in town for the day and just leave super early the next morning.” Her wide brown eyes and slow smile stretching across her face were both positively vibrant in response.

“Are you sure?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, I mean…why not? I’m a Lucy Chen fan now,” he grinned.

The sweetness in his voice plus the words he said made her pulse race.

“Bradford, get changed. Press is waiting for you,” Grey said, then he realized who Tim was talking to and strutted over. “You’re Lucy Chen. It’s nice to finally meet Tim’s fiancée.”

Lucy only smiled softly and responded. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” because correcting people about rumors is exhausting.

“You came to a great game. Your fiancée scored a hat trick. I’d be surprised if he didn’t do it to show off for you,” Grey mused.

“A hat trick?” Lucy wondered, looking over at Tim who was bent over his cubby rummaging for his clothes.

“I’ll explain it to you later,” Tim smirked and gathered a pair of jeans and a t shirt before walking over to a bathroom stall. He was naked underneath his towel and too bashful to change in front of Lucy.

She hated to see him go, but the image of him shirtless would live in her mind forever.

Tamara noticed how Lucy was ogling Tim and was happy that even in her heart broken state, she could appreciate the appearance of someone else.

“After Tim gives his postgame interview, he can meet you somewhere, and we’ll alert security to get you out of here safely,” Grey assured.

“Oh, I can just leave. I’m sure he’ll want to celebrate his hat magic with his teammates.”

“Hat TRICK,” Grey corrected her.

“Hat trick. Right. I clearly don’t know a lot about hockey, but I’m learning,” Lucy promised.

“That’s good to hear. Most of the wives and girlfriends at least learn the basics, so they can cheer at the right times,” Grey replied.

Returning fully dressed, Tim asked, “Hey, I’ll only be a few minutes with the press. Can you wait here for me, or do you have plans?”

“She doesn’t have any plans,” Tamara answered.

“Great. Give me five minutes, okay?” Tim requested and scurried out of the locker room; the sooner he could finish his interview, the sooner he could get back to Lucy, and he really, REALLY wanted to spend a few more minutes with her.

“Oh my GOD!” A voice shouted at Lucy’s back, and she spun around to see a woman about her same height with beautiful brown hair, kind eyes, and a grey bedazzled blazer. “Hi, I’m Angela,” she introduced herself.

“Hi, I’m Lucy.”

“I know who you are. Everyone does. I bet you get this a lot, but, wow, you are even prettier in person.”

“What’s that, honey? Oh, you’re proud of me for having double digit saves in a single game?” Wes called over to his wife from where he was sitting in front of his cubby lacing up his sneakers. He expected her to say something complimentary about his playing, but she had completely ignored him.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a great goalie and everything, but you’ll never be THE Lucy Chen!” Angela said with awe. “I gotta be honest, it’s kinda weird that you’re friends with Tim, but I sorta like it.”

“He’s a great guy,” Lucy replied.

“Sure is under the tough guy routine. And, the fact that his big excuse why he doesn’t have a life is HOCKEY. He’s so boring,” Angela groaned.

“He’s not boring. He’s actually one of the most interesting guys I’ve ever met,” Lucy defended him.

“Really?” Angela’s interest was piqued. She leaned into Wes who came by her side.

“Good to meet you, Lucy. I’m Wes. I’m one of Tim’s teammates, and well, you already know my better half,” he smiled at his wife.

“Tim has mentioned you two to me before. It’s nice to put faces to the names.”

“He has?” Wes was surprised.

“Sure. He told me how you two like my music.”

“Oh, it’s really Angela that loves your music. Not that you’re not super talented,” Wes replied.

“Please. He knows all the lyrics to your songs, too,” Angela wanted to clarify.

Lucy chuckled. “You two are so cute. Listen, Tim is coming to my concert tomorrow night. I can get you tickets to come, too, if you’d like.”

“Tickets? Seriously?” Angela was excited by the prospect.

“Of course! Tamara, do you mind getting our new friends some tickets?”

“Absolutely not, give me a sec to call and get those secured for you,” she replied and stepped away to make the arrangements.

“I can’t believe you’re really performing on the same day you’re getting married,” Angela commented. She had followed the tabloids; she knew based on Lucy’s previous interview at the beginning of the summer when she was going to marry her mystery fiancée.

“You and Tim are getting married tomorrow?” Grey asked, since of course he could hear the entire conversation.

Lucy shook her head. “There have been a lot of rumors going around, but I’ll tell the public about my personal life when I’m ready,” she provided as was her default scripted answer, which thankfully she had memorized, because Angela reminded her of the punch to her gut that was still aching- she was most certainly not getting married the next day. Emmett had just broken her heart. She did her best to smile and laugh as Angela and Wes changed the subject to telling embarrassing stories about Tim, but part of Lucy was still a little numb because of her breakup.

“Sorry about that,” Tim’s voice cut right through the fog in her mind.

“How’d your interview go?”

“I was asked about you, since apparently every media outlet knows you came to my game,” Tim answered.

“Did they ask if you scored that hat trick to impress me, because Grey seems to think that’s what happened,” Lucy joked.

“You being here didn’t effect me at all. I didn’t get a hat trick for you. I’m just that good.”

“In your last two games, you’ve only scored one and two goals, but this time you scored three. Are you sure that wasn’t for me either?”

He snickered. “A hat trick is what you call scoring three goals, you know.”

“Oh, sorry,” she bit her lip. She assumed a hat trick and his goals were two separate things.

There was something so adorable about her bashfulness. After texting her for the previous few months, Tim had forgotten how enchanting it is to be in Lucy’s presence. “I still have a lot to teach you about hockey.”

“And, I’m happy to learn more, but we stop at theory. I can’t skate, and I don’t want to break something if I go on the ice.”

“I could teach you how to skate,” Tim said.

Lucy shook her head in response.

“Oh, come on, I teach kids how to skate all the time,” he added.

“You do?”

“Yeah. Coach’s wife owns a skating rink for inner city kids to have something to do and stay out of trouble. The whole team volunteers there when we can,” Tim explained.

“Tim helps more than most. The kids love him,” Angela wanted to make sure Lucy got the full picture of her friend.

“Handsome AND good with kids? Wow, you’re something,” Lucy smirked. 

Was Tim blushing? Oh, Wes was ready to tease his friend mercilessly the second Lucy left. “Do you want to join us for a little postgame celebration? The team likes to party after a win,” Wes said.

“Oh, I don’t want to intrude,” Lucy replied.

“You wouldn’t be. You should come. We’d have fun,” Tim promised.

Only moments before, she was planning to crawl into her bed at the hotel and cry about her split with Emmett, but she could not find it within herself to refuse his offer. “I can stay for a little, but I do need to get my rest before my performance tomorrow.”

“Wait, really? What about your wedding?” Angela wondered.

“Don’t worry about it,” Lucy responded dismissively and swallowed hard.

Tim noticed the slight change in her demeanor at the mention of the wedding. 

“Let’s go!” Wes said and threw his arm around Angela before exiting the locker room with her.

“Tim, we have room in our car. Why don’t you ride with us to this party?” Tamara suggested.

“Sure,” he agreed easily knowing the car ride would give him the perfect opportunity to check on Lucy. They left the locker room together with the shutters of cameras blinding them on the short walk before being ushered by security to a side exit where her car was waiting.

Lucy’s whole side was pressed against Tim where they were seated in the back of her car. She glanced up at him as she felt every single one of her heartbeats, her individual breaths that seemed harder and harder to take, and each second that his gaze was locked on hers like she needed to give all of her attention to how her body was reacting to him in the moment. 

“Are you okay?” He murmured.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Lucy answered.

“I know we don’t know each other that well, but you’re pretty easy to read, and I can tell that something’s bothering you.”

She paused, trying to consider how if she could even manage to explain what happened. When words failed her, Lucy reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I’m not getting married tomorrow like I planned.”

“You have to postpone?” Her bitter smile made his stomach drop before the words came out of her mouth.

“He broke up with me. Over a stupid text. We were together for THREE years, and Emmett couldn’t even bother to break up with me in person. Who does that?”

“A jerk. A total jerk. I’m so sorry.” Tim wanted to touch her and provide some comfort but did not think it would be appropriate.

“To be honest, I haven’t even really processed it all. I think I’m still in shock.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

“He loves me…at least I thought he did, and-and he wanted this small, private wedding, because he hates the attention. I agreed to it even though I wanted a huge celebration to let everyone know that I’m happy to be with Emmett and so excited to be married. And then, he just TEXTS me the night before what was supposed to be the first day of the rest of our lives, and-and what am I gonna do now?” Lucy’s lip quivered but resisted the urge to cry.

Tim settled a hand on her shoulder. “You can do whatever you want starting right now. If you don’t want to come to this after party, then let’s go somewhere else, or if you want me to leave, then let me off on the corner, and I’ll go.”

She smirked a little. “I’m not going to leave you on the corner, but I’ll drop you off at the club, and I don’t know…I’ll go back to my hotel.”

“You like nature, right?” 

Lucy nodded.

“The closest you’ll get to that out here is Central Park. I’ve been a few times. It’s actually nice. There’s grass, and trees, and even a bridge or two,” Tim started listing.

“I’ve been. It is pretty.”

“Let’s go there. Take a walk for bit. Breathe in some fresh air…or, well, there isn’t really fresh air in this city, but you know what I mean.” She chuckled, which was a good sign.

Tamara asked the driver to change course.

When they reached Central Park, Lucy turned to find a car pull up behind them.

“Uh, what are we doing here? Where’s the club?” Wes wondered once he got out of his car.

“I texted Angela that I wasn’t going out anymore. I’m gonna stay with Lucy,” Tim said.

“Oh, really?” Angela smirked. “Alone?”

Tim rolled his eyes.

When Tamara gasped, Angela, Lucy, Tim, and Wes all turned to her. “Lucy, I just realized…,” she did not want to finish her sentence, but everyone’s silence urged her to continue, “your fans are expecting you to get married tomorrow.” 

“My fans,” Lucy breathed; she had been so engrossed in her own emotions that she failed to consider the public perception. She laughed mirthlessly. “I thought I finally got it right. I thought all those trashy magazines were wrong about me, but I’m exactly who they’ve accused me of being. I’m the girl who can’t keep a relationship. I can’t get anyone to commit to me, and now that my tour is making headlines, my most recent heartbreak will be front page news, and I’ll look like an undesirable fool whose fiancée couldn’t make it down the aisle.”

“No, hey, your real fans won’t care. You’re amazing and talented. Who you date shouldn’t matter,” Tim assured.

“But, I’m a woman in the public eye. Aside from what I’m wearing and if I have time to balance raising kids and having a career, the only other thing anyone cares about is who I’m with, and I told the world I was engaged and going to get married, and now I’ll have to release some statement about Emmett and I going our separate ways. This is going to be so embarrassing.” She wanted to melt into ground rather than face the media storm that was about to erupt around her.

“I’ve been complaining about how my team wants me to be in a stable relationship, so they’ll sign me for another contract, but it’s obviously worse for you. I’m sorry about that.”

Tamara noticed how Angela angled her head and met her eyes. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Probably,” Angela answered.

“Fill me in,” Wes urged.

“Lucy needs a husband to avoid getting bad press about a breakup in the middle of her tour, and Tim needs a wife to get his contract signed, so he can keep playing hockey,” Angela explained.

“Yeah, I gathered as much,” Wes nodded.

“There are already rumors that Lucy and Tim are engaged, so if they got married, that would solve both of their problems,” Angela spelled it out.

Speechless, Lucy could only stare at Tim, who seemed just as dumbfounded. Eventually, she said, “I’m not gonna marry Tim. No offense. You’re a great guy, but we hardly know each other, and I…”

“You don’t have to actually marry him. We just need to make the public THINK you got married,” Tamara said.

“Exactly! You’re on tour and hockey season just started. You’ll both me super busy anyways, so it’s not like it’ll take much. A photo op every once in a while when you’re both in town, staying in the same house when you two are in L.A., and…”

“Hang on. Live together?” Tim was certain Angela had lost her mind.

“You have multiple bedrooms. It’s like having a roommate and only when Lucy is home, but you’ll both be traveling so much you’ll hardly notice. Come on, Tim. Don’t you want to re-sign?” Wes thought his wife’s plan made perfect sense.

“I won’t use Lucy. That’s not right,” Tim refused then looked back at her. “My friends are clearly sleep deprived or something. They don’t mean to suggest I exploit you like that. I’m so sorry. We came to this park to get some air, so let’s walk and forget about all of this.”

Lucy tilted her head as she surveyed him. “But, what about hockey? You want to keep playing don’t you?”

“I do, but I’ll earn my spot on the team for another season. I just got a hat trick tonight. I’m good and loyal to the Kings. They’ll want me to keep playing for them.”

“But, marrying me...or pretending to marry me would guarantee it, right?”

Wes interrupted, “I’m half the player Tim is, and I’ve been renewed for months as a reward for marrying this beautiful woman as if being with her isn’t the best thing to ever happen to me.”

There was something so pure and unguarded about the love in Wes and Angela’s eyes as they gazed at each other. Admittedly, it made Lucy jealous- she had always craved a love like that, and just when she thought she had found it, she lost it every time...including Emmett.

He could see that she was thinking, so Tim said, “Just forget about it, Lucy.”

“Would it be so awful to be married to me?” She asked, and maybe she was speaking to Tim, but she wanted to ask every previous partner and maybe even the universe that same question. Why else had everyone rejected her?

“That’s not what I said.”

“Yeah, but I get it. My life in the limelight gets tough, and I prioritize my career, which doesn’t leave me with as much time for someone else, plus, I’m sure like every other athlete  you would only date models and stuff, so of course being with me just doesn’t make sense for you...”

“Lucy, this isn’t about me. It’s about you.”

“I just said that.”

“No,” Tim was straining to keep his hands away from her as if all his body wanted to do was touch hers. “I mean, the night we met, you said you feel like everyone wants something from you and they use you. I would never want to do that to you.”

“So, you would agree with this plan if you didn’t feel like you were using me?”

“I don’t know...it seems pretty ridiculous,” Tim admitted with a blown out laugh.

“As Lucy’s publicist, I have to say I think you two should do it,” Tamara weighed in.

“Come on, Tamara, really?” Lucy could not believe the absurdity of the conversation.

“Your tour is bringing even more attention to you than normal. You announced you were getting married, and we can’t exactly sweep that under the rug. The world is expecting you to have a husband tomorrow, so why not Tim? You could do worse. You were going to marry worse up until a few hours ago. We can work on a plan to announce your divorce around the holidays when the news cycles seem to move faster and things blow over quicker. Pretend to be married to him for a couple of months to save face, and Tim will sign his new contract. You’ll both get something out of this, and when it’s all over, we can laugh about it and toast to your fake divorce,” Tamara was quite proud of herself for coming up with a plan so easily.

“I think it’s genius,” Angela offered her opinion.

Wes nodded his agreement.

Tim scratched his head and averted his gaze from Lucy. He could have what he desperately wanted. All he had to do was pretend to be married. How hard could it be to be someone’s fake husband? And, she would benefit from the arrangement, so he was not using her.

Lucy, unbeknownst to her, shared his same train of thought. “We could help each other out,” she whispered while staring at her black suede knee high boots. Sensing what he was about to say, she added, “You wouldn’t be exploiting me. We’re working together. Playing roles.”

“It’s like you’re going undercover as a married couple,” Angela explained based on her career as a detective and familiarity with undercover work.

“The whole thing would be strictly professional,” Tim said and looked at her face despite how her eyes were downcast.

His gaze felt impossible to avoid, so she finally stopped resisting and met Tim’s eyes.

“Professionals. It’s for work,” Lucy reasoned.

“Exactly,” he nodded. They stared at each other for a couple moments, both of them barely breathing as they tried to find some logic behind not following through with the plan, but neither could think of a reasonable objection.

Once all the doubt seemed to dissipate behind Tim’s blue eyes, Lucy turned to Tamara to ask, “What do we have to do for this to work?”

“I’ll need Tim’s measurements,” Tamara answered.

Not at all what he was expecting, he flashed her a confused expression.

“For your tux,” Tamara explained. “I know a guy in New York who can get it done fast. We’ll be cutting it close, but I can make it work. Now, I have a few calls to make and last minute details to go over, so l’ll catch a cab back to the hotel. Tim, text me your measurements.”

Lucy could see Tim was just as clueless as she was. Tamara hailed a cab at the edge of the park, but before she could step in, Lucy called after her, “Wait, I still don’t know what this plan is.”

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re getting married tomorrow,” Tamara answered with a grin before climbing into the taxi and driving away.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy looked at herself in the mirror with her hair down in loose curls, her favorite pink lipstick, and the dress she had designed for what was supposed to be her one and only wedding day. It was a simpler white gown that hugged her waist and off the shoulder straps that accentuated her cleavage. She still could not believe what she was about to do.

“You look nervous,” Tamara commented before taking a sip of champagne.

“Of course I’m nervous. I’m getting married in like twenty minutes.”

“You’re not ACTUALLY getting married. It’s just a photoshoot so the press has pictures that make it LOOK like you got married.”

“I can’t believe this is happening. I haven’t even had enough time to really accept the end of my relationship with Emmett, and this just seems so…far fetched.”

“Far fetched? I think it’s brilliant if I do say so myself. All you have to do is smile with a handsome guy for an hour while your picture gets taken, and then we work out a few more photo ops. Since he’s coming to your concert tonight, that would be a great opportunity to show the world that you’re together. I’ve thought this all through.”

“Tim and I were...stunned when you left. Wes and Angela wanted to give us time to ourselves as if we could really talk…God, it was so AWKWARD.”

“Awkward? Aren’t you friends?”

“Sure, but we agreed to this fake marriage, and then I don’t know...it was like we couldn’t think of anything to say to each other. We just walked through the park not talking at all until my feet got tired and told him we should go home.”

“No kiss good night for your fake fiancée?” Tamara smirked.

Lucy narrowed her eyes at her. “Kiss? He barely said ‘good night’.”

“Kissing is easier than talking sometimes. You two should try it today during the photoshoot.” There was a glimmer of interest in Lucy’s eyes that made Tamara’s smile grow. “It’s okay if you want to kiss him, you know.”

“This is all strictly professional. What I want is for us to take these pictures and find a way past whatever weirdness there was last night, and-and I don’t know. Maybe we can be friends in some undercover coworker way. He is a nice guy.”

“Undercover friends or undercover love?” Tamara teased.

“Stop!” Lucy nervously laughed. “There’s not going to be any love. This is for work. That’s what we agreed to.”

“Whatever you say.”

Lucy, with a shaky hand, drank some champagne and hoped that Tim was doing better than she was.

He was most certainly not as he re-tied his bow tie for the third time.

“It looks fine. Stop messing with that thing,” Angela said then tapped on the seat of the couch beside her. “Take a load off.”

Tim shook his head; his nerves would not allow him to settle enough to sit still. “Lucy must think I’m pathetic that I need a fake wife.”

“Do you think she’s pathetic for needing a fake husband?” Wes questioned.

“Of course not. Her jerk of an ex broke their engagement over a text. He’s the pathetic one,” Tim insisted.

“Alright, so she probably doesn’t think you’re pathetic either,” Wes justified his reasoning.

“Yeah, yesterday in the locker room, she called you one of the most interesting guys she’s ever met,” Angela quoted.

“She said that?” Tim’s chest felt warm.

“Yup,” Wes attested.

“That’s good, right?” Tim wondered.

“You seem to care an awful lot what Lucy thinks about you. You’re not ACTUALLY marrying her today, you know,” Angela pointed out.

“I know, but yesterday she seemed so distant. I mean, granted we did just agree to this whole pretending undercover thing...she...when we met, she was so nice and so easy to talk to, and then last night she was closed off.”

“Her fiancée had just broken up with her,” Wes said.

“That absolute ass,” Tim grumbled.

“Come on, don’t tell me you’re all jumpy right now because Lucy was being weird last night. What’s really going on?” Angela pressed.

Her scrutinizing gaze was enough to make a weaker man confess to crimes they had not committed. Tim sighed before admitting, “She’s so…amazing...better than amazing. I don’t even know how to describe her. She’s Lucy freaking Chen, and I’m-I’m not good enough for her. This may be good for both us, but it feels like she got the raw end of the deal.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Angela assured. “You are pretty great, and ‘interesting’ according to Lucy. Give yourself a little credit. You’ve been the highest scoring player in the NHL for the past two seasons.”

“She doesn’t care about hockey.”

“Are you sure about that? She did show up to your game last night, and all my socials had a bunch of pictures of her cheering for you from her box.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’ll show you later, but right now, let’s get you married,” Angela stood and linked arms with her friend to haul him out the door. Together with Wes, they arrived at the hotel where Lucy was staying and were escorted through a private entrance to the rooftop of the building. It was setup with canopies, flowers, and only a handful of chairs. For an intimate ceremony, everything looked simple and beautiful.

Nothing, however, looked nearly as beautifully breathtaking as Lucy who seemed to emerge out of nowhere.

The material of the canopies flapped in the wind around her as she walked over from the other entrance to the roof. Tim knew his mouth was open, but he could not manage to shut it or do anything aside from stare at her. Her lips started moving when she neared him, but he did not hear what she said.

Lucy reached for his forearm and repeated her question just as quietly, “Tim? Are you sure about this?” 

He wanted to answer her inquiry, but instead, his mouth decided to say, “You’re gorgeous.” 

She blushed. “Thank you. You look great, too.”

“It’s a nice tux,” Tim agreed.

“The clothes don’t make the man.”

His brain was still not fully processing, so he had not really gathered what she was insinuating, but he took it as a compliment regardless.

“You can still back out if you want,” she murmured.

“Do you want to?” Tim asked.

“Do you?”

He inhaled sharply. “No, but I get if you don’t want to do this.”

“I do,” she promised and squeezed where she was still holding onto him. “That’s what you’re supposed to say at weddings, right?” Lucy did her best to bring some levity to the moment. His smile in response was enough to make her feel less unsure.

“In that case, I do, too.”

She snickered.

“You’re gonna need these,” Tamara took the wedding bands out of her pocket and handed them to Lucy.

Tim saw the jewelry box, and it felt a little TOO real when he saw the rings.

Hers was the band of diamonds she had selected months ago, and his was a simple gold one. Lucy knew she had to wear the ring, but it was not a piece of costume jewelry to her; she had dreamed of wearing a wedding band like the one in her hands, and now it was nothing more than a prop. She could not dwell on the sadness of the realization, so she only silently slipped the ring on her finger and looked at the new foreign object that would now be a permanent fixture for at least a few months.

Following suit, Tim took his ring and wore it; though a small piece of jewelry, it somehow felt heavy and odd. He swore to himself he would grow accustomed to it. After all, someday he would have a real wedding band to wear from a woman who would be his actual wife...maybe...hopefully…someday...Tim was not exactly sure if that dream of his could still be realized.

Tamara waved over the photographer who had arrived at the perfect time and said, “Alright, let’s get some wedding pictures.”

At first, it was a little forced how the photographer asked Tim and Lucy to pose. They had barely touched each other, and suddenly, he was winding his arm around her waist, and she was wrapping hers around his neck. Lucy was grateful that the tension in his muscles seemed to melt with every picture; as he relaxed, so did she.

“Okay, how about we get a few of you kissing.” Tamara suggested.

Lucy silently vowed to fire Tamara for saying that the second the photographer left, but first, she stared at Tim with her lips parted.

He was not exactly comfortable with the idea of kissing her either, and her surprise only confirmed that it seemed like a bad idea. Just because they were pretending to be a fake couple did not mean they had to really kiss, right? He could not control that his gaze flicked to her lips for a fraction of a second and considered what it would feel like to taste them. But, he is a gentleman, so instead, Tim leaned in and gave her a peck on the cheek.

“Seriously? That’s it?” Angela rumbled under her breath.

Wes bumped his elbow into hers. “Give the guy a break. This is the most action he’s seen off the ice in years.”

She laughed at her husband’s sad but true comment.

The sound was enough to make Lucy relax slightly, so she whispered to Tim, “Do that again.” He kept his lips on her cheek longer the second time, and she felt a rush of heat all over despite the innocence of the contact. “My turn,” she said and pushed up onto her tip toes to kiss his cheek. When she pulled away, Lucy apologized for the lipstick stain she left behind and glided her thumb over it, “Sorry!”

“It’s okay,” Tim assured with a sheepish grin as he watched the determination on her face while rubbing off the makeup on his face. She really is so beautiful, he thought, or maybe he verbalized it, he was not exactly sure.

“What?” Lucy heard him mumble something, but with the blood rushing in her ears, she could not make out his words.

“Nothing,” he replied quietly.

“There. All gone,” she smiled. Finally able to register it, she realized her other hand was over his racing heart; admittedly, Lucy was sure her pulse was probably just as erratic as his. Despite the fact that they found themselves in a rather odd situation, she was more comfortable about the arrangement with Tim at her side clearly doing his best to take everything in stride just as she was. “Thanks," she breathed.

“For what? Doing my job?”

Lucy looked at him fondly. “This is a pretty weird job.”

“It has its perks,” he assured as his eyes dropped to her lips again.

“Yeah, it does,” she agreed. Up close, his piercing blue eyes were captivating enough to get lost in, and his strong body against hers was nice in an indescribable way. She leaned into him a little more and savored how his large, warm hands on her back made her stomach swoop.

Tim resumed holding her gaze wordlessly as everything but Lucy completely disappeared. It was easy to forget what had brought them together so long as he could keep her close.

Angela blinked hard a few times, because she could not believe how they were looking at each other. For two people who were barely friends, Tim and Lucy were able to pull off chemistry rather convincingly. The tabloids would definitely believe they were actually married; for a moment, she even thought they looked like a couple.

“Great! I think I’ve got some good pictures,” the photographer said.

Lucy slowly pulled her hands away from Tim as he did the same; the daze they had found themselves in moments ago had broken.

“I’ll send you three of the best ones in an hour to release to the press,” the photographer said to Tamara as per their agreement. “Congrats!” He regarded the couple who just stood there.

“Good. Thank you,” she shooed him away. Tamara waited for the photographer to leave so that the five of them were alone. “That went well. You really sold it towards the end.”

“Definitely,” Angela said with a satisfied smile.

Flustered, yet trying to seem casual, Lucy took several steps away from Tim and said, “G-good work.” It WAS work. Any moment they shared while their picture was being taken was just part of their professional relationship and nothing else.

“Great work as well,” Tim replied nervously; he did not think his heart would ever stop hammering on the verge of beating out of his chest.

“We’re needed at sound check soon and traffic is going to be brutal, so let’s go,” Tamara said.

“Sure,” Lucy responded, but she was only looking at Tim.

“I’ll see you tonight, I guess,” he replied.

“We’re supposed to pose for a picture after my concert ends,” she recalled the plan Tamara had made.

“Okay,” Tim flexed his hand when he remembered he was wearing a new ring.

“It won’t be so elaborate, though. We can just stand together backstage.”

“That’s fine.”

“We don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

“I’m not uncomfortable,” he vaguely noticed that he had somehow ended up right in front of her back to invading her personal space when he distinctly recalled how far apart they were a few seconds prior.

Lucy shrugged. “Hopefully it won’t be so bad to be married to me for a few months.”

“No,” Tim said gently. “Not bad at all.”

She swallowed hard at the softness in his gaze that only made her heart pump even faster; she thought she was bordering on going into cardiac arrest.

Tamara was quite intrigued; without a camera or an excuse to ACT like they had feelings for each other, nothing seemed to change about Tim and Lucy’s demeanor. As much as she hated to interrupt whatever was happening between them, Lucy had a schedule to keep. “Hate to break this up, but we’ve got places to be.” She felt like she was practically dragging Lucy along who kept glancing back at Tim as they left the hotel’s rooftop.

Chapter Text

After soundcheck and a nap that did not feel long enough, Lucy woke up in time to get ready for her concert. The first thing she felt was her wedding band. It was sparkly and beautiful yet hollow. It was originally supposed to be a promise of her unending commitment to Emmett, but he broke her heart, and the ring was repurposed as nothing more than a piece of costume jewelry for the part of “wife” that she had to play. What once she was so excited to wear became a reminder of something out of her reach again- marriage, life-long companionship, and love. There was no time to feel sorry for herself. She had to focus on her warm up exercises and allowing her team to apply her makeup and style her hair.

Tamara entered Lucy’s dressing room with the brightest grin. “You’re BLOWING up! The whole world is so happy about your romantic, secret wedding. Some of your fans are even buying Tim’s hockey jersey!” She reported.

“Great,” Lucy replied ruefully. There were others in the room that did not know the marriage was fake, but she was not necessarily in the mood to put on a happy face yet. She knew she would have to once she went out on stage, of course.

“It IS great. The news cycle would’ve been completely different if not for this morning. I know you have a thick skin, but...”

“The media can be mean. Yeah, I know. I get it. I...,” she glanced at her hair stylist in the mirror then back at Tamara to continue, “I’m just adjusting to married life.”

Understanding that they could not have a candid conversation, she pursed her lips and nodded. “Focus on a great performance tonight in front of a sold out crowd! This is what you love, right?”

“Yeah, I love my fans and listening to them sing along with me.”

“There you go! Enjoy it! Forget about everything else. I’ll take care of it, okay?”

Lucy reached out to squeeze her hand gratefully. “You always do. Thanks.”

After giving her an encouraging smile, Tamara left Lucy to finish getting ready as she scrolled through the media storm that swept across all social media platforms.

Hearing the cheers and calls of her name, Lucy already felt electrified and excited about going out to face her crowd. She went onto the stage causing her fans to shout louder. As with every performance, she scanned the faces looking up at her and paused when she caught sight of Tim, Angela, and Wes in the floor V.I.P. section. Lucy had a part to play, so she waved and blew a kiss to the section, and everyone turned to see Tim wave back. He seemed stunned and only reacted because Angela nudged him, which made Lucy want to laugh if she was not in the middle of singing a song. The audience seemed to love her kiss to Tim based on how they screamed.

The only word Tim could use to describe Lucy was: amazing. She so effortlessly commanded the stage and captured the attention of thousands of people that filled the stadium. It was also quite amusing to watch Angela and Wes unabashedly sing along with every song and not miss a single lyric. Tim would have teased his teammate about knowing the words to a bunch of pop hits had he not gained a new respect for Lucy’s music. Instead, he wished he had come to the concert more prepared.

Though she tried not to direct all of her attention towards Tim, something kept pulling Lucy’s gaze back to him. She almost stopped singing when she noticed that he seemed to know most of the lyrics to one of her songs and was trying to sing along as best as he could. For some indescribable reason, she felt her chest warm that he knew her music that well. By the time she was meant to perform her last song, she was equal parts exhausted and invigorated by the crowd. Every night, Lucy took a moment to thank her fans for attending her concert before the final song, but because of the day’s news cycle, she decided to add something to her usual message. “Thanks so much to all of you for coming out tonight!” Lucy regarded the audience. “I don’t know if any of you heard, but I have a husband now.” There were loud cheers for a minute. “Yeah, so I want to take a minute to thank my new husband for being here with me tonight. I’m sure this is exactly how he imagined our honeymoon in the middle of New York City sharing me with thousands of people,” she smiled and met his eyes. “He’s a really good man, and one hell of a hockey player. He scored a hat trick last night just for me, so I guess it’s only fair I perform a song for him. This one’s for you, babe,” she said and motioned for her band not to start playing the accompaniment of her usual final song of the concert’s setlist. Instead, Lucy took her guitar and sang an acoustic version of Tim’s favorite song of hers titled “Possibility”.

His jaw dropped after she strummed the first couple of chords, because he recognized the song instantly as the one he had texted her about as his favorite one of her entire discography. It was the one he added to his workout playlist and listened to at least once a day for months since discovering it. Tim belted out (painfully off-key) every single lyric, since he knew all of the words.

Angela had not seen her friend be so carefree and relaxed since she had met him, and it was nice to watch him enjoy himself when not playing hockey.

Lucy kept flicking her eyes over to him and was so pleasantly surprised; she wanted to stop singing and go over to Tim to hand him her microphone, but she had a performance to finish.

When the concert was over, security shepherded Angela, Wes, and Tim to the backstage area to find and congratulate Lucy. They entered her dressing room where she was sitting on a black leather couch chugging a bottle of water and unzipping her boots.

“You were AWESOME!” Angela complimented.

“Best concert I’ve ever been to. Can’t wait to see it again when you’re in L.A. We have tickets,” Wes said happily.

“Really? I’ll make sure you get a V.I.P. seat again,” Lucy replied, her voice hoarse. The only person who had yet to speak was Tim. She watched him curiously and paused, waiting for him to add anything, but he stayed perfectly silent. Finally, she asked, “Did you at least have a little fun, Tim?”

Her red lips were moving, but he had not heard a single word she said. Up close, her green floral dress with a deep neckline and cutouts down the middle was beautiful, and she was glowing between the makeup and sweat on her face. “You look really nice,” Tim finally said.

Angela grabbed at her stomach as she laughed.

“Thanks,” Lucy blushed, her eyes unable to look anywhere but him. She leaned forward slightly knowing it only gave Tim a better view of her cleavage and smirked when his gaze had trouble staying on her face in favor of looking lower.

Bursting into the dressing room, Tamara said, “Alright, I need a picture of Tim and Lucy. My guy at TMZ is ready to post his story once I send the photo over.”

Lucy stood and smoothed the sides of her dress while Tim moved towards her, finally getting a hold of himself.

“Stand against the wall over there,” Tamara directed.

Angela and Wes backed away to give the fake couple space to pose.

“Get close. Come on, you’re supposed to be married,” Tamara urged.

Tim put his hand around to touch Lucy’s opposite shoulder in an attempt to be respectful. Without heels on, he realized how much of a height difference there was between them and looked down at her to say, “Wow, you’re really short.”

She playfully patted his chest as she leaned in closer, only for the sake of the picture of course, and smiled. “Hey, I’m not THAT short. You’re just so tall!”

“No, I’m an average height. You’re tiny.”

“Tiny? Are you making fun of short people?”

“Not all short people. Just you,” he teased.

“Mean,” Lucy replied light heartedly. “Guess I have to wear heels more often around you.”

“That’d be nice. I can barely see you all the way down there.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.” She stood up tall on her tip toes, but the balls of her feet ached from the long hours in her heels, and she wobbled a bit.

Tim dropped his hand to her back to balance her. “You good?”

“Yeah, I just need to give my feet a chance to recover. Heels HURT.”

“Who knew how hard it was for short people?” 

“It’s awful, really. I can never get anything from the top of a cabinet without a step stool, and forget about going to the grocery store. I can’t reach the top shelf. That’s honestly why I get my food delivered, so I don’t make a fool of myself jumping up and down in the middle of an aisle.”

He chuckled. “Sounds like I need to go with you next time to reach all the tall stuff.”

“It’s the least you can do after making fun of me,” she smirked.

“Don’t act like you don’t mock hockey every chance you get.”

“Where do you get the word ‘hockey’ from? The rest of the world calls football ‘football’ because you kick a ball with your feet. Call hockey what it is- stick ball on ice.”

Tim rolled his eyes and groaned, “Not this again. I have no control over what the game is called, and ‘stick ball’ sounds weird.”

“Sounds sexual. I kinda like it,” Angela smirked.

Lucy had completely forgotten they were not alone and realized that one of her hands was tightly snaked around Tim’s waist while the other had bunched up some of the material of his t shirt over his heart. It was surprisingly comfortable to invade his personal space, but she did not want to make Tim uncomfortable standing with her for any longer than necessary. She glanced at Tamara to say, “Sorry, Tamara, you can take our picture now.”

“Oh, I already took plenty and texted them. We’re good,” she replied. “I’m gonna head back to the hotel. See you in the morning.” Tamara waved and left the dressing room as she scrolled through all of the adorable candid images she captured of Tim and Lucy smiling at each other as they stood so close together; the pictures of them chatting and staring at each other also happened to be the best ones of the fake wedding photo shoot from the morning. Trying to pretend to be married was not something Tim and Lucy seemed to be comfortable doing, but their natural chemistry was incredibly convincing for the public to perceive them and believe their marriage was real. Tamara knew she had to keep that in mind for future photo opportunities.

Tim cleared his throat and watched as Lucy ran her fingers along the part of his shirt that she had clamped onto. It took her a moment to step away, and then his side was cold again without Lucy’s warmth.

“You two are really getting the hang of this marriage thing,” Wes noted. They kept acting like a couple despite knowing that they were not one.

Angela observed the stolen glances between Tim and Lucy even though they were trying not to look at each other. “You know what, I say we get some dinner.”

“Normally, I just go back to my room, have a big meal, soak in the tub, and sleep,” Lucy said.

“We can go back to your hotel and order room service. As for the tub part, I’m sure Tim would be happy to help you with that,” Angela smirked.

He flashed her an unamused look.

“Ignore Angela. She’s having too much fun with this. She’s been giving me ‘marriage advice’ nonstop since the photoshoot this morning,” Tim explained.

“Marriage advice? Like what?” Lucy wondered.

“Tim can fill you in on the drive back to the hotel. Ang and I will meet you there,” Wes said.

Angela linked arms with Wes, and they left the changing room together, leaving Tim and Lucy alone.

“Ready to go?” Tim inquired.

“I have to change first. This is part of my concert wardrobe.”

“Okay.”

She smiled, since he stayed perfectly still. “Tim…I sorta need the room to change.”

He felt a rush of embarrassment. “Right, I’m sorry. I’ll just...yeah,” he stepped right outside standing at the doorway just like her security team.

Lucy emerged soon after in a pair of comfortable joggers and a simple v neck t shirt with the makeup cleaned off her face. By the way he was scanning her, she felt a bit bashful and ducked her head. “This is the not-so-glamorous real Lucy.” Self consciously, she hugged her midsection. No, it should not matter how her fake husband feels about the way she looks, but part of her was curious about how he would react to her true self; the version of Lucy that was not the subject of the paparazzi or even performing music but was a far simpler woman that some of her previous partners did not like. Most people that dated Lucy Chen wanted the constant glitz and glam of her public life and did not care for her enjoyment of nature and love of sweatpants.

“Are you cold?” Tim quickly shed his leather jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “Where’s your car?”

“Security will take us,” she responded, a bit stunned, and followed her guards through a tunnel.

After they navigated the trek to her car, he said quietly, since they were alone in the back of a Cadillac Escalade, “You still look really nice like this, by the way.”

Lucy felt her lips turn up into a smile against her will. There were far worse fake husbands than Tim Bradford especially with that guarded yet deep look in his eyes he could not stop giving her. To cut some of the tension, she asked, “So, what was this marriage advice Angela and Wes were giving you?” His blush and half open mouth in response was comedic enough that she had to stop herself from laughing. “Clearly, it made you uncomfortable.”

“It was just a bunch of sex stuff. I did not need to know that much about their…private life.”

She could not hold it in any longer and burst into chuckles.

He liked the sound and the way her face completely lit up; it was enough to make him relax a bit.

“I’m sorry,” Lucy covered her mouth. “I…really like your friends.”

“They’re alright most of the time,” he frowned.

Their short drive to the hotel had ended, and Tim exited the car first to help Lucy out as he checked their surroundings to ensure no one followed them to take their picture. Luckily, they were in the clear and could navigate the service passages of the hotel to reach her suite on the top floor.

Since they were alone in the room for a few moments, Lucy motioned for Tim to sit with her on the couch and said, “I know that all of this has happened kinda fast.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen you twice, and now we’re married,” he joked.

“Thanks for coming to the concert tonight. I know it was for optics, but...”

“I wanted to go before this whole marriage arrangement stuff happened.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, the last twenty-four hours have been a blur.”

“For me, too. I was single yesterday.”

“I was engaged to someone else yesterday,” she replied, a pout returning to her lips.

“Have you talked to Emmett since?”

“No, I tried calling and texting this morning, but he’s totally ghosting me right now.”

“That’s...he’s awful.”

“I swear he isn’t such a bad guy usually.”

“Usually? Sounds like he doesn’t treat you how you deserve.”

“It’s...complicated. He doesn’t like the attention I get and wanted everything between us to be this big secret. I wanted to shout about our love from the rooftops, and he wanted us to stay in hiding until the second we were married. Fame isn’t for everyone, I guess.”

“Fame’s a part of our lives with the paths we’ve chosen. If someone loves you, they’ll love every part of you including the stuff they don’t like.”

She angled her head. “That’s surprisingly...romantic.”

“You think because I’m an athlete, I can’t be romantic?”

“No, of course not. I...guess I’m surprised that you’re single.”

“I told you that I don’t have time for a relationship.”

Lucy leaned in as she turned to get closer to him. “Yeah, but don’t you think you’d make time if you met the right person?”

There was a knock at the door before security granted Wes and Angela entrance into Lucy’s suite not that she or Tim noticed.

“Make time? I have to go to the gym, the rink, watch game footage, and sleep. I don’t have the energy for anything else,” Tim insisted.

“Wash, rinse, repeat. YAWN! Come on, you have to admit you could find a spare minute to call a girl up and tell her you’re thinking about her or eat breakfast with her before you start your day.”

“Or sleep with her. Bedroom activities can be just as involved as a workout, so it’s like doing two things at once,” Angela butted in.

Wes bumped her elbow, “Alright, Ang, we’ve tortured him enough for a day.”

“You guys are the worst,” Tim grumbled.

“In the car you said they’re alright,” Lucy quoted.

“Traitor,” he whispered under his breath, eliciting a laugh from her.

She knocked her knee into his and watched his smile grow. She really liked Tim’s smile.

If Tim and Lucy were entering a staring content, they were sure getting in a lot of practice, Wes thought. “How about we order some room service.”

Angela, who had already located the menu and was flipping through it on the other couch said, “I’m working on it.”

Finally, Lucy tore her gaze away to scan the options and make her requests. 

Angela called in their food order and asked, “Aren’t you tired?”

“I’m wired, actually. I usually need some time to wind down after a performance. The crowd really recharges me, you know.”

“Yeah, when we hear everyone cheering, it makes me a better player,” Wes admitted.

“I’m like that when I’m close to cracking a case,” Angela said.

“Wait, ‘case’? You’re not a model?” Lucy asked.

“God, I just like you more and more,” Angela responded. “No, I’m a detective.”

“A detective? Sounds amazing.”

“Hang on, when you found out I play hockey, you made fun of me, but a COP is amazing to you?” Tim was in disbelief.

“I’ve seen cop shows, Tim. I know it’s actually hard,” Lucy shot back.

“And, you don’t think MY job is hard?” Tim was officially offended.

“Please, playing hockey is a whole lot easier than what I do for a living,” Lucy insisted.

“I have to skate for hours with heavy pads and push a tiny puck with a long stick around a bunch of people trying to attack me and steal the puck away from me.”

“I run around a stage in heels and sing for two hours straight without a break every single night.”

“So?”

“So, skates are literally designed to help you move forward and glide on ice, and heels make walking let alone dancing harder.”

“Just because you can glide, it doesn’t mean playing hockey is easy. It takes a lot of endurance,” Tim shot back.

“So, does singing for hours and working a stage.”

“I have to train.”

“So do I.”

Tim narrowed his eyes at her. “I’m pushed to my brink every single day. Our coach says he wants us to be able to skate all night if we have to.”

“Are you saying I can’t perform all night?”

“I don’t know, do you think you could play hockey all night, since it’s so easy?”

“Oh, I know I’ve got enough endurance for that.”

“Really? Well, it’s more than just skating. It’s a sport. You’re supposed to score.”

She quirked her eyebrow and stood up taller. “Scoring’s never been a problem for me.” Lucy realized what came out of her mouth a little too late and had no idea what to say to bring the conversation back to a safer topic.

He was quite intrigued at the prospect she might have been flirting with him. Tim’s eyes dropped to her frame, what he could see of it considering they had somehow shifted to sit right next to each other without any space between them on the long couch, and he said, “I have no doubt.”

Was she sweating? His eyes set her completely ablaze. Lucy was in need of a subject change, so she replied, “We’ve clearly still got a lot to learn about each other to, you know, sell the whole married thing.”

“I’m not very interesting.”

“Oh, that’s not true.”

“My life is mostly hockey.”

“Which, you were right about, by the way. It’s very fun to watch hockey live,” she smiled.

“You liked it?”

“Mhm. See, there was this one player who did an amazing job. He even scored three goals in one game. That’s a pretty big deal.”

He felt his heart thump. “I was having a good game.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. I may have looked up your stats, and you’re pretty good.”

“Tim is actually one of the best players in the league. He’d never admit it, though,” Angela interjected.

“So, does that mean I can expect another hat trick at the next game I come to?” Lucy wondered.

“You want to see me play again?” Tim’s voice was bursting with excitement.

“Of course. It’s the least I can do for forcing you to listen to me sing all my ear worms at my concert tonight.”

“I didn’t hate it, actually…your concert wasn’t so bad.”

Her eyes widened, and she reached out to touch his forearm. “Really? Wait, are you just saying that to be nice?”

“No, I say what I mean.”

“You didn’t seem to hate the last song,” she grinned, recalling his genuine smile as he lost himself in singing along.

“Definitely need to learn more of your songs before I go to your next concert.”

“Tickets are hard to come by. I don’t know if you’ll get the chance to go to another one.”

He lifted his hand where his new wedding band rested and responded, “I’m married to you now. I think that means I should get tickets when ever I want.”

Lucy pretended to ponder his comment for a moment before she replied, “I guess that’s fair, but I’m not changing my last song for you again. That was a one time thing.”

“Are you sure about that? I think the crowd really liked it. It’s a hit.”

“I haven’t sung it in a decade, actually. It’s an old one about someone…I don’t even remember.”

“You wrote a whole love song about someone and don’t remember them?”

“It’s not a love song. It’s about meeting a person and feeling sparks like the beginning of something for someone. That instant when you feel like there’s a possibility that the person you’re looking at could become special to you, you know?”

Looking into her rich chocolate eyes, he understood her completely in a way he had never felt before. “Yeah,” his voice was an impossibly soft whisper.

“Yeah,” she parroted breathily as butterflies flapped around in her stomach. 

Security entered the room to wheel in their room service order on a cart, and suddenly, Tim and Lucy felt the need to rise from couch and create some distance between them.

As Wes set out all of their food on the dining room table, Angela took her seat and asked, “Have you two agreed whose house you’ll move into?”

“What do you mean?” Lucy looked to Tim to confirm that neither of them had any clue what she was talking about.

“You’re MARRIED now. You have to live together, or it’s gonna look shady. I thought we already went over this,” Angela responded.

Lucy had been grappling with her breakup with Emmett and failed to fully digest the plan Tamara was talking about, but then she realized that it was something they discussed the night before. “I haven’t really…we…Tim?”

“I…well, I…we…moving in together? That-that seems unnecessary,” Tim stammered.

“Paparazzi follow Lucy home. They’ll know if her husband doesn’t go home with her,” Wes stated what should have been obvious.

The problem was that Wes and Angela had a point.

“I suggested Lucy move in with Tim, and it’s not just because we’d be neighbors. I feel like Lucy will be traveling more than Tim, and he really doesn’t like change,” Angela added the last part far too smugly.

“Okay, no, Lucy,” Tim turned to her, “I would never ask you to leave your home and live in mine.”

She shrugged. “I’ll be living in hotels for the next half of the year while I’m on tour. It doesn’t matter to me. I can live anywhere, and you…I want to do everything I can to make this easier for you.”

Wes scoffed. “You act like it’s SUCH a burden for him to be married to one of the most famous, talented, and beautiful women in the world.”

“It is,” Lucy responded sadly. “My life is a lot, and I…”

Tim put his hand over hers, grateful they were sitting beside each other so that he could reach Lucy, and was quick to assure her, “I told you the night we met that the media is nothing if you care about someone. That’s easy enough to overlook. I really don’t mind. I’ll live with you.”

“Do you have a gym? Tim likes to push himself and workout a ton,” Angela said.

“I don’t really. I have a stationary bike and some weights,” Lucy admitted. “I’ll move in with you, and you won’t even notice I’m there, okay? I’ll be gone most of the time, and I’ll be a good roommate. I promise.”

“Somehow I doubt you’ll be a good roommate,” he joked and looked around the suite where her clothes and shoes were strewn about carelessly.

Lucy chuckled. “I’ll try harder at your house.”

“Okay. Well, let me know when you’re back in town, and we can coordinate you bringing some stuff over. Just until the holidays.”

“Right, it’s just until the holidays. Only a few months,” she could live with Tim for a few months.

“Perfect. I’m so happy you’ll be around, and when you’re in town, you can come in my box with me for Kings games,” Angela decided.

“Sounds fun. I’ll need to get some Kings gear,” Lucy bumped her knee into Tim’s and grinned, “Gotta show support for my husband.” She was definitely not at all used to calling someone, let alone him, her “husband”, but she was testing it out.

“I can get you a jersey,” Tim offered.

“Ooh! I would love that! Can I get a cute one?”

“Jerseys aren’t meant to be cute,” he replied, somewhat annoyed.

“Well, can’t I get a cute one anyways?” She clapped her hands together to plead, “Please.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Tim acquiesced.

“Thank you.”

For that smile alone, Tim was willing to sew her a “cute jersey” by himself despite never having sewed anything ever in his life. “No problem,” he said.

Unfortunately for Angela, dinner went by without anymore entertainment by way of Tim and Lucy, but she did see that exhaustion started to set in on Lucy’s face as she took longer and longer to blink.

“It’s late. We should go,” Tim murmured when he realized that Lucy was tired.

She yawned before she stood up and felt all of her muscles ache. “I’ll take my bath in the morning.”

Wes saw that Angela actually refrained from making a comment. He was proud of her.

Lucy removed Tim’s jacket that she had been wearing since he offered it to her and returned it with a sleepy grin. “Thanks for this…and everything.”

“No problem…hey, when do you normally wake up the morning after a concert?”

“Honestly, eleven if possible. I need my rest to recover from one show before performing again.”

“Good to know. Good night, Lucy.”

“Night…” she could blame her exhaustion for grabbing at Tim’s wrist, and standing up tall to give him a peck on the cheek. What Lucy did not expect was to lose her balance having to reach so high up using the calf muscles that had already been overworked during the concert, even though that had already happened hours prior…or maybe she was sort of hoping it would happen again. Luckily, Tim put a hand on her back to keep her steady.

“You good?” He asked quietly. 

“Sorry,” she whispered her apology. How many times was she going to find herself pressed against Tim’s side with her face almost touching his? Actually, Lucy was starting not to mind.

He held her until she lowered herself, planting her full foot on the ground. “You really are short.”

“My feet hurt too much to wear heels right now.”

“Should I just…” Tim dramatically bent down to be eye level with her chest, but he was definitely not staring there. Her eyes were up higher.

“Good thing you’re not trying to be a comedian,” Lucy chided.

“My friends think I’m funny.”

“No, we don’t,” Wes and Angela said in unison, eliciting a chuckle from Lucy.

Tim narrowed his eyes at both of them.

“See you guys later,” Lucy said.

Before leaving her suite, Tim wanted to try something, so he replied, “I’ll see you soon…wife.” He could not characterize “wife” as sounding wrong. Weird, yes, but not wrong. He could get used to it.

Lucy felt a rush down her spine with the reverence he imbued in the word “wife”. It was sweet. “Bye, husband,” she responded softly and felt another wave of warmth speed through her body at his half smiling reaction.

Chapter Text

Lucy woke up at 11:01AM to a pounding headache that was made worse by the sound of her phone ringing, which was the real reason she arose. With closed eyes, she felt around the nightstand beside her bed in her New York City hotel suite that she was not accustomed to and finally located her device. The name that flashed on the screen surprised her, and she immediately felt fully awake, her pulse racing a little faster as she slid a finger across the screen to answer the call. “Hi,” she rasped, her throat still sore from her concert the night before and disuse as she slept.

“Hello? Lucy?” Tim said, not recognizing the sound of her voice.

She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “It’s me. Sorry, my voice is still hoarse from last night.” She lunged for a water bottle on her nightstand and started chugging as if she had never had a drop before in her life.

“Oh, okay. I-I just wanted say thank you again for the V.I.P. treatment last night.” 

“Are you kidding? It was my pleasure to have you and your friends at my concert, and you already said thank you last night. You didn’t have to call.”

“Well, a wise woman told me I could find a spare minute to call a girl up and tell her I’m thinking about her, so that’s what I’m doing.”

Lucy perked up even more and felt her cheeks warm. When he was not being awkward, he was quite charming. “You took this wise woman’s advice, huh? That’s surprising.”

“Not really. I know the golden rule of marriage. Happy wife, happy life,” he smirked. Admittedly, it was easier to be comfortable speaking with her over the phone where staring at her beauty was not a possibility, and therefore, he was less distracted, so he could be his more confident self.

“Sounds like Angela and Wes didn’t need to give you any marriage advice yesterday. You’ve got this all figured out.”

“I don’t know,” Tim shrugged and continued casually, “Maybe they gave me ideas about some stuff to try at some point.” Wes and Angela had spoken about how to keep married sex spicy and called it “marriage advice”, which had originally made him uncomfortable, but her scratchy morning voice and an image of her messy hair and a sleepy smile changed his mind. 

There was no denying, she was blushing all the way to her toes.

When all he heard was silence, he paused, tried to backtrack from his previous statement, and stumbled over himself to say, “I-I mean with someone I’m actually with. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…I wasn’t trying to be like creepy or anything…God, this was such a bad idea.” Thankfully, her light giggle floated through, and Tim relaxed slightly.

“No, I really do appreciate that you called me. It’s sweet. As for the other thing…I’ll admit I’d be tempted. You ARE hot. It’s just a bad idea, you know? We have a fake relationship to maintain, so we should keep things professional.”

“Right. Yes. Professional. That might be hard for me seeing as I only work with sweaty guys, and you’re definitely not. I mean, you’re gorgeous…but, I’ll figure it out. For the sake of our fake marriage. For appearances. For my new contract and your public image.”

Part of her wanted to let him continue to babble on and embarrass himself further, but she snickered and interrupted, “Speaking of our marriage, I’ll be back in town on Monday night. Can I move some stuff into your house then?”

“Oh, yeah, sure. I can be moved out of my bedroom by then.”

“Moved out of your bedroom? What are you talking about, Tim?”

“You’re a woman. You should have the best bedroom in the house, so of course I’ll move into one of the guest rooms, and…”

“No way. That’s so not necessary. I’ll take any old guest room, and before you say anything else, you should know I’ll be happier knowing I didn’t totally uproot your life by kicking you out of your own bedroom. Happy wife, happy life, remember?”

His jaw snapped shut and all of his counterarguments were abandoned in favor of grinning.

“Tim?” She worried he may have accidentally muted the call given how quiet he was.

“Yes, sorry, okay, whatever you want, Lucy. As long as you’re happy.”

“I would be really happy if I got to see you when I’m in town between shows during my move in.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Careful, Bradford, between finding time to call me and making the effort to see me move in, it almost sounds like you CAN make time for someone in your life.”

“You’re special.”

Special. Gorgeous. Lucy’s head was spinning with the words he so casually called her. Good thing they were only speaking on the phone and not seeing each other in person; there was a chance she would do something regrettable like haul him into bed with her. “You’re so charming, you know that?”

“Charming? Since when? Angela says I freeze up when I talk to you.”

“You get…quiet,” she stifled a laugh as she tried to come up with the right word.

“It’s because you keep catching me off guard. Most people aren’t so good at keeping me on my toes.”

She put a hand over her mouth to cover her smile even though no one else was in the room. “You’re welcome.”

Her voice was so smug and still raspy. Tim wanted to say something in response, but all he could do was pause and smile momentarily. “Look, I’m about to head in for practice, so I should let you go, but have a good concert tonight,” he stepped down from his truck.

“Break a leg. You’re supposed to say ‘break a leg’.”

“I’m not wishing you get hurt no matter what.”

She was glad she was sitting down, because there was a chance she might have fallen over at the way he said that. “Have a great practice, husband.”

“Bye, wife,” Tim smiled around the word and locked his car.

“Bye, wife,” a voice repeated mockingly in the distance.

Tim turned and felt his face immediately pull into a scowl. “Leave me alone, Nolan.”

“Oh come on, it’s sweet,” John Nolan replied and scurried over to clap Tim on the back. “I’m happy you found someone. Bailey and I have been trying to set you up for years. You could’ve just told us about your secret girlfriend.”

“SECRET. The operative word there is secret. Can’t exactly talk about a relationship I’m not supposed to talk about.” (Or a relationship that had not existed days earlier.)

“We could’ve kept a secret. We’re you’re teammates.”

“You guys spoiled Grey’s birthday surprise last year. Face it, this team can’t keep their mouths shut.”

Tim might have had a point, but John still wished he had known that his friend and teammate was dating someone let alone engaged. They walked into the locker room together, and it was oddly silent. 

Suspicious, Tim set his things in front of his cubby and started to change into his practice gear when Jackson West broke through the quiet. “Well, if it isn’t hockey’s most eligible bachelor now turned newly married Mr. Bradford…or should we start calling you Mr. Chen, since we all know your wife is more famous than you.”

“Good. She deserves to be. She’s amazing,” Tim replied and took his shirt off.

“Are you gonna give us any details? Wes won’t say a word about the wedding,” Nolan pointed out.

“It was small. We didn’t need a big thing,” Tim responded, even though he knew Lucy would have appreciated a large wedding if she did actually get married, which they were NOT, he reminded himself.

“How CUTE! Who knew Tim could be such a romantic?” Jackson smiled. “Here, I have something for you.” He walked over to Tim’s cubby and taped up a picture of Tim and Lucy that the photographer had captured during their fake wedding photo shoot. Those photos were all over every media outlet. “Now, you’ll see your wife everyday even when she’s on tour.”

“With both of them traveling for work on different schedules it sounds like it can get pretty lonely. I bet they send each other better pictures than that,” Aaron Thorsen joked.

“Your wife’s HOT,” Jackson commented.

“Dude, you’re gay,” Aaron pointed out.

“Yeah, I can still recognize when a woman is good looking,” Jackson justified.

“Okay, that’s enough talking about Lucy,” Tim cut everyone and their chuckling off gruffly. “Yes, she’s gorgeous. Yes, she’s incredible. Yes, she’s famous. And, yes, everything’s been kept secret. For good reason. I can’t control how the rest of the world talks about her, but I expect each and every one of you to treat her with the respect she deserves, do you understand? And not just because she’s my wife, okay? Because, she’s a good person. Is that clear?”

The team grumbled a “yes” in response despite how they had been looking forward to teasing their friend some more.

“Good. Let’s change and hit the ice!” Tim ordered.

“Hang on, we didn’t discuss the most important thing,” Nolan remembered.

“Unless it’s drills, it’s not important right now,” Tim responded.

“Wait, yeah, we want to throw you a bachelor party…a sorta late bachelor party,” Aaron explained.

“A bachelor party?” Tim thought that was the dumbest idea in the world, and his voice made that clear.

“Come on, you can have one night of celebration. You just signed yourself up to be with one woman for the rest of your life. No problem with blowing off steam before being locked in,” Nolan encouraged.

“Doesn’t sound so bad. Lucy’s one hell of a woman,” Tim smiled and sat down to lace up his skates.

Wes had sat wordlessly observing the grief his teammates were giving Tim, and in response, Tim was doing a great job of being convincing; of course, his last comment did not sound like a lie to keep their cover as a fake married couple…it seemed honest. Was Tim developing a crush on Lucy?

“Aww that’s a man who’s happy to be married. How adorable,” Aaron swooned. He had been fully prepared to tease Tim mercilessly, but it was sweet to hear his teammate who only ever talked about hockey speaking so highly about his wife.

Tim felt his cheeks heat up, and he turned around to hide his face. He caught sight of the wedding photo, and it was weird that he looked so…happy. Sure, he recalled being nervous standing so close to Lucy, but when they were just looking at each other and ignoring the rest of the world as they were in the photo, they both had huge, real, sweet smiles on their faces. He could not think of the last time he had grinned like that, even the last time he won the Stanley Cup, but Lucy brought it out of him so easily.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Though she wanted five more minutes of sleep, Lucy woke when she heard her phone ring and silently hoped that maybe it was Tim. She felt her lips curve as she read his name even before she answered, “Hey, Tim.”

“Good morning.”

“This is the second morning in a row you’re calling me,” she pointed out and balanced her phone between her shoulder and ear to free her hands in need of finding and unscrewing a bottle of water. Her throat was quite scratchy.

“Sorry, am I bothering you?”

“No!” Lucy insisted. “I like it.”

“Just…I feel like as my wife, I should check in with you, and I know you’re not really…I don’t know the rules or whatever, but we should be friends, right? I should probably know more about you than the fact that you’re a great singer.”

“Fair point. This whole fake marriage thing is new for me, too, but it wouldn’t hurt if we got to know stuff about each other. Like, my first pet was a turtle named Speedy. I wrote him a song that I sang every time I put lettuce in his tank to feed him.”

He smiled at the image in his mind of a young Lucy singing to a turtle. “You wrote a song for a turtle? Wow.”

“Lame, right?”

“Sweet. That’s very sweet of you. So, are you a turtle lover? Do you have one now?”

“No, I don’t have any pets right now, unfortunately, but I really love animals. Maybe some day I’ll have the time to get a dog.”

“I plan to get one when I retire.”

“A dog? Why can’t you have one now? Oh wait, let me guess, no time for a pet either. Your life is just devoid of joy when you’re not playing hockey. You’re lucky you have me now. Once we start living together, you’ll see.”

“That sounds like a threat.”

“Yeah, of FUN!”

“I thought you said I wouldn’t notice you’re there. Now you’re saying it’ll be fun to live with you? What should I believe?”

“Both,” she replied sheepishly. “Look, I won’t make too much of a mess, but I’ll have my housekeeper come over and pick up after me anyways, and when you have some free time, I promise to keep you entertained.”

“Entertained? What do you have in mind?”

There was a suggestive lilt to his voice that made Lucy’s heart stutter. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see,” she whispered lowly.

He gripped his steering wheel tightly and opened his mouth to exhale, but there was no air in his lungs. 

“Thanks for calling at 11:10 today and giving me five more minutes to sleep this morning.”

“N-no problem.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“You’ll call me?”

“Mhm you see phone’s work both ways, so I can call you.”

“Is this your way of saying you want to sleep in more? You said you’d be awake by 11. That’s why I called then, and it’s pretty perfect, because I head in to practice at 11:15 Eastern time on weekends after a short morning workout.”

“Waking up at 11 does make sure I have breakfast before soundcheck. You’re really keeping me on time.”

“Then, you’re welcome,” he grinned.

“You’ve got a game tonight, right?”

“I do. Right around the time your concert starts.”

“Good luck.”

“You’re not gonna tell me to break a leg?” Tim smirked.

“I’m not wishing you get hurt no matter what,” she repeated what he said to her the day before.

He felt a smile take over his whole face. “You almost sound like a real wife.”

“Good. I’m practicing for the next time I go to your hockey game.”

“Which one will you be at?”

“Isn’t it more fun if it’s a surprise to see me in the stands?”

Tim groaned. 

She paused and lowered her voice, “Do you…not want me to come?”

“What? No, you’re welcome any time. I was hoping to be prepared.” He scratched his forehead.

“Prepared, huh? Do you want to make sure you score another hat trick just for me?”

“I didn’t score it FOR you.”

“Not according to a ton of articles Tamara sent me. Apparently, you were trying to impress me.”

“Maybe I tried to score one goal for you.”

“Want to try scoring one for me tonight?”

“You won’t even be there,” he pointed out with a scoff.

“I’ll have the game playing in my dressing room, so I can check the score during my costume change.”

“That’s a lot of dedication for someone who thinks hockey is a ridiculous sport.”

“Well, I don’t know if I like hockey, but I like supporting my husband.” The ease of referring to him as “husband” should have caused her to panic, but it felt so suitable for Tim that it did not scare her at all.

“Funny, because I saw the highlights of your concert last night, and you closed it out with ‘Possibility’ again. My favorite song.”

“I didn’t do it for you.” Even though he was perfectly quiet, somehow, she could HEAR his smile. “Okay, maybe it was a little bit for you. I forgot how much I love that song, though, so it’s sorta for me, too.” Admittedly, Lucy had been thinking about Tim and wanted to end her show with his favorite song, silently dedicating it to him and mentally recreating how she watched him mouth the lyrics when she had performed it for him the other night.

“Are you gonna sing it again for me next time I’m at your concert?” 

“We’re about to live together. I can give you a private concert any time.”

He gulped at the thought of sitting alone in his house with her singing right to him. “That sounds fun.”

“Told you I’ll keep you entertained.” So, there was a chance that Lucy was flirting with him, but it was hard to resist the urge when every one of their conversations had some sort of suggestive undertone at one point or another. Besides, she was barely awake and could hardly control the urge to flirt with Tim. “I should eat my breakfast. Good luck tonight.”

“You, too.”

“Bye, husband.”

“Bye, wife.” Tim put a hand over his galloping heart. Lucy really had an uncanny way of making him light headed. How was he going to live with her?

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

11AM came, then 11:15AM, and still no call from Lucy. Tim wanted to call her, but she said she would call him, and there had to have been a good reason why she had not. So, he waited. He stared at his phone on the way to the private airport where his team was flying out of to go back to L.A. after the game the night before. Half of his team was hungover from celebrating their win, but Tim was well rested and eager to hear from Lucy. He could not exactly explain why, but he wanted to listen to her voice and the way she said “husband” like it was a special word.

Everyone had boarded the plane by 11:45AM, and Tim disappointedly tucked his phone in the front pocket of his jeans to prepare for takeoff.

Then, it vibrated.

Quickly, he pulled his device out and answered without even really looking at the screen. “Hey, Lucy.”

The whole plane started mocking him saying “oooh” like they were a bunch of teenage boys and not grown men.

“Hi, Tim, where are you? What’s that sound?”

“It’s my team being annoying. We’re on a plane to go back home. Ignore them.”

“Sorry it took so long to call. I’m exhausted. I needed extra sleep.”

“That’s okay. Are you doing alright? Do you need anything?”

“I’m actually about to take a nice long soak in the tub.” She turned on the faucet and waited for the water to warm up enough then plugged the tub. “I saw that you scored a goal for me last night. Very impressive.”

“I didn’t score a goal for you,” he groaned. 

His teammates were quick to shout over each other and assure Lucy that Tim DID in fact score a goal for her, eliciting a long laugh from her.

“Would you guys give me a minute to talk to my wife in peace?” Tim asked, annoyed.

“Sounds like they’re a good group. Can’t wait to meet them all next time I’m at a game.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m not letting you anywhere near half of them.”

“Hope you’re not worried they’ll try to steal me away.”

“They don’t know how to treat women properly.”

“I’ll be the judge of that at the next game.” She could hear through the phone that the flight attendant announced that Tim’s plane was going to taxi. “Sounds like I have to let you go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye, wife.”

“Bye, husband,” Lucy grinned and hung up.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

It was NOT nervousness that was making her palms sweaty, or at least that was the lie Lucy was telling herself. For the entire drive from her house to Tim’s, her hands were clammy, and she thought she was going to pass out, because she was moving in with him. 

Tim was a nice man as far as Lucy could tell, but they really hardly knew much about each other. Aside from being “married” and their few conversations, they were still mostly strangers that were going to live together. It was a weird arrangement.

When she knocked on the front door and Tim answered, some of the tension in her back eased. There was something about him in grey sweatpants and a white t shirt with a soft smile that made the move feel a bit less daunting.

“Hey, come on in,” he greeted and stepped back, allowing her to enter.

She took slow steps inside as her eyes wandered around the space.

“Where’s your stuff?” Tim wondered.

“My trunk, but…can we talk first?”

“Sure.” He shut his front door and jerked his head in the direction of his kitchen to silently gesture for them to walk further into the house. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’m good.”

Tim went over to his kitchen island and pressed his palms onto the cool granite as he leaned most of his body weight into his arms. “Okay, so, what do you want to talk about?”

“Me moving in here. We’ve been making a lot of quick decisions, and this seems like a pretty big one.”

“If the media finds out we’re not living together…”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. Look, I’ve been thinking for the last day about how I’ve sprung so much on you, and I don’t want to be a burden. Emmett always says I move too fast, and I can’t bulldoze people, and I am so sorry.”

“Woah, hey, you didn’t bulldoze me, alright? We both agreed to living together, and sure, this all happened pretty fast, but I’m good with it.” Her eyes still showed her apprehension, so he spoke quieter, “Really, Lucy, I’m okay with this.” She blinked a few times, and it seemed she was trying to dispel a few tears from falling, so he walked over to her from across the counter, hoping the proximity would help, and bent his head low. Tim carefully, as if he was approaching a lion in an enclosure, covered one of her hands with his and felt the direct contrast between the cold granite he had been touching moments ago and her delicate warm hand. She had not moved to face him in his new position at her side, which was enough of a signal for him to know that the usually confident woman was clearly struggling with something. “Hey,” he murmured, his eyes begging her to really meet his, but she seemed to be looking at his nose or his cheek instead. “I think I’ll like having you here.”

Her throat was coated in emotion, and she could barely croak out the words while still averting his gaze, “We could try it for a week. Emmett moved out after a week, so let’s give it a chance for seven days, and if you can’t…”

“No, we made a commitment, and I know it wasn’t the vows kind of an actual marriage, but we agreed to this arrangement until the holidays. Hopefully by then, I’ll get my new contract, and our fake divorce news should fly under the radar as much as possible. I plan to honor this commitment to the fullest, so we’ll live together until that fake divorce announcement comes out unless you don’t want to live here.”

“But, Tim, if I overwhelm you…I’m a lot to deal with, and…”

“Three hundred pound men in thick pads slam me against the boards every week. You think you and your tiny-ness is a lot to deal with? You think YOU are gonna overwhelm me when you could probably ram into me, and I wouldn’t move? My God, I forgot how short you are.” She started to giggle, thankfully, and the tight knot in his stomach that had been weighing Tim down since she walked into his house with a sad look on her face started to loosen. “I don’t scare easily, okay? Now, let’s bring your stuff in.”

Lucy was too stunned to react for a few moments as Tim let go of her hand and started walking out of the kitchen towards the foyer, but finally, she started moving over to his side, and they walked over to the trunk of her car together and reached for the same suitcase. She held his hand on the handle and looked up at him. “Thank you, and before you say you’re just doing your job or whatever, it means a lot.”

He offered her a small smile and then lifted the suitcase with a huff. “What do you have in here? A dead body?”

“I hope not,” Angela said to their backs.

They both turned to her and saw Wes at her side.

“Hi, Angela,” Lucy greeted. 

“I came by to welcome you to the neighborhood with some homemade cookies,” she said, holding out a plate.

“Since when do you bake?” Tim asked.

“Okay, so the grocery store baked them, and I put ‘em on a plate. Sue me,” Angela retorted.

“Thanks. I’d take them, but I’ve got some things to carry in first,” Lucy replied appreciatively and grabbed hold of another one of her bags.

“Why don’t you go inside and have some not-homemade cookies? Wes and I will take care of your stuff,” Tim said as he began to coax the tote out of her tight grip.

“You don’t have to do that,” Lucy responded.

“Isn’t this the sort of thing husbands do?” Tim wondered.

“What about best friends? You’re just signing me up to lug a bunch of bags up your stairs? I’m not married to her,” Wes pointed out even though neither Tim nor Lucy seemed to be paying anyone or anything else any mind as they kept unbreakable eye contact.

“You’re married to me, and I’d like you to help Lucy move in,” Angela said.

“Okay,” Wes agreed easily and went over to the trunk of Lucy’s car to pull out as many of her belongings as he could carry to limit the number of trips back and forth he would take.

Lucy’s thumb gently stroked Tim’s where they were both holding onto the handle of her tote bag. There was something so thrilling about making contact with his skin like a welcome rush of adrenaline; it was an unfamiliar sensation but certainly not unwelcome. She wondered, as she gazed into his eyes getting lost in the endless blue, if he felt similarly or if it was all in her head. There were moments when being around him or even simply hearing his voice over the phone overwhelmed her, causing her to speak without thinking, including when they were standing in his driveway holding onto a bag together. “You’re a tough act to follow, you know.” His face showed he had no idea what she was trying to say, so she clarified, “As far as husbands go, I don’t think I’ll ever do better.”

“You won’t,” he confirmed and used her surprise at his response to wrench the bag away. “Make yourself at home,” Tim said over his shoulder as he walked inside the house.

Angela was silently amused by their repartee. “It’s okay if you like him, you know,” she finally said.

Lucy opened her mouth, not really sure what to say, when Wes returned to take another armful of her belongings. Tim was only a few paces behind with a smile on his face and gathered the last of her bags. 

“Wanna see your room?” Tim asked.

“Okay,” she breathed and followed behind him.

“You already saw the kitchen, and that’s the living room over there,” he pointed. “Down the hall is the garage and my gym. Upstairs is just bedrooms.” He started ascending the staircase.

Lucy could tell his bachelor pad needed a “woman’s touch” given all the sports memorabilia everywhere, but otherwise, it looked nice enough and quite neat. She followed him to the second floor, and there were a few more doors than she expected.

“So, the door all the way on the end is my room, then that’s just towels behind that door, and this is a guest room, that’s another guest room, and then there’s a bathroom, and then you have this one,” he pointed to each door.

As if walking on eggshells, she stepped inside the last room at the end of the hall where all of her bags littered the floor. In terms of furniture, there was a queen bed with white bedding, two nightstands, and a short dresser. Along a wall was a closet, and then there was another door.

“I gave you this one since it has its own bathroom connected,” Tim explained, pointing to the closed door. “I know it’s not much. It’s probably not what you’re used to…”

“This is nice. I don’t need anything else…actually, any chance the bathroom in my room has a tub? I need to soak my muscles everyday because of how tiring my performances are.”

“Oh,” he bit his lip. “You can take my room, then. The bathroom in there has a tub. This one only has a shower. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. Can I maybe borrow your tub sometime? When you’re not home so I don’t bother you, of course.”

“Sure. Use it whenever you want.”

“Isn’t your tub big like it can fit two people?” Angela asked.

Tim cast her one of those “I can’t believe we’re friends” looks. “Yeah, Lucy, it’s roomy if you want to see it.”

“I’m sure it’s perfect.” Her cheeks felt hot. She was not going anywhere near that tub no matter how her body ached…at least for the next day, but definitely never with Tim. No.

“Okay, I’ll leave you to get settled in, and then we can have dinner. What would you like?”

“Pizza! New York style is so gross,” she wrinkled her nose at the memory of eating that city’s pizza unhappily.

“Sure. Toppings?”

“Veggies, please.”

It was Tim’s turn to wrinkle his nose. “I’m getting sausage on my side.”

Lucy chuckled, “Okay.”

“Can I have pepperoni?” There was no answer. “What about us? Don’t we get to stay for pizza?” Wes asked; he was getting somewhat annoyed at Tim and Lucy completely disregarding the universe when they were zeroed in on each other.

Angela nudged her husband and said, “No, you two have dinner alone. I was craving Indian anyways.”

Lucy and Tim had not heard a single word Wes and Angela said.

Tim found himself staring at the surreal sight of Lucy Chen standing in one of his guest rooms. Beyond that, he could tell something was still bothering her. “I want you to make yourself at home here.”

She had stopped feeling uncomfortable about the new living arrangement as a harsh realization set in, so Lucy whispered, “This isn’t supposed to be a guest room, is it? Single guys don’t usually have four bedroom houses.”

Unsurprisingly, Tim stayed silent, so Angela butted in, “Wishful thinking. He wanted a bunch of kids with his ex.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t think he expects you to give him babies, since you’re his fake wife,” Wes joked.

“I don’t think Tim would object,” Angela added with a chuckle.

He spun on his heel, finally tearing his eyes away from Lucy to look at his friends. “You two mind?” Tim asked with an edge to his voice.

Angela dragged Wes away even though they both knew the other had plenty more jabs about babies and practicing making babies that they were ready to say; they could save those comments for another day.

“I need new friends,” Tim grumbled.

“You secretly love them,” Lucy accused him lightheartedly.

“They get on my nerves. I’ll tell them not to come by so much now that you’re living here. They live next door, so they won’t totally be out of your hair, but…”

“No, I don’t mind. Honest.”

“I’ll let you move in,” he was supposed to leave the room, but his feet were not cooperating. She noticed and quirked an eyebrow at him. “Yeah, I’m gonna go…”

“You want to ask me something, don’t you?” Lucy was starting to interpret his eyes and face better.

“Not really.” The real answer was “yes”, but it seemed like an overly personal question.

“Just ask.”

“I don’t even know your favorite color. I don’t think…”

“Yellow. My favorite color’s yellow.” She noticed how his eyes kept flitting around the room and then back at her. “You want to know if I want kids? That’s what you’re trying to ask me?”

“W- I-” Tim stammered.

“The answer is…I’m not sure. I like the idea of having kids, but maybe I’m too traditional, because I want to get married first and raise kids with a partner. I can’t seem to make it down the aisle, so kids seem to be less and less likely in my future, but if I did find someone…if I did think someone would stay with me and be a good parent to kids, then I’d want them.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” He scratched the side of his head. “I don’t really know why it matters. I know we’re not actually married. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“As cute as it is to see you nervous, you can ask me anything you want. I’m an open book.” Did she really just call him cute out loud?

“You don’t owe me your life story. I really don’t expect it. I normally don’t even like talking about anything other than hockey.”

“We’re friends now, aren’t we? We can tell each other non-hockey related stuff.”

He considered her words. “That’s fair.”

“Besides, we’ll be living together. We’ll get to know a lot about each other.”

“Yeah, I had no idea you carried a bunch of dead bodies with you,” Tim joked and looked at the overstuffed, heavy bags he and Wes had brought into the room.

“Careful, or you’ll be next,” she chided.

“I know a detective. That wouldn’t end well for you,” he sniggered.

“Definitely don’t want to go to jail. Guess that means you’re sticking around.”

“Lucky me.” His feet carried him closer to her of their own accord.

“Me, too,” Lucy replied. Whenever that smile came to her face, she was not exactly sure, but it would not fade as she stared up at him.

His hands tensed, and Tim realized he was outstretching the small distance to touch her, so he dropped his hands away. “I’ll order that pizza and let you know when it’s here.”

“Okay.” She waited for him to move, but he stayed put. There was no question behind his eyes or odd expression on his face; there was only a soft grin. Lucy cleared her throat, which was enough for Tim to snap out of his haze and leave her in her bedroom alone.

Phone calls were way easier, Tim realized as he descended the stairs. When he saw that his friends were still in his house standing in his kitchen, he sighed, “Haven’t you done enough today?”

“Us? What did we do?” Angela asked, feigning innocence.

“The kids comment. You got me wondering if Lucy wants kids, which I didn’t know that it’s a maybe until like ten seconds ago. Just like I didn’t know her favorite color is yellow until now.”

“Normal people TALK to each other. That’s how they get to know these things. Some people call it DATING,” Angela said sarcastically.

“We’re not dating. We’re becoming friends. That’s what we said. It makes sense. We’ll probably have to make some appearances together, and apparently, I’ll get asked about her after my games even when she’s not in the stands, so we should know stuff about each other to make it easier.”

“I saw that postgame interview. You were very convincing when you said you like being married to Lucy. I know you pretty well, and I thought you were telling the truth,” Angela smirked.

“You should’ve heard him in the locker room when everyone was making fun of him getting secretly married and how he didn’t even get a bachelor party. He said he didn’t need one. Tim was practically drooling talking about Lucy,” Wes recalled.

“I was not!” Tim tried to say adamantly, but…had he been drooling?

Angela wanted to tease her friend, but she chose to be mature for a moment. “I’ll tell you what I told Lucy. It’s okay if you like her.”

Wes gasped, “You think Lucy could like Tim back? Oh, that’s cute.”

“She doesn’t,” Tim said firmly. “She said nothing’s gonna happen. She said we’ll keep things professional.” He left out the part where she had called him “hot” and that she would be “tempted”. Those were words he could not stop thinking about, but Lucy drew a clear line, and he respected that.

“You guys talked about this?” Angela pressed.

“Well, yeah. We’re both in the dark about how to make this work and figuring it out as we go, so it’s a little confusing, but we can be professionals.”

“Hey, Tim?” Lucy called as she walked down the stairs. “Can you turn up the A/C? I’m boiling.”

She was talking. Tim saw her mouth move and knew she was talking, but when she came into view still wearing those skin tight black leggings and only a black sports bra over her chest, leaving most of the top half of her body exposed, he felt his tongue drop heavily in his mouth. He would have remembered if she showed up to his house in only a sports bra. He tried to think. It took a second. She had been wearing a dark green t shirt when she arrived. Lucy had been more fully dressed minutes ago and now…

So.much.skin.

Was there a word for that? For her? Was Lucy simply beyond description? She was moving closer, and he was frozen in place urging her to come to him, but he could not do anything beyond stand there.

“Tim?” She said his name softly as she neared him. Lucy was trying to learn how to read all of his facial expressions, but she found him indecipherable in the moment. “Are you particular about the heat? Does air conditioning bother you?”

Angela wanted to help Tim out and maybe throw something at him to break him out of his stupor, but it was far too entertaining to see him stare at Lucy completely awestruck.

“Hmm,” he finally hummed as he blinked.

“Are you alright?” Lucy asked.

“F-fine.” His voice was almost normal, much to his shock.

“So, is that a yes? You don’t like turning on the A/C?” She asked to clarify.

“I don’t think he’s ever turning it on again,” Wes whispered.

“What? No. I-I like A/C,” Tim finally said dumbly.

“Oh, I thought maybe it was a hockey player thing. You spend so much time on the ice you like your house to be warm or whatever,” Lucy assumed.

“No, I like the cold all the time. Cold is nice.” Tim was having troubling settling his eyes on a singular spot. There was so much skin to look at. Warm golden skin.

“Does that mean we can make it a little cooler in here?” 

“Sure, yeah, the controls are in the living room over there on the wall. Make it as cold as you want.”

“Thanks. I promise not to make it as cold as an ice rink,” she smiled and went over to the living room.

When Lucy turned around, Tim saw her shoulder blades, then her mostly bare back, and then where her leggings sat low on her hips, and then lower…his head snapped up to the ceiling to look anywhere but at Lucy.

“You good, buddy?” Wes asked with a cheshire cat smile.

“Great. I’m great,” Tim lied as he felt sweat pool everywhere on his body.

Perhaps he should have said “no” to Lucy being his roommate. This arrangement started feeling a whole lot more complicated.

Chapter Text

Between weekend performances, Lucy did not do much throughout the week, so after she finished settling in by midday Tuesday, she just sat on the couch in Tim’s living room and watched a trashy reality show. 

When he got home from practice, Tim was a little surprised to see Lucy asleep on his couch in front of the TV that was still on. He went over to find the remote in the hopes of shutting it off, but it was precariously between her legs, and he really did not think he could reach for it. Instead, he went up to the screen and tried to find the manual button, since that functionality still had to exist, right? Tim blindly tapped around and was finally successful, grateful that there was silence to allow for Lucy to sleep better. Then, he grabbed the blanket off of the back of his couch and draped it over her.

She felt the weight of something, and it caused her to stir. Then, Lucy heard a sharp intake of breath and partially opened her eyes. “Tim?”

“D-did I wake you? I’m sorry,” he apologized. There was something so adorable about how sleepy she still looked.

“That’s alright. I wanted to see you when you got home from practice,” she replied and sat up straight. Then, she realized there was a blanket over her. “Did you put this on me?”

He could not recall the last time someone was at home waiting for him to return from practice. It felt nice. Tim hoped he had not upset someone who was being so sweet to him. “Yeah. You were sleeping…I-…is that okay?”

“Angela says you’re out of practice, but you know what you’re doing.”

“Out of practice?”

“With dating. Angela came by earlier, since she’s not working today and wanted to check in on me.”

“She came here? And, you two were alone? What-what did you talk about?”

“We were talking trash about you of course,” she smiled. He did not look amused at all, so Lucy chuckled. “She spent most of the time talking about how great you are and then told me to be patient with you since you’re out of practice with dating and how to treat a woman, but Angela might’ve been wrong about that.” She glanced back at her lap where the blanket he put on her had fallen.

“Angela may be my best friend, but she doesn’t know everything about me. Whatever she said was probably wrong, so just forget it.”

“Wrong? I don’t think she was totally wrong.”

That glint in Lucy’s eye made his chest tighten. “What does that face mean?”

She stood from the couch and folded the blanket before leaving it behind and sashaying into the kitchen. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Lucy,” he groaned.

“My chef left us steaks and pasta to heat up for dinner. I read that hockey players need to eat a lot of protein and carbs before and after games and practices.” She changed the subject.

“You Googled a hockey player’s diet?”

“Well, I’m married to a hockey player now. I gotta know this kind of stuff.” Lucy wiggled her hand where she wore her wedding band.

“Crap. I don’t know anything about what musicians eat.”

His guilt was sweet. Lucy took one of his hands and smiled. “No dairy before performances, and aside from that, I don’t eat meat, but that’s a personal thing and not a musician thing.”

“Got it. I promise I won’t forget.”

“If hockey doesn’t work out, you could write a book.”

“A book? I’d rather coach instead of writing a book about hockey.”

She rolled her eyes and opened his refrigerator. “Not everything is about hockey, Tim. I was saying you could write a book about how to be a good husband. Chapter one is putting blankets on sleeping wives. I think you’d have a best seller.”

“I don’t have much advice to offer. I’m not very good at dating let alone being a husband.”

“Something tells me that’s not true. Now, sit down and tell me about how practice went.”

“You really wanna know?”

“Of course. Come back to the couch with me,” Lucy took the water bottle she had taken out the refrigerator and returned to her new favorite spot on his couch before tapping the cushion beside her.

He lowered himself and realized he did not leave much space between their thighs, but he liked sitting close to her. “So, one of my teammates, Jackson, who you have to meet at the next game, he was on fire today. I mean he was scoring on everyone.”

“How about you?”

“I did alright, but I like pushing my team. I’m one of the captains, so I like to make sure everyone can handle the game day pressure.”

“Right. For the game. Speaking of, I was hoping to wear a cute jersey to the next one I go to. Did you get me a jersey yet?”

“Well, our team’s social media person said she’d get you one. I followed up at the end of practice today. I swear. I haven’t forgotten.”

“Thank you.”

“Does this mean you’re coming to a game soon?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Lucy smirked.

“Unbelievable,” he sighed.

“Okay, so, do you watch cooking shows?”

“No. I only ever watch hockey games.”

“Well, tonight, you’re watching this cooking show. It’s called ‘Master Chef’, and you’ll love it. I promise.”

He frowned. “I don’t think so.”

“Please. One episode?”

Tim was not capable of denying any request when she pouted at him like that. “One episode,” he agreed earning himself a happy sound and smile to match from Lucy.

One episode turned into two. Then, they heated up dinner and watched two more episodes. He was tempted to press “play” on another, but he knew he needed to sleep before his long run in the morning, so instead, they went up the stairs to go to sleep.

Lucy found it both odd and sweet that Tim walked her all the way up to her bedroom door before offering a tight smile and turning in the opposite direction towards his room. “Good night, husband,” she said to his back.

He stopped and twisted the top half of his body to see her before he said, “Good night, wife.” When Tim got under the covers, he sighed contentedly; he could not recall the last time he had such a simply relaxing yet wonderful evening with someone. Perhaps spending his nights with someone was not so bad. Dating seemed to be less of a burden of obligations and more of a joy when it came to Lucy…but they were not actually married or dating, he reminded himself.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The most electrifying games have always been home games in Tim’s opinion. When he waved goodbye to Lucy before leaving for the rink, he was positively buzzing in his excitement well before she wished him good luck. Home games were played in L.A. with an arena filled mostly with Kings fans, which meant that most of the cheers were for their team plus the added bonus of a shorter commute and a more comfortable locker room.

When Tim reached his cubby, the first thing he saw was the wedding photoshoot picture of him and Lucy, and it made him smile. Then, he changed for the game. He was the last one onto the ice for warm ups before the game, and he did his usual scan of the crowd…but that scan did not last long, because there she was.

Lucy.

Sitting in a box next to Angela wearing a very flattering low cut black sweater, short black skirt, black tights, and grey thigh-high leather boots. His fake wife looked positively stunning. Then, she noticed him looking and gave him one of those small sweet waves with a grin, and his heart stopped momentarily before he reflexively waved back. One of his teammates nudged Tim, but he had not finished looking at Lucy; then he remembered what she did at her concert. He blew her a kiss like she had done to him, except Lucy made a show of miming catching it and holding it to her chest that was very much so on display in the best way. My GOD does his fake wife have an amazing figure, Tim thought and hoped he was not drooling. Finally, he diverted his attention to the real task at hand which was getting in the zone for the game that was about to start. During his last huddle up with the team, he did his best to rile everyone up. He wanted everyone to do well. He wanted to score a goal for Lucy and hopefully get a win for her, too.

Lucy’s eyes followed the rapid movements of the puck as best as she could, but throughout the game, she kept looking over at Tim just to read “BRADFORD” on the back of his jersey and make sure he was alright. Some player on the opposing team, the Anaheim Ducks, bumped Tim to get the puck, and Lucy gasped. He was fine. It was NOTHING, but she found herself worrying regardless.

Angela observed how passionate Lucy was about watching the game, and it made her smile. “You’re like a real hockey wife,” she whispered.

“I’m trying to be,” Lucy replied.

“Not sure any cameras are on you.”

“It’s not about the cameras.”

“I thought this whole marriage thing was a publicity stunt,” Angela responded with a bit of a challenging edge to her tone, begging Lucy to come clean.

A little distracted by the fact Tim was fighting for possession of the puck down below, Lucy said honestly, “I care about him more than the media stuff.”

“Really?”

“Is that really so hard to believe?”

“No, I just didn’t think you’d be so honest. I thought you would deny it more.”

“My friends deserve the truth no matter what lies are in the media. I’m not at this game because it’s a photo op to prove I’m married to Tim. I came because I want to support him. He’s a good guy.”

“One of the best. Just don’t tell him I said that.”

Lucy grinned. “YEAH TIM!” She shouted when he made a good attempt at scoring even though he was unsuccessful. “Look,” she said to Angela even with her eyes glued on the rink, “I like him as a friend, and that’s a good thing. That’ll make this arrangement easier.”

“If you liked him as more than a friend…”

“That’s a bad idea for the sake of this publicity stunt, and besides, he said he’s not interested in dating. Tim wants to focus on his career, and I respect that. COME ON GUYS! DEFENSE!”

“But, if he was willing to date right now, would you go for it? I mean, you already live down the hall from him.”

“No. I wouldn’t. He’s a truly wonderful guy. Probably one of the best I’ve ever known. He rearranged the bowls, plates, and mugs in his cabinets so that I could reach all the important stuff and didn’t think I’d notice. That’s the kind of good he is. I don’t know if I’m ready to get over a guy like that while still pretending to be married to him. Sounds complicated.”

“Get over him? You haven’t even gotten UNDER him yet,” Angela noted.

Lucy shrugged, “I think about the end before I even have a beginning with someone. They all break up with me in the end.”

“That’s not true.”

“Yeah, actually, it is. Everyone I’ve ever dated just can’t handle some aspect of my life or another, so I end up with albums filled with breakup songs and a bunch of tears. Tim for all his amazing qualities would just become another breakup song. It sucks, but it’s my life, so I don’t want to be writing some lyrics about how it all ended up in flames while we still have to live under the same roof, but I’ll probably reconsider when he gets his contract. Who knows? HEY! THAT WAS A PENALTY!”

“Looks like someone’s been studying,” Angela was quite impressed.

“I’m married to the greatest hockey player in the league now. I gotta know what’s going on.”

The way Lucy said she was “married” to Tim seemed so effortless as if their supposed union was not a lie but actually a fact. It seemed rather fast, but Angela had no objections.

With only a few minutes left, the game was tied 1-1, and Tim had yet to score, so he was even more determined to be slightly more aggressive and fight for the puck. He expertly knocked it away from an opponent and shot the puck in the direction of the net. Then, Tim felt a large weight ram into him, causing him to fall to the ice. His helmet and pads took the brunt of the contact, so he shook off the light throbbing and was ready to take his penalty shot, since luckily the referee granted him one for how forceful the player on the Ducks was.

Tim scored that goal as well earning himself two goals, so the Kings were winning 3-1 with less than a minute left. Pure adrenaline fueled their limited time on the ice before the horns blared, marking the end of the game. He looked up to see Lucy cheering loudly and hugging Angela in celebration. 

When she saw that he was looking up at her, Lucy blew him two kisses- one for each goal.

He was not as good at trying to “catch” kisses as she was, but he was tired and had gloves on his hands. After congratulating his team and opponents, Tim glanced back in Lucy’s direction, but she was not there anymore. He assumed she went home to rest before flying out in the morning for another weekend of performances, but then he remembered that he could see her at home, and Tim smiled at himself. When he made his way into the locker room, he did not at all expect to see Lucy lunge for his head.

“Oh my God, are you okay?” She asked and cradled both of his cheeks. “Did you get a concussion?”

“A concussion? What? No,” Tim was confused.

“That guy knocked you down pretty hard. Where does it hurt?”

“I’m fine, Lucy.”

“I asked for one of the trainers to get you some ice. Take a seat, so we can ice this.” She was struggling to reach his head given how much taller he is plus the extra height that skates gave him.

“Really, I don’t need ice,” Tim insisted, but he still obeyed and took his seat at his cubby.

“You don’t have to be a tough guy with me,” Lucy insisted and sat next to him. The cubbies were only meant to seat one person, so she was partially sitting in front of someone else’s space, but she could not think about anything other than the pain Tim was probably in. She put the ice to the back of his head where she remembered he fell on. “Is that where it hurts?”

“Lucy…” The concern in her eyes caused him to bite back any further assurances that he was perfectly okay thanks to his helmet. Instead, he sighed, “Yeah. That’s fine.”

“Sorry, I got to get to my stuff,” Aaron apologized to Lucy who was sitting in front of his cubby. 

“Oh, I…” she looked around and did not know where else to sit, but her feet were aching from standing for the whole game, so Lucy threw caution to the wind and slid into Tim’s lap throwing her legs across his to keep the ice in place on his head. What she had not really considered was how much closer they were since she was right up against him. Her heart doubled its speed, but she tried to ensure her face did not show any sign of being effected by their new proximity. Lucy could count every single one of his eyelashes and wrinkles, and so that was what she did as she continued to ice his head with both hands on his face while trying and failing to ignore the fact that one of Tim’s arms wound around her settling on the small of her back to hold her in place.

He told himself he was holding her so that she did not fall, but really, he just liked having Lucy close. There had only been two other instances where they had invaded each other’s personal space so thoroughly, but it felt different somehow in the privacy of the team locker room like maybe Lucy just wanted to be around him and it had nothing to do with the cameras. As Tim stared at her, all he could see was her concern for him. Genuine concern, and that made his chest heave.

“Are you sure you don’t want to get checked out? Just in case you got a concussion,” Lucy asked quietly; now that they were in such close proximity, it seemed imperative to keep her voice low despite the loud din of celebrating and chatting hockey players around them, which she had not given any attention to and had no idea or interest in the other activity in the locker room.

“I know it’s not a concussion,” he replied matching her quiet volume. It was, however, very nice how she gently held one side of his face while the other was on the back of his head with an ice pack. Tim felt cared for in a very uncommon way he had never experienced before. He liked it too much that he did not want Lucy to stop, so he decided to boast. “That guy got a penalty for knocking me down so hard.”

“Yeah, I saw. I’m glad the ref noticed that. It looked like it hurt.”

“It did. My head hurts now.” There was more of a subtle ache at the back of his head, but by stretching the truth, he could ensure Lucy stayed in his lap holding onto him for as long as possible.

“Do you think the ice is helping?”

His eyes somehow roved down lower than her face to her cleavage. Even as Tim scolded himself and tried to look away, he was having some trouble looking up or anywhere else. “Mhm this is the best.”

Was he checking her out, Lucy wondered? She blushed and nervously grinned but did not move away from him whatsoever. Instead, she ignored where he was looking and how that made her feel warm all over in favor of continuing their conversation, “I’m so proud of you for scoring two goals for me.”

“One was a penalty for how that guy shoved me.”

“My poor baby.” She lightly stroked her thumb over his cheekbone.

“Hockey can be violent. Some players lose teeth.”

“I read about that. According to your Wikipedia page, you haven’t lost any teeth, though. Is that true?”

“Yup. That’s true. What do you mean you read about that?”

“What do you think I’ve been doing all day while waiting for you to get home? I look up hockey stuff to study.”

“That’s dedication to the role.” Tim wished Lucy was not merely pretending to be his wife, but he did remember from time to time that their relationship was a sham.

“Not for the role,” she whispered, less because she did not want anyone to hear and more so due to the significance of the truth. “Is it so hard to believe I just care about you?”

His lungs were constantly malfunctioning around Lucy. “I-if you want to…”

“I do,” she murmured. “I want to care about you, and I do, so deal with it.”

She wanted to care about him. Tim could get on board with that. “Does that mean you’ll ice me after a big guy hurts me?” Was he exaggerating a bit? Yes, but her sympathy made him do it.

“Yeah, of course.” Lucy slowly combed a hand through his wet, matted hair.

“Sorry, I’m probably really gross and sweaty right now.”

“I kinda like it,” she flirted and then almost swallowed her tongue, because she was not supposed to do that.

“I’d rather work up a sweat somewhere else,” he smirked. Tim knew he should not have flirted, but she started it.

She was saved from speaking when a beautiful woman with brown hair and kind eyes approached them. “Sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping I could take a picture of you two sitting here and post it.”

“No, Rachel. No official posts will include Lucy. We’re not capitalizing on her success. I already told you,” Tim said, a little annoyed, then he looked back at Lucy to explain, “I would never want our team to post a picture of you for some social media buzz.”

“It’s not like the game didn’t air on national television. It’s okay,” Lucy replied.

“Great! I’m Rachel Hall, by the way. I’m the team’s Social Media Manager, and I’m a fan of your music,” she introduced herself and offered to shake Lucy’s hand.

She let go of Tim’s face and replied, “Nice to meet you, Rachel,” as she shook her hand. 

“Congratulations on your wedding. I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend. You’re a lucky girl.”

“I sure am,” Lucy grinned.

“I didn’t think he’d ever settle down much less with someone like you who probably doesn’t know a thing about hockey. He’s a very serious athlete. Hockey is his life, and that’s how he’s become the best.”

“Actually, I know plenty about hockey because of him, and his life isn’t just hockey. He has me.” 

“Sure, but when you leave him like you do every other guy that you only date for the fame, don’t worry, I promise to take really good care of him,” Rachel smiled slyly.

Tim opened his mouth as his face screwed up into something fierce, and Lucy definitely would have appreciated whatever he was about to say, but she much prefers to quickly end conversations with people that do not understand her instead of arguing with them. The media published many lies about her love life to the extent that she could never correct every one. She and her partners knew the truth about why their relationships ended, but no one else did, yet the public thought they were well informed. Lucy put her free hand on Tim’s chest to stop him from speaking and instead spoke to Rachel sweetly, “How kind of you. Do you want to take our picture now?”

Rachel opened the camera app on her phone.

Lucy took the second to whisper to Tim where their faces were close together, “You don’t have to try to protect me.”

“Sure I do,” he murmured. “No one messes with my girl.”

“‘My girl’? I’m not your property.”

“You’re my wife, which makes it my responsibility and privilege to protect you.”

Her heart did something funny as her lips curved into a smile. “That’s chapter two of your book.”

Tim snickered.

Neither noticed how Rachel was taking candid shots of them speaking softly to each other with growing grins.

“Alright, I took some good ones. I’ll tag you when I post,” Rachel said and rushed away from the swooning couple. She had been interested in Tim for years and suddenly some other woman captured his heart? It stung, but she had a job to do. “Press room’s waiting for you, Tim, you should head out.”

He heard Rachel, but he had not stopped looking at Lucy. The problem with having her in his lap was that his field of vision was solely filled with HER. Even if he wanted to look away, it was impossible…not that he cared to look anywhere else. “I have to hit the showers. Not supposed to be sweaty during my post game interviews.”

Lucy was still worried about his injury. “Are you sure it’s safe for you to stand in the shower? What about your head?”

Tim had never known how attractive it could be for a beautiful woman to be concerned about his wellbeing. He wished he could have milked getting knocked down for a little longer, but he had a schedule to keep, so he swiftly put one hand under her knees where they were resting on his thigh then tightened his hold on where his palm was already pressed into her back and stood up with her in his arms. 

She gasped at how quickly and easily he lifted her.

He looked at her for a moment just reveling in the fact that he had her in his arms and how much he liked it. Then, he twisted and deposited her on the bench in front of his cubby that he had occupied previously before flirting, “Are you offering to help me in the shower?” Lucy’s lips parted in genuine surprise, and Tim was pretty proud of himself for managing to do so; he backpedaled in the direction of the showers with his skates still on just to keep staring at the look on his face. Of course, he almost slipped and fell when the thin skate made contact with the tile floor of the shower area, and Lucy stood up quickly seemingly ready to go to him. He silently motioned that he was okay and then went back over to her. “I should probably take these off.” Tim bent down to untie his skates. Then, he set them down on the floor next to her feet. Afterwards, he tugged off his jersey and tossed it in the laundry bin in the middle of the room. Next, he shed his pads. Something about rendering HER speechless when she was usually the one causing him to go slack jawed and quiet emboldened Tim, so he took off his padded pants and then his base layer pants and socks leaving him only in a tight long sleeve t shirt and his boxer briefs. With quite vivid detail, he recalled seeing most of the top half of Lucy’s body only a few days before, so why not? He shed his shirt and threw it behind her to land in his cubby. When her eyes darkened the slightest bit, Tim was proud of himself.

Lucy thought she was handling herself really well given the fact she was watching Tim strip all of his gear off of him while barely breaking eye contact. Ice rinks were supposed to be cold, but she was definitely warm all over watching article after article leave his body. When he leaned in to her in nothing but boxer briefs, she felt her knees go weak as she held his gaze. Honestly, if Tim was planning on kissing her, Lucy surrendered; maybe she should have stayed stronger in her resolve, but he had scored her two goals and gotten hurt, and then she was sitting in his lap feeling enveloped by him and his postgame musk, plus he called her “my girl” and was standing in front of her practically naked with his muscular body on display for her. Lucy considered herself a strong woman, but she was not THAT strong. She craned her neck in his direction and held her breath or maybe she simply lost the ability to breathe; she had no idea, but Lucy’s mind was more focused on Tim taking a step towards her and reaching his arm out, so she fought her eyes to stay open, but they shut anyways. Relying on her other senses to feel the last few milliseconds before Tim made contact with her, she was hyper aware of how his scent got stronger and his breath was on her face. His arm brushed against hers, and her hand moved to clasp onto his bicep. It was probably a good idea to have some sort of anchor to him just in case his kiss threatened to blow her away.

“Lucy,” he breathed right against her lips.

Tim had not even kissed her and her whole body was on fire just from hearing him say her name. All she did was hum, because forming a word sounded too difficult and who needed words anyways when his mouth was about to be on hers within a second?

“I need my arm,” he rasped lowly.

That was an odd thing for Tim to say, so her eyes snapped open to find he was still crowding her. Lucy wanted to ask what he needed his arm for, but she was still tongue tied.

“I have to shower,” Tim elaborated in her silence and glanced down to where she had grabbed him.

She followed his line of sight and then saw that his gym bag was in his hand. Tim had not gotten close to her to KISS her; he was just trying to get his bag with his change of clothes, and Lucy felt like an idiot that she thought something else was about to happen.

There was a trace of something like disappointment on her face as she withdrew from him, and Tim had no idea why. He might have asked her about it if he had more time, but he needed to hurry.

Lucy internally kicked herself for thinking anything would happen between them when she was the one that towed the line of friendship. 

After showering and changing, Tim found Lucy right where he left her. Instead of letting her out of his sight, he offered, “Wanna come watch a postgame interview?”

“Sure,” she responded, grateful her ability to speak had been restored. Right outside of the locker room, cameras flashed as fans shouted for both Tim and Lucy.

Protectively, he put an arm around her to move with her through their tightened path due to the congestion of people clamoring for a picture.

She leaned into him, inhaling his fresh soap scent and enjoying the softness of his own body as opposed to the tough plastic pads she felt where she had been sitting against him moments prior.

Tim released her at the entrance of the interview room so she could stand at the side while he took his place behind the desk where there was a single microphone for him to speak into.

Lucy had watched his postgame interviews since they entered their fake marriage, and she browsed through some older ones, too. They all went the same with inquiries about his teammates and specific plays of the game, but the last question caught her off guard. Just as in his previous interviews after the news of their marriage came out, the topic of Lucy was brought up even though she had nothing to do with his hockey career.

“What’s it like having Lucy Chen cheering you on in the stands?” A reporter asked.

He had expected a question about Lucy; Tim was growing accustomed to having to speak about her, and it probably would have bothered him if he didn’t like Lucy. “I’m so fortunate that my wife finds the time to come to my games when she’s so busy with her world tour.” He snapped his head over to her to ensure Lucy knew he was speaking to her and not the cameras when he continued, “I’m not gonna lie, I play a little harder when I know she’s watching. I like to score a goal or two for her.”

Lucy was blushing so much she worried she had turned red all over.

“Scoring FOR her or scoring ON her?” Another reporter asked as he chuckled.

The question caught him completely off guard, and Tim did not have enough bravado to answer. “Thanks everyone. Good night,” was all he said to the group of reporters.

She liked that he got nervous. Nervous Tim made her more confident and less likely to make a fool of herself. Lucy reached for his hand and interlaced their fingers to walk with him back to the locker room where he needed to gather his belongings.

The team whistled as he walked back in. “Way to avoid that last question. Very classy,” John complimented; the postgame coverage always played on a TV in the locker room.

Lucy had not even noticed there was a TV before or even how many players were in there; Tim is very distracting.

“Don’t pay attention to the wrong thing, guys. I meant what I said in that interview. We were asleep out there in the second period. Getting tired mid game is not an option. We’re running drills for longer tomorrow to build our stamina,” Tim regarded his team gruffly; he took his responsibility as captain very seriously.

“Bradford’s right. If he hadn’t scored in the third period, we’d be having a very different conversation right now. More drills tomorrow so don’t party too hard tonight,” Coach Grey said.

Lucy found Tim’s commanding voice very attractive as if she had yet to find something unattractive about him. To stop thinking about how he orders his team around, she really eyed the locker room more observantly and noticed something in his cubby. Where their hands were still joined together, since neither wanted to let go of the other, she tugged them over to get a better look. “Is that ME in your cubby?”

“Jackson put it there,” Tim explained.

“Jackson West. Number 81. Had a good practice the other day, right?”

He was impressed. “You really have been studying. That’s him right there.”

Lucy waved while staying at Tim’s side.

Jackson went over to them at the sound of his name and nodded his head at Lucy. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” she smiled. “Thanks for putting up a picture of me in his locker. That’s sweet.”

“Consider it a wedding gift, since we didn’t have time to get you guys anything else. We had no idea Bradford had a girlfriend, and then our phones started blowing up with news you two got married,” West shared the absurdity of the situation from his perspective.

“Can you blame me for wanting to keep him a secret so I could have him all to myself?” She responded coyly.

“Aww,” Aaron swooned. “I love you guys. Are you coming out with us tonight to celebrate our big win? Maybe grandpa here will stay for more than a round if he brings you.”

“I wish I could,” Lucy replied apologetically. “I’ve got an early flight tomorrow, so I need to get home, but,” she looked up at Tim, “have fun without me.”

He knew holding her hand and standing so close to her was absolutely unnecessary for their cover, but she threaded their fingers together, and Tim was unwilling to be the first to let go. As he kept his eyes on Lucy, he spoke to the whole team, “Sorry, guys, drink without me. I’m going home with my wife.”

“You were already lame before, and now you got yourself an old lady, and you’re even worse,” Jackson teased. “Did your wife give you an earlier bed time or something?”

Everyone chuckled except for Lucy. Instead, she stood up taller and projected, “You clearly don’t know your captain very well. He scored two goals which means he gets double the reward for a job well done when he takes me home. You think he would pass that up to go out with you guys?”

The team erupted into whoops and hollers, because grown men can still act like immature teenage boys.

“Come on, baby,” she husked as she wrapped her free arm around his midsection. “Take me home.”

Leaving the sounds of his teammates cheers in his wake, Tim exited the locker room with Lucy and a smile on his face; his gym bag completely forgotten. 

Only because they reached his truck did Lucy untangle their fingers, but she already looked forward to the next time she could touch him as she climbed into the passenger side of his car. They drove back to his house in silence until they crossed the threshold beyond the front door.

“Thanks,” he said mostly to her back since he had opened the door for her to enter his home first.

“For what? Doing my job?” She smiled.

“You don’t have to cover for me with the guys. They know I don’t party. I barely drink during the season and prefer sleeping to recharge over staying out all night and being tired at practice the next day.”

“I know you take hockey very seriously, and I admire that. Still, it wouldn’t hurt if you had a little fun every once in a while.”

“I have fun.”

“When was the last time you enjoyed yourself and it wasn’t during practice or a game or whatever?”

“‘Master Chef’. I liked watching ‘Master Chef’ with you. That was fun. When you’re back in town, maybe we can watch a few more episodes?”

“There are plenty of seasons we can watch, and when we run out, there are other cooking shows you might like.”

“Okay,” he agreed easily. Anything to sit with her on his couch for hours on end sounded perfect.

“I wish we could watch an episode tonight, but I meant it when I said I should rest up before I fly out tomorrow.”

“You’re going to Philadelphia tomorrow?”

“Someone’s been looking at my tour schedule.”

“Gotta know the time difference so I can call you at the right time.”

“You plan on calling me this weekend?”

“If that’s alright with you.” There was a questioning lilt to his voice, unsure if was allowed to check on her when she was away.

“Only if I haven’t called you first,” she smiled.

He liked watching how her whole face glowed with every grin; why turn on the lights when Lucy could illuminate a whole room? 

“I should get some sleep,” she said and ascended the stairs with Tim following behind her. Again, he shuffled next to her seemingly escorting her all the way to her bedroom door. “Oh, I promise I’ll go shopping before your next game so I have something to wear with a little more team spirit.”

“Wear whatever you want. You always look gorgeous.”

“Right there. That’s chapter three.”

“What is?”

“Complimenting your wife. A very underrated thing good husbands should do more often.”

“I’m sure you get told how pretty you are all the time.” 

“Yeah, but no one says it like Tim Bradford.”

“Does that make me special?”

“Very.”

“What I’m hearing is you like compliments.”

“Maybe,” her cheeks darkened.

“Noted,” he smiled. “Good night, wife.” Tim turned to go to his room, but she touched his hand, and his body just RESPONDS to her.

“Hang on. I told your team I’d reward you when you took me home, and I’m not a liar.”

Tim swallowed hard, because surely she did not mean what she had insinuated to his team…or did she? If Lucy decided to haul him into her bedroom, he would not have objected whatsoever. That was a scary thought he had to tuck away before he pondered what that could mean.

Silent, stunned Tim was becoming one of Lucy’s favorite versions of him. She shot up onto her tip toes and kissed his cheek. “Good job today. I’m proud of you.”

When she lowered herself down, he watched how she was breathing a little heavier like it knocked the wind out of her, which to be fair, Tim was a little breathless due to the chaste contact, too; still, he wanted more when he remembered, “I scored two goals, so you said I get double the reward.”

“That’s right. I did.” Lucy made the poor decision to lean over and kiss his other cheek, and then just remain standing tall staring at him. She was going to rock back onto her whole foot and get some distance from Tim. That was the plan, but he LOOKED at her, and she was held captive by his gaze.

He wanted to say something. Anything. Constantly looking at her wordlessly probably caused Lucy to think he was an idiot, but what could he say to the prettiest brown eyes he had ever seen attached to probably the most interesting and beautiful woman he had ever known? “Good night, wife,” Tim spoke raggedly.

“You already said that,” she whispered. Lucy wondered how she ever enjoyed looking at the ocean or the sky before when Tim’s eyes were her favorite shade of blue even in the dark corridor in front of her room where she could hardly see anything.

“Right. Now you’re supposed to say it back.”

“Good night, wife,” Lucy said smugly. He snickered, and she felt his body vibrate against hers. She realized her hands were on his shoulders and their fronts were completely pressed together. When had that happened?

“You think you’re so funny,” he sassed.

“I’m VERY funny. Funnier than you.”

“My hockey jokes usually land.”

“No, I think you just get pity laughs.”

“Pity laughs?” He feigned offense.

“I promise not to give you pity laughs at least.”

“Yeah, I noticed when I made a perfectly good joke about penalties boxes, and you didn’t even blink.”

“Because, it wasn’t funny. Do I have to work on your sense of humor?”

“Should that be one of the chapters of my book?” He should have found it odd that they were joking while standing close together, but what else could he do other than splay his fingers on her back to hold her up and right against him?

“If you were funny, maybe.”

Tim rolled his eyes, and then suddenly, he felt her soft lips brush against his cheek once more.

“That was for your interview. You handled that really well tonight. I’m sorry you got asked about me when you’re supposed to be talking about your performance.”

“I told the truth. That wasn’t for the cameras. I meant it.”

“I haven’t lied to the public about us either. Not once. I’ve meant everything I’ve said, too.”

“Good. I think we should stick to the truth. I’m not a very good liar anyways.”

“Well, I don’t want to lie about you,” she said. “The world deserves to know the truth that you’re a great guy. Even though our situation is…a little weird, you’ve been amazing through it all.”

“Says the woman who took care of me after I hit my head.”

“Does it hurt still?” She asked as her hands traveled up through his hair to  cup the back of his head.

“Feels pretty good right now.”

She bit her lip. It would have been so easy to bridge the little gap where they were already practically sharing breath and kiss him. How many times was she going to think about doing that? Lucy needed to get a hold of herself.

“I don’t want to keep you up too late,” Tim finally whispered, treating the small amount of space between them as sacred. 

“Keep me up as late as you want.” She had to amend that statement and fast. “I mean to talk.”

“Mhm,” he agreed.

The problem with finding herself wrapped up by Tim twice in a short span of time was that Lucy found it taxing to step out of his orbit, but she finally did and dropped down from her tip toes abruptly as her hands fell away from his head. “Good night, husband,” she spoke so quietly she worried he had not heard her, but Tim took a tentative step back, offered her one last soft smile and walked away.

A weekend away would probably do wonders for keeping them in the friend zone…right?

Chapter Text

Lucy only need to pack a tote bag for her weekend of performances in Philadelphia since everything else was transported on her tour bus, and because she liked being at home with Tim so much, she opted to take her private jet in the middle of the night to have one last walk to her bedroom door and “Good night, wife” “Good night, husband” exchange before leaving.

She yelped when she saw a figure at the foot of the stairs on her way to leave. “TIM!” She put a hand over her racing heart. “You scared me! What are you doing up?”

“I’m driving you to the airport,” Tim answered.

“You need your sleep. I’ll take my driver to the airport, but thank you for being so sweet,” Lucy was glad all the lights in the house were off; hopefully he did not notice that she was swooning.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”

“The ‘Great Husband’s Guide to Marriage’ will be a best seller forever,” she grinned, and then he took her tote bag off her arm to carry it to her car. Lucy thought if she won the lottery, she would not have felt as lucky.

“The what?”

“Oh, in my head that’s what I’m calling your book of all the little ways you’re the best husband ever.”

“You mean being a decent human being to a woman?”

She surged up to kiss his cheek, which based on how his mouth was slightly agape, he had not expected that. “You would be surprised how many men can’t fulfill that basic requirement.”

“Well, I’m sorry you’re used to crappy men, but you deserve someone who will drive you to the airport at 3AM.” He could tell she was speaking from experience, and he wanted to find every single one of her exes and throw them against the boards of an ice rink.

Her car pulled up, and she left the front door of the house with Tim right behind her; she was groggy, sleepy, and swooning, which Lucy learned was a lethal combination. “Careful, Tim, you keep doing stuff like this, and I’ll never divorce you.”

“I don’t think that’s the threat you think it is,” he noted.

Tim was still in the sweatpants and t shirt he had obviously slept in and his hair was tousled from his pillow, so Lucy thought he looked adorable. Then he waved for the driver to stay in his seat so that Tim could be the one to open her car door for her. She took one look at his semi-open arms and went to him for a hug. The kind that was supposed to be quick, but then he wrapped his arms around her, too, and neither wanted to let go, so they just stood there holding each other for a couple inhales and exhales.

Finally, Tim said into her hair, “I don’t want you to miss your flight,” but his actions proved otherwise since he was still holding her.

“It’s a private jet. It’ll wait for me,” she smiled and rubbed her cheek against his chest to stubbornly continue hugging him. “Your muscles are comfy. Normally ripped guys aren’t good to cuddle with.”

“Not much of a cuddler,” Tim responded with then wondered what it would be like to have his whole body wrapped around Lucy’s, and then if it would feel different without clothes on, and…he had to stop that train of thought.

“I can fix that.” She realized what she said and stepped out of his embrace to look him in the eye as she clarified, “I didn’t mean I would…I’m not trying to weird you out. I’m sorry. I’m sleep deprived, so don’t hold anything I said against me.”

“You’re not weirding me out.” If he was being completely honest, he would admit that cuddling with Lucy sounded nice.

Only to change the subject before entering dangerous territory that they kept dancing around, she said, “I’ll see you Monday when you get home from practice. You definitely don’t have to pick me up from the airport.”

Tim was already looking forward to having her back home. “Okay.”

“I might be a little tired and cranky, though, so you might not be treated to my normal charming self.”

“Hmm and what would help you not be so tired and cranky?”

“A warm cup of tea and chocolate usually does the trick. I’ll have something delivered when I get back for your sake so you don’t have to deal with that side of me. You would definitely hate it.”

“I doubt that there’s any side of you I could ever hate.”

“What’s your flaw?”

“My flaw?”

“Yeah, you’re too perfect. You open all my doors, and walk me to my room, and want to drive me to the airport, and say the sweetest things without even thinking, so what is your flaw that makes you NOT perfect? Everyone has one, so what’s yours?”

“I’m a tough hardass. My teammates don’t really like me, but I’m not trying to win a popularity contest. I’m trying to win the Stanley Cup.”

“Can you believe the Stanley Cup isn’t just a water bottle? I had no idea until I started going down my hockey research rabbit hole.”

Tim rolled his eyes at her and groaned, “Seriously? Your lack of hockey knowledge is usually cute, but we don’t joke about the Cup, alright? I’ve won it three times, and I plan to win it a fourth.”

The severe look on his face would have probably been more intense if he did not have bed head. “You will, and when you do, I’ll get you one of those water bottles.” When he narrowed his eyes at her, Lucy chuckled, “I’m kidding.”

“You better be.”

“Right, because I’m cute unless I’m joking about the Cup,” she smirked. “It’s nice to know you find me cute.”

“Not right now I don’t,” Tim said unamused, but his mouth was not cooperating and twitched upwards a bit.

“I thought we said we wouldn’t lie to each other.”

“What makes you think I’m lying?”

She reached out to touch his face and said, “A hunch. Okay, I should go. Bye, husband.” Lucy stood up tall and kissed his cheek.

“Bye, wife,” Tim said and crooked his neck to give her a kiss on the cheek in return, but she was moving to look at him, and he sorta ended up kissing the corner of her mouth and then heard Lucy inhale sharply, because that was almost a kiss, and they had not done anything like that before. He considered apologizing, but that would require bringing more attention to what he had done, and Tim did not want to make things awkward between them.

Lucy took one last look at him and then sat down in the back of the large black car with tinted windows and a driver that was waiting for her and Tim to stop talking and hugging so he could drive her to the private airport where her jet was waiting for her. 

He set her tote bag on her lap, offered her one last smile, and then shut the door. Tim waited until the car drove away to go back inside and lay in bed, but he was unable to fall back asleep with his mind fully occupied by Lucy.

Sure, they had been flirty and had become fast friends, but Lucy panicked when Tim almost kissed her, and she was DISAPPOINTED that he had not done so. They were supposed to be friendly colleagues pretending to be husband and wife, but they were talking and acting like…a real couple. Lucy decided that she would spend her time in Philadelphia not thinking about Tim. She had to or she feared what would happen. What if she got carried away one day? What would happen to their delicate situation?

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy broke her promise to herself that she would stop thinking about Tim when she landed in Philadelphia and was driving to her hotel. She dialed him seemingly on reflex.

“Hey,” Tim answered the phone out of breath.

“Hi! What are you doing?” She asked.

“On the treadmill.”

The receiver of her phone made it feel like Tim was panting right in her ear, and her cheeks pinked up.

“Lucy?”

“Yeah, I’m-I’m here.”

“Did you need something?”

“No, I…I wanted to tell you I landed, which now I realize I’m bothering you, and I could’ve texted, or maybe you don’t even need to know that…”

“I want to care about you, and I do, so deal with it,” Tim cut her off to say with his lungs burning and his legs aching. He stopped the treadmill and started trying to catch his breath. His workouts were never to be interrupted, but for Lucy, he was willing to pause. “I’m glad you landed safely, and I like phone calls more than texts.”

“You’re showing your age,” Lucy joked instead of addressing the fact he quoted her words back to her, and she was swooning over Tim Bradford for the second time in the same morning.

“I just like the sound of your voice. Good things there’s albums of your music to listen to.”

“Are you telling me you listen to more songs than just ‘Possibility’?”

“I’ve listened to all of them, and actually, I was listening to one before you called.”

“My poppy ear worms are good for working out.”

He could have been honest and admitted that he put on a playlist of her music, because he was already missing her, but Tim could actually control his mouth thanks to the fact that she was not in the room with him. “They sure are,” is what he said instead.

“I don’t mean to get in the way of your workout. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, and hey, go to bed earlier tonight since I disrupted your sleep this morning.”

“Sounds like chapter one of your book on being a great wife. Wanting to take care of me.”

“You wanna know what the other chapters would be about?” Lucy heard Tim make a sound that he was listening. “Apologizing, because I watched a ‘Master Chef’ episode on the plane. I’m so sorry!”

“Are you kidding me? Bad wife!”

“I said I’m sorry! I’ll rewatch it with you when I get back.”

“No, now I don’t want to watch it with you. I’ll just watch it by myself.”

“Tim,” she pouted. She was just trying not to think about Tim and needed a distraction, so she watched an episode, but she could not exactly explain her motives to him, since Lucy would be confessing her feelings.

“So mean.”

“Can I make it up to you?”

“I don’t see how.”

“I’ll come up with something.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” he could hear her “troublemaker” tone through the phone and assumed she had the sly smile to match.

“You’ll see when I get back. Talk to you tomorrow. Bye, husband.”

“Bye, wife,” he said and hung up the phone with a smile on his face that completely blasted away his slight annoyance that she watched an episode of their show without him.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Before the second night of performing in Philadelphia, Tamara wanted to have a discussion with Lucy in her hotel suite over breakfast.

“Morning, Lucy,” Tamara greeted as she shook her friend awake.

“Hmm?” Lucy hummed.

“Lucy, wake up! It’s almost 11, and we have to talk.”

“It is? Crap, I was trying to wake up early and do some vocal exercises,” Lucy scrambled out of bed and reached for a water bottle that she gulped quickly. Then, she lunged for her phone.

“Vocal exercises? You have time until your sound check. I thought I told you we needed to talk this morning.”

“You didn’t say it would be at 11! I can’t right now, okay?” Lucy glanced at her phone screen in anticipation.

“Are you okay? You seem…I don’t know, but you’re acting weird.”

“Does my voice sound scratchy?”

“Sorta…why?”

“Crap. Okay, can you give me like ten minutes and then come back, please?”

“Why? And, why do you keep checking your phone?”

Before Lucy could respond, her phone lit up, and she answered the incoming call without hesitation. “Hi, Tim,” she smiled and took another sip of water before clearing her throat. Lucy hoped she did not sound too hoarse and unpleasant after her concert the night before.

“Hey, Lucy. How’d your concert go last night?”

“It was awesome! How was practice?”

“Okay.”

“Just okay? Did something happen?” The sound of his voice sounded suspicious.

“It’s nothing.”

“Tim”

“I’m good.”

“Did you get hurt at practice?” She felt her heart stop.

“Not really.”

“Not really? Oh my God, okay, I-I can be home in like five hours, and I can reschedule the concerts for the rest of the weekend. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me until now. Are Angela and Wes with you?”

He had to cover his mouth, because he could not believe that he had managed to smile so wide. “You don’t have to come home.”

“Of course I do. Tamara, good thing you’re here.” Lucy looked to her friend.

“Lucy…”  Tim tried to cut her off.

“I need you to start making arrangements for me to go home early…” Lucy spoke with Tamara as she tried to make a plan with panic rising higher and higher in her stomach.

“LUCY!” Tim called through the phone, since he could hear Lucy speaking with Tamara. “I’m fine!”

“Don’t give me that tough guy crap, okay? Tell me the truth. What happened?”

“It’s nothing serious. Coach said I need to take it easy today, but I should be fine by my game tomorrow.”

She pressed her hand to her chest and felt her heart hammering. “What does that mean?”

“I tweaked my ankle. That’s all. It happens sometimes, but I promise you don’t have to cancel concerts or rush home, alright?” Tim heard her sigh in relief on the other end of the line and felt weak, and not due to the injury. He loved how Lucy cared about him.

“Are you sure? Tim, if your ankle is really hurt, I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll just be on bed rest today.”

“Can I at least call Angela to check in on you?”

“It’s just my ankle, and it barely hurts.”

“Tim…”

“How about we make a deal? If I’m still in pain when you get back home, you can take care of me.”

“Deal.” She felt her smile return.

“Alright. Good luck tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“Bye, wife,” Tim said softly.

“Bye, husband.”

Tamara watched as Lucy ended the call and held her phone to her chest with a huge grin like one of those besotted girls in a rom com. “Umm hey, Lucy? You good?”

“What? Yeah,” she tucked some hair behind her ear as she tried to get the butterflies in her stomach to settle down.

“You’re blushing.”

“Am not.”

Tamara pointed to Lucy’s dark red face and confirmed, “No, you’re definitely blushing.”

“Stop,” Lucy covered her cheeks.

“I guess that answers the question I came here to ask.”

“What’s that?”

“The record label reached out and wanted to know if you were working on any new music, and I think Tim might have inspired something from the looks of it.”

“I haven’t written a new song since I finished the album for this tour.”

“So, Tim really hasn’t helped you find your groove to come up with something?”

“No.”

“You always write songs about your crushes.”

“I don’t have a crush on Tim. Tell the label I don’t have anything new. Now, I have to call Angela to make sure she can check on Tim.”

“The same Tim you were willing to cancel two sold out arena shows for because he got a boo-boo?”

“Hockey’s violent. The more research I do, the more I see that it can be dangerous, and I don’t want anything to happen to Tim.”

“Because you have a crush on him?” Tamara supplied teasingly.

“Because I want him to be alright, and I don’t know his team well enough to trust them to protect him on the ice. He hurt his ankle a few seasons ago, and he just hurt one yesterday. I’m concerned is all.”

“Strictly platonic concern?”

“Yeah, it has to be. I’m not messing things up with another great guy. This is probably the closest I’ll ever get to a real marriage, and I’m not screwing it up.”

“Lucy, you act like you’re radioactive. You’re not.”

“Aren’t I? You know what? I don’t want to talk about that. I want to call Angela and make sure Tim is taken care of, so did you need something else?”

“No, I’m good,” Tamara sank down on the couch in the living room of the hotel suite. 

Lucy dialed Angela and waited with bated breath for her to pick up the call.

“Hi, Lucy, what’s up?” Angela answered.

“Angela? Hey, have you seen Tim since practice yesterday?”

“Yeah, Wes told me what happened, and I walked over right after.”

“How’s he doing?” She chewed her lip.

“Grumpy, but that’s normal for Tim.”

“His ankle…is it bad?”

“No, it’s not even a real sprain. It’s totally minor. He’ll be good as new by tomorrow.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely.” Angela could hear Lucy’s obvious worry and softened her voice, “Tim’s totally fine, and I have plans to drop by later with lunch. He’s all good.”

“Okay. Thank you for doing that.”

“He’s my best friend. Of course I wanna help him out. It is nice to know someone else has his back now.”

“Does it get easier?”

“What?”

“Watching Wes play in an ice rink and get hit, and you can’t step in to protect him?”

“Some days I worry when he’s up against a rougher team, but he keeps coming home to me in one piece.”

“It’s all so new to me, I guess. I’m still adjusting to being a hockey wife. Mind giving me an update about Tim’s ankle? I don’t want him to pretend he’s fine if he’s in pain. I’ll come back home if he needs me.”

Angela scoffed, “You have huge concerts this weekend.”

“Those can be rescheduled. Tim matters more.”

“I’m sure he does,” Angela smirked. “I’ll text you with updates.”

“You’re the best!” Lucy smiled and said her goodbyes before ending the call.

Tamara was incredibly amused. “How’s Tim’s ankle?”

“Angela says he’s okay, but she’ll text me updates. Mind holding onto my phone during the concert? If something happens, I want to know.”

“Sure. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

“I’ve never felt like anyone needed my protection.”

“He’s a head and a half taller than you and at least a hundred pounds heavier. Not to mention he’s a hockey player. What makes you think Tim needs your protection?”

Lucy answered honestly, “His eyes. Behind all that gruff bravado, he looks…lonely just like I am. Tim’s a great guy. He doesn’t deserve to feel like no one cares about him, so I will.”

Tamara nodded in understanding. “You’ve got such a big heart. I’m sure Tim appreciates it.”

“I feel like he appreciates everything about me,” Lucy smiled.

Feelings can bloom in the most unexpected of circumstances between any combination of people, but the look is the same. Tamara saw that look on Lucy’s face and grinned; no one deserves to experience that exhilarating rush more than Lucy, Tamara thought.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

With five minutes until Lucy needed to be on stage, she dialed Tim for the second time in a day, which she had not done before, but his injury created extenuating circumstances.

“Lucy? Is everything okay?” Tim asked when he picked up her call, since two calls in a day was not customary.

“I was about to ask you the same thing. How’s your ankle?” Lucy inquired.

“Totally fine. I’m barely limping.”

“Are you sure you’re not just saying that?”

“Positive. Angela came by earlier and saw me, so I have a witness. She said you actually called her to check up on me.”

“What else was I supposed to do? I would’ve come myself, but you told me not to.”

“You would’ve disappointed a lot of people if you didn’t go out on stage tonight.”

“My husband being injured and needing his wife is a fair excuse, and I don’t care about any blow back. Have you been icing your ankle?”

“Yup.”

“And elevating it?”

“Yes, Lucy. I know how to take care of it, and thanks for sending your chef over to make me food.”

“Of course. I didn’t want you to forget to eat or try cooking on one leg.” Lucy could hear the chants of her name growing louder outside; her fans were waiting for her. “I think I gotta get out on stage, but Tamara will have my phone, so if you need anything, I’ll respond during a costume change, and try to get to bed earlier tonight. Sleep can be restorative. Alright, I should go. Good night, husband.”

“Lucy, you’re forgiven…for watching ‘Master Chef’ without me.”

“How? I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, you did. From the other side of the country you still managed to make me feel…” Tim wanted to say “feel loved”, but that “L” word seemed heavy, so he did not finish the sentence. “Thank you. Have a great show, and good night, wife.” He was grateful to be sitting down so as not to fall over from how overwhelmed he was by Lucy’s care.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Finally, it was Lucy’s last day in Philadelphia, and then she could return home; she was looking forward to sharing a space with Tim again, seeing his smiles, trying to make him laugh, scanning his sweaty body between workouts, and sitting with him on the couch watching TV. It was nice to have someone to go home to every night; especially someone so easy on the eyes.

She called Tim at 10:30AM as she paced the floor of her hotel suite, since she did not want to wait until what had become their usual call time of 11AM.

“You’re up early,” Tim smiled. “It’s 10:30 in the morning where you are, right?”

“Mhm I guess I didn’t sleep all that well last night.”

“Did something happen at the concert?”

“No, it was great, but you see, my husband is hurt, and I guess no matter how exhausted I am, because believe me, I AM, I can’t stop wondering if he’s okay walking around the house with all those stairs.”

“You thought I couldn’t handle the stairs? I’m FINE. The team doctor is coming by to evaluate me and make sure I’m good to play in tonight’s game.”

“It’s okay if you sit out for a game, Tim.”

“Seattle’s a good team…”

“I don’t care if they’re the best. You sit your ass on that bench if you don’t feel up to it. If you get even more injured, that’s worse.”

Her no nonsense ordering him around voice was pretty hot. Tim could only imagine how her face looked at the moment. “If our team doctor says I can play, then I’m good. Her name is Grace, and she’s…”

“A woman? Your team doctor is a woman?”

“Yeah,” Tim did not understand why he heard something like alarm in Lucy’s tone.

“Are-are you seeing her?”

“What? Grace? No! No, she’s married and has a kid. I swear.”

“Okay, well, if you did want to date someone, I suggest you wait until after…,” Lucy struggled with saying the word “divorce”; it seemed so final and unpleasant. “If anyone found out you were stepping out on me…”

“You don’t have to worry about it. I swear I only have eyes for you.”

She had to plop down onto her bed, because he had said that so easily and earnestly; they were not even really together, and yet he was willing to be so exclusive with her, he would not notice other women? Tim is a star athlete. Other women probably throw themselves at him all the time, but he only had eyes for Lucy? “Your guide to marriage is getting really long now. We might have to print a second volume.”

He chuckled and licked his lips. Whatever had been in her voice a moment prior had since faded and in its place was something akin to desire. Tim liked the sound of that. “If the book gets thick enough, you can use it as a step stool and actually reach stuff.”

“You can always just lift me up when your ankle’s better.”

“Really? You tell me this now? Guess I can put all the mugs back on a higher shelf then.”

“Don’t do that. I need access to coffee.”

“You’ve got access to me, and my height to help you out.” He loved the idea of lifting her up, putting his hands on her still sleep warm body, and hearing her quiet, scratchy voice that she seems so self conscious about she tries to hide it when he calls her in the morning. Helping Lucy reach a coffee mug sounded like the best morning activity…second best, but images of the BEST way to spend his early hours with her was not something Tim was allowed to really think about.

“Sorry, but you can’t wake me up like caffeine can.”

“I can do better.” …And, he totally gave away what he thought would be the best way to start the day. Tim swore at himself.

Lucy gripped fistfuls of the bedding on either side of her, because he was flirting with her again. “I bet you can.”

He got slightly flustered, well, more than slightly, because Tim was rendered absolutely speechless, because that playful lilt of hers made him stop breathing let alone speaking.

She had successfully shut him up. Lucy liked being the one to make him quiet. “If you play tonight, please be safe, and if you don’t, I’m still proud of you.”

Tim cleared his throat. “I can text you what Grace says about my ankle if you want.”

“Yeah, I’d appreciate that, and I’ll have the game on in my dressing room just in case I have to give you a reward when I’m back.”

He already decided he had to play and score a goal to earn a kiss on the cheek from Lucy. That was quite the incentive for a job well done. “I like the sound of that.”

She grinned. “Don’t grow out a beard or whatever. It’ll make kissing your cheek harder to do.”

“Beards don’t grow over lips.” Tim always grew out his facial hair in the postseason as was customary for most players; it was some sort of superstition that shaving would lead to stripping away luck and therefore losing.

Lucy’s mouth dropped open. For a quiet, out of practice guy, he was GOOD. “That’s true. Guess I’ll have no choice.”

If it were possible to take some sort of pill and grow a full beard over night, Tim would have done it. “I won’t be growing out a beard for a while. Postseason is months away.”

“You want me to wait that long?” If Lucy was in the same room as him in the moment, she probably would have reached out and kissed him then. Being apart for the weekend did nothing to soften the edges of whatever feelings were building inside of her, and her body’s reaction to him only increased in its magnitude. 

“No, definitely not.”

“Let’s see if you earn it.”

“Is that what I get for scoring another hat trick?”

“Maybe, but uhh there are other ways, you know.”

“Such as?”

“I don’t know, but something tells me it won’t take you too long. There’s only like a 3% chance of scoring one hat trick a season, and I wouldn’t want to have to wait until next season.”

“You know the statistics of a hat trick?”

“And, your scoring average, and your team’s record, and the Seattle Kraken’s record, which really isn’t that impressive this year, so if you can’t play, your team can still win, and…”

Tim shut his eyes tight as he thought about hauling Lucy into his lap and shutting her up with his mouth covering hers. She really knew her hockey stats when half the spouses of his teammates did not even know the name of the opposing teams. “Are you trying to impress me?”

“Is it working?”

“Hell yes,” he responded undoubtedly. Then, he heard a knock at his door before Angela walked in. “Ang! I told you to use that key for emergencies,” he scolded her.

“You act like I would care if I walked in on something. I go into your team’s locker room after every game. I’ve seen it all,” Angela was unamused. “Now, I got you a muffin and wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine. Can you give me a minute? I’m on the phone with Lucy,” Tim gestured to the device against his  ear. His own annoying sister lived upstate, yet, he still felt like he had one.

“Hang out with Angela,” Lucy giggled. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Wait, Lucy,” Tim turned away from Angela where she had made her way into his kitchen with him and whispered, “I can kick her out.”

“And miss out on having a muffin? No, no, you go, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“But…”

“Go Kings! Bye, husband.”

“Bye, wife,” he sighed and hung up before spinning around on Angela with a scowl on his face. “I was in the middle of something with Lucy.”

“Your fake wife? What did I interrupt? A fake ‘honey do’ list?” Angela joked then she noticed that his cheeks were twinged with red. “Was it phone sex? Did I get in the middle of…”

“NO! No!” He exhaled through his nose before he gave Angela’s words more thought. “We were having a nice conversation. Our calls in the morning are usually the only time I get to talk to her while she’s out of town.”

“Aww you MISS her.”

“Shut up,” Tim groaned. “I’m getting used to having her around.”

“You haven’t even been married for a month,” Angela pointed out with a devilish grin.

“Well, I adapt easily. Don’t give me that look or be weird about me and Lucy. Give me my muffin.” He snatched the box out of her hands.

“I’m not gonna be weird, but I will say that usually when you have to sit out a practice, you’re all gloomy, and you were smiling and blushing when I walked in here. She’s good for you.”

“I don’t blush.”

“You sure do. Look, whatever it is you two have going on, since you insist things are complicated, it’s good for you. You’re finally learning that there’s more to life than hockey.”

“I know that.”

“Did you? Before Lucy came along, you barely did anything that wasn’t hockey related. You said you didn’t have time for someone else, but now you make time to call your wife on the weekends? This is why the Kings management cares about the players being married, you know.”

“A wife doesn’t make me a better player. I’m the same on the ice.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Getting out of your head and not thinking about hockey because you’re crushing on Lucy is good for your game.”

“You think she makes me…better?”

“Absolutely, so hold onto her. When your pretend marriage ends, find a way to keep her around,” Angela advised.

He looked down at the wedding band on his finger. The one he removed before every game and practice and returned to his hand afterwards with a smile reminding himself of Lucy. “Call me crazy, but it doesn’t feel like pretend,” Tim reflected. It was FAST and unexpected, but it was honest.

She almost choked on a piece of muffin she had torn off and thrown into her mouth, because of all the things Angela assumed Tim would say, she had not expected that. “Tell her that.”

“Maybe I will.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim arrived to the team’s practice facility early with plans to dial Lucy from his truck and see if she was on her way home. 

“Good morning,” Lucy said into the phone warmly.

“Hey, I didn’t know if I should call on Sundays, too. I guess I wanted to see when you were coming home.”

“I’m in a car right now.”

“Really? Okay, well, text me when you get home, and I swear I won’t stay after practice to run extra drills.”

“It’s okay if you do. I’ll still be home.”

Tim loved knowing that with utmost certainty. “I know,” he murmured.

“So, I could text you when I get home, or you could turn around,” Lucy smiled.

He checked his rearview mirror, and there she was waving. He clamored out of his truck as she hurried over to him, and they collided somewhere in the middle for a hug.

“Tim,” she breathed against his shoulder as she kept her arms tightly looped around him.

“What are you doing here?” Tim whispered into her hair.

“I came home early to surprise you.” That was mostly true; Lucy did want to surprise him, but she had also missed him and could not wait to see him in person.

“This is a great surprise,” he replied and pulled back slightly to see her face.

“You did a great job last night.”

“I didn’t score a goal,” he frowned. He had been so looking forward to a reward.

Lucy stood up tall and pressed her lips to his cheeks, then she lingered and went to speak right into his ear, “I’m still proud of you.” He put his hands on the small of her back, and she shuddered. Tim was helping hold her up tall and flush against him, and it felt so right. “How’s your ankle?

“All better.” How their cheeks ghosted each other’s, Tim’s mouth was near her ear, too, so he whispered his answer. “I still might ice it after practice just to be sure.”

“I can help with that.” She smiled causing her cheek to really touch his.

How did they keep ending up close and holding each other, Tim wondered if only to ensure it kept happening and he could have Lucy in his arms all the time. “I’m really glad you’re back.”

“Me, too,” she breathed and inched away only a little to find his eyes, then her gaze flicked down to his lips. They were so close together it would barely take any effort at all to bridge the gap.

“Bradford!” Grey called. He felt bad interrupting a moment between a husband and wife, but he had news to share. 

Tim kept a hand on Lucy even as she lowered herself from her tip toes and turned to face the coach as he approached.

“I spoke with the owners, and they’re talking about your contract renewal again. You could find out soon,” Grey reported happily.

“Great! That’s great!” Tim was thrilled that his future would be secured soon.

“The second I hear anything more, I’ll tell you. See you inside,” Grey left the couple alone.

“Finally!” Tim grinned.

“Your contract could be coming soon. I know how hard it’s been waiting for that renewal,” Lucy noted.

She did not seem as happy as he expected. “This is what we wanted, isn’t it?”

“This was the whole reason we got married in the first place…well, I mean, we’re not technically married obviously, but…this is good news.”

Her smile had faltered, and that made Tim pause. “I thought you’d be happier.”

“I am.”

“Don’t lie to me now.”

“The plan was the holidays…it’s not the holidays yet. I just thought we’d have more time,” Lucy provided as an explanation.

He knew she was referring to the initial plan to announce their divorce around the holidays, because the news cycles would be far too saturated to harp on the split. “Even if I get my contract tomorrow, we can still stay married for longer. Your tour is still going on, so we can have more time. It’s up to us when we tell the press, right?” The thought of ending his arrangement with Lucy made his stomach heavy; he was not at all prepared for that eventuality, and he was feeling just greedy enough to keep her a bit longer if she was willing to stay.

“Right. We don’t have to announce anything right away.”

Her bright grin had returned, and Tim found he was more happy about that than the update on his contract renewal. “Exactly. A few extra weeks wouldn’t be so bad.”

“Not at all.”

“I have plenty of room in my house.”

“And, I’m only there during the week anyways, so it’s not that much of an inconvenience.”

“You’re never an inconvenience,” he assured and rubbed her back with the hand still touching her.

“This is all really new, and we’re still figuring it out. We can make our own rules.”

“Our own rules,” Tim repeated.

“So, it’s settled. Just because your contract’s coming, it doesn’t mean we have to end this. We can keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

“Yeah.”

“Okay,” Lucy smiled and reached behind her to stop his hand from roving over her back and positively setting her on fire with the action. She could barely manage to stand anymore from the contact. She thought it would be a safer bet to interlace their fingers, and so Lucy did, but then she immediately regretted it, because Tim’s hand fit so perfectly with hers, she thought she might burst.

“Gotta get my bag.” He kept his fingers intertwined with hers as he took his gym bag out of his truck, and it was a bit of a stretch; but he was willing to leave his change of clothes behind, because the alternative was releasing Lucy, and that was not going to happen. He got a hold of the bag and walked them into the practice facility where the locker room was arranged similarly to the arena they played in with cubbies on all the walls. Tim walked them in without thinking about the fact he keeps bringing Lucy into a room with a bunch of men who are in the midst of changing, but she was only staring up at him as if everyone else did not exist. “I gotta change, so do you want to wait outside? My team can be…gross even with a lady present.” He winced.

“Sure, but your cubby’s missing something.”

“Our practice gear just looks different.”

Lucy ran her hand down one of the walls and said, “You don’t have a picture of me in this cubby.”

“I’ll get right on that.”

“I put one up on my dressing room mirror. I printed out the one we took last week in your locker room.” She had seen the photo all over social media after Rachel posted it on the official L.A. Kings account where she was sitting on Tim’s lap, and he was giving her the softest, sweetest look, and Lucy felt she had no choice but to take it with her from city to city in her dressing room. She even had half a mind to make it her lock screen if only Tim would not find that odd.

“Don’t think I’ve seen that one.” Tim rarely went on social media and did not pay any attention to tabloids; the public could share whatever photos they wanted, and he could not care less.

“I’ll show you later. You have to go to practice.”

“Yeah. I’ll see you at home.”

“Wait, I can’t stay?”

“You were just on a plane after three long days. I thought you’d want to go home and sleep.”

“No,” she squeezed their joined hands. “I wanna stay with you…if that’s allowed.”

“Of course. Some fans come watch practice, but I’ll make sure you get a good seat.”

“Thanks,” Lucy was looking forward to spending more time observing Tim in his element where he seemed his happiest. She loosened her grip on his hand, but he stayed firm.

“Hey, what’s the reward if I score goals at practice during a scrimmage game?” He asked playfully.

“Practice doesn’t count. It’s how you play on game day that matters. Isn’t that what you said the other day when you were talking about your team?”

Tim had not expected for his words to be thrown back in his face. “I mean technically…”

“Sorry, but I’m quoting the greatest hockey player of our generation. He knows what he’s talking about.” She reached for his face to pull him down and kiss his cheek. “Have a good practice, husband.” With that, Lucy left the locker room.

He heard the distinct sound of chuckling, and Tim looked to see Wes quite amused. “What?” He inquired.

“You’re done for.”

“What does that mean?”

Wes crossed over from where he sat on the opposite side of the locker room to whisper to Tim, “Don’t get rid of those wedding bands. You’re gonna need them again.”

“I have to change,” Tim grumbled.  When he looked down at the simple piece of jewelry on his finger, he imagined a life where he never had to take it off and Lucy could just be his forever.

Practices can run longer than games according to Lucy’s research. Drills were the first part, and Tim called out commands to his team, which was admittedly very attractive. Then, they took a break, and Tim turned around from his seat on the bench to smile at Lucy. She smiled back and felt her heart skip a beat. Then, there were more drills, another break where Lucy got herself another smile, and then, it was a scrimmage game. Tim scored two goals, and she blew him a kiss for each one.

He looked right at her after each time he scored, because he wanted to see if she was impressed, but instead he was met with blown kisses and pride, and somehow, that felt even better. Tim tried to win a third goal, and when he finally did, Lucy stood up and cheered so loudly for him. It was practice. No one else was really cheering, or maybe they were, but all he could hear and see was her. When coach blew the whistle to indicate that practice was over, Tim beckoned for Lucy to come down to the ice.

“I don’t have skates,” she said at the edge of the rink.

“Oh, I have some in my car. Let me grab them,” Luna said.

Tim had no idea when Luna arrived at practice or even how many fans were at the rink. All he was zeroed on, aside from practicing, was Lucy.

“I don’t even know how to skate, Tim. I told you my understanding of hockey stops at the theoretical,” Lucy reminded him.

“Can you please try skating with me for just a little bit?” For some reason as he was riding the adrenaline rush of a great practice plus the constant sight of Lucy’s happy face, and he wanted to share more of hockey with her.

“But, I don’t want to fall. It looks like it hurts.”

“I’ll hold you the whole time. I won’t let you fall.”

She trusted him so easily, so she agreed, “Just for a little.”

Luna returned with skates and said, “I think we’re the same size. These are an old pair. You can keep them.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” Lucy refused.

“Nonsense. Us hockey wives have to stick together. Think of it as a thank you for marrying my husband’s favorite player. I swear Wade has prayed and prayed for Tim to find someone and be happy, and you are the answer to his prayers. Welcome to the Kings family.”

“Thank you,” Lucy accepted the skates then gave Luna a hug. Then, she turned to Tim and said, “Let’s skate.” She was nervous about the idea of gliding across ice with a razor-thin blade as the only way to stay upright, but Tim promised to hold her, and that made her feel better. She shed her jacket that she had been wearing to feel his hands through the thin material of her black long sleeve shirt, already knowing that would be her favorite part of her skating lesson.

Once she sat down on the bench, Tim dropped to his knees to help her take off her boots and lace up her skates. “Let me know if it’s too tight. We want these to be snug. Too much give, and you can hurt your ankle.”

“It’s perfect,” Lucy said even though she could not feel her foot or anything at all. She only watched Tim help her with her shoes and then tried to stand up to touch him…and she almost fell, but his strong arms were around her immediately.

“Woah, Lucy. First few steps are hard to get the balancing right, and then it’s easy.”

“Don’t let go,” she whispered and grabbed him by the front of his jersey. She knew she was standing upright and perfectly safe, but holding onto him was less about safety and more about wanting to be held by him.

“Never,” Tim promised and wound his arms completely around her where they were standing at the edge of the rink wrapped in each other. Not skating. Not moving. Not even breathing. Just staring. Her whole body must have been lined with magnets that pulled him in; he could find no other explanation for how he kept ending up embracing Lucy. He got a hold of himself and asked, “Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Skating is like heavy-footed walking on a moving walkway. You don’t lift up your feet too much, and you’re being propelled further than each step because the ice pushes you forward without much effort.” Lucy nodded in understanding, so Tim continued. “We’re gonna try skating together now. I’m gonna stand out in front of you and hold your hands…”

“No.”

“I swear I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

“By holding my hands? Do you have any idea how clumsy I am on a regular day without skates? I’ll just topple over and take you with me.”

“Okay, I’ll skate by your side and keep you standing.” He moved them so he was standing with her right side completely pressed against his left. One of his arms was around her back with his fingers splayed on her waist, and he held onto her left hand where he could see her wedding band dazzle. “Let’s try taking a baby step or two. I’m right here.”

She wobbled and struggled, but Tim made her feel so safe that all fear of falling had faded. All she had to do was slide her feet along the ice without the repercussions of a misstep. Lucy made it about halfway around the rink and smiled. “I think I’m getting the hang of this.”

“You’re a natural,” he responded proudly.

“That doesn’t mean you’re allowed to stop holding me.”

“I’ll hold you as long as you want,” and then he stopped and realized something. “Wait, I actually have to let you go.”

“Tim!”

He directed her hands to grip the low walls of the rink. “I gotta take my pads off. It’ll make teaching you how to skate easier.” Not necessarily easier, but then Tim would be able to really feel her body on his in her skin tight leggings and thin shirt. He took his jersey, pads, and padded shorts off leaving him in a white tee and base layer pants. Tim tossed his shed clothing over the short wall into the seats so as not to get in the way of their skating. “Alright, that’s better,” he exhaled and pulled her back against him resuming their prior position.

“This is better,” she agreed; Lucy much preferred feeling him instead of those hard plastic pads.

With one foot in front of the other, they resumed skating slowly. She clasped his hand and leaned heavily into his side as Tim propped her up. Lucy took to skating surprisingly easily, and as if he was not already attracted to her before, skating with her only made the draw to her stronger.

As time went on and they skated and skated around the rink barely talking aside from a few compliments Tim whispered in her ear, Lucy felt her shirt hike up, and at some point, his hand on her waist was partially on her leggings and then also touching her bare side. It was odd to feel so much warmth concentrated in the spots where he was holding her, and then she was freezing everywhere else due to the temperature of the ice rink, but frostbite seemed like a worthy price for an intimate skating lesson with Tim. She settled her hand on top of his on her waist to make sure he did not move even if he did realize his fingers were gently digging into her skin. “Don’t let go,” was Lucy’s only repeated request.

“Never,” he kept saying. “You’re doing such a good job,” Tim told her; he was not usually one for praising, but she said she liked it, and he was willing to give her anything she wanted.

Their strides lengthened, their speed quickened, but they stayed holding onto each other mostly in silence. Lucy looked up at him from where her head was nestled against his shoulder. Tim seemed so focused it was adorable. “You’re cute, too,” she whispered without thinking. He had called HER cute, and she felt the same way about him.

He wavered on his feet a little, and then he looked down at her big smile and shining brown eyes, and suddenly, Tim was falling, and he spun as he moved his hands to cradle Lucy’s head to brace her for impact.

It seemed to happen so suddenly, but one second, she was standing, and the next, Lucy was reaching for Tim’s face to protect him. She ended up on top of Tim with him holding her head with both hands, and her holding onto his in the same way. “Are you okay?”

“Are you?” He scanned to see that he had made contact with the ice and not even her knee touched the cold, hard surface.

“Yeah. Oh my God. Your head.”

Tim let go of her to cover Lucy’s hands on him and confirmed his head did not hit the ice. “You protected me.”

“Maybe I should suit up and play with you. I’d always have your back.”

“What position would you play?”

“Whatever position is the main defender of the Center player. That’s you, right?”

He snickered, “Yeah, I’m a Center, so I guess that would make you my Right Wing Woman.”

“Who’s your current Right Wing? That’s Thorsen, right? Number 5?”

“Correct,” Tim was impressed.

“I need to have a talk with him. I saw how that one guy pushed you last night. Not acceptable.”

“I’m gonna get a little banged up. It’s hockey.”

“A little is fine, but…”

“Lucy…”

“No, you’re jersey may say number 19, but you’re my number one priority.”

His breathing hitched. Tim tried to act unaffected when he replied, “I can tell. You got good protective instincts.” He tapped her fingers that were still gripping his head.

“I’m trying out to be your Right Wing Woman,” she smiled.

“You already got the part.” Tim traced her wedding band and grinned.

Where she was above him, she was closer to his face than ever before. “Tim,” Lucy whispered his name.

“Mhm,” he hummed and noticed how she slightly bit her lip.

“Don’t let go,” her voice was so quiet she could hardly hear herself over the rushing in her ears.

“Never,” Tim breathed, and then he watched as she shimmed up his body slightly, eyes blazing as they remained locked on his, and he felt her hands slowly move from his head to cup his cheeks, and then her thumbs swiped at the corners of his mouth gently, and afterwards, he felt the way Lucy inhaled sharply, but she did not exhale and instead held her breath as her face moved closer and closer. It felt like forever that his heart was galloping, and his lungs were stuttering, and his lips slightly parted waiting for her and following her lead. And just when Tim thought it would never happen, her lips caressed his so gently at first in a tentative and light almost ghost of a kiss that still knocked the wind out of him. Before he could try to catch his breath, Lucy’s tongue slithered into his mouth, and Tim thought he would never breathe again. She was soft one minute and then fiercely kissing him the next. He fought for control and drove his tongue into her mouth, but then she expelled a light moan, and Tim lost his patience or will power or whatever force had been holding him back before, and he wanted to devour her.

Lucy told herself not to do it. Her mind had SHOUTED to resist what had become a constant urge. It was such a bad idea, but she did so anyway. And she was met with him kissing her back just as enthusiastically and holding her just desperately causing her head to spin and the world to come to a screeching halt. Falling in love had always been scary, and exciting, and exhilarating for Lucy, but perhaps it was just like skating; with Tim by her side, she would not really fall or get hurt but instead glide along enjoying the fun and magic of love without any of the painful consequences. Maybe Tim could be the one she loves and for once not be hurt by it. Falling in love had only resulted in her ending up on the ground. Skating into love with Tim seemed to be something completely different…and probably more dangerous. With a new wave of panic making the Earth somehow start orbiting backwards and faster, Lucy pulled back. Her fear was almost zapped when he bent towards her to capture her lips once more, not ready for their kiss to end. Almost zapped but not quite. She gasped and moved her head further away from him.

Tim opened his eyes, his vision blurred unfocusing. He could not read her face, but he heard her words.

“Crap,” Lucy whispered. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Chapter Text

Tim’s entire back was freezing cold where he was laying on the floor of the ice rink, but the whole front of his body was scorching hot where Lucy was on top of him. She kissed him. REALLY kissed him.

Then, she said, “Crap, I shouldn’t have done that,” and withdrew slightly.

But, he did not waste a second before he reached for her cheek and rasped, “Yeah, you should’ve. Come here,” before diving back into her lips again. There was a moment where Lucy seemed to hesitate and did not really react to his mouth’s movements, and just when Tim decided to stop, she hooked a finger under his chin and sucked on his bottom lip.

When all the oxygen escaped her lungs, Lucy realized that she let herself get lost in him again despite the fact that she had panicked and pulled away a few minutes before. “Tim,” she groaned.

“Yeah,” he whispered and kissed the corner of her mouth.

“Tim, I…” she waited for him to look at her. “I need to talk to you.”

“Okay.” Tim tucked some hair behind her ear and settled his hands on the small of her back as he waited for her to speak.

Lucy checked her surroundings and saw Wes and Aaron standing in the stands of the arena looking down at them. “Somewhere more private.”

“Alright, but you’ll have to get off of me first.”

“You have to let go of me first,” she smirked.

He angled his head, said, “One sec," kissed her quickly, and then dropped his arms away.

Not yet able to fully balance herself on the ice, she wobbled as she tried to stand. Just when she thought she would fall, Lucy felt his hand steadying her. Together, they skated to the exit holding each other close. She watched him gather his gear that he had tossed into the seats to keep them out of the ice rink as she sat down to untie the laces of her ice skates.

“I need to shower and change. You can wait for me in the locker room,” Tim said.

“I’ll wait outside.”

“You sure?”

“Mhm,” Lucy hummed.

She was rigid and acting oddly, but he assumed it had something to do with what they needed to talk about that was so important it got in the way of them making out on the ice forever. “I won’t be long.”

Wes and Aaron clamored over to her as Lucy tried to exit the L.A. Kings’ practice facility.

“I gotta admit, I’m a total hopeless romantic, and can I just say, you’re so cute together,” Aaron mused.

“Very cute and very in love,” Wes said pointedly.

“Don’t tell Angela about…that,” Lucy knew there was someone present who was unaware of the true nature of her relationship with Tim, so she could not say much else.

“Already did,” Wes smiled.

“So did all my followers,” Aaron added.

“Your followers?” Lucy froze.

“Uhh my followers and anyone else who joined the Instagram live. I can’t believe I’m the first person to get something of you two kissing,” Aaron grinned.

Lucy wanted to say it was their first kiss, so of course there was no other footage of her making out with Tim anywhere, but she refrained to keep the secret of her arrangement and instead played with her wedding band that felt heavier somehow. “We’re very private,” was the explanation she offered.

“So, I shouldn’t have gone live on Instagram?” Aaron winced.

“I guess it’s fine. We are in the public eye, so those things are bound to happen,” Lucy shrugged. Media attention had become unavoidable. She felt her phone buzz and saw messages from Angela and Tamara that she had no interest in reading; she assumed they were both teasing her…and Lucy was right. “It’s cold in here. I’m going outside to wait for Tim.”

“My mom wants me to go over for dinner, so I should go. Bye,” Aaron waved and left.

Wes leisurely walked out of the building with Lucy. Once they were alone, he said, “So, that was…unexpected.”

“Tell me about it,” Lucy replied and licked her lips that still tasted like Tim.

“I’m happy for you guys.”

“Wait, we’re not…that was a one time thing.”

“Why?”

“Things are complicated.”

“Are they? Angela and I come from two different worlds, so we have our fair share of complications, but the second we’re alone, it’s…no one will ever make me happier. That’s how I know that no matter how hard it is to be with someone who can be stubborn and your polar opposite, it’s worth it if you cut out all the outside noise and the voices inside your head, and it feels right. So, is that how it feels when you’re with Tim?”

Visions of skirting around each other in the kitchen and sitting together in companionable silence while watching TV flooded into Lucy's mind. There was something like peace with Tim; she really did not remember when her life was truly peaceful due to her life in the limelight for so many years, but if she ever found a semblance of it, the first time in a long time (or ever) was around him. Wes' inquiry was a simple question, and it did have a simple answer: Yes. Yes, every phone call, discussion over dinner, and exchange of "good night, husband" and "good night, wife" felt right. Lucy nodded slightly, "I need to talk to Tim."

Wes assumed that years of paparazzi following her around would leave her always stoic, but her face was incredibly expressive. He knew her answer even though she did not voice it, and that was enough to satisfy his curiosity. "Good...and hey, he's my wife's best friend, so if you hurt him, you'll hurt Angela, and then I’ll have to hurt you. Got it?"

"Understood," she replied quietly. Wes went to his car, so to occupy herself, Lucy went on her phone and saw the viral video of her and Tim's make-out session on the ice rink. It was fascinating to see how desperate Tim's hands were as they held her, how hungry her mouth's movements were, and especially, how passionate everything about their kiss was. She blushed.

Tim approached her where she was leaning against his truck. "So," he exhaled, "what do you want to talk about?" He spent his whole time in the shower thinking about how Lucy pulled away and seemed to regret kissing him, and he wondered what had changed in the short time that they were laying on top of each other on the ground.

She cleared her throat and locked her phone. "Can we talk in the car?"

He helped her step up on the passenger side before sliding into the driver's seat. "I know what you're about to say. You regret what happened, and…"

"No," Lucy cut him off low but firm. "I-I said that I shouldn't have done that, because…," she looked down at his lips, "I don't think I'll ever want to stop."

That was not at all what Tim expected, but he was pleasantly surprised. He shimmied closer to her on the bench seat and responded, "So don't."

How he leaned in to her slow and sure made her blood rush. "Tim, I...," she moaned and gathered up fistfuls of his grey henley. Pretty much since they met, Lucy sensed an invisible string that kept pulling and PULLING her to him, and it was bordering on impossible to resist. "We shouldn't," she whispered.

"Why not?"

Her eyes slipped closed. "This is such a bad idea," was all she could offer as a weak explanation.

"Okay." Tim waited. If she wanted to kiss him again, she had to initiate it. He knew that he wanted her in every possible way as long as she was willing.

Fighting every single cell in her body that was practically chanting Tim's name, Lucy opened her eyes and said, "We can't do this right now... you don't have your contract yet."

"Coach said it could be coming soon, but what does that have to do with us?"

He called them "us", and she loved the thought of being an "us" with Tim. "We agreed to stay married at least until you get your contract renewed."

"Or longer. We don't have to publicly divorce right away," he reminded her of their earlier agreement.

"Right, so, we can't be...nothing can happen between us while we're married. I already told you that." She saw his confusion and relaxed her hands to let go of the material of his shirt and instead smoothed down his chest. "I know how these things go. Good guys like you can't put up with me for long, and I can't change that, but I also can't imagine us having to live together while we're broken up and still having to publicly pretend to be married. It sounds like a disaster."

"Who says we'll break up?"

"My six albums of break up songs."

"I'm not any of those guys."

"You're definitely not. I think I might like you way more than any of them."

Tim smiled. She said she likes him.

"Also," Lucy added, "Emmett and I just broke up. I haven't fully processed that, so anything happening between us might be...too soon."

"But, if it wasn't too soon, and we weren't married, you would have let me kiss you again?"

"Yeah."

"And, you would go out with me if I asked?"

"Yes," she whispered, and her stomach flipped. "Wait...no."

"No?"

"Being friends is...easier. It means I won't lose you."

"Hang on, you're not afraid to stand on a stage in front of thousands of people and sing, but you're scared of losing me?"

"Pretty much."

"Are you always this scared when it comes to relationships?"

"They do tend to go terribly wrong for me."

"I haven't exactly had the best track record with girlfriends, but I'd be willing to give it a shot with you. I mean, you have to admit that you and me...we..." Tim failed to find the words to characterize his connection with her.

"I feel it, too," she murmured, understanding that they felt similarly about their draw to each other.

"Then, let's make a deal," he proposed. "We can stay friends as long as we need to stay married, but then, afterwards, I'm asking you out."

"We'll be living together as long as we're married."

"I know."

"So, if I get on your nerves..."

"You already do," he snickered, then his face fell when he saw that she was not at all amused. Tim held one of her hands that was on his chest and fondly said, "I like when you annoy me by breaking out in song randomly, and taking the whole blanket when we're sitting on the couch, and how you always leave a mess in the kitchen, and you never put your tea kettle back in the cabinet, and..."

"I get it," she said, her voice tight.

"I like that you get on my nerves."

"For now."

"That's not gonna change."

"It probably will, so if it does by the time we end this marriage, and you change your mind about asking me out afterwards, I’ll understand."

"And, if I don't change my mind?"

She felt warm all over at the idea. "I'll say 'yes' to a date. I might even let you kiss me again at the end of the night."

"Really?" Tim smirked, already looking forward to that.

"Yeah. Really, but until then, strictly friends."

"Friends," he confirmed.

"Purely platonic," she said and moved closer to him.

"That's fine. W-we can handle that."

"I agree."

He tilted his head down to drop his forehead to hers. It was a totally friendly gesture, though. Friends can sit really close together and share breath while staring at each other through half-lidded eyes. They can revel in the flames popping up all over their skin from such proximity. They can itch to touch each other. Those are all very friendly and completely platonic things.

"You know," Lucy whispered and felt her body vibrate from how he hummed to indicate that he was listening; somehow, most of the front of his body ended up pressed against hers. "We can start being friends when we get home. Until then, we don't have to be."

"What does that mean?" Tim was confused, but there was a significant fog that hung in his mind obscuring everything but Lucy's lips, so even a basic question like asking what the color of the sky was probably would have required some sort of clarification.

"It means I could…kiss you again one last time...if you wanted." Had she known the gentle, fleeting brush of his lips across hers would be the last kiss that they would share before making such an agreement of friendship, Lucy would have hauled him back to her for something MORE.

"Last time for now…until I can ask you out," he corrected quietly and found Lucy's eyes to show her he was serious about his intentions.

"Until you can ask me out," she agreed and felt her mouth tug into a smile.

Tim cupped her face and inhaled. If it would be their last kiss for a while, he wanted to make it count, so he caressed Lucy's lips slowly, unhurried. He wanted to take his time and memorize how she tasted, the way their tongues and lips moved together, where she would gasp if he scraped her mouth in just the right way, her soft cheeks under his fingertips, and how it felt when she took control. When he pulled away slightly to catch his breath, and Lucy went back to him, Tim smiled as best as he could given how thoroughly preoccupied his mouth was. It was supposed to be one kiss, but he started to lose count or really know where one kiss ended and the other began.

Lucy was not ready to let him go or stop. She would have been perfectly content keeping her mouth plastered to his until the end of time. Knowing she would be unable to touch him the same way once they were "friends", she held his face and hip tightly, because Lucy knew when she had to let him go, she would miss him immediately.

Wholly dazed, out of breath, burning lungs, and buzzing from head to toe, Tim looked into her eyes and had no idea what to do or say, not ready to disturb their precious moment in time.

It was a curious last kiss in Lucy's opinion. It was almost too sweet to be a moment of finality, but then again, it was more of a promise that it was not the last; there would be more kisses to come eventually.

First, they had to be friends.

They did it all out of order: got (fake) married, then got to know each other, then shared a kiss, and had yet to go on a date, but Tim did not mind; he had Lucy in his life, and that was most important.

"Guess we should go home," she murmured.

"Can we...wait?" He asked weakly; he was not ready to move an inch yet.

Lucy swiped her thumb back and forth across his cheekbone, focusing on the small movement in the hopes she might actually breathe normally for a moment, but if normal was life before she kissed Tim, she never wanted to go back to that. "I'm in no rush."

"Me neither," Tim said. They moved together and collided somewhere in the middle with their lips a little firmer and fingers digging in deeper, because it was going to be a while until they would kiss again.

Quite some time later, Lucy finally pulled away and scooted away in her seat to create space between them; as she expected, she already yearned for the next time she could be wrapped in his arms and taste his lips again.

They drove in silence to Tim’s house. He was at a complete loss of what to say until they parked in his garage, and then he reached for her hand so she would not try to leave his truck. “Hey, Lucy?”

She thought she knew what he wanted, so Lucy went back to him and gave him one truly final deep kiss.

“Oh, I was just gonna say I like being married to you, but I’m looking forward to dating you,” he smirked at the weirdness of the statement and how she had assumed he wanted to kiss her (not that the thought had not been prominent in his mind). Then, the other side of his mouth pulled upwards when she laughed, and they were both chuckling and smiling.

“Sorry,” Lucy apologized.

“I’m not,” he guaranteed and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead. “We’re home now.” Home, which was where the boundary of friendship was set. Their small window of physically exploring and expressing their feelings for each other was closed for an indeterminate amount of time.

“We are,” she replied sadly; it was a difficult decision to choose what would be most responsible and most protective of their hearts, but Lucy knew it was the right choice nonetheless.

“I just remembered I have something for you.”

“For me?”

“Yeah.” Tim hopped down from his truck and started walking into the house to take her into the kitchen.

“What’s that?” His usually tidy kitchen island was cluttered with a mountain of assorted items.

“You mentioned tea and chocolate help you feel less cranky, and you said you’d be cranky when you got home, so I wanted to get you your favorites, and then I realized I had no idea what you like, so I sorta bought a bunch of stuff.”

Astounded, she scanned the sheer number of teas and chocolates that seemed to have come from all different kinds of stores; it probably took him hours of his weekend to procure everything. “You did all of this for me?”

“Yeah.”

Had she known he made such a sweet and caring gesture, Lucy might have reconsidered her stance of remaining friends. She wanted to kiss him again, but that would have gone directly against what they had just agreed on. Instead, she launched herself into his arms and said, “You are seriously the best husband in the world.”

Tim may have put his hands a little lower and held her a little tighter than what would be conventionally deemed as platonic for a hug, but he had her back in his arms, and he was going to bask in it. “Anything for the greatest wife in the world. Thanks for sending that physical therapist for a second opinion on my ankle.”

“I wanted to make sure it was really okay for you to play,” she explained and nuzzled his neck, but it was practically platonic.

“My team doctor knows what she’s talking about.”

“Nothing wrong with double checking to be one hundred percent positive that you’re healthy. Ankle injuries can be tricky for hockey players. I’ve been reading about them.” Lucy knew it was a little odd that they were having a conversation while still hugging, but neither let go, so she kept her cheek pressed to his shoulder and his head on top of hers.

“You have?”

“ESPN had a lot of details about the last time you hurt your ankle, and then I read some medical journals about how careful hockey players have to be with ankle injuries. We might want to make sure you’re doing the right exercises to keep your ankle strong.”

“We?”

“Married means we do this stuff together. You know, there was a study that said some ballet moves could help.”

“I’m not putting on a tutu,” Tim scoffed.

“You don’t need to wear a tutu, but I wouldn’t complain about the tights.” She blushed and was grateful to have her face partially hidden from him.

“Not happening. I would rather just wear my boxers.”

“That’s not allowed,” Lucy stepped back to face him. “No partial nudity while we have to stay friends.”

“Good. You shouldn’t keep walking around the house in a sports bra. I mean, my house has never had the air conditioning up so high, and you still hang out in a sports bra?” He remembered the first time he saw so much skin on the top half of her body when she overheated in his house, and Tim watched the thermostat very closely after that to avoid a repeat occurrence.

“I don’t always hang out in a sports bra.”

“Often enough to be distracting.”

“Anything else?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“Okay, then, go sit on the couch so we can ice your ankle,” Lucy ordered.

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“Sit.” Her tone left no room for any more objecting.

Tim sat down on the couch as instructed, and she went over to him with an ice pack. She sat at the other end of the couch and lifted up his feet to rest them on her lap and held the ice in place. “This really isn’t necessary,” he said with a fond smile.

“Even after your ankle stops hurting, you should still take care of it, and that’s what we’re gonna do. Want to watch some ‘Master Chef’?”

“Sure.” He watched her put on an episode but his eyes did not leave her face. “You’re making this whole friend thing really hard, you know.”

“This isn’t easy for me either, but we’ll make it work.” Every time she showed a shred of support for Tim, he was genuinely surprised as if no one had ever taken care of him before. They had not shared much about their childhoods, so Lucy could not confirm her suspicions that he grew up and spent most of his life without proper love and care. She vowed to be different even if it hurt to tow the line between them at friendship; he deserved her love, and she was going to give it to him in any and all capacities she could manage as a friend, a fake wife, or more.

In the late evening after a mostly normal night as if all the heat between them at the ice rink and in his truck had disappeared, Tim walked Lucy up to her bedroom door and said the thoughts that had been scrambled in his mind for most of the day, “I don’t just take being your husband seriously. I care about you as more than my wife, so I won’t take you for granted. Not ever. You’re good to me. You put in the effort, and you deserve someone who’s worth the effort. I promise I’ll prove to you everyday that that’s me.” He saw pain flash in her eyes, and he knew that whatever she was about to say was something that would prove she does not understand her worth, or rather her pricelessness to him. Tim did not want to hear those words spoken aloud; he had listened to her share about Emmett being a less than deserving partner to Lucy, and it made him sick to his stomach. It was not just because someone did not value her; it was because no one had shown her that she was worthy of more. That was going to change with him, and he did not want her to say otherwise, so instead, he said, “Good night, wife,” and kissed her cheek.

Lucy blinked back the tears from hearing Tim’s simple yet profoundly kind words. He was several paces away from her before she was able to utter, “Good night, husband,” to his back and enter her bedroom.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim returned home after his morning run and went upstairs to shower. He stopped when he heard the sound of a guitar being played along with Lucy’s soft voice singing to a few chords, then pausing before trying to strum the notes while slightly changing the lyrics. He did not know much about music, but he assumed she was writing a new song. Tim stood by the doorway and listened to her beautiful voice wash over him as she sang lovely, sweet lyrics about love. It was definitely a love song, which made him smile wide, because he thought that maybe he was a partial inspiration.

Lucy jumped when she opened her bedroom door to Tim standing right outside in the corridor. “You scared me!”

“S-sorry,” he apologized; he had gotten so caught in the words of the song, he failed to notice she had stopped playing and was unable to move as her door started opening.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I-I just got back from my run. I was gonna take a shower.”

“I’m assuming you didn’t stop by because you need my help with that.”

“Far be it from me to turn down an opportunity to get in the shower with a gorgeous woman.”

Lucy blushed at the image. “I don’t believe I offered to join you…yet.”

The suggestive lilt of “yet” made him almost swallow his tongue.

Since Tim was so obviously and adorably stunned, she smirked and said, “Did you need something else, or do you just like chilling in the hallway?”

“Your song…it’s new, right?”

“Mhm it is.”

“It’s nice.”

“You like it?” She asked. 

He nodded. “Yeah. So, who is it about?” Tim wanted to have confirmation of his suspicion that he was the subject.

“Who says it’s about anyone?”

“All your songs are about someone. I Googled it.”

“Do you believe everything you read on the internet?”

“You’ve practically confirmed as much to me,” Tim reasoned.

“I need some tea. My throat hurts,” she rebuffed answering his question and sashayed around him to descend the stairs. When she reached the main floor, Lucy looked up at Tim, who was still standing in the same spot. “It’s you, dummy. The song is about you.” His smile overtook his whole face, and the sight made her heart skip a beat.

“Why?” He wondered.

“Why what?” She called upstairs.

“Why did you write a song about me?”

“I always write songs about the people I have feelings for. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a super tough decision to make, because my husband bought me a million delicious teas for me to drink, and it’ll take me forever to try them all.”

“You should keep living with me until you drink them, since there are so many, it would take a lot to move all that tea out of here.”

“That’s an interesting excuse for me to stay.”

“I’ll take what I can get,” he shrugged.

“You should market the view. I want to stay for that.”

“There’s a beach by your house, too.”

“I’m not talking about the beach.” His absolutely clueless face made her snicker. “You’re an idiot,” she said fondly and walked away.

Tim spent the entire time he was in the shower trying to understand what she meant, and then it hit him as he was drying off, so he raced down the hall in a towel wrapped around his waist and knocked on her bedroom door. When Lucy opened the door, he blurted out, “You’re the better view.”

“Did it take you that long to figure out I was flirting with you?” Her amusement clear in her voice.

“I’m rusty.”

“So, you’re saying I need to be more clear?” She stepped right into his space and wanted to reach out and rove her hands all over his bare skin.

“That’s a bad idea, actually.” Her darkened eyes made his lungs falter.

“You’re right,” she agreed, staying perfectly still even though she wanted to touch him so badly. “But, I’m not really sure I can stop.”

“I don’t think I can either,” Tim bent low to get closer to her lips.

After a very long minute of letting sparks crackle all over her face where she could feel his gaze, Lucy whispered, “Friends”.

“Friends,” he agreed quietly, but he stayed where he was.

The problem with him feeling like gravity was that now she knew how he tasted, she only felt more inclined to give into the draw to him…but she had to resist. “We can’t.”

“Right. We agreed.”

Lucy took a step back that felt as strenuous as running a marathon. “Later. After,” she promised.

He nodded.

“I’ll, uhh, I’ll see you at home after practice.” She was still warm all over.

“You’re welcome to come to practice any time if you want another skating lesson.”

“I might have to take you up on that someday soon.”

He grinned at the prospect. “I won’t be long today. We have a short practice, ‘cause we have a game tomorrow.”

“I know. You’re playing the Edmonton Oilers. I’ll be there.”

“You will?”

“Of course. You need me there.”

“I don’t need you there.”

“Last I checked, you didn’t score a goal at your last game, and I wasn’t there, but the first time I went to see you play, you scored a hat trick.”

“That doesn’t prove anything. I don’t score at every game.”

“Seems a lot more common when I’m around, and I need the Kings to do well this season.”

“You do?”

“We’re still waiting on your contract renewal. Let’s show those owners it would be a mistake to let you go.”

“I’ve been committed to the Kings for my whole career. I can’t believe that they’re really holding out on me. Just because I’m not as young as I used to be, it doesn’t mean I don’t have a few more good playing years ahead of me.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I know. Just keep being an amazing player, and you’ll get that contract soon enough. I know it. Until then, I’ll do my part and go to your games when I can.”

“After I get my contract, you can still come to games if you want.”

“Well, yeah, I ordered a ton of Kings gear. I can’t wait to wear all of it.”

“You did?”

“Tamara helped me pick stuff out. She’ll bring the first box over later. I even got a cute jersey.”

“I know you said you wanted one. I don’t know why Rachel couldn’t get you a cute jersey like I asked.”

“It’s fine. I asked one of the other hockey wives where to look. I hope you like everything I bought.”

“Of course I will. You’re always gorgeous.” He pictured her wearing a jersey with his name on it and felt weak. “I have to shower and go to practice.” Their conversation needed to end before he started flirting again. If she tried to remind him that they were just friends again, Tim did not think that argument would be enough to resist her, so he walked away from her room.

“You just came out of the shower. You’re still wet and wearing the towel,” she noted with a smirk as he continued moving down the corridor away from her.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

When Tim returned home after practice, he did not even cross the threshold into his house before he felt Lucy looped her arms around him.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“I wrote my first song in almost a year, and half of another.” She rocked back to meet his eyes. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. You’re the one writing music. You should be proud of yourself. Can I hear one of the songs?”

“Not yet, but the second I’m ready, you’ll get a private concert.”

“Can’t wait.”

“How was practice?”

“Good. I think we’re ready for tomorrow’s game against the Oilers.”

“So am I! I have to show you the cute stuff that came in today. I waited to open the box until you got here. Tamara dropped it off, and she couldn’t wait for me to see it. Come on,” she took him by the hand up the stairs to her bedroom where the large box was set on her bed. Lucy tore open the tape securing the top and pulled out a sweater, and then stopped.

“Something wrong?” He looked down into the box and froze. “Oh,” he breathed.

“I didn’t order that. Tamara must’ve.”

Tim cleared his throat and scratched his neck nervously.

Lucy pulled out the black lacy bra and panty set with the Kings logo in choice spots. “It’s…it’s actually cute. Talk about having team spirit if I wear these to the game tomorrow.”

“You,” his breathing hitched. “You’re gonna wear that?”

“This designer doesn’t accept returns, so I don’t have a choice.”

He looked up at the ceiling wondering if some higher power was laughing at his pain. Tim had been eager to receive his contract renewal before, but now that it was getting in the way of seeing Lucy in her newest L.A. Kings ensemble, he was willing to tell his agent to negotiate for a pay cut just to ensure he received his offer sooner.

She loved seeing his cheeks flush. “I’m definitely wearing this tomorrow.”

“I have to call my coach,” he grumbled.

“Okay. Guess I’ll show you everything else when I wear it to games. Don’t open any more boxes if they come while I’m out of town, so it’s all a surprise.” Seeing him get flustered was just too fun, and she wanted it to happen before every game when she wore new outfits.

“There’s more?”

“I looked at your schedule and my tour dates. I needed to make sure I had a different outfit for each game that I’m available for.”

“Some of those are away games.”

“You do realize I have a jet, right?”

“Lucy, you travel enough for work as it is. You don’t have to get on a plane for me, too.”

“And let your millions of fans down? What are you gonna do without your lucky charm? Lose?”

“We still won the other day.”

“Barely. Face it, you need me to be there, so I will.”

Tim would have preferred if they continued their conversation after Lucy set down the panties in her hand, but the universe had other plans, and she held them in her grasp. “Yeah, I really need to talk to Grey.” He left her bedroom and dialed his coach.

“Hey, son,” Grey answered the call.

“Do you have an update on my contract?” Tim asked.

“No, but these things take time.”

“Is it my salary that’s the problem?”

“From what I’ve heard, no, it has nothing to do with anything financial.”

“So, it really is just my age?” Tim inquired, frustration for multiple reasons seeping into each syllable. “I can’t do anything about how old I am.”

“I know. I wish there was something I could do. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Tim knew his coach was just as powerless as he was. He stalked off to his room to take a moment.

Lucy heard enough of the phone conversation to be upset, too, and she wondered if there was anything she could do to help aside from attending hockey games. She was certain she would come up with something.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Excited to wear one of her new outfits that showed off her team pride, Lucy strutted down the stairs where Tim was waiting for her in the foyer.

He was about to tell her he would be late if they did not leave shortly, but when she came into view, he lost his ability to speak. Lucy looked positively breathtaking as he took in every aspect of her look. She was wearing a long, form-fitting, black Kings jersey that was cut low and laced up over the cleavage. The jersey ended at her mid thigh to show off the black leather leggings she was wearing underneath. Her brown hair cascaded in waves down her back. Her lips were red. No one told Tim that the problem with having a beautiful wife is that there is an overwhelming desire to cancel plans and take her to the nearest surface instead. He had never wanted to miss a hockey game in his life, but as Tim looked at Lucy, he could not imagine going anywhere but upstairs with her.

“Do I look like a supportive hockey wife?” She wondered and spun around to model the outfit.

“Mhm,” he hummed.

“Good. I want you to know I’m a huge Kings fan. Well, I’m a Tim fan.” Lucy pointed to the number “19” on the front of the jersey, which was the same number he wore.

He was not looking at the number. He was staring at the view above the number where he saw enough of her chest to recognize the black lace peeking out underneath as the Kings bra she showed him yesterday.

Lucy took his hand. “Come on, we can’t be late.”

Tim let her drag him towards the truck as he looked at his last name plastered on the back of her jersey. He wondered what he ever did to deserve her.

She noticed he was quiet for the car ride but did not say anything about it. Instead, she let the music on the radio fill the cab of the truck.

When they reached the arena, Tim needed to go to the locker room, and he thought she would go in the opposite direction to be escorted by security to her seat, but instead, she curled her arms around his bicep and went with him. There were cameras flashing and people asking him questions, but he was only paying attention to Lucy next to him.

They reached the entrance to the locker room, she stood up on her tip toes, kissed his cheek, and said, “Tim, please be careful.”

“Always am,” he guaranteed and pressed his lips to her forehead.

Lucy was taken to her seat in one of the big boxes where Angela was already sitting. Among the other familiar faces was someone she recognized from pictures. To confirm, she asked, “Hey, Ang, is that the team’s owner?”

“Sure is,” Angela confirmed.

“I need to talk to him,” Lucy said and walked over confidently. “Hi, Mr. Armstrong, I’m Lucy, Tim’s wife.”

“Yes, I heard all about your secret wedding. Nice to meet you,” Nick Armstrong, the owner of the L.A. Kings, replied happily.

“Nice to meet you, too. I know my marriage to Tim came as a bit of a shock to the public. What has really shocked me is that my husband is still waiting to get his contract renewed. Tim has given everything to your team. He’s so loyal to this organization, and I respect that, but I’m not loyal to the Kings. I’m loyal to my husband. Tim is who I care about, and the way you’re dragging out his renewal is frankly disrespectful. He’s the greatest player in the history of the league. He’s an incredible captain. He’s so dedicated to hockey that Tim works twice as hard as the younger players to keep up with them. I hope you see to it that he gets his new contract. And fast. Have I made myself clear?”

Nick blinked rapidly; he was speechless as Lucy strutted away.

“What the hell was that?” Angela asked.

“I’m defending my husband,” Lucy justified her actions.

“Your husband that you happened to make out with at the practice arena the other day,” Angela smirked. 

“We’re adults. A kiss can just be a kiss.”

“Sure, but I watched the video. That wasn’t JUST a kiss.”

“Tim and I agreed to stay just friends for now. He needs his contract first.”

“Oh, so that’s why you just went off on the owner of the team? Must have been one hell of a kiss if you can’t wait for more action.”

Lucy blushed, because that was part of it. The other aspect was the injustice that Tim was still waiting for what he deserved. “I did what I had to do.”

“Sure. Okay.”

Tim was playing one of the best games in his career, and Lucy was losing her voice from all the cheering. He scored two goals, earning him two blown kisses from her, which made him dizzy because of her Kings jersey and puckered up red lips. She really did make him want to play better just to watch her scream his name and blow him kisses. Skating hard and shouldering past the Edmonton Oilers’ tough defensemen, he felt someone ram into him, and then he was on the ground. Usually, Tim gets back up after being knocked down onto the ice, but he was HURTING. He was not sure he could get up.

Chapter Text

Lucy gasped when Tim was knocked to the ground. There was a stretch of time where she was not breathing as she waited for him to stand up. He remained laying on the ice as some sort of medical professional went over to him, and her vision started to blur as she stood frozen in place. The waiting was grueling. The sound of her own erratic heartbeat muffled the din of the arena as she watched in hope for some sign of movement. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Tim was helped off the ice by two people. The crowd started to cheer, and Lucy flew towards the exit of her box where she was sitting high above the ice rink and too far away from Tim. “I need to see my husband,” she said to the security guard tasked with escorting her around the arena.

“Ma’am, only team staff and players are allowed in the locker room during the game,” the guard said.

“That’s my husband! You’re going to make an exception, sir,” Lucy insisted as respectfully as she could as alarm fried her nerves.

Unwilling to argue with her firm voice, the security guard took her to the locker room and noticed how the golf cart used for transportation around the arena did not even stop before she jumped up and went to the door.

“Tim!” Lucy called when she entered the empty locker room. She heard voices in one of the rooms connected to the main area with all the cubbies and raced in the direction of the sounds. “TIM!” She thought she was going to cry when she saw him laying on an exam table wincing.

“W- Lucy?” He asked when he looked over at her. 

She barreled over and reached out to cup his cheeks. “What happened?”

“My ankle,” Tim explained.

“You weren’t moving,” Lucy heard how her voice broke.

He put his hands over hers on his face and assured softly, “I got the wind knocked out of me is all.” Her obvious worry dulled all his pain and made his chest warm. “I’m okay.”

“No, you’re not,” she said with watery eyes.

“Do you mind stepping out so we can take an x-ray?” Dr. Grace Sawyer, the team doctor, requested.

“Yeah, I do mind, actually. I’m not going anywhere,” Lucy responded fiercely and dropped her hands to clasp one of Tim’s.

The doctor raised an eyebrow in silent question, and Tim nodded that it was okay for Lucy to stay for the x-ray, so she proceeded to capture a view of his bones. “Nothing’s broken,” she assessed the image. “We need to go to the hospital to get an MRI of your leg,” Grace said. 

"Can we get him some ice first? Where does it hurt?" Lucy asked Tim.

"Everywhere," he answered with a pout. Tim had been so used to acting "tough" but finally felt comfortable being honest with Lucy, because she always showed how much she cared.

"Oh, babe," she replied sadly then turned to a trainer and asked harshly, "Where's your ice?" Someone scrambled to bring an icepack over, making Tim smile at how they seemed to fear her. He did almost whine when she let go of his hand to hold onto the ice pack in search of where he needed the most pain relief simply by reading his face.

"I’ll call the hospital from the ambulance," Grace said and took a wheelchair from the corner. "We'll wheel you over to the ambulance in the chair."

He was about to refuse, since he knew cameras would be around capturing him being wheeled away looking weak.

But, Lucy knew what he was about to say and demanded, "You're getting in that chair, Tim." Without another word, he sat up and hobbled over to the wheelchair to take a seat. Grace reached for the handles to push him, but Lucy moved faster and grabbed hold first, which made him smile again.

Then, he watched her bend over in her leather leggings to get the ice pack that had fallen off his leg in his haste to obey her demand, and Tim inhaled sharply.

Grace was not accustomed to such involved spouses when the other players were injured, but she liked Lucy's assertive demeanor. It was very sweet to see young love so pure. The ambulance that was always on standby in the bowels of the arena was open and ready, and she observed as Lucy put an arm around Tim to help him hop up in the back and then lay down on the gurney. It was a bit comical to see how much larger he is than her as he leaned on her heavily, but Lucy did not seem to be bothered at all; she simply helped him settle in, placed the ice pack on his leg, and then slid onto the bench along one side of the back of the ambulance so she could sit near his head. As was customary, Grace also joined them and felt she was being ignored due to the way they were making unbreakable eye contact.

"What can I do for you?" Lucy asked and soothingly combed her fingers through Tim's sweaty hair with one hand while the other clasped onto one of his.

"I'm alright," he replied, perfectly content with letting her touch him. He almost completely forgot about the intense throbbing pain in his lower calf and ankle as he stared at her.

"Does it hurt like when you had the ankle sprain your rookie year, the high ankle sprain two seasons ago, or something else?" She wondered.

"You did your homework," Tim snickered.

"Stop being so surprised. Somebody's gotta worry about you."

"Don't you think you have enough to worry about with an international tour?"

"That's just work," she said dismissively.

"Our careers are pretty important." He knew he had made a number of sacrifices and choices for the sake of his hockey career, and based on her success in the music industry, he was sure she had done the same.

"Some things matter more," Lucy responded softly.

He was grateful that he had not been connected to a heart monitor, or a machine would have exposed how his pulse stuttered. Tim cleared his throat and ran his thumb along her knuckles to memorize how it felt to hold her hand in case it would be the only time for a while. "It feels like a high ankle sprain again," he finally answered her earlier question that he had deflected from. "My career is over."

"That's not true. You rehabbed it last time and played again."

"I was younger then, and my body was more resilient, but at my age, this kind of injury means I'll never play hockey again."

"Don't talk like that. I'll get you the best doctors in the world, and we'll get you good as new and back on that ice soon enough."

He shook his head. "What if I don't? What if I'm done? I haven't thought about life after hockey before, and I…"

"Shh, hey," she whispered. "We're not there yet, okay? We can't be sure yet if it's even a high ankle sprain, and we haven't talked to a single specialist to see what this means for your career. No sense in worrying about it yet."

Tim looked at her smaller hand in his and smirked. "Guess there is one perk to my hockey career being over." He never thought those words would come out of his mouth or that he would see a silver lining to the end of the phase of his life that he had worked so hard to reach and maintain.

"Don't even talk like that. We're going to figure this out together."

"But, there is. It means..." He only then realized they were not alone and had to come up with a coded way to say what he was thinking. "It means I get you."

Lucy knew that he meant that they could go on a date, because there would be no need to maintain their fake marriage any longer if he did not need a contract renewal, but she decided to answer to the words he used, so she gently held onto his chin to redirect his eyes back at hers and murmured, "You already have me."

There was a beat of quiet as his tongue started to feel heavy. "You know what I mean."

"I know. I meant what I said." There was no specific moment where she began to feel like Tim was someone she wanted to belong with or to, but it was somehow true; Lucy only realized it when her mouth formed the words.

His lungs and brain were completely malfunctioning, but Tim did not care if his breathing never found a normal rhythm again or if he could never come up with another cohesive thought, because all that mattered was how she was looking at him with confidence, vulnerability, and honesty as her words echoed in his ears. "Lucy," he breathed her name like a prayer and sat up straighter as he twisted the top half of his body.

Her hand stilled in his hair. She recognized how Tim was gazing at her. She had only seen that look once before, but it was etched into her mind as a permanent fixture in her memory. Lucy sensed his hesitation as his eyes could not settle between her lips and her eyes. She nodded so slightly it was barely noticeable, but she knew it was enough to communicate her permission.

Tim splayed his fingers on the side of her neck and drew her in as he moved towards her. Cautiously, his lips brushed hers, but when Lucy gripped and gently pulled at his hair, he went back for something deeper and more urgent as their tongues joined their mouths in a kiss that had no reason to make goosebumps explode all over his body and yet it did. He completely forgot he was in an ambulance or that his leg was in pain with her seemingly consuming ever fiber of him.

She pulled back first but paused before she opened her eyes. Lucy would have let him kiss her again if he wanted, but the trepidation on his face made his thoughts clear, and she understood; there was no room for kissing regardless of how much they both wanted to as long as they were meant to remain friends. Lucy whispered, "I know," even though it was unnecessary to verbalize what her eyes had already communicated. She cleared her throat and sat back to remind herself she was in an ambulance with two paramedics in the front and the team's doctor at her side. Lucy eyed Grace, who seemed to be incredibly entertained, then her gaze dropped to his ankle.

"Can you hold the ice better? The streets are bumpy, and it can't move so much. Can't you see he's in pain?"

Grace would most certainly not categorize Tim's expression as anything close to pain or even slight discomfort; he just seemed to be enamored. Still, she repositioned the ice on his leg and tightened her grip to appease Lucy.

His finger traced the waves of a strand of Lucy's shiny brown hair and curled and uncurled the end. There was a chance he might have fallen a little in love with her between her fussing and the way her lips completely undid him. "Lucy," Tim said to get her to stop looking at his leg as if his condition would change in an instant.

She could not exactly meet his eyes, but Lucy did look at his face, focusing on his smile lines.

"It does hurt," he confirmed, because somewhere he felt the dull ache that was buried under an immeasurable amount of desire for her.

"Can we give him something for the pain?" Lucy asked Grace.

"Not until he gets fully evaluated so we can make an accurate diagnosis," Grace answered honestly with a twinge of sympathy.

"Distracting me helps," Tim offered as an alternative. He figured going back to strictly platonic could wait a few more minutes.

Lucy felt her cheeks start to pink up, and she worried on her bottom lip that still tasted like him. "Oh, really?" She teased. "How am I supposed to do that?"

"I've got an idea," he flirted.

She was certain there were other ways to distract him aside from what he was insinuating, but Lucy was unable to think of a single other option. She tilted her head and whispered against his lips, "I guess since I'm trying to be a good wife, I should help you."

"You are a really great wife," he breathed. Tim's eyes dropped to her chest that was heaving. From his vantage point, he could see a bit of the black bra she had shown him the day before where it was beneath a low-cut jersey with his number on it- a sight that drove him wild. If he had known how amazing married life was, he would have gotten married years before, but when he saw her almost completely black eyes, Tim realized it was not marriage that enticed him, but rather it was Lucy.

With a smirk at the compliment, she closed the gap between their mouths and kissed him gently. "Is that better?"

"Not yet." He pulled her face back to him.

At some point, when Tim's fingers started to dig into her shoulders, Lucy groaned and tore her lips away from his. "Okay, I think we're almost at the hospital."

"L.A. traffic is bad," he countered.

She knew it would feel impossibly irresistible; her gut had warned her not to kiss Tim no matter how her subconscious kept trying to fall into him, and yet Lucy had given in, which left her fighting the endless primal urge to keep capturing his lips and never let him go. "How about I sing 'Possibility' to you? It's still your favorite song of mine, right?" She assumed that if she was using her mouth to sing, she would be too preoccupied to do anything else.

"Okay," he agreed; Tim knew he had pressed his luck with his request for a distraction from his pain, and he does like to hear her sing. Her gorgeous voice started to fill the ambulance, and he watched in awe as Lucy sang light and beautifully. It was his favorite sound in the world to have just her without instruments or backup singers flowing into his ears. When the ambulance came to a stop, he squeezed her hand and said, "That's the best concert I've ever been to."

"Does this mean you don't want to come out on tour with me sometime?"

"I don't know. I really like private concerts just for me."

Grace stepped down from the ambulance leaving them alone.

Lucy rasped lowly, "Just wait 'til i sing for you when all I'm wearing is a guitar." Then, she exited the ambulance as well.

With that very appealing visual occupying his brain, Tim paid no attention to how he was being transported to imaging on a gurney or the faces of the nurses around him. The only thing that worked to pull him out of his stupor was Lucy's voice.

"The hell I can't go with him," Lucy insisted to the doctor who told her to wait outside as Tim was supposed to get his MRI.

"It won't take long" Tim assured her. He appreciated her fierceness but did not want to cause a scene.

"Fine," she surrendered and pressed a kiss to his head before he was taken into the imagining suite, and she was escorted into an empty patient's room for privacy. Lucy paced the floor until Tim was brought in.

"When will we get the results back?" She asked him.

"Probably an hour," he guessed.

She busied herself with placing a new ice pack on his leg and tried not to panic.

A troubling thought occurred to Tim as he sat still during his MRI; he pondered it over and over again in his mind.

"It's gonna be okay," Lucy assured; she could practically hear him thinking and wanted to comfort him.

"Would you...if...if I wasn't a hockey player anymore..."

"Stop," she said and left the ice on his ankle to get closer to his face. "We don't know anything yet."

"But, if it's bad, and I can't play hockey..."

"That wouldn't matter to me, Tim." She knew what he was trying to ask. "I don't care about what you do for a living."

"I wouldn't be famous anymore."

"So what? You'll still be you. Would you care if I quit singing?"

"Of course not."

"Exactly."

Tim was hopeful when he said, "Depending on the news I get, I could be asking you out today."

As much as she liked the thought of that, Lucy was not ready to accept his defeated attitude. "I'm not giving up on hockey yet. You've worked so hard to get here, and we'll work through this together."

"Are you sure you're not just saying that because you changed your mind about us?"

"No, I'm saying that I believe in you, Tim Bradford. It's not over until the bell rings."

"Do you like wrestling?" He asked, since that was a phrase used by enjoyers of the sport.

"I heard you say it in an interview once," she admitted.

"How many of my postgame interviews have you watched?"

"A couple." He flashed her a look of disbelief. "Fine, so I've watched most of them."

"Why?"

"I like hearing you talk about hockey. You're so...happy. I can tell you love it."

"I can learn to love other things," he said pointedly.

Lucy's chest tightened. She wondered if Tim was referring to her, and in case he was, she asked him, "You think the doctors will be here any time soon?" She shimmied onto the gurney to share the bed, but she was not exhausted at all; actually, she felt quite energized.

"Doctors get busy. We could be here for a while." He licked his lips and turned on his side to give her more space.

"There's a TV. We could watch something," she proposed.

"We could." Tim pushed her hair off her shoulder then held her face tenderly.

"Friends," Lucy reminded him as his hand sent sparks across her face.

"I'm hurt. This is a special circumstance."

"You're hurt," she repeated.

"It's a lot of pain. The ice isn't enough." He saw her tongue dart out and yearned to taste her.

"Well, I don't want you to be in pain." Her eyes remained fixed on his mouth.

"You're uniquely qualified to help me."

"Uniquely qualified, huh?" She murmured.

"You're my only wife."

"Lucky me," Lucy smiled and pecked the tip of his nose in the hopes of dissipating some of the tension between them, but Tim's hand on her face held onto her tighter to keep her close enough to share breath. She inhaled his exhale, and then they switched off until her blood turned molten. "Last time. I mean it," Lucy warned, but she was saying it more for her own sake, because she knew she was going to kiss him again, but she had to keep herself from doing it again. He made a sound of understanding, and then she slammed her lips against his eagerly.

Of course, Tim had every intention of respecting her wishes that it would be their last kiss for some indeterminate amount of time, so he let his hand that was not propping himself up on his side rove down her cheek to her neck, then her shoulder, and finally her arm. He wanted to go further and study her curves, but that felt like forbidden territory. 

She kept her warm hand on his chest  right over his galloping heart whose rhythm somehow seemed to sync up with hers based on the rushing in her ears. Lucy’s fingers played with the soft material of his jersey that hung around him loosely without his pads on, and she wondered what the skin beneath would feel like. She had seen him shirtless before, but she had not allowed herself to touch the hard planes of his muscles. His mouth turned unyielding, asserting his dominance with a ferocity unlike the other few kisses they had shared. Lucy moaned. She liked how his hands could be so gentle and his kiss could be anything but; the warring sensations were enough to overload her senses and cause her to hold on tightly as she relinquished control and allowed Tim to unravel her.

He was eager to claim her mouth as she had already agreed she was his. Lucy was his, and he wanted to keep and treasure her forever. That thought ignited something in Tim, so he pushed her back into the thin mattress of the hospital bed and kept himself up with one hand and the other returned to cradling her cheek so as not to be tempted to move lower.

It was a pleasant weight to feel Tim on top of her with no room between them. Lucy wrapped her arms around his waist and dug her fingers into the thick material of the numbers stitched on the back of his jersey. She felt like she was falling backwards and also floating at the same time. It was new for her, but she had never started to fall in love with anyone like Tim…it was just the start. It had to be. Lucy tried to convince herself that she could keep her feelings in check more or less, barring their kisses, but those would stop and surely she would then be able to cage her heart until such time that it was less of a risk to let herself feel freely…as if there would ever be a time the risks could be truly mitigated. She could not think realistically and critically, though, and it was mostly due to Tim kissing all rationality away and replacing it with fuzzy bliss.

Grace, as a medical professional, had seen plenty of patients in compromising positions, so coming upon Tim and Lucy devouring each other was not the strangest sight, but they still made her blush. She cleared her throat once, twice, and three times, but they did not react to her presence as if they had not heard her. Grace reached behind her to open and then slam the door to Tim’s patient room in the hopes that the louder clamor would finally cause the couple to detach, so when two pairs of darkened glazed over eyes finally blinked over at her, she was proud of herself for finally getting their attention. “Hi, guys,” she said.

Lucy covered her kiss swollen lips and realized her lipstick had transferred to Tim’s mouth only causing her to be even more embarrassed.

Tim shifted first into a seated position on the bed and pulled Lucy up with him. She threw her arms around his shoulders and her legs across his, and he smiled at how easy and natural it felt to hold onto each other.

“Do you have news about his ankle?” Lucy asked Grace as her thumbs drew circles into Tim’s skin.

She grimaced. “I’m afraid it is a high ankle sprain,” Grace diagnosed.

He completely stiffened under her, and so Lucy whispered, “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s really not. I’m done,” Tim was struggling to accept his new reality that did not include being a professional hockey player.

“That’s not true. I made a call, and there’s a remarkable doctor that specializes in helping athletes recover from injuries like yours. Her name is Doctor Monica Stevens, and she said she wouldn’t usually take a new patient, but for Lucy Chen’s husband, she was willing to squeeze you in,” Grace reported.

“Don’t try to give me false hope, alright,” Tim said.

“It’s not false hope. If you commit to the exercise regiment she prescribes and not push yourself any harder, Dr. Stevens said she can pretty much guarantee it,” Grace assured. “You could be back on the ice in six weeks.”

“Six weeks? While I’m recovering, there’s no way the Kings will renew my contract,” he surmised.

“That’s okay. Let’s focus on getting you better right now. Everything else can wait,” Lucy said. Tim had given her hope when he said that he could ask her out if his injury was career-ending, but she would rather ensure he was safe and happy than go out on a date with him. She could have him in other ways while supporting his recovery. It would be enough. “This isn’t the end of your career,” she murmured into his neck and kissed the spot.

“What if the rehab doesn’t work?” Tim inquired.

“It will, because it’s going to be our first priority for at least the next six weeks. I’ll call Tamara and cancel my tour dates.”

“No, don’t you dare.”

“You don’t get a say,” Lucy argued.

“I’m your husband. Of course I get a say, and I’m telling you that you can’t put your whole tour on hold for six weeks just because of me.”

“This weekend’s dates are definitely being canceled, and then we’ll meet with Dr. Stevens to figure out your therapy schedule and exercises. Depending on what she says, I’ll reschedule all my tour dates for the next six weeks to make sure I’m here for you.”

“Lucy…”

“You’re not going to change my mind, so quit while you’re ahead.”

He eyed her for a long moment to see if there was any doubt behind her eyes, but her conviction was unfaltering.

“Tim, let me take care of you. Please,” Lucy said softly; she wanted him to stop doubting that she would support him. “In sickness and in health, right?” 

He knew she was referring to traditional marriage vows they technically never took, but it felt like she was making the promise to him right then as they were holding each other on a hospital bed. It was marvelous and heavy.

“I’ll get you a walking boot to help take some pressure off of your ankle, and Dr. Stevens will be in touch soon. When I get back, we can leave the hospital,” Grace said, but she could tell that neither Tim nor Lucy were paying attention to her. “You’re one of those couples. Got it,” she muttered under her breath.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim had unfortunately worn a bulky walking boot to help balance himself when he was recovering from his previous ankle injuries, so he knew how to walk with one, but it was much easier to let Lucy wrap her arms around him and hobble together up the stairs. He liked keeping her close for a few minutes, and she was the perfect height to be his beautiful human crutch. "Thanks for helping me out," he said when they reached his bedroom door.

"Well, that's what I'm here for," she responded.

"I'm gonna take a shower, and don't worry, I'll be fast and keep my weight off my left foot, okay?"

"Alright. Need any more help?"

"No, I'm just going to shower and then get some sleep."

"We've got our first consultation with Dr. Stevens tomorrow. She'll be here in the morning to take a look at you. Don't forget."

"Got it," he nodded.

Lucy gave him a long look as she worried at her lip. There were so many emotions swimming in his eyes, and she wished she could quiet his mind, but she could not think of any way to do so. Instead, she backed away from him and went to her own room to change, but before she could, there was a knock at the front door, and she descended the stairs to greet the late night visitors. "Hi, guys," Lucy tiredly said Angela and Wes.

"How's Tim?" Angela asked.

"Not great," Lucy answered gloomily. "He's got a high ankle sprain. We're meeting with a specialist tomorrow morning to see what his recovery plan is, but it looks like he can't play for the next six weeks, and he's pretty bummed, especially since an injury like this could put his contract renewal in jeopardy."

"Damn. That's awful," Wes sympathized; all athletes feared that if their bodies failed them, they could no longer play the sport they loved.

"I'll text you both tomorrow when we get more information. I'm sorry, it's late, and I have to talk to Tamara about canceling tour dates, and then, I'm gonna sleep. This has been...exhausting." The evening had been an emotional rollercoaster.

"Let us know if there's anything we can do for either of you," Angela offered.

"Thank you," Lucy replied appreciatively.

Wes was about to turn away from the doorway to walk back to his house when he remembered something, "Oh, I came by to check on Tim, and to give him this. All the married players take ours off before games and leave them in our cubbies until after the game when we change. I knew Tim would want to have his back. Mind passing it along?"

She saw that Wes was holding out Tim's wedding band. Lucy took it in her hand and with a nod said, "Thanks. I'll give it to him."

"He wants to keep that, you know," Wes tried to be both subtle and overt about the fact that he had already informed Tim to keep his wedding band even after the end of his fake marriage to Lucy, and based on Tim's avoidance of the topic, Wes could infer that Tim liked that idea.

"I’ll let him," Lucy responded simply.

"We're not just talking about a ring." Angela never liked subtleties; she preferred being blunt. "We're talking about you."

"Yeah, I know what you meant." She watched Wes and Angela's expressions change to amusement once they gathered the meaning of her coy reply. "Good night," Lucy snickered and shut the door.

"So, do I officiate their real wedding or do you?" Angela wondered as she started ambling towards her home.

"Me. Definitely me. No offense, but you're not great with romantic speeches," Wes pointed out.

"Fine, but I'll help you write a joke or two," Angela agreed.

"Deal." Wes looped his arm around Angela and kissed her cheek.

Lucy called Tamara.

"I heard about Tim. Is he okay?" Tamara said when she picked up.

"Not really, but we'll know more in the morning. I can't leave his side right now, so I need to cancel my tour dates for at least this weekend, and maybe for the next six weeks. I'm not sure yet," Lucy explained.

"It would be a bit of a PR nightmare to cancel, but I think your fans will understand that you want to take care of your husband."

"We can film an apology video to post on socials tomorrow."

"That'll work...it sounds like you and Tim are getting awfully close while playing house," Tamara smirked.

"We're not playing house." Their relationship felt far more serious than something as simplistic and childish as the connotation of the term “playing house”.

"Does this mean you two are actually together?"

"No," Lucy insisted. "Not yet," she corrected herself. "We care about each other, and that's all that matters as long as we need to keep up with this arrangement."

"And afterwards?"

"We'll see," Lucy smiled and traced her lips thinking about how he kissed her.

"I can already picture your next album cover. You should wear his jersey in the picture!"

"Slow down. There isn't a new album yet."

"Oh, come ON. I know you! If you're crushing this hard before you're even together, you'll have an entire album of love songs about him before you marry him for real."

"I don't know if we'll actually get married." She looked at her wedding band and was already mourning the day she would have to take it off.

"Try being a little more optimistic about your love life. Who cares that things didn't work out with Emmett? You've moved on."

Honestly, Lucy was unsure if she had yet to fully process the end of her relationship with Emmett, but she had not given it much thought. All she could think about was Tim. All the time. Inspiring a few lyrics and a handful of melodies. Making her heart race. Brightening her whole face into an almost permanent smile. "I'm going to check on him, but we'll talk more about the tour tomorrow."

"Sure," Tamara grinned, because Lucy was making it far too obvious that she was falling in love. She ended the call and started making some coffee for what would be a long night of navigating a logistical nightmare that she was far too happy to manage on her client and dearest friend's behalf.

After quickly changing into some soft pajamas, Lucy turned Tim's wedding band over and over between her fingers. She could wait to return it to him in the morning, but she rationalized that she was already going to go to his room to bid him good night anyways, so Lucy could also hand him back the ring. It was ridiculous, but for some reason, she wanted him to start wearing it again sooner rather than later as if it really was a symbol of their commitment to one another. In a way, it was, though. Lucy was about to tap on his bedroom door when it opened. "Oh," she breathed in surprise. "What are you doing up? You need to be laying down."

"I will, but it didn't feel right to go to bed without saying good night to you first. It's sorta our thing."

"That's one of my favorite things about being home during the week," she smiled.

"Mine, too."

Lucy would have been perfectly content enjoying the warmth of his gaze forever if she could, but she only indulged herself a few minutes of staring at him before she said, "You need to get off that ankle." She moved to hold him around his midsection and lead him into his room and his bed.

Tim appreciated how she put pillows under his injured foot to elevate it, but then she reached for his covers. "I don't need you to tuck me in," he chuckled.

She ignored him and continued to drape his duvet over his body snugly. When she was done, Lucy asked, "Are you comfortable?"

"I'm good," he promised.

Lucy went to his side and sat on the mattress at his hip. "I have something of yours." She reached into the pocket of her thin cotton pants and held out his wedding band to him.

"Felt weird to have it off for so long." Tim reached for it as Lucy took his hand, and then a gasp was caught in his throat as she slid the ring on his finger. Before their wedding photo shoot, they had put their own rings on their own fingers unlike an actual traditional ceremony where they would have placed each other's on their hands. It should not have felt so sacred for her to slide that wedding band on his finger; it was merely a prop for their fake marriage, and yet, Tim held his breath as he stared down at his hand.

She felt how the mood had shifted, but Lucy was not sure what had altered his demeanor. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"Talk about what?" There were a million directions that open ended question could go.

"What's clearly bothering you. I know you're worried you won't be able to play anymore, but I'm sure you will."

"No offense, but you don't know enough about hockey injuries to get this. I know you've done a lot of Googling to try to understand, but every body is different."

"I don't need to know anything about hockey injuries to know you're getting back on that ice this season. I just need to know you. You'll put in the work to get better. You can do it."

He wondered when she began to have so much faith in him. It was something he valued beyond words.

"Okay, your foot is elevated, you've got your ring back, umm...can I get you anything else?"

"No," Tim answered. She had already done more than he expected a real or fake wife to do for him, and he truly could not think of a single other thing in the world to ask for...aside from a goodnight kiss, but he was not going to make that request.

He still looked slightly troubled, which Lucy understood was due to his unclear professional future. "I think you could use a hug." She refused to give him the chance to protest, so she leaned down to wind her arms around him where he was laying back and felt as he reciprocated. After a few moments, Lucy moved to let him go, but his hold on her was unwavering. Clearly, he needed more than a hug for comfort. "Hey," she whispered into his neck where her face was buried, "I could stay with you tonight if you wanted me to." Just the thought of sharing his bed made her pulse quicken. Once she spoke the words aloud, she realized how eagerly she wanted to curl herself into him and wake up to his body as the first thing she felt.

"You don't have to."

There was a pattern revealing itself to Lucy; Tim was not always outright refusing things from her but instead reminding her that she was under no obligation to do anything kind for him. She decided to rephrase her offer. "You'd be doing me a favor. I'm still pretty shaken up after I saw you on the ice when you weren't moving. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life."

He pulled back his covers with one hand as the other still embraced her in response.

She climbed over him to lay at his other side away from his injured leg. Then, Lucy moved to tuck herself into his side and settle a hand on his stomach. "Are you...is this okay?"

"Okay" would have been an understatement in Tim's opinion. "Mhm" he hummed and slid a hand under her to wrap around her back. "Are you good?"

"Perfect," Lucy murmured. "Good night, husb- wait, I totally forgot." His puzzled expression made her smile.

"You scored two goals for me. That means you get two kisses." She appreciated that he angled his head to give her better access to his cheek. "You're hurt. This is a special circumstance," she repeated the poor excuse he had used at the hospital when he kissed her before. Lucy saw him open his mouth to speak, and she reached up to redirect his face towards her own then slotted their lips together for a brief moment. "I would appreciate if you stopped trying to argue with me and just let me do what I want. Happy wife, happy life, remember?"

"You know me so well." How had she barely known him and yet understood that he was going to tell her she did not have to kiss him even without him getting the chance to speak? "And, you're right."

"Music to my ears," she smiled. "You can ask for what you want, too. I'm learning how to read you better, but it doesn't have to be so hard. Just ask."

"Okay, then, I'd like to ask for my second kiss now. I did score TWO goals for you." 

Lucy felt lightheaded at how he confirmed both goals were for her. She had joked about him trying to score to impress her, but he had yet to say he agreed before. She kissed him once more for a little longer than the first time. "See what happens when you just ask."

Tim snickered and pushed her hair out of her face. He found himself in bed cozied up with Lucy and sharing kisses; regardless of what had transpired throughout the day, he ended his night in the most perfect way. "Thanks," he whispered.

"For what? Doing my..."

"Everything." Tim cut her off. They had moved far beyond deeming their fake marriage as a "job", and it could no longer even be categorized as a "fake" marriage anymore.

"Any time," she grinned. "Good night, husband."

"Good night, wife," he rumbled and watched as Lucy moved to rest her head against his shoulder and then planted a kiss in her hair.

Lucy listened and felt every rise and fall of his chest as they slowed and deepened over time. Once he had finally fallen asleep, she let herself do the same.

Chapter Text

Tim thanked Dr. Stevens from his seat on the couch as Lucy walked her out of their house. Once they were alone, he sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

Lucy noticed his reaction and said, “Don’t give up already, mister. The doctor said she could guarantee that you’ll get back on the ice, and I believe her.”

“I can’t afford to think like that. There’s a chance…”

She cut him off with a hand on her hip, “No, I’m not gonna let you have doubts. We’re getting you into playing shape in six weeks like Dr. Stevens said. You’ll stick to your physical therapy and the daily exercises, and I won’t let you push yourself too hard and risk making that ankle sprain worse. I’m calling Tamara. We have to come up with how to apologize to my fans and reschedule the next six weeks of tour dates.”

“Hang on, I don’t even like the fact that you canceled this weekend’s performances. I can’t let you cancel the next six weeks of your tour.”

“Let me? Do you think I’m the kind of wife that’s some quiet, obedient woman that only does what her husband lets her do?”

“Of course not,” he was horrified at the thought. “I-I…I’m sorry, Lucy. I just know how much you love your tour, and I don’t want you to have to miss out on that and let down thousands of fans because of my ankle.”

“It’s time to ice your ankle. We have a strict schedule to keep,” she noted as she checked her watch. Lucy walked over to the kitchen to take an ice pack out of the refrigerator. She went to him on the couch and gingerly placed the pack on his ankle. “Listen, unless we come up with something to do on the weekends while I’m touring so your recovery doesn’t suffer, then I’m canceling. I love my tour. I love my fans. I’m just more worried about you, okay? You’re my top priority whether you like it or not. So, stop trying to give me an out and act like I’m going to stop choosing you over anything else. It’s not going to happen no matter how you push. I’ll have Tamara come over, so you can be part of the conversation about what to do, alright?”

“But, I don’t know anything about tours.”

She smiled. “You don’t have to know anything about tours. You’re my husband. We make decisions together. That’s how it works.”

“Okay,” he agreed.

“I’ll text Tamara. Can I get anything else for you?”

He tapped the spot next to him. “You haven’t sat down for a single second all morning trying to take care of me. Can you just sit with me for a minute?”

“Sure,” she sighed and sat down.

Tim frowned. “That’s not really sitting with me. You’re practically on the other side of the couch. Come over here.”

Lucy glanced down at how there was only a few inches between their thighs. “How much closer do you want me to get?” She shimmied closer to have her whole side pressed against his, and he still looked unhappy. “What? You want me on your lap or something?”

He thought that sounded like a great idea and grabbed her by her lower thighs to drag her into his lap. “That’s better.”

“This isn’t very platonic,” she noted even as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Well, this is helping with my ankle.”

She pursed her lips. “How’s that?”

He ran his hand down her back then settled on her hip. “You make me feel better.”

The softness in his eyes made her melt, so Lucy leaned into him a little more. “I do want you to feel better.” She put a hand on his heart and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Well, I feel better already,” he murmured as he looked down at how comfortable she looked in his arms and how perfectly she fit with him. Tim turned on the TV, but he was not really paying attention to the cooking show that was playing. He was perfectly content watching her. At some point, the doorbell rang, which interrupted his peaceful afternoon, and he huffed.

Lucy, who was just as annoyed about the disruption, promised, “I’ll get rid of whoever it is.” She went to the door, peered through the peephole, and paused when she saw who was standing outside. She opened the door halfway and said, “Hello, uhh this is a surprise.”

“How’s Tim?” Rachel asked.

“Good, yeah, he’s good.” Lucy remembered how Rachel had acted jealous when they first met and seemed to be waiting to be with Tim. Seeing her again made the hairs on the back of Lucy’s neck stick up.

“Do you mind if I see him? We have to make sure we get the right messaging about his injury on our socials, and as someone close to him, I really want to make sure he’s okay.”

She did not really want Rachel to enter the house, but they had team business to discuss, so Lucy stepped to the side to allow her to enter.

Rachel saw Tim in the living room and went over to him with a big grin. “Hi, Tim. I was so sorry to hear about your ankle.”

“It’s a high ankle sprain,” Tim explained.

Lucy did not like how Rachel was unabashedly checking Tim out, so she slid into his lap and said, “Which is just a bump on the road to the Stanley Cup. The Kings have a real shot of taking the trophy this year with Tim as their captain.” She nuzzled his neck and ran her fingers through the short hairs of his fade.

“Of course they do,” Rachel agreed. “It’s good to hear you plan to be playing again soon. I know our fans would love to hear that.”

“So, what do you need from us for this messaging you mentioned?” Lucy wondered.

“Just a short statement for us to share,” Rachel answered.

“Tell the fans that Tim’s tough. We’re going to get him through this injury together. A little rehab, and my husband will be good as new,” Lucy said then kissed the underside of Tim’s jaw.

Rachel was pleased about the news but irked by Lucy being so affectionate. “That’s great to hear. We’ll start posting and tweeting that. Lucy, shouldn’t you be on a plane right now? Aren’t you on tour?” She was hoping to be alone with Tim for a few moments.

“I canceled this weekend to stay home with Tim. I hate leaving him.” She ran her thumb along his cheekbone and smiled when she realized he had not looked away from her since she sat in his lap. Lucy leaned in and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

There was a distant part of Tim’s mind where he wondered why she seemed to be touching and kissing him so much, but mostly, he really loved it. “I like calling you when you’re gone.” He found he tended to be more suave on the phone and less likely to be as tongue tied as their in person interactions.

“My favorite part of being on the road is hearing your voice,” Lucy said sweetly. “But, I like being right here.” She cupped his cheek and followed his deepening smile lines with her thumb as he grinned back at her. 

“Right here?” He asked playfully and looked down at how she was in his lap with her legs thrown across his and her hands glued to his body.

“Mhm this exact spot,” she confirmed, her voice low and sultry.

Tim dragged the knuckle of his pointer finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “I like the bed better,” he husked.

Lucy sunk her teeth into her bottom lip to barely hold back from sucking on his. She wondered if the flames in his eyes coursed down to his mouth and if she could taste that heat if she kissed him.

Honestly, Tim had not meant to sound so suggestive; he truly meant that he preferred how her body wrapped around his as they were laying in bed together the night before, but once he said the words, his mind started wandering beyond cuddling, and the desire in her eyes caused his breathing to hitch. It seemed she was thinking the same thing.

Rachel cleared her throat and felt warm. Their proclivity for ignoring the rest of the world as they spoke to each other was something she had witnessed in the locker room before; she never expected it to continue in their home. It made her feel as if she was imposing when really her plan was to be there for Tim and show him how she cared about him. To get the conversation back on track, Rachel said to Lucy, “Well, you don’t have to worry about him when you’re touring,” then, she bent her head slightly to try to catch Tim’s eye, but she was unsuccessful. Still, she spoke to him, “I’ll drop in and check on you when Lucy’s away. I can make sure you’re alright.”

“How thoughtful, but that won’t be necessary,” Lucy replied. “I’m in charge of making sure he’s alright. I’m not leaving him alone for a single day.”

“Really? So, Tim’s going with you on tour?” Rachel asked, her opinion that the idea was absurd was clear in her tone.

“That’s a great idea,” Lucy smiled and scratched his scalp. “What do you think about coming with me, babe?”

“Going with you?” Tim was confused by the offer, and she called him “babe” so easily, which she had only done so a handful of times when they were in public.

“Yeah, we can do your daily exercises from anywhere including a hotel room. If you come with, I don’t have to cancel any tour dates, and I don’t have to leave you. It’s a win win,” Lucy smiled.

“Do you really want me to come?” Tim inquired.

“Only if you want to be there.”

“That seems a little unorthodox to fly around and follow Lucy from city to city,” Rachel butted in despite the fact the couple was making unbreakable eye contact.

“I’ll follow her anywhere,” Tim said in response to Rachel, but he was too dazed to look away from Lucy. He had spent all night holding her and then over an hour of her warm body back against him, plus the way her fingers were in his hair and gently gathering in his t shirt enraptured him; he realized that it was one of his favorite things in the world to hold Lucy and have her hands on him anywhere. The only thing better, as far as he had experienced, was kissing her.

Lucy noticed how he seemed to be a bit entranced. When he told her he only has eyes for her, she did not expect that included conversations with other women. It made her feel weak. She angled her head up and ghosted his lips. She wanted to move closer, but then she remembered that someone else was there, and also, fleetingly, that she was not supposed to kiss him. Lucy whipped her head to look to Rachel and said, “Thanks so much for stopping by.”

“Oh, uhh,” she was surprised by the abrupt dismissal.

“Sorry, it’s just that Tim needs to rest. It’s an important part of his recovery,” Lucy tried to explain and realized she was blushing.

“Yeah, I need to lay down and elevate my leg. Mind coming with me, baby?” He asked. He wanted to pretend he only called her “baby”, because someone was there and they were trying to act like a convincing married couple, but Tim really wanted to try out how the term of endearment sounded. If the glint in her eye in response was any indication, Lucy seemed to like it.

“I’ll walk Rachel out, and then we can go upstairs,” Lucy said.

“So, with the ankle sprain, you have to be careful, right? No physical activity at all?” Rachel inquired, her jealousy hardly kept at bay.

“No, as long as I don’t put weight on my left foot, I can still do stuff,” Tim answered based on what the doctor told him.

His innocence was so adorable, Lucy smiled brighter. Maybe it was petty and purely because she was feeling territorial of her fake husband that she had real feelings for, but she quirked her eyebrow and added, “Yeah, we can still do stuff. Don’t worry.”

Speechless, Rachel adjusted the collar of her top and said, “Alright, then I’ll just go, but Tim, if you need anything, call me, okay?”

“Thanks, Rachel,” Tim said, his eyes flitting over to her for only a second before he watched Lucy stand from her spot in his lap. His hand heavily dropped when she stepped away, and he already missed her.

“Yes, thank you for stopping by,” Lucy tried to sound courteous as she shepherded Rachel out the door. When she returned to the living room, Tim had an inquisitive expression on his face. “What?” She questioned.

“What was that?” Tim asked as he stood from the couch. Lucy feigned cluelessness. “Oh, come on, Lucy, all the touching and calling me ‘babe’. I thought we weren't going to lie or pretend, and then you started putting on a show for Rachel of all people?”

“Yes, Rachel of all people,” she felt the ugliness of her jealousy infecting her veins. “She keeps flirting with you.”

“No, she doesn't,” he scoffed at the ridiculousness of her statement.

“You don't see it? She keeps trying to throw herself at you right in front of me like you're not mine.”

Tim was certain a greater man would not find her possessiveness so attractive, but he loved the way she said “mine”; she clearly knew that in his heart, he was aware that he belonged to her, but verbalizing it felt more important somehow. He took her hand and ran the pad of his thumb along her wedding band. As Tim unyieldingly stared into her eyes, he confirmed, “I don't care about her or any other woman for that matter. I am yours.” He watched her eyes soften as some of that fierceness began to subside. “But, I wish you didn't pretend like that.” Honesty and vulnerability tended to be difficult for him to express, yet Lucy was different. At first, it was because she was almost a stranger, and being truthful with someone he barely knew was easier than someone he knew quite well. After that, of course, Tim felt so much closer to her because of the place of honesty that their relationship was rooted in despite the public lie that brought them together. He wanted to cultivate a continued truthful foundation, which included learning to ask for what he wanted and being more vulnerable. He recognized that his honesty was always rewarded with hers, and in the moment, he desperately needed to combat the confusion causing his mind to spiral wondering if every touch meant more than being a theatrical show of their fake marriage.

“I wasn't pretending. I was just being a little more...,” she pondered the proper descriptor for a beat, “clear.” That was what she landed on as a succinct and honest characteristic to describe her actions.

“Clear?” He took a half step closer to her. Though Tim was towering over her, he felt powerless. He was, as usual, at her mercy and needing to understand what she meant.

“Yes, clear,” Lucy nodded. She reached up with her free hand to hold his bicep while the other remained in his. “If things were different, and we weren't trying to keep this platonic, I'd want to touch you like that all the time. I thought this went without saying, but since you didn't notice how obvious Rachel was being, well,” Lucy blew out a breath, “I told you I like you, and maybe I like you a little more than a little...more like closer to a lot.” She felt the telltale signs of falling in love so frequently around Tim; her heart was in a free fall and yet had never been safer than in his care. Their skating lesson opened her eyes to that realization, and despite how scared she was, she knew he was owed her honesty. “You know, something about being a songwriter is that you think about words and phrases differently. People say you fall in love. I think it's a really interesting phrase, because you know what happens to things that fall? They tend to break. It stands to reason that the expression comes from generations and generations that have learned the hard way that love eventually shatters us, which really sucks, since the falling part is fun. It's getting to the ground that's pretty miserable. I'm not ready to reach the ground with you, Tim. I don't know if I ever will be, but definitely. not right now. So, as much as I would love to act on everything I feel, I have to fight myself on that and try not to. That's the real reason why I keep saying we have to be friends, and you're better at respecting that boundary than I am, and maybe that's because I'm falling and you're not, or…”

“No,” he whispered firmly. There were about a thousand things he wanted to say to her in response to her babbling, but Tim had to stop her from speaking first. “That's not it.”

Her chest felt so warm as if it was probably hot to the touch. “It isn't?” He was admitting to being on the same page in his own quiet way, and she did not even know how to process that.

“No,” he repeated. “I've fallen on the ice a lot, and one time, I broke my arm. I was eleven, and I thought my dream of being a pro hockey player was over, since a break could mean my arm wasn't the same anymore, and I might not have the same control of the hockey stick anymore. You know what my doctor told me?” Lucy looked at him as she patiently waited for him to continue. “She said when we break something, the human body tries to put us back together, and it might look or feel different, but we can keep going. I sure did. My arm's fine now. I still got to play hockey after that. A break doesn't have to be the end. It sure wasn't for my future.”

“I never thought of it like that.” Her lip twitched upwards. “You're really smart.”

“Trying to beat that whole dumb jock stereotype,” Tim chided as an attempt at levity.

She snickered. “You can still be a little dumb sometimes. I mean, Rachel practically has a sign on her head saying she's interested.”

“Lots of people hit on professional athletes. I'm not fazed by it anymore just like I'm sure you aren't when people hit on you.”

“Most of the time.”

“There are a million things happening when you're out on the ice. Your teammates are screaming at you, your coach is, too, and then there are the fans and the other team's voices in your ear, but I have to focus on what I need to do. I have to tune everything else out and pay attention to what really matters like scoring. I don't tune you out.”

“Because, you're trying to score with me?” She asked slyly.

“Eventually,” he promised with a grin as his eyes roved her body.

“You're so confident. I wouldn't be so sure if I were you,” she shot back playfully.

“I thought we said we wouldn't lie to each other.” Tim leaned in and brushed his nose against hers as his eyes slipped closed. He felt her breath on his face and sucked in her air greedily. Whispering right against her mouth, he said, “We both know we'll consummate this marriage at some point.” He heard her shudder, which made his smile grow. “Believe me, I want to,” Tim's desirous tone left no room for misinterpretation. “But, I'm a gentleman. I'll buy you a couple dinners first. Probably flowers, too, and then...it won't be scoring, will it?” She let out a light moan that made his heart pound faster. “It's not a game. It's our life.” 

She willed her eyes to open to look up at him through her eyelashes. He said “our life” as something collective that they would share. Lucy liked the sound of that. “For someone who says it's not a game. You aren't playing fair.”

“I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just being honest.”

“Maybe it'd be easier if you lied to me.”

"Okay, then if I was lying, I'd say I don't want to kiss you right now.” He peered down at her through half lidded eyes and nudged his nose against hers.

What else?” Her voice was muffled in her own ears over her heart's loud, unsteady gallop.

“I'd say I don't like your hands in my hair.”

Lucy's fingers danced across his shoulder, then up his neck, and finally raking through the shortest hairs. “You don't like that?”

“Not at all,” he groaned.

Gravity on Earth felt weaker. It was like fighting every single atom in her body to resist falling right into him and escaping into the oblivion of Tim Bradford. Resisting was less and less appealing by the second. “You said you were going to lay down and elevate your leg, and you wanted me to come with, right?”

He made a tight sound to indicate a “yes”, but actually speaking while staring into her brown eyes that were darkening by the millisecond seemed impossible.

“You'll feel better if I'm with you, right?”

Tim breathed the faintest, almost imperceptible “yes”.

“Let's go,” she whispered. She loved having another chance to be in bed with him and let his arms envelope her. Though not exactly platonic, it felt a lot like surrendering to her screaming, begging, pleading atoms that wanted to give in, and Lucy was going to wave a white flag; her efforts had been valiant but no less futile.

Tim smirked as he tightened his grip on her hand. He was already looking forward to tucking her into his side. Before he could move past the first step on the staircase, there was a knock at their door that caused him to freeze.

She let the person knock again as she wondered if he would tell her to ignore whoever was interrupting them. Then, he blew out a breath and stepped back down from the stair. “We're moving somewhere with a strict no visitors policy,” she grumbled and went to the door.

He tried to bite back his smile, because she said they would move together, and he would have packed up all of his belongings that night if it meant going to a residence that was permanently theirs.

“Hey, okay, we've got a lot to talk about,” Tamara said as she shouldered into the house. “I stayed up all night, had a million cups of coffee, and I figured out how we can cancel the next six weeks and still make this tour work so you're not still performing this album in your seventies.”

Lucy rolled her eyes, because how could her dearest friend arrive at the absolute wrong time?

Tamara glanced up from her phone and saw how Tim seemed disappointed. “Did I...what's going on here?”

“Nothing,” Lucy assured smoothly. “Tim was just going to lay down.”

“Okay, go ahead. We'll talk down here,” Tamara dismissed him.

“I'm staying,” Tim wanted to be part of the discussion regarding her tour.

“We'll elevate your leg later,” Lucy promised him, and though those were the words she used, there was the subtext of promise that they could lay together for a while. He curtly nodded in understanding. “I've changed my mind about canceling, actually.”

“You have?” Tamara was both relieved and a bit irritated that she spent all night making a plan that would not be executed.

“I don't have to cancel if Tim comes with me. That way I can make sure I take care of him, and I won't disappoint my fans,” Lucy explained.

“Hang on, you want Tim to come on tour with you?”

“Yeah. He doesn't have to come to the actual concerts if he doesn't want to...”

“I'm going...if I can get a ticket, of course. You go to all my games, and I want to support you the same way.”

Lucy smiled. “You don't have to come.”

“Do you want me there?”

“I do.”

“Then, ask me for what you want.” She had made the same request of him, so it only seemed fair.

“Okay, Tim, can you come to at least one of my concerts each weekend? We'll get you a chair backstage so you won't be standing the whole time, and I'll make sure you have tons of water, and there's a medic on the team, and I'll tell them to have ice on hand if you need it, and-”

“Hey,” he said soothingly. “I'll be fine for a couple hours while you're on stage, okay? But only a few hours. Otherwise, I need you, 'cause after a while, my ankle hurts, and you make it better.”

“I do like making you feel better,” she said sweetly with a smirk. Making him feel better meant cuddling and kisses, and she was willing to give him both as frequently as he needed them…in a purely platonic way, of course.

“That's why you're the best wife.”

She preened at the compliment. “Thank you for agreeing to come with me. We'll be going to the Midwest for the next couple of weekends, and I know it won't be as glamorous or as pretty as when we were in New York together, but we can make the most of it.”

“I'm sure you make every city gorgeous. I’ll have fun with you no matter what.”

Lucy swooned very visibly, and she probably would have been embarrassed if there was room to care, but he called her the “best wife” and “gorgeous”, and she thought she was going to burst. “The chapter on compliments in your book is huge.”

“Just wait until I tell you what I think about that song you were working on the other day.”

“It's not ready for you to hear it yet.”

“Maybe I can help you write it, since it’s about me.”

“What do you know about writing a song?”

“I know how to inspire one. I can do that again if you want.” Tim had realized much later that after they kissed for the first time, Lucy started writing new music. If kisses yielded new songs, he was willing to help her compose a million albums with two sides, extended versions, and acoustic tracks.

She gathered his meaning rather quickly and suggestively replied, “Well, if it's for the album, you're just being a good friend and helping me out.”

“Exactly.”

“I think I'll have to take you up on your offer.” She bit her lip, but it was no use; her smile took over her entire face.

Tamara was feeling a mix of nausea and fondness while witnessing Tim and Lucy's exchange. They stood together hand in hand in a way that they probably had not noticed when they even interlaced their fingers. She would have let them continue had she not heard something that piqued her interest. “You’re writing music again?”

Lucy blinked then flicked her gaze to Tamara, who she had temporarily forgotten was in the room, and confirmed, “Just a song and a half, and I got an idea for a third a bit ago.”

“That’s great!” Tamara was delighted.

Bragging, Tim added, “The songs are about me.” 

“No kidding,” Tamara responded sarcastically. 

He did not like her tone. 

Lucy chuckled at his scowl then squeezed his hand, even though she had no idea when she had reached for his in the first place. “Hey, sit down on the couch. You need to stay off that leg.”

Tim obeyed and hobbled back over to the couch. Then, he tapped on his thighs expectantly.

She sprang into his lap with a happy sound.

“Oh, so this is a thing now?” Tamara asked, amused.

“It’s not a THING,” Lucy responded pointedly.

“Not yet,” Tim corrected with eyes full of promise.

“Not yet,” Lucy echoed quieter.

“Oh, brother,” Tamara groaned. “Okay, while you two are still being complicated, we need to film your apology video to your fans for rescheduling this weekend, and then add how you won’t be changing any other tour dates.”

Lucy looked at Tim and realized how close their faces were. “Want to film this video with me?” He did not seem that excited about it, so she added, “If not, I’ll have to get up.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be in the video.” He had just gotten her back in his arms. How was he supposed to let her go again?

She smiled smugly, because she had expected that. Then, she took her phone out of her pocket, selected the selfie camera, and pressed the record button before saying, “Hey, everyone, it’s me, Lucy. I wanted to say I am so sorry I won’t be coming to New Jersey this weekend, but we’ll be rescheduling those dates towards the end of my tour. I’ll still be coming by. I wouldn’t want to miss the chance to see all of you. I’ll be honest, I’ve never canceled a performance before, but my husband, this handsome guy right here, got hurt pretty badly during a game, and I want to stay home with him this week to make sure he’s alright. My fans and my music mean so much to me, and so does Tim, which is why he’ll be coming with me on tour for the next few weeks while he’s recovering. He’s seriously the best husband for agreeing to join me. I hope you all can understand why I want to stay home and take care of him. Again, I’m so sorry for canceling this weekend. I love you all! Bye from us!” She quickly posted the video on her socials then locked her phone and asked, “What now?”

“I guess that’s really all we needed to do if you aren’t canceling any more tour dates,” Tamara replied.

“You good with all of this?” Lucy asked Tim.

“Good. Yup,” Tim responded. “That was a nice video. You called me handsome.”

She cupped his cheek. “I meant it.”

“And, you said you’ve never canceled a show before?” He found that surprising. “Why would you volunteer to cancel for me?”

“I’ve never had a husband to take care of before. You’re my poor hurt baby,” she pouted.

He liked being her “poor hurt baby”, and he liked that she called him “handsome”. Tim rubbed a little circle on the small of her back to focus on the point he needed to make instead of her words. “Bu-but, this feels pretty huge. I feel like I’m hurting your career.”

Lucy trailed her fingers up down the back of his neck. “I don’t care.” He opened his mouth, so she stressed her point, “I DON’T care.” Tim seemed to still want to object, so she held his chin and threatened happily, “I’ll shut you up if I have to.”

“You promise?” He smirked. Part of him wanted to start speaking just so she would kiss him to keep him quiet.

She clicked her tongue. “I don’t even know how to deal with you sometimes,” she said fondly even though she was trying to sound annoyed.

“I’m so easy to deal with.”

“You’re not!” Lucy insisted.

“Are you kidding?”

Tamara rolled her eyes. As much as she wanted to continue listening to them bicker, she was thirsty, so she went into the kitchen and started opening up cabinets. In one of them, she found an obscene amount of different kinds of teas. “Uhh Lucy? Why do you have a million tea flavors?”

Lucy looked over at Tamara and the collection of tea she was gaping at in confusion. “That was a little romantic gesture from my husband. He might have gone a little over the top.” She buried her head in Tim’s neck as she blushed. “Tea is way better than flowers, by the way. If you want to buy me something other than dinner, tea is a better way to go,” she whispered against his skin.

“Noted,” he murmured into her hair and pressed his lips there.

“But, don’t buy me any more tea right now, though. We have way too much as it is,” she smiled.

Tim snickered. “You got it.”

“I don’t think they would even notice if I left right now,” Tamara thought aloud. “Yeah, I’m gonna go. Keep being gross if it means you write new music. Bye!”

Lucy glanced over at the front door as it was being shut behind Tamara. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“What about Tamara?”

“She left.”

“When?”

She laughed. “I saw her go. I think she said ‘bye’, but I don’t know.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No, babe, you’re perfect,” Lucy mused then stood. A thought came to her. “Those stairs can be a lot for your ankle. You can lay down on the couch right here.”

Ideally, it made sense. Tim much preferred staying on the main floor in favor of taking the stairs, but the bed had one positive draw that made hobbling up to the second floor worth it. “But, I’ll feel better on my bed.”

“Your couch is so comfortable. I’ve dozed off here a few times.”

“But, my bed can fit two people.”

She gathered that he was more concerned about cuddles than actually elevating his leg. “We’ll make it work. Lay down. Go on.” Lucy collected throw pillows to make a stack and placed his left foot up high enough. She watched as Tim tried to awkwardly twist the top half of his body to make space for her, and she tried not to laugh at how cute he was. “Remember when you taught me how to skate?”

“My best moment on the ice ever.” He was referring to the part when they kissed and not the actual skating portion.

Lucy gingerly straddled him then shifted until she was lying right on top of him. “I fell on you like this, and that was nice.”

“Mhm,” he hummed his agreement.

“Do you think this will make you feel better?”

Tim pulled her up higher on his body so her forehead was brought up to his lips. Then, he tightened his embrace. “Yeah, this is great.” Great was an understatement.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy was nervous about flying with Tim to Chicago for her weekend tour dates. She wanted him to be comfortable for the duration of the four hour flight, so she sat across from him in their big plush chairs and put his feet in her lap to carefully hold the ice for thirty minutes.

As much as he appreciated how she had doted on him all week, Tim was hoping she would stop fussing for a few minutes and sit with him. Instead, she recited his whole medical history to the flight crew as if they cared, then she parsed through the bag of ice provided to make sure it was “not too cold”, held onto his leg like she was keeping it from shattering, and constantly silently asking if he was feeling alright no matter how many times he said he was. Lucy was hovering more than usual, and he wanted to keep quiet about it, but then he heard her ask Tamara where the spare boot was. “What spare boot? I don’t need more than one walking boot, Lucy. I only hurt one ankle,” Tim said.

“I wanted to be prepared in case yours breaks,” Lucy explained.

“How’s that supposed to happen?”

“There’s a one in two thousand percent chance that boot will break under extreme conditions, and I don’t want us to have to run somewhere to find you another one.”

“A one in two thousand percent chance? What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing.”

He narrowed his eyes at her, pulled his legs away from her lap and leaned in. “Something’s going on with you. I can tell. Just say it.”

Lucy tried and tried again to speak, but she stayed silent as her eyes flitted around the jet.

Tim stood and outstretched his hand, which she took, then he walked them into the bathroom for some privacy away from the prying eyes of the other people part of her tour staff that were on the jet. Behind closed doors, he requested kindly, “Talk to me.”

“I-I’m sorry, okay? I’m not trying to smother you or anything,” she started.

He held onto her elbows and replied, “I don’t care if you smother me. I actually kinda like it to tell you the truth, but something’s off.”

“You’re not scared?”

“Of what?”

“Of when we touch down in Chicago.”

“It’s not that bad of a city. Don’t really like their pizza, but they’ve got a pretty good hockey team.”

Lucy scoffed. “I don’t care about their hockey team, and I actually do like their pizza, but I’m talking about us being out in public together in Chicago. I was so dumb to announce that you were coming with, and now there will be all these cameras and people following us from the second we touch down.”

“So what? We get followed and photographed all the time.”

“But, it’s our first time making a real public appearance since the wedding. We’re going to be scrutinized a-and overanalyzed from the second we walk onto that tarmac. What if we aren’t convincing enough? What if someone figures out that we never actually got married? If we get exposed, my fans will feel betrayed, and then you might not get your contract renewal, and-”

He moved to put her face in his hands. “Hey, no one’s going to figure anything out. We don’t have to put on a show or fake anything. We said we wouldn’t do that anyways. We’ll just go out there and be ourselves. If people don’t think we’re married, too bad. They can’t prove it, and I think we’re pretty convincing without trying.”

“But, Tim, if we aren’t convincing…” she paused and let out a dry laugh. “I was so selfish. I wanted to be by your side and take care of you, and I still wanted to go on tour. I wanted to have both, and I’m risking everything…”

“You’ve come to my games, right? Those are public appearances, and every time, you’ve been the best and most gorgeous hockey wife there. This isn’t any different than that.”

“Those don’t count, Tim. I’m just there to cheer you on and be supportive.”

“Which is all I’ll do when I’m here. Maybe there will be another sighting of us on the street or backstage, which is a little more than the hockey games, but it’s basically the same thing. We have nothing to worry about. Our secret is safe, baby. I promise.”

“If I screw this up and can’t be a good enough wife this weekend, then you won’t get the contract you deserve.”

“Do you seriously think you’ll screw up?” Tim asked. “How could you possibly screw up? You watched me make my protein shake once, and you make it for me every single day you’re home. You hold onto me whenever I want without me even having to ask, because you can just tell how alone I’ve been. You learned all about a sport just for me that when we met, you said was hitting a disk with a stick. You’ve done a better job helping me with my ankle exercises than any trainer or physical therapist I’ve ever had. The list goes on and on, Lucy. You couldn’t screw up if you tried, because all anyone can ever see when they look at you, is the first person who has ever really cared about me.”

“Tim,” she breathed and felt tears fill her eyes.

“You have nothing to worry about,” he whispered. “Let’s go out there and just be ourselves all weekend. I promise it’ll be okay.”

Lucy wanted to believe him. She hoped he was right. “Okay.” She blinked back from crying and nodded. “Okay.”

“I promise you,” he repeated before leaning in to peck her forehead.

She pulled him in for a hug and held him close as she said, “I’m sorry, Tim. We’ve been living in what feels like our own little world, and being so public in some other city, I don’t want to ruin this.”

“Well, I like our own little world.” Tim smiled against her head. Then, he paused and rocked back to look at her. “Ruin?”

“If anyone finds out we didn’t get married, then it’ll be over between us.” She nervously tangled her fingers in his flannel shirt.

He deflated hearing the true reason for her anxiety. “Over? We haven’t even really started. I told you the second this public marriage ends, I can ask you out. So, let them figure it out. I just get you faster.”

“Tim, I’m serious.”

“So, am I. I don’t care about this publicity stuff for a second. I just like that I have an excuse to be around you, and I know that you think the same way.”

“Of course I do,” she responded quietly. “You know I do.”

“Great. Then, we’ve got nothing to worry about,” he shrugged.

“I guess you’re right,” she sighed. “I’ll, uhh, ease up on the nurse routine.”

“Well, I mean, I’m still injured.”

“How much does it hurt right now?” She asked with a half smile.

“Enough.”

She chuckled and took his hand to drag him out of the bathroom. If anyone on the jet was judging them for what might have transpired in the bathroom, Lucy did not notice. She only pointed at the chair Tim had previously occupied and waited for him to sit down before settling into his lap. It was comfortable, easy, and a new normal. She had been crawling into his lap and his side for over a week every chance she could. They fit so well together given their height difference that Lucy constantly yearned to be held by him and drop kisses on his neck, shoulder, or cheek, and though both of them claimed to cuddle together under the guise of making Tim feel a little better about his injury, they were aware it was a silly excuse even if they failed to say so aloud. She combed a hand through his hair and murmured, “We don’t touch down for another hour. Can we stay like this until then?”

“I’ll take what I can get,” Tim said honestly with a grin that made Lucy giggle.

Chapter Text

As the private jet began its descent into Chicago, Lucy looked up at Tim from her spot in his lap, and she whispered, “Can you do me a favor?” He nodded. “If there’s any paparazzi out there, can you like hold my hand or something? I know we said we wouldn’t fake anything, so I don’t expect you to do anything you don’t want to, but something affectionate would be good for the cameras.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear then leaned in to murmur, “Let me be clear, I don’t care if there are a million cameras or we’re alone. I’m not faking anything,” his hand around her waist traveled down to her thigh before he continued, “I’m not going to do anything that I don’t want to do. You said that you were being more clear about your feelings in front of Rachel, well, so am I.” Tim’s index finger lightly drew a pattern on her thigh.

She loved how the simplest touch from him could cause sparks to shoot everywhere. Lucy nodded. “Then, it’s only fair that I agree to those terms, too.”

“Okay.”

“I would say we should shake on it, but there are people around, so that might look weird.”

“We could kiss on it. For the purpose of, you know, agreeing to this commitment to being authentic.”

“Tim,” she squinted her eyes at him.

“You’re right. I should ask for what I want. Lucy, can I please have a kiss?” He asked, feigning innocence.

“There’s no good reason to be anything but platonic.”

“People are around.”

“We don’t have to convince THEM. I’m already in your lap.”

“I hurt my ankle, you know. Don’t you want to make me feel better?”

“How long do you plan on using this ankle sprain to get kisses?” She snickered.

“I don’t know. How much longer until I get my contract renewed?”

“Maybe not for a while. You said the Kings won’t re-sign you until after you’ve recovered and show them you’re fit to return to the ice.”

“We’re in a bit of a catch-22 here, because I would break my leg to have a longer recovery time that I need you for, but nothing can really happen between us until I get my contract.”

“Don’t break your leg!” She playfully whacked his chest. “This ankle sprain is worrying me enough.”

“Have I mentioned you worrying about me is very hot?”

She blushed and tried to screw her face in a way that she would not smile, but it proved ineffective. “Stop!”

“You wanna make me?” He challenged with a raised eyebrow. His eyes dropped to her full lips then back up, and since she stayed perfectly still, he said, “You bought me a second walking boot because of the microscopic chance the one I’m wearing will break. Very hot. And…”

“Okay!” Lucy exclaimed in surrender, grabbed his face, and crashed her mouth against his. She felt his smile in response, but she wiped that away when she sucked on his bottom lip.

Tamara glanced over at them and rolled her eyes. “I said they're a thing. I knew it,” she whispered under her breath.

Only when the jet landed did Lucy pull away from his mouth, and she had to hold back from grinning too widely at how dazed Tim looked as he tried to chase her lips for more. She checked out the window, and unsurprisingly, there was paparazzi crowding the fence with their cameras trained on her plane.

“Ready?”

“You have nothing to worry about,” he assured her in a low voice. A security guard deplaned first, and then, Tim wound his arm around her shoulder and quietly said, “We're walking down these stairs just like how you help me at home.”

She nodded in understanding and hugged him at his hip. They descended the stairs from the jet to the tarmac just as she insisted helping him walk down the stairs at home. Lucy tucked her chin into his shoulder shyly. She was never meek in front of the cameras, yet she was nervous walking with Tim and wondering if she could convince the public that their “fake” marriage was real.

“Hey,” he murmured into her hair, “we're doing great.” He opened the door to the Cadillac Escalade that was waiting for them and let her slide into the car first before he followed suit.

Lucy exhaled loudly once they were alone in the back seat of the car, and she reached out to wrap her arms around Tim in an embrace she desperately needed.

He could feel her heart hammering in her chest how she was pressed against him, so he combed his fingers through her hair and hauled her into his lap. “It's okay, Lucy. It's okay, baby,” Tim whispered.

“I'm sorry,” she mumbled against his neck.

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“Do you think they bought it?”

“Yeah, Luce, I think we were convincing.”

She felt better hearing him say so, but she was still a bit unsure. Then, he seemed to be shifting and moving her off his lap, so Lucy gripped him tighter. “Hang on,” she said.

Tim smiled. If she wanted to keep holding onto him, he was not going to complain but only pull her in closer. Tamara and Lucy had discussed the weekend itinerary to prepare Tim for the trip to Chicago for those three days of the tour, but admittedly, he had not exactly been paying attention when they were speaking, because Lucy decided it would be a good idea to wear a low cut cropped sweatshirt that showed her midriff and cleavage to an overwhelmingly distracting degree as she went over all of the details. All Tim had gleaned from that conversation was that he wanted Lucy to swear that sweatshirt every single day. So, when they drove from the private airstrip directly to the stadium where Lucy was going to be performing, he was a bit surprised. “What are we doing here?”

“Soundcheck. I thought we went over this,” Lucy replied before getting out of the Escalade first.

“You're right. We did,” he said, because they technically HAD. He made a mental note to try to pay better attention to her even if he had to wrap her in a blanket as they spoke.

“Don't worry, you'll be sitting in a chair the whole time, and then we'll still be on schedule to do your daily exercises.”

“I'm not worried.” Honestly, Tim trusted Lucy with his care implicitly. They were escorted to the backstage area, and staff members ran to them to start putting a microphone in her hand and place something in her ear.

As she smiled gratefully, she regarded the swarm of people around her sweetly, “Hey, guys, wait a sec. I can't start my soundcheck until I get my husband set up first. Can someone get him a folding chair? He's got a high ankle sprain, so he can't stand.”

Tim rolled his eyes at her fondly, because she kept making it a point to share his diagnosis with everyone as if anyone else was as concerned about his condition as she was. He observed as she took a metal folding chair in one hand before pulling him into her other side.

“Come on, Tim. I'm about to set you up in the best seat in the house,” Lucy said and took him over to the front edge of the stage closest to the floor seats. She set up the chair and motioned for him to sit. “Enjoy the show,” she winked and spun around.

And, enjoy the show he did. She took his breath away as she sang a few songs acoustically while dancing around stage keeping eye contact with him, her only audience member. Her long sundress swished and swayed around her as she moved in what he thought was a more seductive way than what he remembered of her concert. Lucy was always luminescent, but there was something about seeing her on a stage performing that made her glow impossibly brighter somehow. Then, Tim almost lost consciousness when she pulled up a stool and a microphone stand right in front of him to strum her guitar and sing a few more songs right to him.

There was a time when Lucy thought she had written everything there was to experience when it came to love and heartbreak, but as she sang her lyrics to Tim, she thought of a million more ways to describe what he stirred in her. While others had swept her away in a storm, it was unexpectedly and wholly different with him. There was an initial spark with Tim, of course, but what followed was a steady heat, and just when she grew comfortable with the warmth, he found a way to fan the flames ever so slightly to thrill and unsettle her once more, keeping her positively captivated and eager for the next time he would surprise her with a burning even more delightful. Every touch, every smile they exchanged, every time his name flashed across her phone’s screen, and every little fact she learned about him seemed to be a marvel all its own as if uniquely special only to them; as if no one else had ever put their hands on the small of someone else’s back, as if no humans had ever shared matching grins, as if two people had never in the history of the world found themselves enamored by the sound of the other’s voice. Tim had taught her in his quiet way that there was more to learn and explore about love, and so long as he was her teacher, Lucy vowed to be the greatest student that studied and grew under such tutelage, and in place of exams, she would show her competency through songs written for and because of him. She wanted endless albums full of songs about her feelings for him. A soft, optimistic voice inside of her encouraged Lucy that there was a microscopic chance he could influence her music until the end of time, and she could have him forever despite her track record, and with that hope, she stood from the stool, stepped around the microphone stand, and bent low to kiss him without warning. Lucy only savored Tim for a few moments before she pulled back to read his reaction. Aside from his shock was adoration, which caused her lip to twitch upwards. “How’d you like your first soundcheck?”

He nodded slightly as there was a delay in his speech. “Th-that was good,” Tim finally replied dumbly.

“You get seventeen more while you’re out in tour with me for the next six weeks.”

“Oh-kay.” SEVENTEEN MORE? He would get to watch her dance around and sing in an intimately private performance regardless of the fact that they were in the middle of a huge football stadium, and then afterwards, he might even get a kiss seventeen more times? Tim did not think that even in his prime physically fit condition he could withstand seventeen more iterations of her circling her hips to the music or the alluring way her voice seemed to change when singing certain lyrics while staring directly into his soul. His heart would most certainly give out before witnessing seventeen more soundchecks, but what a way to go.

“Unless you don’t want to come anymore.”

“N-no, no, this was nice.” Tim would never turn down the chance to watch her perform even if it would end him.

“You’re a very captive audience, you know. I like singing for you.”

“Mhm,” he hummed.

“I’ll thank everyone, and then we can head to the hotel. Please, stay in this chair until I come back.”

He was fairly certain his legs were not operating properly at the moment anyway, so he followed her instruction. When she walked back over to him, there was another woman at her side.

“Tim, this is the medic for my tour, Bailey. She travels with the bus from city to city,” Lucy introduced then looked to Bailey. “Now, Bailey, I know your job is to treat me if I get hurt or something, but while my husband is here, I need him to be your first priority. He’s got a high ankle sprain that we’re treating with an exercise regiment, physical therapy two times a week, and a walking boot. Tim is not supposed to be on his feet, so I need you to make sure he’s in a chair for the entire concert, and I need you to have ice on hand in case he needs it, oh, and he needs to have his leg elevated for the first hour of the concert. He’s a tough patient, but,” Lucy tilted her head as she met Tim’s gaze to pointedly say, “my husband is going to listen to you while I’m out on stage and can’t take care of him. Right?”

“Fine,” he sighed. He eyed Bailey; she was a short and pretty woman with brown hair and chocolate eyes. She seemed kind. “For the record, I can take care of myself.”

“You can?” Lucy asked feigning disbelief.

“Just for three hours, and then I need you,” he pouted.

“This is what I’m talking about, Bailey. My poor baby needs round the clock care. I’m trusting you with my husband. Please watch him.”

“You got it,” Bailey said seriously; she could tell how important it was to Lucy that Tim was looked after, which was incredibly sweet.

“Thank you, Bailey. This means a lot to me,” Lucy smiled and pressed her hands together in gratitude.

Bailey waved at them and walked away. 

Tim looked at Lucy inquisitively before he patted his thighs to gesture for her to sit with him. She flashed him a devilish smirk, because of course she was toying with him; still, she plopped herself in his lap and threw her arms around his neck. “Don’t you think it’s a little extreme to have a trained medical professional watching me for three hours? I hurt my ankle. I’m not terminally ill.”

“I’m not taking any chances with your recovery. You’re on my tour. You’re following my rules. Got it?”

“Yeah, okay,” he agreed quickly to her firm voice.

“Good. Now, we gotta take you back to the hotel to do your ankle exercises.”

“Sure.” Tim searched the stage to confirm that all of the crew members were busy running around doing last minute tasks and not looking at them. “We should talk about that kiss.”

“Did I cross a line? I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. It just sorta happened…”

He cupped her cheek. “I’m not sorry. I’m just making sure you’re keeping your word. It wasn’t…”

“No, I wanted to. Not for show. I wanted to. We’re never going to pretend.” She scraped his scalp in a pattern until the concern in his eyes faded away.

“That’s the last time I’ll ask.”

He seemed apprehensive. “Hey,” she whispered. “You ask for what you want even if it’s just asking me if I want you, and I’ll do better to tell you. Would that help?”

It sounded nice to hear her assurances. “Yeah…that works.”

She smiled and lightly kissed his lips,  then each cheek, and his jaw in a few spots, and finally the tip of his nose. He was grinning widely, which was exactly what Lucy was hoping to elicit. “You are the best man in the world. You know that?”

“Nowhere close,” Tim responded humbly.

“You are to me. My perfect husband,” she mused. “Now, if you want to keep being my perfect husband, we need to go to the hotel and exercise that foot.”

“Alright. You can get up.”

“Wow, you’re letting me go just like that? Normally, you try to make me stay, and now you’re telling me to get off of you? The honeymoon phase is so over,” she sassed.

“The honeymoon phase isn’t over,” Tim promised her. “I’m playing the long game. You see, the second I finish with my exercises, and you set me up on the bed to rest, we get to take a nap together.” He might have whined a little too dramatically about how much he did not like all of the exercises Dr. Stevens prescribed, so Lucy made him a deal that after every day’s regiment, she would cuddle up with him to make his recovery a bit better.

Pleased with his logic, she smiled. “Okay, handsome, let’s go to the hotel.”

“Handsome?” He murmured happily then stood up. Tim tugged her into his side and said, “I keep thinking you’re the most gorgeous crutch in the world.”

She nuzzled his shoulder to stop her big dopey smile from getting any bigger throughout their walk away from the stage to their car. When they reached their suite, Lucy wanted to explore the space and pick out which bed she would sleep in, and which one Tim would…but, the problem was there seemed to be only one bedroom in the massive suite. “Looks like I’ll stay on the couch.”

“What? No. I’ll take the couch.”

“In your condition? You’re injured. You’re not spending the night on the couch.”

“You know, we share a bed when you nap with me, and-and you’ve slept with me at night before…n-not like THAT. You know what I mean.”

“Right. It’s not weird. We can sleep together for the weekend. Married couples sleep next to each other all the time.”

Tim nodded.

Lucy did not want to dwell on the fact that they would be staying together in the same bed for three nights, so she had to change the subject and tell him, “We’ve got to do your exercises now.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim felt Lucy move where she was laying on top of him. “What are you doing?” He mumbled, his voice dry, and only one of his eyes was open as he was still waking up from his nap.

“I gotta get to the stadium to start getting ready,” she rasped. “I’ll see you backstage when you get there.” She brushed her lips on his stubble and tried to shift off of him, but he gripped her tighter. “I gotta go,” she giggled.

“Sure. I’m coming with you.”

“Not now. I’ll be in hair and makeup for the next hour and a half. You can stay and rest.”

“What kind of husband would I be if I let you leave without me?”

“The kind that doesn’t want to be bored.”

“I’m going,” he said before he eased his hold on her, and even though he let her go, Tim frowned when she stood away from him. He took some semblance of joy from the knowledge that he would get to sleep next to her that night.

At the stadium, Lucy introduced everyone buzzing around backstage to her husband, then her hair and makeup team asked her to go into her dressing room, and she told them to wait until she could locate Bailey. “Hey, Bailey, your patient is here.”

“I’m not her patient,” Tim scoffed.

Lucy reached up to touch his cheek. “You’re going to be a good patient for me. I can’t worry about you when I’m on stage. Please.”

He rolled his eyes more for drama’s sake, because the second her eyes locked on his, Tim knew he was going to do whatever Lucy wanted.

“Thank you,” she said smugly.

Bailey commented, “You two are so cute. I’ll take care of him for you, Lucy. Even if I have to tie him down.”

“Hmm tying Tim down? Sounds fun,” Lucy smirked then sashayed over to her dressing leaving Tim slack jawed.

“Aren’t you going to follow her?” Bailey asked him.

“Yup, yeah,” he responded and walked down the corridor where Lucy had disappeared. He opened the door to her dressing room to find her giggling with her hair and makeup team. The most unbelievable thing about Lucy is that she can be so impossibly sexy and positively adorable at the same time. He was in endless awe of her.

She caught his eye in the mirror and smiled at the glint lightening the blue hue. “Keep your weight off that foot. Sit down,” she requested with a playful lilt. Lucy adored how he looked at her sometimes with something unmistakably fiery in his gaze just for her, confirming nonverbally the he wanted her. It was always nice to be wanted, but when Tim Bradford wanted her, well, that was DIFFERENT. That was better.

“If that’s what you want,” he replied and stepped around her chair and the person styling her hair. He defiantly sank into her lap. Lucy drew him to her just from the sound of her giggles, and so if she gave him an opportunity to be a little forward, he was going to take it.

“TIM!” She squealed.

“You said I have to sit down. Now, THIS is the best seat in the house.”

Lucy’s hairstylist had to put down the bottle of hairspray she was holding, because she was laughing too hard.

“I have to get my hair and makeup done. You are being so distracting!” Lucy whined.

“Now you know what it feels like,” he replied.

“Are you complaining?”

“Not at all.”

“Good,” she smirked. “Now, get up so I can get ready.”

“I was following your orders to sit down, and now you want me to stand up? Which is it?”

“Sit on the couch, you smart ass,” she chuckled.

“Yes, ma’am,” Tim smiled and kissed her forehead before standing up.

Lucy rolled her eyes and looked over at her hairstylist who was still folded over in laughter. “He’s so lucky he’s cute,” she said, trying to sound annoyed, but her voice came out sweet and happy. She tried to focus on getting her hair and makeup done, but she kept looking over at Tim through the mirror. He was stretched out on the couch laying on his back, and Lucy kept thinking about joining him. She wanted to rest her cheek on his shoulder and press her forehead to the side of his neck how she had grown accustomed to. His body seemed to be made for her when they cozied up together, and that was where she wanted to belong; she wanted to crawl over to Tim and hold onto him forever.

He caught her staring, and his heart raced just because Lucy’s eyes and small smile were more than enough to undo him. Thankfully, he was laying down or he might have fallen over.

When it was time to change into her outfit for the concert, her team left the dressing room, but Tim stayed behind, because he had no idea what was happening if his hazy look was any indication. Lucy stood from her chair when they were alone and said, “I have to change now.”

Tim blinked, and then he understood what she meant, so he shot up from the couch and went to the door.

“Hold up. Would it be weird if my husband left the room while I was changing?” She wondered.

“I don’t care. That’s going too far. I’ll be right outside.”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable? No, it’s just that we’re not there yet…not yet.”

“Not yet,” she agreed and took his hands. “But, we will be.”

Tim took a step closer and lowered his voice, “When that happens, you’re not going to change in front of me. You’ll take your clothes off for me, and I don’t want you to put any back on.”

She was sure the sun never burned her like his words did, and she started blushing everywhere. Lucy whispered, “Not any clothes? I want to wear your jersey sometime.”

“My jersey?”

“Your jersey and nothing else,” she finished sharing her fantasy and gazed at him through her eyelashes.

“I’m just gonna quit hockey,” he grunted.

She dragged her hands up his forearms, then his biceps, across his shoulders, and landed on his neck. “Don’t do that,” she murmured.

“It’s tempting,” he admitted, yearning for the end of their friendship to have something more, but then again, there were perks already. Tim could blur the lines of platonic with Lucy, and he was grateful for every opportunity to do so. He settled his hands on her hips and husked, “I’ve never wanted anything more than hockey before you.”

“Me?” She could not believe what he said. No one wanted her above all else, especially someone like Tim who dedicated his entire life to his career. A career he put above everything. A sport that had been his life. Surely, he could not be serious.

“You,” Tim whispered with conviction.

Lucy appreciated how he felt, but she knew, “If you really mean that right now, you’ll change your mind.”

“I don’t know who made you think that’s true, but I don’t change my mind.”

“You were sure you didn’t have time for someone, and now here you are on tour with me.”

“Well, I WAS right. I don’t have time for SOMEONE. I only have time for you.”

There was a knock on her dressing room door. “Just a second!” Lucy called. “I have to change. I’m sorry, Tim, I have a lot of people out there. I can’t keep them waiting.”

He kissed her cheek then stepped out of the dressing room to give her privacy. When she reopened the door in a long, black and gold dress looking drop dead gorgeous, Tim was grateful Bailey ushered him over to his chair on the edge of the stage right out of sight of the fans shouting and cheering as they waited for Lucy to take the stage. He outstretched his hand to grab her wrist before she could go out and perform. “Good luck, wife,” Tim said.

“I don’t need luck. I’ve got you here.”

Tim watched Lucy command her stage and sing for hours; finally, he knew most of the lyrics to all of her songs, so he was able unabashedly sing along. If he cared, he would think we was making a fool of himself, but she generated energy that thrummed all around him and seemed to seep into his bones. Live music had never been so transcendent, but he experienced everything with Lucy in a whole new light. She turned her head to smile right at him where he was sitting in the wings, and he knew she was planning something. When she started singing his favorite one of her songs, “Possibility”, as her encore performance, Tim got on his feet to sing along.

When a huge crowd was cheering and screaming her name, Lucy usually wanted to relish in it, but she bowed and darted over to Tim to fling herself into his arms.

He only had one foot to balance him and the FORCE that was Lucy running right into him, so he lost his footing and fell on his back with her on top of him.

She huffed when they landed on the ground, and then she surged up to kiss Tim. Lucy got a little swept up in the adrenaline and excitement of her performance, and then she saw him smile and sing backstage, and she just had to have him, so Lucy ended up racing over and diving right into him. 

Tim was happily surprised but got on board rather quickly. At some point when they broke apart to breathe, it was pretty dark, and he could barely see her eyes, so he tried to part the curtain of her hair that was all around his face. “We gotta stop ending up on the floor like this.”

“I kinda like it,” she smiled. At first, Lucy kept finding herself moving closer to him, then they ended up holding each other, but being right on top of him was such an upgrade.

“Okay,” he agreed.

“Lucy! Tim! Guys!” Tamara said, since they seemed to be oblivious to their surroundings. Lucy and Tim picked an unguarded place for their kiss. With so many people and cameras around, they had to go somewhere private for security’s sake.

She looked up at the people circling her and Tim. “Sorry,” Lucy apologized and stood before she took Tim’s hand to walk with him to her dressing room. Before she could even turn on the light, firm hands grabbed her and pushed her against the still closing door, and her gasp was completely swallowed by his hot mouth devouring her.

As far as Tim was concerned, they had yet to finish what Lucy started, so he was just resuming it. She tasted like electricity as if all that she had generated when she was on stage was still buzzing on the tip of her very assertive tongue. He distantly wondered if he would taste the same after a hockey game, and so he tucked the idea away to try that theory out after the next time he played. 

Lucy dug her fingers into his back like she was holding on to survive, and maybe there was a chance she would perish if he stopped claiming her mouth with an unmatched ferocity that made her want to cry out that she belongs to him. But, there was no oxygen for crying out; her lungs were burning from being so empty, and yet Lucy would not let go. He did, though; Tim panted as he inhaled, and she distantly knew it was a bad idea, but she went back to him for another searing, somewhat breathless kiss.

Oxygen seemed useless; breathing was an inconvenient activity Tim wanted no part of, since it took her away from him. Someone knocked, and Lucy angled her head to speak, which he took as invitation to move his lips over her newly exposed neck.

“Who is it?” She asked frustratedly, because whoever dared to interrupt her in the midst of being taken apart by Tim’s mouth was her number one enemy. Her annoyance was slightly soothed by how he sucked on her neck that caused her eyes to roll back.

“Security, ma’am. We have to take you to your secure location. Your convoy is ready,” her main security guard said.

Lucy whined. “Tim,” she whispered and was smiling at the fact that he had not stopped or even acknowledged that she said his name. His mouth was right on her collarbone in a spot where she would have loved him to leave a hickey, but that would have to wait. “Tim,” she repeated while threading her fingers through his hair and gently tugging. He hummed in response. “I-I have to change,” she said quietly. “And then, we can head back to the hotel.”

Tim wrenched his mouth away once he digested her words. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I got a little carried away.”

“I’m not sorry,” she grinned. “Give me five minutes to take this dress off.”

“Okay.” He knew he had to let her go, but his body was delaying that inevitability. With great effort, Tim stepped back, releasing her from being pinned against the door, and then he was able to leave her dressing room.

They were silent as they walked through the arena to the big black car in the center of her convoy, and that silence continued for the drive to the hotel. Once they were alone in their suite, Lucy hoped Tim would share whatever was on his mind, so she stood still and waited.

“We’re really bad at being platonic,” he stated the obvious.

“I’ll be honest, I’m not trying that hard,” she admitted.

“Me neither.”

“Good.”

“Good. Let’s go to bed.”

“I can’t. My muscles are killing me. I have to take a bath, but you go ahead and sleep, okay?”

“Can I get you anything to help?”

“No, I’m good. Thank you.” Lucy walked with him into the bedroom. “Good night, husband.”

He considered reaching out to touch her, but then he decided against it, so he only replied, “Good night, wife,” and watched her step into the bathroom before hearing the faucet turn on. Tim tried. He really, really tried not to think about the fact that she was soaking in a tub without any clothes on in the other room, but his restless mind was unwilling to let that thought go. He stared at the ceiling and felt like a different person almost as if he had become an enlightened man. Lucy had changed everything. She had recolored his universe in bright hues. Hockey had been his only concern for years, but he had not thought about the sport or his career for the entire day, and if anyone asked him who he played for as he was on the ground with Lucy on top of him, Tim would not have been able to remember his team’s name. The Kings, right? Overwhelmed by his restless mind, he shut his eyes.

Exhausted and relaxed, she exited the bathroom and smirked at the fact that he was laying on the edge of her side of the bed…not that they had sides or regularly shared a bed; he just tended to occupy the other side of the mattress. Lucy could have then stepped around to slip into the bed where there was more space, but she decided against it. The adrenaline had evaporated leaving her so tired she could barely move, but she used the last of her energy to scoot right over to him into some uncoordinated partially touching position that Lucy was not consciously aware of as she drifted to sleep.

Tim had rested his eyes but was still partially awake when she got into bed. He wanted to take her in his arms or at least get closer to Lucy, but she went over to him before his tired limbs could even move. Tim had always considered himself to be a practical man, but she made him believe in magic, or perhaps he found something far more real than magic, or religion, or the stars like what others placed their faith in. He believed in Lucy. She was someone to pledge his allegiance to and place his faith in. The scent of her bubble bath wafted in his nose as her soft hands rested on him, and Tim knew he was officially converted.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Chicago had been three blissful days of captivating soundchecks, incredible concerts, restorative naps, and more moments holding onto each other than apart. Lucy was buzzing when they touched down in Los Angeles. She took Tim’s hand for the short walk on the tarmac from the private jet to their car, because she could. Because, she wanted to. Because, her fingers yearned to be interlaced with his. They sat in the back of the car right next to each other without any space between them. She twisted her pointer finger in the collar of his shirt and asked, “Did you have a good time on tour?”

Tim settled his hand high on her thigh and replied, “I can’t wait to do it all again next weekend.”

“You’re kinda like my groupie.”

“I didn’t know being a groupie could be so fun.”

She grinned. “If I had known what it was like to have you around, I would’ve asked you to come on the road for my last two tours.”

“When I’m off-season, I’m going on your next tour every single weekend,” he promised and gave her a quick peck.

“You better be there for the next tour. The whole album will probably be about you.”

“Really, then it’s only right I take a more active role in helping with your album.”

Lucy pulled her phone out of her pocket to show him. “I write lyrics in my notes when I think of them. I even woke up thinking of a melody this morning.” She had opened her eyes early to the sight of him curled into her. She ran her fingers through Tim’s hair and along his stubble, and then the notes just came to her so easily. The lyrics started forming in her mind as she recorded herself humming the music. She would have written more words down, but Tim stirred, so she abandoned her phone to hold him tighter.

“Do I get to hear any of these songs?”

“Soon. They’re not ready yet.”

“If you need more inspiration, all you have to do is ask. We’re supposed to ask for what we want, right?”

“You’re right. I’ll ask for some help inspiring me when we get home, but first, we need to do your ankle exercises for the day. No slacking, Bradford.”

“Of course not.”

“How does your foot feel today?”

“Pretty good, actually…not that I don’t need your help. It still hurts sometimes.” He forgot all about the walking boot and the ankle sprain except during the time they were doing his daily exercises; aside from that sliver of time, Tim had not thought about his injury. He did not have to pout or fake any pain, because thankfully, Lucy went to him easily all weekend without the need for a lame excuse. 

“We can’t have that.” 

“No, we can’t,” he grinned and put his arm around her.

They reached home, and Lucy was surprised by Angela rushing to meet them at the front door. “What’s going on, Ang?”

“I‘ve been waiting for you to come home! You’re in deep trouble,” Angela replied pointing her finger accusingly at Lucy.

Tim let them into the house but did not speak in favor of listening.

“Me?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, Armstrong’s pissed by the way you told him off,” Angela explained.

“What is she taking about?” Tim asked Lucy.

She had completely forgotten about what happened almost two weeks prior. “I might’ve had a disagreement with the team owner.”

“A disagreement? What does that mean?” Tim asked.

“I told him he better renew your contract soon,” Lucy answered.

“You what?”

“I heard her. It was more like a demand,” Angela butted in.

“Mind giving us some privacy, Angela?” Lucy requested, since their friend was not helping the situation.

Tim crossed his arms and waited until Angela left the house to ask, “You demanded that the owner of the  Kings, THE Nick Armstrong, renew my contract?”

“We’ve been married for a while now, Tim. I don’t know why we have to keep waiting.”

“So, you called him and told him to renew my contract?”

“No, he was in the same box as Angela and I for the game where you got injured.”

“You confronted him at the GAME? In PUBLIC?” He could not believe Lucy inserted herself in HIS business, but then to do so in such a public way was shocking and potentially career ending.

“Well, yeah, I saw him there and thought it was the perfect opportunity to-”

“Humiliate him?” He cut her off baring his teeth, seething.

“If he’s humiliated, I’ll apologize. I just thought it was time we cleared the air!”

“Oh, you’ll APOLOGIZE? A lot that’s gonna do now! He’s PISSED, Lucy!”

“Well, so am I that you don’t have your contract yet!”

“You had NO right to order him to do that!”

“I had EVERY right! I’m your wife-”

“YOU’RE NOT MY WIFE!” He sneered.

Lucy physically recoiled as his words sliced her deeply. Since the beginning of their “fake” marriage arrangement, they had referred to each other as husband and wife, and frankly, they started to act like a proper married couple. Hearing him reject her as someone who was not his wife took all of the fun, joy, comfort, and yes, the beginnings of love out of their pseudo marriage that felt more real than any relationship she had ever been in.

Tim’s words seemed to echo in the hurt splashed across Lucy’s face and the crushing quiet of the house where they stood perfectly still. He knew he said something he should not have. He opened his mouth to apologize, but she raised her hand to stop him.

“You’re right,” she agreed quietly, pain deepening her tone and causing her voice to waver. “This is supposed to be a fake marriage for the sake of your career, and we should act like it. Let’s not get confused anymore.” Lucy felt her eyes start to sting. “Let’s do your exercises, and then I’m going back to my house for a day or two so we can cool off.”

“W- Lucy…”

“Exercises. Let’s do them. Now,” she pointed in the direction of the gym, and so he marched in that direction (it was an attempt at marching, but ended up looking quite wobbly given the bulky walking boot altering his steps). Without saying a word other than counting repetitions of his daily exercises, Lucy helped him stretch his ankle and foot, and then she went upstairs to gather some belongings.

Tim was supposed to rest as he always did, since his whole foot was achy after working it out so well, but he waited by the bottom of the stairs for her to return. He hated how quiet she had been. She had never been so silent.

She wiped her tears, finished stuffing a tote bag of her clothes that she needed for a few days, and went down the stairs.

“I’m sorry, Lucy, I didn’t mean-”

“You were right. We need to pretend to be married for our careers. I shouldn’t be hurting yours acting like I have a right to defend you. I’ll be by tomorrow to do your exercises.”

“Come on, you don’t have to leave.”

“I do, actually. Our fake marriage is getting a little too real, don’t you think?”

“That’s fine by me.”

“You can’t pick when it’s fine and when it isn’t. You don’t like that I was advocating for you? Well, that’s the kind of wife I am. The one that fights for you. That’s who I am, Tim. I’m a fierce protector. You marry me, you marry all of me, and since you pointed out that we aren’t actually married, you don’t have to accept me for who I am. You don’t even have to like me.”

“But, I do. We have feelings for each other.” He gestured between them.

“Doesn’t mean our relationship will work. Hasn’t worked the last dozen or so times. Ask Emmett.”

“Are you comparing me to Emmett?” Tim’s stomach clenched.

“There’s no comparison, Tim. I never cared about him like I care about you, but it doesn’t matter. I gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to come here just for the physical therapy stuff. I can do it myself.” He was hoping she would stay or return the following day and forget all about how devastating his proclamation that she is not his wife was, but Tim remembered that she is a songwriter; Lucy is careful with her words and processes others’ so seriously. She could not forget how hurt she was, and neither could he scrub the vision of her pained face off of the backs of his eyes. A million brawls on the ice and slams against the boards would have hurt less.

“No, your recovery is just as important to me as it is to you. Guess I can’t totally turn off the married brain,” she chuckled unhappily. “I’ll still be here everyday for that, but otherwise, I’ll go home. Paparazzi haven’t come by here anyways.”

“I would like it if you stayed. I thought you liked the view at my house.” Lucy had once flirted with him that he could convince her to stay in his house forever because of the view, which was really TIM.

She did. She loves the view at his house. Her view includes shirtless and sweaty Tim walking into the kitchen after a workout. Her view includes a still sleepy Tim when Lucy wakes up from their nap first. Her view includes his soft smiles when he walks her to her bedroom door every night as he says “good night, wife”. But that view was what she needed to remind herself was not her beauty to behold. “Goodbye,” she choked out, her voice quiet and raw, and then she walked out the front door. 

Every time they left each other, they said “goodbye, wife” and “goodbye, husband”. It was the first time she said “goodbye” just “goodbye”, and there was something wrong with how she said it like it was an incomplete sentence without referring to him as her “husband”. Tim stood frozen in his spot as if he could psychically will her to return, but Lucy said she would come back the following day just to take care of him. He had hurt her, and she was still going to be there for him- if that was not her acting as his wife, then Tim really had no true concept of a marriage. He screwed up. He was bitterly reminded why he had not made time for a relationship; he was far more skilled as a hockey player than a boyfriend, and he thought he was finally succeeding as a husband only to be proven wrong. No one would buy a book about how to be a good husband authored by him, the failure, Tim thought.

Chapter Text

Tim tossed and turned all night. He barely slept.

Neither did Lucy as she tried to shuffle and shimmy around on her bed at her own home. She kept looking over at her bedroom door and wishing Tim were on the other side of it, or better yet, beside her in bed. They had spent a few nights sleeping next to each other, and she had to admit she missed it. But then, she remembered how he said she was not his wife. It was TECHNICALLY true, but as she played with her wedding band, she distantly considered returning to the home they shared and telling Tim he was wrong, but Lucy stayed in her bed all night. Awake, but in her own bed.

Without hockey, he had absolutely nothing to do all day. Sure, Tim could have watched old game footage and weight lifted, but all that was occupying his mind was Lucy. Daily, they had been doing his exercises to rehabilitate his ankle sprain at the same time, and she said she would continue to help him despite his mistake, but he doubted that she would actually show up. Everyone abandoned him at one point or another. He had pushed her far enough, understandably so, and she was going to be on the long list of people that left him lonely. 

Until, Lucy came through the front door acting completely normally.

“How’s your ankle today?” She asked the same way she did every morning since he got injured.

“Fine,” he replied and sat up straighter on the couch.

“Great. Let’s go work it out.” Of course, there was some embarrassment, hurt, anger, and sadness still swirling around inside of her, but she had to focus on Tim’s recovery; that superseded everything else.

As she started helping him stretch, he was quiet and totally trying to focus on the task at hand, but her eyes so obviously showed how troubled she was. “I screwed up last night.”

“You did,” Lucy confirmed. “Focus on holding this stretch for the full twenty seconds.”

He could sense that she was trying to ignore the topic, but he wanted to broach it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said you’re not my wife. That was…I’m…”

“You’re a jerk,” she supplied. “Okay, lay back,” she directed him to proceed with his exercises.

“A jerk, yes. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. Thirty reps. Let’s start counting.”

Lucy was so dedicated to his exercise regiment, but he cared more about her feelings than his ankle’s rehabilitation. Tim dropped his legs and sat back up. “Hey, I’m sorry, okay? I’ll do whatever it takes to make this up to you, but can you please come back home?”

“I can’t.”

He took one of her hands delicately. “Why not?”

“Because, it’s really easy to forget our arrangement.”

“We’re more than some arrangement.”

“Maybe, but…can we go back to your exercises?” She decided to avoid finishing her sentence.

“No, say it. Whatever you want to say, say it.”

“I-,” Lucy swallowed. “I thought I could be good at this…marriage. I thought it was on my exes for leaving me. I mean, I was about to marry Emmett, and he flaked, and I’ve been blaming him, but it’s clearly me. I’m not cut out for marriage. I don’t know; maybe I’m just broken or I-”

“Woah,” he cut her off softly and leaned forward to bring his face closer to her. “I’m the one at fault here. You’re great at being a wife. Honest. I was pissed, and I said something I shouldn’t have. This is on me. I’m bad at marriage.”

“No, you aren’t. We’re working on your book, remember?”

“Lucy,” Tim settled his hand on her knee. “A good husband would’ve appreciated what you were trying to do for me.”

“I was so frustrated knowing how much work you’ve put into your career, and the fact that you need to be married to get your contract renewed is bull, but then they’re still making you wait, which seems unfair.” She decided to be completely honest, so she added, “And, I was thinking about me, too. We talked about something between us happening after this arrangement is over, and…I wanted that.”

“You changed your mind? Come on, we’re both going to make mistakes, but we have to work through it.”

“I didn’t change my mind. I assumed you did.”

“Because I got upset?”

She nodded shyly.

“I didn’t. I got pissed, but I didn’t change my mind,” he promised and slid his hand up to her lap to tangle their fingers together. 

“That’s good to know…for the record, I’m not sorry for advocating for you to that Armstrong guy.”

He looked down at their hands and smirked warmly. “You’re not sorry?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong. As your wife…if I was your wife,” it was painful to make such a correction. Lucy withdrew her fingers from him; touching him made her forget what he so eloquently pointed out the day before, so instead she combed her still warm hand through her hair to help distract from missing holding onto him. “It was the right thing to do for your future.”

“So, you’re sorry not sorry?” It stung that she pulled away, but he understood in an instant something new about Lucy; she was quick to fall in love, fierce in how she feels, but bruising her heart was something difficult to recover from. “Well, I am actually sorry, and I do want to make it up to you.”

“Make it up to me by finishing your exercises.”

Tim tilted his head up expecting a kiss, but she sat up straighter instead. He had rather quickly grown accustomed to tasting her lips whenever he wanted, so Lucy refusing him was saddening. It was all he could think about as they continued his daily regiment. His foot was aching when they were done, and he tried not to show it, since her rejection stung worse.

She did, however, notice his pain and said, “Time for you to lay down. Do you want to go upstairs or the couch?”

“Are you staying?”

“I’m going back to my house.”

“Then, I guess the couch is fine.” It was less lonely than being in his bed alone without her curved into his side.

Lucy looped an arm around him to help walk him out of his home gym and over to the living room where she set him up in a laying position with his leg elevated. She only left Tim to pull an ice pack out of the freezer and returned to his side to place it on his ankle. “How are you feeling?”

“It hurts a little,” he admitted with a frown.

Knowing he was in pain made her want to crawl onto the couch and snuggle with him to help ease the hurt, but she was not his wife. She had no right to have any part of Tim. Lucy caressed his forehead. “Try sleeping for a little.”

His reflex was to reach for her, but he screwed his hand into a fist at his side instead.

“My throat hurts a little. I could use some tea. Mind if I stay for a cup?” Truthfully, she was unprepared to leave him quite yet.

“You don’t have to ask. You’re welcome here any time. All the time.” Because, Tim wanted her all the time.

Lucy went into the kitchen and started making some tea. She glanced over to the living room and hated the tension in the silence. “Are you planning on going to practice and seeing your team while you’re recovering?”

“I don’t know if I’ll be of any use.”

“You’re still a captain. Your teammates look up to you. I think you should consider going at least once.”

“Guess it’s not such a bad idea.”

“I’ll come with if that would help?”

His head shot up, and he twisted his torso to face her. “That would be nice.”

“Sure.” Lucy smiled, and he grinned with relief right back. She spun around to pour the boiling water into a mug as her chest warmed. With piping hot tea in her hands, she went over to the living room and sat on the edge of the coffee table to face him. “There’s a practice tomorrow morning we can go to.”

“Wednesday practices are…”

“The longest ones. I know, and I’ll stay the whole time you want to be there.”

“Okay.”

“Can I help you with anything else?”

“No, you’ve done more than enough for me, a jerk.”

“Alright, so what are you planning on doing today?”

“The plan was to help you write new music.”

“You can be awfully helpful,” she smirked.

“I’ll hold you until you come up with something new,” Tim offered and smoothed a hand down his chest in the hopes he would feel Lucy there soon enough.

She smiled around the rim of her mug at the visual. “I told you I was leaving. Staying just until I finish my tea.” She lifted up her drink to show it to him.

“You have a lot of tea here. Another cup could help with your throat.”

“Are you trying to get me to stay?”

“I’m still working on being more forward and saying what I want.” He sat up and bent over to bridge some of the far too large gap between them. “Lucy, I want you back.”

“It can’t be how it was before. We were forgetting ourselves.” She set her mug down to stave off finishing her cup and leaving him.

“That’s a good thing. Screw this fake marriage.”

“No, Tim,” she stood up quickly. “All we have is a fake marriage.”

He ignored his throbbing foot as he got up rather quickly. “We have more than that, and you know it.”

“Do I? We’ve been forced together for this arrangement. Maybe everything we think we feel is just basic biology.”

“Basic…” he could not even finish the phrase. Tim cradled her face tenderly and looked into her vulnerable eyes. “Okay, try telling me this is basic biology.” He captured her lips. He wanted to pour every ounce of passion, and want, and desire, and adoration, and maybe even a little love into his kiss; he would have smiled at how she met him with the same enthusiasm, but there was too much to do with his tongue and his lips in his solemn efforts to unravel her. 

Lucy gripped the front of his shirt and practically melted into Tim. Her comment was an over exaggeration, but he more than proved her wrong. She had never been happier to be wrong before. Lucy’s fingers traveled up to his hair and felt him nip hard at her bottom lip in response. It was exhilarating to do something small that would make him gasp or make him more assertive. She wanted Tim to give her everything and was grateful he did so with an unmatched ferocity that lifted her off the ground and propelled her upwards into the sky and beyond to the heavens where she spun and spun with only Tim as an anchor before she rocketed out of the galaxy. When he pulled back panting, Lucy was not nearly finished with her voyage into outer space, so she brought him back to her for more. Always more. Because, just as she initially predicted after they ended up laying on the ice during her skating lesson, their first kiss was the striking of a match that started a fire that could never be put out.

With empty lungs, between gulps of much needed air, Tim breathily murmured, “Screw basic biology.”

She had to blink a few times to see past the initial blur of her vision that he always brought on when his lips were on hers. Lucy leaned into the hand with the thumb that lightly stroked her cheekbone. When he held her face, she felt as if she was being regarded with the same reverence as precious gems. They breathed together and stared at each other for a few moments until she said, “I’m not done being mad at you.”

“I’m still a jerk.”

“This doesn’t change anything yet.”

“Yet. I’ll take ‘yet’.”

“I need you to grovel some more.”

“Sure. Whatever you want.”

Lucy angled her head as she considered what to do next. “You need to get off your foot, and I need to go, but I’ll come by tomorrow, and we’ll go to practice together.”

“What am I supposed to tell the team is the reason why you’re there?”

“I’m a Kings fan. I wanted to come by and support.”

“Support the team. Not support your husband?”

“I don’t have one of those,” she replied and rocked back. “Lay down, please.” It was easier to truly get some space from him when he made some movement away from her, too.

“My foot feels fine right now, actually.”

“Since when? You said it hurt a few minutes ago.”

“Then you kissed me. Works every time.”

Lucy blushed. “This charm isn’t gonna absolve you.” She sounded more confident than she truly felt in that fact.

“I can try.”

“And, I can promise you it won’t work. Please, rest. My chef will be by to make you dinner later.”

“You don’t have to send someone to make me dinner. I can cook.”

“Not on that leg. You need to stay off your feet as much as possible, and that means you need someone to take care of you. I don’t want to hear you try to argue. Just be agreeable. It’ll help me forgive you faster.” She touched his cheek.

“If your chef is going to be here, you should have dinner here, too. Seems only fair.”

“Are you trying to get me back here?”

“Of course.”

“You’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”

He dropped his gaze to her hand still tangled in his shirt and the way they were standing so close. Tim snaked his arms around her waist and smiled, “It doesn’t look like you want to leave.”

“I swear this just happens,” she replied frustratedly.

Tim knew that was true; they gravitated towards each other constantly. “I’m not complaining.”

“Will you stop looking at me like that?” He was being unfairly charming and sexy at the same time, and that made his already quite irresistible draw too overwhelming.

“I’m just looking at you how I look at you,” he smirked and dared to drop a soft, fleeting kiss to her lips.

“Tim,” she warned. “I’m still mad at you.”

“I know. I know. I mean, you are sorta smiling, but I’m hearing you. You’re mad. I’m a jerk. And, I’m going to grovel.”

“Exactly.” Lucy really tried to fight her grin, but he was making it impossible. “I’m going now.”

“You didn’t even finish your tea.”

She shook her head. “Some other time, okay?” 

He appreciated how she tried to look past her hurt, but it remained. Tim released his hold on her, sat back onto the couch, and said, “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lucy picked up her mug, took it over to the kitchen with her footsteps as the only sound in the house for a while, and then she  reached the door. “Bye,” she called as she exited.

She said “bye”. She did not say “bye, husband”. The incomplete phrase made Tim physically wince.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

There was no good reason to go practice with Tim, since he could not play, and she had no need to be in attendance, yet Lucy showed up at his house and let him drive her to the Kings’ practice facility. 

He noticed that she did not take his hand, and she was mostly quiet for the whole ride, so Tim knew she was still upset with him. Moreover, even though she had warmed up to him by the time Lucy left the afternoon before, it seemed she re-froze and was back to being as cold as someone like her could be. He loves the ice. He lives in the cold. He can thaw her, Tim knew. It would take time and effort, but he was prepared to do it. “I’m going into the locker room to say ‘hi’ to the guys. Wanna join me?” He asked her.

“Sure,” Lucy replied. She was happy to see him. She had missed him after leaving his house the day before, but him saying “you’re not my wife” echoed in her ears.

“Look who’s already back!” Aaron smiled when he saw Tim show up unexpectedly.

“I’m not going back on the ice yet, but Lucy’s taking really good care of me,” Tim said and flashed Lucy a fond smile.

“See, Bradford, this is why you should’ve gotten married ages ago,” Nolan said and pointed at Lucy.

“Couldn’t just marry anyone. I had to wait for Lucy to come along,” Tim said honestly.

“You two are so cute,” Aaron swooned.

“Who are you and what have you done with Tim Bradford?” Jackson wondered, since he did not recognize the words coming out of his teammates’ mouth.

“He fell in love,” Wes teased childishly.

Lucy watched Tim’s reaction to the accusation, which showed a trace of fear that gave her pause. She took hold of his hand and squeezed; it was a reaction to calm him, because she just wanted to be there for him regardless of the scenario.

“Suit up, guys! Let’s hustle onto the ice!” Grey ordered his team.

“That’s our cue to take a seat out there,” Tim whispered to Lucy before leading her out of the locker room and over to seats just behind the bench. 

As the players took the ice, Tim murmured into Lucy’s ear a detailed explanation of all the positions and different maneuvers, which she barely understood, but she loved hearing how excited he was when he spoke about hockey.

He appreciated that she was listening and how she smiled at him made Tim’s heart race, which was enough impetus to place a hand on her thigh, brushing his fingertips across hers. “Are you cold?”

“I’m fine. It’s just a bit chillier down here than up in the box.”

Tim stood, shed his jacket, and then draped it over Lucy like a blanket.

She chuckled. “I don’t want you to freeze now.”

“Worth it,” he shrugged.

He was endlessly thoughtful. Swoon-worthy. “Can we at least share this? Give me your hands.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

“God, Tim,” Lucy snatched his hands and brought them under the jacket to rest on her lap. “Let me take care of you.”

“I thought you weren’t doing that anymore, because…” he raised his eyebrows to insinuate what he did not think he should say aloud in public about their fake marriage.

“Well, I can’t just turn it off, which is probably a good thing, because you need me.”

He hesitated, but her dazzling eyes staring up at him and her warm hands mindlessly caressing his on her lap made him think differently. “I’m starting to think I do.”

“Oh, Tim! This is such a nice surprise,” Rachel said as she walked closer to him.

“Hi, Rachel,” Lucy greeted.

“What are you guys doing here? Are you okay to play again?” Rachel inquired.

“Not yet, but soon,” Tim promised, because he was starting to believe in his recovery thanks to Lucy’s strong faith. He smiled when he felt Lucy drop her head to his shoulder. She was being subtly possessive again in Rachel’s presence, and Tim only wished she would be more overt.

“That’s great,” Rachel responded. “I came by to take some pictures of the team practicing. Thought it would be fun for the fans to see photos on social media of everyone working hard.”

“Okay,” Tim replied tightly, then he turned to Lucy with the idea that he might be able to leverage her adorable jealousy. “Hey, baby, you know, I am getting a little cold now.”

“Yeah, no problem. You can have your jacket back.” Lucy lifted away the thick, warm coat that smelled like him, but before she could hand it to Tim, she felt strong hands grab her thighs and pull her. 

He knew exactly how to sit her in his lap comfortably, so it happened in a fluid motion. “You can keep the jacket, and I’ll just keep you right here.” Tim’s stomach flipped at the look on her face of unbridled joy. Even in their rough patch, he could still make her happy, and that was a testament to their special connection.

“Smooth, Bradford. Very smooth,” Lucy whispered. Admittedly, she was comfortable sitting in his lap, leaning against his strong body, and feeling his arms bracket her. She kissed the side of his neck and then smiled brighter.

“I can get you one of the spare practice jackets, Tim. That might help,” Rachel offered. There were plenty of chairs, since the practice arena was empty, so it seemed annoyingly unnecessary for Lucy to sit in Tim’s lap.

“No, I think I’m good. You good, Lucy?” Tim asked.

“Yeah, I’m good, too,” she murmured.

“Cool,” Rachel said, but she was not “good”. “So, Lucy, how’s the tour going?”

“Fun. It’s been fun. I love being with my fans,” Lucy answered.

“And me. Didn’t you have fun with me on tour last weekend?” Tim wondered.

“Yeah,” she responded softly. “We had fun.” Lucy swallowed when she recalled how the trip ended. “I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

He saw the second the glint in her eye was snuffed out, and the guilt weighing down every single one of his organs and even his bones set in once more. Tim exhaled when she sat up and moved away from him.

“Everything okay with you two?” Rachel clocked the instantaneous change in their demeanor, so she asked the question hoping for a certain answer.

“Yeah, of course,” Tim assured.

“It’s okay if you can’t make it work with a famous jet setting pop star like her. It wouldn’t be your fault. Look at her track record. Clearly, she can’t keep a man,” Rachel noted.

“Lucy isn’t the problem,” Tim replied defensively. “She’s amazing.”

“Right, but it’s obvious she can’t hold onto a relationship.”

“She is great in a relationship, actually. She’s thoughtful, and warm, and kind, and she knows me better than anyone else. I’m the one that screws up. Lucy is the best thing to ever happen to me, and I hate that I can’t be good enough for her,” Tim confessed.

Quick to soothe him, Rachel reached for him, but Tim recoiled.

“I think you should leave, and you better keep my wife’s name out of your mouth from now on,” he growled. When Lucy returned, he smiled and hoped she would return to his lap, but she chose to sit next to him instead, unfortunately. But, Tim understood. He had to regain the right to have Lucy how he wanted, but at least she leaned her head on his shoulder and held his hands under the guise of keeping them warm. Tim could appreciate having her sit with him for the duration of practice. That was thrilling in its own way. He was dreading driving her home, but at least she was chatty on the ride to her house like she was thawing again.

“Can you come inside with me?” Lucy asked. His eyes widened, so she elaborated, “We haven’t done your exercises today. I’m not letting you slack.”

“You’re right.” He appreciated her dedication.

They were supposed to stretch his foot out, but Tim seemed to be curiously checking out his new surroundings. “What?” She asked.

“I’ve just never been to your house before.”

Lucy could not believe it. “Wow, we’ve really done all of this out of order, huh? Let me show you around this floor, and then we’ll do your exercises.”

He hobbled around the main floor of her house, which included her recording studio, where she told him to lay down on the floor to start stretching his foot and ankle. Tim’s foot was throbbing by the time they finished his exercise regiment.

“You can stay for a little while,” Lucy offered, since she could tell that he was hurting.

“I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not imposing. You’re in pain and need to rest. Besides, you can’t drive in that position. There’s a couch right here in my recording studio where you can lay down. Come here.” She took his hands and helped him stand up, but once he was on his feet towering over her, Tim stayed crowding her instead of moving towards the couch. She could tell he was thinking about kissing her, and Lucy’s blood rushed in anticipation that was chased by a chill when she remembered their situation. “I’ll-I’ll get you some ice.”

“Okay,” he breathed.

Tim got comfortable on the couch by the time she brought him an ice pack. 

“Did I work you too hard?” She asked.

“No, I like how you work me.” He realized that sounded dirty, but he hoped his cheeks did not get too bright and Lucy would ignore it.

She internally laughed, but did not say a word. “Listen, you should probably get some sleep. I’ll get out of your hair and work on some music.”

“But, this is your studio. I can leave.”

“Don’t worry about it. I need you to rest more than I need my studio.”

“You can stay in here with me. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”

“No, I love your voice.” As great as listening to recordings of her songs was, hearing her sing live was even better.

Lucy decided to stay. She sat at a stool with a guitar and a notebook to start workshopping fragments of songs, and then at some point, she flicked her eyes over to Tim who was sleeping. All he was doing was sleeping, and her heart felt full. Writing music about him was far too easy.

When Tim woke up a while later, he was treated to Lucy’s soft and lovely tone. He watched her through half lidded eyes as she got lost in her song. She was always beautiful, but when she was engrossed in her music, he found Lucy to be even more beautiful somehow.

She felt him staring and looked up. “You like the song?”

“You’re gorgeous,” he said at the same time.

Lucy covered her mouth to hide her smile. “I can’t deal with you sometimes,” she said adoringly.

“We don’t lie or pretend with each other. Stands to reason I should tell you the truth.”

“Less honesty could help our situation.”

The last time they played that game, he flirted with her, but she deserved to hear how he felt bluntly. “This only works if we tell the truth. If this…us…if we aren’t in a place of honesty, we’re not gonna last. So, I’m going to tell you that you’re gorgeous when that thought pops into my head, and I’m going to tell you that I appreciate you, because you deserve to hear that.”

“I appreciate you, too,” she grinned. “And, I can show you how much. I’m working on a song right now that’s all about you. It’s called ‘You Call Me Gorgeous’. Wanna hear it?”

He nodded, which was enough for her whole face to light up and begin singing a slow, sentimental song filled with so much affection that Tim felt seen; she had captured his feelings for her so vividly.

“Well?” She asked meekly after she finished the song and did not immediately receive any applause. “Did you like it?”

“Y-yeah, that was…nice.”

“I think I’m calling my next album ‘Gorgeous’, and this will be the first track. What do you think?”

“This song would be the first one? The song about me?”

“Mhm,” she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I think the whole album will be about you, or more like for you,” she said shyly.

“For me?” His throat was closing with emotion, so his voice came out small and strained.

“Just like how you score goals for me.” Lucy hugged her guitar tight to hold back from holding Tim. It was always raw to share a song with someone for the first time, and his somewhat stunned, sweet response was heart warming.

Tim sat up. He was in awe of her. “You really are so amazing.”

“So are you.” She set her guitar down and crossed the space to sit beside him. “I like when you’re around.”

“I like being around you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Subconsciously, Lucy leaned in closer, but consciously, she was thinking about how she is not his wife. “I’m going to be lame and turn in early tonight. I’ll be by tomorrow to take you to physical therapy, and I can help you pack if you want.”

“Pack?”

“For Detroit this weekend. For my tour.”

“You still want me to come with you?”

“Do you still have a high ankle sprain?”

“I do, but…”

“But, nothing. Let me walk you to your car.”

He stood up and welcomed how she wound both arms around his stomach for the walk to his car door. “Good night…,” Tim whispered. He wanted to call her his wife, but would it open a still healing wound? Instead of saying anything else, he kissed the top of her head before climbing up into his truck.

“Good night,” she murmured.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tamara boarded the private jet to Detroit with Tim and Lucy close behind. Their demeanor seemed slightly different, but they still flashed each other dopey grins every once in a while. She went over to Lucy and asked, “Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?”

Lucy followed Tamara to the front of the plane where the flight attendants prepare drinks for a modicum of privacy. “Is something wrong?”

“Yeah. What’s wrong with you and Tim?” Tamara questioned lowly.

“Nothing.”

“This isn’t nothing. Last weekend, you were on your honeymoon in that chair over there, and today, you’re hardly talking. Sure it was a little gross to see you sitting in Tim’s lap and making out with him like the world was ending, but I like it better than this.”

“We’re fine.”

“I’m not really sure I believe that. I know I’m not married…”

“Neither am I,” Lucy interjected firmly.

“Oh, I thought you two forgot you haven’t actually signed a marriage license. The way you act…”

“It’s not gonna be like that anymore. Tim’s right. We aren’t married, and we’re not even actually together yet, but God, I feel like I can’t stop myself sometimes when he’s around, you know? And when he’s not with me, I feel like I can’t breathe. Who’s like that? Who is that pathetic that they need another person for a basic function like breathing?”

“Umm you’ve filled albums with what you’re feeling. It’s called love,” Tamara pointed out the obvious.

“Love? Not yet. No. And, this is different, okay?”

“Right. So, it’s different, but you’re still in love with him.”

Worriedly, she replied, “I-I can’t be. I’m trying to stop myself here. Do you have any idea how perfectly we fit together? He’s so cuddly and warm, and he’s funny in a dorky way, and then every time I look at him, I see that he’s lonely just like me. And, I think it’d be nice if we could be alone together, so I want to be there for him and take care of him…but, when push comes to shove, Tim doesn’t want me. He got pissed, because I was trying to take care of him and his career. So, I don’t know what to do.” She ran a hand through her hair and glanced back at Tim who was looking unfairly attractive just sitting in a chair.

“If he doesn’t want you, I’ll kick his ass and publicly announce that you two are amicably divorcing. Not like we have to file real paperwork.”

“No!” Lucy realized how loud her voice had gotten, so she cleared her throat then said much quieter, “I don’t want a divorce yet. We have to rehab his ankle, and Tim needs his contract renewed.”

Tamara responded, “Sure, use whatever excuse you want, but we both know you like him and might even be in love with him, and I think it’s bull that you claim he doesn’t want you. Tim looks at you like you’re his whole world.” 

“He does NOT,” Lucy insisted nervously. Her eyes caught on how Tim shifted in his seat. “I need to get him some ice. I think his muscles are cramping.” She took some ice from the bar area, put it in a plastic bag, and went back over to Tim with a sympathetic smile. Lucy removed his walking boot then sat in the chair across from him before putting his foot in her lap and securing the ice on top. “That better?”

Tim nodded appreciatively. She could interpret his micro expressions from the other side of the jet and went to his aid so quickly. The ice felt nice on his foot, but Lucy made him feel better. She was the cure to all of his ailments even the ones deep inside that he considered permanently broken and incurable. Speechless, all Tim could manage to do was nod his thanks for her.

“They’re so married,” Tamara muttered.

When it was time to deplane, Lucy helped Tim wear his walking boot again, and they walked down to the tarmac huddled together to help him walk. “I know this is a bad time, but you need to do your exercises, and I’m not going easy on you.”

“I would be disappointed if you did,” Tim replied.

Every hotel she stayed at was different yet felt the same with neutral colors, generic art, and an altogether transient energy that felt impersonal. Lucy did not even bother navigating through the hotel suites where she stayed most weekends of her tour; all she needed was a bathtub, a bed, and room service; everything else was unnecessary. But, as Lucy walked into her Detroit hotel suite with Tim right behind her, she was eager to search the space for its layout to know how close her bedroom would be to his and if it was a further distance between their rooms at his house. “You can have whatever bed you want, and that’s where we’ll do your exercises,” she said.

“Sure.” He noticed how she made it clear that they would be sleeping in separate beds, but at least they would spend the night under the same roof for once in a week. That was progress.

Lucy let him walk ahead, and then she realized that they found themselves in another suite with only one bedroom. Of course. So much space and only ONE bed.

“Uhh I can stay on the couch,” Tim offered as he stood in the one and only bedroom staring at the one and only bed wishing he could press her into it.

“We can share. I don’t mind.” Lucy was, admittedly, a bit giddy to have the excuse to sleep next to him.

“As long as you’re okay with it.” He sat down on the edge of the mattress and bent over to undo his walking boot, but Lucy was on her knees helping him with the straps before he even had the chance.

“Let’s start with your stretches,” she said quietly as she gazed up at him from the ground. He was just watching her instead of following basic instructions, but they had a schedule to keep. She stood then leaned in to push him back against the mattress and climbed on top of him like her body has a mind of its own.

Tim set his hands on her hips and realized he stopped breathing with her hovering above him. Her hair fell on either side of his face curtaining them off from the rest of the world as if anything else could exist outside of Lucy and her all consuming gorgeousness. She seemed frozen, too; neither of them could really understand how they ended up in their precarious position, but Tim was not necessarily complaining about having her on top of him.

Lucy suddenly began to chuckle, because how did they keep ending up in similar situations?

“What’s so funny?” He asked as he smiled, because hers was contagious.

She giggled, and Tim did, too. “How does this keep happening?”

“I don’t know, but I’m good with it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he murmured, smiling.

“We need to work you out.” She was hoping that maybe she would eventually peel herself off of him if she got them back on track.

“I know you can work me out good.”

Lucy scoffed as she blushed. “I meant your foot.”

“That’s what I meant, too,” he replied sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes and dropped off of him onto his side. “Okay, mister, that’s enough. Back to business.” Her heart was still galloping, but she tried to ignore that. Lucy wanted to dedicate her attention to helping Tim and not the other impure thoughts swirling in her mind.

What he liked about having Lucy help him with his daily exercises was how she leaned into him to push him harder. Tim could feel every single one of her breaths on his skin and watch her worry at her lip when she was helping him with a more difficult stretch that made his ankle ache. His physical therapists did their jobs very effectively, but none of them could compare to the special treatment Lucy gave him that made exercising his foot feel like an intense cardio workout based on how his heart hammered in his chest.

“You did good,” Lucy complimented. “I’ll get you some ice.”

“I’m fine.” Tim held onto her hand as he turned on his side to face her.

She frowned. “I wish I could stay,” she said sadly, because she did. “But, I have to go to soundcheck.”

“Oh, I totally forgot. Why didn’t we go to your soundcheck first like last week?”

“Soundcheck got in the way of your exercise schedule last week. Remember how we were late by a few hours? I can’t have anything interfere with your recovery. Now, I gotta go. I’ll be back in an hour.”

“You don’t want me to come with?” Sleeping in separate beds was one thing, but staying back when she was working felt strange.

“I do, but I’ve noticed your foot’s been hurting a little more the last few days. I called Dr. Stevens, and she said you need to rest more often, but we’re not supposed to ease up on your regiment.”

“When did you call my doctor?”

Lucy answered, “I text her pretty much every day to update her on your recovery between your physical therapy appointments, but I was worried, so I gave her a call the other day to get her take.”

“You talk to my doctor for me?”

“Is that okay?”

She was acting like such a wife. He appreciated it so much. “Absolutely.”

There was a knock at the front door of the suite. “That’s Tamara. I have to go to my soundcheck.”

“I’m still invited to your concert tonight, right?”

“Of course. I’ll tell Bailey to keep an eye on you.”

He rolled his eyes at her.

Lucy smirked. “You are the worst patient in the world. You know that?” She asked sweetly. Another knock at the door diverted her attention. “See you in a bit. Just sleep.” Lucy combed her fingers through his hair adoringly and left their bedroom. Soundcheck was far less exciting without a captive audience of one, so she returned quickly to find him sleeping with the perfect amount of space at his side just for her. Lucy curled into him and sighed when in Tim’s mostly sleepy state, he pulled her closer. She dropped a kiss to his neck and felt his happy hum vibrate against her lips.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim was obedient when Lucy ordered him to lay down on the couch in her dressing room as she had her hair and makeup done before the concert. He was ogling her in the mirror the entire time she was getting ready, making her feel tingly all over. When it was time to change, and he left the room along with the rest of her hair and makeup team, Lucy put a hand over her racing heart. He was driving her mad without even trying. Tamara might have been correct when she said she was in love, but she was not willing to admit it to herself. Her phone buzzed and buzzed and buzzed, so Lucy checked the notifications flooding her phone.

Articles and social media posts were being published by the second with photos of Tim and his ex girlfriend, Ashley McGrady. For five days, they only saw each other for his daily exercises, and the one practice they attended together, which meant that they had spent quite a number of hours separately. Had he rekindled something with a former partner in that time? Lucy hoped that was not the case. It seemed completely out of character for Tim, but she had to find the truth…and fast. A public scandal about their relationship was bad for both of them regardless of how true or false the allegations were. She opened the dressing room door and tugged Tim inside.

He reached for her face and husked, “We’ll smudge your lipstick.” Tim thought she brought him in for a kiss, since she probably felt like she was on fire the same way he was, but then she sprang back once they were alone.

Lucy held out her phone for him to see. “Please, tell me this isn’t true, because if it is, we’re screwed, and you’re an ass.”

Chapter Text

When Tim was pulled into Lucy’s dressing right before she was supposed to go out on stage, he thought she was trying to steal a kiss, which he was happy to give her so long as she was okay with him smudging her lipstick. But, she did not lean into him or hold his face. 

Instead, Lucy held out her phone and angrily said, “Please, tell me this isn’t true, because if it is, we’re screwed, and you’re an ass.”

His hand was still on her waist as he blinked a few times to focus on the image on her screen. “Where did you get that picture?”

“So, this IS true?” Her blood turned cold, and she took another step back, because for the first time since meeting him, Lucy wanted to get as far away from Tim as possible. “You have made it perfectly clear that I’m not your wife, but this is low.”

“Low? What?”

“Getting back together with your ex when you’re supposed to be married to me? Seriously?”

“No, wait, I’m not getting back together with Ashley. I haven’t talked to her since we split up.”

“Really? You two look awfully close in this selfie.” Her lip quivered, because he was lying, and they had not lied to each other before.

“A selfie from three years ago when we were together.” Tim covered her shaky hand on her phone and locked the device so neither of them kept looking at the photo. “You are the only woman in my life now.”

“My phone’s blowing up saying you’re cheating on me and getting back together with Ashley.” It stung. Fake relationship or not, Tim rekindling a romance with someone else when they were in the midst of a rough patch was painful.

“I would never,” he whispered and carefully splayed his fingers on either side of her neck to tilt her head up. “Lucy, listen to me, I don’t know where this rumor started, but it isn’t true. I don’t have time for anyone else. All I think about is you.”

“You’ve had a lot of time this past week since we…fought.”

“The past week where I’ve been sick to my stomach, because I messed everything up? I’ve barely even thought about hockey lately.”

A knock at the door was barely audible over the blood rushing in her ears. “You swear?”

“I swear on the Stanley Cup, and Wayne Gretzky, and hockey, and us. Check my phone if you need to. I haven’t talked to Ashley in almost three years. I haven’t so much as looked at another woman since you.”

Her eyes started to water, because that was the most solemnly he could swear on anything. Tim had been oblivious to Rachel’s overt flirtations and hardly paid attention to her when Lucy was in the room. She had hoped the rumors in the tabloids were all lies, but she needed to be sure. “Okay, I’m sorry. I just needed to know the truth.”

“And the truth is I care about us, Lucy.”

“So do I.” She dropped her hands to his waist to cling to him. 

Rapping at the door made Tim blow out a breath. “That’s the third time they’ve knocked. You really should get out on stage.”

Lucy had not recalled a third knock, but she did not want to leave her dressing room or Tim. She knitted her eyebrows together.

“Go be a rockstar. I’ll see you after.” He kissed her forehead. “Good luck, wife.” It felt right. He was wrong to ever suggest otherwise. Lucy was his wife, and he wanted her to know that he accepted that.

Her chest constricted. He called her his wife. She had not realized how much she missed the title. Whatever she wanted to say, words failed her. Lucy only smiled up at him before leaving the dressing room and walking onto the stage.

Tim sat in a chair backstage with the perfect view of Lucy as she performed her set list. Bailey fussed with ice packs and elevating his leg, and he grinned, because he knew that Lucy must have said something during soundcheck to ensure Bailey was hyper vigilant in her care. His nerves were buzzing by the end of the concert, especially because she sang his favorite song for him as her encore performance. Tim stood up with open arms to congratulate her on a job well done, and when Lucy went to him happily, he was relieved. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered into her hair.

She searched his eyes for all the adoration in his gaze that she loved to soak up. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”

He checked their surroundings; there were cameras and people, and their conversation required more privacy. “Let’s go to your dressing room,” Tim suggested.

With their fingers interlaced, Lucy took them into her dressing room and clamored for a bottle of water to drink down quickly. She was still holding onto him tightly as she chugged the water she so desperately needed to soothe her scratchy throat. Lucy set the empty bottle down and apologized again, “You’ve been loyal to me since we started this arrangement. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

“Can you stop calling it an arrangement? You act like this is a business deal or something. Look, I know you’re mad at me, but don’t act like we don’t matter to each other.”

“I couldn’t do that even if I tried.” She had tried. She was wholly unsuccessful.

“So, we’re good?”

Lucy genuinely considered the question before she answered, “Yeah, we’re good. Let’s go back to the hotel. I need a long bath.”

Tim felt his stomach lighten almost immediately. “You earned it. Come on.”

When they stepped out of her dressing room, Tamara shook her head and motioned for them to go back inside. “We need to talk about damage control.”

“Damage control?” Lucy asked.

“Uhh the rumors about Tim and Ashley getting back together have gone viral. Everyone thinks your husband is cheating on you. We have to release a statement.”

“Tim didn’t cheat on me.”

“Right. I know. You’re not even together. You’ve made that clear. I don’t care how true any of this is. This is bad for Lucy’s image to be married to a cheater, so I’m concerned about her brand.”

“It isn’t true. The selfie is old,” Lucy felt the need to advocate for Tim.

“Whatever. Look, I know you two haven’t tried to make public appearances before, but you need to show the world you’re happy together. Can you do that?” Tamara wondered.

“How?” Tim asked.

“You two are going on a date tomorrow,” Tamara answered.

“No way,” Tim refused.

Lucy was confused by his reaction. She stared up at him waiting for him to elaborate.

He looked down at her and explained, “Rumors are going to spread about us no matter what we do. It’s the nature of our fame. I’m not stooping down to the level of these trolls and taking a picture with you every time there’s a whisper that our marriage is in trouble, and I’m not taking you on our first date for some photo opp. We’ve gotta do some part of this right.”

She grinned at how casually he said “first date” as if there was already a promise of more, and his commitment to their future was sweet. “Tim’s right. Our wedding photo shoot was the only thing we’ve done for the public, and that’s how we want to keep it. We’re not pretending.”

“Are you trying to make my job more difficult?” Tamara groaned.

“Let the public say what they want. We can’t stop them anyways. I agree with Tim. Now, we’re going back to the hotel.” Lucy looped her arms around his midsection and tucked her head in the space under his arm as he hugged her back.

“Are you sure?” He murmured. “What about your brand?”

“You aren’t worried about you? The supposed cheater?” She wondered.

Tim replied honestly, “As long as you know the truth, that’s what matters to me.” They left the dressing room together and went towards the secret exit where their car was waiting for them. He opened the door for Lucy and let her slide in first before going in next to her. “You know, I am going to ask you out on a date. Not for cameras. For us.”

“I know.”

He dragged her legs into his lap. “Would you say ‘yes’ if I asked you out right now?”

“Did you get your contract renewed?”

“No.”

“That’s your answer. I haven’t changed my mind. We shouldn’t make this messier between us than it already is.”

“Messy? How are we messy?”

She looked down at how they were cozied together in the back of the car. “Let’s be honest with each other. We don’t act like friends. There’s nothing platonic about us.”

“More platonic than I’d like us to be.”

Tim’s eyes were dark and fiery. Lucy knew exactly what he meant and smiled, because she felt the same way. “True, but we have the other things that matter.”

“What do you mean?”

“For two people who aren’t married, we have the parts of a marriage that I’ve always wanted like someone to come home to, to talk to about everything with, to take care of, to take care of me, to laugh with, to fall asleep next to, and to-to have someone that supports me…I know it sounds like small stuff, but it really matters to me.”

“Of course it matters. Isn’t that what marriage is? The small stuff you share with someone you care about?”

“Yeah, it is,” she confirmed tightly and threaded their fingers together. It was hard to grapple with that truth, but it was more clear than ever why it hurt to see a picture of Tim and Ashley, why her heart broke when Tim said she was not his wife, and why she yearned for him when they were apart. Admitting she was in love was harder than accepting that for all intents and purposes, in Lucy’s eyes, they were married. “Can I ask you a question?” He hummed his affirmative response. “Did you slip when you called me your wife earlier?”

“No. Was that…okay?”

She paused as she considered how to answer. 

“You don’t have to say it back if you don’t want to,” Tim promised.

“This is all new for me.”

“I’ve never been married, either.”

“Well, that, and usually, if someone hurts me, I don’t give them the chance to do it again, or they run away before we can even try to fix things.”

“I didn’t run, and neither did you.”

“Well, I did leave the house.”

“You needed space to process. I don’t fault you for that, and the next day, you came back to take care of me. What more could I ask for?”

Lucy followed his logic easily. “You did ask me to come back home, and I will, and before you try to tell me that I don’t have to, I want to, and I get what I want.”

He opened and shut his mouth, since she read his mind, and there was nothing else to say. Her confidence was always attractive. A woman like that should always get what they want, because who would be idiotic enough to deny Lucy anything? Tim had acted like a fool a few times since they met, but he would never be THAT foolish.

The car parked next to the private entrance of the hotel. Security whisked Tim and Lucy into a hallway towards the bank of elevators. They were quiet for the trip up to their suite, and then they were alone.

“Do you want to eat something? I can order room service,” Lucy offered.

“I’ll order you some tea. Your throat’s probably killing you.” Tim went to one of the hotel room phones to place an order.

She kissed the back of his hand to show her appreciation for his sweetness before going to the bathroom to wash her face, change into a robe, and start running her bath.

The tea was delivered soon after, since they gave Lucy the VIP treatment at the hotel, and Tim called from the other side of the bathroom door, “Room service came already.”

Her voice was hoarse, so Lucy did not try to shout through the door. Instead, she stepped out to see him. “Thanks.”

Robe. All Tim could focus on was her thin, colorful, satin robe that was pulled tight around her hips to accentuate her curves. A robe, which by the looks of it, was the only thing she was wearing. His tongue felt heavy as his eyes roved her frame up and down. Tim was trying to get better at not getting so swept up in her beauty, but she made it impossible. She was wearing a robe. What could he do other than stare?

Lucy mixed honey into her tea but could not drink any of it. His eyes were burning her too much to want to introduce a hot liquid to her system as well. “Tim?” She rasped, her throat ached plus his gaze made it hard to speak.

He wanted to reach out and touch her face, but he did not trust his hands to remain in respectful territory, so he kept his hands at his sides and said, “You look beautiful.”

“Not gorgeous?” She quirked her eyebrow.

“Always gorgeous.” Tim’s hands found her hips of their own accord. “Always gorgeous,” he whispered.

“You know what else I want? Other than to come home?”

“Whatever you want. You can have whatever you want, Lucy.”

She smiled. “I want you to stop looking at me like that.”

“For once, you’re not getting what you want.”

Lucy swooned. “How dare you?” She teased.

“Drink your tea and take your bath,” he smirked. “You can have anything else you want later, but you need to take care of yourself first.”

She wanted to invite him into the tub with her, because that was something she definitely wanted, but Lucy bit back the words and spun on her heel into the direction of the bathroom instead. “Hey,” she said when she reached the doorframe and looked over at Tim. “One day, I’m going to ask you to get in the tub with me, and I really hope you’ll give me what I want.”

“Any day of the week,” Tim guaranteed without even blinking.

Lucy’s knees went weak as she walked into the bathroom. She swallowed some tea to give herself something to do instead of turning around and hauling Tim into the tub with her. She soaked in the warm water until her body felt loose again. Exhausted and relaxed, she climbed into bed. “What are you still doing up?”

“I texted Angela, and I’m waiting for her to call me. She’s a detective. I figure she can find out who posted that old selfie and started the Ashley rumor,” Tim explained.

“Does it matter? The word is out there already.”

“This rumor hurt you. Someone has to pay for that.”

“Do you have any idea how many awful rumors have been spread about me? Are you going to track down all of my haters and beat them up?”

“Hell yes.”

“I don’t need any of that. Can we just forget about this and go to sleep? I’m tired.”

He deflated in an instant. “Sure,” Tim sighed and set his phone down on the nightstand before turning on his side to sleep.

Lucy pulled the covers up higher on his shoulder, let her fingers inch up to the base of his neck, and lingered on the sensitive skin. “Good night,” she whispered.

Tim could wait to earn the title of husband again. It burned that she was not in the same place as he was, but the most open and loving people can be the most hesitant to forgive after being hurt so many times, and he had accepted that. He was grateful for the grace Lucy had shown him, and then she shimmied closer to end up pressing her whole body against his, which only reinforced his belief that she was more than he could ever ask for in a wife, or a friend, or anything. Lucy was his miracle. “Good night, wife,” he replied quietly.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy preferred to sleep in after a concert to give her body a chance to recover further, but since Tim started calling her at 11AM on the weekends, she set an alarm to ensure she would be awake to make or receive that call, so she woke at 11AM and smiled, because she knew that she was not only going to hear his voice, she was going to FEEL him. With her eyes still shut, she reached on the mattress for him recalling that they were far closer when she fell asleep, and then she almost fell off the bed before she realized that Tim was not beside her. She sat up as her eyes flew open, then she scanned the room, but there was no sign of him. “Tim?” Her voice was scratchy and small, so Lucy went to her nightstand to drink some water, and then she called again more clearly, “Tim?”

He raced into the bedroom from the living room and asked, “Are you okay?”

“It’s 11. Where’s my call?”

“Oh, do you want me to go into the other room and call you from there?”

“No.” She patted on the mattress in front of her.

He sat at the edge of the bed where she indicated and grinned when she dropped forward to rest her head in his lap. The way her still sleepy eyes were still bright and loving as she looked at him made his whole body heat up. “If I were calling you right now, I would say ‘hi’ and ask how your concert went.” Tim started playing with a strand of her hair as he stared down at her and her endless beauty in a simple burnt yellow silk pajama set.

“I would say it went really well, because you were there.”

“Thanks for getting me a great seat. I did like the front of the stage better.” Lucy serenading him at soundcheck was one of the greatest experiences of his life.

She chuckled, but then her throat started hurting again and it turned into a cough. 

He helped her sit up, and then held a water bottle to her lips to drink. “Maybe you shouldn’t talk and rest your voice.”

“But, what about our phone call?” Lucy pouted before taking another gulp of water.

“You know what’s better than talking?”

“Singing?” She suggested.

Tim cradled her face and whispered, “This,” before bringing his lips down to hers.

She hummed happily that he kissed her so softly. Then, she remembered something, pulled away briskly, and bolted into the bathroom.

“Lucy! Hey! If I overstepped, I’m sorry. You don’t have to hide in the bathroom….Lucy?” He could hear something buzzing or maybe it was the sound of something vibrating, and he was confused. Then, Tim tested the door and found it to be unlocked, so he took a chance and opened it slightly to find her brushing her teeth. He raised his eyebrow at her in question, and she only raised her pointer finger to ask him to give her a minute. He waited. Patiently. Scanning her body from head to toe to really enjoy the pajamas. Because, in some very unfair and seemingly impossibly way, she made a pajama set of long pants and a long button down shirt look attractive.

After spitting out her toothpaste and setting her toothbrush on the counter, Lucy went over to Tim with a smile and said, “I’m self conscious about my morning breath. Sorry.”

“So, I didn’t overstep?”

“No.”

“So, I can do that again?”

“That’d be nice.”

“I don’t want to be accused of making our platonic marriage more confusing…or was it messier? Is that what you said?” He replied with the trace of a mocking lilt in his otherwise innocent tone.

“Messy. I did say we were messy. You’re right. I shouldn’t have suggested you kiss me. That’s confusing.”

“You’re speaking out of both sides of your mouth. You want me to kiss you, and then you say nothing should happen between us.”

“I know. I know. I’m…” She opened the bathroom door more fully to step out into the bedroom hoping that with more space would come more oxygen, since she was having trouble breathing. “I’m, uhh, well, it’s not really a secret that I find you attractive.”

Tim smirked and crossed his arms. “I find you attractive, too.”

“And you’re really cuddly.”

“Cuddly? I’m not a bear,” he spat out in disbelief.

“You’re cuddly,” she replied with finality. “And a very good kisser.”

His smile grew. 

“Give me a break, Tim. I can’t stop myself sometimes.”

“I wouldn’t want you to stop.” He took large steps over to her.

“You were just giving me crap about wanting you to kiss me?”

“Oh, you clearly don’t know me that well, because,” he gathered her in his arms, “I did want to give you a little grief to be difficult, but you sorta cut things off earlier, and I finish what I start.”

“What does that mean?”

He answered her question by capturing her lips slowly at first, but before long, his movements grew fervent and eager.

Lucy loved his fingers digging into her hips, and his mouth threatening to devour her. She relished in his sharp breaths that seemed to suck air directly from her lungs or deposit it back. But more than anything else, she was consumed by how dedicated he was in his task of claiming her lips as his own. She had always been an independent woman, but if Tim Bradford wanted to own her, well, she was willing to surrender as she had in everything else. Lucy wanted to treat their fake marriage as nothing more than an arrangement, but he made it impossible not to want more from him. She was firm in her demand for their relationship to be platonic, but as he tugged on her bottom lip, she was reminded that they could never be truly platonic. Every line, they crossed it together, and every time, she was pleased about it, because where she set boundaries for others to protect her heart, Tim had mostly broken them down in favor of furthering their emotionally intimate connection. He was honest and vulnerable in a manner that seemed difficult for him yet something he worked towards to make her happy. He gestured for her touch sometimes in silent request for a type of physical intimacy he seemed starved of for so long. It was not always about kissing Tim, even though he was quite skilled at that, it was about feeling their connection in every way that confirmed what Lucy had only suspected- she had never felt this way about anyone before nor would she finding something similar with another person.

Tim pulled back to breathe but dropped his forehead to hers to stay close. “I like that better than our phone calls.”

“No,” she whispered. “I like our calls better.”

“Ouch.”

She snickered. “Okay, maybe it’s a tie. I do like waking up and hearing your voice. Besides, you do have more game on the phone than in person.”

“Game? It’s a lot easier to have game when I’m not looking at you.”

“Is that right?”

“You’re very distracting. That’s why I initiated the rule that you can’t walk around the house in only a sports bra.”

“Sounds like a ploy to get me topless.”

His mouth fell open. “No!” He had not even considered that.

“Too bad. It would’ve worked.”

His lungs stuttered.

Lucy giggled. “You make it too easy. I like that about you.”

“I like everything about you.”

“You’re not allowed to be so charming when I have to eat, and then we have an early soundcheck to be back here in time for your ankle exercises. Mind ordering us something?”

“Not yet.” Tim dove in for another kiss. “Alright, now I can.”

She was not sure where the warmth of his body heat radiating into her ended and her blush started, but either way, Lucy was perfectly content with how he made her feel. Even when they sat across from each other at the dining room table eating their room service, she felt a steady warmth rolling off of him that flowed directly into her soul.

He had been so looking forward to his soundcheck, because it was HIS soundcheck in Tim’s opinion. He took a folding chair right to the front of the stage in preparation for his private performance and was practically salivating by the time Lucy pulled up a stool and a microphone stand to sing her acoustic set. Tim gave her a spirited solo standing ovation for her performance.

Lucy blushed. “Stop!”

“I’m not stopping! That was great!” He continued clapping.

“Sit down at least.” She chanced a glance at all of the staff watching them and blushed even more. “People are watching us.”

“And? Is it such a bad thing for people to see how proud I am of my wife?”

“I can’t stand you,” she replied sweetly and wrapped her arms around him.

He grinned into her hair. “I can tell.”

Tamara snapped a picture of the sweet moment and mumbled, “If they won’t help themselves, then I’ll do it for them.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Back at the hotel after finishing Tim’s ankle exercises, Lucy collapsed into his side ready to take a nap, but his phone rang.

“It’s Angela,” he announced the caller before sliding his thumb across the screen and pressing the speaker button. “Hey, Ang. Did you get my text?”

“Yeah, sorry, I was in the middle of a sting, because some of us have really tough jobs.”

“I have a tough job,” Tim replied.

“Oh, really? How’s jet setting with your beautiful wife where all you have to do is clap for her?” Angela wondered sarcastically.

“He’s doing a really good job,” Lucy advocated for him. “And, he’s been keeping up with all of his ankle exercises. I’m so proud of him.”

Tim kissed her forehead. He liked when she complimented him.

“Wow, Wes was right. You guys are VERY happy together,” Angela said coyly.

“Did you call to give us grief or help us out?” Tim inquired, annoyed.

“I texted a friend at the FBI, but he said it’s pretty impossible to find the origin of a rumor like this, but that picture is a few years old, and you said that it was never posted anywhere, so I think it was someone you know that posted it,” Angela surmised.

“You think Ashley started this rumor? She saw me happily married to someone else and decided to pull a stunt like this?” Tim wondered.

“Look, I don’t know, but it doesn’t really matter who started it. What matters is that you put an end to it,” Angela responded. 

“That’s what Tamara said, but we’re choosing to rise above the rumors,” Lucy chimed in.

“Hmm is that why there’s a picture of you two hugging on stage looking adorable?” Angela asked smugly.

“What?” Lucy reached for her phone to search for the photo and grumbled when she found it easily on the front page of a tabloid’s site, “Tamara did this.”

“It is a cute pic,” Angela complimented.

Lucy inspected how adorable she and Tim looked holding onto each other. “We do look really cute,” she mused.

He was never really needy for physical touch until Lucy, but he looked at a photo of how he clung to her, then eyed how they were snuggled up together in bed with zero space between them, and recognized that she brought out a change in him. Tim’s cheeks were hurting from how much he was smiling. “I think that picture is enough to shut down those cheating rumors, so I can go back to my very hard job of being Lucy’s groupie. She needs a nap after her very impressive soundcheck.”

“Oh, sure, a nap,” Angela replied sarcastically. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Bye, guys.”

“Bye,” Tim hung up and offered, “I’ll confront Ashley if you want.”

“If she’s the one that released the picture and started the rumor, then she probably did it for you to reach out. Don’t reward bad behavior,” Lucy advised.

“This makes no sense. We ended things years ago, and she hasn’t tried reaching out in a while. My gut’s telling me it’s someone else.”

“I don’t know. Who else would want to threaten our relationship? It would have to be someone that’s close enough to have that selfie and hate that we’re together enough to start a baseless rumor.”

“And, probably someone who knows how social media works. They knew exactly what to do to drum up buzz about a total lie,” he posited.

She sat up. “You think you know who it is, don’t you?”

“What if it was Rachel?”

“Rachel who?”

“Rachel, our team’s Social Media Manager. She used to be best friends with Ashley when we were together. Plus, you said Rachel likes me, and then she said some awful stuff about you at practice the other day, and I told her not to talk about you ever again.”

“You pissed her off?”

“She was disrespecting you. I would never let that stand.”

Lucy crossed her arms. “Are you saying that if someone does something disrespectful to you like withhold your contract renewal even though you’ve worked very hard and have definitely earned it, you mean I can speak my mind, because I won’t let that stand?”

“This is different. It’s YOU,” Tim shot back. Though, he did see her point about how she acted towards the team’s owner was similar to his conversation with Rachel.

“I can say the same thing about you,” she responded. “Look, I appreciate that you’re trying to protect me, but you don’t get to do something for me if I’m not allowed to do the same for you.”

“Don’t worry I already accepted your sorry not sorry lack of apology already,” he smirked.

“You better, because I’m not sorry for worrying about you,” she said proudly.

“Wife of the year.”

She smiled. “Stop being so charming. I need a nap.”

“Whatever you want, Lucy.”

“What I want is for you to hold me, please.”

Tim tugged her close and swept the hair out of her face. 

She curled herself into his side with an arm and leg flung across his body. “I love getting what I want,” she noted happily.

“Good thing I like giving you what you want,” he snickered.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The most remarkable part Lucy’s second night of her leg in Detroit was that when she got off stage, she immediately gave Tim a hug, and with only one good foot, he still lifted her off the ground to show her how proud and impressed he was by her performance. 

Tamara was more than happy to capture the adorable moment between the non-couple couple and allow it spread around on social media like wildfire, because her one and only client and best friend may be difficult, but it was her job to protect her reputation and the image of Tim and Lucy’s happy marriage, which was easy to do when they were so clingy and smitten. Especially on the return flight from Detroit back to Los Angeles at the end of the weekend when it seemed that Tim and Lucy were back to their sickeningly sweet selves. Who knew fierce hockey players could smile so much?

When they deplaned, the private car took them to Lucy’s house first just so she could pack up the belongings that she had brought over the week before, and she was happy to be going back to living with Tim, because even if he upset her again, she did not want to leave. She wanted to stay and work their issues out.

Tim walked her back over to her room, and though he yearned for them to share a bed as they did while on tour, he respected her having her own space, and at least they were back to living under the same roof again. “Hey,” he paused to take stock of how she was putting her belongings back in their previous spots. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“Glad to be back,” Lucy grinned. “But, you know, it still might be nice to have an escort to my room every once in a while, especially at night.” She loved how gentlemanly it was to have him lead her all the way to her bedroom door, and she wanted that tradition to continue.

“Of course. I don’t want you to get lost.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” She found it quite respectful that he remained on the other side of the threshold to her bedroom, always standing in the corridor instead of inviting himself into her space. “So, what do you want to do today after your ankle exercises?”

“I can’t stay, actually. Wes asked for me to come to practice. As co-captain, he does better when we work together to lead the team, so he asked me to stop by.”

“Okay. I’ll change into something warmer, and we can go.”

“No, I’m sorry, but you can’t come today.” Immediately, she looked wounded. “Not that I don’t want you there, but we’ll be doing some drills and trying new plays, so I’ll be observing on the ice, which means I won’t even get to see you while you’re there. If you do show up, I’ll just sit with you instead.”

“It does get really cold. Sitting together helps.”

He smirked. “Normally, I would agree, but I have to focus, and you make that very difficult. Stay home and rest, and I’ll be back by dinner, okay?”

She stepped into the hallway with him and promised, “I’ll be home when you get back. Let’s take care of that ankle.”

“It’s sorta sore.”

“No excuses.”

“It’s not an excuse, but it would be nice if you could help with the pain. I’m injured, you know.” He thought they were in a good enough spot again to request her help with pain relief (as in kisses). 

“I haven’t forgotten. Exercises first, and then after, I’ll take the pain away.”

“Before and after, since I’m sore.” He bent low but still kept some distance between their mouths. “Please,” he added at a whisper.

“I hope you’re not faking just to get me to kiss you.”

“Never,” he feigned innocence.

She did not believe him whatsoever, but objecting any further was a waste of time, so Lucy bridged the small gap and gave him exactly what he needed to take away his nonexistent pain. And as promised, after Tin did a great job completing his ankle exercises, he was given another kiss.

And another.

And ANOTHER.

“Tim,” she warned against his lips. “You’re going to be late to practice.”

“So worth it.”

“Excuse me? Since when does Mr. Tim ‘Always Early to Practice’ Bradford not mind being late?”

“Since you give me a good reason to stay.”

“Isn’t this marriage supposed to help with your career not hold you back from it?”

He tried not to dwell on the fact that she referred to it as a “marriage” and not an “arrangement” again, but he was pleased with the development. “Maybe Armstrong was right when he said we become better players if we’re married to, you know, give us balance.”

“We’ve been a little off balance all weekend. Reality is calling.” There had been no talk of hockey or life outside of them for three fun-filled, snuggly days.

“Let it go to voicemail,” Tim replied smartly before recapturing her lips.

Unsurprisingly, it took several more minutes for Lucy to shoo him out the door.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Practice ran longer than expected, but Tim was confident in his team’s preparation for their next game against the St. Louis Blues, and he could not wait to tell Lucy all about it, because even when she did not fully understand, she was a good listener, and he had no idea how much he appreciated it until he had her to come home to and speak about his day with. The lights were off, and when he called for her, she did not respond, so he stepped as quietly as he could given the walking boot and knocked on her bedroom door, but since there was no response, he assumed she was taking a nap. He would wake her up when it was time for dinner, but first, he decided to go into his bedroom and change. Then, he went into his bathroom and froze.

Lucy.

In his tub.

Naked.

Some sort of inhuman sound came out of his mouth, but otherwise, he could not speak, he could not move, and he could not tear his eyes away from her. He prided himself on being a gentleman, so he should have turned away the instant he realized what was happening, but his body seemed to be stuck. Her eyes were shut. Her head was tilted backwards, and the water had just enough bubbles to cover all of her skin below her shoulders. But, it was enough to IMAGINE what was below the surface.

Lucy felt a presence, so she opened her eyes, and lazily smiled in her far too relaxed state. “Hey,” she said softly.

He could swear she said something. He saw her beautiful full lips move. He faintly heard a noise. But, Tim was still a little too stunned to function properly.

“Tim” She asked, and then she bit her lip when she recognized how his mouth was slightly agape, his eyes were wide in shock, and his body was otherwise rigid. Lucy had seen that reaction a few times when she wore anything low cut, when she traipsed through the house in a sports bra and tight leggings, when he ogled her the other night in the hotel suite when she emerged from the bathroom in her robe, and when he saw her L.A. Kings branded lingerie set. She would never admit it, but she loved how strong his reaction was to her. “Are you okay, babe?” Lucy asked more to toy with him than in search of an actual answer.

With only water and bubbles to cover her, Tim was panicked, and of course, secretly curious what would happen if she moved to reveal more skin. He was trying to be respectful, though, so he very firmly ordered his body to move, and still there was no response for a few more moments until his ears heard at a delay how she said “babe” in a low, sultry voice, and her shoulders moved as she seemed to shimmy and readjust her seated position beneath the water. Tim spun around abruptly and shut his eyes for good measure. “Sorry!” He apologized.

She giggled. “Are you going to pretend your ankle hurts so badly you have to get in the tub with me?”

He opened his eyes, still facing away from her and asked, “Is that an option?”

“You wish, Bradford.”

And, Tim DID wish it was an option.

“Not yet, anyways,” Lucy added in the long pause, and then there was another stretch of silence. “If you’re just going to stand there, can you at least hand me my towel?”

“Towel. Yup.” He lunged for the one on the towel bar and then walked back slowly with his eyes closed before reaching his arm back to present it to her. Tim heard a rush of water as she stood up in the tub right behind him.

Still naked.

And not moving to cover herself up.

Lucy had yet to take the towel. She observed the tension in his muscles, the minuscule tremble of his hand holding the towel, and the pronounced set of his jaw from the sliver of his profile. What she also noticed was that he was not even breathing. So, as an act of charity, she accepted the towel and said, “Thank you.”

He exhaled. She was covered. He could breathe again.

“I thought you said I could use your tub when you aren’t home,” Lucy said and stepped out of the tub then a few more paces until she was at his side.

A towel covers less than a robe and is easier to remove, Tim realized, because a robe has a piece of material that requires untying, but a towel can be removed in one fluid motion. In one fluid motion, Lucy would be... He winced to put that train of thought to a screeching halt.

“So, can I use your tub or not?” She asked.

“Whenever you want,” he replied unevenly.

“Just checking. How was practice?” 

“Practice?”

“The daily thing your team does from preseason to the end of the season to keep you guys sharp,” she defined the term.

He nodded. “I’ll, uhh, tell you all about it when you’re dressed.”

“Sure.” She stood up tall and kissed his cheek. “You know what I was thinking about?” Lucy asked in his ear. “Your tub is perfect for two. Can’t wait to try it out.”

Tim looped an arm around her before she could lower herself back to the ground. She wanted him to work on his game, and he saw an opening to be better at flirting in person, so he said, “My shower’s big, too. When my ankle’s better, and I can stand for longer, I think you’ll like that better.”

“Guess we’ll have to test both to see what we like better.”

“I need my ankle to be cured by tomorrow.” He was manifesting, because speeding up his recovery would mean his contract renewal would come sooner, and then the promises of everything that could happen after their marriage ended would be redeemed often and excitedly.

“We can wait.”

“Speak for yourself.”

Lucy pecked the corner of his mouth. “We have four more weeks of rehab on your ankle, and then hopefully you’ll be signed up for another few years on the Kings, and THEN we’ll have the rest of our lives. Don’t worry about it. I’ll go change.”

As she exited the bathroom, he was not thinking about her only wearing a towel or sharing the shower, he was thinking about how easily she said “the rest of our lives” as if a foregone  conclusion, and perhaps, it was something already agreed upon; a commitment they made in some instance since they put on their wedding bands for the first time, or maybe such a promise of spending their lives together came in small moments over time like the mosaic of companionship, and love, and communication that marriage is built on was quietly assembled resulting in some imperfect yet artful piece that was theirs. Their mosaic. Their creation. Their design. Their marriage. It might still be unfinished with conversations they had yet to have, secrets they had yet to share, milestones they had yet to experience, but their marriage was never meant to finish; it was meant to endure, and grow, and be recolored as their circumstances changed. He could be impatient about what was to come, but Tim was increasingly more grateful for what he did have. Because, he did have Lucy to laugh over dinner with. He could reach across the table for her hand as he told her about practice. He could listen to her speak about her new lyrics that she was developing. He could sit with her at his side while watching some mindless cooking show. And when the time came, he could walk her towards her bedroom, cup her face, kiss her head, and wish her, “Good night, wife.”

And, even better, Tim watched Lucy smile as she murmured back, “Good night, husband.”

He slid into his bed alone, but he was still thankful as he drifted to sleep with a smile on his face. He was her husband again. Their promises renewed. Their mosaic was not broken beyond repair; it was still being created. And, if it was going to be half as gorgeous as Lucy, he had a captivating, beautiful life to look forward to.

Chapter Text

When Tim woke up in the morning, he stretched his achy muscles, brushed his teeth, and then went downstairs to make a pot of tea. With a freshly brewed cup in his hand, he went back upstairs and knocked on the guest bedroom door where Lucy stayed. He refused to refer to it as her room, because he had every intention of moving her into THEIR bedroom when they were able to really be together. Until then, he could start practicing some good married life routines like waking her up in the morning properly. Their phone calls while she was away were great, but when she was home, Tim wanted to greet the day and her in a better way. Since she did not answer, Tim took a chance and barely opened the bedroom door to see that she was still sleeping. He set the mug on her nightstand, pushed the hair out of her face and gently shook her awake. When her eyes started to flutter open, he murmured, “Morning, gorgeous,” and dropped a kiss to her forehead.

“Tim,” she hummed cheerfully, smiling around his name, in her barely awake state and reached for any part of him. Lucy found one of his hands, so she brought it to her lips to kiss his palm gently then pressed it to her cheek for warmth as she made a happy sound.

She called him “Tim”. Not “husband”. Though he was, admittedly, a little wounded that it seemed to be a slip when she said “good night, husband” the night before, he had to look past that; Tim knew he had screwed up, but he would never make the same mistake again. Instead, he was going to continue to be the best husband he could be as she deserved, and hopefully, they could move past his mistake. “Time to wake up, Luce.”

“Okay,” she pouted and sat up while still directing his hand from her face to her sternum. Lucy blinked away the rest of her grogginess and smiled at Tim. “Good morning,” she said happily. Waking up with him was always nice.

“I made you some tea,” Tim said and presented the cup to her.

“You brought me tea in bed?”

“Why should mornings when you’re away be better than when we’re under the same roof?”

“True,” she agreed. Their morning calls were her favorite, but having him in person was far better.

“Okay, I’m going to take a shower. Enjoy your tea.”

“Can you stay for a minute?”

He smiled.

“Get over here.” She patted on the side of the bed he occupied when they slept next to each other. The one he was meant to have for the rest of their lives. When Tim sat down, she immediately curled up into his side and brushed a kiss to his shoulder. He was still sleep warm, and Lucy felt like she might melt between her hot tea and him. “This is so nice.”

Tim smoothed his fingers through her hair as he gazed down at her.

“I love the tea, but since you’re here...” she tilted her head up to taste his lips for a second. “I like having you here in the mornings.”

“Me, too. I’ll stop by when I’m not working out.”

She wanted to suggest that she move into his bedroom since their weekends in hotel rooms proved to be special in that they went to sleep and woke up next to each other only for her to sleep alone when they were at home. Yet, Lucy remembered that there were lines yet to be crossed due to their marriage still being a necessity for his career, so she did not voice her idea aloud. Instead, she replied, “I’d like that.”

He would have preferred if she suggested they give up the pretense of separate beds, but there was one boundary they had to keep in place, and if they slept next to each other every single night, well, the temptation would drive him mad. 

Suddenly, they both heard a voice coming from downstairs.

“Wes,” Tim grumbled that his best friend’s husband let himself into their house. He peeled himself away from Lucy, who whined when he moved off the bed and stepped downstairs.

Lucy followed closely behind with angry strides. Her day had started out perfectly, and she could not believe someone put a damper on it.

“There you are,” Wes said when Tim came into view.

“Didn’t I say to only use your key for emergencies?” Tim snapped.

“I knocked a bunch of times, and I texted, and you didn’t answer.”

“Well, I was with my wife,” he replied and pointed behind him to Lucy.

“Did you…” Wes tracked that they had stepped out of the same bedroom and smirked, because he assumed they had spent the night together, and his assumption included activities well beyond sleeping.

“Did we what?” Tim asked, since he had no idea what Wes’ facial expression was insinuating.

“Never mind,” Wes responded. “Look, I know this is last minute, but you were great at practice yesterday. As co-captain, I can admit that the team could really use you tomorrow. Any chance you could travel with us and sit on the bench tomorrow to help us out? I know you’re injured and can’t play, but your leadership would be helpful.”

Tim glanced at Lucy to see if it was okay to go, because he wanted to go and support his team, but his wife made the final call. 

Wes was surprised their “fake” marriage included the husband needing the wife’s permission to do something. That usually took some time for a real husband to get whipped like that.

Lucy asked, “When do we leave?”

“Hang on, ‘we’?” Tim wondered.

“Did you forget about the fact that you have daily ankle exercises that I need to oversee?” She questioned.

“You already travel every weekend. I don’t want you to have to fly around during the week, too,” Tim replied sympathetically.

“Too bad. You go, I go.”

“Okay, then get yourselves ready. We leave in three hours,” Wes said and waved goodbye.

“I need to get ready and pack,” Lucy immediately felt frenzied.

“You really don’t have to come.”

She grabbed his face and kissed him hard. Afterwards, she panted against his mouth, “I’m coming with. End of discussion.”

“Is that how we end discussions now?”

Lucy pulled his lips down to hers again for a searing kiss. As she later tried to recover air into her lungs, she said, “Shut up.”

“This is a bad strategy. I’ll just keep talking so you kiss me again.”

“You’re supposed to ask for what you want, babe.”

“I keep forgetting about that. So, can we go upstairs and pretend like our morning wasn’t interrupted?”

She pouted. “I wish, but I need to pack. We have to get to the plane early.”

“It’s a private jet. It won’t leave without us. We can even be late if we want.”

“Yeah, but I’ve never met the crew of the plane. They don’t know about your condition. They need to know to have ice on hand, and make sure they can have a stool for you to elevate your foot, and I need to sit next to you in case you need me.”

“Relax. You don’t have to fuss so much.”

“Don’t act like you don’t like it.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it. I’m saying you don’t have to do it.”

“Here we go again,” Lucy groaned before yanking his face back down to hers. Once several long moments had passed, she pulled back and insisted, “I will always fuss over you whether you like it or not. End of conversation.” She turned on her heel and began ascending the stairs until strong arms looped around her causing her to stop and squeal.

Tim spun her around by her hips. Looking at her from where he was standing on the lower stair, they were actually the same height. “What if I don’t want this conversation to be over?”

She giggled as she raked her fingers through his hair. “You drive me insane. I really need to pack.”

“I’ll help you pack to make it go faster after I get to have you for just five more minutes.” He had been so at peace before Wes’ arrival uprooted his whole day.

“You want to help me pick out what bras I’ll be wearing?”

“That depends, are you planning to model them for me?”

Lucy smirked. “Sure. But, modeling means look and don’t touch. Think you can handle it?”

His mouth went dry. 

“That’s what I thought,” she said smugly based on his frozen state. She brought one of his hands up over her rib cage but just below bra territory still above her pajama top, but his fingers seemed to burn right through the material. In her lowest, silkiest voice, Lucy promised, “One of these days, I’m going to give in and let you touch me. This wait is killing me.”

Speechless and faint, he nodded.

Abruptly, she moved his hand away as if it was a live wire. She could not let herself succumb to temptation yet. “But, not today.”

He groaned and watched her strut away since he needed several seconds to breathe before finishing his walk upstairs.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy explained in great detail to the entire flight crew how Tim needed to be tended to while players started boarding. 

Jackson overheard Lucy very seriously talking about ice, and he started snickering. “You’re wife is something else,” he mumbled to Tim.

“Yeah, she is,” Tim replied adoringly.

“I hope you’re a good enough husband to deserve her,” Jackson said.

His morning came flooding back to the forefront of his mind; he recalled how Lucy called him by his name and did not refer to him as “husband”. Tim’s stomach dropped remembering that he was not a good enough husband to deserve the title as she had said as much that morning in her omission of using the title.

“Okay, so they’re getting you a stool, and I need you to sit down,” Lucy went over and directed Tim once her briefing with the flight attendants was completed.

He lowered himself into a chair.

Oddly enough, he did not tap on his thighs or open his arms as a silent invitation for her to sit in his lap. Lucy thought it was suspicious. She tried not to let it bother her as the whole team assembled on the plane, but as they were taxiing, she took his hand and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yup,” he replied quietly.

When they were in flight, Angela inclined her head to get Lucy alone at the back of the plane for a somewhat private conversation.

“Is everything okay?” Lucy wondered quietly.

“Oh, I think it’s more than okay,” Angela smiled. “I’m so glad you and Tim are sleeping together now.”

“We’re not.”

“Deny all you want, but Wes told me he saw you guys leaving the same bedroom this morning. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.”

“Tim just came to my room this morning to bring me tea, and I asked him to stay and snuggle for a few minutes. We’re not sleeping together.”

“Why not?”

“Because, I’m not letting my feelings jeopardize his contract renewal. I can wait until he signs his next deal.” She glanced over at the back of his head and added under her breath, “At least I hope I can.”

“Hate to break it to you, but something’s gonna happen between you two in St. Louis.”

“No, I can hold back.” Lucy sounded more confident than she felt.

“I wouldn’t be so sure. We’re traveling for an away game, and you know what I say about away games? A.C.H.”

“A.C.H.? What does that stand for?”

Angela smiled slyly, “Anything Can Happen, and trust me it will.”

“Sounds like a warning.”

“It’s a promise. Don’t worry, though. I think it’ll be a good thing for you and Tim. Get rid of some of that sexual tension.”

She looked back over at him and confessed, “It’s just regular tension right now. He’s been acting weird since we got on the plane.”

“Have you talked to him?”

“Not yet. I’ll wait until we get to the hotel.”

“Whatever it is, best way to end an argument is if your mouths are too occupied to talk. Just saying,” Angela winked.

Lucy’s pulse raced at the thought.

Aaron rubbed his hands together and smirked. “You know what I just realized,” he said loudly enough for the entire cabin to hear. “Bradford’s finally got a special someone on board, and we all know what that means.”

The rest of the team started whooping and hollering.

Lucy had no idea what Aaron was trying to say, so she left Angela to return to her seat at Tim’s side to ask for clarification, but before she could, Wes spoke.

“Oh, yeah! Mile High Club, baby!” Wes said with a huge grin earning more cheers from his teammates. “We’ve all done it. No judgment.”

“We’re good, guys,” Tim replied, his lips were a thin line.

“BOO! Come on, Bradford!” One of the players said and others joined in.

Lucy chewed her lip in her embarrassment, but then she realized that by going to the bathroom under the guise of joining the Mile High Club, she could speak to him about whatever was wrong, so she stood up dramatically, took his hand, and quirked her eyebrow.

Tim’s mouth dropped open as everyone in the cabin chanted his name.

“Come on, babe. Don’t make me beg,” she flirted eliciting a few whistles.

He finally rose from his seat and let her lead them to the bathroom resulting in the plane erupting into applause and cheering. The second they were alone, Tim let her go and crossed his arms. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Do what?”

“Pretend.”

“You do realize I own a jet, right? I have every intention of joining the Mile High Club with you someday. I’m not pretending. It’s just not happening yet, and since I couldn’t explain that to your teammates, I figured we had to come in here to shut them up.”

“Are you sure you still feel that way about me?”

“Do you suddenly think you aren’t sexy or something?” She snaked her arms around his hips. “You, Tim Bradford, might be the sexiest man alive. I’ll call ‘People’ magazine.” When he did not lean into her touch, Lucy stepped back. “Hey, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting weird since we got on the plane.”

Of course she noticed. He blew out a breath and kept his arms tightly crossed over his chest as physical armor to protect from potential oncoming emotional wounds. “I have no right to be upset. You’ve given me more than I deserve, and you let me have more of you than I’ve earned. I know it’ll take some time, and it’s all my fault, and I’m still so sorry. West said he hopes I’m a good enough husband to deserve you, and I know that I’m not. You won’t even call me your husband anymore, and I’m going to make this up to you. I’ll find a way to be the perfect husband. I-”

“Woah,” she cut him off and cradled his cheeks. “I forgave you. Look, we’re going to screw up, because we’re not perfect. Marriage isn’t about being perfect for each other; it’s about being there for each other every single day in the best way we can, and you want to do that don’t you?”

“Absolutely.”

“I know you do, and I do, too. That’s all we need for this marriage to work. Work. No shortcuts, or faking, or trying to be perfect. Work. We can handle that, can’t we?”

“Of course.”

“So, we’re good. All’s forgiven. One fight isn’t going to end our whole marriage.”

“But, you didn’t call me your husband this morning.”

“I was barely awake when you came into my room this morning. I don’t even know what I said. Is that the real reason why you’re upset? Because I didn’t say ‘husband’?”

He then realized how ridiculous it sounded, so he sheepishly replied, “Yeah.”

She pouted, because he was being absolutely adorable. “I’m sorry, husband.” Lucy pecked his lips. “How do you want me to make it up to you, husband?” Another light kiss. “Can I get a smile, husband?” Another. “Are you going to pretend to be upset to get me to say ‘husband’ a million times? Is that your plan, husband?” A soft press of her mouth to his. There was a glint in his eye to indicate that he was no longer upset despite the fake scowl. “Is this like when you mope about being injured and in need of cuddles as if that’s a medically proven way to help you feel better? Huh, husband?”

“I don’t mope. I don’t even know how,” he replied with a furrowed brow.

Lucy rolled her eyes at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You always mope until you get a kiss or some quality snuggle time, and I find it really adorable, my dear husband. I really do.”

His chest was so warm it threatened to burn him from the inside. “It really does help,” he confirmed.

She scoffed. “Yeah, right,” she said sarcastically.

“If you don’t believe it works, then why do you do it?”

“Because I would do anything for you. If you want something, I want to give it to you. That’s why I tell you to ask for what you want, because if you ask me, I’ll do it. I didn’t know how important it was for you to hear me say that you’re my husband, but now that I know, I’ll be more cognizant of that. I’ll be honest; I was upset for a bit and not comfortable saying it, but I can’t quit on this marriage because of a fight. Neither of us can. We owe each other more than that. So, in the good times and bad, you’re my husband, and I’m your wife. Okay, husband?”

“Okay, wife.” While smiling, he leaned forward for a toothy kiss thanks to their grins then went to the airplane bathroom door.

“Wait,” she stopped him as she grabbed his wrist to get him to look at her. “We’re supposed to be hooking up in here.” Tim only looked at her cluelessly, so Lucy blew out a breath before pulling his face to her.

His hands spanned the sides of her face as he took control positively devouring her. She touched him so eagerly; her movements matched his so fervently; and best of all, every time they separated slightly to breathe, she pled so raggedly, “Don’t stop, husband.” Tim was a man who always listened to his wife, so he did as he was told. At some point, he pushed Lucy against the wall as their tongues fought for dominance. She made such delicious sounds that electrified his whole body, and Tim was convinced that he was not going to stop kissing her no matter what; the whole plane would have to come apart down to the last rivet to separate them.

Lucy felt his fingers wander just below her t shirt, and she silently begged him to move higher and touch more of her skin. Then, a knock came at the door.

“Yo, finish up. I need to use the bathroom,” James Murray called desperately from the other side.

Tim grunted as he wrenched his mouth away from her, and she whimpered at the loss of him.

Lucy surveyed him and then herself; his hair had been ruffled, a trace of her lipstick was smudged on the corner of his mouth, the open button down over his t shirt had managed to get tugged off his shoulder at some point, and both sets of their eyes were equally glazed over. “Okay,” she murmured and dragged him out of the bathroom by the hand.

When they went back to their seats, Tim gripped one of her hips to still her. “Don’t even think about it,” he whispered gruffly.

She truthfully had not even considered any option other than sitting with him. “I wasn’t,” she confirmed with a smirk. “Get your ass in a chair.”

He liked when she ordered him around, so he followed her instructions and dropped into a seat.

Lucy sank into his lap and started straightening his hair. “You know what I’m thinking about?” She asked quietly. “No one is going to interrupt us on my plane. I’ll make sure it’s just the two of us.” His hot hands were splayed on her back to provide steady enough heat to keep her on edge.

“You know what I’m thinking about? I’m going to take you on a honeymoon the second hockey season is over. One whole month of you and me on some deserted island without any interruptions.”

“Or clothes,” she added to the fantasy.

“Even better.”

She brushed her nose against his. “That’s a perfect plan. How many more weeks until your season is over?”

“Too many,” he answered wistfully.

She snickered. “I’ll be honest, I’m not really ready for your hockey season to be over.”

“If you’re not ready…”

“Oh, it’s not that,” Lucy confirmed. “I just really love being a supportive wife and watching you score goals for me. Plus, I have so many cute game day outfits to show my team spirit.”

“Hmm,” he hummed as he considered. “Well, I think I would rather score with you than ever score another goal in a game, and as for team spirit, I believe you have a very lacy outfit I’d like to see.” He recalled the L.A. Kings branded lingerie set she owned.

“I ordered another one, so I can have one in black for home games, and one in white for away games just like your jerseys. Want to find out which one I’ll wear tomorrow?”

Tim shivered.

Her lips hovered right over the shell of his ear as she answered her own question in the most dangerous voice she could muster, “Neither. You’ll see why.” She heard him suck in a breath, and she nibbled on his ear lobe to make him do it again.

“We have special alternate jerseys in grey. You might want to invest in that set, too,” he rasped as her hot mouth traveled down the side of his neck.

Lucy licked a stripe back up to his ear and murmured, “Pretend to be surprised when I show you the set I bought in grey. It’s not very lacy, though, but that’s because it’s mostly just straps.” His groan in response vibrated through her body.

“Can’t wait to see it.”

“You have to win the Stanley Cup first. It’s reserved for a special celebration.”

“What if the Kings don’t make it to the postseason?”

“You will. I’m married to the greatest hockey player of all time, and he’s going to win the Stanley Cup for me.”

As if he was not already properly motivated to win the championship before, with the promise of a special celebration with Lucy as a result, he was willing to do just about anything to secure his team’s victory. “For you,” Tim breathed.

Wes, who had been intently watching and trying to listen to Tim and Lucy’s hushed conversation, asked his wife, “She really denied that they’re sleeping together?”

“Yeah, but we all know she’s lying. Look at them. Classic newlywed honeymoon phase.”

“If she were telling the truth...”

“They would have more strength than saints,” Angela said.

Wes watched how Lucy giggled and Tim smiled against her forehead. “Oh, she was totally lying to you.”

“There’s no chance. It’s funny, though. We know…the truth,” he raised his eyebrows to indicate that he would not clearly state anything about the secret fact that Tim and Lucy were not actually married before he continued, “but I still believe them. They’re very convincing.”

“Convincing? They’re not acting. Tim can’t lie to save his life. No, they’re just genuinely in love.”

“I’m surprised he would let himself fall for someone again. He said he wasn’t going to let that happen a second time.”

“Apparently, what Tim needed was a wife. Someone committed to sticking around for him no matter what. And based on everything l’ve read about Lucy’s history, it seems like that’s what she needed, too. A commitment. It’s a lot easier to feel safe in a relationship if you know the other person isn’t going anywhere.”

“They’re not actually married, though.”

Angela observed how Tim seemed perfectly content with his eyes shut, his head on Lucy’s shoulder, and his hands resting low on her hips as Lucy was whispering something into his hair. “Try telling them that,” she murmured happily. Seeing her best friend get exactly what she knew he had always secretly craved was more precious than she could describe.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

A security team had to take Tim and Lucy to the hotel separately for her safety, which also meant that they got a car all to themselves and were guided through the hotel and to their room away from the rest of the team. The room had to be swept by guards first, and then they were able to take in the simple layout.

“I know this hotel room is smaller than the ones you’re used to,” Tim noted apologetically.

Lucy only smiled. “I get to stay with you. I consider this an upgrade,” she gathered a fistful of his shirt and requested, “Now, mind escorting me to the bed, husband?”

“As you wish, my wife.” He grinned while slipping his hands into the back pockets of her jeans. He used the new placement to bring her with him over the few steps from the door to the king sized bed.

She let him lower himself first before she settled herself on top of him. Lucy looked down at how they ended up and smoothed a hand down his chest. “We haven’t done this in a while.” There was a period of time when they kept finding themselves pressed together if not stacked on top of each other, and eons had elapsed since the last time they were in such a delightful position.

“We did this on Saturday.” he pointed out how they spent their time between his ankle exercises and the time she had to leave for the stadium to perform that night with her stretched out on top of him as they talked and laughed between kisses for hours.

“Like I said, a while.” Lucy threaded their fingers together and rubbed the back of his hand against her cheek. She basked in the shiny blue hue of his eyes for a moment of softness that only stoked the flames ravaging with every second he gazed at her. Undoubtedly, she had fallen in love with him, and it was impossible to pinpoint the moment she had, but Lucy rather preferred not to know, because just as there was no clear beginning, there would never be an end to her feelings for him. She almost said something, but if that kind of confession scared him, it would completely ruin the mood, so instead, she kissed him gently to allow her actions to express the unspoken words at the tip of her tongue. Tim, however, had other plans as he deepened what was meant to be loving into electrifying lust.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored anything beyond Lucy laying above him. Her hair falling down against one side of his face. Her hands that had made their way under his t shirt to explore the planes of his torso. Her mouth commanding and consuming him. Her breaths shallow and harsh when she did find the time to inhale oxygen. Her entire body thrumming everywhere weighing him down into the mattress making feel so alive.

Wes called Tim half a dozen times but no answer. He banged on his and Lucy’s hotel room door and called through the wood, “Hey, man, give your wife a break. We have to practice.”

“His wife doesn’t want a break,” Lucy shouted back and giggled as Tim blushed. When he tried squirming beneath her, she held onto him more firmly. “You can’t leave me yet.”

“Sorry, baby, l’ve got practice,” Tim apologized.

“No,” she whined but still let him get up.

He watched her stand up and grab her coat as he straightened his wrinkled clothes. “What are you doing?”

“Coming with.”

“Most of the hockey wives chill while we practice.”

“I didn’t come to St. Louis to be with the hockey wives. I came to be with you. Besides, you’re going to have to take a break so we can do your ankle exercises. Let’s go.”

A few teammates gave him grief for being so whipped his wife came to practice, but Tim was happy that Lucy wanted to support him; his ex barely went to games and had never attended a practice, but Lucy did. She sat in the stands and watched as he stood on the ice and ordered his team to run drills, and every time he glanced over at her, she seemed to be enjoying being there with him while silently giving him affection and attention.

When the time came, Lucy stood, and she knew Tim would catch the movement in his periphery, and he did. They walked into the locker room over to the area where the team’s trainers and doctors would care for injured players. She pointed to one of the exam tables for him to lay down, which he did. Their nonverbal communication was bordering on flawless.

“Hey,” he said quietly and reached for her face. “I’ve been standing for a while, and now my ankle hurts.”

“Nice try. That’s not going to work anymore. I know you’re getting stronger by the day.”

Tim’s mouth fell open in pretend offense.

“Don’t give me that look," she said smugly. “I’m just curious, what excuse do you plan on using when your ankle is healed?”

“I won’t need an excuse anymore, because once my ankle is healed, I really believe I’ll get my contract renewed, and the second I do, you’ll be mine.” Thinking positively about his career and looking forward to having her were both incredibly exhilarating thoughts. “You’ll be mine,” he repeated with wonder clear in his voice.

Lucy noticed how he said “mine” twice, and as a feminist, she never considered herself as someone that belonged to another, but Tim had a way of changing her perspective on so many things; after all, she did not like or know anything about hockey just a few months prior to marrying him. “I hate to break it to you, but I already am yours. You’re stuck with me forever. Most vows say that marriage is ‘til death do us part’, but I think it’s forever.”

“It is.”

“For better or worse.”

“For better or worse,” he agreed.

Lucy smiled and kissed him lightly. “Alright, enough of that. We’ve got to work on that ankle.”

He let her pull away to step over to his feet. “In sickness and in health,” he whispered. They worked together to complete all of his exercises in mostly silence aside from counting repetitions.

“Good job,” she complimented when they were finished. Tim really was showing quite marked improvement.

When he sat up on the exam table, he drew her close where she stood between his open legs and covered her mouth with his own. He momentarily separated his lips from hers to quietly repeat himself while dropping his forehead to hers and looking down at her in amazement, “In sickness and in health.” She had already been living that vow in her care for his injury.

“In sickness and in health,” Lucy said back to him as she stared at him through her eyelashes. They had been living traditional Western Christian wedding vows without even realizing it, which made her wonder, “Should we be making other vows?”

The question seemed rather large, and he wanted to give it more thought. “All I can think about right now is that I promise to spend a few minutes with you every morning with tea or a phone call, but I would like more time to come up with something else.”

“We can take some time with it, but I do love that one. You know what I want to vow to you? To be your number one supporter all the time, no matter what.”

“You’re very good at being supportive.” He smiled as he kissed her.

Lucy’s phone chimed, and then again…and a third time, and a fourth time. “I think I need to check that,” she finally muttered. 

Tim attached his lips to her neck as she tried to read through the barrage of incoming notifications. It took more effort to focus on her screen thanks to his very dizzying distraction tactic, but then she gasped. “Oh my God!”

“What?”

“I got nominated for five Grammys!”

He enveloped Lucy in his embrace. “That’s amazing.”

“I can’t believe it,” she replied, her voice muffled how she was buried by him.

“Well, I can. You’re an incredible artist. I bet you’ll win them all.”

“Probably not, but that’s okay. It’s an honor to be nominated.”

“I thought that’s just what people said to be nice.”

“Maybe, but I mean it.”

“How are we going to celebrate?”

She pulled back slightly to find his eyes. “There’s nothing to celebrate yet, but if I win…”

“When you win,” he corrected.

“When I win,” Lucy grinned, “we can celebrate with…hmm I’ll have to think of something.”

“I’ll take you to a nice restaurant, or buy you some new earrings, or…”

“Tim, I was thinking a simpler celebration like…a bath.”

“With a special kind of bath bomb, or candles, or…?”

She smirked. “No, with you.”

His lungs emptied.

“The Grammys aren’t for a few months. I can want stuff like baths with you by then, right?” She asked nervously.

“You can have whatever you want whenever you want,” Tim guaranteed, his hands flexing where he was holding her at the small of her back.

“Right now, I want you to get back to practice, but later, I might take you up on that offer.”

“I’ve been at practice long enough. We can go back to the hotel.”

She exploded in laughter. “Stop. You need to get your team ready to win tomorrow.”

He knew she was right, but if they were alone, they could be enjoying each other’s company in her desired capacity. “Fine, but ‘Master Chef’ marathon afterwards?” Tim swallowed hard as he considered how to word the next part of his request. “And, maybe we can sit close on the couch together?”

“You mean like cuddles?”

“I mean like cuddles, and not because my leg hurts, but because I like how it feels.”

“Timothy Bradford, did you just tell me like a big boy that you want snuggles, and you’re not hiding behind your ankle sprain anymore?”

He nodded.

She cupped his chin. “I am so proud of you, babe. Honest communication is so sexy on you.”

He looked at her in pleasant surprise.

“You are so getting extra cuddles tonight as a reward, and I mean ALL night.”

Tim was stunned for several seconds as he opened and shut his mouth.

She pecked his forehead. “Just when I think you can’t get sexier, you surprise me. ‘People’ magazine won’t find anyone better.”

He was positively beaming.

Lucy brushed featherlight kisses all over his face. “Go back to practice, and then you get your reward.”

“Shouldn’t you get one for your Grammy nomination?”

“Trust me, I already won.”

He slid off the exam table and looped an arm around her to tuck her into his side for the walk out of the locker room together. They went back towards the ice rink where Tim announced, “Hey, guys! My wife got nominated for five Grammys!”

All of the players whooped and hollered to celebrate Lucy.

She had been nominated for over twenty Grammys in her career, and she had even won ten of them, but celebrating her nomination with Tim and even the entirety of the L.A. Kings felt like the greatest triumph of her career.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim had to leave Lucy’s arms for the first time in a day to go to the hockey rink before the evening’s game. She more than rewarded him for his honest communication, and he felt so boneless and loved with all of the affection and attention she gave him. “I really wish I didn’t have to leave you,” he sighed.

“I know, but I’ll see you at the game. I’ll be the one in the box.”

“Good. Kiss for the road?” He leaned in but paused before meeting her lips.

“You know, if you keep being so open about what you want, I’ll run out of ways to reward you.”

“Somehow I doubt that.”

Lucy blushed. “You’re probably right, actually. I can be…creative.”

His knees went weak.

She adored when he was speechless and kissed him dirtier just to see how he fell into a stupor afterwards. Oh, she knew she LOVED him. “Go Kings,” Lucy murmured against his lips and tapped his butt to send him away.

Everything was going so well at first; Tim gave his team a great no-nonsense speech before the game and pushed them to warm up well when they were on the ice, but then he made the mistake of looking out at the crowd. There she was standing right against the glass of her box. His wife. Lucy looks drop dead gorgeous in just about everything, but her outfit threatened to take him out for several lifetimes. She was wearing matte pink lipstick, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, tight, black, high rise, leather pants that hugged her curves and flared out mid calf, and then just as if that was not enough to make him lightheaded, Lucy was wearing a black tube top bearing her midriff and plenty of her chest…

And then, he remembered that she said she would not be wearing a bra.

Lucy blew Tim a kiss when she saw him staring up at her, and he merely swallowed hard in response. She snickered as she put her grey leather jacket on to complete the outfit. Because he was still staring, she spun around to show him that the L.A. Kings logo was embroidered on the back of the jacket. He seemed to really love her outfit if his face was any indication.

Tim spent the entire game being tortured every single time he looked up at Lucy…which was pretty much every five minutes. His only reprieve was halftime when he was in the locker room with her completely out of sight, so he was actually capable of talking about strategy with his team. Otherwise, Tim kept thinking about LUCY, and how lucky he was to be married to her, but she was so far away, and he felt like he might perish if he could not hold her again soon.

After the game, Lucy and Angela went to the locker room together to congratulate their respective favorite players. 

Lucy hopped up to give Tim a crushing hug after their victory. “Good job, husband!”

Her whole body was pressed against his, and his heart completely forgot how to beat, because everywhere he touched was her skin, smooth leather, or the thin material of her shirt.

“You okay?” She asked when she tipped her head back to make eye contact.

“Y-you’re gorgeous,” he stammered.

“So I’ve been told by my husband a million times,” Lucy grinned. “Does this mean you like my outfit?”

He nodded dumbly.

She angled her head and whispered, “I think you’ll like it even more when we get back to the hotel.”

Tim wanted to know exactly what that meant, and he wanted to leave expeditiously.

Coach Grey approached him and questioned, “Son, do you mind giving the postgame press conference?”

“I didn’t even play,” Tim shot back frustratedly.

“Can you still do it?”

“Yes, sir,” Tim grumbled before gliding his fingers down the expanse of Lucy’s bare back. “This will be the fastest press conference I’ve ever given, and then we’ll go to the hotel.”

“What about the after party? Angela said the team usually goes to a club after away games,” Lucy replied.

“Do you seriously think I want to go out with my team and their ugly mugs when I can be alone in a hotel room with the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen?”

Heat rushed from her head to her toes. “I bet we can have more fun when we’re alone.”

“I bet we will,” he grinned. Tim went over to the media room with Lucy in tow, and he sat behind a table lined with microphones. The first few questions were game related, but then the press decided to ask him about his wife and the photos of Ashley that were released to the tabloids; he had completely forgotten about that media scandal. “None of those rumors are true. My wife knows she’s the only woman in my life. She’s the most important person in the world to me. She’s my everything.”

Lucy had to lean back against the wall where she was watching the press conference. He spoke his feelings for her so publicly and casually in a unique fashion unlike any of her previous partners, especially Emmett who only hid their relationship.

Tim grabbed at her hips the second the interview was over and kept holding her while security escorted them to their car. Cameras shuttered behind them and their very public display of affection, but neither noticed nor cared.

After the car door shut, and they were in the privacy of their own space, Lucy wondered, “So, I’m your everything now?”

“You know you are.”

“It’s nice to hear you say it.”

“Say it? I’m more of a ‘show you’ kind of guy.”

“Want to show me right now?” She licked her lips in anticipation.

He scanned the mostly revealed top half of her body since she shed the leather jacket once more. “I don’t know where to start.” He only then realized that he was desperately digging his fingers into her lower hips in his attempt to keep his hands in respectful territory with so much forbidden skin on display or barely concealed.

“Well, let’s start with your kisses for each goal the team scored. That’s five kisses.”

“I thought I only got a kiss for each goal that I actually scored for you.”

“Sure, if you’re playing, but tonight, you were acting like a coach, so your team’s goals were all because of you.”

“I can’t take credit for my team’s hard work. I’m not even a real coach yet.”

“Yet? Is that what you want to do when you retire from the NHL someday?”

“That’s the plan. Well, it was. Obviously, we would have to discuss it together.”

“I think you would make a great coach.”

“But, I’d be traveling with the team. That would take me away from you and our future kids.”

“We’ll make it work. If it’s what you want to do, we can figure it out, but you won’t be a coach for a while. You’re still going to be playing for at least two more seasons. I believe that.”

“I’m starting to believe it, too, but it’s okay if it doesn’t happen, and I’m forced to retire at the end of this season.”

“Don’t say that.”

“But, it’s true. I have something better than hockey now. I’m good.”

“You’re talking about me, right? Your everything?” She swooned.

“I am.”

“This doesn’t count towards your five kisses by the way,” she said for clarification and brought her lips over to his for the duration of their drive. Lucy had not even noticed how they made it to the hotel and into their room since their mouths were attached the entire time. They fell gracelessly onto the bed together in a pile limbs with blazing hands and scorching mouths feverishly lusting for every bit of each other that they could reach.

He had fantasized about his present with her under him and miles of her honey skin on display for him. He wanted it all. Tim pawed at the small, tight stretch of material over her chest, and she purred into his mouth. When he felt that he was losing control, he seethed like her shirt singed him and dropped onto his back on the mattress at her side.

“Tim,” she panted.

He cupped her cheek while his thumb traced the bottom of her mouth. “Lucy,” he said hoarsely.

“Go ahead,” she whispered.

“I…” his lust was unquenchable in an indescribable way, which meant he was not exactly thinking properly and therefore not fully understanding her.

“You don’t have to stop.” She lazed her fingers through his hair. “I  don’t want you to,” she added more quietly.

“Baby,” his voice came out as a raspy plea.

Lucy changed their positions until she sat up on her knees. “It’s an away game. A.C.H.”

Tim shifted to get on his knees, too. He started with his hands on her shoulders and slowly slid down her arms in his desire for her skin but trying to resist going near her shirt. “What does that mean?”

She smiled. His hands ended up holding the backs of hers, and she flicked her wrists to interlace their fingers, causing a steady sizzle to emanate through their palms. “It means we need to do something about what’s going on between us. I can’t take it anymore.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Lucy tugged her hair tie to free her tresses from her pony tail.

His breathing stuttered as she shook her head so her locks flowed down like the women in shampoo commercials. He never thought that was real until her, but then again, so many things that seemed unreal were a reality with Lucy.

“No, you’re the most perfect husband in the world,” she mused.

Tim smiled softly.

“A.C.H., babe,” she said and stretched her hands up over her head.

His eyes dropped to her heaving chest then back up to meet her assertive gaze.

“Just my top tonight,” Lucy husked.

Tim’s lips parted. He had not even expected them to go so far so soon.

“Only if you want,” she added, since he was not moving to her eagerly as she expected.

Despite the fact that he wanted to give attention to the rest of her body, he bracketed her face and assured, “You’re all I want.”

“Good thing we vowed to have and to hold each other forever.” Lucy kissed him slowly, then her eyes fluttered open to ask, “Wanna get to the holding part?”

“I do,” Tim murmured before his fingers found the hem of her tube top.

Chapter Text

There were very few things in life that Tim was sure of, but just as certain as the rising sun, he was confident that there was no better place than being buried in Lucy’s chest.

“Okay,” she giggled. “You have to go to practice.” He still seemed quite preoccupied, and she had to lightly tug at his hair to get his attention. “Come on. The sooner you go to practice, the sooner you come home to me.”

He groaned his displeasure and climbed out from under his t shirt that she was wearing. “Fine. Please tell me you aren’t planning on putting on anymore clothes today.” He stood up on all fours and stared down at how unfairly gorgeous she looked in his clothes; it was his payment for taking off her tops that he had to surrender his own, and it seemed like a very low price to pay.

Lucy looked down at the mere underwear and t shirt she was wearing. “Yeah,” she scoffed. “When I eventually get out of bed, I’ll put on more clothes.” She watched him pout and added, “You can help me take them off later, though.”

Tim finally smiled. “That’s better.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Drink your tea, and I’ll see you later.” Despite needing to get ready and leave, he delayed staying above her for a few more moments.

“It’s cold by now,” she chuckled and glanced at the abandoned mug on her nightstand. He had used his daily morning delivery of a cup of tea as a vehicle to climb into her bed and kiss up and down the top half of her body. Lucy appreciated the gesture of bringing her some tea every morning, of course, but she much preferred how Tim helped her greet the day with his warm hands and mouth traveling everywhere. “Hey, don’t make the guys run extra drills today.”

“Are you the coach now?”

“No, but I’m the wife,” she reached out for his neck.

He shook his head. “That’s not how it works. If they need to be pushed harder to play better and get us a win, we stay later. We’re trying to win the Stanley Cup, Luce. There are no off days or easy practices on the road to the championship.”

“There are if you want to be here when I look through paint samples, or you’ll come home and have no idea what the house will look like.”

“Paint samples?”

“We’ve been over this twice.”

“Let me guess, and you weren’t wearing a shirt either time?” If he thought sports bras were distracting, he had no idea how getting her topless would erase his entire brain like nothing had ever existed.

“You’ve practically ripped everything off of me for the last two weeks. Not my fault we still need to have actual conversations like adults.”

“Okay, I swear I’m really listening right now.”

“I said I’d like to get a gym built in my house for you, and you were fine with that. Do you remember that?”

“No, but that’s perfect. We can’t fully move into your house if I don’t have a place to work out.”

“I’m not trying to pressure you into moving in with me. I just want you to be more comfortable there. With this album I’m starting to really seriously work on, I’ll have late nights and early mornings in my studio, and I’d like if you could stay over with me.”

“Of course. We’re not sleeping apart if we can help it…apart is in we stay under the same roof not in the same bed or anything,” he tried to backtrack from what his initial words might have insinuated.

“Has it been…okay? We’ve ended up in a lot of hotels between my tour dates and your away games.”

“More than okay, but I’m not suggesting we rush into sharing a bed full time.” Tim was grateful for all the wishes Lucy had granted him for more time with her in his arms, but he would never dare to push the boundaries too far.

“Sure. That’s fine.” As much as she was looking to forward to moving into one bedroom together permanently, that step could wait. They had forever. “I just realized that your ankle is almost fully healed, which means you won’t be coming on tour with me over the weekends anymore,” she added wistfully.

“If we spend so many nights apart, could we have sleepovers on Mondays when you’re back in town? I’d like that.”

“Tim,” she grinned. “I love when you tell me what you like so much, but you’re not allowed to be so sexy and communicative when you’re about to leave me.” He started blushing, and she kissed his cheek lightly. “I love the idea of sleepovers at least once a week or whenever one of us needs one. Would that work for you?”

“Yeah,” he replied quietly. He had sometimes caught himself looking at her in wonder as some sort of mystical being sent to him to grant every one of his wishes even the ones he never felt comfortable saying aloud, but it was getting easier and easier to speak his whole mind to her and at least verbalize his desires unlike the reserved nature he tended to show other people.

“Good. That’ll make our weekends apart more manageable. I’ve gotten used to having you as a groupie.”

“I love being your groupie more than I love having you in the crowd at my games.”

“You don’t like when I go to your games?”

He tucked her hair behind her hear as he replied, “I’ve never had a better fan. It means a lot to me when you come, but when I go on tour with you, I get my own private concerts, and I like my private concerts.”

“If you help me pick out the paint color of your gym tonight, I’ll perform a song for you afterwards.”

Tim sighed. “I hope practice doesn’t go over today.”

She picked her head up from her pillow to whisper against his lips, “Any chance you’ll guarantee practice won’t run long if I promise to perform in a new bra I just bought for you? And, I mean nothing over it.”

He made a very indecent noise as he surrendered. “I’ll be home early even if they absolutely suck on the ice today.”

Lucy giggled in her glee that she was going to get exactly what she wanted.

“You’re trouble,” he groaned.

“That’s Mrs. Trouble to you,” she smiled. “Go to practice and be a great coach. Whip those hockey players into shape.”

“Have fun working on your album. I’ll meet you at your house to pick a paint color.” He kissed her quickly and moved to get up from her bed.

She clicked her tongue. “Excuse me?” Lucy tightened her hold on the sides of his neck and picked her legs up to wrap them around his waist for good measure. “Is that how you say goodbye to me?”

“Oh, someone’s in a mood today,” he chuckled.

“You start things when you get into this bed with me, and then you’re going to leave with one of the tiniest kisses ever?”

“As usual, you’re right.” He went back to her with greater pressure and depth while his hands made their way under her shirt but did not go further than her stomach.

“Now you can go,” Lucy finally said and dropped her limbs away to release him. As he shuffled out of her bed and towards her bedroom door, all she could think about was how much she positively, absolutely, unendingly loves him.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

When the team took a break for lunch, Tim was surprised to see Lucy strut into the locker room. “What are you doing here?”

“Your ankle exercises obviously,” Aaron answered. A few teammates looked over at him. “She shows up to practice the same time every day to help him with his ankle exercises. Have none of you noticed that?”

“I thought it was an afternoon hookup,” Jackson said half jokingly.

Lucy took Tim’s hand and said to the locker room, “You boys are lucky I’m riding him so hard to make sure he gets back on that ice and wins the cup for you guys. Come on, babe.”

“She hears herself, right?” Wes whispered to Aaron.

“I’m confused. I really thought it was ankle exercises, but that’s just a euphemism?”

“Straight people are a mystery to me,” Jackson responded.

Tim assumed his usual position on one of the exam tables in the medical area of the locker room. He wrapped an arm around one of hers and admitted, “I’ll miss this when I’m better.”

“Doing foot and ankle stretches or seeing me? And, there’s only one right answer.”

“Seeing you obviously.”

“You’ll still get to see me at home.”

He smiled. “Yeah, you’re right.” The privilege of sharing a home with her was not one he was soon to overlook. Tim pulled her face down as he craned his neck upwards for their mouths to meet somewhere in the middle.

“Exercise time. We gotta focus. We’re so close to the end of your recovery.”

“You’re the boss,” he smirked and obeyed.

When she was supposed to leave at the completion of his stretches, she decided to hop up onto the exam table and sit next to him instead. Lucy interlaced their fingers and diverted her gazes to how they fit together as she admitted, “I’ll miss this, too. I guess I’m not ready for things to change between us again.”

He focused on the parts of her face he could see with her head hanging low and wondered, “What’s going to change?”

“You won’t…” she smiled mirthlessly while shaking her head before she continued shakily, “you won’t need me anymore.” Being wanted was nice, but how he needed her for his recovery was precious to her.

Tim cupped her chin to pick her head up so that he could look into her eyes. “You are the only thing I need. I could lose everything including hockey, but I can’t lose you.”

“Hockey is your career, your dreams, your life…”

“It was my life until you came around. I meant it when I first hurt my ankle. I told you I’d be okay, because I could have you.” His hand traveled to the side of her face. “Nothing has ever mattered to me more than hockey, but now you do.” Tim saw her eyes start to water, so he repeated himself at a whisper, “Now you do.”

Lucy felt warm tears start to fall down her cheeks, and since her watering eyes could not see clearly, she had to feel for Tim’s face to ensure she would not miss her target when she bridged the gap between them for a wet, sweet kiss.

When he pulled away, he wiped her face as he explained, “I think everyone in my life doesn’t stick around, because they know hockey will always come first, well, that’s how it used to be, but you come first now.”

“Hockey will always be your first love just like music is for me, but I’m your last love, and you’re mine.”

Love is the biggest, heftiest word in the English language though only four letters. He dreaded using the term, because in his experience, to love was to lose, but all previous loss of love would pale in comparison to a world where he no longer had Lucy to go home to. Tim found it appropriate that both “Lucy” and “love” are four letter words that start with “L” and are synonymous.

She worried that uttering the word “love” would scare him given everything he told her about his history, and she kept every previous thought of love to herself, but of course, as it was constantly on her mind, it slipped out.

“Lucy,” he murmured, his voice broken over both syllables. “I want…but, I can’t…”

“Hey,” she spoke softly as she squeezed his hand. “We don’t have to say it yet, but it won’t change anything for me and you.”

“You can’t know that.”

“Sure I do.” Lucy watched him shake his head, so she reached to cup the back of skull to stop him. “We’re committed to each other until the end of time. That’s permanent. There’s nothing or no one that can take me away from you. I’m yours.”

Regardless of the fact that he knew all of that already, he still treated each time she said something to that effect as if it was the first. “You’re mine,” Tim said and claimed her mouth for further confirmation.

At some point, she pushed him back against the exam table and gasped when she realized she was on top of him and his hands were all over her as their mouths remained connected; it was such an upgrade from when they fell together on the ice, because then, she got to taste him, but now, she could feel him everywhere.

“Bradford,” Grey said firmly when he came upon them, and he was grateful to find them still wearing their clothes.

Lucy wrenched her lips away from Tim’s and looked over at Coach Grey.

“You’re needed on the ice with your team,” he said to Tim then looked to to Lucy to instruct, “Mrs. Bradford, your presence at practice should not be a distraction. Have I made myself clear?”

She could only muster a nod, since she was choking on her words. No one had called her “Mrs. Bradford” aside from the headlines before. 

Grey assumed they would follow behind him soon enough, so he left them alone to return to practice.

Tim felt her body tense when he assumed she would climb off of him so he could leave. “Mrs. Bradford? You gotta stop being a distraction,” he teased. He quite liked the sound of “Mrs. Bradford” and wondered why he had not said so before. “Baby?” He asked quieter when she stayed perfectly still above him.

Lucy bent down to whisper in his ear, “Call me that at home.”

“I didn’t know you if liked that.”

“Neither did I, but I want to hear you say it again.”

“Okay, baby,” he replied flirtatiously.

“I meant the other name.” She moved to make eye contact with him. “Unless you’re not ready for that.”

His face stretched in genuine surprise. “Oh.” Tim tangled his fingers in her hair as he recovered from his shock. “I’ll call you Mrs. Bradford whenever you want.”

She felt her stomach do somersaults. “I like when you call me your wife, too. I like both.”

“Good to know.”

“That’s important information you’ll need later.”

“Yeah, I heard you. I’ll say it again when we get home.”

She shook her head as her smile grew. “No, babe. LATER as in when we start sleeping together. The right words can really do it for me.”

He raised his eyebrows as he digested that comment. “Oh, that’s VERY important information.”

“I’ve never actually told anyone that before. Some people have figured it out, but I want you to know.”

“Glad you told me. After all, communication is so sexy.”

She snickered and pecked his lips quickly.

He whined when she stood up off of him instead of deepening their kiss. “I don’t want you to go.”

“You heard Coach. I have to stop being a distraction.”

“At practice, but at home…” Tim rose to his feet as well and immediately reached out to settle his hands on her hips.

“I better not be a distraction at home. I better be all you’re focused on,” she insisted as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Of course,” he said and bent low to murmur against her mouth, “after all, you’re my everything, Mrs. Bradford.”

Lucy made an inelegant needy sound. “We really haven’t fixed our problem.”

“What problem?” Tim wondered, concerned that he had made a mistake.

“The one where all I want is you.”

“I need you, too, baby.”

She loved when he so innocently did not understand her. “There’s a difference between want and need usually. I need you in my life, and I want you in other ways…but that’s turning into a need, too, honestly.”

“You’re better with words, so maybe you know this- is there something stronger than a need? That’s how I feel.”

Her eyes darkened. “Seriously, Tim, you have to stop telling me how you feel and what you want before we have to leave each other. One of these days, I’ll just have to make you stay.”

“Make me? You won’t have to try very hard.”

“You are giving me ideas,” she smirked.

“BRADFORD!” Grey shouted.

“He sounds pissed. You better go,” Lucy let Tim go; she was no longer surprised to find them pressed against each other and hands grabbing each other tightly; she only hated having to step away from him.

Tim returned the ice, hobbling on his walking boot that Lucy always so carefully helped him put back on his foot after his daily stretches with so much love in that simple act it made his heart stutter. That was what he was reflecting on when he went over to his teammates and their chorus of snickers. “What?” He asked.

“You can’t wait until you get home like the rest of us?” John chuckled. “Wow, you really love each other.”

Despite being unable to confirm that, he could not deny the allegation either. “We really were stretching my ankle out.”

“Sure. ‘Cause she’s riding you hard,” James joked.

Everyone broke out into cackles as Tim blushed, but he chose not to punish them for their ribbing, because Lucy wanted him home as soon as possible, and he wanted that, too.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim arrived home to the sound of Lucy singing some song he had never before, which meant it was something she was working on. She never seemed to stop with her constant humming or quiet singing, and every time his ears were met with her light voice floating from another room, he was reminded that he no longer went home alone. He had HER to go home to. Lucy’s house was larger and more open than his with expansive windows and an ocean view, but the cozy decor and the sunlight were not what he liked about her house; Tim never cared about a house as more than four walls and a roof where he slept, but now he had a HOME, because he had LUCY. “There you are, Mrs. Bradford,” he greeted her with a warm smile as he approached her in her music studio.

“You’re here…early,” she noted as she checked her watch to ensure that she had not lost track of time.

“My wife made it clear she wanted me home, and I know the golden rule of marriage: happy wife, happy life.”

“That’s very true. It should be on the cover of your ‘Great Husband’s Guide to Marriage’ book, you know.”

“And what chapter do gifts fall under again?” He wondered.

“Gifts? For me?”

“You gotta get out of the studio to get them. Come on.”

“Them? There’s multiple gifts? Tim?”

He took her by the elbow into the kitchen where he put the bouquet of yellow roses in a vase and had another metal container set on the counter.

“Yellow roses?” Lucy asked as she angled her head to smell them.

“It’s your favorite color.”

“That’s very true. Is there another reason you picked yellow roses?”

Based on the leading tone of her voice, Tim asked, “Should there be?”

“Yellow roses symbolize friendship.”

“I had no idea. I’m not trying to say we’re friends. Can you tell I’m not very good at being romantic?”

Lucy cupped one his cheeks and encouraged, “You’re doing great. We are friends, though.”

“How can you…” Immediately wounded to hear their relationship defined as friendship, he pulled back, but she moved with him.

“We ARE friends,” she reiterated. “That’s a part of marriage, but that’s not all we are anymore.”

“No, that’s not, and we haven’t been for a while.”

“Yeah, that phase didn’t last as long as I hoped.” She really did try to keep their connection platonic, but it seemed just as sure as a meteor hurtling to Earth; they were meant to collide, and Tim was destined to bury himself beneath the surface of her where he was meant to remain for all time.

“This is so much better, though.” He brushed a kiss to his forehead.

Lucy smiled brighter. “This is how it was supposed to be.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.”

“You’re ridiculous,” he rolled his eyes.

“Am not!” She scoffed. “Are you going to keep pretending you’re annoyed with me, or are you going to give me my other gift?”

“It’s small. It’s just tea.” His eyes dropped to the container on the kitchen counter, but he would not take a hand away from her back where he was holding her close.

“What kind?”

“Uhh I looked up fancy tea shops and found one kinda close to practice, so I went, and the lady at the store suggested that you would like this one.”

She craned her neck to read the label and laughed.

“What’s so funny? Did I get you the wrong kind?”

“No, no, no, babe. It’s great,” she swallowed back from giggling some more. “It’s jasmine tea.”

“And that’s making you laugh because?”

“Jasmine tea is a fertility booster. The lady at the tea store wanted to help us make a baby.”

“Wow, I need to Google things more often. I was just thinking about how my Mrs. Bradford deserves gifts, and I really didn’t know.”

“Your Mrs. Bradford loves it. I can’t believe you bought me more tea when I still have a mountain of flavors in the cabinet at your house.”

“When I said I wanted to buy you flowers, you said you would prefer tea, so I decided to get you both.” His fingers ran up and down her spine, and they both felt the subtle crackling elicited by the movement.

“Are you sure you didn’t secretly get jasmine tea because you want to talk about babies?”

“I swear I didn’t.”

“Tim, if you want to talk about kids, we’re at that point now.” 

“You said you weren’t sure about kids when we first talked about it, but I’ve heard you mention ‘our kids’ since then, so I guess my biggest question is if you want them, because I do.”

“I wasn’t sure until we got closer, but yes, I do want kids with you.”

He sighed in relief; his previous partner did not want them, and he was grateful that his wife did. “That’s good.”

“But, not yet. Ideally, I wouldn’t want us to start trying until our next hockey season to give us like a year of marriage under our belt and time to just be us for a while before we add our kids to the mix. How does that sound?”

He thought he might fall to his knees, because he had not expected his life to turn out how it had with a gorgeous, loving wife that was so supportive of his career that she called it “our next hockey season,” and then she repeated the phrase “our kids” just to ensure his lungs would halt. 

Lucy looked up at him for a long moment to read each emotion flash across his face like she was watching a movie. “Tim?” She finally asked when he seemed to have fully processed her words but was still caught in a stupor.

“I-I…” he was struggling to compose a proper sentence. “I gave up on having kids when Ashley and I split, so I can’t believe I get a second chance.”

“There are empty rooms in this house, and empty rooms in the other house, so we’ve got a ton of rooms to fill.”

“We gotta get to work.”

She laughed. “Not yet, but soon.”

“I vote for very soon.”

“Well, definitely not tonight. I haven’t forgotten I’m giving you a private concert, and we need to design your gym.”

“Design? I thought it was just a paint color?”

“And a trophy case for all of your Stanley Cups.”

“You know I don’t actually get to keep the Stanley Cup? We get to drink beer out of it and hold it for a parade, but then after that, I can only see it again if I win it.”

“How did I not know this? Maybe I should get you a Stanley Cup water bottle for each time you’ve won the trophy. We could put them in the trophy case to be symbolic.”

Tim narrowed his eyes. “That’s not funny. The real Stanley Cup is the highest coveted…” his sentence faltered as she giggled and kissed a line along the underside of his jaw. “Coveted,” he swallowed and tried to return to his train of thought. “You’re just trying to piss me off, aren’t you?”

“I’ll buy you the water bottles if you really want,” she mumbled into the hollow of his throat. “But, I love hearing how passionate you are about a trophy. I wonder if you would feel the same way about me if you wrapped me up silver.”

Tim sighed as her tongue made purposefully rough movements over a sensitive spot. “I already do, baby,” he rasped.

Eventually, so much later than either intended, they did pick out a paint color for his gym while eating their dinner.

Lucy yawned as they put their dishes in the dishwasher, and he said, “You can give me my private concert later. You’re clearly tired.”

“This album has been a lot of hard work.”

“How many songs have you written about me?”

“All of them,” she answered without hesitation and intertwined their fingers to start taking the stairs together. 

“Which is how many songs?”

“I’m not telling you yet, but when the album is ready, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Your WHOLE album is really about me?”

“I told you that was the plan.”

He stopped in front of her bedroom door and knew he was not ready to bid her good night yet. “I don’t know how many songs you can write about one person, and I’m a simple guy, so I guess I didn’t think it was actually possible.”

“You, my dear husband, are the kind of man I can write a thousand albums about, and I plan to.”

Tim felt a rush a warmth overtake his entire body. She so casually said the kindest statements about him as if it was as easy as breathing to adore and appreciate him, because in her eyes, it really was. “I can’t wait to hear every song about me when you’re ready to play them for me. Until then, goodnight, wife.”

Lucy let him kiss her sweetly and fleetingly, but as he pulled away, she squeezed his hand. “Can we have a sleepover tonight?”

His answer to her question was to open her bedroom door for her and let her enter first with him following right behind her. Once ready to go to sleep, Tim tentatively climbed into her bed. It was HER bed in HER house and not the neutral territory of a hotel; they had slept next to each other in his bed once after he was injured to comfort him, but choosing to spend the night together purely to enjoy the intimacy of sleeping beside one another was different than hotel rooms that only had one bed or his potentially career ending injury that had devastated him. Tim did not know how to act or if he could touch her, but as long as they laid their heads on the same mattress, he was more than happy to be there.

“Why are you so far away from me?” She pouted and shuffled over to his side of the bed and up against him. “Can we cuddle?”

“Of course.” Tim smiled and flipped her around before bringing her back against his front and flinging his arm across her side. He inhaled her scent and felt so at ease. “Are you comfortable?” He asked into her hair.

“I’m so comfortable,” she moaned in contentment. “Good night, husband.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After they boarded Lucy’s private jet to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio for another weekend leg of her tour, Tim was set up in a chair with his stool and ice as usual, but when he opened his arms expecting her to slide into his lap, she did not go to him immediately.

She bent low to whisper despite the fact that only Tamara was on the jet with them. “Uhh don’t hate me.”

“What did you do?” He asked, concern flaring.

“No, you’re supposed to say, ‘I could never hate you’.”

Tim sighed, unamused. “Fine.”

Lucy chewed on her lip before saying, “I invited some people to join us this weekend. I believe you know the Armstrong family, as in the owners of the L.A. Kings.”

“You did what?”

She kissed the tip of his nose. “Remember, you’re not allowed to hate me. I’m your wife.”

He groaned, “Lucy, you already made him mad once.”

“And, I’m making it up to him. My little…outburst isn’t going to be the reason you don’t get a contract renewal.”

“But, if I get the green light from Dr. Stevens on Monday, this is our last weekend together for a while. I was kinda hoping we would be alone, especially for soundcheck.”

“They’re only going to tonight’s performance, and I didn’t invite them to soundcheck. Nick’s wife, Rebecca, is from Cincinnati. That’s why I invited them to the concert, so they’ll be with family until tonight, and you and I can still have time to ourselves.”

“Good.” He leaned in to kiss her when someone boarded the plane.

“Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, hi,” Lucy greeted them with handshakes, and then she hunched over to make eye contact with the little girl with them. “And, you must be Mallory. It’s really nice to meet you.” 10 year-old Mallory Armstrong stared up at her with huge brown eyes and a blindingly dazzling smile.

“You’re really Lucy Chen! Woah! I can’t believe I’m meeting you!” Mallory gazed at her in amazement, since she could not at all believe she was meeting her role model and favorite artist.

“I can’t believe I’m meeting you either. Thank you so much for coming with me to my concert,” Lucy smiled. “I also want you to meet my husband.”

“Oh, I know Tim,” Mallory said and waved. “He sometimes coaches my hockey team.”

Lucy looked to her husband for further information.

He shrugged and explained, “Coach’s wife owns an ice rink. The whole team volunteers when they can. I help with the all gender 10 to 12 year-old hockey league, and Mallory is one of our best players.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Lucy beamed.

“Do you like hockey?” Mallory wondered.

“It’s my favorite sport,” Lucy answered, and she could hardly recognize her life, because she used to dislike sports and she knew very little about hockey until Tim came into the picture.

“She’s going to have a million questions for you, Lucy. You’ve been warned,” Nick said fondly.

“Well, then I guess we should sit together. Come on, Mallory,” Lucy picked out two seats for her and the little girl.

Tim was glum that he did not have his usual companion in his lap or at his side for the flight, but he could  go a few hours without her as she made Mallory smile. The curious little girl had enumerable questions for Lucy, but there were three in particular that he overheard that made his chest warm.

“Who’s your best friend?” Mallory inquired.

“I have two: Tamara, who is sitting over there working, and Tim, yeah, he’s my favorite person in the whole wide world,” Lucy answered.

“How did you know you were in love with?” Mallory wondered.

“Umm when I realized he’s the most important relationship in my life. I even miss him when he’s away from me at hockey practice for a couple of hours,” Lucy responded.

“When did you know you wanted to marry him?”

“I don’t know exactly, but that just means I’m grateful to be his wife all of the time.”

Nick and Rebecca spoke with Tim mostly about hockey and the upcoming game schedule that would be more aggressive after the holiday season that was quickly approaching. Tim guaranteed his ankle would be fully healed, and he was going to be ready to play soon, which seemed to please Nick.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Just as every other soundcheck before, Tim took a folding chair to the front edge of the stage for his unobstructed view of Lucy as she danced and sang. Her acoustic set practice was right in front of him, and he finally noticed that she was wearing a black L.A. Kings t shirt, which he loved.

“Okay,” Lucy smiled and set down her guitar. “One more song today just for you.” She stood from her stool, walked the few paces over to Tim, and threw her leg over his to straddle him and sink into his lap. “I didn’t get to do this the other night, so I want to sing to you now. Just you.”

“If we wait until the hotel then…”

“Tim!” She looked around; she was holding a live microphone, and everyone was about to hear him make an inappropriate suggestion for their private performance. “I’ll sing to you right here, but hold onto that thought for tomorrow,” she winked. Lucy began to sing her first song about Tim called “You Call Me Gorgeous”, and Tamara almost dropped the phone she was holding in her hands.

Lucy had not written a new song since her relationship with Emmett was actually going well, and Tamara was overjoyed that her friend found the inspiration to write music again, especially something with such emotional and love-filled lyrics.

“I’m so proud of you,” Tim whispered into Lucy’s cheek and kissed her. “I would clap right now, but I don’t want to let you go.”

“You don’t have to clap for every single one of my performances,” she snickered.

“Usually I do,” he replied as he continued dropping his line of kisses from one cheek, across the bridge of her nose, and over to the other.

“I’m hoping you’ll be a little too preoccupied to clap during some of my other performances.”

“Too preoccupied?” He paused his lips’ movements to look into her eyes.

She smirked. “You can be so clueless sometimes. I’m talking about sex. Your hands will probably be-”

“LUCY!” Tamara shouted. “LIVE MICROPHONE!”

A deep cherry red stained her face as she turned off the microphone to assure no one else could hear them, but just to be certain, she leaned in to whisper directly into his ear, “I invited Nick and his family to make sure we don’t have to keep waiting so long,” with desperation clear in every single word.

“What exactly are we waiting for at this point?” Tim asked as his hands slid up her sides.

“Your contract renewal.”

He inclined his head so he could look at her. “This marriage hasn’t been about that for a while.”

“With my past, I need the assurance that you won’t just walk away from us the second you get what you wanted in the first place.”

“This all started when we hardly knew each other. I would’ve actually married you that day had I known…I didn’t know back then that I could want you more.” He brushed some hair out of her face as he whispered, “I didn’t know I could want you more than everything.”

She felt her stomach clench even as the sweetness of his words settled in, because her insecurities could not so easily be assuaged by his statement. Lucy put a hand on his heart and requested, “Be patient with me. I forget about how all of this started, and I’m so happy that there isn’t even a word for the feeling. I love our life together. I want to share mine with you forever…but, it hits me sometimes, and it happens less and less often, but I remember there could be a reason for you to stick around that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with your career. Deep down, I know you’re not that guy. I know how you feel about me, but I can’t shake the feeling sometimes, and I know it’s because of my exes, and it’s unfair to put that on you. I just can’t seem to stop myself.”

“We’ve both got reasons to doubt that this will work out. I get scared the other shoe will drop when I get home, and I can’t hear you sing. One time, I confronted Ashley, and we fought, but then I cooled down and called her to leave her a voicemail telling her we would work it out. When I got home, she had moved all of her stuff out without even texting me that we were through. The only way I know you didn’t pack up and leave without saying goodbye is when I hear you singing in the other room.”

A tear streamed down Lucy’s face as her heart broke. “I’m so sorry. That’s awful. I would never do something like that.”

“I know that logically, but some days, I can’t stop that thought from creeping in.”

“Seems we both need a little time to stop having doubts,” she assessed.

“The only thing I’m sure of is that I need you. I need to see you or hear your voice every morning, I need to come home to you, I need to tell you about my day, and yeah, I’m man enough to admit that sometimes, I need you to hold onto me. There’s the other needs part we talked about a few days ago, but that can wait until you’re ready.”

Her lungs stopped working before he even started listing the ways he needed her. She focused on the soft blue of his eyes, the color of the calm mid-sea waters like she was floating in the middle of an endless sea with nothing on the horizon, and yet, she did not feel scared, alone, or unmoored as the situation might suggest; Lucy somehow felt safe. “You’re my everything, too, you know. I could live if I never sang again, but I can’t lose you the way I’ve lost everyone else before. That’s how much I need you, too.”

Because of how she was taller than him from her position seated on his lap, Tim put a hand on the back of her head to tip her face down where he could reach her forehead and said lowly, “You’ll have me forever.” He sealed his vow to her with a kiss.

She picked her head up and corrected him, “We’ll have each other forever, so we gotta deal with our baggage. The best way I know how is time.”

“I got all the time in the world for you.”

Feedback from a speaker caused a loud screech to blare, which reminded Tim and Lucy that they were on a stage in the middle of a stadium having a far more intimate discussion than the setting would suggest. “We should probably go back to the hotel. We’ve got game footage to review,” she said.

“Maybe I can watch it all tomorrow…”

“Tim, how are we supposed to beat the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday if you haven’t learned all their plays by the end of the weekend?”

Everything turned into a “we” with Lucy, since she operated as his eternal teammate willing to be at his side for any activity, but that was a part of marriage, too, he realized; there is an aspect of working together and sharing in all things big and small. So, even if she was not a hockey expert, Tim appreciated that she sat with him and watched old game footage of the competition as he explained his appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of other teams before sharing his findings with his hockey teammates. It was nice to go over his assessment with his teammate in life first, especially when Lucy flashed him a big grin and told him he was doing a good job from her spot tucked into his side.

She shot up from his lap and took his hand. “Let’s go, babe.”

He submitted to her with, “Yes, Mrs. Bradford,” and watched her preen in that heart melting way that made him want to say it again and again.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

At least there seemed to be someone else at Lucy’s concert that was almost as awestruck as Tim; from his unusual spot in the front row standing next to Mallory and her parents, he could see the little girl buzzing with glee and amazement for the entire performance. Lucy even blew a kiss to Mallory, and of course, one for Tim, too. 

Her favorite part of headlining her own concerts was that Lucy could do whatever she wanted, so as her dancers and her band took their bows after the encore song, she gestured for a security guard to help her with her plan.

A big, burly security guard leaned over the gate keeping a distance between the front row of the floor seats and the stage and told Tim, “Lucy wants you up there.”

“What?” Tim shouted over the loud ruckus around him.

The guard dragged the gate only slightly for just enough room for Tim to squeeze through before pointing to the stairs at the front of the stage as instructions of what to do.

Obediently, he wobbled up the few steps in his walking boot, and was immediately enveloped in a sweaty hug from Lucy. The crowd was so loud, but it faded into silence just like during his games when he drowned out all frivolous noise to focus on what mattered. She was all that mattered as he bent low to capture her lips.

Breathless and raspy, she found his eyes and admitted, “I’ve needed to have you up on stage with me for weeks.”

“Need or want?”

“Both,” Lucy answered. She waved to the stadium of concertgoers one last time as she snaked an arm around Tim’s waist. “Good night, everybody!” She said into her microphone, turned it off, and dragged him with her offstage.

The Armstrong family met Lucy in her dressing room after the show to thank her for the invitation and the wonderful experience. Mallory excitedly hugged Lucy ten times before her eyelids drooped, and she loudly yawned to signal her exhaustion. Rebecca hated to suggest that they leave and end such an eventful day, but her daughter was clearly in need of sleep. Nick gave Tim a pointed look to confirm that all was forgiven as he shepherded his wife and daughter out of the dressing room.

Once they were alone, Lucy sighed and heavily sat back on the couch. The adrenaline was still coursing through her veins, but she was also aware that her throat and body were aching. She kicked off her shoes and then struggled to remove the top half of her dress.

Tim reached around her back to pull down the zipper and guide her arms through the sleeves, then he dragged the material down to her hips.

“I can’t get up yet,” she admitted with a scratchy voice.

“Just relax. I’ll take care of you.” He brought another water bottle to her mouth before doing his best to pull her dress the rest of the way off for her. 

“You’re such a good husband,” Lucy mused; despite the fact that it was the first time he had only seen her in a bra and underwear, she was not nervous or shy; she was completely at ease.

“And, you’re the best wife. I can’t believe you had me go on stage with you.”

“Everything’s changed since the first time you came to my show. Remember you were in the V.I.P. section?”

“You blew me a kiss,” he recalled with boyish elation.

“I did, and now I get to kiss you.” To prove her point, she brought her lips to his for a soft caress. 

“Change can be a good thing.”

She chuckled. “Listen, I can barely move. Mind if we stay here for a few minutes?”

Tim rose to his feet and moved her around like a rag doll into a comfortable laying position on the couch.

When she saw him turn to take a seat in her hair and makeup chair, she frowned.

He saw her expression change and knew exactly what she wanted. As swiftly as he could with a walking boot, Tim joined her on the couch hovering over her. “Is this better, Mrs. Bradford?”

Lucy was certain she was blushing all the way down to her toes. “I don’t know why I find it so hot when you call me that.” Perhaps there was the undertone of fondness how he said it as if there was nothing more precious to him than the fact that she was his wife.

“Neither do I, but I like reminding you you’re Mrs. Bradford.” He heard her make a dry, happy sound. “Don’t talk, Mrs. Bradford. Let me show you how much I love saying it.” Tim murmured, “Mrs Bradford,” against the corner of her eye and dropped a kiss to the spot. He dragged his knuckles down a line from the space between her collarbones to her belly button as he realized there was so much of her golden skin on display for him, and he wanted to worship every single inch. 

Her voice was barely working after her performance, and then he started whispering “Mrs. Bradford” and  pressing featherlight kisses everywhere working from her eyes to her ankles in mostly innocent territory, completely ignoring the limited spaces covered by her bra and underwear, and she was completely unable to speak, or move, or exist in any way beyond being completely and hopelessly in love with him. Lucy was a melted puddle of what used to be flesh and blood by the time he finished, but she preferred feeling boneless and utterly adored by Tim Bradford. Her husband. 

He crawled back up her body to lock onto her glazed over eyes in search of something he always found in her stare so easily: an unadulterated affection that seeped into his every pore and swirled around to find the most broken parts of him on a mission to mend him. He remembered what his doctor said to him when he was a young boy that had just broken his arm; she told him that the human body tries to put the broken pieces back together. Perhaps bones were far simpler to fuse back into a usable form, but hearts and souls took more time and effort, along with, as it seemed, a little assistance. Moment by moment, Lucy was helping to heal him, and though a repaired fracture can look or feel different than before, Tim was grateful for his damaged heart to take a new form as someone worthy to be Lucy’s husband.

She knew exactly what his eyes were saying regardless of the immobility of his lips. With that look, she knew that the meteor that is Tim had crashed onto the surface of her and shook her entire foundation leaving his imprint so deep and causing his love for her to reverberate through her core. It gave Lucy a song idea if only the emotions that overcame her could subside so she could regain motor function and write something down. It could wait; she was experiencing something akin to a meteor shower; an onslaught of Tim’s love instead of just one single meteor as she previously suspected, and something so rare and miraculous need not be obstructed.

Eventually, he cleared his throat and suggested she put on clothes and that they should go to the hotel. She agreed with only a nod as silence fell over them that was not charged or awkward as they had experienced before; it was loud, filling the air with the three words neither was willing to say, choking them like thick smoke.

Since expressing her love clearly seemed forbidden, Lucy tried a different approach when she settled into bed beside him. “Tim? Can I hold you?” He reached for her stomach, but she put a hand out to stop him. “You always hold me, but I want to hold you tonight. Come here.”

He felt her move his head to her chest as one arm looped around her back and the other settled on his bicep essentially hugging him to her as they lay together. Tim had no words, but emotion had completely closed his throat regardless. There really was no better place than being buried in Lucy’s chest, because that was where his heart lived beating in time with hers.

Chapter Text

“Morning, gorgeous,” Tim whispered, kissed Lucy’s forehead, placed her freshly brewed mug of tea on her nightstand, and decided to take the shortcut back to his side of the bed by climbing over her.

She giggled and wrapped her arms around him when he was on top of her. “Don’t move.” She finally opened her eyes and murmured, “Morning, husband. It’s a big day.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s a BIG day.”

“Dr. Stevens is about to give you the all clear so you can go back to playing hockey. It IS a big day.”

“We don’t know what she’ll say. She rescheduled my appointment from yesterday to today, so maybe she’s just delaying telling me bad news.”

“She’s going to say your ankle is all healed up, and your wife did a great job taking care of you,” Lucy replied as she felt the prickle of his morning stubble where she dragged her fingers along the sides of his cheeks.

“My wife has done a really great job of taking care of me. I agree. Thank you for getting me this far. Whatever the outcome is today, I appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

“That’s what wives are for.”

“No, baby, you’ve done more for me over the last six weeks than anyone else in my whole life. Thank you.”

“I would do it all again without a second thought. In sickness and in health, right?”

He smiled softly. “You’re right.”

“Aren’t I always?” She responded smugly and covered his mouth with hers before giving him a chance to come up with some snarky retort. “I guess we should get ready for your appointment.” With a pout, she watched Tim roll away, and then she got out of bed.

There was a practiced choreography to their motions as he stood on the other side of the bed tugging the sheets while she did the same, and then they worked together to smooth the duvet over the mattress with the crisp fold over Tim insisted upon. Lucy realized as they made the bed together in silence that they had spent every night in the same bed since they instigated the use of sleepovers, hence their perfect coordination when folding the bottom corners of the sheets in just the right way Tim liked. It was the kind of mundane married habit they fell into quite easily. The realization was enough to propel her forward to take his hand and flash him a smile before scooping up her cup of tea and leaving his bedroom. She considered, not for the first time, making the sleepovers permanent without anyone needing to go through the charade of asking, but Lucy decided against it; they had to focus on Tim’s recovery first. Sleeping arrangements could wait until later.

He squeezed her hand for the entire drive to Dr. Stevens’ office.

When the driver pulled the car into the parking lot, Lucy took his face in her hands to murmur, “Hey, babe, whatever happens today, we’ll figure it out together, okay?”

“I know you won’t leave me if I can’t play hockey.”

“Of course not.”

He focused on her chin to avert her gaze. “I don’t want to lose hockey yet. I know I can live without it now, but I hoped for another year or two before I retire and switch over to coaching.”

“We don’t have to give up on your dream yet. If Dr. Stevens says we need to do a little more rehab, we will. We’ll do what it takes to get you back out onto that ice. I told you that when you first got hurt, and nothing’s changed for me.”

Tim nodded.

She could see he was still uneasy. “Talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“I know I can’t be a hockey player and have a life outside of it. I knew that from the moment we met, and now I feel so greedy wanting to keep playing when I have a wife.”

Lucy rubbed her thumbs across his cheekbones. “Don’t you remember that I told you that you could have both? When you were being so stubborn about having no personal life, I said you could find time to call a girl up to tell her you’re thinking about her or start a day with someone. It’s not greedy to have both. You deserve to be happy on the ice and at home with me. You deserve both.”

“Do I?”

“Absolutely.” She kissed his forehead. “You’ll get both. Let’s go get the all clear from Dr. Stevens.”

Tim was grateful for Lucy’s presence for the final evaluation; he could feel her strength radiating off of her as his doctor tested his ankle’s strength.

“Congratulations, Tim, you’re ready. I’m officially clearing you to play again,” Dr. Stevens reported.

He thought he might fall over and had to lean against the treatment table to process the good news.

Lucy launched herself into his arms. “I’m so proud of you. So so proud of you.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” Tim whispered appreciatively. He saw her step back but was not ready to stop celebrating, so he lifted her up to hold her tighter.

“Careful. Don’t push it,” she snickered.

“I feel so great right now.” His ankle felt perfectly fine, and he had Lucy in his arms. Nothing could be better.

“How are we going to celebrate?”

“Practice. I have to go to practice, but we can celebrate later.”

“Yeah, I think this calls for a sleepover.”

“At least,” he responded as he began visualizing pulling her top off.

She could read his mind and knew exactly what he was thinking. “At least,” she repeated quietly with plenty of promise in her eyes.

“I can’t wait to tell my team. They’ll be so happy.”

“Not as happy as I am. You should put me down now.”

“But, I don’t wanna put you down. I like this.” He reveled in his arms being filled with her and her body pressed to his.

Lucy smirked. “If you keep this up, I won’t let you go to practice and take you home instead.”

“There’s a game tomorrow. I have to practice today if I have any hope of playing and showing Armstrong he can renew my contract. Otherwise, I would love to start celebrating now.” He started walking towards the exit of the doctor’s office.

“You’re still carrying me,” she stated the obvious.

“I know.” He kept moving with her secured in his hold for the entire trek to the car. “You’re the perfect height for this, you know. I can do this all the time now. Lift you up and take you with me everywhere then put you down right where I want you.”

“Tim,” she giggled and huffed when he dropped her into the backseat of the car. “You think I wanna be manhandled by my hockey husband all the time?”

He could see the twinkle in her eye and smirked, “I know you do.”

Lucy blushed as she laid back and pulled him on top of her while the driver started driving away. “Hey, I’m really proud of you,” she said seriously.

“I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for being…everything. Thank you.” He peppered kisses all over her face in his appreciation.

“You don’t have to do anything alone again. We do things together.”

He found he was quick to believe sentiments that once were not so easily accepted; Lucy had been so adamant that they were a team from the beginning, but it was hard to allow himself the happiness and safety that came with having a wife- someone always willing to love and support him. For so long, Tim thought that was not a relationship he could have, and he hid behind hockey, but he knew it was simply because he felt unlovable. Until HER. She told him all the time, even in quiet speechless ways, that she was at his side regardless, so it became a fact etched in his heart that he had her. Always. Forever. Through everything. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me,” Tim said honestly.

She felt her heart burst; she no longer even tried to keep her love for him contained. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me, too, but I mean, what’s my competition in your life? Pushing a puck around with a stick? I’m way better than that.”

Tim snickered. “There’s no contest, baby.” He slipped his hands under the hem of her shirt to span across her stomach. “Thank you for helping me.”

“You really don’t have to keep saying it.”

“I’ll show you later instead.”

Her stomach felt warm, and it was not just because of his hands. “Why do you always do this to me?”

“I haven’t done anything…yet.” He smiled slyly as he ogled her.

“You never behave.” Her cheeks felt so dark they were burning.

“Well, how am I supposed to behave when I have you right here?” His fingers went up higher on her skin with every word, “My sexy, talented, brilliant, perfect wife.”

“Don’t forget gorgeous.” She loved every time he said that specific word.

“That’s a given.” He brushed his nose along the side of her neck. “My Mrs. Bradford is so gorgeous.”

She whinnied. His hands so purposefully explored the space beneath her blouse like he had mapped the top of her half body a million times, and he had at that point. All Lucy could do was relax into his touch and shut her eyes as Tim’s fingers switched from gentle to firm while his mouth was unyielding on the spot over her collarbone right where he could feel her heart gallop.

“Mrs. Bradford,” he rasped and laved over the red skin he had sucked on.

“Tim,” she sighed and scratched his scalp in her frenzied state.

“You want me to stop?”

“Never. Please.”

The driver cleared his throat once he parked the car. 

“Crap, I have to go to practice,” Tim realized when he noticed they had arrived at the L.A. Kings’ practice facility.

She finally opened her eyes to look at him. “Are you kidding me?”

“I won’t be home late.”

“Oh my God, Tim,” she groaned in frustration. “For that honeymoon we’re taking, make it two months where you can’t leave me for a second.”

“But, if I don’t leave you, I can’t make you your morning tea.”

“I think you’ll find better ways to wake me up.”

He paused as he understood her meaning. “I sure will,” he promised and kissed her quickly. “Bye, wife.”

“Bye, husband,” Lucy pouted and let him climb off of her and step out of the car begrudgingly.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Her voice was a bit sore from recording a song all day, but when she checked her watch and expected Tim home any minute, she started singing for him to hear her from the front door; after he explained how important it was for him to know she was at home by the sound of her voice audible from the front door, Lucy felt a solemn duty to assure him their home together would never be empty or quiet.

There was not even a moment of fear and barely even a tumble in his stomach when he unlocked the front door of his house, because Tim expected Lucy to be home even before he heard her singing; he was developing a sixth sense for her presence that was as warm as a campfire with a welcome heat and bright glow that brought him more comfort than he could explain.

She heard his footsteps and the door to her recording studio open. Immediately, Lucy greeted him. “Hey, babe.” He barreled over to her without a word, and within a second, his fingers were digging into her thighs, and he was picking her up and placing her on the edge of the table next to all of her mixing equipment. “Oh,” barely escaped her lips before his mouth crashed into hers for one of Tim’s classic world spinning kisses that made her fall a little more in love with him as if it was possible to love and desire him more than the overwhelming amount turning her into a brimming cup of passion desperate for any second she could have her hands on him. 

“Practice was amazing,” he husked as he started kissing her jawline. “I missed playing.”

“That’s great.” She used a hand on the back of his head to subtly direct his mouth to the right spots and shut her eyes; when Tim got so keyed up and poured all of his eagerness into Lucy, she was more than happy to let him.

“I showered and rushed over so fast, because I couldn’t wait to tell you that I did so good today. I was on fire.” That fire was still coursing through his veins, and he wanted to share the flames with her.

Lucy moaned. “Hell yeah you were. I’m so, oh, proud of you.”

“You should’ve seen me I scored four goals during our scrimmage game today.”

“Four goals? You really are the best in the league.”

He smiled as he nibbled on her lower neck. Tim knew she would be proud of him and was overjoyed that he got the exact reaction he had hoped for. “I’m back on the ice, and I have you.”

“Told you that you can have both.”

“I only want one right now,” he murmured as he moved lower, and then he heard her hiss. That kind of reaction caused him to detach from her and search her body to find out what was wrong. His silent question was answered when he saw the red mark on her collarbone. “Did I do that earlier?”

“Well, I didn’t fall and hit myself right there,” she scoffed.

“I’m so sorry.”

She saw him step back, and she brought him back to stand between her legs right away. “Hey, you didn’t hurt me. I liked it.”

Tim checked her eyes to confirm that she was telling the whole truth and not just what he wanted to hear. “Yeah?” He asked shyly. As much as he liked how he had marked her with a hickey, he would never do it again if she did not want one.

“You wanna give me another one somewhere lower?” Lucy challenged him.

“Lower? Then no one will see it and know you’re mine.”

She raised her hand to show him her wedding band. “What do you think this is for?”

“I like your ring. It’s pretty.” He ran his pointer finger across the diamonds of the band.

“Do you want a different one? I had decided on mine for a while, but Tamara just sorta picked a wedding ring out for you, because it didn’t really matter, but I don’t want you to have to wear it forever if you don’t like it.”

“It’s perfect. I swear.”

“Are you sure? It’s permanent now. You have to like it.”

“I do, but I like you more.” He kissed around her hickey. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“No, no, we have to eat dinner first.”

“I’m not hungry,” Tim promised. All he craved was her as he pulled down the neckline of her shirt.

She chuckled. “You just worked really hard I need you to eat, but hold that thought for later.”

“I want you now.”

“After dinner. The chef made us steaks to celebrate your first day back on the ice. I want to hear all about it, and you’re not going to talk to me if you’re this preoccupied.”

“Fine,” he groaned and moved his mouth far away from her to only talk. “We’re still having a sleepover, right?”

“Definitely.”

“Okay.” Tim picked her up off the table and carried her with him out of the recording studio.

“TIM!” She was more than capable of walking and yet he was moving around with her in his arms as if she incapable of doing so.

“I agreed to dinner. I didn’t agree to let you go just yet.”

“You can’t be like this at the game tomorrow.”

“Why not? I can have my very own wife come to the locker room after the game like the other players. That sounds amazing.” He nipped at the back of her neck and deposited her on the kitchen counter.

“I’ve been in the locker room after a game before.”

“Yeah,” he said quietly and thought about how to explain his logic for a moment. “But, we weren’t like THIS before I got hurt. This will be my first game with my REAL wife watching me. I’ll try to score a goal for you.”

“Whether you score a goal for me or not, I’ll still be really proud of you.”

“Can we have a sleepover to celebrate my first game back?”

“I was going to ask for one if you didn’t.”

“Postgame cuddles are always welcome.” There was a time when the term “cuddles” did not exist in Tim’s dictionary, but he liked how they would curl into one big mass of limbs sharing the same tempo for breathing and getting to feel a sense of oneness and belonging unlike anything else. Plus, every time he asked for “cuddles”, Lucy clung to him for long glorious hours or an entire night, and nothing made him feel more loved or at peace, so he learned to make the request without embarrassment or shame, because real men need to be held sometimes.

Having a tall, muscular hockey player for a husband that used to wear a permanent scowl seemed unlike the kind of person to regularly request cuddles, but Lucy recognized his previous loneliness before her and appreciated that every second they spent in each other’s arms blotted out a little more of that isolated feeling from his eyes, so she was ecstatic to say, “Postgame cuddles sounds perfect. That means we should probably have sleepovers after all of your games.”

“Seems reasonable.” The hilarity of requesting sleepovers was not lost on Tim, since they just kept finding excuses to share a bed instead of broaching the topic of permanently moving into the same room. He would bring it up eventually after he received his contract renewal and there would be no more trace of “fakeness” in their marriage. 

Lucy could tell he wanted to say more, but when he only stared at her with his hands fixed to her thighs, she knew he was not ready to verbalize the thought swirling in his mind, though she had a suspicion it was one they shared. “Let’s eat dinner, and you can tell me more about practice.”

“I want to hear about what’s been going on in that recording studio of yours. You’ve been going at it pretty hard lately.”

“My album is almost done, actually. You’ll be the first to know when it’s finished.”

“Do you need my help?”

She looked down at how he was bracketed by her legs where she was seated on the counter; it was so comfortable for them to completely invade each other’s personal space that she hardly noticed when it happened. “You help me all the time, and you don’t even know it.”

“Well, I can help you right now,” he offered with a smile.

“You have a one track mind today. I gotta get off this counter.”

“Let me help you with that.” He lifted her to place her feet on the ground.

“This manhandling thing is going to get old,” she said with fake annoyance.

“No it’s not.”

“It’s just going to make things worse,” she whined. “We’re hardly holding back as it is.”

“Should we have less sleepovers then?”

“No!” Lucy blurted out. “I mean, if you don’t want…”

“I do.”

“Okay, then let’s keep having sleepovers.”

“Your guest room here doesn’t have a great mattress, so as long as we’re staying here to work on your album, it’s pretty necessary for us to have sleepovers.”

“I’m too busy to order a new mattress, but I’ll need my recording studio at least up until Christmas, so that’s like a month of sleepovers.” They both knew it would take one quick phone call to order a new mattress, but neither pointed that out.

“A month, and then maybe I’ll get my contract renewal around the new year, so we could make the sleepovers permanent then if you wanted.”

She felt her heart race in excitement at the idea of permanent sleepovers without silly excuses to preface slipping under the same covers like normal married couples. “That would be nice.”

“Really nice.”

Lucy grinned up at him; being on the same page was helpful as they navigated the delicate aspects of their marriage.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Angela reached the box seats after Lucy, and she greeted her with a hug and then eyed her curiously.

“What?” Lucy asked.

“There’s something going on with you?”

“Nothing’s going on,” she responded suspiciously quickly.

“Hmm,” Angela pondered if she was standing differently, and then she saw how Lucy was wrapping her arms around her midsection meekly over her mock neck top and grey blazer. “What are you trying to hide? Are you pregnant?”

“Shh no!” Lucy looked around to ensure that particular rumor did not start spinning around.

“Then what is it?”

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re blushing. I’m a detective. Do you honestly think you can lie to me and I won’t figure out the truth?”

“Why is my husband’s best friend a detective?” She asked rhetorically in her frustration. Lucy weighed her nonexistent options. “Okay, but don’t say anything to anyone including Wes, and don’t you dare judge.”

“Now I’m intrigued.”

She checked that no one was looking and ever so slightly pulled down the high neck of her shirt.

Angela rolled her eyes. “Oh, GOD, Lucy, I thought it was something serious. It’s just a hickey.”

Lucy sucked in her lips and refused to say a word.

In that silent inquisitive way, Angela raised her eyebrows and waited for Lucy to elaborate.

She could feel her cheeks flushing. “It’s not just one,” she mumbled.

“How many are we talking?”

Lucy’s smile grew despite her best efforts. “They’re all over, like everywhere.” Each one sent constant sparks she could not stifle but only did her best to cover them all up so no one else could tell what kept her stomach swooping and her breathing uneven.

Angela spat out a laugh. “No way!”

“It was his first practice back on the ice, and he was very…excited about it.”

“Sounds like married life is treating you well.”

“We’re happy,” Lucy grinned.

“And turned on.”

“It’s not what you think. We really aren’t doing MUCH. I mean, we’re…managing no matter how badly I want more.”

The yearning was so clear on her face plus the hickeys, and Angela’s eyes flew open as it hit her, “You were telling the truth on the jet. You’re really not sleeping together?”

“Not yet. We sleep NEXT to each other, but we’re not SLEEPING together.”

“Damn, I don’t know if I’m proud or disappointed.”

“I want his contract squared away.”

Angela replied, “If you still think that factors into your relationship, then you clearly haven’t been paying attention.”

“Tim and I talked about this. I know that rationally, but I’ve been burned too many times.”

“So has he.”

“I know, which is why we’re taking it slow.”

“A bunch of hickeys isn’t taking it slow.”

“Believe me, it is. Now that his ankle is healed, he’s started doing this thing where he carries me around, and I…let’s just say we’re really doing our best.” Lucy saw Tim step out onto the ice. She blew him a kiss and watched his face light up, which made her swoon. “We’re REALLY doing our best.”

“More hickeys tonight it seems?” Angela could feel the lust exuding from them and their quick glance before Tim wore his helmet and started skating around the ice.

“Anywhere that hockey uniform will cover,” Lucy assured.

“Is that what you’re doing tomorrow instead of coming over to our house for Thanksgiving?”

“We’re spending it apart. I promised my parents I would see them again before Tim and I got married, and I don’t want to force him to deal with them, and he’s going to see his dad, and he doesn’t want me there. Basically, we’re protecting each other from our crappy parents for the day.”

“Sounds miserable.”

“I don’t like it, but we agreed we would spend Christmas morning with just his sister and then the rest of the day we’ll have all to ourselves, so at least we’ll end the holiday season better than how we start it. And next year, we are definitely having Thanksgiving with you guys. No more obligations to bad parents. I just want it to be him and me and our own little drama-free family of the two of us.” She watched Tim shoot a puck into the net, and it was just a warm up, but it was the first time she had witnessed him really play since his injury. “GOOD JOB, BABE!”

Angela was sitting with a real full-fledged hockey wife, and she was more than a little impressed by the evolution.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The second the game ended, Lucy flew to the locker room to congratulate Tim for scoring two goals for her with Angela struggling to keep pace behind her. As if the rest of the locker room was a blur, all she could see was HIM pulling his jersey over his head. “Great game, Bradford.”

Tim dropped his jersey to the ground and drew her into his arms. “Thanks, Mrs. Bradford.” He kissed her happily.

“You really scored two goals your first game back. I’m really proud of you.”

“I would’ve scored more if Coach let me play the whole time.”

“Of course you would’ve.”

“That should be taken into consideration later.”

She pushed up onto her tip toes to whisper in his ear, “We’re so past a kiss per goal.”

“Good to know,” he smirked.

Lucy threw her arms around his neck and asked, “Did you see me cheering for you?”

“The whole time. I think I could hear you at one point,” he snickered, even with so much distance between her seat and the pane of glass separating her from the rink, there were moments where he could swear her voice was louder than the rest.

“Bradford! Shower and go give your interview. You can see your wife at home.”

She sunk down onto the heels of her feet and took a step back. “Go ahead. You’ll see me at home.”

Tim obeyed his coach’s order to shower and change, but before he left the locker room, as usual, he took Lucy’s hand to walk with her to the media room where he would provide his postgame interview. Except, instead of letting his wife stand against the wall, he tugged her along towards the table adorned with microphones that he was meant to sit behind.

“What are you doing?” She inquired quietly.

He pulled her into his lap and simply explained, “Our interview.” Tim put a hand out to calm the eager reporters looking to ask their questions. “I’m sure the first thing all of you want to hear about is my recovery from my high ankle sprain. My wife is the reason I’m back in playing shape in an impressive six-week period. I would’ve thought that kind of injury would be career ending, but Lucy wouldn’t let me give up. She pushed me and took care of me, and that’s why I was on the ice tonight. I owe my future in the league to her, so when you publish your stories about my comeback, you better give her all the credit.”

“You put a lot of work in.” Lucy insisted. She spoke to the room, “He was so dedicated to getting back on the ice. He wasn’t ready to hang up his skates.”

“Mind and body are two different things. I owe the mental part to you.”

“He‘a so damn humble! My husband is the best in the league, because he works really hard every single day. His dedication is inspiring.”

“No one has proven to be more dedicated to my career than my wife. Listen, our team went out tonight and kicked ass, but none of us would be where we are in our careers without the support of our families at home. This win tonight is dedicated to them, especially this woman right here. Alright, I’m not answering any questions tonight. Thanks for coming. Go Kings, and go Lucy Chen whose working on a new album right now. Good night!” Tim said with finality then scooped her into his arms and carried her out of the press room with an arm under her knees and the other behind her back.

“Your coach is going to kill you for that interview.”

“Why? I covered the highlights didn’t I?” He wondered and kept holding onto her until they reached the private exit where their car was waiting for them.

She shook her head at him fondly as she blushed. “You’ve lost your mind.”

“No, I have my priorities straight. Why talk about the game with a bunch of reporters when I could go home and celebrate with you?”

“Fair point.”

“I make those every once in a while,” Tim said and played with the collar of her turtle neck. “Oh,” he realized where he was about to connect his lips to her, a mark already existed on the spot.

“Why do you think I’m covered like a nun right now? You were pretty enthusiastic last night.”

“How are we supposed to celebrate now?” He moped.

“It’s called payback, and payback’s a bitch,” she responded with a devious smirk.

“Oh, really?” Tim’s heart thumped at the promise of payback. He liked the sound of that.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After a lazy Thanksgiving morning, it was finally time to say goodbye and go their separate ways to celebrate the holiday. Lucy noticed that Tim was extra quiet, so she wrapped her arms around his midsection and promised, “This will be our last Thanksgiving apart. Actually, this will be our last holiday apart. We can do this.”

“My dad’s going to say something that makes me want to leave,” he was certain of that.

“Then leave. You don’t owe him anything.”

“He’s the worst.”

“I’ll cancel on my parents and come with you.”

“No, I never want you to be in the same room as him. He’s…awful.” He swallowed back his emotions.

“You call me if it’s get too hard, and I’ll come pick you up.”

“Deal. Same goes for you.”

“Okay.” She could see how troubled he was, and she knew that she was, too. “I hate that we’ll be apart and facing our crappy parents alone.”

“It’s the last time, right?”

“Promise, babe. We really lost the parent lottery, huh?”

“But, we’ll do better with our kids.” Tim was certain they would never be anything like their parents.

“I know we will. That’s not even a question.” She dropped a kiss over his heart where she left a particularly sensitive hickey. “At least I’ll feel you all day,” she smirked. Lucy had to wear another turtleneck on a warm Los Angeles day so her parents would not see all the red spots on her chest thanks to Tim.

He felt his face finally break into a smile. “That’s true. You left me plenty of reminders.” With every breath, he could feel her marks on his body, and he loved that it was a way to carry her with him.

“We’ll make it through this.”

“Sleepover tonight?”

Lucy nodded. “Sleepover tonight,” she confirmed and tilted her head up to request, “Give me a real kiss goodbye.”

“I can’t give you a real kiss or I’ll never leave.” He pecked the top of her head. “Bye, wife.”

“Bye, husband.”

She let him exit first and then steeled herself to depart separately.

There was an unease that caused Tim’s stomach to churn constantly so long as he was out of his house, or more accurately, so long as he was without Lucy. He had not realized how he had grown to rely on her strength and love even in the smallest moments, so sitting at a table without her beside him or her warm eyes quietly showing him her support kept him off balance. Tim kept expecting her to tap his forearm or flash him a sweet smile, and he had yet to realize how much he needed her until he had to deal with his horrible father alone. As he opened the front door to his house upon his return home after a tumultuous Thanksgiving dinner, he thought he would feel better, but Tim remained rather queasy for another heartbeat, and then there were strong familiar arms around him pulling him down to bury his face in his favorite scent.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Lucy said and squeezed him fiercely.

“Missed you, too,” he mumbled into her hair.

“How bad was it?”

“Terrible. You?”

“Same. My parents still think I should’ve been a doctor. You know what they said about my Grammy nominations? That they think trophies are dumb.”

He shut his eyes tighter. “Screw them. I’m so proud of you for getting nominated, and trophies aren’t dumb. They’re the second best thing after you, of course.”

She smiled. “You’re already making me feel better.”

“You, too.”

“Let’s go to bed.”

Tim nodded and gathered her up to carry her upstairs. He saw how red her cheeks were as she tried to hide her face. “It’s nice to know I do it for you.”

“Oh, believe me, you really, really do,” she whispered as her cheeks burned.

He set her down in his bed and was quickly grabbed and tugged down onto the mattress with her.

Lucy moved Tim to lay on top of her and confessed as she ran her fingers through his hair, “I want to come home to this every night.”

“Me, too.”

“I don’t mean seeing you I mean…” she worried at her lip for a moment, bracing herself for her request, “I don’t want to have sleepovers anymore. I want this to be permanent. Why should we only get this on certain nights? Why can’t we just have this all the time?”

“You would want that starting now? We can wait until my contract gets renewed.”

“We need this. I need this. You and me like this right now is what I was thinking about when my parents were mid-tirade. I don’t think every night will turn into last night.”

“Or the night before.” He happily recalled how they stayed up late with his mouth moving all over the top half of her body leaving hickeys in his wake.

She smirked. “Or the night before, but we can have each other like this every night can’t we?”

“Yeah, baby, that’s what I want, too. I came up with a ton of reasons to have sleepovers to convince you to stay with me every night.”

“This is just like when you hurt your ankle all over again. I mean, the mattress in my guest room is bad? That was weak.”

“Woah, don’t tell me you weren’t ready to say some lame things to get into bed with me, too.”

She chuckled. “I was going to say I was cold.”

“That’s worse than the mattress thing.”

Lucy laughed. “We don’t need any of those anymore, okay? I’ll move my stuff into your room at your house, and you can move into my room at my house.”

“On one condition. They’re both OUR beds and OUR houses from now on until the gym is built here, and then we’re moving into what was formerly just your house permanently. I know you were trying to be considerate moving into my house for me, which I appreciate, but this place is nicer.”

“I don’t mean to brag, but I am worth way more money than you.”

“You’re priceless to me.”

Lucy’s chest warmed. Even when he would not utter the sentence “I love you”, she still heard it in different ways when he said such adoring sentiments. “You’re priceless to me, too.”

He kissed her lightly. “I can’t believe we’re officially roommates.”

“We’re so married.”

“Yeah, we really are,” Tim said with awe and dropped away from her to lay on his side and curve her into him  for one of those positions where they were wrapped up and lost in each other. “I lost the parent lottery, but I won the wife lottery. I really won the wife lottery,” he murmured into her forehead and stared at the ceiling as happy tears burned his eyes. When he felt her kiss the side of his neck in a fleeting yet loving moment, one big, wet drop streamed down his cheek, and Tim clung to Lucy as if she would disappear even though he knew they were permanent. They were permanent, which meant he won the greatest prize of his career and his life: he found the person he was grateful to spend the rest of his life with.

Chapter Text

Grateful for the break from songwriting and recording, Lucy drove over to the Lopez-Evers house to see Angela.

“Thanks so much for letting me come over,” Lucy said when she walked through the door.

Angela was happy to welcome her friend inside, but she could tell Lucy seemed preoccupied. “You said you wanted to borrow clothes, but is there something else on your mind?”

“I’m fine. I just haven’t ordered enough clothes for all of these games. I’m really sucking as a hockey wife I guess.”

“You’re not sucking. I think you know the rules better than I do,” Angela corrected. “And, all you need to do to be a good hockey wife is to love your husband, which you do…even if you two are being immature about SAYING it. Since when do you doubt yourself?”

Lucy followed Angela upstairs into her bedroom and over to her closet as she considered how to answer. 

Angela motioned to the messy side of the walk-in closet and said, “Pick out whatever you want, but you have to tell me what’s going on.”

She started perusing her options mindlessly as she vented, “Do you have any idea how many hockey games there are between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I mean, I’m glad I don’t have tour dates right now, so I can be at all of them, but there’s like three a week plus long practices and tons of time reviewing game footage, and Tim is exhausted all of the time. He just collapses in bed every night and sees me for five seconds in the morning when he drops off tea for me before fitting in a pre-practice workout…” Lucy exhaled sharply and admitted, “I miss my husband.”

There was no use in pointing out that Tim was not LEGALLY Lucy’s husband, so Angela moved past that to say, “Between the holidays and the end of the season is the toughest time to be a hockey wife. Wes and I haven’t had sex in a week. A WEEK! SEVEN DAYS! That’s not normal for us at all. Hang in there, Lucy.”

“What do you do when you miss Wes?”

“I send him dirty texts. What do you do?”

“Uhh lately, write songs about how much I hate hockey taking my man away from me.”

Angela scoffed. “Sounds like some future chart-topping hits.”

“I’ll never write another song again if I can have ONE day alone with Tim,” Lucy whined.

“You remember you agreed to the whole pretend marriage to HELP your career?”

“Couples have all sorts of origin stories. Ours just happens to be…unorthodox.”

“I’ll say,” Angela snickered.

Lucy picked out a low cut L.A. Kings long sleeve shirt and said, “You know what? I’m done complaining. I have to go. Thanks for letting me borrow this.”

“Go?” She followed Lucy out of her bedroom and down the stairs. “Where are you going?”

“To see my husband,” she answered with a smile.

“Wait, can I come with? Seven days, remember?”

Lucy nodded in understanding and raced over to her car. They drove over to the L.A. Kings practice facility and bounded down the stairs of the rows of seats to stand right in front of the team’s bench. “Hi, Coach,” Lucy said with a smile.

“It’s good to see you, Lucy, and you, too, Angela,” Grey greeted them happily.

“Mind if we talk to our husbands for a few minutes?” She asked as sweetly as possible.

“We’re in the middle of practice,” Grey noted.

“Family first. Isn’t that part of the team culture around here?”

Grey could see Lucy’s desperation, so he surrendered, “Ten minutes.” He blew his whistle and called, “EVERS! BRADFORD! GET OVER HERE!”

Tim started obediently skating over to his coach, but the second his eyes caught on Lucy, she was all he could see. He took off his helmet and grinned at her. “Hey, what are you doing here, baby?”

“Can we talk?” She inquired guiltily.

Wes leaned over the side of the rink to ask, “Ang, is everything okay?”

“No, it’s really not. Locker room. Now,” Angela instructed.

He bolted over to the locker room entrance and asked quietly, “What did I do?”

“Nothing, and that’s the problem. Get those skates and those pants off.” Angela grabbed a fistful of Wes’ sweatshirt to drag him along to a more private spot in the locker room.

Lucy took Tim’s hand, and she was going to suggest they follow Wes and Angela into the locker room, but she suspected they would be quite loud, so she went in the opposite direction where there was a corridor lined with offices. She opened a random one and brought him inside with her.

“What did you want to talk about?” Tim asked when they were alone and the door was shut.

“Come here,” she rasped and pulled his head down by his sweaty hair to kiss him feverishly.

As much as he absolutely loved how Lucy was making him feel, he broke away to say, “Wait, I thought you wanted to talk.”

“I do want to talk to you, but I need this first, okay? Please, I need…you.”

He picked her up, making her purr, and set her down at the edge of the desk before standing between her legs. “Whatever you want, Luce. Happy wife, happy life.”

She would have smiled about getting exactly what she wanted, but he captured her lips before she got the chance to do anything. A few minutes later, the office door opened, and someone said something, but Lucy only groaned and said, “GET OUT!”

“It’s my office,” Rachel stated.

Lucy kept her hold on Tim’s face as she tilted her head to look over his shoulder at the figure in the doorway. “Not for the next few minutes. Get lost, Rachel.”

Tim chuckled into Lucy’s cheek as he kept kissing her everywhere he could reach until the door shut. “Why is it so hard for us to be alone?”

“You’re working a lot.”

“So are you,” he mumbled into her neck and kept pecking her in random spots as his fingers found the hem of her top.

“Can we have a date night or something?”

“Next day I’m free is Christmas, which is a week away.”

Lucy pouted and pulled his face up, so she could see his eyes. “I miss you way too much, and Christmas is actually three days away now.”

His heart was breaking at the yearning in her expression and voice, but it was also incredibly special to be missed; he had never been someone that anyone cared enough about to miss before. “You know I miss you, too.”

“I think we need to bring back our phone calls, or I’ll have to show up everyday for a kiss.”

“That doesn’t sound like much of a threat,” he smirked then saw how she did not look happy whatsoever. “Okay, I’ll call on my breaks everyday.”

She felt a sense of relief. “Thank you. I don’t know when it happened, but now I can’t go a day without seeing you.”

“Why do you think I have to bring you tea every morning? I don’t know how I’m gonna last on the weekends when you’re back on tour.”

“I hadn’t thought about that. Maybe I can reschedule until after your season is over, and then you can come with me…”

“No, that’s A LOT of performances. I’ll just call you more often, and we’ll make it work.”

“Yeah, which means we gotta make our time together count.”

“I’ll be home for dinner tonight even if I have to leave early. Coach has been pushing us lately, and I usually appreciate it, but,” he cupped her cheeks, “I would appreciate to see my wife when she’s actually awake for a change. I know you’ve been trying to wait up for me to come home, but...”

“Wow, I didn’t think you noticed considering you barely say ‘good night, wife’, and you’re out like a light,” she smiled.

“I always notice you.”

She swooned and moved to intertwine their fingers. “I really lucked out in the husband department,” Lucy said in awe as she studied how their hands looked together.

“Are you sure about that? The last month has been hard.”

“Yeah, but what’s a hard month or two when we have forever?”

That perspective made Tim’s heart skip a beat. “The rest of the season isn’t easy either. Our schedule will stay the same with three games a week, long practices, and a ton of travel.”

“I’ll need more away game lingerie.”

“Lucy, I’m serious.”

“So am I. Hey, if you think a packed schedule is going to break us, you’re wrong.”

“I know nothing will break us. I just wanted to warn you.”

She loved that he had just as much faith in their relationship as she did. “Consider me warned. Angela told me the same thing. She said this is the hardest part of the season.”

“Taxing for sure. I take ice baths pretty much everyday now.”

“Maybe I should join you next time.”

“You’re going to come to practice to sit in some ice with me afterwards?” That sounded absurd when she was freezing at room temperature some nights.

“How about a hot bath at home instead?” Lucy suggested.

“Now, that sounds pretty nice,” he grinned.

“Pretty nice? I’m offering you a bath where all I’m wearing is bubbles. That should sound AMAZING.”

Tim’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know you meant…I’ll definitely skip practice altogether for that.”

“You can’t miss a day of practice, mister. We’ve got a trophy to win.”

“I’ve got a trophy wife instead.”

“Since when am I a trophy wife? I’m a career woman worth more money than you.”

“Yeah, but you’re my gorgeous wife that I get to carry around like I won every award and every lottery combined.”

Rachel barreled back into her office.

Tim heard the door open, but did not bother to turn and look. “LEAVE!” He barked.

“Grey says your ten minutes are up, and you need to get back out there,” Rachel said.

“I’m with my wife. Coach can wait. Scram!” He said gruffly, eyes still glued to his wife. All he heard was footsteps exiting but did not care to check if Rachel had left; it was inconsequential anyways.

Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck. “You really should go. Coach was nice enough to give us ten minutes.”

“What if I want eleven minutes?” Tim wondered and bent low to kiss her sweetly.

“Go, babe. I’ll see you at home.”

“You will, and I’ll make sure I’m not too late tonight.”

“Oh, and do me a favor, don’t pick up anymore tea on your way home. We’re running out of cabinet space.”

“I don’t go pick up tea on my way home. I go during our lunch break to pick up stuff at this specialty store. I told the owner I’m going to eventually buy my wife every flavor they have.”

“Tim, you don’t have to do that.”

“Didn’t I tell you that I want to treat you right and buy you flowers and dinner? And, you were the one that said you’d rather get tea instead of flowers.”

“Right, and instead, you’ve bought me both. Fresh flowers getting delivered every single week could give a girl a complex.”

“It’s the least that you deserve. I still haven’t bought you dinner.”

“We barely have ten minutes to ourselves. A fancy dinner can wait. Besides, I like when we have room service or sit at the kitchen island.”

“That’s not very romantic, and that’s what I’m trying to be. We skipped a few things, but making you feel special isn’t something I’m okay with moving past.”

“I think you bringing me tea every morning is very romantic.”

He shook his head. “That’s me keeping my vows. Romance should be more than that.”

“Agreed, but let’s try to make it to the postseason first. We’ve come this far. Let’s get you your Stanley Cup.”

“That trophy means nothing to me if we aren’t good.”

Rachel frustratedly barged into her office again. “Coach said…”

“I SAID LEAVE!” Tim cut her off angrily and glanced over to Rachel for a second to add, “Tell Coach my wife comes first. Move!” He turned back to Lucy and asked quietly, “What were we talking about?”

Lucy tried not to laugh at how her husband was ignoring his responsibility to his team to talk to her; it was clear they had craved even the simplest act of speaking with each other. “You are my favorite person in the world. You know that, right?”

“Good, cause you’re mine.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“We’re good, Tim. We should tell each other if things aren’t good, but we are right now.” She smoothed her hands down his chest. “Thank you for leaving practice for a few minutes to talk to me. I miss you a little less.”

“Only a little less?”

“A goodbye kiss would help.”

“That I can do.” He held the back of her head to keep her close as he devoured her mouth until his lungs were completely empty.

“Bye, husband,” she tried keeping the sadness out of her voice, but she was already loathing leaving his sight.

“Bye, wife.”

Lucy left Rachel’s office and the practice facility to meet Angela at her car. “Did you and Wes…connect?” She wondered.

“We sure did,” Angela smirked. “Good call on coming to practice. That’s exactly what we needed.”

“It was.” Lucy was in a far better mood for the rest of the day until Tim came home and pulled her into a crushing hug. “You’re home when I’m still awake.”

He inhaled her scent, relished in the feeling of having her in his arms, and sighed contentedly. “I’m home,” he murmured.

“Tell me all about practice over dinner…but you gotta let go of me first.”

“No, I don’t.” He grabbed her by her hips and lifted her up.

She snickered and pretended to be annoyed. “Not this again.”

“You’re supposed to be honest with me and tell me what you want, remember? So, tell me the truth, you like when I do this.”

Lucy could not contain her smile. “I do.”

“I knew it.” He kissed her lightly and dropped her into her stool at the kitchen island, but when he thought she would unhook her ankles from behind his back, she only squeezed her thighs to keep him flush against her. “I thought you said we were going to have dinner.”

“Yeah this is our appetizer,” she explained as she pulled his face to hers.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim set down the mug of tea onto Lucy’s nightstand, leaned over to kiss her cheek, and whispered, “Merry Christmas, gorgeous.”

“Merry Christmas, husband,” she mumbled, her voice still scratchy, her eyes still shut, but her lips still curved into a smile, and her hands still pawed at him. “Do I get a Christmas kiss?”

He sat down on the edge of the bed next to her and dramatically checked his surroundings to confirm, “We don’t have any mistletoe in here.”

Lucy’s eyes flew open. “You’re my husband.” She reached for the collar of his shirt. “I don’t need mistletoe…do I?”

“No, baby, all you need to do is stay right there and look perfect.” Tim looked down at her sleepy smile, and it hit him for the millionth time how lucky he was to have her beautiful brown eyes that shone just for him, her soft pink lips that fit perfectly with his, her warm hands that elicit the most welcome burning sensation wherever she touches, and her heart that made him feel loved every single second of everyday.

She made a happy sound. “Perfect? You know what would be perfect? If we stayed in bed all day on your first day off in a while. You owe me so many cuddles.”

“I wish.” In all honestly, he thought there was no better way to spend the holiday than being lazy in bed with her. “But, Genny is expecting us, and she can’t wait to finally meet you.”

“Can’t wait to meet her either. From everything I’ve heard, she sounds pretty cool.”

“Eh I’m the better Bradford,” he shrugged.

“No, I’m the better Bradford.”

He smiled slowly. “Yes, you are, Mrs. Bradford.” Tim kissed her quickly. “I’ll start getting ready for brunch. Take a minute and enjoy your tea, okay?”

“Nuh uh,” she kept her grip on his shirt firm. “Christmas kiss first.”

“Sounds like you made that up, but okay.” He dove in to give her her “Christmas kiss” and chuckled when she chased his lips for more. There would come a time when their blazing desire for each other would turn into a simmer, but he quite enjoyed how their constant want caused them to stay together for another moment or go back for one more kiss. Tim dropped his forehead to hers to take in her exhales as he looked at her through his eyelashes. “I know it just started, but this is already the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

“We don’t exactly have stiff competition for good Christmases thanks to our crappy parents, but yeah, same.”

He whistled as he showered. Actually whistled. Because, he finally knew what it was like to have a happy family for Christmas. He had Lucy, and that was better than any gift to be wrapped and placed under a tree.

When she finished getting ready for Christmas brunch, Lucy checked herself out in the mirror and hoped that she and her sister-in-law would get along.

“You good?” Tim asked when he noticed the trepidation on her face.

“Of course…do you think Genny will like this sweater?”

“If she doesn’t, I do.”

“Tim, you already like me. I need your sister to approve of me.”

“Approve of you?”

“We’re sisters now. I want her to be okay with me and us.”

He chewed on his lip.

She spun around from looking at herself in her bedroom’s full length mirror to face him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Tim knew there was no point in delaying telling her the truth, so he was quick to say, “Genny doesn’t know about us.”

“Does she live under a rock? We’ve gotten a ton of media attention especially after our little joint postgame interview a few weeks ago.”

“No, I…the last time we talked, I told Genny that nothing was going on between us and none of it was real.”

“You said it’s not real?”

“It wasn’t at the time.”

“So, what’s the plan? You want me to try to explain this to her?”

“Well…”

Lucy raised her eyebrows in alarm. “Well what?”

“She sorta bet me that I wouldn’t be able to resist you.”

“How’d that work out for you?” 

Tim looped his arms around her waist and drew her in. “Not great, which I’m very happy about…but can you act like nothing’s going on between us, so I don’t lose the bet?”

“Are you serious?”

“We can pretend to be platonic around her for a couple hours, and then I’ll get my contract renewal, and we can come clean to Genny. Please, baby. If I lose, I have to coach my nephew’s hockey team, and I don’t want to spend this offseason with a bunch of kids. I want to be with you…alone…for DAYS at a time.”

“That was the bet? Oh hell no, you can’t coach hockey. I refuse to have anything else take you away from me, so…fine, we won’t tell her, but you’ll give us away if you look at me like that.”

“I’m not looking at you any special way,” Tim assured her.

She was not sure when the switch had been flipped and he only looked at her fondly, but it was constant and obvious. “We are so going to lose this bet.”

“We sure will with that attitude. We gotta put our game faces on,” he said and patted her butt. “We got this.”

Lucy caught herself staring after Tim wanting to haul him against the nearest surface and whispered, “No, we really don’t.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As a famous athlete, technically Tim is considered a celebrity, but Genny Bradford was so excited to meet a star like THE Lucy Chen. She straightened and re-straightened her stack of coffee table books, eyed every inch of her house to ensure it was fit for a visit with one of the greatest living musical icons, and changed her outfit ten times. When she heard the knock on her front door, she reminded her sons to behave and nervously greeted her guests.

“You must be Genny. It’s so nice to meet you,” Lucy said and hugged her.

“Oh, you’re a hugger. That’s great,” Genny smiled. She stepped back to really look at her. “Wow, I don’t know how it’s possible, but you’re even prettier in person. Isn’t she pretty, Tim?”

“Quit it. You know how the wedding was an arrangement,” Tim replied coolly.

“Sure, but I mean, you’re going to tell me NOTHING is going on between you two?” Genny quirked her eyebrow inquisitively.

“Nope. Just friends,” Lucy answered. She realized she was reaching for Tim and dropped her hands to her sides before she had the chance to encircle his midsection in what seemed to be a reflex.

Tim nodded to corroborate.

Genny did not necessarily believe him, but Lucy was very convincing. “I guess you can do better than my brother,” she stage whispered.

“Oh, I know,” Lucy replied smartly.

“Excuse me? I’m one of the greatest hockey players of all time,” Tim boasted.

“Right, because hitting a puck with a stick is supposed to impress me?” Lucy wondered with a playful smirk.

“You should be impressed. I-I’m very good at it.”

“Call me when you start selling out arenas on your own.”

Tim beamed as he kept his mouth shut, because he knew he lost their pointless debate, but nothing else mattered other than Lucy’s bright grin. He was about to bend down and kiss it off of her face when he was reminded of what they were supposed to be doing. 

“It’s a shame you two aren’t actually together,” Genny said, since Lucy seemed to be a good match for Tim if their banter was any indication.

Lucy slowly turned her gaze to Genny while acting very nonchalant and unaffected by the comment. “He really helped me out of a jam.”

“Yeah, what kind of jerk texts to break things off?” Genny wondered. She remembered when her brother told her about Lucy’s sad breakup with her former fiancée.

Tim did not care about pretending; he wanted to comfort Lucy, so he drummed his fingers against her lower back in a motion he thought no one could see, but she would feel him and his support.

“One I’m very glad I didn’t marry,” Lucy answered.

“My brother’s single if you’re looking for someone new, and since I know you two are living together, you can’t beat the commute to see each other,” Genny offered.

Tim shook his head at her disapprovingly.

“What? I’m just trying to help you out. Sure, you’re a pro athlete and you’re not ugly, but you suck at flirting.”

“He’s getting better,” Lucy answered without thinking. “I’ve shown him a few things out of the goodness of my heart,” she added to recover, earning her a look of warning from Tim.

“Oh, thank you for helping my sorry brother out.”

“Pleasure’s all mine,” Lucy smirked.

“Tim, the boys are in the living room trying to figure out what’s wrapped under the tree. Lucy and I will go in the kitchen and check on brunch…wait, is it okay if you come in the kitchen with me?” Genny realized she did not know Lucy well enough to assume.

“Happy to help,” Lucy replied.

“You can’t cook. How are you supposed to help?” Tim snickered.

“Other things happen in kitchens aside from cooking. You should know that by now,” Lucy responded suggestively.

He knew she was referring to the various times they were in the kitchen together and the only cooking was of his blood as Lucy radiated heat everywhere her fingers trailed and how her mouth seemed intent on devouring him. Tim much preferred how they used kitchens instead of the menial task of preparing food. With no good way to respond to her pointed statement, he walked away from the foyer in search of his nephews.

Genny was aware her brother is a silent man, but seeing him being rendered speechless was completely different and more intriguing. “I already like you.”

“I already like you, too,” Lucy smiled.

“The kitchen’s right down the hall,” she showed her the way and moved around to check the quiche baking in the oven. “Looks like we’ve got a few minutes.” Genny shut the oven door and turned around knowing that she would prefer to burn the quiche and speak to Lucy than let her opportunity slip away. “I want to talk to you about Tim.”

“He told me about your bet. Sorry to report, but when we started all of this, we made an agreement to keep things strictly platonic until his contract renewal.” Keeping to the truth meant she would not be lying to Genny, and they HAD agreed to be friends many moons before they had to give in to their attraction to each other.

“And how’s that going for you?”

Flashes of very not platonic moments between them flew through her mind. “Good,” Lucy answered.

“How about once that contract renewal comes through? Should be soon. The holidays is when most get signed.”

She flicked her eyes over to Tim in the other room where he was telling his nephews a story they seemed completely engrossed in, but then he momentarily met her gaze, not speaking or even breathing in favor of looking at Lucy whose eyes smiled for him. “Nothing will change between us,” was her reply, since it was the core of the truth without giving anything away.

“Not that I’m biased or anything, and I’m not saying this because of some dumb bet, but if Tim was given the chance, he’d be a great husband and dad, so just think about it. You have time until his contract hopefully comes.”

Lucy was certain, “Nothing could change my mind.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but I’ll stop pushing,” Genny sadly acquiesced, but the conviction in Lucy’s eyes ensured there was nothing she could say to persuade her. She checked the oven once more and announced, “The quiche is done. Let’s eat.”

Brunch stretched on for an impossibly long time where Tim was not close enough to Lucy even though their chairs were right next to each other; her thigh was a whisper away from his but not touching, her voice was easy enough to hear, but she was not speaking directly into his ear in the way that made his hair stand up, and the worst part was that he had to resist the urge to touch her. Tim had not realized how frequently he so casually reached to make contact with Lucy, and without being able to do so, he was being driven to the border of insanity.

She constantly caught herself before she referred to Tim as her “husband” or took his hand in hers and placed it on her thigh. Lucy was aware how tactile she tended to be, but she could not pinpoint the moment when she craved his touch over anything else. Pretending not to be together seemed impossible for any length of time including a two hour brunch. She was trying to pay attention to Tyler Bradford, one of Genny’s sons, who was talking about a field trip, but then Tim’s fingertips brushed against her knee, and she sucked in a breath. One quick, silent exchange with Tim indicated it was enough to set them both over the edge. Lucy did her best to patiently wait for Tyler to finish speaking, and then the first shred of silence where not even a heartbeat could fit in the span of that moment, she piped up, “Genny, I hate to cut this short, because we’ve had such a great time, but Tim is supposed to be resting today. Hockey rules and all that.”

Delighted that they were finally leaving their painful charade behind, Tim shot up from his chair and added, “Y-yup Coach is very strict about that stuff.”

“Of course. I’m just glad you could come out and see us for a couple hours today. Boys, say goodbye to your uncle and Lucy.”

Tim hugged his nephews and smiled when they each embraced Lucy, too; they had really warmed up to her rather quickly, which was unsurprising, but he loved seeing how she fit with the only branch of his family he cared about.

“Wait right there. I want to wrap up some of this quiche for you to take home,” Genny said and stepped into the kitchen.

Lucy was about to refuse the kind offer, because the quiche was delicious, but she was in a rush to taste Tim.

“Eww Uncle Tim is under the mistletoe,” Tyler said, interrupting all other trains of thought, as he pointed at the greenery hanging from the ceiling.

“Of course there’s mistletoe now,” Tim muttered so lowly it was only audible to Lucy.

“Where was it when I needed it this morning?” She whispered back.

“You didn’t need it then, and you don’t need it now,” he assured her. He stepped forward and was about to FINALLY gather her in his arms after abstaining from acting on any of his desires.

Lucy slightly shook her head in such a small way no one else would see it, but she could tell his restraint was hanging by a thread. They were SO close to getting through brunch pretending their connection was only platonic, and they were struggling to keep their composure for a few short seconds more. Since Tim’s resolve had been obliterated, it was her turn to move, but her feet seemed to be caught in something making them immovable; she would have checked what was keeping her in place, but that would have required looking away from Tim, and Lucy was unable to manage that. It was that invisible force tugging her towards him and not letting her go; she had given in so many times that she forgot how challenging it was to fight the draw. “Tim?” She murmured. She could see that he felt it, too; he was impossibly magnetized to her, as well.

He saw her lips move, but the sound reached his ears at a delay like she was too far away to hear her properly. That was probably why Tim moved closer. To hear her properly. No other reason that would be misconstrued as anything but platonic. His fingers itched for her skin. Any of it. A finger. Her wrist. The side of her neck. Her cheek. Her lips. His eyes settled there as his thumb craved to trace her pink pout. Soft. Her lips were so soft. That was all he could think about.

One of the perks of living in an oceanside town is hearing and watching the waves. They fall over the shore; all the momentum and power the water gained at a far distance finally becoming too much and carrying the water over to crash onto the sand. That was what it felt like. Tim was a wave, and Lucy was the sand, and she was waiting for him to crash into her. Wear down the thick, heavy rocks and leave her as a fine grain. Turn her into nothing. She wanted to take him home. She had to. Immediately. “Don’t worry about the quiche. Your family should enjoy it,” Lucy said surprisingly evenly despite the butterflies that had escaped from her stomach and were swarming around her whole body.

“Oh, no, I insist. Here,” Genny handed a covered plate to Tim, and he was thankful that his fingers were given something else to do before he grabbed for Lucy’s face.

“Thank you so much for everything. Merry Christmas,” Lucy waved farewell to Genny and her nephews and narrowly avoided taking Tim’s hand as they hastily exited.

Due to the holiday, Tim drove them to Genny’s house in lieu of a driver, but he wished they had hired someone else to drive so he could focus on the very important task of holding his wife again; instead, they were sitting too far apart with a center console between them in the front seat of his truck.

“Just drive down the block and pull over,” Lucy said, reading his mind.

He pressed his foot down on the gas pedal to speed to the end of the street and poorly parked at the side of the road. Before he could even fully turn to her, he felt her hands clamoring for him and hauling him over the center console.

She need to release some of the tension, and if his eager hands were any indication, he shared that need. “Tim,” she gasped between kisses. “We should…” the rest of that sentence was cut off by his mouth on hers. “Babe,” Lucy pulled back, “take me home.”

“One second,” he promised as his hands traveled higher beneath her sweater and his lips sought hers again.

Though it was more than a second later, they detached from each other and sat up straight as they cleared their throats. As Tim started driving again, Lucy caged one of his hands in both of hers and held it to her galloping heart. “I just remembered I have to give you your Christmas present.”

“I have to give you mine, too.”

“What’d you get me?”

He bit back his smile. “It’s a surprise.”

“Looks like it’s a good surprise.” She could read him so easily.

“I hope you love it.”

“Well, I hope you love yours, too.”

Tim squirmed in his seat in his excitement to give her her gift; in the morning’s lusty haze and their platonic brunch, he had completely forgotten about how he was looking forward to giving her the carefully selected Christmas present. They reached what was formerly Lucy’s home but quickly became theirs, and he would have let her begin the exchange and unwrap his gift first, but he needed to see her reaction, so he took the stairs two at a time to the second floor to go into the guest room where he had hidden her present.

She watched him descend the stairs seeming both happy and conflicted. Lucy ignored the small box swallowed by his palm to take his face. “You’re my greatest gift. I don’t need anything else, so don’t worry about it.”

He visibly gulped and his eyes turned severe. “This is important.” Tim held out the small black velvet box.

Assuming he was giving her a pair of his mother’s earrings or something else equally sentimental, Lucy opened the box and almost fainted.

She was not looking at earrings.

She was staring at a big diamond engagement ring.

Lucy met his eyes, completely confused.

“I don’t want to get rid of our wedding rings when I get my contract,” Tim began his explanation, his voice tight. “We agreed they’re permanent, but you deserve more than a promise, so I wanted you to know that I’m going to ask you…really ask you to stay married to me. Not yet, obviously, I mean, you said I need my contract renewal first to know I’m serious about us, and I totally respect that, so I’m not going to push. I just want you to hold onto it until I can ask you, because there’s no doubt in my mind that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Her throat almost completely closed with emotion, she choked out, “You don’t have to ask.”

“Of course I do.”

Her hand was shaking as she held it out. “Go ahead.” Lucy’s lips tugged into a smile. “Come on, don’t make me put it on by myself.”

“Lucy…”

“Do you want me to say yes? Yes, Tim, I’ll stay married to you forever.”

He knew that would be her answer, but it still surprised him to hear her say so. Slipping her engagement ring on her finger right on top of her wedding band felt like slotting a puzzle piece into place.

She admired her newly bejeweled hand for a moment and saw his eyes were shining like two dazzling aquamarines. “I love you…you don’t have to say it back yet. I don’t need to hear it yet-”

“I love you, too.”

Lucy threw her arms around his neck as she grinned so widely her cheeks were pinching her. “I can’t believe you just said that. I thought you were afraid.”

“So, I buy you an engagement ring, a very expensive one by the way, and you want to talk about the fact that I said ‘I love you’?”

“Well, you seemed scared to say it.”

He frowned as he replied, “I’m not afraid anymore.”

“No? How come?”

“You won’t leave me. I know that now.” Tim kissed her gently. “Let’s go lay in bed for the rest of the day. I believe I owe you some cuddle time.”

She scrunched her nose. “Sorry, but I need to give you your present first.”

“It can wait.”

“Trust me, you’ll want to open it now.”

He eyed her curiously.

“Babe, you have to let me go, so I can go get your present,” Lucy said.

“Where is it?”

“My studio.”

Tim lifted her up and carried her with him into the recording studio instead. “We’ll go together. Tell me where to look for it.”

“Put me down for a sec,” she chuckled. Lucy pecked his cheek and landed back on the ground. She opened her recording booth and bent down to pick up what was in the corner before quickly hiding two objects behind her back. “Okay, let’s start with this,” she said.

He looked down at the MP3 player in her hand and said, “Umm thank you, baby. That’s perfect to take on runs.”

She snickered. “I didn’t even tell you what’s on it. It’s Lucy Chen’s newest album.”

“You finished it?”

“All nineteen songs. Fastest I’ve ever gotten one done.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“You know why there are nineteen songs?”

“Because you couldn’t think of a twentieth?”

She laughed. “No, because that’s your jersey number. I haven’t decided if I’m going to release it, because it’s the most personal album I’ve ever written, and it’s all about you.”

“You really wrote that many songs about me?” He was surprised to know she had so many feelings towards him to express.

“I’ve already got an idea for more. That’s how much I love you.”

Tim’s heart stuttered. He turned over the MP3 player in his awe that something so small could contain so much love. There was a piece of tape on the back with her handwriting on it, but his hand had been sweating so much that the ink smudged. “What does that say?”

“Oh, that’s the title of the album. It’s called ‘Safe With You’, because as one of the songs says, my heart is safe with you. For the first time in my whole life I finally found someone I know will protect me instead of hurt me.”

“I would never hurt you.”

She smiled. “I know…which brings me to your other present.” Lucy held out what had been concealed behind her back.

His shoulders and his face dropped in tandem, “Seriously? You got me a Stanley Cup water bottle? You know I hate these things.” She had teased him mercilessly about the trendy water bottle that shared the same name as what he deemed to be the second most highly coveted trophy aside from Lucy, and he could not believe she actually gifted him one.

“You’ll like this one. Open it.”

Begrudgingly, he took the water bottle from her hands and unscrewed the lid. He had to blink a few times to ensure he knew what he was looking at, and just to be sure, he tilted the bottle to empty what was inside. “Uhh…y-y…w-” Tim was holding a pair of her very lacy black panties, and if he could actually compose a real thought, he would wonder why.

She blushed at how he was unable to form an actual word. “I bought another of one those black Kings lingerie sets, since I could tell how much you liked it, and I so happen to be wearing the other to show my team spirit. Want to take it off of me?”

His jaw seemed to be permanently hanging down or perhaps the hinge had completely snapped, and he was no longer able to shut his mouth.

Lucy decided to clarify as she pressed her hands over his racing heart, “Tim, I think it’s time we consummate this marriage.”

“B- m-my contract,” was what he managed to stammer out.

“Your contract isn’t going to change the fact that I know you love me, and that I love you. I’m not scared anymore either.”

“A-are you sure? We can wait.”

“We could, but,” she took his gifts out of his hands, placed them on the chair behind her, and continued, “I don’t think there’s a point anymore unless you want to.”

“I want you,” he said, his desire clear in his voice. Tim licked his lips as he saw that there was no doubt in her eyes.

“Great husbands should consummate their marriages. It’s going in your book.”

“Definitely should be a chapter.”

“We should do some research to make sure it’s a good chapter, you know, really educational.”

He lifted her back up and replied, “I couldn’t agree more. Let’s go upstairs, Mrs. Bradford.” 

Lucy’s eye caught on the new diamond on her hand where she was rubbing his cheek, and perhaps it all happened out of order, but she could not be happier to say, “My husband, I would go anywhere with you.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Panting, sweaty, naked, tangled up in soft sheets, and wrapped up with miles of Lucy’s even softer bare skin, Tim confirmed, “Yeah, this is the best Christmas ever.”

She laughed but was too sated to move. “Totally,” she agreed and kissed his shoulder.

His phone rang somewhere in the distance, and he groaned. “I’m not getting that.”

Lucy sat up in alarm. “Wait, it’s the holidays. What if it’s…” she used all of her strength and moved with achy limbs to find where in the trail of discarded clothes had Tim’s jeans landed. She fumbled for his phone and saw the name on the screen. “It’s Nick.”

“Send it to voicemail, and get back over here.”

She started walking to the bed as she asked, “What if it’s news about your contract?”

Tim motioned for her to return to him, and he sighed when she fell back into bed right on top of him for him to envelop her in his arms. “I don’t care.”

Before he could kiss her, Lucy answered his phone for him and said, “Hello, Mr. Armstrong. This is Mrs. Bradford.”

Chuckling, Tim combed his fingers through her messy hair.

“Oh, Lucy, I was hoping I could talk to your husband for a second. I know it’s Christmas, but this’ll be quick,” Nick said on the other end of the phone.

She held out the device for Tim to take, but he only pressed the speakerphone button and gruffly said, “It’s Christmas Day, Armstrong, and I’m with my wife. Unless it’s urgent…”

Nick was apologetic as he said, “I know, and I’m sorry to interrupt family time. I didn’t want you to have to wait to hear the news. You’ve shown a real shift over the last few months. Marriage has taught you to prioritize family over hockey, and that’s exactly what our team is about, which is why I wanted to say…congratulations, we’re offering you a two-year contract renewal to keep playing for the Kings.”

Months ago, Tim would have been appreciative and thankful, and he would have felt like he got everything he wanted, but he already had what he really wanted. What he desired so greatly yet never dared to utter aloud. What could mean more to him than anything else in the world. He had a wife. He had Lucy. So, he responded in a way that would have horrified the old Tim, “I’ll have to discuss it with my wife.”

Lucy almost swallowed her tongue. “No! He’s taking it. We’ll have my attorney make sure the terms are good, but he’s playing for another two years,” she insisted into the phone.

“But, that’s two years of being away from you during the season,” Tim countered.

“I’ll come to as many away games as I can, and if I ever tour again, I’ll only go off season. We’ll have figure it out eventually when you start coaching. Take it. I know you want to.”

He shook his head, because he genuinely would have refused the offer if she did not want him to keep playing. “I don’t want to do anything without you.”

“You never have to,” she whispered and kissed his chin. “Consider it a yes, Mr. Armstrong. Thank you so much, and Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” Nick said.

Tim ended the call impatiently and took his phone from Lucy’s hand to drop it to ground. “Are you sure about this?”

“Of course I’m sure. This was why we got married in the first place.”

“You know I stopped caring about the contract a while ago.”

“Because you love me more than hockey,” she mused.

“I definitely love you more than hockey,” Tim said then flipped them over to press Lucy’s back into the mattress and hover over her to ogle her body beneath him. “Yeah, I love you way more than hockey.”

“Well, that’s good, because you’re not married to hockey.”

“No, I’m married to my gorgeous wife.” He caressed her lips adoringly. 

She mindlessly drew patterns in his hair as she joked, “I’ve never actually played hockey, but I think I like scoring with you more than a goal.”

“You’re not missing anything. This is so much better,” Tim confirmed. What once was what he deemed to be the most thrilling experience of scoring a goal during a hockey game had paled in comparison to making love with Lucy. His wife.

“Wanna go for a hat trick right now?” She asked.

“I’m ready to set a new scoring record,” Tim answered and crashed his lips into hers.

Chapter Text

There was a time when Tim dreamed at night of winning another Stanley Cup or scoring a particularly difficult goal, but his dreams turned into visions of Lucy, and they became so vivid that he could swear she was actually sucking on his neck in just the right spot so expertly that he moaned as his eyes flew open when he woke.

“Good morning, husband,” she whispered into his skin and licked the spot on his neck she had been paying special attention to.

He took stock of reality: her scent, her warm body on top of his, no, her very naked warm body on top of his, and her lips really were on his neck. Tim blinked away some of his sleep and pushed her hair away from her face to say, “Morning, gorgeous.”

Lucy made a happy sound and then fully detached her lips from his body to talk to him. She tossed her hair over her shoulder to cascade down one side of her head while repositioning herself on his chest to look him in the eyes. “So, yesterday happened.”

He lightly glided his finger up and down her spine, making her shiver. “Yeah…any regrets?”

“We should’ve done that sooner.”

Tim chuckled until he could crane his neck to kiss her. 

“I love you so much,” she whispered and ruffled his very messy hair.

He was so happy, he thought he might burst into heart-shaped ribbons of love for Lucy. “I love you, too. I’ll be right back.”

She flexed her muscles to remain planted on top of him. “I'm not letting you leave.”

“I have to get you your tea.”

“Not today, baby. I want you to stay right here.” She traced the red mark on his neck and went back to nipping on the spot. His groans and the way his fingers tightened in her hair encouraged her to keep going. Eventually, Lucy pulled back to admire her work. “This is so much better than tea.”

“Not yet,” Tim replied and moved her up his body slightly to get her where he wanted.

She dug her fingers into the mattress on either side of him and let Tim fervently make a mark on her lower neck. Her body was positively thrumming; as if she could not love him any more, Lucy discovered how he set her on fire in the most distinct and welcome way as if physically confirming their compatibility after their hearts had already shown them that despite their differences, they belonged together; they were meant to be joined together as one both bodily and emotionally. “Tim,” she sighed his name.

He wrenched his mouth away and asked, “Was that too much?”

“No,” she grinned. “You’re perfect.” Lucy held his face and noticed the engagement ring on her finger that was still a foreign object to her. “I can’t believe you actually proposed to me on Christmas. That’s so romantic,” she swooned and wiggled her fingers so the diamond on her hand would catch the sunlight and sparkle.

“I didn’t technically ask you yesterday.” He saw her try to speak, but he continued, “Look, neither of us chose this marriage in the conventional way, and I know that we didn’t expect to really want to commit each other, but we did. I didn’t ask you to be my wife. Actually, you sorta asked me to be your husband in the beginning, but…I’m asking you now. Will you be my wife permanently? Forever?”

“Yes, husband, it’s a yes.” She brushed her lips against his. “You didn’t have to ask, because it isn’t a question. It’s you and me everyday dedicating ourselves to our marriage.”

“As much as I agree with that, I thought you deserved to be asked. So, it’s official now. We’re staying married no matter what.” His pointer finger tapped on her stack of rings. “I wanted to do something bigger to make this moment feel special.”

“Bigger? No. Yesterday WAS special.”

“It was. You wrote me a whole album.”

She loved how he was beaming beneath her. “I said I would.”

“I know, but…it’s real now.”

“You didn’t think I love you that much?” Lucy saw the awe and maybe a twinge of doubt in his eyes. “Oh, Mr. Bradford, we have to change that. We have to change that right now.” She kissed him hard as her hands moved lower to show her love in one of her new favorite ways of expressing herself.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim held Lucy against his side, and his eyes followed the trail of clothes on the floor. He checked his watch and noted that they had spent a large part of their morning in bed. “Baby, I have to get ready.”

“No, don’t leave,” she pouted.

“I’ve got a game tonight.”

“That sounds like something you have to get dressed for, and I never want you to put clothes on again.”

“How do you think I feel? I have half a mind to keep you like this in this bed forever,” he lifted the sheet so he had an unobstructed view of her body. “I really wish I didn’t have a pregame ritual to start.”

She wrapped her arm around his stomach and asked, “Does this pregame ritual include more sex? Because, I think it should.”

Tim snickered into her forehead. “I really hate hockey right now, but I gotta go.”

“What happened to happy wife, happy life?” She whined. “This is not going in your book. Great husbands should stay in bed with their wives.”

He chuckled. “I have to get my head in the game, but I swear I’ll make it up to you afterwards.”

“Make it up to me by putting your head somewhere other than the game.”

“The second we get home tonight.”

“The second we get home after we win tonight,” she corrected. “Score me some goals first.”

“I will.” Tim tilted his head to reach her lips for a gentle kiss. “I love how supportive you are.” He also loved enumerating the reasons why he loves her.

“Well, I love rooting for you, and I love everything about you, except when you leave me, because this isn’t fair.”

“Aren’t you leaving, too? You’re coming to the game, right?”

“I don’t miss my husband’s games unless I’m out of town, and since I’m here, I’m going.”

“Can I make a request? If you have to put clothes back on, can you wear one of my jerseys to the game? I’d really like to see that,” he wondered somewhat nervously.

“I’d love to. Anything else?”

“Doesn’t matter what else you put on, because I’ll be taking it right off of you when I get you alone.”

She smirked. “You better.”

Tim tried kissing her, but he was not really successful as he was smiling so widely. He took in a breath and the sight of her beauty once more before trying to convince both of them, “I’m really getting out of bed this time.” He saw her frown as he shimmied onto his feet and genuinely considered forgetting about the game and crawling back over to her side.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy went up to her box seat at the hockey arena ready to support her husband. When Angela arrived, she waved her hand in her face to show off her engagement ring. “I want to hear all about your Christmas, but LOOK,” she squealed.

“Woah,” Angela could not believe her eyes. “How many karats is that thing?”

“No idea…wait he didn’t ask you for help picking it out?”

She inspected the flawless diamond. “No, but he’s got great taste. That’s five and a half or maybe six karats.”

“I don’t even care. Neither of us have ever had a good Christmas growing up, but we just made it so special for each other. I love him so much.”

“You should tell him that. Usually, by the time two people are married, they’ve said they love each other.”

“Oh no, we said it a LOT yesterday. We’re like totally married now. We’ve completed all the steps.”

“Just out of order,” Angela scoffed. “Normally people get proposed to before they get married.”

“I know, but it doesn’t matter, because I get to have him forever.” She looked down at her engagement ring and grinned, “I didn’t think he would ever give me one. We just moved past all that traditional stuff, so I didn’t even consider asking for a ring or buying one for myself. I don’t need this, but it’s so beautiful, and it’s from Tim, and I can’t stop looking at it!”

“That’s what I was like when I first got engaged, but of course I got a wedding ring AFTERWARDS,” Angela chuckled. “So, when’s the legal wedding?”

Lucy pursed her lips together in thought. “Do we need one? We’re married in all the ways that count.”She added pointedly, “ALL of them.”

Catching her meaning, Angela was thrilled. “Finally! I hope it was good. That’s the only person you’ll sleep with for the rest of your life.”

“I have NO complaints,” she smirked.

Angela grimaced. “I don’t want to hear details.”

Lucy felt how warm her cheeks were from recalling all the things Tim did the day before that were reasons why she had no complaints, and then she saw him skate onto the ice. Before, she noticed how he used to scan the crowd, but at some point, his eyes only snapped up to find her, ignoring everyone else. She blew him a kiss as was their ritual, and he flashed her a dopey grin just like the first time she had ever done so. Lucy’s stomach turned into hot liquid at the adorable sight and the realization that it would be their tradition for every game. “I can’t believe I really get him forever,” she whispered in awe.

“Wes and I totally called this,” Angela muttered to herself, because whether it was just the four of them or thousands of people in an arena, Tim and Lucy consistently looked at each other like they were the only two people that have ever existed, and that was never necessary to convince the public of the authenticity of a fake marriage; that was the real, uncontainable, undeniable, and growing love they shared. Angela enjoyed having a front row seat to their blossoming relationship even if she was regularly ignored in favor of their unspoken and intense exchanges.

Tim put his helmet back on, and the spell was broken. Lucy blinked and asked Angela, “Did you say something?”

“No, I know better than to try to talk to you when you’re looking at your husband like THAT.”

“Make fun of me all you want. I’m too happy to even pretend to be annoyed.”

“That’s all the endorphins from consummating your marriage.”

“No, that’s…okay, that might be part of it.” Lucy conceded and unsuccessfully tried to bite back her smile.

The Kings had a slow start to the game, but Tim was energized enough to compensate for the rest of the team. He was back to playing shape, his wife was in the crowd, and he was so determined to score as many goals for her as he could. The second he shot the puck into the goal the first time, he almost snapped his neck in his haste to find Lucy and watch her cheer for him. He dramatically blew her a kiss and watched her catch it and press it to her chest. She hopped up and down when he scored his second goal, and he was already planning how to celebrate both goals with her after the game. Then, as if a cosmic force wanted to ensure Tim had the best postgame celebration yet, there was the perfect opening to make his third goal. He saw Lucy scream and blow him endless kisses. He took his helmet off to make sure she could see him smiling back at her, and maybe there was an arena filled with people cheering, too, but all he could focus on was that his wife so proud of him and wearing his jersey. He scored a few more goals after that, but he stopped keeping count; he was solely interested in watching her glow with joy again and again. Once the final buzzer sounded, noting the end of the game, Tim felt his muscle aches and exhaustion hit him as all of the adrenaline was leeched away. He shuffled into the locker room and went straight to the ice baths for some regenerative assistance; he was not going to let his tiredness get in the way of his postgame promise to his wife.

Lucy rushed faster than her security team over to the locker room, and when she could not find him by his cubby, she checked the training area to find him submerged in ice. “You’re such a show off,” she said as she leaned against the doorframe leading into the room.

“Me?” Tim asked and greedily outstretched his hands for her to move closer.

“You scored a hat trick for me for the second time this season,” she pointed out and slowly sashayed over to him to make him wait.

“I scored two hat tricks for you in this game. That’s six goals in one night.” He only knew his final scoring count because one of his teammates told him on the way into the locker room after the game.

She lowered her voice and bent over him to ask in her most desirous tone, “And, what do you expect to get with six goals?” 

He balled his hand in a fist in the jersey she was wearing; with so much extra fabric on her frame, he had to access his memory to fill out how her body looked beneath it. “I’m thinking I’ll get so sore again, I’ll need another ice bath.”

Lucy laughed. “I’ve never seen you take one of these before.”

“You’ve never worn me out before a game until this morning.”

“Sorry not sorry,” she smirked.

“Actually, you might need this, too. Get in here.” He put his hands on her hips to draw her in.

She giggled and resisted. “No way! I don’t want to freeze, but…” Lucy sank onto the ground to sit near his upper body. “I’ll keep you company.” She kissed him sweetly. “I’m so proud of you. That’s your own personal scoring record for a game.”

“It is,” he smiled.

“Wow, six goals. Sounds like we figured out a better pregame ritual this morning.”

“You’re probably right. As always,” Tim grinned. He pulled her face forward and asked against her mouth, “Wanna figure out a new postgame ritual starting right now?”

“That depends…if you’re already in an ice bath, you think you can handle what I’ve got planned?”

“Oh, you’re married to an athlete, baby. I’ve got the stamina to handle anything.”

Grace walked in to the training room to get some gauze, but when she found how Tim and Lucy were not allowing the ice bath between them to be a barrier preventing their very involved make out session, she walked right out; she had seen them in their newlywed bliss before and did not want to subject herself to witnessing it again.

Grey, however, had no such qualms. He cleared his throat three times to get Tim’s attention and ordered, “Bradford, the media’s waiting. Get out there.”

“Yes, sir,” Tim replied curtly when he pulled back from his wife. He rose from the ice bath and was grateful Lucy quickly handed him a towel. When he bent forward to give her a kiss, his coach stopped him.

“Don’t even think about it. Save it for when you get home, or since you have trouble with the concept of waiting until you’re at your house like most married couples, at least hold off until after you’ve talked to the press. Oh, and I keep forgetting to mention, but it’s okay if you do another joint interview. Family values is a pillar of this team.”

That was all the invitation Tim needed, so after he put on some clothes and walked over to the media room with Lucy, he dragged her into his lap where he was seated at the table cluttered with microphones.

She knew he would do it, and yet, she was blushing. After intently listening to how he reviewed the best plays of the game while omitting his own achievements, Lucy rubbed her hand over his chest to subtly get him to stop talking, and then she leaned into the microphones to say, “And, my humble husband seems to be forgetting he beat his own scoring record tonight with six goals! That’s two hat tricks! Only seven other players in the history of hockey have done that before, so Tim made history tonight. He won’t brag about himself, but I have no problem saying how amazing he is any chance I get.”

“How did you know that?” He wondered, ignoring the reporters that were shouting questions at them.

“I’m a hockey wife. I have to know these things.”

“You’ve been studying my stats?”

She nodded with an expression that conveyed how it was undoubtedly true to her love for him that she would spend her time poring over his historical athletic performance.

One of the reporters in the back called, “Hockey wife or hickey wife?”

The entire room erupted in laughter.

Both Lucy and Tim forgot they left marks on each other’s necks that were plain to see; they had been so dazed and overjoyed all day that they were not at all cognizant of how their spouse’s passion took form in dark red skin in a visible spot and some other places that were covered by their clothes.

“It’s no secret I love my wife. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me,” Tim beamed. His eyes dropped to her hickey, and he thought about giving her another on the drive back home, because he could. Because he loves her, and he was able to use his words to say that or use his body…or both. Somewhat distracted by thoughts of Lucy, he barely heard a reporter congratulate him on his contract renewal. “Oh, yeah, the Kings extended me for another two years,” he said; he had forgotten about receiving the news from the team’s owner in the haze of what had happened on Christmas. When Tim thought about how he spent his holiday, he could only recall Lucy in bed with him driving him wild and losing control together. His contract renewal was not something he could commit to memory over THAT. “Thanks for your time tonight. I gotta take my wife home.”

“Go Kings!” Lucy yelled into a microphone and wrapped her arms around Tim’s neck, because she knew what he was about to do. She knew he was going to take her in his arms and carry her out of the media room, and he did. She was deposited in the locker room at the chair in front of his cubby with a kiss.

“I gotta shower, and then we can head home.”

She took his hand and shook her head. “Don’t bother. You’ll need another one later anyways. Six goals, baby. Six.” Lucy was very very proud of him and very prepared to spend many hours expressing that.

He picked her back up again, putting one arm behind her back and one under her knees once more to carry her out of the locker room and down the corridor where their private car was waiting. Teammates called after him, camera shutters flashed, but he zeroed in on Lucy for the entire walk.

The second she was dropped into the back seat of the car, she started yanking him into a seat and hopped to sit in his lap straddling him. Her fingers danced on his cheeks, unsure where her favorite spot to hold him was, and grinned. “You did such a good job tonight. You were on fire! Six goals? That’s insane!” 

“All six were for you. I wanted to see you happy,” he replied honestly.

“You make me happy even when you don’t score goals. You make me happy, and you don’t have to do a thing. We don’t even have to be in the same room. I think of you, and I’m happy.”

Tim’s lips parted in surprise. “You do? That happens to me, too.”

“So, thinking of yourself makes you happy?”

“No, thinking of you makes me happy.” He glided his hands up and down her thighs and gazed at her with so much adoration he was speechless.

“You know what would make me even happier right now?”

“What?”

“Help me take this off.” She reached for the hem of the very large jersey.

“But, I like that you’re wearing a jersey with my last name on it.”

“Excuse me? It’s OUR last name now. I’m Mrs. Bradford whether I wear this or not.”

“Yeah, that’s true, and I do like when you aren’t wearing anything,” he rationalized and pulled his jersey off of her. Tim froze. “Uhhh what is this?”

It had escaped her mind that she had something special on beneath the jersey. “I’ve been thinking about when we got to this point in our marriage like A LOT, and every time I’ve wanted to take things to the next level and stopped myself, I sorta bought something sexy for when we DID start sleeping together, and now I have a ton of lacy and silky and strappy things to show you, and I didn’t have time to do laundry, so the only clean stuff I have right now is…stuff like this.” She covered her burning cheeks. “Oh my God, this is so embarrassing.”

“Hot, yes. Embarrassing, no.” Tim blinked rapidly to ensure not all the blood had drained from the rest of his body and traveled south. “You can wear whatever you want whenever you want, and I’ll find you sexy, but yeah, wow, this is…” he could not even properly describe her grey lacy corset, but he knew he liked it. “You’ve been wearing this for the entire game?”

“Yeah.”

“This is the kind of thing you tell me. I would’ve left at halftime if I knew THIS was what you were wearing.”

“Didn’t you say you didn’t care what I wore other than my jersey?” It was HER jersey; it had her name on it.

His fingers slowly slid along the ridges of the coarse lace on her stomach while his eyes were glued to her chest. “I’ve never been more wrong in my life.”

She giggled, “It’s too easy.”

Tim asked, “Huh?” as he stared. He could have sworn she said something, but his ears were not functioning along with most of his body.

“Baby.” As much as she was always entertained whenever she stunned him so thoroughly, Lucy wanted the version of Tim that was a man of action. She put a finger under his chin to pick his head up and close his mouth at the same time. “Normally, I find this very cute, but I’ve been waiting for this for HOURS,” she stressed that she had been looking forward to having him all to herself since he left their bed that morning.

Tim got on board quickly crashing his lips into hers and taking full advantage of the fact that they had a driver to take them home. On Christmas Day, he had to be the one in the driver’s seat distractedly navigating the streets when all he wanted was for his hands to travel across Lucy’s body. Thankfully, he could shut his eyes and trace the familiar spots of her that were still recognizable when covered in lace. 

“A new personal record for the greatest hockey player of all time, Timothy Bradford,” she husked into his ear and then nibbled along the shell as her hands dropped to exactly where she needed him. “I’m so proud of you.” Lucy could not stop saying it, because she was, and his reaction every single time proved that she was not the only person in their relationship that liked praise.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

At the sound of his low rumbly voice saying, “Morning, gorgeous,” Lucy smiled though she was still half asleep. She could smell the strong scent of mint tea that had been placed on her nightstand, and she fumbled around for the mug, because she was PARCHED. “Morning, husband,” she finally croaked after gulping some of her drink, her voice still scratchy after being so loud both during and after the game.

Tim crawled back into bed from his side but scooted until he could curl his body behind hers. “I was thinking,” he started as his fingers drew a line down her bare side. “I normally fit in a pre-practice workout, so do you want to help me with that?”

She smirked and set her cup down before turning around to face him. “How can I help?”

“Well, I normally go for a run to do some cardio, but I think I could get a better workout with you right here.”

“Like your exercises when we were rehabbing your high ankle sprain?” She asked, feigning cluelessness at his thinly veiled suggestion.

“No,” he scoffed and pressed her back into the mattress before climbing on top of her. “Better than ankle exercises.”

“As your wife, I’d be happy to help you with something ‘better than ankle exercises’,” Lucy smiled while putting her hands on his hips.

“Best wife ever,” he said happily and captured her lips.

Once they finished with what Tim would classify as his best and most thorough pre-practice workout in his life, he was supposed to take a shower, but Lucy’s firm hold made it clear she was insistent on staying snuggled up for a while. “I do have to  go to practice, you know.”

“Five more minutes.” She would never grow tired of how perfectly they wrapped up in each other’s arms until their heartbeats and breathing matched, reaching a peace she never found anywhere else but with Tim.

“Do you plan to do laundry today, or can I expect to see you in more lingerie when I get home?”

“Both.”

He groaned, and she chuckled.

“Unless you don’t want me to,” she offered.

Tim looked down her nestled against his neck with a huge grin on her still flushed face. “I’ll always want you to wear anything you feel good in. How many of these special options do I have to look forward to seeing?”

“LOTS. I mean, I was shopping for lingerie every single day for the two weeks before Christmas. I was MISERABLE.”

He laughed into her hair.

“It wasn’t funny,” she said and swatted at his chest.

“Oh, I wasn’t laughing either, but waiting clearly had its perks. I liked that little grey thing you were wearing last night.”

“They’re all grey or black in honor of L.A. Kings colors. Team spirit is very important to me.”

“You might have more team spirit than any other hockey wife and probably more than half of my teammates. I really love you, you know.” There were not enough words to express his appreciation for her devotion to him.

“I love you, too, and I always love supporting you, which is why I hate to say it, but you need to get ready for practice. You need to get into fighting shape for your game in two days. Those Chicago Blackhawks won’t know what hit them.”

“We’re ready.”

“Not yet. We haven’t reviewed a single second of game footage.”

“We’ve been a little busy,” he pointed out and looked at their tangled up naked bodies.

“I hate to say it, but maybe nothing should happen tonight other than hockey stuff.”

“Actually, I delegated game footage review to Wes as my co-captain until further notice. I can’t spend all my time working or thinking about hockey anymore.”

“Who are you, and what have you done with Tim Bradford?”

“He got a wife he loves more than hockey. If you want me to skip practice today, it’ll pretty much guarantee I don’t play in the next game, but I don’t care. I’ll do it to stay in bed with you.”

“You’re going to practice. I’ve got stuff to do around the house without you distracting me anyways.”

“Fine,” he sighed in resignation and gave her one last kiss before begrudgingly getting out of bed.

Lucy went downstairs to the kitchen to make smoothies while she waited for Tim to get ready. “Here, drink this on the way to practice.”

“Thank you, baby.” He pressed his lips to her forehead.

“Have a good day.” She snaked her arms around his midsection for what was supposed to be a quick squeeze, but she held onto him for an extra moment.

“You, too.” Tim gave her a peck and then went back for something longer that was cut off by a knock at the door. He let Lucy go to see Tamara standing on their welcome mat. “Hey.”

“Hey? That’s all you have to say to me?” Tamara replied sharply and entered into the house without invitation. “Oh, glad you’re here, too, Lucy. This concerns both of you.”

“What’s wrong?” Lucy inquired.

“Everything. Did you guys forget what we agreed to months ago? It’s the holidays. This is when we were supposed to slip your divorce news to the media when it would get swept under the rug, but how can I do that when you looked like smitten kittens during your joint postgame interview last night, Lucy’s now wearing a big diamond ring that everyone is talking about, and #hickeywife is trending everywhere? With you two making all these headlines as a happily in love couple, we can’t convincingly sell your split. There will be too much suspicion that one day you’re happy and the next you’re getting a divorce. Now what are we gonna do?” As she asked her last question, she crossed her arms and waited for either of them to come up with a brilliant solution to their public relations problem. 

Lucy and Tim exchanged a silent look; neither was surprised that they were on the same page.

“Nothing,” Tim answered.

Lucy took his hand and nodded. “We’re not getting divorced. Ever. We’re staying married. Don’t worry about making any sort of announcement.”

“But, what about the plan?” Tamara wondered; she had composed a quite brilliant scheme rather quickly when Lucy’s image needed a last minute save, and she had been prepared for the final step of issuing a statement announcing their divorce.

“Plans change,” Tim said.

“Yeah,” Lucy looked up at her husband. “This was supposed to be fake, but this is the most real relationship I’ve ever been in…and the most amazing.”

“Is it because of that thing I did last night?” He asked smugly. 

She screwed her face up to avoid smiling too widely. “You know it’s everything…but, I did like that.”

“Gross,” Tamara grimaced.

“Thank you, Tamara, for everything. We owe this set up to you, but our marriage isn’t fake anymore,” Tim said appreciatively.

“I don’t know if it ever was,” Lucy reflected on their time together and how their relationship grew organically despite the unexpected circumstances.

“The way you two swoon at each other, you deserve to be trending as #hickeywife. Seriously, your matching hickeys are making headlines everywhere.”

“Hear that, baby?” Lucy grinned. “You and I are trending for hickeys.” She smoothed her hands down his shirt. “Think you can leave some more on me later?”

“Can’t promise they’ll be anywhere someone can see,” he replied hungrily, his eyes unable to settle on her frame as he fantasized about where to make marks on her after practice.

Tamara made a gagging sound. “Seriously, get a room.”

“You’re in our house. These are all of our rooms,” he shot back.

“Well, not YET. We should work on making them ALL ours,” Lucy suggested slyly.

“Okay, before you start banging each other’s brains out, can we talk about your new album? Since Tim talked about it during one of your postgame interviews, I’ve gotten so many media inquiries, and I have no idea what to say, because you haven’t said anything to me. So, what’s the status? When can I hear some of these songs? When do you think you’ll be ready to release it? We’ve gotta talk about an album cover photoshoot, filming music videos, merch, tours…”

“Slow down,” Lucy said then flicked her gaze over to Tim. “The album’s done, but I’m not going to release it. It’s very private. It’s a nineteen song love letter to my husband.”

“I still haven’t heard it yet. We’ve been busy,” Tim chuckled.

“Have you lost your mind?” Tamara wondered. “New music is what the fans want.”

“Well, I want what my husband wants,” Lucy retorted. “Babe, give it a listen and tell me if you want me to release it or not. Completely up to you.”

Tim could not believe she was willing to keep so much hard work locked away, trapped in a single MP3 player, when her music was usually blasted on every pop radio station. “Your career…”

“Doesn’t matter as much as you. I’ll respect whatever decision you make about our album, because it’s ours. It’s you and me. It’s our hearts set to music.”

“I’ll listen to it today, but I think I’ll want you to release it, because your musical talent deserves to be recognized.”

“You don’t even know if the album is any good.”

“It’s about how you love me right? Well you’ve been showing me in all sorts of ways that have been amazing. Can’t imagine the music will be any different.” He tried to kiss her despite their big smiles. “Let me go get it.” Tim had left the MP3 player in her studio where she had initially presented it to him, so he walked in and picked up gingerly. Showing her that he had the album in hand, he said, “I’ll listen to it after practice, which I’m running late for, so I really have to go.”

“Goodbye, husband.”

“Goodbye, wife.” He left the house with an unfairly fleeting kiss.

“What an interesting development,” Tamara noted sarcastically once the front door shut, and she was alone with Lucy. “You went from basically strangers to married? What happened to becoming a thing? Dating? The normal steps?”

“A date is two people getting to know each other. We do that all the time over dinner, on the couch, over the phone, in the car…everywhere. We did things our own way, but I’m happy how it turned out.”

Tamara could not believe her ears. “What about a big ceremony? I thought that’s what you always wanted? That’s what we talked about when you were engaged to Emmett.”

Lucy shrugged. “Turns out I don’t care as much about a wedding when I have a great marriage. What’s one day to express our love to the world when I get everyday of him telling me? Yesterday, he told an entire room of reporters that he loves me and left this on my neck.” She pointed to her disappearing hickey. “It’s nice to have someone who isn’t hiding our relationship. I’ve missed that.”

“As long as this is what you want, then I’m happy for you.”

“He’s all I want.”

Tamara loved to tease, but she was elated that Lucy finally got the one thing she had always sought; the one thing that had always been out of reach despite all of her professional success, her chart-topping hits, countless awards, sold out crowds at her shows, fame, money, and all of the other aspects of being a celebrity so many yearned for. Lucy had never been satisfied with her accomplishments, and Tamara thought that it was because she was boundlessly tenacious about her success, but she realized that the real reason why Lucy was dissatisfied was that she yearned for a lasting love; the kind that was always just out of reach until Tim. “You’ve officially made it,” Tamara commented, because Lucy had finally succeeded in the only way that ever really mattered to her.

“I finally did. Maybe it’s greedy, but everything I’ve done just hasn’t felt like enough until I found someone to share it all with.”

“Doesn’t sound greedy to me. As your friend, I’m really glad. As your publicist, I was hoping you would come out with more music not less.”

“Alright, I get it. Tim and I will talk about it, and then I’ll get back to you when we’ve made a decision about the album, okay?”

“Fine.”

“Great, well, I know between my husband and the tour, I haven’t had a lot of time for you, so let’s hang out for the day.”

“Are you sure you don’t have anything to do today?”

“I was going to do some laundry, but that can wait another day. Let’s go get some coffee and get our nails done.”

“Sounds perfect,” Tamara smiled. She was grateful for the chance to reconnect with Lucy for a few hours. The only interruption to their quality time was when Tim called, and Lucy lit up from the second she read his name on her screen.

“Hi, husband,” she answered the phone.

“Hi, wife,” he grinned.

“How’s practice going?”

“I’m tired. You keep wearing me out off the ice, I won’t have any energy to play.”

“Are you complaining?” Lucy smirked.

“The opposite. I like being tired. Sleep is overrated.”

“It is, so I’ll make sure the chef makes us a big dinner. Gotta make sure you fuel up.” She saw Tamara pretend to be nauseous, and she laughed.

“Sounds perfect. I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

“Me, too.”

“The guys have been making fun of me. When I was changing this morning, they saw the scratches you left on my back.”

Lucy gasped. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.”

“Are you asking for more?”

“Hell yes. I like feeling you everywhere, but I’m gonna have some left over adrenaline, so you’re first, and I’ve already picked where I’ll be giving all my attention.”

Simply from the eager promise in his voice, her heart galloped. “I almost forgot how good you are at flirting over the phone. I like this.”

“I don’t freeze up around you like I used to.”

“What do you call last night in the car on the way home?”

“That was different. ANYONE would’ve reacted the same way. That was…” he still could not find the words to describe how hot she looked.

“Yeah, well, get used to it. I’m hanging with Tamara today, so I don’t think I’ll have time to do laundry before we leave for your away game tomorrow, which means you’ll be seeing a few more of those outfits I bought for you.” She felt her stomach turn molten when he grunted into the phone right in her ear as he had that morning without devices and miles between them. “Now you know what’s waiting for you after the game, so you better score a few goals for me against the Blackhawks. You have to earn it.”

“Give me a number, and I swear I’ll make that many goals,” he promised seriously, because he wanted to earn that reward.

She giggled. “As many as it takes to win. We’re on the road to a Stanley Cup this season.”

“You really are a great motivator.” Tim had always strived to win the NHL Championship before, but nothing made him want to work harder towards that goal than winning for Lucy.

“I’m starting to realize that. We should get you an ice bath at home before the postseason. I have a feeling if you keep playing well and earning postgame celebrations, you’ll need it.”

“Get in with me, and we can multitask.”

She laughed. “Go back to practice. Be home for dinner.”

“I will. Bye, wife.”

“Bye, husband.” She ended the call.

Tamara, who had heard half of the phone call in partial disgust and partial fascination, said, “I just noticed that you’ve been in love with him for so long.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Seriously? When I came over after Tim first got injured, you were sitting in his lap, and you were smiling the same way you are now even though you said nothing was happening. I knew you were crushing hard.”

“I don’t really know when it happened. He was annoying when we first met, but then we sort of made a connection, and it all gets blurry after that. All I know is I love him now, and I think I need to invest in one of those trendy outdoor ice baths. Do you know where I could buy one?”

“Give me an hour.”

“Send me the details tomorrow. I’ll go over options with Tim, and we’ll pick one out together.”

“You sound so married. You’re a real wife now…a hickey wife, actually,” Tamara teased, since it was a funny joke once the hashtag was no longer a hindrance to her public relations plan.

Lucy tossed her hair back to show where the mark had almost completely faded. “Proud of it.” She had concealed the hickeys with a turtleneck before, but there was no need to hide her love for Tim; it was actually impossible to do so since her face always made it so obvious.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After checking her watch and expecting Tim home any minute, Lucy started humming as she began descending the stairs to meet him at the front door. When he entered the house, she rushed over to meet him at the sight of his watery eyes. She bracketed his face with her hands and quietly asked, “What’s wrong, babe? Are you hurt? Did you hurt your ankle again?”

He hunched low, having lost all of his strength once he saw her, and buried his face in her neck as he pulled her in for a crushing embrace.

She hugged him, his silence ringing in her ears, but she still gripped him tight and waited for him to be ready to speak.

They stood together for a long while. He clung to her and felt that he was swaying slightly, but she still held him upright; Tim knew he could always rely on her to hold him up. He blew out a shaky breath and took a minuscule step back when he was finally able to find the words. “I…” Tim reached into his pocket for the MP3 player with a trembling hand. “Did you really write all of these songs about me?”

“Of course I did. Why?” She covered his hand with her own to steady it.

“I haven’t even finished the album. I was listening to it on my way home from practice and…I can’t believe you love me so much,” his voice broke, emotion melting away any semblance of composure.

“No amount of words will be able to express how much I love you. That album is just the start,” she murmured and wiped the single tear that escaped down his cheek.

Quietly, he responded, “No one’s ever cared about me so much.”

“Me neither, but we have each other now.”

Her heart was both warm and cracking at the way he was still close to crying. She stood up tall to give him a featherlight kiss and told him the truth as best as she could, “I love you more than nineteen songs or nineteen hundred songs could ever say it, and if you don’t believe me, I’ll write a thousand albums just for you.”

“I-I believe you. I want you to release it. I think it would be cool if everyone knew how much my wife loves me,” he replied sheepishly.

“Everyone can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I’m gonna say it over and over again only for you.” She brushed her lips across the underside of his jaw. “I love you, my dear husband,” she whispered.

He feared he would float away without Lucy tethering him to the ground with her hands, and her eyes, and her heart, and her love. “I love you, too.”

“Let’s eat dinner, okay?” She suggested softly and intertwined their fingers for the short walk over to the stove.

Tim nodded and went with her into the kitchen. As he watched her plate some food for him, he swept her hair back before he skimmed his thumb over her neck in the spot he loved to nip and elicit the most delicious sounds out of her. “You’re gonna be called a hickey wife again when I’m done with you tonight.”

Lucy laughed at the complete change of tone and the sincerity of his guarantee. “Bring it on.”

Chapter Text

As Lucy finished blow drying her hair, she heard the shower turn off and watched Tim emerge from his reflection in the mirror. She finished brushing her long locks as he dried off his body, and she smiled at the sight of him and the domesticity of the new level of comfortability with each other that they could get ready in the morning in the same bathroom together.

Tim loved how happy she looked staring at him, so he abandoned the task of wiping the last of the water on his legs, dropped the towel to the ground for good measure, and went up behind her where she stood at her bathroom sink. He swiped her hair away for access to nuzzle her neck.

She dropped her head back when she felt his hands move past the satin of her robe. “What are you…” Lucy sucked in a breath when her question was answered by him untying the ribbon at her waist and his fingers drifted lower. “Again? We JUST got out of the shower.”

“And?” He pulled back the material covering her shoulder to kiss down further. “You know what I noticed? The shower here is bigger, but you promised me we’d take one together in the shower at my old house. It’ll be smaller and cozier.”

“Don’t forget that tub. That’s a great tub.”

Tim smiled. “And the tub. We still haven’t taken a bath together.”

“We haven’t done a lot of things I want to try,” she replied mischievously.

“Good thing we have forever to get through that list.”

“Do you have a list?”

“Not really.”

There was something suspect in his tone, so she turned around to face him. “You can tell me.”

“We’ll get to it someday,” he responded, avoiding truly answering.

“Tell me or this robe stays on.” She pulled it closed to show how serious she was.

He made an unhappy noise. “Fine, it’s…the team jet. Everyone on my team has hooked up in there, and I was fine with never getting the chance, but then you brought me into that bathroom, and I know we weren’t ready to have sex at the time, and you said we can join the Mile High Club on your plane, so it doesn’t really matter, actually.”

Since he answered her question honestly, she rewarded him by making quick work of taking her robe off and dropping it to the ground before backing up to sit at the edge of the bathroom counter. “Who knew you were such an exhibitionist?”

“It’s ONE place,” he pointed out and stood between her legs.

“My list of places is longer than one,” she said then attached her lips to his shoulder.

“Is the bathroom counter on your list?” He wondered and shut his eyes; he had no idea there was a spot on his shoulder near his collarbone that he liked, but Lucy found it, and she made his knees weak every time she went back to it.

She nipped hard enough to elicit a groan them ran her tongue over the spot to soothe it. “No, but I’ll add it right now.”

“And we can also cross it off right now. How efficient.” He gripped her thighs tight.

“We have to be fast. We don’t want the team jet waiting for us.”

Tim reached for her cheek to angle her face so that he could see her, and she could look into his darkened eyes. “I don’t want to rush quality time with my wife. Let them leave without us. We can take yours later.”

“You’re right, husband. I like taking my time with you.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Jackson watched Tim and Lucy rush onto the team jet later than all of the other teammates. “Well, if it isn’t the Hickey Wife!”

The hockey players erupted in whistles.

“That’s Mrs. Hickey Wife to you,” Lucy said smartly. “Make fun all you want, boys. My husband takes very good care of me.”

While Tim’s team was whooping and hollering, he was blushing intensely.

She took him by their joined hands down the aisle until they reached two open seats. She waited for him to sink into a chair and decide how they would spend the flight. 

He angled his head and ran his hands down his thighs wondering why she was taking so long to get into his lap.

Lucy sat down and whispered, “Don’t you want a break from me for a couple of hours?”

Tim wrapped her in his arms tightly and murmured, “No. We can have other things, but this is…perfect.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever said it before, but when you first got hurt, and we started sitting like this, I needed it, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t realize how lonely I’d been before you came along,” Lucy confessed and smoothed a hand down his cheek. “Thank you making sure I’ll never be lonely again.”

“Then I should be thanking you, too.” He angled his head to kiss the palm of her hand on his face. “I think you wrote one of your songs about that on your new album.”

“I did,” she started to smile.

“Wanna listen to it together?” He reached into his pocket for the MP3 player filled with nineteen songs dedicated to him. He handed one of the headphones to her, and they each popped one into one of their ears before Tim clicked play.

She rested her head against his and closed her eyes as the music started to wash over both of them.

Over the instruments in each song, he felt her heartbeat steady and sure, and he loved sharing the album with Lucy. Though they were sitting on a full jet, Tim could only focus on holding back from crying as she clung to him while pressing kisses to his face and whispering “I love you” between songs.

When the album finished, and there was only silence, she looked down into his face to see the tears in his eyes. Lucy knew that he was too emotional to speak, but that look told her how overcome he was, and that meant more to her than any words he could have said. She cupped his chin and whispered into his hair, “I mean every word in this album. If it wasn’t clear, I’ve never been happier in my life.”

He kissed her face where he could reach and replied lowly and seriously, “Me neither. I get to be happy multiple days in a row. That’s the most fascinating thing about having you. I go days without being anything but happy. That’s new for me like one of your songs says.”

She smiled at how simple yet beautiful that truth was. Lucy interlaced their fingers and brought the knot of digits to her chest before pressing play on the album again; after all, her songs so perfectly expressed everything she could have said in the moment. They had sat together cuddled up so many times before, but it was different to hold him and glide her hands over the planes of his chest after learning what he felt like underneath his clothes. She was getting familiar with the meaning of the changes in his breathing and was working to memorize each centimeter of his body; such a task of learning him so thoroughly would take time, and Lucy wanted to fit some studying in. She paused the MP3 player, and he looked up at her curiously, still clearly somewhat entranced by the music.

Tim had been so caught up in listening to her songs about him that when she stood from his lap and outstretched her hand, he was confused, but she explained what that twinkle in her eye and slight lift of her lip meant. 

“Mile High Club, baby,” she said deviously.

His mouth fell open, because surely she was not suggesting…there was no semblance of trepidation on her face. Tim stood as he took her hand and lead them into the airplane bathroom.

Lucy shut the door behind them, and then she sprang up to take his face in her hands.

“Are we really doing this?” He wondered.

“Only if you want to.”

He hooked his fingers into the belt loops of her jeans to bring her closer. “You should know by now you’re all I want all the time.”

“You made that very clear this morning.”

“It didn’t sound like you were complaining the first, second, or third time.”

“Of course not. So, this was your idea. Where do you want me?” Lucy asked.

Grey, who had been quite the unwilling witness to so much of Tim and Lucy’s newlywed bliss saw them walk into the bathroom and knew exactly what was about to happen. “Back in my day, normal married couples did that in their homes,” he muttered.

“Yeah, but they’re not a normal married couple,” Wes pointed out.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

At the beginning of his career, Tim hated away games; his routine would be completely interrupted to travel across time zones to different cities where he had to sleep in strange beds and wake up in hotels that did not have the comforts of home. Lucy’s presence changed his perspective. He no longer cared about time zones and routines when he could be sequestered in a hotel room with his wife with nothing else to do but get between the sheets together. Sweaty and still breathing sharply, he said, “I love away games.”

She repositioned herself to curve into him and lay together while she still felt like she was floating. “Me, too.”

“I’m exhausted. We should get some sleep. Good night, wife.”

Lucy did not say it back, because she knew he was skipping a crucial part of his nighttime routine. “Don’t you usually go over the playbook one more time before bed the night before a game?”

“I would, but I can barely move, and I didn’t get a chance to unpack when we first got here, and you practically jumped me the second I got back from practice earlier, so my playbook is still packed somewhere on the other side of the room, but I’m not going anywhere,” he responded happily, because unpacking was such a waste of time when Lucy offered a far better alternative that had tired him out so much that he was unwilling to move a muscle.

“Lucky for you, I’m a great wife, and I took everything out of your suitcase and put all your stuff right where you like it while you were at practice. Your playbook is in the drawer of your nightstand.”

He twisted the top half of his body to reach the nightstand and snickered when it was in fact in the place he always set it in every hotel room during away games. “Greatest wife ever.”

“Damn right. Okay, we didn’t watch any game footage, so what are we in for with these Blackhawks tomorrow?” Lucy asked as she snuggled in closer and put a hand over his heart. He launched into an animated explanation of their team’s strategy by leafing through the pages of his playbook, and though she did not fully understand what he was saying, she knew more about hockey than she did months before. Her eyelids grew heavy, but she fought the wave of tiredness to keep listening.

Tim glanced at her to see she was struggling to stay awake, so he set the playbook down and grinned at her fondly. “Good night, wife.”

“Night, husband,” she mumbled and let herself fall asleep.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Without Angela, sitting in the box seats to cheer Tim on was not as fun, but he scored two goals for her, and Lucy was so proud of him that by the time she reached the locker room, all that mattered was telling him how great he did.

She came in positively glowing and ran into his arms before he could even greet her.

“Good job, babe,” Lucy said and squeezed him tight.

“Did you see that second goal?” He asked even though he knew that she had, because after scoring it, Tim looked up at the box, and she blew him a kiss. “We went over that play last night, and I had the perfect opportunity to go for it, so I did.”

“You were great!”

“Before Grey gets mad, I’m going to finish changing, I’ll make sure it’s a really quick interview, and then we can get out of here.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Aaron, who always swooned when he saw them together asked, “Hey, are you guys coming out to celebrate the win with us? We’re going to this really cool club.”

“I’d rather celebrate with my wife. Alone,” Tim answered simply.

“We get it. You’re happily married and obsessed with each other, but we’re actually in a major city, and we won. It’s the perfect circumstances to go out,” Aaron reasoned.

Lucy wrapped both arms around one of Tim’s and looked up at him to make sure he had absolutely no interest in celebrating at a club. “Sorry, but I think I’m the better offer,” she smirked.

“You definitely are,” Tim grinned staring down at her. “Let me put a shirt on. We’ve got an interview to do.”

“Imagine how great the interview would go if you walked out there looking like this?” She scanned his shirtless top half and the low hanging grey sweatpants on his bottom half.

He snickered. “I’ll reserve this look for my wife.”

“For me? No, this is too many clothes for me.”

Lucy had that dark, dangerous sparkle in her expression, and he was already counting down the seconds until that was all she was wearing. “We’ll answer only two questions and then leave,” he promised in his haste to take her to their hotel.

“Do you mind doing this one solo? I’m not really in the mood for the press tonight.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, just conserving all my energy.”

Tim was more than happy to hear that. Because the team was excited about the plan to go to the club, the locker room was empty by the time they returned from his interview. He haphazardly packed his bag, and just as he zippered it closed, he felt her heated stare. Meeting it made his breathing hitch. He knew exactly what she was thinking. “Right here? The locker room’s on your list?”

“Not really,” she said softly and took both of his hands in hers.

He let her take the lead into the medical room with an exam table, which seemed like an odd place.

“Remember when you were my poor injured baby, and I helped you with your ankle exercises in rooms like this?” Lucy questioned.

“Highlight of my day,” Tim answered.

“Well, I know that we were focusing on your recovery, but I kept thinking about pushing you onto that table for other reasons.”

“So, you’re saying this is on your list?” He pointed to the exam table behind them.

If it were anyone else, she would have been shy about it, but he made her feel so comfortable that she answered, “Yes…but, it doesn’t have to be tonight if you don’t want to.” 

He enthusiastically captured her lips to indicate that he did want to hook up with her in a locker room and distantly wondered why he had not thought to put it on his list.

Lucy had somehow missed having his fingers skim beneath her clothes as if he had not greedily reached for her and roved over her bare body that morning as part of their winning pregame routine. Yet, it had been too long since all that was between them was the passion radiating out of their every pore yearning for a temporary satisfaction that would curb their craving for each other for some indeterminate amount of time that only seemed to shorten the more frequently they chased after pleasure together. She only detached from Tim’s mouth to pull her shirt off, but her hands stilled on the hem. They were in a public place where anyone could come upon them at any second. He seemed confused why they were stopping, and she said, “Lock the door first.”

As he was reaching for the lock, she was already tugging at his sweatpants. He would have pinned her against the door, but instead he asked, “This is on your list, so where do you want me?”

She jerked her head in the direction of the exam table and waited for him to climb onto it before joining him on her knees hovering above him. “We’re married now. It’s not your list or my list. It’s OUR list.”

Tim watched her above him take her time to yank her unfairly sexy low cut L.A. Kings long sleeve t shirt off to find his black satin surprise underneath. Despite not knowing how to remove the sexy ensemble and would need to ask for some guidance, he remarked, “I love our list.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Angela dialed Tim impatiently.

“Yeah,” he answered the call shortly.

“Hey, Lucy didn’t answer when I tried to call. Can you give her the phone?” Angela asked.

“I’m here, Ang,” Lucy said.

“What happened to your phone?” She questioned.

“Guess I forgot to charge it. I’ve been busy.” She bit her lip.

Tim tried to stifle his chuckles by burying his face in her chest where he was nestled. 

“You mean you’ve been getting busy,” Angela shot back.

Lucy squirmed when Tim’s stubble tickled her, and the distinct rustling of sheets could only confirm Angela’s guess. “We’re enjoying being married,” was the only coy explanation she would provide.

“Mhm whatever. I was wondering what you were planning on wearing to the party tonight,” Angela changed the subject to the purpose of her call.

“What party?” Lucy asked.

“Oh, Grey’s New Year’s Eve party is tonight. I forgot…” In Tim’s defense, his wife had been keeping him too occupied to keep track of trivial matters such as what day it was. “But, I don’t think we should go.”

“Your whole team will be there. Of course we’re going,” Lucy replied.

“I say we ring in the new year right here, Mrs. Bradford.”

She blushed at his suggestive tone. “We should probably take a break for a few hours. Let’s go for a little.”

He pouted. Tim was perfectly content laying on his wife with her heartbeat in his ear and her limbs wound around him in a comfortable embrace.

“It’ll be nice to hang out with the team and the hockey wives, and we won’t stay long,” Lucy tried to convince him.

“Coach makes it pretty much mandatory that everyone comes. It’s not really a debate,” Angela reminded them.

Tim completely forgot that they were on the phone with Angela. “Fine,” he surrendered.

“Great, I’ve already picked out a black dress I think my husband will like,” Lucy said into the phone.

“I’ll like you in anything,” Tim replied which earned him a loving ruffle of his rumpled hair.

“Perfect. I’m wearing a red dress. We’ll be the hottest looking hockey wives at that party. We better take a picture together tonight,” Angela smiled.

“Absolutely! I’m kind of excited. I haven’t been in a room with all of the wives before,” Lucy responded.

“There are only a few of them that I can stand. We’ll stick with the cool ones tonight,” Angela promised.

“See? It’s going to be fun tonight,” Lucy was still trying to flip the downturn of Tim’s lips. “Hey, Ang, we’ll see you there. I have to start getting ready.”

“Yeah, see you there,” Angela said and hung up.

Lucy tilted his head up while craning her neck down for a quick kiss. “Come on, baby, why the long face?”

“Your tour starts back up in the new year, and my schedule isn’t going to let up. These are the last few days where we’ll be together for a while.”

“It’s not going to be easy for a few months, but we’ll make it work. I’ll miss you every second we’re apart, and when we’re together, it’ll be even more special, okay?”

Tim loved how she promised to miss him, because he believed it, and he appreciated how she loves him so much. “I’ll miss you, too. I think this means you’ll owe me cuddles when you come back from your concerts.”

“Definitely. Lots of cuddles.”

“Especially naked cuddles.”

She laughed. “Especially naked cuddles, but not right now. We have to get out of this bed.”

“This is so unfair,” he groaned as he rolled away to let her get out from under him.

“Stop moping. We’re going to a party.”

“When have I ever moped? I don’t even know how.”

“Mhm come on.” She patted his butt and got out of bed. 

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As Tim was seated next to Lucy in the back of the car, he said, “You look really beautiful.”

She grinned. “Thank you. You look so handsome. We need to put you in suits more often.” She smoothed a hand down his lapel. 

“Next time I’ll be wearing a suit, it’ll be to watch you win Grammys.”

“You’re right. I totally forgot about that.”

“I didn’t. I’m looking forward to cheering you on, baby.”

“Even if I don’t win, I’ll still be the biggest winner there with my handsome trophy husband.”

“How am I a trophy husband?”

“If I’m your trophy wife, then you’re my trophy husband.”

“That’s not how that works.”

“Why not? You’re super hot and super impressive. That’s the definition of a trophy husband.”

“I’m impressive,” Tim smiled; she made him believe that. “But, you’re my trophy wife, because I can carry you around like one.”

“Who says I can’t carry you?”

“You’re tiny. I’ve developed a neck strain trying to look at you since we got married.”

“Don’t underestimate me because I’m small. I could totally take you.”

“We’ll have to spar sometime to prove you wrong.”

“Sparring just sounds like foreplay, don’t you think?”

His hand slid up her thigh. “That’s because everything with you sounds like foreplay.”

Lucy laughed, since it was true. “Get your head out of the gutter!”

“Lay back, and I’ll put my head somewhere else,” he said hungrily.

She considered it, of course, but then the car arrived at Grey’s house, and they had to abandon any ideas of back seat fun to step into the party. The second she was welcomed into the beautiful home, Angela linked arms with Lucy and started tugging her along.

Tim made an unhappy sound that his wife was being taken away from him.

“Relax, Bradford, you’ll still take her home, and you can screw each other then. I didn’t know you could be so clingy,” Angela chided.

“I’m not clingy,” he disagreed.

“You are kinda clingy, and I love it.” Lucy kissed the back of his hand that she was still holding and released it. “I am, too, when it comes to you. Remember track six?”

He smiled, because she had written a whole song, the sixth song on her new album, for him about how much she loves to hold onto him every chance she gets, and though he had never cared about receiving physical touch from a partner before, Tim expected it with Lucy to the point where he craved even the simplest amount of contact like a tap of his forearm or brushing a hand across his back in passing. Though hard for him to verbalize his feelings at times, he hoped that she could read his appreciation for her on his face, and based on the look she was giving him, she understood.

“That’s enough with the eye sex. Come on, Lucy, I want to introduce you to the hockey wives. Have fun, Tim,” Angela started dragging Lucy towards the kitchen where some of the women had congregated.

James crossed his arms when he saw Tim walking over. “I bet my wife $20 that you and Lucy wouldn’t show up tonight.”

“Coach makes this party about as mandatory as practice,” Tim responded.

“Sure, but you’re married to a famous pop star now. I’m sure she was invited to a ton of exclusive parties with a bunch of famous people.”

“I-I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Last year, she was at a New Year’s Eve party at Channing Tatum’s house. There were more Oscar and Grammy winners at that party than most award shows,” Wes chimed in.

“Channing Tatum? I’ve never liked that guy,” John grimaced.

“She never mentioned it to me,” Tim realized.

“I get when you guys were keeping your relationship a secret that she wouldn’t come to Coach’s party, but now that you two are married, I thought you’d be going somewhere exclusive together,” James reasoned.

“Clearly, Lucy really loves him to pass up those invitations to be here with us. How adorable,” Aaron mused.

“Dude, you are way too into their relationship,” Jackson teased.

“What can I say? Lucy is my favorite hockey wife,” Aaron replied unabashedly.

“You mean Hickey Wife,” Wes joked. “Is she sporting any tonight?”

“None of your business,” Tim shot back gruffly.

“That just means they’re where no one can see,” Jackson interpreted. 

“It’s like the rose colored glasses beginning of a relationship and the newlywed honeymoon phase rolled into one with you two…” Wes started to mock, but then his eyes widened when he realized that was exactly what was happening between Tim and Lucy.

“Can we talk about something other than my marriage for five minutes?” Tim asked to change the subject.

Nyla noticed how Lucy kept flicking her gaze over at the other room where Tim was talking to his teammates. When one of those chance glances resulted in their eyes meeting, they exchanged soft smiles that made it clear how fond they were of each other. “It’s nice to know marrying Tim wasn’t some publicity stunt,” she said.

Lucy whipped her head to look at Nyla in the circle of women crowded around the kitchen island and asked, “Why would you even say that?”

“Are you kidding? People as famous as you date other celebrities for headlines all the time.”

“My marriage with Tim is real. I love him, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving him. The media can say whatever they want, but we know the truth,” Lucy insisted protectively.

“I don’t know. Those rumors about Tim and Ashley rekindling seemed pretty real to me,” Rachel interjected.

“Those rumors were lies. Of course, you knew that, since you were the one that leaked them,” Lucy shot back accusingly and crossed her arms.

“Rachel! Is that true?” Luna asked, disappointment and shock clear in her tone.

“You can’t prove anything,” was Rachel’s only response.

“I knew it!” Lucy felt a rush as if she had been a detective that solved a case. “You were trying to put a wedge between us, but that rumor only brought me and Tim closer, so if you think about pulling another stunt like that again, don’t bother. Nothing will break us up. Especially not some petty person who hides behind a screen when attacking my marriage.”

“What’s going on?” Tim asked when he rushed over at the sight of Lucy’s stance and how she was flaring her nostrils.

“Nothing, babe,” Lucy answered sternly, her eyes still sharp knives directed at Rachel.

“Your wife just figured out who started that rumor about you and that ex of yours I hated,” Angela brought him up to speed.

Tim narrowed his eyes at Rachel and took a step forward. “You disrespected my wife with that rumor,” he snarled. “I would never cheat on her.”

“It’s okay,” Lucy put a hand on his bicep to calm him.

“No, it’s not. She owes you an apology, and she’ll be lucky if I don’t tell Coach and get her fired,” Tim responded, his anger growing, his voice deepening dangerously.

“She’s not right for you! How can you not see that?” Rachel wondered.

Tim reached for Lucy’s face and kissed her hard before looking into her eyes and softly murmuring, “Feels pretty right to me.”

“Hell yeah it does,” Lucy whispered.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” He requested.

“Last door on the left is our room, and it’s off limits for your ‘talk’,” Luna said.

“We’re really just going to talk,” Tim promised.

Unsurprisingly, Luna, Nyla, and Angela did not seem convinced.

Lucy tried to ignore their eye rolls and took Tim by the hand to find an unoccupied spot down the corridor. “What’s up?” She asked as she leaned against a wall. He was quiet, so she inquired, “Wait, did you actually just want to hook up? I wasn’t gonna say anything, but sneaking off at someone else’s house is something I’ve always wanted to do, so consider it on our list.”

He blinked to refocus, because in a few short seconds, she changed the course of the conversation he wanted to have. “Hold that thought. I really did just want to talk.” Tim noticed how she loosened her hold on his forearms. “Why are we at this party?”

“We went over this earlier. Your coach wants everyone here, because this team’s a family, and New Year’s Eve is one of the only holidays that isn’t right before or after a game. It’s sweet to celebrate together.”

“Right, but don’t you usually go to New Year’s Eve parties with models and big movie stars?”

“Sometimes. Why does that matter?”

“Am I holding you back?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m not famous like you. I don’t have Oscars or Grammys. Hockey isn’t even the biggest American sport. Am I not good enough for your public image, and I’m dragging you down?”

“We got invited to fifty different parties tonight. Marrying you hasn’t hurt my public image or whatever. You’re not dragging me down, babe. I wouldn’t care if you were, but you aren’t.”

“How come you didn’t tell me about the other parties?”

“It didn’t matter. I declined all of them, because this is important to you and your team, which means it’s important to me.”

“But, the other parties were probably cooler.”

“You know what’s really cool about this party?” She asked rhetorically and threw her arms around his neck. “I get to ring in the new year with my husband. Save me a kiss at midnight, okay?”

He smiled, “You don’t even have to ask.”

“Come find me in…” she checked her watch and calculated, “ten minutes.”

Tim grabbed her hips. “Hang on, you said something about someone else’s house being on our list.”

“Right now? Are you sure you can after today?” They spent quite the day preemptively ringing in the new year.

“I’ve been thinking about taking this dress off of you all night. I’m good.”

“This is your coach’s house. This is such a bad idea.”

He picked her up and pushed open the nearest door, which ended up being an empty guest bedroom. “Crossing things off our list will always be a good idea.”

Once Lucy was deposited on the bed, she pulled him to fall on top of her and replied, “You know, nothing’s stopping us from revisiting places on our list if we like them.”

“You wanna rejoin the Mile High Club don’t you?”

“Actually, I want to revisit every place we’ve crossed off on our list so far.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t say we’re crossing things off anymore. Maybe it’s trying out what’s on our list.”

“I like that better. Ready to try something out right now?”

Tim starting bunching up her dress and rasped in her ear, “Have I mentioned that I really love our list?”

Angela tried not to laugh when Tim and Lucy reappeared after midnight. She watched them exchanged a heated look before going their separate ways with Tim approaching Grey and Lucy making her way to the kitchen for a glass of champagne. Angela, slightly buzzed and definitely nosy, said, “One thing I love about Tim is that he’s very punctual. I’m curious if that means that at midnight-”

“Yup. Very punctual,” Lucy confirmed and ran her hands down her dress to ensure she did not look as disheveled as she felt.

“Happy New Year to you,” she smirked.

“Definitely,” Lucy took a sip for something to do as her heart was still hammering.

“I know this goes without saying, but I’m glad you two are actually together. Tim has always needed someone to stick around and be there for him, and you’ve more than proven you’re that person for him.”

“He’s proved the same thing to me.”

“Guess marriage changes things.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes, I wonder if you didn’t start out married if you would’ve figured out how to make it work. Tim has always put hockey before everything except apparently a wife, and you’ve been pretty dedicated to your career if your success is any indication, but you canceled shows to take care of your husband’s high ankle sprain.”

“I’ll admit, in the beginning, it was nice to have someone committed to me to a point. I knew Tim wouldn’t leave me before his contract renewal, so I was sure I would have him around until Christmas. But…” Lucy‘s eyes snapped over to him, and as if he could sense her, he saw her and lifted his lip slightly just for her. “But, I know now that no matter how unexpected and unromantic our beginning was, we were always meant to spend the rest of our lives together. We would’ve figured it out.”

“He’s an idiot when it comes to love. It probably would’ve taken him a long time to get his head out of his ass.”

“Can’t say I would’ve immediately warmed up to a grumpy hockey player so easily if I didn’t marry him from the start,” Lucy admitted.

“Just so you know, Wes and I were prepared to meddle if you took too long.”

“I’m sure we would’ve appreciated that,” she snickered. Lucy observed Luna approaching Tim and Grey in the living room.

“Oh, Tim,” Luna mused, “you lucked out with that wife of yours. She’s wonderful.”

“She is,” Tim agreed.

“Now you see why this team has always stressed that our players have families. You can be impressive on the ice, but without someone supporting you, you’ll never be the best version of yourself,” Grey repeated what he had always preached to his team.

“I get that now,” Tim nodded.

“Good, now I don’t know if it’s too soon to bring this up, but we would love some more little princesses and princes to add to the Kings family. You and Lucy would make some very cute kids,” Luna said bluntly.

“Not yet, but soon,” Tim answered hopefully, because the empty bedrooms he passed every day in his old house were a painful reminder of a family image he thought he missed his chance to bring to life, but Lucy restored his faith in having a future as a father.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Grey smiled. “You’ve never looked happier, son. Now, don’t screw it up,” he added in warning.

“He won’t. I’ve got the greatest husband in the world. I think he should write a book of his marriage advice,” Lucy interjected proudly as she came up behind Tim and wrapped an arm around his midsection. He immediately pulled her into his side in some coordinated move as if they had done it a million times.

“Wade should co-author that book,” Luna volunteered fondly.

“That’s a great idea. It’ll definitely be a best seller,” Lucy grinned.

“Okay,” Tim grumbled and rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched upwards, so his fake annoyance was not at all convincing.

“Ready to go home?” Lucy asked.

Tim nodded.

“Coach and Luna, thank you for inviting us into your home and for hosting such a great party,” Lucy said.

“You’re a hockey wife now, which means you’re part of this family, and you’re welcome here any time,” Grey replied.

“It’s actually Hickey Wife,” Luna corrected with a snicker. She had read the tabloids with great fascination.

Lucy and Tim’s cheeks turned bright red.

“Do I wanna what that means?” Grey questioned.

“No, honey. Don’t worry about it,” Luna responded. “Thanks for coming tonight, and Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year,” Tim and Lucy said before waving and leaving the Grey family home.

“You know what I just realized?” Lucy wondered as she settled into the back seat of their car. She threw her legs across Tim’s lap and cozied up to him. “This is going to be our first calendar year as a married couple.”

“What’s the big deal? We’re a married couple for every calendar year from now on.”

Lucy tried speaking a few times and finally said, “Well, that’s romantic…sorta.”

“I wasn’t trying to be romantic. I’m being practical.”

She shook her head and adoringly replied, “You’re practically ridiculous, but I love you anyways.”

Chapter Text

Hearing her phone sound made Lucy grimace, and she stubbornly kept her eyes shut as she felt around for her device to stop it from blaring an annoying noise and disrupting hers and her husband’s slumber. “Sorry about that, babe,” she murmured apologetically and reached beside her to find her bed empty. She finally woke up enough to see that there was no sign of Tim or tea on her nightstand, and then she blinked away more of her sleepiness to realize that she was in a hotel. Not at home. Not with her husband. Which meant that annoying noise she silenced was his call. Lucy lunged for her phone and frowned when she read that she had one missed call from Tim. She redialed, suddenly impatient to hear his voice, and chewed at her lip.

“Morning, gorgeous,” he answered. “Let me guess, you thought my call was an alarm?”

“Guilty,” she replied, her voice slightly sore, and suddenly feeling wholly uncomfortable waking up without him. “Morning, husband.”

“How was your concert yesterday?”

“Better than your game. The Kings hadn’t lost in over a month before last night, and you, my love, didn’t score a single goal.”

“I blame it on the lack of sex in my pregame routine and not having my best fan in the stands.”

“Believe me, I wish I was home with you helping you with your pregame routine right about now.”

“Wish I was home, too, but I’m in Florida. We played Tampa Bay last night.”

She scratched her head. “Right, sorry. I can’t believe I’m in Seattle. We’re literally across the country from each other.”

“Won’t be for too much longer. Two more nights,” he reminded her.

“And then we’re on the road to Calgary.” Traveling even more was exhausting, but it was a worthwhile price to pay to see Tim as much as possible.

“Maybe you shouldn’t come.”

“You don’t want me at your game?” Her heart dropped to her stomach.

“No, no, of course I want you there, baby. I’m just saying that it’s a lot of flying around in one week. You deserve to rest.”

“Rest at home alone? That sounds miserable. If I can get cuddles in Calgary, then I’m going with you to cuddle with you for hours.” Lucy laid back in bed and could imagine his limbs around hers and could almost hear his heartbeat, smell his scent, and feel the warmth of his body heat. She had memorized him and them so well it was easy enough to conjure the familiar sensations that came with snuggling up with Tim.

“It’s okay if you change your mind and can’t make the trip,” he replied instead of telling her that truthfully, all of the tightness in his muscles could be relieved and the flurry in his mind would be quieted with some quality time with his wife inhaling her shampoo mixed with her perfume, running his hands over her soft skin, feeling her laughter vibrate through both of their bodies, and burying his face in her neck in just the right spot that elicited the most delicious noises out of her. Even if holding her remained completely innocent, it would be perfect, but Tim was not a strong enough man to turn down the opportunity to move his mouth across her body until the rest of the world completely faded away and all that remained was their passion, their love, and the electricity they generated together.

“Seems like I have to come to help you with that pregame ritual. We can’t lose again.”

Tim smirked. She referred to the L.A. Kings as “we” rightfully deeming herself a member of the team, because she was. In some ways, Lucy had become an extension of him, and his successes were partially attributed to her as well as his losses. As his teammate in life, it was incredibly meaningful to hear how much she valued his career. “Remember when you didn’t care about hockey?”

“Well, I didn’t know the players were so sexy before. I thought it was a bunch of jocks hitting a puck with sticks.”

“You called the puck a ‘disc’, actually,” he recounted, amused. “Wait, which players do you think are sexy?”

“In a certain light, Nolan could be attractive.” She could practically hear Tim’s jaw drop and giggled at how she envisioned his facial expression from rising to the obvious bait. “And, Coach is very good looking for a man of his age,” Lucy added teasingly. All that came through the receiver of her phone was some sort of quiet high-pitched sound that flew out of the back of Tim’s throat, causing her to grin wider. “Of course,” she added, “the sexiest player on the Kings, hell the entire NHL, happens to be the greatest player in the league and has the best ass as far as I can tell, but those pads really make checking out the players really hard to do. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of him, but his name is Timothy Bradford.” 

She had a very unique way of upsetting him one second and making him smile and blush the next. “Hate to break it to you, but you don’t have a chance with him. He’s a married man, and I hear he’s absolutely madly in love with his very hot wife.”

“Really? A very hot wife? Well, then I guess I don’t have a chance with him.”

“No,” Tim replied, his chest warm. “You don’t. He’s only got eyes for her.”

“She must be pretty special. As he deserves. He’s an incredible guy.”

“I have been told I’m good in bed, but incredible? What a compliment.”

Lucy chuckled. “I wasn’t talking about how you are in bed. I was talking about you in a general sense.”

“Are you saying I’m not incredible in bed? That’s not great for the future of our marriage.”

“You’re pretty good.”

“Pretty good? You’ve written so many songs, and you have such a way with words, and all I get is ‘pretty good’?”

She squirmed in bed, the sheets rustling. He was making her grin like a loon and warm all over from 1,500 miles away. “I can come up with a better descriptor when we’re back in the same bed to, you know, experience it again from an artistic standpoint.”

He snickered. “Right, well, I can’t wait until I see you for that experience. I’m hoping for words like ‘best you’ve ever had’ or something, but you’re the lyricist. I’ll leave the description up to you.” 

She snorted. “You’re such a dork.”

“You love me,” Tim shot back over- confidently.

“More than I could ever say.”

“I love you, too. Can you call me before you go to bed tonight? It’ll help me sleep.” It had been a long while since he at least walked her to a bedroom door and bade her goodnight, so as he tried to go to bed without having spoken to her at all the night before, Tim recognized he was missing a critical part of his nightly regiment. He would have dialed her, but he worried she already fell asleep and did not want to wake her for selfish reasons.

“You’re gonna have to do all the talking. My throat is so sore. I didn’t even have a voice at the end of the concert last night, so phone sex is definitely off the table.”

His cheeks darkened. “I hadn’t even thought about that. I was just looking forward to saying good night to my wife. You have such a dirty mind.”

“I can’t stop thinking about the guy who’s the best I’ve ever had, well, so he says.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll prove that I’m right the second you get home.”

“You mean the second I get home AFTER I pack for the away game. I didn’t have a chance to put a single thing in a bag like I planned to before leaving for Seattle.”

“That’s because you were walking around the house in a sports bra. You know how I get when you’re dressed like that.”

“Why do you think I didn’t put a shirt on? I was willing to go topless if that would get you on board with the kind of goodbye I was looking for.” She distinctly recalled foregoing putting on one of his t shirts so that when he returned home from his morning run that he insisted he needed, she would get the kind of cardio workout she had been looking forward to that morning before jetting off to the next city on her tour.

“You could’ve just gotten into the shower when you finished packing. You didn’t have to wait for me to get home to haul you in there with me.”

“But, it’s so much more fun when you think it’s your idea,” she replied playfully.

“Were you manipulating me? How often does that happen?”

“A wife never tells, but trust me, it’s good for our marriage.”

“Uh huh,” he replied suspiciously. “I have a lot of follow up questions about that, but I need to get back to practice. Coach is gonna have a field day if I’m on the phone much longer.”

“Whip that team of yours into shape to secure that win on Tuesday. Goodbye, husband.”

“Goodbye, wife,” he replied and ended the call. He sighed as he looked down at his lock screen, which was a picture of them on Christmas sitting next to each other at his sister’s house during brunch. They were pretending not to be in love, and yet, as Genny asked them to get closer and smile for the camera, he found he could not move out of fear he would touch Lucy and then would expeditiously shove her against the nearest surface because of how hungry he had been for her all morning. The best part of the photo was how uncharacteristically bright his grin was; Tim had never known he could look so happy, but then again, he had never been happier than when Lucy came into his life. It was a nice reminder of their connection when they were apart whether it was time zones of distance between them while she was performing in front of sold out crowds as he was playing in a chilly arena somewhere else or he was simply at practice missing her for the few hours they spent away from each other. Tim wondered if his sister knew their charade at not being in love was a feeble performance; surely, Genny must have figured out that it was an act, since his and Lucy’s expressions completely gave them away in the photo; he could only imagine what his face had shone when he looked at her. How much he wanted her, how his natural state of being completely enamored with her must have been etched into his expression when Lucy was in his sights, how positively overjoyed he was to have her in his life, and how grateful he would always be for her all encompassing love. Of course Lucy could manipulate him in his permanent mode of being absolutely, positively, overwhelming infatuated with her, and he did not mind one bit, especially since Tim knew she felt the same way about him if her actions and song lyrics were any indication.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Sweaty, exhausted, and only awake because of a wave of post-concert adrenaline, Lucy called Tim from the car on the way back to her hotel room that she was already loathing going to alone.

“Hi, wife,” Tim smiled and shifted in bed to face her side of the mattress. He wished he could actually touch her, but a phone call was all he could have at the moment.

“Hi,” she croaked and coughed before gulping down more water. Her throat was so hoarse, but her husband asked for a call, and she was not going to deny them both an opportunity to feel a semblance of connection despite their physical distance.

“That raspy voice is very sexy,” he half mocked, but he was half serious, actually.

“Stop,” she whispered harshly as her throat closed.

“Don’t talk just listen. You clearly need to rest that golden voice of yours.” Tim heard her make a noise of agreement. “I’ll be honest, I only planned on telling you I love you and then listening to whatever you wanted to say. I would also take some shameless flirting. You’re very good at that.” Her husky chuckles floated through the phone, and he grinned. “I miss watching you laugh,” he admitted. "Wow, I don’t usually stay stuff like that, but then again, I don’t usually miss so much about a person.”

“Lucky me,” she choked out and then dry coughed as she emptied the last drops of her water bottle.

“You can’t shut up for five minutes even when your throat hurts, can you? I used to find it annoying how you’re so chatty that you seem allergic to silence when I’m more of a quiet person, but I like it now, or maybe it’s a symptom of Stockholm Syndrome,” he joked.

“Rude,” she replied hoarsely with narrowed eyes he could not see. He laughed, a genuine, care-free laugh that was such a precious sound. Tim was still someone Lucy would classify as serious, but slowly, he came out of his shell and became someone more easygoing and relaxed, laughed more easily, smiled brighter, and spoke more freely; she appreciated that development.

“I’m kidding..sorta. Before you say a word, just be quiet. I wish I was there right now. I’ve got all sorts of ways to shut you up, well, you are kinda loud no matter what, so I guess that wouldn’t be very good for your voice, especially if I make you scream. That would be a lot of fun, but such a bad idea.” His imagination ran wild with how exactly he would start working to get her screaming for him, and his ears were ringing with what her hoarse, deep shouts would sound like given her current state.

“Would be worth it,” she uttered throatily.

He snickered. “Yeah, it would. Let me look up flights to Seattle.” Tim knew there was no reason to fantasize when he could really have her in his arms in a few short hours depending on the schedule of departures from LAX airport.

“No missing practice,” she croaked.

“The guys will be fine without me for a practice. Besides, I’ll still be getting a workout in, and if it’s up to me, a very intense one at that.”

Lucy blushed so hard as she glanced at the front seat hoping the driver could not hear what her husband was saying to her. “Tim,” she muttered lowly in warning.

“Don’t tell me you wouldn’t want me to drop everything and show up to your hotel right now.” She groaned in confirmation that that was exactly what she desired, too. “I’ll do it, baby. I can be packed in like five minutes.”

“Pack what? Forget your clothes at home.”

Tim’s face hurt from how much he was smiling. “That can definitely be arranged. Any chance you do the same when you come to my away game?”

“Can’t show up to your game naked,” she shot back. Her throat burned, but it was so worth it to make her husband smile so much that she could hear it in his voice.

“Imagine the headlines, though. Now, that’s a picture I would put in my cubby in the locker room.” They both chortled.

Lucy’s car parked in front of the side entrance to the hotel. “Hold on,” she rasped and kept the phone up to her ear as she was escorted up to her room with her security team. Once she was in her room, she immediately lunged for a bottle of water as she reported, “In my room.”

“Is it a nice suite?” The silence in response signaled she was hydrating, and he internally kicked himself for trying to prompt her to speak when he was supposed to keep her company while she rested her voice.  “You know, it’s kinda odd how you kept getting single bed suites when I was on tour with you, and we were forced to sleep next to each other or one of us would have to take the couch. That’s weird, right? I’m not complaining, though. It was a hell of an excuse to wake up next to you. I always woke up before you, and I would find you either completely wrapped around me, or I would slide over to you and rub your arm, and all of a sudden, you would be holding me while you were still asleep. I still do that when I want to stay in bed with you for a few more minutes before I have to get up.”

“Sounds like you manipulate me, too,” she joked hoarsely as a shiver coursed through her veins. His confession was so sweet and a true testament to how much he also loved when they would lay in each other’s embrace. It gave her an idea for a song, so she hurried over to a pad of paper and pen set out on the desk in her suite and scrawled a few notes. Tim had become an endless fount of inspiration, a true eternal muse.

“It’s good for our marriage,” he parroted her words back to her, earning a dry laugh. Tim flopped onto his back and stared up at the ceiling while keeping his device tightly to his ear to ensure he heard every sound she made and could hear her quiet voice better. “I know you’re probably tired. I don’t want to keep you up.”

“Don’t hang up,” she replied and started her bubble bath then gathered more water bottles to drink during her soak in the tub.

“You’re taking a bath? You must be working really hard.”

“I conditioned for my performances, but I didn’t anticipate being so…physical at home,” Lucy smiled and shed her clothes as he laughed.

“Get used to it. I’m not letting up on you any time soon.”

She slid into the tub and shut her eyes to allow herself to picture Tim sitting behind her and whispering in her ear instead being in another state. “Good. You better not.”

“Can’t imagine what it’ll be like when we start trying to get pregnant.” Could he possibly find MORE time for them to be together with minimal clothing? Tim was sure he would not sleep at all to take advantage of those late hours in bed with her doing anything but sleeping, since other parts of their days were filled with pesky work…unless they got creative. “When you used to come to practice to help me with my ankle exercises, apparently, some of the guys thought you showed up so we could hook up. We might actually have to try that.”

“Behind a door that locks. Grey would kills us if he walked in on that,” she giggled then downed more water. Perhaps it was the warm water easing her tired muscles or hearing Tim’s voice, but she was feeling so much better.

“We’re a family-oriented team, and Luna is the one that asked us about babies,” he reminded her. “So technically, I’m just trying to live the values of the Kings. I say we use Rachel’s office. She’s got a sturdy desk.”

Lucy laughed so hard she started having a coughing fit and needed to finish an entire bottle of water to soothe her aching throat.

“That sounds bad. Don’t talk anymore…I’m sorry. I’m not used to being the one doing all the talking in this relationship. You’re the one always filling the air.”

“I’ve found you’re very vocal when I’m too preoccupied to talk doing that thing you like so much. Wish I could do it right now since I can’t use my throat any other way.”

Tim inhaled a shaky breath, because he knew EXACTLY what she was talking about. “Yup, I’m flying to Seattle right now.” 

She chuckled. “Don’t you dare,” she said despite wanting him to walk into her suite at that exact moment and never leave her side again.

“Fine, just stop talking. I’m serious. I’ll tell you about practice, and you just listen, okay?” Lucy made a noise of confirmation, and he launched into the explanation of the plays they practiced and some strategies the team discussed.

There was something so therapeutic about letting Tim’s voice wash over her as she soaked in warm water even if that paled in comparison to the heat he emanated when he was pressed against her. She stepped out of the tub and dried off as he finished up his review of the previous two days without her.

At the distinct sound of Lucy shimmying into a comfortable position in bed, he felt his eyelids grow heavier. “We should both get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow. Good night, wife.”

“Good night, husband,” she tried to say as clearly as possible despite her practically nonexistent voice, and then she hung up the phone before charging it. Lucy glanced at her lock screen to tiredly smile at their selfie with her in his lap sitting on the team’s jet soon after joining the Mile High Club. Tim’s eyes were still glassy, and he had the cutest, dopiest grin on his face that she had to take a picture of to cherish forever. Of course, she looked equally sated and happy in the photo, and that was how she needed to remember them when they were apart: how excellent they made each other feel and the contentment brought on by their togetherness. Missing Tim was a little easier even as her heart ached for him when she reminded herself that she was fortunate enough to have someone that she constantly yearned for. Never had Lucy had a partner that she longed for; she had been able to seamlessly juggle a career and past relationships, because she could make her music her priority and her romantic life could fill in the gaps, but it seemed to be opposite with her husband where she wanted to devote all of her time to him and unless the music was about him, Lucy wanted to put Tim first. All of her other love songs paled in comparison to the ones inspired by him. Tim changed everything for her, and her lock screen was an important reminder that it was a worthwhile alteration of her entire life; one she would never regret. Lucy could not even fathom regretting a single aspect of her marriage despite the unorthodox beginning, since nothing had ever made her feel so deeply loved to the extent she swore she saw colors and heard music differently. She unlocked the mystery to what had been missing in her life to make her feel complete, and it just so happened to be the most unlikely tall, gruff hockey player-shaped piece that Lucy could not have foreseen, but now she could not live without.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim rolled his eyes when Lucy missed his call at 11AM the next day. His phone lit up a moment later with her name, and he answered with, “Morning, gorgeous. Can I make a request?”

“Morning, husband. I guess so. I do love to make you happy,” she smirked then chugged more water to soothe her still tight throat.

“Change your ringtone for me so you stop thinking my calls are your alarm.”

“Deal,” she agreed then coughed.

“Your voice doesn’t sound too great.”

“Gee, thanks, babe.”

“I’m saying I’m worried about you.”

Lucy stretched to test that her muscles had mostly recovered after the previous night’s performance. “I’ll be okay. Just need to be on vocal rest for a couple of hours and shorten my soundcheck today. I should probably hang up, so I’m not tempted to talk.”

“We’re on a twenty minute break from practice, and I wanted to spend it with you.”

“Sorry,” she frowned.

Tim checked his surroundings in the practice facility and began to make a plan. “Wait, stay with me.” He crept over to the offices and located Rachel’s. Once inside, he locked the door and said, “You gave me an idea the other day. I can do all the talking, and all you have to do is stay on the line and listen. Put your phone on speaker and lay back in bed.”

“Are you suggesting-”

“Shh, don’t talk, baby. Do exactly as I say. I’m in Rachel’s office right now, and I know you’re not here with me, but we can get close. If you’re wearing pants, take them off. I will, too.”

“Tim,” she grinned around his name and felt her chest flush as her heart picked up speed in excitement. “Are you serious right now?”

“We gotta do what we gotta do while we’re apart. Now, let me shut you up how I wish I could if I were there with you.” Lucy’s stomach was already feeling syrupy and warm, and all she had done was obey his first commands of pushing her pants off, pressing the speaker button on their call, and getting comfortable in bed. “Okay,” she breathed.

“Good girl,” he murmured to make her moan. “Put your phone on the pillow next to you so I can hear you.” Tim waited a second to ensure she did as he instructed. “Only do what I tell you to do- nothing more, nothing less. You’re gonna do everything I say, right?”

“Yes,” she responded enthusiastically. Though Lucy prided herself on being a strong, independent woman that worked hard to be a pioneer in the over saturated pop music segment of the industry, she could still be an obedient follower given the right circumstances like when her husband told her what to do to bring them both some bliss they usually chased when they were connected, but it was still quite effective through the phone.

Tim drank up the sounds of her pants and husky purring as he waited for his breathing to even out. He was still leaning heavily against the desk as he smiled, “I think we can make distance work.”

“Mhm,” she hummed happily and ran a hand through her messy hair; her eyes were still mostly shut, and her heart was still beating irregularly.

“You’ll be back home tomorrow,” he reminded her as if either of them could forget. “Let’s do that again in person.”

Lucy nodded even though he could not see her. “Definitely,” she finally sputtered out. “God, I love you,” she added with an impossibly large smile.

“I love you, too. I should clean up before practice starts again in a few. Good luck tonight. Bye, wife.”

“Bye, husband,” she whispered and waited for him to end the call since she remained sprawled out in bed, boneless and heady, for a few more minutes.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Admittedly, Tim was thankful Lucy could tell how tired he was when she called him after her concert. They only spoke for a few minutes before he wished her a good night and fell asleep. He knew he would get to see her in the late afternoon of the following day, and he was already looking forward to it the second he woke up. Tim was practically vibrating with his impatience. He needed her home in his arms as soon as possible.

Lucy felt the same way as she boarded her plane. Agitated, she could not believe that her jet was delayed for some reason the pilot tried to explain three times, but she was not following. All she could think about was how her husband was waiting for her at home, and she needed to see him. As her leg bounced up and down, she looked to Tamara and asked, “You think I have enough money to fund teleportation research?”

Tamara raised her eyebrows, since that was a curious question.

“All this technology and these scientific advancements, and I still have to wait over TWO HOURS to get home and see my husband,” she agonizingly punctuated the length of time of their flight to accentuate just how miserable she was that she was so close to seeing Tim again yet so far. The plane started taxiing, and Lucy exhaled with some appeasement. She hoped to take a nap for the two and a half hour flight back to Los Angeles, since she figured sleep would be a luxury they could not afford once they reunited in exchange for an even greater delicacy of course, but Lucy could not keep her eyes closed for more than a few moments before she peered out the window willing her jet to fly faster.  

Amused by how utterly besotted Lucy was that she could not do much other than scan the clouds in the window outside and keep squirming in her seat, Tamara suggested, “Write a song about how you’re feeling. It’ll help pass the time.”

“Great idea,” she smiled and picked up her guitar. Lucy wrote yet another song about Tim in record time, and she was so pleased to know that she had already begun to work on a second album for him. The second of infinite albums to be composed in his honor. When they touched down, she begged her driver to rush and frantically called Tim.

“I was starting to worry,” he said when he picked up the phone.

“My plane got delayed, because of course I needed to spend MORE time away from you,” she explained sarcastically.

“We have to get on the team plane in like two hours, and it’ll take some time to drive over there, which means no naked time.”

“Naked time?” She smiled in her embarrassment for him.

He rolled his eyes. “Whatever. You know what I mean.”

“I can ask my driver to take us to the airstrip.”

“Do you really want to scar our driver? It’s better if I have something to preoccupy me on the way.” If his hands were on the steering wheel, they would not wander under her clothes, and along with some luck, they would actually board the jet instead of ignoring their obligations in favor of falling into each other.

“There are a few spots I can think of that keep you plenty occupied,” she replied mischievously, hoping to convince him to spend their much needed time together more intimately in the back seat of a car instead of squandering those moments by doing something as boring as driving.

“Believe me, I’ve been running through the list in my head every chance I get.”

“Speaking of head-”

“The minute I get you alone in that hotel room,” he cut her off fervently. “Actually, I might start before security even finishes sweeping the room.”

“It won’t take them that long to take a look around. They won’t see much anyways.”

He snickered, grateful for her chiding to lift some of the weight off of his chest as if missing her took a physical toll on him. “I really love you.”

“I really love you, too. Hey, I wrote you a song today. Want me to play it for you?”

“Are you adding it to my album?” It was HIS album as far as Tim was concerned, and he was very proud of the fact that he had a wife that loves him so much she wrote such beautiful music for him.

“No, I’m already starting my next album for you. We’ve had some developments in our marriage since I finished the last one.” She was referring to the fact that they started sleeping together after the completion of the “Safe With You” album.

“You’re planning to write songs about THAT?” He felt his face redden.

“I’m a lyricist. You told me you want me to come up with the right words to describe our sex life.”

“The best you’ve ever had. I already figured that out.”

She giggled. “Well, with words like that, how can I not write a song or two, or three, or maybe a whole other album of nineteen songs?”

“Lucy,” he warned and checked his surroundings despite being home alone. “You can’t make a whole album like that.”

“Why not? I already have a title: ‘Naked Time’ or better yet, ‘Naked Tim’, yeah, that’s perfect.”

“Every radio station will play those songs.” He was blushing furiously at the thought.

“Isn’t that what all men want? Someone to brag about how good they are in bed?”

“Uhh.” She was right, but for his wife to blast such a message so publicly to a wide international audience seemed like an adjustment.

“How about you listen to the song I wrote for you, and I’ll play you every new one I work on as I finish them. If you think any of them are too private, I’ll put them on an MP3 player just for you to listen to and never release them to anyone else.”

“You would write a whole song and then not let the world hear it?”

“If it’ll make you uncomfortable, of course, but believe me, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about you in that department.”

“What do you mean by ‘in that department’? Are there negative things about me in general?”

“Oh, don’t act so surprised. You can’t love everything about me either.”

“You are pretty messy,” Tim conceded.

Her mouth fell open. “Well, you’re too clean.”

“There’s no such thing as ‘too clean’.”

“Mhm there is, and that’s you.”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“It bothers me sometimes, but I’ve accepted the fact that I love you too much for it to really matter, so don’t expect a song complaining about your cleanliness.”

“Well, it’s not THAT big of a deal that you’re so messy,” he relented.

She smiled. “I’m pulling up to the house. See you in a second.” Lucy jumped out of the car before it stopped completely and barreled towards the door as Tim opened it, causing them to collide with such force, they fell backwards onto the ground of the foyer together.

He huffed at the surprise of toppling onto his back with a small yet powerful force sending him flying, then he blinked to readjust to the brightness of her eyes and grinned. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“Tim,” she murmured with glee and craned her neck to kiss him. “I missed you so much,” Lucy whimpered. She thought she might fall apart completely if she went without him for another minute.

“I missed you, too,” he replied wistfully and roved his hands up and down her back.

“We should stay like this on the floor forever.”

He genuinely considered it. “We do end up in this position a lot, especially recently…well,” Tim flipped them over to lay on top of her and finished, “like this, too. Don’t you think it’s better when we end up like this?”

She pushed him to change their positions once more and hovered above him. “No, this is so much better.”

“We really can never agree on that.”

“Our compromise of using both positions every time has really made a world of difference,” Lucy smiled.

“I say we compromise right now.” He pulled her face down to him but felt resistance.

“Babe, you know I want to. I really want to, but I have to pack, and we’re already running out of time before the team jet is scheduled to leave. Later. I promise.”

He understood, yet he still clung to her tightly to keep her in place on top of him. “I’ll hold you to it, and by that I mean I’m going to hold you against the nearest…anything as soon as I can.” Tim’s mind was flooding with how he wanted her in countless ways and was too frenzied to properly verbalize those thoughts.

“Deal. I gotta get packing.” She climbed off him sadly with a quick brush of her lips across a side of his jaw and stood up. Lucy saw that her driver left her bags near the open front door and wanted to laugh at the fact that she had been so eager to see her husband that she completely forgot about her luggage, but Tim went up behind her and looped his arms around her chest, which caused her to expel a very different noise. “Don’t you dare start anything right now.”

“I’m not,” he responded innocently and nibbled the shell of her ear.

“Tim!” She cried in protest, but it was half-hearted; he made her feel so good within seconds.

“I just got you back,” he mumbled into her neck before he started sucking there. “You’re so worth the fine.”

“What fine?” That was an odd thing for him to say.

“There’s a fine for missing a game if you’re not injured. I asked my agent to look in my contract and find out how much it is.”

“You’re not making a lot of sense…oh,” Lucy shut her eyes and dropped her head to the side to give him better access to her neck as his lips clamped down on her more firmly.

“I’ve been thinking we should stay home and skip the game in Calgary.”

“We can’t do that,” she insisted, but when his hands so effortlessly glided under her shirt and over her stomach while his mouth was still quite gloriously attached to sensitive skin, she changed her mind. “I’ll pay the damn fine.”

“Let’s go upstairs.” Tim started dragging her with him, but they were moving too slowly, so he scooped her up into his arms to carry her into their bedroom. He set her down on their bed and said, “Finally,” with relief clear in his tone as the last of that unpleasant weight on his chest completely melted away, so he was free to dive into her.

She heard his phone chime and chime and chime, which was totally ruining the mood, so Lucy reached into his pants pocket to grab the device and read who was interrupting her reunion with her husband, and she reported, “It’s Wes.”

He grunted and answered, “I’m busy.”

“The rest of the team is pretty much here. We might leave early. Hurry up.”

“My wife and I aren’t coming to the game. Leave without us.”

His darkened eyes did nothing but make her more desperate for him, but Lucy tried to see past her building lust and asserted, “We should go. Your team needs you.”

“But, I need you.”

“The needs of the many should outweigh the needs of the few.”

“No,” he pouted. “I have lots of needs, though. That’s gotta count for something.”

“We’re going. I need like two minutes to pack.” The one benefit to constantly living on the road was that she could throw everything she needed into a bag rather quickly. Of course, her haphazard tossing of clothes and away game lingerie was not so easy to do when Tim kept snaking his arms around her waist while dropping kisses where he could reach. “Later. We have a flight to catch now,” she reminded him, but he continued his clingy tactics until she zipped her duffle shut and took his hand to leave the house and climb into his truck together.

Because he had been so keen on seeing Lucy, Tim could barely contain the flood of desire for her once she was in his sights and under his fingertips. He could barely speak for the entire drive and simply allowed her to cage his free hand between both of hers. Every few minutes, she kissed his knuckles or waited for the red lights to bring her lips to his, and it was enough to settle something inside of him, but not everything.

Lucy was managing just as poorly; she kept considering asking him to turn around and forget about his hockey game in favor of scoring a more enjoyable way, but the tiny sliver of self control prevailed, and they reached the private airstrip where the team’s jet was waiting for them.

“Surprise. Tim and his Hickey Wife are the last ones to get here. Wonder what made them late,” Jackson teased, and the team snickered in response.

“It’s my fault. I just got back from Seattle. Really. That’s why we’re late,” Lucy justified their tardiness. No one seemed to believe them based on the looks on their faces.

Tim did not at all care about his teammates casting judgement and instead tugged his wife into his lap.

She was glad to be exactly where she needed to be- with him. The fact that they were on a jet instead of a bed was insignificant. Lucy flung her arms around his neck as she leaned in close enough so that there was no space between them aside from their clothing. “Hi,” she murmured low and sultry.

“Hi,” he replied slyly and captured her lips slowly and deeply.

When she came up for air, she pressed her forehead against his and whispered, “I missed you. That was the longest we’ve been apart in a while.”

“Yeah, I know. It sucked.”

“There are going to be two more months of this, which absolutely sucks, but we’ll figure it out.” She carded through his hair that she had messed up at some point between falling to the ground when walking in the door of their house and sitting together on the plane. “More phone calls like yesterday will probably help. You used to be so shy on the phone with me, but yesterday, you were taking charge, being so talkative, and so demanding. It was very sexy.”

He smirked. “You liked that?”

She nodded and added even quieter, “Next time, you should use your coach voice. You know what i’m talking about.” His harsh, authoritative tone was admittedly quite hot.

“Whatever you want.”

“You know what I want right now?” Lucy did not give him a chance to answer before brushing her nose against his and breathing hard against his lips. Tim’s mouth inched towards hers as she did the same, and they ended up slamming into each other somewhere in the middle.

Though not ideal to watch two of her friends get so wrapped up it seemed like they were sharing the last bit of oxygen in the universe between them and desperately clinging both to life and each other, Angela only started choking on her drink when she saw Tim’s fingers dip into the back of Lucy’s pants, while she started pawing at his chest desperately.

Wes could not help but observe them in shock as well and finally asked, “They know they’re in public, right?”

“I barely recognize Tim anymore. Since when is he cool with PDA?”

“That’s not PDA. That’s a two base hit.”

“We should say something before they go for a home run in the middle of this plane.”

“You do it. He’s your best friend.”

“He’s only my best friend when it’s time to rein him in,” Angela pointed out.

Tims hand traveled up under the front of Lucy’s shirt, and she moaned loud enough for other teammates on the plane to hear.

“Okay,” Angela stood from her seat, officially worried her friends had lost all sense.

Grace, who was sitting next to Tim and Lucy, thankfully with an aisle separating them, said, “They do that a lot.”

“Really?” Angela was intrigued; she had only seen rare displays of affection but it seemed the team doctor had grown accustomed to their very involved ways.

“Oh, even being in a hospital for a high ankle sprain can’t stop them from going at it like rabbits,” Grace confirmed with her first hand experience of witnessing them in the ambulance and at the hospital the night of Tim’s injury.

Angela elbowed Lucy in the back, but she did not notice the gesture until the third time when she reluctantly wrenched her lips away from Tim’s. “What’s going on?” She asked, still dazed.

“Get a room, you two. I’m at risk of tossing my liquid lunch watching you,” Angela said.

“I just got her back,” Tim rationalized as if that was a good enough excuse to be extra handsy.

“She’s right,” Lucy agreed, the heat her husband stirred up inside her had not subsided, but a wave of awareness of their surroundings threatened to douse the flames. She slid off of Tim’s lap and motioned for him to take her hand.

He did so cluelessly as he got to his feet, and then his lungs screeched to a halt when he realized she was taking him into the bathroom. Still slightly stunned and not completely out of his haze from how they had become balls of hunger sitting in his chair greedily devouring each other with absolutely no regard for anything except for the inexplicable unending craving threatening to overtake them, Tim merely watched Lucy reach around him to lock the door as he remained completely frozen.

She made quick work of ridding herself of her pants and then lightly rubbed his shoulders to help him snap out of his stupor. “Husband,” she husked. “We got a room now. Let’s use it.”

It was enough to bring him fully into the moment, so he backed her against one of the walls then pushed some hair out of her face as he admired her. “You really are the best wife in the world,” Tim said in awe.

“The best wife in the world wants her great husband to take off his pants.”

“Yup, yes, right,” he clamored for the button and zipper on his jeans to grant her wish.

Once they renewed their membership to the Mile High Club and redressed, Lucy brought them back to Tim’s chair and hopped into his lap. She dragged her fingernails through his scalp as she relished in the view of her favorite dopey grin of his that was only brought on after a crashing wave of voracity receded. “Mind blowing,” she whispered in his ear.

He jerked his head to the side inquisitively.

“The best descriptor for us I can come up with,” she elaborated as she massaged his scalp, “is mind blowing.”

“I like mine better,” Tim replied, partially moaning at how euphoric her hands in his hair made him feel.

“Mind blowing is stronger than the best I’ve ever had. Don’t worry, I’ll write a song about it to explain, but I think that one might be just for us.”

His mouth was not fully working properly yet, hanging lazily in a smile that could not be controlled and only widened the longer Lucy’s fingers worked on his head. “Okay,” he mumbled.

Lucy nestled against him and drifted to sleep for the rest of flight with Tim following suit.

After touching down in Calgary and arriving at the hotel, someone they did not recognize handed them their room key.

“Who are you?” Tim questioned as he studied the short red head with a kind face and bright eyes framed by her vibrant colored glasses.

“You missed the announcement on the flight since you and your wife were…busy. I’m the new Social Media Manager for the team. My name’s Nell.”

“What happened to Rachel?” Lucy wondered.

“She got fired for misrepresenting a player. I wasn’t really told all the details, but the word is she released some rumor about one of the players to make it seem like he was cheating on his wife, and…wait, that was you two, wasn’t it?” Nell could only recall reading about one scandal amongst the players of the L.A. Kings over the course of the season, and it involved Tim and Lucy.

“Yeah, it was so dumb. Tim would never cheat on me,” Lucy replied.

“I can tell. You’re very...in love,” Nell chose her words carefully.

“Classic newlyweds, you know,” Lucy blushed.

Tim had no interest in trying to explain to a stranger how much he loves his wife, since words were not his strong suit; actions were, and his actions on the plane expressed his feelings very clearly. Instead, he had a different agenda. “Okay, listen, as the new Social Media Manager, you should know we’re not using my wife’s fame to promote our team. Don’t ever make her feel exploited. Got it?”

“Relax, babe,” Lucy tried to calm him. “Forgive him. My husband can be a bit overprotective.”

“You’re both even cuter together in person. The tabloids don’t do you justice. They also probably can’t publish half the things you two seem to get up to, but you’re adorable,” Nell mused. Like most of the world, she had followed Tim and Lucy’s relationship since making headlines for getting secretly married after their previously hidden coupledom. She did find it curious how they were able to keep their relationship a secret given how infatuated they were with each other, but she could not dwell on that for too long.

“My point stands,” Tim affirmed.

“Chill, Tim,” Lucy said softly yet resolutely. “Take me upstairs.”

His whole demeanor changed from defensive to ravenous in an instant. “Yes, ma’am.” He went with her easily.

“Again?” Nell wondered under her breath.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Grey said to her, since he had overheard the entire discussion. “I’m happy Tim’s finally settled down, but it seems...”

“They’re a very extra couple," Grace chimed in. "You can only talk to Tim in the locker room postgame before Lucy gets there, or they get too distracted that they really don’t pay attention to anything else. I assessed his ankle after he got back on the ice once he recovered from what could have been a career ending sprain, and I made him take an ice bath because he was really exhausted and wincing, then his wife walked in, and well, you saw them on the jet. She’s got another way of helping him relieve pain if you catch my drift. I didn’t even get a chance to finish my evaluation that night, but he seemed more than fine.”

“I’m sure they’ll ease up during next season,” Grey assumed.

Grace, Nell, and Grey all flicked their gazes over to Tim and Lucy who were already somehow fully intertwined in the middle of the elevator before the doors even shut.

“Probably not,” Grace assessed mostly amused.

Chapter Text

One second, Lucy was enjoying herself at Tim’s hockey game, and the next, her heart stopped, because someone shoved her husband against the boards. “Is that blood?” She asked, wide-eyed and panicked. The cheers and ruckus of the crowd faded, and all she could hear was her heart beat thumping faster and faster the longer she saw red dripping down his face.

“Looks like it’s just a scratch on his face. He’ll be okay,” Angela said to soothe her. Going to games with Lucy was always fun, but when play started to intensify and Tim was in the middle of it, she could see how Lucy barely even breathed and definitely did not blink as she watched so intensely.

“I don’t like watching him get hurt like this,” she admitted as she put a hand over his heart. “How are you so cool about Wes’ injuries? He was in a fight last week.”

“A fight is nothing. You do realize I get shot at, right?”

“Oh, yeah, being a detective must be harder.”

“Mind saying that in front of Wes?”

Lucy scoffed. “Will do.” Her eyes remained fixed on Tim, so she noticed the second a drop of blood trickled onto his jersey. “Okay, he’s definitely hurt. I have to go see him.”

“There are still two minutes left of the game. They won’t let you near him.”

“As if they can stop me.” She strutted out of their box and ignored her security team to move through the stadium, weaving through people without paying attention whatsoever, because her end goal of seeing Tim was too important. Between concerts, she had not missed a game whether it was home or away, and though she wanted to support him, Lucy’s heart ached every time a player got aggressive with her husband. He was tough enough that a little ice, a few kisses, and falling asleep cuddling was all he usually needed after a game, but until she could see him up close and assess his injuries for herself, she was overwhelmingly concerned. 

During his last game in Calgary, a hockey stick whacked into Tim’s forearm hard enough to leave a bruise, and it took several minutes to calm Lucy down and promise her that it hardly hurt, so he could only imagine how she would react to the sight of blood on his face. The cold temperature of the rink did help alleviate the pain, so he barely felt the cut along his cheek bone, but he knew it was there, and his first thought after he wiped his glove against his face and saw the blood was that his wife was probably sick with worry. The horn blared, announcing the end of the game, and Tim did not even enjoy the victory for a second. He shook hands with the San Jose Sharks’ captain and skated off the ice. Just as he suspected, Lucy was standing outside the door of the locker room with her arms crossed over her stomach and her eyebrows knitted together. “I’m fine,” he promised.

They lunged for each other, and she wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could manage given how the pads augmented his frame. “Are you sure?” Lucy asked into his sweaty chest then stepped back to inspect the cut for herself with gentle hands on his jaw. Then, she tried searching the rest of his body for signs of further injury.

“Go inside,” Grey ordered as he marched towards the locker room. Perhaps the couple had not noticed the reporters swarming around them with cameras flashing and shuttering, but he did.

“Sorry, sir, they wouldn’t let me wait in the locker room,” Lucy explained as she took Tim’s hand and walked inside.

“No one’s allowed in the locker room on game day until the game is over and the team walks in. You know the rule,” Tim reminded her.

“Considering you two make such a spectacle in the hallway whenever Tim gets injured, we might need to change the rule,” Grey noted. Even he could not avoid the inevitable tabloid coverage with pictures of Tim and Lucy in the corridor outside of the locker room embracing each other postgame if he was so much as scraped during gameplay.

“I wouldn’t complain,” Lucy replied then turned to her husband. “Let’s get Grace check that cut out, babe.” She pulled him along into the medical area of the locker room and frowned when another player was laying on the exam table. “Grace, can you take a look at my husband, please?”

“Give me a minute. I need to take another x-ray of Nolan’s ankle,” Grace replied.

“Tim is bleeding!” Lucy reported.

For a second, Grace flicked her gaze over to Tim and the small cut on his cheek, then she rolled her eyes. The way Lucy spoke so urgently made it seem as if he had suffered a serious injury, but only Lucy would be alarmed by a minor cut.

“No offense, Lucy, but I limped off the ice. Tim has a tiny cut. I think I get the priority here,” John responded.

“My husband is always the priority to me,” she replied firmly. Lucy looked up at Tim as she pointed to a chair in the corner and instructed, “Sit down, my love. I’ll take care of you.” She moved through the medical area with ease as she had grown familiar with where the bandages, alcohol swabs, and ice packs were. Once she gathered all of the necessary supplies, she sank down into his lap, and her lips turned downwards as she took a closer look at his injury. “Does it hurt?”

“Oh, yeah,” Tim lied terribly.

She snickered, easily identifying his fib. “Are you pretending with me? I thought we didn’t do that with each other.”

“You’re right. Sorry.”

Gingerly, she swiped an alcohol pad across the cut, and he winced for only a second. “You just want me to try taking away the pain later, don’t you?”

“You’re very good at it.” Lucy had a tremendous and unique way of making even the longest lasting emotional aches melt away when he was alone with her.

She smiled. “I like taking care of you, but we haven’t needed an excuse for a really time.” She gently blew on his injury, and he shivered. At a silky whisper she added, “Unless you think I need an excuse to take you home and celebrate your win.”

“No excuses necessary.”

“Good.” She focused on putting butterfly bandages on his cut then carefully placed the ice pack over the wound. “Do you need bandages or ice anywhere else?”

“I’m alright.”

“Keep it that way. You better not get hurt while I’m in Europe for the next month. I won’t be around to take care of you.”

“I’m pretty sure Grace can take care of another cut.”

“Sure, but will Grace do this?” She asked and captured his lips.

“Definitely not.”

“Yeah, definitely not,” Grace chimed in from across the room, but of course, they did not even hear her.

“Wanna pretend for a minute that I need you to make me feel better?”  Tim wondered.

“No, but then again, we were never very good at pretending anything. Go change and give your press conference, then take me home. We’ve got to say our goodbyes.”

“I can afford a month of fines, or I can get another ankle sprain by tomorrow. Either way, I can come with you.”

“We’re so close to the postseason. I need you playing and kicking ass. Eyes on the prize.”

“Yeah, I’m looking at my prize right now.” His eyes roved over her.

“I meant the Stanley Cup,” she tried to speak plainly, but she swooned a little too much for her to voice sound anything but enamored.

“Don’t worry, I got the water bottle at home. It’s my favorite.”

“Says the man who used to talk trash about them.”

“That was before I got one for Christmas. You really know how to change a man’s perspective.”

“Will you start drinking tea if I give you lingerie with each flavor?”

“Absolutely, but nothing too strappy.”

“Yeah, I forgot you can be such a Neanderthal and just ripped me out of that one.” She recalled carefully selecting something black and ornate in its design that she hoped he would like, not at all expecting his impatience to result in irreparably damaging the set.

“There were so many different buttons and clasps and no instructions. What was I supposed to do?”

“How about giving me a second to remember how I put it on? I told you to wait.”

“Don’t you know by now I can’t wait when it comes to you.”

“I should’ve known when you said you’d ask me out when you got your contract, but you gave me an engagement ring instead.”

Tim smiled. “I know what I want…and, I want to take my wife home. Give me a sec.” In a fluid motion, he lifted her up as he stood then turned around to deposit her in the chair he had been occupying. After pressing a light kiss to her forehead, he left the medical area to speak with Grey. “Listen, Coach, I need to take Lucy home. Can someone else do the press conference tonight?”

Grey responded cautiously, “There’s such a thing as overexertion, son. Nothing wrong with taking a night off from, uh, marital activities.”

Not understanding what his coach was insinuating, Tim tried appealing to him with a different approach, “Sir, you know I love my wife.”

“That’s been made abundantly clear. Many times. Very loudly. In many different places that are not your home, so I can only imagine what goes on in your house.” He had the misfortune of sharing a wall with their hotel room for an away game once. Singers are very good at projecting their voices. That had been proven well enough that Grey had trouble sleeping during the two night stay.

At another time in his life, Tim would have been made uncomfortable by his coach’s comments, but he only grinned wider. “Well, she’s leaving in the morning to go on tour for a month where I won’t see her, and I’d like to spend as much time with her as I can before she has to fly away for thirty days.”

Grey could empathize with their situation; he would hate to be apart from Luna for a month. “I’ll ask Evers to do it. Go home.”

“Thank you, sir,” he replied appreciatively and changed quickly as Lucy walked over to his cubby. Once he stuck his head through the collar of his t shirt, his arms not even put through the sleeves, he said, “We’re going home, baby.”

“What about your press conference?”

“Not today.”

Lucy took his hand, and they exited the locker room together. They stayed quiet until they slid into the backseat of the car waiting to take them home. She threw her legs over Tim’s lap and scooted right against him as he looped an arm around her back mindlessly as it had become second nature to huddle up together when a driver transported them anywhere. “You asked to go home early tonight, because I’m leaving tomorrow, didn’t you?”

“Of course.”

She flashed him a small smile. “Guess we’re sorta in a unique situation. I bet none of the other hockey wives leave their husbands for a month.”

“None of the other hockey wives come to all of the games either. You travel more than all of them, maybe all of them combined.”

“I want to be there to support you.”

He covered her hand that had rested over his heart and kissed the top of her head. “I know, and I really appreciate it.”

“That’s what wives are for.”

“No, that’s just a Lucy thing. Not even Angela shows up as much as you do.”

“She does have a different work schedule than I do. I can go months without doing much other than writing songs and then all of a sudden, l’m booked for a long tour.”

“I heard you yesterday when I got home. That new song you’re working on sounded beautiful.”

“Good, because it’s about someone really beautiful.”

“You?”

“You.”

“Me? I’m beautiful?”

His blush made the white bandage on his cheek look more pronounced. “You’re very beautiful even when you have a cut on your face.” She glided her thumb just beneath the injury. “I was so worried about you.”

“Knew you would be, but it’s really not a big deal. You know hockey is aggressive, right?”

“Obviously, but it’s different when it’s you that’s involved. We’ve been over this.”

“You think you’ll get used to it by next season?” Searching her panicked expression always sent a pang to his chest knowing he was the one inflicting her inner turmoil.

“Never, but you already knew that, and I know you secretly love it.”

“It’s nice to have someone care about me enough that they go ballistic over a cut.”

“Ballistic? I didn’t go ballistic,” Lucy denied adamantly.

“Not today, but you did when that guy on the Flyers punched me.”

“He split your lip open,” she reasoned. “I responded with a reasonable amount of concern.”

“James dislocated his shoulder in that fight, and you told him to wait on getting checked out by Grace so that she could clean my lip up.”

“You were bleeding a lot.”

Tim chuckled. “No, I really wasn’t.”

“If you’re expecting some sort of apology for caring about you, well, sorry not sorry.”

“You’re very stubborn.”

“Deal with it.” She gave him a quick peck. “I’m gonna miss you so much.” She raked a hand through his sweaty hair and thought about how she would miss everything about him even his postgame musk.

“I’ll miss you, too. The good news is, the last part of your tour is in Canada, so you’ll be able to come home between performances, right?”

“Of course. I think you might be playing in a game in Toronto when I’m touring there.”

“How convenient.”

“And, I’ll be home for the Grammys. I’ll remind you again, but my stylist will be coming over to take your measurements for your suit.”

“I’ve got a suit.”

“People wear fancy designer suits to award shows. You need one, too.”

“Who cares what I wear?”

“Everyone, It’s a public outing and a huge photo op. It’s important we look perfect.”

“You always look perfect…well,” he paused and studied her body for a minute.

“Well what?” Tim had never made her feel self conscious before, and she did not like that he inspired the feeling.

He laid her back against the seat and shifted to climb on top of her. “Closer to perfect now, but not quite. You will when I’m inside-”

“TIM!” She whispered harshly. Under his ravenous gaze, she rubbed her thighs together and bit her lip.

When he reached for the waistband of her jeans, her lungs faltered. “We said no more hooking up in cars,” she murmured.

“Just trying to make you look perfect.”

Her cheeks pinked up. “Will you try to control yourself for five minutes? We’re almost home.”

“This is control. I saw you up in the box in this shirt, and I almost left the game.”

“You like this?” It was a simple grey halter top with a tie at the back of her neck, the team’s logo across her chest, and a thin strip of her midriff showing. Ever since she entered the locker room, she noticed how he kept absentmindedly stroking the patch of bare skin low on her stomach, causing her nerves to tingle, which was exactly why she wore the shirt.

“I love it.” His fingers roved beneath the hem and smirked when he realized she was not wearing a bra underneath. “I really love this shirt.”

“Let me guess, but you’ll love it more when you take it off of me?”

“You know me so well,” he snickered until his mouth became preoccupied with hers.

On the very long list of what she was going to miss while away, Lucy deemed Tim’s hands as one of the top ten things she would hate to be without considering how easily his movements sent her flying no matter where he touched her.

When the driver parked in front of their house, and Tim had to withdraw from beneath Lucy’s shirt, he pouted until they walked into their foyer, and he officially had her alone. He sighed happily as he tried to untie the knot securing her shirt in place.

“Do you need to soak in the ice for a bit?” She asked in an attempt at rational thought despite his desperate pawing at her threatening to dissolve it away.

As a very generous gift, she got an ice bath installed in their backyard to aid in his postgame recovery, and Tim tended to relax in it for a bit to help with his aching muscles, but he knew he would have a month to convalesce without Lucy and only one more night with her around that could not be wasted on something as frivolous as soothing his taxed body. He was an athlete; he could push through. “I’m good.”

“You just don’t want to get in there, because you know I won’t join you,” she presumed accurately.

“Wanna try it again tonight?”

“And freeze like the last time? I was a popsicle afterwards.”

“I think I warmed you up pretty good,” he smiled,

Lucy took his hand and tugged him along. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“Do I get to make you look perfect now?” He wondered as he followed. He had been regularly accused of having a one track mind with Lucy around, and he never denied it.

Once they reached their bathroom, she turned the faucet of the tub on and waited for the water to heat up to the right temperature, then she plugged the bottom and added her favorite lavender bath salts that Tim started to like, too, despite initially claiming they were “not manly”. “I figure we can multitask. You can relax for a few minutes, and I still get quality time with you.” She saw his mouth open, and since she knew exactly what his next question was going to be, she answered it before he even spoke, “Yes, quality sexy time will happen after we take a bath.”

He appreciated how Lucy could read his mind. “Just checking. It’s the last time for a while.” 

“I know, babe, but we’ll be fine.”

“Speak for yourself. I’ve gotten very used to all the extra workouts with you.”

“Guess you’ll have to go back to morning runs for cardio.”

“It’s not nearly as efficient as taking a shower with you.”

“That’s true,” she agreed with a smile and glanced over at the tub that seemed to be taking too long to fill up. “Sit down for a sec.”

He sank down onto the bathmat on the ground, leaning his back against the tub behind him, and watched as she slowly lowered herself to straddle him.

“I know we’ve talked about it before,” Lucy started quietly as she ran her hands down his shoulders. “But, are you sure you’re going to be okay while I’m gone?”

“You do know I was alone for years before you came along,” he reminded her.

“That’s not really an answer. Stop avoiding the question.” Tim had expertly skirted from providing an honest response every time she asked the same question.

He huffed before plastering on a smile they both knew was disingenuous. “I’ll be fine.”

“We don’t lie to each other, so let’s be honest here. I’ll go first. I don’t know if I’ll be okay. I like seeing you everyday, and the weekends we spend apart suck, because all I do is sing, hydrate, and miss you so much I think I’ll explode. So, I don’t know what I’m going to do or how l’m going to handle it, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be very happy without you.”

“Me neither, but the hockey season has a lot of traveling and late practices. I can’t exactly be upset that your schedule is just as busy as mine.”

“it’s okay if you’re upset. I just want to hear the truth no matter what it is.

Tim understood and appreciated how much she craved his candor. “The truth is that a really big and really selfish part of me wants to ask you to stay.” His hands lazed up and down her thighs as he continued to gather his thoughts. “I support your career. I always will. Selling out arenas all over the world is incredibly impressive, and I know you’ve worked hard to get all of this success. As your husband, no one will ever be prouder of you than I am. You’re so talented, and amazing, and you deserve to have this huge international tour with fans all around the globe singing your songs with you. But, also as your husband, I don’t want us to spend a whole month where we’re not together. That sounds like torture.” He tried to curb the agony lacing his voice before continuing, “But, you have done everything you can for me. Rehabbing my ankle, flying all over to come to games for me even when you’re exhausted, watching game footage of the competition with me like it’s your job to do it, too, and just everything you do every single day to support me. I have no right to ask you to stay no matter how much I don’t like the idea, because you deserve the same amount of love for your career that you’ve shown me. I wish you wouldn’t leave. I wish that your career wouldn’t take you away from me.”

“Only temporarily,” she offered. “It’s temporary. I’m not really leaving you, babe. You’re like a part of me. It doesn’t matter where we are in the world, you’ll always be with me. On Thanksgiving, when we were apart, I still felt like you were right there by my side all day.”

“Because of the hickeys.”

“Those were a great reminder, but it was more of an emotional thing.”

He felt it, too. Seeing his dad always inflicted a terrible pain that reverberated through his body, but it hurt a bit less as his mind had drifted to Lucy, and he did not feel like the wounded little boy his father always minimized him to become; Tim had someone to love him that offered him strength and comfort in the face of Tom Bradford. Even though she was not with him, Tim carried Lucy in his heart, and so he was no longer the lonely, hurt boy at his dad’s mercy.

She could practically see his mind working behind his eyes and held his face. “It’s not gonna be forever. I would never abandon you. I promise,” she assured, her throat threatening to close.

It took time, but Tim reached the point where he had no doubt in his mind that she would be with him forever; their commitment to each other was never ending, and that knowledge was more precious than he could ever describe. “I know, but still. I finally got what I always wanted, and knowing that it’s being taken away from me, even for a little while, isn’t ideal…but, l’m not going to stop you. I’m gonna suck it up and support you, because I love you, and that’s the least I can do.”

“This tour was planned before we got together, or you know you would’ve been part of the conversation. We’ll make decisions like this together going forward. My career affects this family, and so we need to figure out how to manage it as a family.”

“Mine, too. I wasn’t going to accept the contract renewal if you weren’t okay with it.”

“Neither of us have had a true partner to make life decisions with for a while. Emmett told me he didn’t care about my tour at all.”

“If l ever get my hands on that jerk…”

“Tim,” she whispered and waited for the ferocity on his face to dissipate. “All I’m saying is we might have to make changes to our lives and our careers out of respect for us as a unit.”

“Fine by me.”

“Me, too”

“So, you’re saying we just have to make it through this month, and then you’ll never leave me again?”

“I’m not leaving you. That’s never happening. I’m just traveling for a while, and I can’t promise something won’t come up in the future that takes me out of town, but I don’t want it to be so long ever again.”

“Like a day is fine, I guess,” Tim said in an attempt to be amenable.

“Just one day?”

“How about thirty-six hours?”

“That’s not even two full days,” she giggled as she tied her hair into a messy bun.

“Yup, I think that’s more than enough time for you to go somewhere and come back.” He tucked the loose strand that fell out of the tall pile on the top of her head with a smirk; she looked beautiful without even trying. 

“I could barely make it to Japan and back in that time let alone perform. We should wait to discuss this reasonably when something pops up. No sense in arguing about it now.”

“But, we’re so good at arguing,” he shot back with a growing grin.

“Yeah, but we’re good at a lot of things,” she replied playfully.

“Like what?” Tim asked coyly as he inched towards her lips.

“I’ll show you later,” she breathed against his mouth.

“Wanna show me right now?”

“Tempting, but I have to take care of you first.”

He practically whined when she shifted in his lap to reach the faucet and turn off the water, since the tub was filled. “Such a tease,” he accused.

Lucy stood and started yanking her pants down. “Oh, come on, babe, don’t you know by now I never tease? I just like to make sure you really want me.” She quickly discarded her top, too, and observed how Tim ogled her as it if was the first time he ever saw her remove her clothes with an adorable expression that was equal parts lust and awestruck. Her chest heaved at the sight.

As he stared, he let Lucy take his hands and help lift him up onto his feet. They worked together to strip him of his clothes slowly while he hardly blinked down at her.

“Get in the tub, husband,” she requested kindly. He complied, and she climbed in right after, sitting between his open legs and resting her back against his torso.

They could not be any closer, but he still tightly enveloped her in his arms and dropped his forehead to her temple, inhaling her scent and the lavender of the bath. “I really love being your husband,” he admitted, his voice strained and quiet; there were certain moments when it seemed miraculous and unbelievable that he not only had a wife, but he had the best wife in Lucy.

“You better. It’s a permanent position.” She lowered one of his hands to her stomach and added, “And someday, you’ll be a father, too.”

“Very effective birth control is the only reason why we aren’t parents already,” Tim joked.

“Definitely,” she chuckled.

Companionable silence settled over them as they shut their eyes.

Lucy relaxed easily, but she knew it would take longer for Tim after he played in such a lively game.

She repositioned herself to turn around and face him. She found herself fixed on his cut again and kissed the corner of his injury. “Do you want more ice for your face?”

“No, I’m perfectly fine. Doesn’t even hurt anymore. You know, you’re better than pain killers, but the side effects are more intense.”

“What side effects?”

“Being extremely turned on is the biggest one.”

“Stop,” she chuckled.

“I wish I could, but you’re very gorgeous all the time.” He bent forward to start kissing her neck.

Lucy’s smile took over her whole face. “Don’t you dare start something right now. You need recharge for a few minutes.”

“All recharged. I promise.”

“That’s just the adrenaline talking.”

“You’ve never complained about it before.”

“It was different today. You were bleeding.”

“Barely.”

“Enough for my heart to stop.” She reached for the loofah at the edge of the tub and the expensive foamy body wash she used on special occasions. After squeezing a bit and rubbing it around until the loofah was covered in bubbles, she began to gently run it along his shoulders and down his arms so unhurriedly as if she would spend all night moving over every centimeter of his skin. 

“I’m sorry. I don’t want you to worry about me so much,” he apologized as she took special care to spread the suds along each finger and between them.

“That’s the nature of marriage. Nothing we can do about it.” Lucy outstretched her arm to glide the loofah along his back slowly while locking onto his gaze. 

He let her take her time gently and reverently scrubbing everywhere on his body as he watched speechlessly, because there was nothing Tim could even fathom saying to her and the billionth way she showed him she cared about him. Adrenaline seeped out of his pores and was replaced with a mixture of her love for him and his for her.

When she finished running the loofah over everywhere, Lucy noticed his eyes were glassy in a relaxed, slightly dazed way with a hint of emotion that gave her pause but only for a moment. She took the bottle of special shampoo on the ledge and worked it into her hands before reaching for his head.

Tim hummed low in his throat as she massaged his scalp languidly as if wanting to ensure she devoted time to each hair on his head. As she sat up tall on her knees towering over him, he watched her chest rise and fall with every breath as he grew more enchanted by Lucy with every passing second her hands were in his hair and her eyes devotedly trained on him. Her nails scraped along deliciously as she took special care for his hair that he himself had never shown. Eventually, she started dumping handfuls of water onto his head and raking through the sudsy locks to rinse all of the bubbles out; Lucy’s hands kept moving steadily, so obviously dedicated to the simple task at hand. Tim was certain he would melt, not at all minding falling through the tub drain and into oblivion, because he was too sated to want for anything else in life as he had reached the peak of peace that he had never achieved in his life before and would only ever seek again with Lucy. It all happened in a haze how she eventually finished shampooing, then he was helped out of the tub, and finally dried off.

“You okay, babe?” She murmured when he still seemed to be under a spell. “Do you want to go to sleep?” She wondered if the strain of the day had caught up with him and exhaustion was the reason for his far off stare.

“I love you,” he whispered and gathered her into his arms.

Lucy kissed his collarbone. “I love you, too. Let’s go to bed.” She walked into their bedroom and selected two sets of his sweatpants and two of his t shirts from his dresser as that was her preferred choice of sleepwear on nights when she needed extra comfort (like spending the last night in the same bed as her husband for a month).

He took the clothes out of her hand and let them drop to the floor before allowing the towel wrapped around his waist to join the pile. “I’m not tired.”

“You’re not?”

Tim pulled the towel off of her body and shook his head. “No, I want you.”

As it was a simple enough statement with a myriad of meanings, she could not exactly be sure what he meant, but Lucy had a pretty good idea.

They crawled into bed as a warm, lavender scented pile of limbs moving together slowly, eyes never leaving each other, fingers intertwined, mouths meeting to share shallow breaths, connected in every possible way with neither knowing where they stopped and the other began, but that was true in all aspects of their marriage though none more intense, telling, or as tender as when they physically expressed their love for one another.

Boneless, floating, and satisfied, Tim shuffled until he buried his head in her chest and felt her arms and legs encircle him. “I want to come with you,” he whispered.

She played with his almost dry hair and responded quietly, “You have no idea how much I would love that. If I ever go on tour again, you’re required to come with me.”

“Full time groupie right here.”

Lucy dragged her knuckles up and down his spine. “Don’t wake up for me. I’m leaving really early in the morning tomorrow, and you need your sleep.”

“You don’t want me to say goodbye?”

“This is our goodbye.”

He picked his chin up to look at her. “This doesn’t feel like goodbye. This just feels…normal.”

“Exactly. I can’t really say goodbye to you. Let’s pretend it isn’t.”

“I thought we don’t pretend with each other.”

“Can we try just this once? Just for tonight?”

“Okay.”

She pressed a kiss to his head. “Good night, husband,” Lucy rasped.

“Good night, wife,” he replied somberly. Despite Tim’s tiredness, he stayed awake feeling how she was swallowing back tears with stuttering breathing; it was impossible to truly comfort her since he was close to crying as well, but he hoped that holding each other would help.

When the very early morning came, and she had to leave her husband, she stayed in bed with him still sleeping, and then did her best to gingerly slide him off of her. He stirred, but Lucy hoped he would not wake if only to make the departure easier. She got ready for the day and tip toed into her bedroom, but there was no need to try not making any noise so as not to disturb Tim, because he was standing in the doorway in low hanging grey sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. “I thought I told you not to wake up for me.”

“It’s what husbands do. I’m taking you to the airfield.” He went into their bathroom to brush his teeth quickly as she gathered the last of her belongings, and then he helped her carry her bags down the stairs and into the waiting private car.

Lucy sat in his lap in the backseat and admired him for a while without really speaking.

Tim was not at all in a place to talk either, but he could have her in his arms for a few more minutes, and he took solace in that.

“I’ll be back in a month, and I’ll call you all the time until then,” she promised.

“Don’t forget about your biggest fan.”

“Don’t forget about yours.”

“Never.” They reached the hangar with the private jet, and he walked with her up to the stairs leading to the entrance of the plane. Tim never considered himself to be particularly loquacious, so he was not surprised that he was at a loss for words that fit the moment.

With a soft caress of his lips that was too sweet given the sadness of her departure and one more eyeful of her husband, Lucy ever so arduously stepped away from him and boarded the plane only allowing herself one final glance before she left the greatest home she had ever known; a home not constructed with walls and a roof but with the scowls, soft smiles, vibrant blue eyes, welcoming arms, rumbling timbre, warm hands, and sacred laughter all contained in the husband fused to her soul to the extent she was never truly parting from Tim, but there would be enough distance to make her whole body ache.

Chapter Text

With her heart pounding so loudly, Lucy could barely hear anything. “Is my husband okay?” She asked into the phone, her voice breaking with every word. The exhaustion of the first five days of her tour grated on her nerves, the bags developing under her eyes were stressing out her makeup artist, and half of her blood had been replaced with coffee to stay up and watch hockey at 3AM. She watched Tim get hurt in the middle of a game on the screen of her phone, and her first instinct was to run all five thousand miles over to him.

On the other end of the video call was a long exhale. Grace as the team doctor was the only one who could truly assess her husband’s health, and Grace was delaying providing Tim’s diagnosis, because she had the audacity to BREATHE instead. Just when Grace was about to speak, the picture in the screen shook.

“I’m fine, baby,” Tim promised into the camera.

“Wait, I want to hear it from Grace. She’s a doctor.”

Grace snatched the phone back and reported unamused, “He only got punched in the jaw. He’ll be good as new in a day or two.”

“Please help him put ice on it, but with a paper towel over it. He doesn’t like his ice to be too cold,” Lucy directed.

Tim saw that Grace was about to open her mouth and deliver a sarcastic comment, so he said, “I’d like to talk to my wife alone.”

“Get some ice before you go anywhere!” Lucy requested as she held a hand over her chest as if physically keeping her organs from spilling out.

He took an ice pack and shook it in front of the camera to make a show of following her instruction then placed it on his throbbing blooming bruise as he sat down in the chair in the corner of the medical treatment area of the locker room. Despite being in pain, he promised, “It barely hurts. There’s no need for you to worry.”

“Don’t pretend with me,” she responded firmly.

“You don’t have to worry. You should be sleeping anyways.”

“I-I can’t sleep. I can barely breathe. I feel like I’m falling apart.” She could swear her heart had changed to a broken rhythm.

“The bed’s too empty. I’ve been sleeping on the couch in your recording studio.”

“What was I thinking? Touring Europe for a whole month?”

“You were thinking it would be okay to get away from Emmett, because he’s an ass.”

“Next tour can’t be like this. I’ll only ever travel on your off season...well, we’d obviously have to talk about if it’s a possibility.”

“I would never stop you from performing, Lucy. I know you love it.”

“Yeah, but I love you more.”

As much as the sentiment brought him the most warmth he had felt since she flew across the world from him, he hated thinking she would make such a sacrifice for him. “You can’t give up a part of your career for me. I was worried about signing my contract renewal, but you told me to go for it. You said we’d figure it out, and that’s what we’re gonna do. Besides, you would be touring the album about how much you love me. You can’t deny the world that one.”

“Somebody’s proud of their album,” she smirked.

“I listen to it all the time, especially since you left.”

“Please, don’t say I left,” Lucy’s lungs faltered. “I would never leave you.”

He bit his lip, immediately regretting the word choice as it had pained her the first time he had used that poor phrase. “Sorry, I know you wouldn’t. I’ve been listening to your album nonstop since you went out of town,” he corrected.

“Tamara wants me to release it soon. What do you think?”

“Release it like to the world? Yeah, why not?”

“We’ll make headlines again once l do. There will be speculation about the songs and who they’re about. I’ve never confirmed if a certain song is about a specific person, so I’m afraid someone could think it’s not all about you.”

“As long as you and I both know the truth, then I don’t care what the media says. You get that, right?”

“I do...I guess…this album feels so personal like it should just be our secret how much I love you, but I am excited for the whole world to know how lucky I am to have the greatest husband ever.”

He smiled. “Are you going to promote my book along with the album?”

Lucy giggled. “I’m actually not going to do my usual promotion for this album, and it’s not because I’m not looking forward to putting it out there or anything. It’s usually a whole circuit of talk shows, radio shows, and social media posts, and all of that would mean more time away from you. I can’t do it.”

Tim frowned. “Yes, you can. I’ll be okay.” The thought of being apart for longer pained him more than the punch in the face he had experienced during the game, but he was unable to hold her back from her career when she had been a champion of his.

“No, I can’t do it for me. I’ve only been away for eight days, and I’m losing my mind.”

The deep lines outlining the tiredness on her face turned his stomach.

“Plus,” she added, “the chef said you haven’t been eating as much this week, so you’re not doing much better.”

“Are you keeping tabs on me?”

“I’m your wife. Of course I am. You need to keep up your protein intake.”

“When you tour next time, do you plan to be this bossy to me as your groupie?”

“Yes, but do you really think it’s a good idea to spend your time off season flying to a different city each weekend?”

“Are we going to be together the entire time?”

“Tim...”

“If we’re together, I don’t care where we are or what we’re doing. You love going on tour. You’ve told me that, and I’ve seen how much you love performing for your fans. Tell Tamara we’ll go on the road off season, okay?”

“We don’t have to decide today. You can sleep on it.”

“Considering neither of us has been sleeping much, I think this should be our final decision, and if you choose to do press or whatever for the album, I’ll support you.”

“That’s off the table. Tamara wasn’t happy about that, but I don’t care, because I have a plan.”

“Uh oh, I know that look.” He was grateful for the video call to give him the chance to see the glimmer in her eyes that matched the lilt to her voice.

“It’s a surprise. You’ll find out soon enough.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“Actually, I can almost guarantee you’ll love it. Oh, and I finished another song for you. I can’t wait for you to hear it...”

“Sign me up for a private concert any time.”

“Remember when I told you I’d give you one where all I’m wearing is a guitar?”

“I would never forget that.”

“Well, that’s the plan for when I perform this song for you.”

“You know, I think a fully acoustic performance without a guitar would be even better.” Her laughter in response settled something inside of him.

“I think you’re right.”

“Any chance you can come home tonight? You don’t even have to sing. We don’t even have to do anything other than cuddle. I did get punched in the face.” He pointed to the mark on his jaw.

“My poor hurt baby,” she pouted. “I wish I could be home right now and listen to you pretend to be in pain for attention. It truly is one of the most entertaining things in the world.”

“I’m not pretending.”

“You’ve been smiling for the last few minutes. If your face really hurt, you wouldn’t be so happy. ” She registered when joy began to glow on his face, and it had eased some of the tension in her body.

“Well, that’s because I’m looking at your gorgeous face.”

She blushed. “I don’t like you being so charming when I’m halfway around the world. That’s not very fair considering if I were there right now, I would-”

“Hold that thought,” he cut her off nervously and checked to confirm that there were two other people in the room with him. “I’m still at the arena. Get some sleep, and I’ll call you at 11 your time.”

“That’s the middle of the night. You have to stop doing that.”

“It’s what we do when you’re out of town.

“You do more than enough by calling room service to have tea delivered to my suite every morning.”

“That was my vow to you. What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t?”

“Pretty sure your vow was to bring me tea when we were together.”

“Consider it extra credit.”

Lucy went under the covers with a tired smile on her face. “I’m actually starting to feel sleepy.”

“Am I boring you?”

“No, it just feels like you’re here now. Can you keep talking until I fall asleep?”

“What do you want me to talk about?”

“I don’t care. I just need to hear your happy voice, and you have to keep smiling.” She settled into her pillow deeper, and her eyelids grew heavier by the minute.

“How about I start describing all of Wayne Gretzky’s best plays of his career?” She hummed in response, so he began his list. He did not even finish describing one play before she was totally asleep. “Good night, wife. I love you,” he murmured and ended the call before going over to his cubby to change out of his uniform.

Aaron swooned from where he was laying on the exam table only a few feet away from where Tim and Lucy had been video chatting. “Are they always like this?”

“No, they usually shove their tongues down each other’s throats, and only if I’m lucky, I won’t see them get too handsy that I almost lose my lunch,” Grace answered.

“That’s adorable.”

“More gross than adorable. Don’t get me started on how Lucy gets spun up when Tim barely gets a scratch. She acts like he isn’t trained for the violence of hockey. I once joked that I can’t wrap Tim in bubble wrap, and she said she would pay to make a custom bubble wrap suit for him.”

“Stop, I will cry. How beautiful is that?”

Grace rolled her eyes. “Keep this brace on your knee for the next couple of days, and we’ll take another look at how you’re doing…oh, and please never fall so in love you act like those two. I can only handle one couple like that.”

“Thanks for taking a look at my knee, and no promises on the other thing. I plan on finding myself a great love eventually, and I look forward to meeting whoever that woman is.”

“I’ll actually consider quitting if I have to deal with double the grossness,” she grumbled.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Barely awake, Lucy opened one of her eyes because her phone was buzzing in her hand. “Husband,” she sighed contently when she answered the call.

“Morning, gorgeous. I gave you an extra fifteen minutes of sleep.”

“Thanks. I needed it.” She stretched her achy muscles and rolled over in bed where she was used to pressing herself against him.

“Your tea should be brought up to your room in the next few minutes.”

“It’s not the same, you know.”

“Really? I thought the other side of the pond had better tea.”

“They do, but it doesn’t come with a kiss,” she replied.

He refused to turn on the lights so darkness could give way to his imagination; he could visualize her being in her studio sitting on the stool next to where he was curled up on her couch. Though his back was suffering, Tim felt a shred of peace when he slept in a room so intrinsically linked to Lucy that it was well worth the discomfort. “I could tip the hotel staff to kiss you when they drop off your room service, but that would be weird.”

She chuckled. “I’m a married woman. I refuse to kiss anyone other than my husband, so keep your money and save your kisses for when I’m back home.”

“I’m gonna do more than kiss you when you get here.”

“Oh, yeah? Like what?”

“Step one is getting you into bed.”

“You want to wait until we get to the second floor when we have comfy couches closer to the front door?”

“I need a break from couches for a while,” he winced and shifted just enough that he almost fell to the ground.

“Are you really sleeping in my studio?”

“Every night. Hope you don’t mind.”

“No, I don’t mind at all. It’s actually very sweet.”

“You know what I was thinking about last night when I couldn’t go to sleep?”

“What?” She asked.

“I don’t remember what it was like to start my day without even thinking about you. When I had sworn off dating, you told me I could make time to call or start my day with someone, and I-I thought you made absolutely no sense, but now…I can’t remember what it was like before we got married.”

“Definitely super boring. You were so lame before you met me.”

He scoffed, “I wasn’t lame.”

“Yes, you were. Everything was about hockey. We couldn’t go ten minutes without you bringing it up.”

“That’s better than you who thought you were radioactive. You’re the easiest person to love in the entire world, and you thought you were unlovable.”

“My track record speaks for itself.”

“A bunch of failed relationships doesn’t matter. We’ve got a successful marriage. That’s what’s important.”

“Who knew my big, tough hockey player husband is secretly such a softy?”

“I’m not a softy,” he narrowed his eyes even though she could not see it.

“Someone alert the media- Tim Bradford is just a cuddly marshmallow under the scowls and muscles,” Lucy mused with a snicker. In the silence on the other end of the line, she knew he rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to admit it, but I love that about you…It’s a dumb word: Love. Four letters, and that’s supposed to be big enough to describe how I feel about you? If being away from you has taught me anything it’s that I love you more than even a four thousand letter word could describe.”

“This is why I’m a ‘show you’ kind of guy. You’re creative when you think about words and write your music, but I’ll choose actions any day.”

“Oh, hang on. Room service is here,” she said and kept the phone pressed to her ear as she thanked and tipped the staff member that delivered her piping hot tea. She sat down on a chair in the living room of her expansive suite that was comically large for one person and took her first sip, the warm liquid coating her scratchy throat. At some point, Lucy stopped being self conscious about her hoarse morning voice only worsened by a night of performing, but the tea helped soothe her physically just as talking to Tim soothed her emotionally. “Thank you for bringing me tea, husband.”

“Wanted to show you I love you.”

“You do a very good job of that.”

“I try.”

“How’s your jaw?”

“Stopped hurting a few minutes ago when I heard your voice.”

“All this time you’ve said you need kisses and cuddles to feel better when really all you needed was for me to talk to you? You lied!” She accused light heartedly.

“I didn’t lie. My ankle was a bigger injury, and I’ll take what I can get while you’re in…Dublin today, right?”

“Yeah, but not for too much longer. I’m flying to Barcelona in a bit. I should pack, and you should go back to sleep. You have to be up in a few hours for your own flight to New Jersey.” She committed his game schedule to memory to know exactly where in the world he was at all times.

He was not looking forward to staying in a hotel room devoid of any trace of Lucy, so he presumed that the only good quality rest he would get for a few days was a short nap in her studio before flying away from home. To aid him, Tim pulled the MP3 player out of his pocket and swore when the screen remained black.

“What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to charge this thing, and now I can’t listen to your album.”

“Does that help you sleep?”

“Only thing that does the trick.”

“Good thing I can sing to you through the phone until you fall asleep.”

“You need to rest your voice.”

“Let me do this for you. I can’t do much, but I can do this.”

“This isn’t the private concert I was promised.”

“You’ll get another one when I’m home. No clothes. Not even a guitar. I swear. Close your eyes, Tim.”

“Fine,” he acquiesced.

She pushed through the dryness of her throat to sing until she heard his breathing deepen to his gentle snores. Even then, Lucy stayed on the phone to listen to the familiar sound as she packed, only hanging up with a “good night, husband” when she boarded her jet.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

As Wes’ eyes flitted around the cabin of the team plane in search of a seat, he saw the empty one beside Tim and asked, “Can I sit here?”

“Sure,” Tim responded flatly.

“You’re grumpier than usual.”

“I’m fine.”

“Actually, I was gonna say you look like crap.”

Tim only glared before taking his MP3 player out in the hopes of forgetting about his surroundings and letting Lucy’s voice wash over him for the course of the flight. “Damn it, I forgot to charge this thing in the morning.”

“Can’t you listen to music on your phone?”

“Not this album. She hasn’t released it yet. I have the only copy.” He showed the back of the MP3 player with faded handwriting on a piece of tape that read “Safe With You”.

“Wow, you must be pretty special if she’s giving you an advanced copy of her new music.”

“I’m her husband,” Tim stated the obvious as that was the simplest explanation for being in possession of the unreleased album.

“Are any of the songs about you?”

“The whole album is about me.”

“You get an entire album?” Wes wondered, shock coloring the question.

“Is that so weird?”

“Lucy’s never said who her songs are about, but her fans figure it out. No one has ever gotten a whole album before.”

“She didn’t make it seem like a big deal. She said she already started another one about me.”

“You get TWO albums? Angela is gonna freak when I tell her.”

“Wait, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Lucy likes keeping that information private.”

“Angela can keep your secret from the rest of the world, but I can’t keep secrets from her. That’s how marriage works.”

“I know. I’ve been married long enough to know that…huh.” Something dawned on him that gave him pause.

“What?” Wes asked when Tim’s demeanor changed quickly.

“Lucy and I…I guess I have a question for her.”

“Are you gonna ask her what makes you so special that you get two whole albums of songs?”

“She loves me.”

“Didn’t she love the other people she wrote songs about?”

“Not as much as me.”

“Obviously.”

Tim smiled victoriously. 

“You look pretty proud of yourself,” Wes smirked.

He flashed his signature “shut up” expression in response. “I’m gonna call my wife before we take off.”

“It’s kinda weird being on this plane without her. Usually you’re cuddling and smooching like teenagers,” Wes teased.

“She kisses me.”

“Right, because you don’t seem into it at all,” he shot back sarcastically.

“I’m calling Lucy now,” Tim said and dialed his wife. 

“Are you actually injured or are you crying over a little boo boo?” Tamara asked when she answered the phone. “I thought hockey players were supposed to be tough.”

“Can you give the phone to Lucy? I’m not hurt or anything. I just wanna talk to her for a sec.” Even before Wes pointed out how different it was to be on the plane without Lucy, Tim sensed the vacancy in his lap where he had grown accustomed to holding her for the entirety of their flights. A call would pale in comparison to wrapping his arms around her warm body that molded into his so perfectly, but he was in desperate need of any comfort at all.

“Sorry, she just went out on stage. She was going to call you, but there was a security thing.”

“What kind of security thing?” The hairs on the back of his neck shot up.

“It was a false alarm. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Tamara, if something happens to my wife, and I’m not there to protect her…”

“Alright, take it down a notch. She’s got the best security around. What are you gonna do? Hit someone with a hockey stick?”

“You know that actually hurts, right? And, I know how to fight. If anyone wants to try touching her, they won’t make it past me.”

“I don’t think any of her exes ever said they would fight to protect her.”

“Why do people still bring up her exes? She’s married to me now. Her past is irrelevant.”

“So territorial. Chill out, Tim.”

He blew out a breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Sorry, I’ve been a little on edge lately. I miss Lucy.”

“If it makes you feel any better, she’s miserable without you.”

“That doesn’t,” he replied softly and swallowed. “What can I do to make her less miserable?”

“Usually, being with her fans does the trick, but I’ve never seen her like this.”

“I have to do something.”

“Don’t you dare show up on her tour.”

“Why not?”

“Lucy will be so pissed if you miss practice or a game. She says this part of your season is critical.”

“The fine for missing a game isn’t really that bad.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re both pathetic.”

“We’re about to start taxiing,” Tim reported based on the flight attendant’s announcement. “Tell Lucy I’m sorry I missed her.”

“Do you want me to tell her that you love her?”

“She knows that,” he smiled. “If you think of anything I can do to make her happier, let me know, and thanks for looking out for her.”

“Always do. Bye, Tim.”

“Bye.” He hung up and sighed at the sight of Lucy’s smiling face on his lock screen. He resorted to listening to her song “Possibility” on repeat for the entire flight with a sinking feeling in his stomach.

Tamara returned Lucy’s phone to her at the end of the concert. “Your husband called.”

“What did he say? Is he okay?” She asked, beginning to panic.

“He’s fine. He wanted to let you know he was on the plane, but he hasn’t texted that he landed yet.”

“Okay,” Lucy said and plopped into her hair and makeup chair. “How did he sound?”

“Good.”

“Really?”

“No, he sounded like crap,” Tamara answered honestly.

“Of course he did. I feel so bad I can’t be there for Tim right now.”

“Unless you suit up and go on the ice with him, I don’t think he needs you to be at his games.”

“He plays better when I’m there. It’s a statistical fact. ESPN even posted an article about it calling his better performance as the ‘Chen Effect’.”

“Congrats on being part of sports history,” Tamara chided. “You need to hydrate.”

Lucy gratefully gulped water until her phone chimed, and she abruptly stopped to check the notification.

“Is that Tim?” Tamara asked.

“No, not yet,” she worried at her lip. “I need some coffee.”

“You’re vibrating from all the coffee you’ve been drinking. Maybe you should slow down on the caffeine.”

“I don’t have a choice. I can’t sleep.”

“How come you can’t go one week without each other? That’s not normal.”

“You wouldn’t get it. Tim and I have been lonely in our own ways for so long. We don’t want to be lonely anymore, and we shouldn’t have to be, because we have each other. It’s hard to go back to being alone even for a second when I know that the alternative is spending time with the person who makes me happy, and God, I would give anything to get some good quality sleep next to him and his annoying snoring.”

“I can’t say this enough. You’re both pathetic, but if this gives you ideas for new music, then I’m all for it.”

“There might be another song or two in the works.”

“How many?”

“Four out of nineteen. I’m making pretty great progress.”

“Your album doesn’t need to have nineteen songs.”

“It’s Tim’s jersey number, which means it’s the perfect hint for who my albums are dedicated to.” Her phone lit up, and she smiled. “He landed. I’ll take off my makeup, and then I’ll call him.”

“Maybe you should wait to talk to him in the morning and take some vocal rest. Your voice sounds scratchy.”

“Vocal rest can wait.”

Knowing that Lucy was being too stubborn, Tamara kept her mouth shut as she watched her remove her makeup quickly.

Tim swiped to answer Lucy’s call at lightning speed. “Hi, wife.”

“Hi, husband. Sorry I missed your call earlier.”

“I heard there was a security issue?”

“Tamara shouldn’t have told you about that, since it was a false alarm.”

“Was there a threat on your life or something?”

“Nothing like that. Someone backstage didn’t have their badge, and the security team went on high alert. Turns out it was an equipment manager, and he dropped his badge.”

“Hyper vigilance is good. They better have their heads on a swivel if they’re supposed to be protecting you.”

“You need to chill out, babe.”

“That’s what I said,” Tamara chimed in. “Oh, I just remembered he volunteered to get in a fist fight to protect you.”

“He’s not getting in a fist fight for me, but that’s very sweet,” Lucy replied then coughed.

“Drink some water,” Tim urged. “You shouldn’t talk for the rest of the night. This conversation can wait until the morning.”

“No, it can’t. I know that voice. What’s on your mind?” She asked.

“Forget it.”

“Tim,” she spoke his name seriously to leave no room for further arguing.

“On the plane, I was talking to Wes, and I realized that I don’t know how long we’ve been married.”

“What are you talking about?”

“How do we calculate how long we’ve actually been married? Do we count back from Christmas?”

“Before Christmas. For sure. We’ve been married since…”

“Since I hurt my ankle?” He supplied as an option.

“Maybe our first kiss? Crap, I don’t know.”

“Exactly, which means we don’t have an anniversary either.”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” she scratched her scalp in bewilderment.

“We need an anniversary, so I have an excuse to buy you extra flowers and make you breakfast in bed.”

“Aww, babe. I’ll bring you breakfast in bed any day not just our anniversary.”

“Oh, Mrs. Bradford, I have breakfast in bed every morning that I take off your pants.”

“Timothy! This is a serious conversation!” She insisted even as her heart fluttered.

“Breakfast is very serious. It’s the most important meal of the day.”

“Can we stay focused? This is a major problem. We don’t have an anniversary.”

“Let’s narrow it down. When did you start to think we were really married?”

“I-I don’t know,” she tried to recall if there was a singular life-altering moment, but everything came back in fragments. “It all happened so fast. One minute I barely knew you, and the next, you became the most important person in my life. What about for you?”

“Probably somewhere around the time I got used to calling you my wife, but I don’t really remember when exactly that happened.”

“So, what do we do? Celebrate the day we made the public announcement?”

“Were we really married then?” He wondered.

“No, but I don’t know what day to pick.”

“Let’s decide on a new date and make it matter to us. We’ll have a real wedding ceremony like we should’ve had in the first place. We can invite all of our friends, and it’ll be the day we celebrate every year.”

“Are you serious?”

“You don’t like the idea?”

“No, I-I…Tim, are you asking me to marry you again?” She blushed.

“Sure am. That fake photoshoot was the closest thing we got to a wedding, and it was a big secret. Don’t you want to have a party and let the whole world know we’re committed to spending our lives together?”

“I promise you we’ve made enough headlines that the world knows that I love you.”

“Then, we can remind them.”

“How would we explain it to people? It would be our first legal wedding, but the entire planet thinks we’ve been married for months.”

“Call it a vow renewal, since that’s what it is, but it’ll become our anniversary.”

Butterflies swarmed her stomach. “You really want to do this? Marry me again?”

“I would marry you any day and everyday,” Tim confirmed without hesitation. “What do you think?”

“Let’s do it,” she grinned. “After your season is over and my tour ends, let’s have the ceremony, and then we can leave for our honeymoon.”

“Perfect. Pick whatever date you want our anniversary to be, and I’ll plan the honeymoon.”

“You’re going to plan it?”

“Oh, yeah, and you’re in luck, because I’ve already got us packed up.”

“Let me guess, you want to bring an empty suitcase?”

“No use in wearing clothes if I’m just gonna take them off of you anyways.”

She covered her mouth as she laughed. “You’re unbelievable.” Lucy exhaled deeply, her lungs finally filling completely. “I needed this tonight. Thank you for making me feel like I can breathe again.”

“Want me to stay on the phone until you’re back at the hotel and fall asleep?”

“I wish, but you need to settle into your own hotel room and go to practice.”

“Practice can wait. Don’t even try to disagree.”

“Someone’s bossy today.”

“Does that mean you’ll listen to me for once?”

“Maybe…I have to change.”

“These are the important moments I should be present for,” he said playfully.

“Stop flirting and pick a date for our anniversary.” She unzipped her dress and shoved it to the ground.

“June is a nice month.”

“How about the 19th? It’s become my favorite number,” she grinned as she dragged a pair of his sweatpants over her thighs.

“Okay, so June 19th. Save the date.” He liked the sound of it.

When she heard June 19th, she stopped putting her arm through the sleeve of his shirt that she had borrowed permanently. They made a plan to have an actual ceremony, and Lucy’s excitement was growing by the second. “I can’t wait.” 

“Neither can I.”

“You know what’s sooner than June 19th? The Grammys. You’re still coming with me as my date next week,” she reminded him.

“I went to my fittings. I’ll be wearing the designer suit you picked out.”

“Good, but I’m looking forward to taking that designer suit off of you.”

“Now look who’s flirting.”

“Can’t help it. I love my sexy husband.”

“I love that my gorgeous wife will be home.”

“Only for a little. I still have to finish the European leg of my tour afterwards.”

“Don’t remind me,” Tim grimaced.

“You know this isn’t easy for me. I cried on stage today. I thought for a second that I saw you in the crowd, but it wasn’t you, and-and I started tearing up.”

“Baby, I don’t want you to cry.”

“I know,” she sniffled as her eyes stung. She climbed into the private car that was waiting for her and checked the seat beside her as if she anticipated him to occupy the space next to her and was about to fling her legs across his lap and snuggle up with him for the drive. But, he was on the other side of the world. “I’ll be fine, and so will you.”

Tim had been going through the motions; he had not realized when he reached his hotel or dropped his bags off in his room, since all he could really focus on was the sound of Lucy’s voice. He heard a knock at the door of his room and shouted, “Go on to practice without me. I’ll be there soon.”

“You can go. Be with your team.”

“Are you gonna actually sleep without me?” There was silence. “That’s what I thought. You’re the only teammate that matters to me right now. I’m staying right here until you fall asleep. Do you need to take a bath? Are you sore?”

“I don’t know. I can barely feel anything with all the coffee I’ve been drinking.”

“Uh oh. Jittery over-caffeinated Lucy is not someone to mess with.”

“That was one time, and I was on the verge of a breakthrough with a song.”

“You were intense.”

“I remember you not letting go of me the whole night while I was songwriting.”

He replied happily, “I was just trying to inspire you, since I started seeing a pattern. The more I touch you, the more music you write.”

“You’re very good at helping me when I have a creative block.”

“I’ll measure the success of our honeymoon based on how many songs you write while I’m trying very hard to get your inspiration flowing.”

“Hold that thought.” Lucy stepped out of the car and was escorted up to her suite. She put the call on speakerphone as she went through her nighttime routine. When she slid into bed, she felt her muscles relax. “Tim?”

“Still here.”

“Thank you.”

“For what? Being there for you? That’s marriage.”

“I remember when you said it was your job.”

“Well, marriage is work.”

Lucy shuffled towards his usual side of the bed. “I hadn’t thought about it like that. I assumed that back then, you only saw being married to me as a chore.”

“Never. Not once.”

“The truth comes out tonight,” she smiled.

“Enough truth for one night. You need to sleep.”

“I know, but this is the longest I’ve gotten to talk to you in days.” Her lungs began to actually function properly despite how her throat was sore, because having him around even through the phone was enough to ease the weight on her chest inhibiting her breathing.

“As much as I love our phone calls, you need some shut eye. Good night, wife.”

“Wait, stay with me for a little longer. I’m not ready for you to hang up.”

“I’m not hanging up any time soon. Try sleeping for me.”

“Might be hard to do. I’m so hopped up on caffeine right now. Tell me more about Wayne Gretzky that should bore me.”

“He’s the greatest hockey player of all time, and that’s BORING?”

“Uh he’s not the greatest hockey player of all time. That’s you, so tell me about the second greatest.”

“Back when he was a Center on the Kings, he…” Tim began. 

Lucy greedily puffed out another big breath, thankful she could breathe again, and let him babble on until she nodded off distantly thinking that their phone calls were literally saving her life.

Chapter Text

For a serotonin boost, Lucy rewatched what had become her favorite postgame interview (only featuring Tim, of course). The clips she had seen of when she was interviewed with her husband after his hockey games were some of her most beloved moments that they shared in front of cameras. Even when she was not sitting at the table of microphones with him, Tim tended to get asked questions about Lucy, and he was good about answering shortly and sweetly for the perfect soundbite, but his postgame interview from the night before was quite the exception, hence why she kept replaying the clip. It started normally with him reviewing strong plays and impressive players of the game while he humbly danced around his own performance albeit just as great as his teammates. Then, it took its usual turn into asking about her.

He was asked: “We saw you blow a kiss after scoring a goal tonight. Was that an homage to your pop star wife, Lucy Chen, who hasn’t been in the stands for the last few games?”

To which Tim replied with a smirk: “I score every goal for my wife and send her a kiss afterwards. No matter how far she is, and even if she isn’t watching, I want Lucy to know I do my best for her, because she’s made me a better player. Hell, she’s made me a better man. I don’t have the words to tell you how much her constant support means to me. Lucy’s probably even watching this when she’s supposed to be sleeping after her concert to which I say: Good night, wife. I’ll call you when it’s morning over there in Paris. Love you.”

Lucy gushed over his answer and the way his face lit up the longer he spoke about her. She had already memorized his whole answer.

“Wear headphones if you’re gonna keep watching Tim be weirdly lovey, please,” Tamara requested. The private jet was not big enough to escape the audio of his interview that seemed to be repeating nonstop for the entire flight from Paris to Los Angeles.

“Sorry,” Lucy apologized. “I-I can’t help it. Tim barely says this kind of stuff to me when we’re alone, but he really just said all of that on national television in front of a room of reporters? He must really miss me.”

“Three weeks. You act like you’ve been apart for a year. It hasn’t even been a month.”

“Feels like forever,” she groaned. “God, can this jet fly any faster?”

“Don’t you dare ask the pilot for the hundredth time. She’ll never fly for you again if you keep bothering her.”

“Okay, fine,” Lucy resigned and replayed Tim’s interview video to which Tamara grunted dramatically, so she paused the clip and showed the screen to her. “Do you wanna know why I’m so obsessed with watching this?”

“Because you’re so madly in love with Tim you keep calling him your husband even though you conveniently forget you’re not legally married or ever actually had some sort of ceremony?” She replied smartly.

“Don’t worry, we set a date to resolve that little problem. June 19th is going to be our new anniversary.”

“You haven’t even known each other for six months. You do realize how insane it sounds to get married already.”

“We’re already married in all the ways that matter. I went over all of this with Angela already. What’s a marriage, anyways? A piece of paper? Some person pronouncing it at the end of some ritual? No, it’s work and commitment every single day, which we already do, and this video proves it. He loves me so much he’ll announce it in the middle of a postgame interview. He’s never pissed when he’s asked about me like the other people I’ve dated. He works so hard and plays well in his games only for that to be glossed over to make time for questions about me, and he talks about me with a smile on his face. Emmett wouldn’t even let me meet all of his friends, but Tim will shout about how much he loves me from the rooftops. I finally got the kind of guy I always wanted, and conveniently, we’re already married. This,” she shook her phone again to punctuate her point, “is what l’ve always dreamed of, so excuse me if I’m happy and can’t wait to get home to see this man.”

Tamara had not seen that fiery protective look in Lucy’s eyes in a while. The severity with which she regarded her relationship with Tim, a relationship that started out as a lie to the media, was awe inspiring. Any concerns she had for her friend’s heart and wellbeing completely disappeared; she used to have to worry about picking up the pieces after Lucy’s most recent heartbreak, but Tim proved he was different. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I love when you’re in love, because it obviously inspires you to write great music, but as your friend, your breakups are always hard for me. Emmett was the first time we didn’t camp out on your couch with ice cream, wine, and a ‘Twilight’ marathon.”

“I do usually need some Team Edward goodness to feel better after a breakup, but Tim was really great with me, and he probably didn’t even realize what he was doing.”

“Are you saying you didn’t do your usual sob fest in front of Tim? The one where you can’t stop crying about how Edward would rather die than keep living when he thought Bella was dead?”

“No, we didn’t even watch ‘Twilight’. He did all this small stuff. He would come home after practice or even in the morning if i was awake and in the kitchen with him at the same time, and he would look at me, like really look at me, and say I’m gorgeous every single day. He obviously still does that, but I can’t remember the last time someone complimented me so regularly, and he just did it. And when I came back every weekend from my tour even before we were really together, he would surprise me with adding more color to the house just because I made a comment the day after I moved in that it looked like one of those staged homes without personality. And every single time I would point out the new vase, or pillows, or whatever, he would say he wanted to make me happy. Who does that? My husband. That’s who. Don’t get me started on how he bought a pillow for his bathtub to make it more comfortable for me to soak in, and he didn’t even say anything. It just showed up in the tub one day without me even asking for it. I mean, who needs Edward Cullen, when Tim Bradford exists?”

“You never told me about any of that. You did tell me how he rearranged the cabinets so you could reach everything, but I didn’t know he did anything else.”

“He’s thoughtful all the time. I never take any of it for granted, obviously, but if I start listing all the ways that man shows me he loves me, well, there wouldn’t be time to talk about anything else. Besides, my music gets the point across pretty well.”

“We haven’t even released the new album, and you’re already working on another one. That’s record time for you.”

“Tim really is the perfect muse. He called me yesterday, and before we got into the dirty stuff, he said something that inspired a whole new song from out of nowhere.”

“First, gross. Second, that’s great.”

Lucy chuckled and checked her watch. “Okay, we touch down in an hour, and the second we do, I’m going to surprise Tim at practice. I can’t wait for him to get home. That’s ways too long. Plus, Grey has a soft spot for us, so he might let Tim out early, and I can have some alone time with my husband before we have to get ready for the Grammys.”

“Please have clothes on when your hair and makeup team arrives. Don’t scar anyone, oh, and if you two make out on the ice again, ask someone to film it like last time.”

“We didn’t ask to be filmed. Aaron and Wes were just there, and they caught us on camera, but that won’t happen this time. We’re not making out on the ice again.”

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna go all the way in the middle of the ice rink? That shouldn’t be filmed, and wouldn’t that get…cold?”

“No! We’re not doing that…well, I have to ask Tim if it’s on our list. He said it was just the airplane bathroom, but he’s added quite a few places since. I didn’t know he wanted to hookup in the laundry room, but I would definitely do that again.”

Tamara grimaced. “It’s okay if you keep things to yourself.”

“Sorry, I’ll stop,” Lucy blushed. She put headphones in her ears.

“Are you about to watch that clip on repeat until we land?”

Lucy silently nodded with a guilty smile and did in fact keep rewatching her husband speak about her so adoringly despite his even voice, because his eyes really told her everything she needed to know. Eventually, after what felt like eons, the jet landed at the private airstrip, and she sighed in relief that she was finally in the same time zone as her husband. She gathered her belongings and stood from her seat then paused to ask Tamara, “Wait, I’m about to see Tim for the first time in three weeks. How do I look?”

“Exhausted. The bags under your eyes have never been puffier,” she answered honestly, then to soften the blow added, “But, he loves you so much he won’t care. He’ll probably still think you look beautiful, and you’ll melt, and it will all be very mushy gushy, and I’m thrilled I’m going to miss it, because I’ve listened to you whine about how much you miss him and had to answer his sad calls when he asks me to put your concert on through the phone so he can feel close to you too many times that I need space from your relationship for a minute.”

“Sorry, I swear I’ll be better after I see him, and going back to Europe for the last week of that leg of the tour won’t be as miserable for either of us.”

“Oh, I don’t care. You’re happy, and I love seeing you like this even if that means you two are a little disgusting sometimes. This is what you’ve always deserved, and hell, I put you two together in the first place, so I can’t blame anyone but myself that my plan worked out a little too well. I’m going to meet you at the Grammys. Don’t be late because you had a weird icy hook up or whatever, okay?”

“See you there.” She let Tamara deplane first, and then she bounded down the stairs onto the tarmac. Lucy jumped into the black Lincoln Navigator waiting for her and was ready to tell the driver to take her to the L.A. Kings’ practice facility when she heard a voice at her side.

“Hi, wife,” Tim said casually.

It must have been a delusion brought on by her sleep deprived state, but she still slowly turned in the direction of what she heard and wanted to pinch herself to ensure her husband was really sitting beside her. He put his large, warm hands on her cheeks, and she shuddered. “Babe?” She croaked out, emotion starting to coat her throat.

As he shimmied closer to her, he kept holding her face. “You’re home,” he whispered happily.

“You’re really here?” Lucy ran her hands over his broad chest for further proof she was not imagining him.

“I hope so,” he smirked.

“Hi, husband,” she sighed in relief after three weeks of missing him so much her body was suffering while gripping his shirt so desperately she almost tore it. Lucy gladly scanned every centimeter of his face to re-memorize one of her favorite sights and further take in the reality of their long awaited reunion. “Can I get a hug?” She asked to truly feel with absolute certainty that he was with her after what felt like an eternity apart.

Tim encircled his arms around her and drew her into him immediately. Once her head was tucked under his, he expelled a deep breath.

“I’m not letting you go until we get home,” she murmured into his neck and kissed the spot.

“Whatever you want, baby.”

“You have no idea how much I’ve needed this.” She felt his nod in response then how his lips brushed the top of her head. “This really is the only reason why you’re a bad husband, you know? I never want to be away from you.”

“By that logic, you’re the worst wife ever. Why do you think I told Coach I was skipping practice today to welcome my wife home?”

“Tim…,” she started to admonish him.

“Don’t even try to tell me I shouldn’t have missed practice. No practice or game will ever be more important than you.” He squeezed her tighter and buried his nose in her hair to inhale her scent.

“Guess this is just as important as practice. After all, I’ve made you a better player.” She grinned so widely her cheeks were pinching.

“You watched that interview? Of course you did. I hope you watched it when you woke up this morning and not in the middle of the night when it aired, and you should’ve been sleeping.”

“Sleep has been hard to come by lately. It was no big deal. You should see the bags under my eyes. My tour makeup artist is threatening to riot. I look horrible.”

He pulled away from her, earning a whine from her due to the loss of contact. Tim scanned her face before candidly assessing, “You look gorgeous.”

Lucy’s eyes started to water.

“Did I say the wrong thing?” He asked.

“No,” she sniffled. “God,” she smiled tearfully. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.”

She caressed his cheek fondly. “Let me look at you. Seeing you through a screen just isn’t the same. You’re way more handsome in person.”

There was an urgency building inside of him that would not allow him to enjoy that she was taking him in with such adoration. “Will you stop staring so I can kiss you?”

“We shouldn’t,” she said despite the action of bringing her face closer to his, completely contradicting her words.

“No, we’re married now. Last time you said we shouldn’t, we were in a totally different place, but-”

“But,” she cut him off sharply, “I meant it back then, and I mean it now. If I kiss you right now,” her eyes dropped to his lips, “I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop.”

“Well,” he spoke lowly as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I meant what I said back then, and I mean it now.” Tim ghosted her lips as he whispered, “So don’t.”

She clicked her tongue in one last act of protest, but she knew it was no use. Lucy didn’t want him. She NEEDED him. She had needed him for weeks, and finally, he was under her hands, gazing down at her with hooded eyes, and breathing the same oxygen. As inevitable as their first kiss, she hurtled towards Tim and captured his lips feverishly.

He let her take control, unraveling them both with her eager, purposeful movements. In no time, he scrambled for the hem of her shirt and groaned when he reached beneath and finally got his hands on her warm skin again. 

Lucy arched her back into him, letting Tim touch her everywhere as she devoured him. She had missed the usual crackling in her nerve endings whenever they kissed. 

The car stopped, but weeks of pent up longing and lust continued playing out with their tongues until he started pawing at her pants and remembered that they were not supposed to hook up in the back seat anymore. He pulled back only barely, and when she chased his lips, he smiled. Tim had wrenched away far enough that she made a sound of protest low in her throat. “Hang on, baby. We’re home,” he rasped.

She opened her blurry eyes and smiled lazily. “I’m already home,” Lucy replied as she ran her hands over his heart. The way he tilted his head curiously lead her to clarify, “It doesn’t matter where in the world we are, when I’m with you, I’m home.”

He was constantly astounded by her love for him.

“But, we can go in the house,” she said and took his hand.

Tim got out of the car before picking Lucy up from the back seat.

“Put me down,” she snickered.

He kept holding her even as he arranged her in his arms with an arm under her knees and another behind her back. “I’m not letting you go,” Tim responded. “You know,” he realized, “I haven’t done this with you yet.” He pushed the door open and crossed over the threshold with armfuls of his wife. 

“This is a little traditional for us don’t you think?”

“I was going for romantic.”

“Okay, traditional, dorky,…and romantic,” she ceded. “Does this romantic gesture last all the way upstairs to our bedroom, or did you change your mind about couches?”

“No couches, please. We’re getting into a real bed.”

“What are we waiting for?”

Tim brought her up the stairs and into their room that he had hardly seen in weeks, then he slowly lowered her onto their bed. The second his knees sunk into the mattress, her mouth was back on his, harsh and demanding. He was struggling to find buttons, or zippers, or hems, and since his hands failed to locate anything that would help him remove her clothes, he was willing to rip them off of her body.

Lucy shoved her pants down but removing her top would require disconnecting their lips, and that was not something she was willing to do. Instead, she worked on his jeans then paused. “Tim,” she gasped. “I want to. Believe me, I really want to, but we have a long night ahead of us, and what I think we could both use is some sleep. Actual good quality sleep.”

“Yes,” he moaned. “That would be amazing.”

“We’ll resume this later, though.”

“I hope so.”

She loved the heat in his gaze. “Snuggle with me now.” Lucy dragged him onto his back and heavily dropped on top of him. “Have I mentioned lately that I love when we end up like this?”

“Me, too,” he smirked as his hands roved lower than the small of her back.

“Don’t start anything right now.”

“I’m not. Just getting comfortable.” He cupped the back of her skull to bring her head down against his chest. “Sleep only…for now.”

“For now,” she agreed and melted into Tim as she shut her eyes. “You truly are the greatest husband in the world,” Lucy sighed as she nuzzled into him.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim thought he was dreaming when he opened his eyes and saw Lucy and her infinite beauty in his arms. He considered letting her sleep longer, but they had an event to get ready for. “Baby,” he whispered and rubbed her back.

“No,” she pouted. “Five more minutes.” She greedily wanted to continue finally resting well after so many nights of subpar sleep.

“You’ve got awards to win, and I need time to look like a good trophy husband.”

“Are you ready for tonight?”

“Why are you asking me that? I don’t have to do anything but stand there and clap for you every time you win an award.”

“Nights like this, I can’t hide from the public eye, and I’m nominated for a few awards, so we’ll be at a table towards the front and be on camera a bunch, which means pictures will be taken. We’ll make headlines.”

“Okay,” he shrugged. “We make headlines all the time.”

“I know we hardly go outside other than to your games to avoid the cameras…”

“You avoid the cameras?”

“Because, I know you don’t like it.”

“When did I say that?”

Her eyes widened. “I-I…I don’t remember. I guess I just thought that since you’re a private person, you wouldn’t want the paparazzi to see you.”

“I told you I don’t pay attention to the media, but that’s only because I can’t control what anyone says about me. It has nothing to do with avoiding cameras with you. I’m not an idiot like Emmett.”

“Oh…why didn’t we talk about this before?” She wondered.

“Probably because you were scared of my answer, but you never have to be scared to talk to me about anything. We don’t have to avoid the cameras anymore.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Is that why you won’t let me take you out on a real date out in the real world?”

“I couldn’t think of a way for us to go to dinner without making front page news.”

“Then we’ll make front page news. Who cares? When you’re back in town, I’m taking you on a real date.”

“Are you asking me out?”

“No. I didn’t think I would have to ask my own wife out.”

“Can you ask anyways? We’ve never done this part before.”

“Seriously? No. That’s weird even for us.” 

“You stubborn…don't make me hurt you.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine.” Tim softened his features and lowered his voice to inquire, “Wife, do you want to go out on a date?”

Lucy’s heart picked up speed. “Yeah, husband. I do.”

“Good,” he smiled. He did not want to admit how much he enjoyed hearing her accept even if he had predicted her answer. “Can I ask you something else?” She nodded. “Wanna join me in the shower?”

“I do.”

He kissed her temple. “I got my wife back, I got a few solid hours of quality sleep in an actual bed, and now we’re showering together? Nothing could be better.”

“You’re either a very simple man or you love me a lot.”

“Both are true. Can I get you out of these clothes now?”

She giggled. “So impatient.”

“You know I don’t like waiting when it comes to you.”

Lucy rolled off of him and the mattress to get onto her feet before outstretching her hand for him to take. “It was worth every second, you know. Waiting for you to come into my life wasn’t easy, but,” she smiled, “worth upgrading from Edward Cullen to you.”

“Who’s that? Another one of your exes that hurt you?”

“No he’s from a movie. We have to watch ‘Twilight’ together sometime. Why do you look upset?”

“I’m not upset,” he said then exhaled a breath at the disbelief coloring her face. “I’ve been listening to all of your songs pretty much nonstop since you left. I want to knock out all of your exes for hurting you.”

“Dial back the threats. I don’t care about my exes anymore. Believe me, they are totally in my rearview mirror now.”

“They hurt you.”

“And, my music helps me process that and get over it. It’s very therapeutic.”

“Have you written any songs about Emmett breaking up with you?”

“No.”

“Are you saying you haven’t gotten over him?”

“If you don't know, then you haven't been paying attention.” She cradled his face and stared at him intently. “You are the only man I think about and the only one I love. I didn’t need music to get me through that breakup. I had you. It’s funny- I was just talking to Tamara about this. You have helped me more than you could ever know by being your stubborn, dorky, sometimes idiotic, and romantic self. Don’t worry about my exes, because I don’t.”

“You know I can take any of your exes in a fight, so if you ever want me to avenge you, I will.” He puffed out his chest for good measure.

“Avenge me? What century are we in? I don’t need you to fight anyone for me. As much as I love how overprotective you are, you can take it easy.”

“Rich coming from you considering how you panic every time I’m injured. You do realize we react the same way.”

“Except I don’t threaten violence.”

“You said you would punch the guy that whacked me in the arm.”

“He would’ve deserved it for taking that cheap shot. Besides, I have a mean right hook.”

He smirked. “I have no doubt.”

“Are you done with the macho crap?” 

Tim nodded.

“Can we get in the shower now?” Lucy asked.

He scooped her up in his arms.

“Are you carrying me into the shower?” She chuckled.

“I should carry you into every room we’re about to have sex in.”

“Can’t imagine how that would work on skates.”

“On skates?”

“Yeah, I meant to ask you if the ice rink is on our list.”

“The ice rink? No…well…that’s actually not a bad idea.”

“So, it’s on our list now?”

“Definitely, but that’s later. Right now…shower time.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy really tried to shut her robe, but Tim was very opposed to it if his roaming hands were any indication. “Our hair and makeup team will be here soon. You have to stop,” she said with a grin.

“Not yet,” he mumbled into her neck and continued kissing a line down to her collarbone.

“You don’t quit, do you?” She giggled when he only hummed in response. “I really missed you,” she whispered as she raked her fingers through his hair.

He heard the doorbell ring and muttered, “Ignore it.”

“Tim!”

“I’m not finished with you yet.”

“Save that thought for after the Grammys. Come on, babe.” She fondly swatted at him, but he kept his mouth firmly attached to her for a few more moments.

He was not happy to be torn away from her for the hours her team styled her hair and applied her makeup. Tim scowled as someone applied gel to his locks, but he allowed it in order to be the best trophy husband he could be. The silver lining was when Lucy emerged from her closet in a long navy blue gown. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”

“Really?” She asked. “You said the same thing earlier when I got off the plane, and I was wearing a Kings t shirt and jeans.”

“I meant it both times.”

“Well, you look very very handsome, Mr. Bradford.” She glided her hands down the lapel of his suit jacket.

“You always say I look handsome.”

“And I always mean it. I can’t believe I have such a sexy husband.”

He felt his cheeks warm up at the genuine compliment.

“Ready to make our red carpet debut?” She wondered.

Tim interlaced their fingers. “Sure. Are you nervous?”

“No, I like getting the chance to show you off. This’ll be fun.” Lucy hauled him out of the house and into the limo idling in the driveway.

He pulled her into his lap with a grin. “I’m apologizing in advance.”

“For what?”

“Smudging your makeup.”

“I don’t really care,” she barely got a chance to reply before his lips slammed into hers. Riding in the back seat had never been more enjoyable than when she spent the time with Tim all over her. At one point, he most certainly ruined the perfect curls in her hair and her lipstick had completely faded off, but Lucy was so happy that none of that mattered.

His enthusiastic sucking on her lower neck elicited her whimpers like music to his ears, and he hated that he had to stop when the car pulled up at the edge of the red carpet.

“Give me a sec. I have to put on more lipstick. I told my makeup artist not to bother, since I knew this would happen in the limo, but she insisted.” As she drew the dark pink stain onto her lips, she noticed the change in Tim’s expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Crap,” he breathed out.

“What?”

“I sorta…,” he swallowed hard. “Do you have makeup in your purse to cover that?” Tim gently rubbed his thumb over the reddening spot on her lower neck where he had gotten a little carried away somewhere during their drive down the freeway.

Lucy redirected the mirror she had been using to apply lipstick to see where he was touching her, and she laughed. “You can’t help yourself can you? And after I told you in the shower not to.”

“Baby, I am so sorry.”

She laughed even harder. “No, no, I love it. I’ve missed these hickeys for the last few weeks. It’s fine.”

“We’re about to go on a red carpet where a bunch of paparazzi will take your picture, and your dress won’t cover it.”

“I know. Looks like I’m living up to my name. I am the Hickey Wife after all.”

“You sure you’re not mad?” Based on how bright her face was, she only seemed happy, but he wanted to be sure.

“I’m thrilled. It means I’m really home. Let them see how much my husband loves me. I don’t care. Come on, let’s go on this red carpet, and don’t forget to stand close to me.”

“That won’t be a problem. We always end up close. I prefer a lack of personal space when we don’t have clothes on, but I know I have to wait until later for that.”

“Head out of the gutter, Bradford.”

“Sorry, Mrs. Bradford.”

“You’re forgiven,” she smiled. He leaned in to kiss her, and she rocked back. “I just put lipstick on.”

“I like that shade. Wanna see how it looks on me?”

When he began to smirk, she knew exactly what he was about to do, and she let him, perfect makeup be damned. Lucy let him kiss her hard, and then she surveyed the stain smudged around his mouth. “You think you’re so smooth.” She wiped at the corners of his lips to get rid of the lipstick as she shook her head fondly. “It’s not a bad color on you, but that line was even better.”

He chuckled.

Someone knocked on the door, and she sighed. “That’s our cue.” She had the slightest bit of apprehension about their first public appearance at something so grand as an awards show, but Tim was a natural; he held her hand, stood close to her, smiled warmly, and the way his presence blotted out the anxiety of so many cameras in her face was miraculous. Lucy was grateful that Tim was her date. When they sat down at their table together, she said, “We met at a table like this.”

“You bashed hockey.”

“Well, you threw some shade on my music.”

“I came around.”

“So did I,” she smiled and squeezed their entwined hands. “I might have been a little annoyed by you, but I knew you were special.”

He grinned back. “Is that why you kissed me on the cheek when you left?”

“That came out of left field. I have no idea why I did something like that.”

“Maybe in your gut you knew.”

“I don’t think I ever could’ve known how much you’d mean to me, but there was something about you. Like the possibility that in another universe I would’ve wanted to be with you. I’ve only ever felt that way about one other person when I first met them. The stranger I told you about that I wrote ‘Possibility’ for.”

“Lucky stranger.”

“No, he didn’t get the girl. You did.”

“You’re right. Lucky me.”

She made a happy sound as she pulled his face down for a quick peck.

“I know it’s a little late, but we should practice kissing,” he suggested.

“Why would we need practice?”

“For your victory kisses. I’ve seen how these award shows go. Every time you win, you have to kiss me before you go on stage.”

“And we need practice doing that?”

“We gotta have flawless execution. We’ll be on national television.”

“That’s a lame excuse to get me to make out with you.”

“I’m trying to be the perfect trophy husband, and if that means running drills for the perfect victory kiss, I’m willing to put in the work.”

“We don’t even know if I’ll win an award.”

“You’ll win. You win 65% of the awards you’re nominated for. I like your odds tonight.” He scoffed at her surprised expression. “What? You’re not the only one that can look up stats.”

She cupped his chin. “You know what, I’ve changed my mind. Let’s try that practice victory kiss.”

He was pretty proud of himself considering all of their practice paid off. Tim was given three opportunities to give her a victory kiss for the three Grammys Lucy won. 

“Okay, babe, I have to go,” she said towards the end of the award show.

“Go? Where?”

“I’m performing tonight.”

“Right, I forgot.”

She pressed her lips to his forehead. “I hope you like this,” she murmured and sashayed away backstage.

Tim sat quietly for the commercial break while Lucy was getting ready for her performance. Someone announced her, and he cheered as loudly for her as she always did from her box at his hockey games.

But then she appeared onto the stage.

And he stopped speaking.

And he stopped clapping.

And he definitely stopped breathing.

She had changed into a different dress. A familiar dress.

A snowy white gown that highlighted her beautiful curves and off the shoulder straps for a perfect window of her cleavage.

Tim would recognize that dress anywhere as her wedding dress from the photo shoot.

If he thought she was breathtaking the first time he saw her wearing it, he was borderline unconscious seeing her don it a second time looking even more gorgeous.

“Hi,” Lucy said into the microphone.

The sound of her voice somehow broke through his stupor.

“I was going to perform one of the songs I was nominated for tonight, but I changed my mind.” She strapped her new guitar over her shoulder then motioned to the stool next to her before she added, “I can’t perform this song without someone up here with me, since this song is for him. Husband, come on up here, please.”

He thought he heard incorrectly.

“Tim?” She tapped the stool expectantly.

As his ears started to ring, he made the short walk to the stage and up the little set of stairs. Lucy’s hand was somehow wrapped around his as he settled onto the stool. From his new vantage point at her side, Tim could properly inspect her guitar as one he had never seen before that was all black with grey accents and large a white “19” on the soundboard.

Lucy spoke to the crowd even as she kept holding Tim’s hand. “Recently, my husband has inspired a ton of new music including a whole new album called ‘Safe With You’, which I’m proud to announce will be released this Friday. This song is called ‘You Call Me Gorgeous’, and I’m really glad that I’m performing it for the first time with Tim next to me.” She tried untangling their fingers, but he kept his grasp firm. “Babe, I need my hand.”

Laughter erupted in the audience.

He silently apologized with a tight smile and released his hold on her. Though he had heard the recording of the song countless times, listening to Lucy sing it live right in his ear was astounding. She was professing her love for him through music on national television in a wedding dress while strumming a guitar that was so obviously a nod to him. Tim was overwhelmingly moved for the entire performance that blissfully stretched on for what seemed like longer than a two minute song.

While the crowd cheered, Lucy turned to her husband. His eyes were like large, clear blue saucers. She thought he might start crying. “I love you,” she murmured and took his hand again then brought it to her lips for a quick kiss. His silence spoke volumes. She knew he loved her performance even without a single word. “Tim, we have to get off stage now.” The producers signaled that they needed to clear off, so she pulled her husband off of his stool and over to the backstage area. “I have to change out of this dress, and then there’s still one more award I’m nominated for,” she said backstage.

“Don’t change,” he said. “I really like this dress.”

“Okay, then let’s go back to our seats.”

Tim lunged to take her in his arms. “I love being your trophy husband,” he said into her hair.

“You were great up there.”

He pulled back to look at her. “I didn’t do anything.”

“It was great to have you up on stage with me. Did you like my plan?”

“What plan?”

“That was my promotion for the new album. Instead of doing talk shows and radio shows, I decided nothing could be better than performing one of the songs tonight and make the Grammys my platform to make the announcement.”

He was impressed with her brilliance. “That’s genius.”

“I know,” she beamed.

“Let’s go back to our seats. You have another award to win.”

“Even if I don’t win, I don’t care. This has been the best Grammys night ever.”

“I’ve never loved the Grammys more,” he agreed.

They returned to their seats just in time for the Album of the Year award, and Lucy was honored that she won. Tim reached for her to give her a hard earned victory kiss and hollered as she went to the stage. 

She gave her acceptance speech even though she was not even really sure what she was saying, because the pride on Tim’s face was so distracting. Lucy returned to her seat with a trophy in her hand and a grin on her face.

“I am so proud of you,” he said.

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without all the practice victory kisses.”

He snickered.

“We’re not going to any after parties, so let’s go home.”

“You normally go to after parties?”

“I do, but I’d rather be with you. I have to leave tomorrow.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“We’re not thinking about that right now. Right now, all we should be thinking about is some much needed snuggles. Come on.”

Tim followed her towards the exit while he replied, “But, wait, we’re gonna do more than snuggle, right? What about the private performance you promised me?”

She grinned. “Oh, thanks for the reminder. I can’t wait to give you a private concert tonight.”

He spent the entire drive home running his hands over her dress. “Are you going to wear this the next time we get married?”

“No, I want to get a new one for the ceremony to make it really special.”

“Whatever you want. I know you’ll look gorgeous no matter what.”

Lucy grinned.

Tim pulled her into his arms to carry her out of the car.

“Not this again,” she said in amusement.

“You’re wearing a wedding dress. It feels right.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“Let me be romantic.”

She rolled her eyes and held on tight as he took the stairs up to their bedroom with her gathered in his arms. “Wait, don’t put me on the bed. I need to get this dress off.”

He set her feet on the ground in their room and paused.

“The buttons are in the back,” Lucy said.

“No, I know…I…doesn’t this sorta feel like the wedding night we never had? You’re in this dress, and I’m in a nice suit.”

“I hadn’t thought about that. It sort of is, which makes it the perfect night for your concert.”

“Well in that case, I need to get that off of you.” He walked around to her back and made quick work of undoing the buttons.

“Sit down, babe. I have a new song to perform to you.”

He obeyed her by taking a seat at the edge of the bed. Lucy started to sing a light, breathy song as she pulled her dress down her chest, then her hips, and over her thighs until it dropped in a pool on the ground. It was like a dream how she sang for him in a vocally and physically stripped down performance. She lowered herself into his lap, and Tim was more than happy to keep listening while also brushing his lips over her warm skin and allowing his hands to wander.

“Are you paying attention to my song?”

“It’s beautiful, baby,” he husked into her chest.

“You haven’t even heard the chorus.”

His eyes scanned her bare body. “I’m loving this performance.”

“Tim,” she hissed in warning, since she could tell he was not really paying attention.

“Keep going,” he urged and found that when he sucked on just the right spot on her throat, he could feel the vibrations of her singing ring through him.

Lucy tried to continue her performance, but she started forgetting the lyrics  as his fingers moved more purposefully and his mouth turned unyielding where he was so obviously working on leaving marks. By the time she reached the end of the song, she was merely breathily humming, but Tim did not seem to mind. She pushed him backwards to press him into the mattress and climb on top of him.

“Best performance ever. You’ll never top this.”

“Don’t you know by now I’ll fight to stay on top?” She stared down at him with a devilish grin.

He switched their positions and scanned her ferociously. “Not tonight, Mrs. Bradford. This is what I want as part of my private concert.”

Lucy felt warm all over under his gaze. “Do you also want this private concert to include an encore?”

“Multiple encores,” he whispered then kissed her gently. “So many encores, please.”

Chapter Text

It was almost as if Lucy imagined Tim pressing a light kiss to her forehead and rumbled, “Good morning, gorgeous,” right into her ear. She thought it was a dream until he climbed on top of her and spoke again.

“You can drink your tea, but I don’t want you to get out of this bed.”

She felt his lips and early morning stubble drag down her neck until he dropped a kiss right over her heart, and she finally opened her eyes. “I love waking up like this.”

“I do, too.”

Lucy raked her nails through his hair to get him to look up at her instead of focusing on her chest. “I meant waking up with you. Get up here.” When he slid up her body, she cupped his cheeks and smiled. “Good morning, husband.” She brushed her lips against his and hummed in happiness.

“Don’t leave again. I can’t go another year without you.”

“It wasn’t a year. It was three weeks.”

“Too long,” he frowned.

“Yeah, I agree. I don’t like waking up without you. It throws off my whole day, because we’re not supposed to wake up alone.”

“No, we aren’t.”

“The room service and morning phone calls really have helped, though. You’re a very thoughtful husband.”

“I still want to find a way to tip the hotel staff to kiss you when they drop off your tea.”

“Don’t you dare. I only want you.”

“You got me, baby. Forever.”

“Emotionally forever, but physically, only a couple hours until I have to get on a jet.”

“I told Grey I’m not going to practice today, so any chance you can hold off on leaving for a little longer?”

“You can’t afford to miss a practice.”

“Sure I can, and don’t even try to argue with me about it, because I love how good we are at arguing, but I love doing other things with you more, and since you’re already naked, we can do some of those things right now.”

“Hang on, mister. Can you just hold me for a few minutes?”

Tim nodded and shifted around until he was laying on his back then pulled her head onto his chest. “We can stay like this all morning if you want…actually, no, I owe you a bath.”

“Since when?”

“Don’t you remember? I asked when you got nominated for your Grammys how you would want to celebrate when you win, and you said you’d want us to take a bath together. You won four Grammys, so you obviously earned your reward.”

“I almost forgot about that. Yesterday was a long day.”

“A great day,” he corrected as his fingers danced on the small of her back.

“Did you like my performance?”

“It was amazing. You looked even more beautiful in your wedding dress the second time.”

“No, I meant the other performance. The private one.” She quirked her eyebrow playfully.

“Oh, that one was my favorite.”

“I did tell you that you might not be able to clap for all of my performances if your hands are somewhere else, and I was right.”

“So right as always,” he agreed with a smirk then kissed the crown of her head. “I’ve missed hearing you sing all around the house.”

“I’ve missed singing for you everywhere. I remember when you used to stand outside of my room to listen to me sing in the shower.”

“How did you know about that?”

“Are you kidding? I would hear you hours later humming whatever song I had been singing in the shower and figured it out pretty quickly after that.”

“You never said anything.”

“It was adorable. If you wanted me to sing for you, you could’ve just asked.”

“From now on, I will, but I want you to rest your voice today. It sounded pretty scratchy when you got off the plane yesterday.”

“That’s because I was trying not to cry.”

“I don’t want you to cry.”

She swallowed the emotion starting to fill her throat. “I can’t help it. I missed you.”

“You don’t have to miss me now. You’re back even if it’s temporary.”

“Being back makes me never want to leave again. Since the second you showed up in my car, you gave me the best welcome home I’ve ever gotten. There’s a chapter in your book about how great husbands don't waste a minute of a reunion.”

“That was purely selfish. I needed to see you.”

“You know what I need right now?” 

“To drink your tea?”

“No, a shower,” she answered then shimmied off of him. Lucy went to her mug of tea on the nightstand, took a few sips then started walking over to their en suite bathroom. When she noticed that he was not following her, she looked back at him in bed and said, “This is the part where you get up and join me.”

He had been busy taking her in with the golden morning sun illuminating her while contemplating how to spend the rest of their time together in the hopes that she would be willing to keep her clothes off. Tim had not at all expected the invitation. “Really? You-you want me to come with? Into the shower?”

“Are you surprised?”

“W-well, a little.”

“Tim, we have shower sex all the time.”

“Right, I know…I…” he got out of bed and took large steps to stand right in front of her as quickly as possible. “I’m surprised I got so lucky.”

“I get that feeling in waves, too. Sometimes, I look at you, and I think it’s all a dream, because there’s no other way to explain how I got you.”

“You’re not dreaming right now,” he confirmed and cradled her face for good measure.

“Wanna really wake me up to just be sure?”

“It’s what great husbands do.” He scooped her up into his arms for the short walk into the bathroom as she laughed.

“My hockey husband needs to calm down with the macho stunts like this.”

“This isn’t a macho stunt. Frankly, this is for efficiency’s sake.” Tim set her down on the floor right outside of the shower before turning on the water. As they waited for it to warm up, he looked down at her and noted, “I almost forgot how short you are. I need extra sessions with my chiropractor after spending so much time bending over to talk to you.”

“Don’t bend over to talk to me when there are far more fun activities we could be doing in that position, Mr. Bradford.”

“You have a dirty mind, Mrs. Bradford.”

“Are you complaining?”

“No, I like putting it to good use.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

“Tim!” She squealed when he placed her down on the kitchen counter then kept his arms around her and moved to stand between her legs with a hungry mouth and hungrier hands already looking to peel off the t shirt she had only put on mere minutes before. “We came down here to get some water.”

“I thought you suggested it for a change of scenery.”

“Someone’s thirsty this morning.”

“Can you blame me? I got you back.”

“As much as I want to keep doing this, I have to talk to you about your sister.”

“Don’t bring up my sister when I’m trying to hook up with you on the kitchen counter.”

“Let me make you your smoothie while we talk.”

He groaned as she hopped down onto the floor. As she busied herself with gathering the blender and all of the ingredients to make his smoothie, Tim kept an arm looped around her midsection to keep her close.

“Okay, so, about Genny…we have to tell her everything before the wedding.”

“Why?”

“She’s your sister. She deserves to know the truth.”

“Or, we tell her what we’re telling everyone else- that we got married privately and want to have a bigger party to celebrate our marriage with our friends and family.”

“This is about that bet, isn’t it? She knew we would end up together, and you don’t want her to be right.”

“She’s gonna be so smug about it.”

“Looks like that’s a Bradford trait. I hope our kids don’t inherit it.”

“They’re going to inherit some of my good traits, though, right?”

“Yeah, like your jawline and your work ethic.”

“What about my hockey skills?”

“Only if our kids want to be hockey players.”

“If? Of course they’ll be hockey players. All genders can play hockey.”

“What if our kids want to be something else?”

“They can be anything they want except basketball players, and since you’re so short, that might not even be an option for them.”

“If our kids want to be basketball players, we have to support that.”

“Fine, but I won’t not be happy about it,” he pouted.

“You’re unbelievable. Okay, so we agreed we’re telling Genny the truth.” 

“I never said that,” he replied, but based on the look in her eye, he conceded, “Fine, we can tell her the truth, but if I have to honor the bet and coach my nephew’s team, you’re helping me out.”

“Sorry, but we can’t coach your nephew’s team, because you and I are going on tour off season, remember?” She wondered as she put the last ingredients in the blender and turned it on.

“We are?”

“Tamara already made the entire preliminary plan for a shortened tour, so we still have time to go on our honeymoon before we start, and then we’ll finish in time for you to be back for your practice of the next season. Nothing is set in stone yet until we discuss it as a family, though.”

“I don’t care where we go or how long we’re gone. As long as we’re together, I’m good.”

“Now that’s the spirit of a groupie.”

“That’s me: part time trophy husband and part time groupie.”

“Are you sure it doesn’t bother you?”

“Of course it doesn’t.” Tim spun her around by his hold on her waist to make eye contact with her. “Hey, I’ll say it a million times- I love supporting you. Screw anyone who doesn’t feel that way. I want to pummel all of your exes.”

“Don’t pummel anyone for me unless it’s the difference between winning or losing the Stanley Cup.”

“You got it.”

“Speaking of getting violent, you can’t get angry at the paparazzi. They’re about to be merciless for the rest of the week after what I did at the Grammys and the album dropping this Friday.”

“There’s always paparazzi.”

“No, babe, you’ve never experienced a media storm like this, hell I haven’t experienced a media storm like what we’re about to face, but I know we can handle it.”

“Why would this be such a big media storm?”

“Because, I did something I’ve never done before- I named who my songs are about. I admitted that this album is for you.”

“It is sorta obvious. Who else would you write love songs about other than your husband?”

“Sometimes, I release old songs on new albums. I’ve done it before, but never again. All my music from now on is about you. My fans deserve to know that.”

“You can change your mind and put out old songs again. I won’t mind.”

“Not an option. I only want to create nineteen song albums that are all about you forever and ever. I’ve got nine done for the next one already.”

“Since when? Last time we talked, you had eight songs.”

“I woke up in the middle of the night last night and wrote another one.”

“When exactly was that? We were still up when the sun started coming up.”

“Okay, so maybe it was 4AM, and I wrote it in like thirty minutes, and then crawled back into bed.”

“You left me?” He asked, offended.

“For thirty minutes, and you didn’t even notice. You wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t told you.”

“Have you done it before? Leave our bed to write a song?”

“A couple times.”

Tim combed through her messy hair as he suggested, “How about you leave a guitar and a notebook in our bedroom? That way, you wouldn’t have to go down to the studio to work on a song.”

“I could wake you up.”

“Wouldn’t bother me. I already told you I love hearing you sing. Besides, I already picked out which guitar I want you to put in here. The new one you played at the Grammys last night.”

“My Kings guitar? You like it?”

“Love it.”

“It’s my gift to myself for away games. I figure I should still show team spirit when I’m traveling with you for games while also writing new songs.”

“You bought a guitar that’s just to take with you for away games?”

She threw her arms around his neck and stood up tall. “I did. I don’t know if you know this, but away games are pretty special. Anything can happen, including inspiration for new music.”

“I thought away games were for locking ourselves in a hotel room and…”

“Yes, and since you’re my muse, that usually means I think of a song while we’re in that hotel room. I’ve done it before and forgotten what popped into my head, because I didn’t have a guitar with me, which means the away game guitar is a necessity, but I can have a duplicate made for our bedroom as long as you really are okay with being woken up at all hours to hear me mess around with a new melody.”

“Works for me.”

Lucy emptied the contents of the blender into two glasses and offered one to Tim.

“Thank you. A smoothie was the right call. We both need to fuel up before we go back upstairs.”

“You are insatiable.”

“Can you blame me? I didn’t see you for a year. We’ve got a lot of time to make up for.”

“It was three weeks,” she insisted, but she had to admit, “It did feel like a year, though. Alright, I’ve covered all of the conversations I wanted to have with you while I was home, and now we can go back to making up for lost time, but smoothies first. You need to keep your protein intake up.”

“Do you ever stop trying to take care of me?”

“Never. Even when you’re sleeping, I’m taking care of you. When I got back in bed last night…well, this morning, I kissed you until you smiled in your sleep. It was so cute.”

He grinned. “Best wife ever.”

“Drink your smoothie as a favor to the best wife ever.”

“Yes, Mrs. Bradford,” he said obediently.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

After delaying the inevitable for long enough, both Tim and Lucy knew she had to leave their house for the private airstrip where her jet was fueled up and waiting for her. 

“I want you to know I really don’t want to go,” she stated.

“Well, I don’t want you to go either. If there weren’t millions of fans ready to fill those arenas all week, I would suggest you cancel your trip,” he replied.

“For you I would.”

“I know, baby, but I’m not asking you to. We can last a week.”

“One week. Seven days, and then I’m back.”

“Not a minute more.”

“Not a minute more,” she agreed then launched into his arms. “I miss you already, which doesn’t seem possible, but it is.”

He shut his eyes and allowed himself to get carried away by the wave of peace her arms always provided. Even if he could only hold Lucy for one more minute, Tim wanted to savor each precious moment. “I miss you when you’re in the other room, so I get it,” he whispered.

Lucy stepped back but still held his hands. “The car’s waiting for me outside.”

“I’m coming with. I’m not letting you out of my sight until your jet flies away.”

“You don’t have to. You can still make part of practice.”

“And missing seeing my wife off? Not a chance. We go together.”

“Grab your bag for practice. Stop by the arena afterwards to check in with your team. It’s a good distraction, and you need to stay on your game. Hockey season is coming to an end fast.”

He silently acquiesced by taking his gym bag in one hand and hers in the other. Their driveway had more than one car waiting for them to his surprise.

“Extra security because of the paparazzi. Don’t worry. You’ll barely notice they’re here,” she explained without him even having to ask.

“Is this really necessary?” He questioned.

“Rainstorms need umbrellas, and media storms need more bodyguards.”

“You know I can protect myself.”

“Can you do me a favor and not fight me on this?”

He rolled his eyes but no longer objected. Instead, Tim loaded everything into the car, and for fun, he also lifted Lucy up to deposit her in the car seat then stretched out on top of her.

Sprawled out on the back seat with her husband hovering above her, she smiled widely. “I’ve officially gotten used to this.”

“About time.”

“While we’re here, wanna work on giving me a hickey to remember you by?”

“Is there any place in particular? Somewhere no one can see?”

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not self conscious about my hickeys anymore. No more turtle necks to hide them.”

He reached for the button on her jeans and popped it open. “I hope no one sees this one,” he rasped then tugged her pants down her thighs as he heard her breathing hitch.

She let him kiss her everywhere and any way he wanted, leaving a trail of his love marked into her skin. While others had yoga or meditation, Lucy had Tim to get lost in. He helped her shut her brain off, so all that existed was them together somewhere beyond time and space in their own universe of bliss she always wanted to visit. When their driver announced that they had reached their final destination, she blew out a frustrated breath that her perfect moment with her husband was being interrupted. “I’m not saying goodbye again. This isn’t goodbye.”

“No goodbyes,” he responded then pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. Tim sat up and helped her put her pants on before reaching for the door handle.

“Oh,” Lucy gasped; when the rest of the world came back into focus, she saw the circus of camera toting people clinging to the gates on the edge of the airstrip angling for a picture of her with her husband before boarding her jet. “Crap. We’ve got a lot of eyes on us.”

“You look gorgeous. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “We don’t have to do anything special for the cameras.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to kiss you for the paparazzi?”

“You better kiss me but not for everyone else. For me.”

“I can do that. Are you ready?”

“When you’re with me, I’m ready for anything.” She interlaced their fingers and nodded her head to signal that it was time to step out of the car. There were voices yelling at her and the incessant sound of cameras flashing, but all of it faded away when Tim wrapped his arm around her and tucked her into his side. Once they reached the stairs leading to the door of the jet, Lucy squeezed him where she was gripping his stomach tightly. “I hate this,” she mumbled.

“Don’t think about us being away from each other. Think about when you’ll be back.”

“Yes, when I’m back, you and I will start planning our wedding reception, and I’ll be a full time hockey wife at all of your games.”

“Can’t wait,” he smiled.

She bracketed his face with her hands and lowly said, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Tim replied and leaned down to capture her lips like it would be the last time, because it was…for a painfully long week.

Lucy ran her hands up and down his chest. “It’s gonna be okay, it has to be.”

He intended to peck her forehead, but his mouth lingered. “Safe flight.”

“I’ll call you when I land.” She took in one last eyeful of him, gave him one final kiss, and then boarded her jet with tears in her eyes.

Tim waited for takeoff before he went back into the private car and took it to the L.A. Kings’ practice facility as his wife instructed. He changed and went onto the ice just in time for the scrimmage game to start.

“Woah, boys, there’s a celebrity among us,” Jackson announced to the team when he saw Tim.

“A double threat. Our guy can play hockey and stand on stage while his wife sings,” Aaron joked.

“He can’t play hockey that well, so I guess his only skill is sitting looking pretty while his wife does all the hard work,” John chided.

“I hope that’s not how it is at home,” Jackson added on.

“Okay, make fun all you want. I don’t care,” Tim regarded his teammates.

“Go easy on him,” Grey ordered. “We’re about to play a scrimmage game. Care to join us, Bradford?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied. Lucy was correct; going to practice helped him miss her less for a couple of hours, but then he returned to an empty house without her singing echoing through the halls, or her smile lighting up the place, or her body warming up his bed, and he missed her fiercely all over again. At least during the wee hours when she called, he felt better. “Hi, wife,” Tim answered the phone sleepily.

“Hi, husband,” she grinned. “I landed in Berlin. How was practice?”

“Fine. The guys made some jokes about the Grammys, but I didn’t care.”

“What kind of jokes?”

“It doesn’t matter. They’re all just jealous of how much you love me.”

“True. They wish they could be us. It’ll get worse on Friday when there’s a whole album of love songs.”

“Bring it. I’m looking forward to listening to the album on my phone instead of that MP3 player.”

“You’ll have to pay for it like everyone else.”

“Money well spent.”

Lucy giggled. “Okay, babe, you should try to get some sleep, and I need to do a few vocal exercises. Mind staying on the phone for a few more minutes and listen to me sing?”

“You don’t have to act like you’re not doing me a favor.”

“Be quiet and let me serenade you to sleep.”

Tim rolled over to her side of the bed and shut his eyes as he listened to her full, lovely voice float through the phone as he drifted off.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The hands of the clock were moving closer to midnight in Los Angeles, so Tim eagerly dialed his wife.

“Hey, husband,” she greeted him then yawned. “It’s not 11 yet. You’re not supposed to call before then.”

“I think this is a special case. Your album is about to drop any minute.”

“Why are you so excited? You’ve already listened to it a bunch of times.”

“Guess I thought it was a big deal.”

“Usually, it is, but since I’m traveling, and we’re not together right now, it doesn’t feel special.”

“Are you saying that you wish I was in Milan with you? Wait, you’re in Milan now, right?”

“Yeah, I am, which means I’m thousands of miles away from you,” she whined. “I do wish you were here,” she answered his first question. Then, Lucy heard the knock on her door. “Hold on a sec. Your tea just arrived.” She left her phone on the mattress then went to collect her room service.

But, a hotel staff member was not the one pushing the cart with her teapot and mug.

It was Tim with a sly, slightly tired smile.

“Did somebody order a cup of green tea and a husband?” He asked coyly.

“W-what are you doing here?”

“I came to celebrate your album.”

“Let’s be real. It’s OUR album. It’s just as much yours as it is mine.”

He stepped around the room service cart as his gaze dropped to her mouth. “Are your lips just as much yours as they are mine? ‘Cause if that’s the case, I’d like to kiss them.” 

She brought his hips flush against hers before replying, “Sharing is caring.”

Tim snaked his arms around her waist and claimed her mouth.

Even though her security was telling her to take their reunion inside, Lucy was unable to move out of fear that his presence was a figment of her imagination.

“Baby, we really should go inside,” he said and backed her into her hotel suite. He glanced around until he found the open door to her bedroom and lead her until they were sitting at the edge of the mattress where he could take his time to really study her face.

She ran her hands over everywhere on his body she could reach for further confirmation he was really with her. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been forever since we’ve been in the same place,” she sighed.

“It’s been five days,” Tim corrected her, but it did not feel like an over exaggeration to say, “It has been forever, which is why I’m staying through the weekend.”

“You can’t.”

“My next game isn’t until Wednesday. I talked to Coach, and he understands. He says family comes first, so I’m missing some practices to stay here.”

“Tim…”

“Coach did make me promise I’d keep up with my cardio while I’m traveling, though. I said that wouldn’t be a problem with you around.”

She shook her head. “This is a crucial part of the season. You shouldn’t be skipping practices.”

“It’s worth it.”

“Are you telling me that the man that couldn’t find time to even call a girl up just flew halfway around the world to be with me instead of prioritizing hockey?”

“That’s right.”

“When I don’t think I could possibly love you more, you prove me wrong,” she said then melted into him for a much needed hug.

He peppered her head with kisses as he squeezed her tight. “I missed you,” he whispered into her hair at such a low volume, he though she had not heard his admission, but when she slightly nodded in response, Tim was not only glad that she had heard him but also that she shared the sentiment. He eventually pulled back only enough to find her eyes again. “Okay, so how do you normally celebrate an album release?”

“Usually, I get in bed alone and listen to the whole thing while I reminisce about the good and bad times that inspired the songs.”

“Mind if I join in on the tradition?”

“That would be…perfect,” Lucy smiled. She hauled him up the bed with her then dragged the covers over them. They faced each other, their knees bracketing each others and their chests meeting with every inhale. “Thank you for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

“Do you think this is lame? Some people throw parties when they release albums.”

“Why don’t you?”

“I did once, but everyone kept asking who all the songs were about, and I never wanted to shame anyone. The only way to keep my exes’ privacy was to avoid the whole party thing.”

“Everyone knows who this album is about.”

“Are you suggesting we have a party?”

“It’s a little too late for that now, but maybe we have a party for the next one.”

“But then we can’t lay in bed and listen to the album together.”

“We can do that any time.”

“True.”

He checked his watch then returned his hand to her hip. “It’s past midnight in L.A., which means, your new album is out. Congratulations.” Tim gave her a sloppy congratulatory kiss because of their grins.

“Let’s listen to it, and I can tell you the story behind all of them.”

“Yeah, I have been curious about when you came up with certain ones. If there are that many that you were inspired to write in the middle of the night, then I’m definitely paying for you to get a guitar that stays in our bedroom.”

“I already called the guy that designs my guitars. He’s making me another Kings one for our room. I’ll remind you of this when you kick me out of bed for writing a song in the middle of the night.”

“Not gonna happen.”

Lucy really did believe him, and that only made her feel even lighter in his presence; he loved and embraced everything about her even 2AM musings when toying with a new chorus. “Before I come up with a new song, I think I should press play on our first album.” Since Tim did not ease his hold on her, it was quite a stretch to reach for her phone, but she was glad he never wanted to let her go. With a deep breath, nervous about how she bared her soul in her new music, she started listening to the first song.

Though the songs had become familiar to him, hearing as she toured through their history via each song and what special moment had inspired it, Tim was even more emotional about the multiple hour love letter from his wife that started with their initial sparks, then her crush, and without warning, plunged into a deep love neither could have predicted.

She saw the blue hue of his eyes darken, so she paused the music and quietly asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Don’t stop now there’s only one song left,” he replied and resumed the music.

“Why do you look upset?”

“I’m not upset. I’m confused. I still don’t know how this happened. How did this go from a professional arrangement to a marriage?”

“Sometimes, I think it happened like a lightning strike- one minute you’re this person I’m supposed to play house with, and the next you’re my husband. But, other times, I think about when you smile because you’re surprised that I remembered something about you or you ask for cuddles, and it feels like it was so slow we didn’t even notice. That’s why we can’t pick an anniversary from our past.”

“I do like going slow.” He rucked up her shirt to splay his fingers over her warm stomach.

“No, I have to go to soundcheck,” she giggled.

“Even better. I love soundcheck.”

“I was thinking about playing a song from our album for my encore tonight. Since you’re here, would you like to be on stage while I perform it?”

“The guys will have another field day and give me even more crap when I get back.”

“So, is that a ‘no’?”

“I really don’t care what they think. Sing to me on stage or wait until we’re alone. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Lucy had not expected his blasé attitude, but she knew better than to question it; he was not one of her exes that was ashamed of her or wanted to at least publicly distance themselves from her. “You pick whatever song you want me to play for you, and we’ll try it out at soundcheck.”

“Which one gets me laid afterwards?”

“Tim!” She feigned shock. He merely shrugged at her in response, so she chortled and admitted, “All of them.”

“All of them? Really?” He hit replay so her album would restart then tugged at her pajama pants. “Nineteen songs means nineteen times.”

“You’re good, but not that good. We’ll have to space it out, and nothing is happening right now. I have to get dressed, and we have to go to soundcheck.”

He groaned unhappily. “What about my cardio?”

“I promise we’ll make time for cardio. Your athletic performance is a top priority.”

“My athletic performance might be slipping, so extra cardio might be required.”

“How could your performance slip in five days since the last time we were together?”

“They were a long five days.”

“God, I missed you so much. There’s no way that was only five days.”

“With the time difference, it was closer to six.”

“That explains it,” she nodded and began to shift out of bed, but he pulled her back against him. “I see I’m dealing with clingy Tim. We can snuggle in the car. Let me get dressed.”

“How am I supposed to react when you say you’re going to put more clothes on? I just unbuttoned your shirt.”

Lucy looked down and laughed, because she had not even noticed when he opened her pajama shirt. “Clingy AND thirsty Tim. An irresistible combination.”

“Then stop resisting, Mrs. Bradford,” he whispered against her lips.

“I surrender,” she murmured and dove in for a kiss. She ignored the rapping at the door in favor of searching for more of her husband’s skin.

Since Tamara was being ignored as suspected, she entered the suite using her own key card and started calling for them from the foyer with a hand over her eyes. “I knew this would happen when Tim said he was coming, which is why I came by prepared to drag you out of bed.”

Lucy pulled the covers over them tighter and blushed.

“Can you give us ten more minutes?” Tim requested.

“Fifteen minutes,” Lucy countered.

“No can do. Every paparazzo in the country is outside of your hotel. Police are here to help with your escort to soundcheck. This media storm is no joke,” Tamara replied.

“Really?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, it was hell even at the side entrance to come up here,” Tim corroborated.

“Why didn’t you say anything when you got here?” Lucy wondered.

“I didn’t know you two talked when you got into hotel rooms. I thought you just hooked up nonstop. Do you have any idea how many noise complaints you’ve gotten?” Tamara inquired rhetorically. “Whatever. I’m gonna wait outside. Hurry up.” She walked away from their bedroom and went over to the suite’s kitchenette for a glass of water.

“Tim, you should’ve told me that it was so bad out there,” Lucy said.

“You were gonna find out eventually. I didn’t want you to panic, and besides, I didn’t want some cameras to get in the way of my romantic gesture,” Tim responded.

“Nothing could get in the way of this very romantic gesture. It means so much to me that you flew all the way here.”

“Happy to do it.”

“I wish I could show you my appreciation right now, but later, okay?” Lucy successfully got out of bed, but his frown made her reconsider jumping back in. “Snuggles in the car. I promise,” she added to ease the deep lines on his face.

He knew what to expect when they left the hotel suite, and yet, it was overwhelming all over again to have so many people crowding and clamoring for their attention. This time, he had her arms wound around him to slightly soothe him until someone got a little too close, so Tim picked Lucy up, and she reflexively wrapped her legs around his waist. “Forget this,” he grumbled and darted to the car door to get her in safely with his body thrown over the opening as if to protect her. Tim felt her hand on his heart that turned into a fist in his shirt, and he was yanked into the backseat with her.

“Are you okay?” Lucy wondered once the car door was shut.

“I’m fine. Are you?”

Tamara climbed into the front passenger seat and chimed in, “I’m okay if anyone cares. Listen, this media storm isn’t gonna let up for the next few days, and with Tim here, that only makes it worse.”

He puffed out his chest and sneered, “I’m not leaving Lucy. It’s probably better that I’m here to protect her. If anyone tries anything, I’ll knock their ass to the ground.”

“I had no idea there were so many perks to having a hockey husband,” Lucy mused before moving to sit in his lap. “I feel so much safer with you around.”

“We have to talk about what to do about all of this attention,” Tamara insisted. “There are tons of wild rumors circling around, and some of them are true, but no one can know that.”

“Like what?” Lucy asked.

“Some fans hear how different this album sounds than your others, and they don’t think you’ve ever written songs for Tim before, which means they’re speculating that you two haven’t been together that long, which is true,” Tamara explained. “But, no one can find that out, or they’ll figure out how this marriage thing started.”

“What does it matter now?” Tim questioned.

“My fans would know I lied to them. That would be a major betrayal. No one can know, okay?” Lucy’s severe eyes and firm voice made her position clear.

“So, what do we do?” Tim asked.

“Nothing. We’re not going to say a word. No responding to any rumors. Let’s just try our best to ignore it all,” she suggested.

“I think that’s the best plan, honestly. It means you two have to stay in hiding as much as possible, which probably won’t be an issue, since you don’t go outside together really at all,” Tamara only then realized how they avoided any public outings.

“That’s going to change when you’re back. I’m taking you on a date, remember?” Tim smirked at Lucy.

“A date? Don’t you think you’re a little beyond that? You live together, you’re married, and we know that marriage has been consummated more times than I want to know about,” Tamara grimaced.

“We’re doing things out of order, but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Lucy said with adoration. She played with his fingers resting on her thigh and assured him, “I don’t care what anyone says. To hell with rumors and media storms. I just want you.”

Tim brushed his lips on her temple. “I don’t care either. The only people that need to know the truth is you and me.”

“And Tamara, and Wes, and Angela, and Genny,” she listed.

“Yes, we’ll tell Genny when we’re back home, but really, I don’t pay attention to tabloids anyways. Let them say what they want.”

She brought his hand up to her mouth to kiss it. “Even if we came clean, no one would believe our story anyways, so it’s probably better we don’t comment.”

“Right,” he chuckled. “Plus, staying in hiding for the next few days doesn’t sound so bad. Guess we can’t leave the hotel.”

“What are we gonna do with all that time alone in a suite with three bedrooms?” She asked with a suggestive lilt.

“Try them all out to see which one we like better,” Tim came up with a plan easily.

“For once, I actually have a room with multiple beds. Remember when we kept being forced to share a bed?”

“I hope you’re not trying to get me to sleep in a separate room now.”

“Never again,” Lucy promised then caressed his lips to make sure he knew she meant it.

Chapter Text

As Lucy began packing, Tim came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her to stop her. “I’ll throw everything in your suitcase at the last possible minute,” he promised low in her ear.

“We have to leave soon,” she said.

“You were the one that told me jets could wait for us.”

“Last night, you said you were looking forward to being home.”

He clarified, “I said I was looking forward to taking a shower with you at home. Why are Italian showers so small?” Her giggle in response vibrated through both of them.

“You’ve been insatiable lately.” She was not at all complaining, but she felt it necessary to point that out.

“I’m following the plan. We said we had to lay low until this media storm blows over, and it hasn’t,” he replied as he nuzzled her neck. “The paparazzi were a little aggressive last night when we were leaving the stadium.”

She shut her eyes and leaned her back more heavily against his front. “I wasn’t scared. I had my big, strong hockey husband protecting me.”

“Your husband doesn’t think we’ve really accomplished the goal we set for our time in this hotel room.”

“What goal?”

“To find out which bed we like better. I say we try them all again before we check out.”

“Like I said. Insatiable. What has gotten into you?” Lucy turned around in his arms to look at him.

“Nothing.”

“It’s something,” she could sense. “You like that I released the album, don’t you?” She presumed.

“Angela texted and said it’s gotten a lot of positive reviews,” he responded sheepishly.

“Our album has been a smashing success,” she agreed as she ruffled his messy hair. “How long can I expect you to be this happy about the release?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never had anyone write nineteen songs for me,” he explained with a grin then bent down to cover her mouth with his.

“Way more than nineteen now. I’ve written a few over the weekend.”

“A guitar in the bedroom really helped. I loved being part of the creative process.”

“You were not very helpful. I can’t sing when you’re kissing me.”

“I didn’t hear you complaining,” he said smugly as he hiked up his t shirt that was hanging off her frame. His fingers skimmed up her thighs then her sides. “Would you complain right now, Mrs. Bradford?”

“Depends, Mr. Bradford. What do you wanna do right now?” She asked coyly.

“Pick a bed in this suite, and you’ll see,” Tim murmured against her lips.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“The couches are old and squeaky.”

“I’m thinking about our flight,” she studied his expression, but he did not  understand her meaning. “On our jet.” Still nothing. “Alone.”

His mouth formed an “o” in understanding. “Right. The jet. It’s on our list.”

“I promised you one time we wouldn’t have anyone on the flight with us, so no one could interrupt us.”

“Can’t believe my teammates actually have to use the bathroom when I’m in there with you,” Tim grumbled.

“Your teammates can’t control their bladders.”

“Only you could make bladders sound sexy.”

“Anything I say will sound sexy to you while you’re in this mood.”

“That’s true.” He grabbed her legs and lifted her up. “Pick a bed, or I will.” He started walking her out of the primary bedroom into the corridor where the doors to the other two bedrooms were.

“So what I said about the jet…”

“Baby, I promise you, I’ll want you in the airplane bathroom and this hotel room. Are you doubting my stamina now?”

“Guess not. Stamina is another great perk of having a hockey husband,” she smirked. Lucy let him set her on the firmer mattress in the second bedroom, forgetting all about her previous plans to pack.

“Text the pilot that we’ll be late getting on the jet. I’m about to make you my Hickey Wife again.”

“In a spot people can see?”

“We’ve got a lot of cameras on us during this media storm. When the hickeys show up in pictures, everyone will know you’re mine.”

“Trust me, no one has any doubt about that.”

He gently licked on a spot high on her neck to silently tell her exactly where he was about to suck and nip until he left a mark. 

She purred in response, looking forward to the pleasure pain. “I love being yours,” she sighed.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

When they eventually boarded Lucy’s jet with more marks than the paparazzi could capture from their spot on the other side of the fence keeping them out of the airfield, Tim surveyed the completely empty plane and picked a chair at random.

Lucy was not at all surprised that he pulled her into his lap, but she felt it was worth noting, “No one is flying with us today. I can sit in my own seat.”

“This is our thing.”

“It is,” she agreed with a smile and curved into him more snugly.

“Why isn’t Tamara coming with us?”

“She wanted to stay and sightsee. She’s been planning it for months.”

“Alone?”

“Originally, I was going to go with her, but the logistics of traveling with me and my security wasn’t what she wanted.”

“I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “It all worked out. I couldn’t have gone one more week without you. I already missed you too much. And since you surprised me, I get to go home with my husband and watch him score goals for me.”

“Do you want to be part of my next postgame interview with me? I’m sure there will be plenty of questions about you and our album during this media storm.”

“We have to be careful about what we say.”

“I’ve got it all figured out. I’m gonna say I have the best wife in the world. I love every single song on her album about me.”

“They could ask questions about our history. What are you gonna say then?”

“Leave that to me,” Tim replied as his thumb traced the purple mark on her neck.

“Don’t say anything that will piss Tamara off,” she warned.

“Relax, baby. Trust me.”

She caressed his cheek. “I do. Now, can we take a nap?”

“You said we would visit the airplane bathroom.”

“We will. It’s an eleven hour flight. There’s time for both, but I’m exhausted. I’ve hardly slept since you showed up in Milan.” Lucy closed her eyes as he kissed her collarbone. “Insatiable,” she sighed. “You’re insatiable.” She felt him hum into her skin as he started pawing at her shirt. “Sleep is overrated anyways.” His mouth’s movements grew harsher. “Yeah, I’m never sleeping again,” she said with a smile.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The paparazzi were relentless when they deplaned. Tim held Lucy close for the walk from the jet to the car, and then for the entire drive for good measure.

“Sorry about the media storm,” she said sadly where she buried her face in his neck.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” he responded as he rubbed her back. He checked their surroundings. “We’re home.”

“I don’t want to see another camera again.”

“Do you want to skip the game tonight? There will be a ton of cameras there.”

“No, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Can you carry me into the house?” She wanted the safety of him to feel protected from the media.

“After all the times you’ve complained about me carrying you around, and now you want me to?”

“Please? What other reason do you have all these muscles for?”

He banded an arm behind her back and another under her legs to lift her out of the car and take her into the house, ignoring all of the paparazzi. Tim deposited her on the couch in her recording studio and said, “Okay, I have to go to practice. I’m sure you have plenty of songs to record. Goodbye wi-”

“Wait,” she circled her fingers around his wrist. “I know you’re not going to leave without kissing me goodbye.”

“You didn’t get enough of me on the flight?” He asked with a smirk.

“Enough? You’re my husband. I can never get enough of you.” Lucy tugged his arm to bring his face down to meet hers for a soft kiss. “Goodbye, husband.”

“Goodbye, wife.” Tim left the recording studio and their house too happy to even notice the cameras in his face. He drove to practice still on the high of long days with Lucy, so nothing could bring his mood down. Even when he entered the locker room of the L.A. Kings practice facility to a chorus of his teammates’ laughter.

“Well, well, well,” Jackson said with a grin. “Gentlemen, the man behind the album actually graced us with his presence at practice after taking personal time with his family.”

“Personal time with my family usually means driving my mom to a doctor’s appointment not jet setting to Italy,” Wes scoffed. The headlines about Tim and Lucy being together for the last few performances of the European leg of her tour were unavoidable; he read about their whereabouts as did millions if not billions of others.

“My wife and I spent a month apart. She missed me,” Tim justified.

“She MISSED you?” John mocked. “You used to be the most dedicated member of this team for years, and you didn’t come to multiple practices because your wife missed you?”

“Yes, because I would do anything to make Lucy happy. Is that a problem?” Tim asked with his arms crossed. The locker room went quiet in response. “Let’s suit up and hit the ice.” Everyone changed into their practice gear and skated onto the rink per his command. The speakers started blaring Lucy’s “Safe With You” album, and Tim only rolled his eyes while everyone made their best jabs about him being the subject of the music. “Make fun all you want, boys. My wife loves me so much she wrote an hour’s worth of songs all about me. How many of you can say that?” Again, there was only silence in return. “That’s what I thought. Can we work now?”

Grey was thoroughly impressed with how Tim handled the childish nature of his teammates and the puck. Time away proved to rejuvenate his performance, which had been lacking in Lucy’s absence. No one said anything to Tim even if they made the connection between his lackluster playing and his wife’s tour taking her across the world. Grey went over to Tim’s cubby after practice as he was changing to commend him, “You did a nice job out there today.”

“Thank you, sir, and thank you for letting me take a few days off.”

“It was clear you needed the time with your wife. I’m glad she’s home.”

“Not for long. She flies out at the end of the week for the last leg of her tour in Canada.”

“She’s leaving again?” Grey asked, already preparing himself for Tim’s subpar playing as a result of her departure.

“It’s only for two weeks. We can handle it, and then she’ll be home through the postseason. We won’t be going on tour again until after we get married, I mean, not married…” Tim stopped talking before he said anything else. Grey raised an eyebrow in question. Tim took it as an opportunity to stand up and speak to the entire locker room, “Hey, guys, save the date. Lucy and I are renewing our vows and having a wedding reception on June 19th, and you’re all invited. We’ll send out invitations when we get them done.”

“A vow renewal? You haven’t even been married for six months, and you’re already renewing your vows? Most couples wait a few years,” James pointed out amusingly.

“Lucy and I had a very small, intimate wedding, but we want to celebrate our marriage with all of our friends and family, which includes all of you, knuckle heads,” Tim explained.

Wes, who knew the truth, thought the lie was pretty well constructed, so obviously Tamara and Lucy composed the story.

“You two are so cute,” Aaron swooned.

“It wasn’t enough you married her once. You have to marry her again?” Jackson snickered.

“My wife deserves to have a huge, public affair, so everyone knows that we love each other,” Tim said. Emmett wanted the small private wedding, but he knew Lucy would prefer to have a partner that would not hide their love for her, and he never intended to do so.

“Her nickname in the tabloids is ‘Hickey Wife’,” Wes noted with a smirk and pointed to a spot on Tim’s bare chest where there was a cluster of red marks Lucy must have left. “The whole world knows you two love each other.”

Tim just grinned at the hickeys before putting a shirt on. “A wedding, I mean, vow renewal should set the record straight, though.”

Wes followed Tim out of the locker room. Once they were at a safe distance, he asked in a hushed tone, “So, you’re making it official?”

“It was already official,” Tim replied.

“The media posts lies all the time.”

“Lucy and I don’t care about the media. They’ve been circling us like vultures ever since the album came out, but it doesn’t matter. Our marriage has been official to us for a while, but we don’t have an anniversary yet, so this whole wedding ceremony will clear that up.”

“Not to mention the whole legality of it all. It’s about time a real document said you’re married.”

“Don’t sweat stuff like that. No one knows or cares that we don’t have an official marriage license, and if anyone starts sniffing around, we’ll have one on June 19th.”

“June will be here before you know it. How’s the planning going?”

“We’re not worrying about making any plans aside from the date until after the tour is over. Lucy is dealing with enough right now. Plus, she’s almost halfway through writing her next album.”

“Next album? Already? There’s usually at least two years between her album releases.”

“That’s because all of her exes weren’t inspiring enough. I’m a good muse. She told me so herself,” Tim bragged.

“Wow, the guy who didn’t know a single Lucy Chen song a year ago is the reason why at least an album and a half of new songs exist.”

“I knew her songs,” Tim insisted. Wes flashed him a look of disbelief. “I could recognize the chorus of a couple of them that played on the radio,” he corrected himself. “But don’t worry, I’ve learned the lyrics to every single song she’s ever written now including the dirty one she wrote just for me that I won’t let her put on an album.”

“Angela is gonna have a field day when I tell her that,” Wes chortled.

“You two really get a kick out of all of this, don’t you?”

“We’ve been saying I’ll officiate the actual wedding since pretty much the beginning of this whole fake marriage plan.”

“I hope you’re ready for June 19th. I’ll tell Lucy to cross ‘officiant’ off of the list of things we need.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already got my speech ready.”

“Oh, now I’m worried.”

“I promise I won’t spill your secret or anything like that,” Wes guaranteed.

“You better not. With all these extra eyes on us, we’ve gotta be careful, so we’re not commenting to the press or anything. Saying nothing is the only way we can make sure no one finds out.”

“Do you want me to give the postgame interview tomorrow night?”

“No, I’m handling it.”

“I hope you mean Lucy’s handling it. She’s far better at this kind of stuff than you are.”

Tim narrowed his eyes at Wes. “It’s my marriage and my postgame interview. I can deal with it.”

“Whatever you say, bud. I gotta head home and tell my wife about this ‘vow renewal’ thing. If she calls you later just to laugh, let her.”

“I need new friends,” he groaned.

“Maybe we can get you some fake ones, and with a little luck, they might turn into the real thing just like your marriage.”

Tim gave him a look of utter unamused annoyance. “I’m going home to my wife.”

Wes snickered as he waved him farewell.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

When Lucy arrived to the hockey arena in her game day outfit of a cropped Kings hoodie and high waisted jeans, she was apprehensive to exit her vehicle. Tim was already in the locker room, so he could not carry her away from the cameras; she would have to face the paparazzi alone, and she had not been truly alone in anything since marrying Tim, least of all a media storm. Lucy put on her sunglasses, pursed her lips, held her breath, and walked through the sea of flashing cameras and people clamoring for her attention, but halfway through the crowd, it seemed to part in an indistinct way, and there he was.

Tim elbowed through the throng of paparazzi to stand right in front of Lucy. Within a heartbeat, he threw her over his shoulder and fought through the crowd to get her through the private entrance of the arena. He placed her on her feet then checked her for injuries. “You okay?”

“I-I’m fine. What-”

He cut her off, “With this media storm, I didn’t want you facing that circus alone.” He rubbed her arm. “If you’re fine, I have to get back to the locker room.”

She pressed up onto her tip toes to peck his lips. “Thank you. Seriously, thank you, babe.” As Tim stepped away she added, “Good luck!” Lucy went in the opposite direction to her box seat beside Angela and offered her a tired smile. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s been a month. Get over here,” Angela outstretched her arms for a hug. “The hockey wives box hasn’t been the same without you.”

“As much as I love being on tour, I’ve missed being at the games.”

“You missed the games or you missed Tim?”

“Both.”

“I heard you two are really making it official. Wes said you and Tim are getting married.”

“We’re already married. This is just a ceremony to make it official.”

“That’s not how it normally works. You see, most couples get married in some sort of ceremony, or at a courthouse, or something, and then they consider themselves actually married.”

“Most couples aren’t me and my husband. We have something different.”

“Oh, the whole world is well aware. I’ve heard the new songs about Tim.”

“What did you think?”

“I can’t believe my best friend is the subject of some really good songs. I try not to think about that when I sing along, because it’s TIM, and he’s the brooding, grumpy guy who responds to questions with grunts not the reason beautiful love songs exist.”

“He can be both.”

“True. Have you asked Genny what she thinks about the album? I bet she’s got some funny commentary about you gushing over her brother in a bunch of songs.”

Lucy bit her lip. “She doesn’t know yet.”

“You announced that the album is about Tim at the Grammys. She knows.”

“No, I’m saying she doesn’t know the truth.”

Angela’s lips parted as she gathered Lucy’s meaning. “You haven’t told her?”

“It’s only a matter of time. We’ll tell her the truth soon. The last time we saw her was at Christmas, and she suspected that we weren’t pretending. Actually, she more than suspected it- she bet Tim that we would end up really getting together, and since Tim didn’t want to lose the bet, we spent Christmas acting like we were just friends.”

“Christmas? As in the night Tim gave you an engagement ring, and afterwards, you consummated your marriage?”

“That’s the one.”

“I see, so are you afraid of coming clean?”

“Of course not. Genny and I got along well, and she seemed really on board with Tim and I being together. Plus, she’s the only blood family left that Tim cares about, so I want to tell her…I just don’t know how to explain it.”

“Play that new album of yours. She’ll understand,” Angela teased.

“I’m being serious! How do I tell Genny what happened when I don’t even know?”

“Sure you do. You don’t want to admit it to yourself, but it’s pretty simple: you started falling for him from the moment you met, and even though it was inconvenient and unplanned, it happened, because it was supposed to.”

“Wow, Angela, I didn’t know you believed in fate?”

“Of course I do, and if you ask me, Fate is a little bitch for being the reason I fell for Wes. I wouldn’t have picked that idiot for me, but I had no choice, and now I’m going to spend the rest of my life with him.”

“But, you love him, right?” Based on Angela’s tone, Lucy could not be sure.

Angela saw Wes skate onto the ice, and her lips turned up reflexively. “More than I’ve ever loved anyone in my whole life.”

Lucy bumped her elbow into Angela’s and gave her a smile. Then, she looked down at Tim gliding onto the rink.

Even when she was across the world, Tim still looked up at the box seats before scanning the rest of the crowd; he used to survey the crowd aimlessly, but with Lucy in the stands, he wanted to find her first, and when he did, there was a moment of surprise every time as if he could not believe the most gorgeous woman in the world really attended his game to support him. Every single time, he held his breath as his wife flashed him a dazzling grin then blew him a kiss, and after he pretended to catch it midair, Tim looked at her and wondered who he had to thank for having her for a wife.

She watched him beam up at her, which made Lucy feel warm all over. “Thank you, Fate,” she muttered under her breath.

Unsurprisingly, Tim played better than he had in weeks with Lucy back in the stands for him. He only scored one goal, but it earned him her dorky happy dance and a blown kiss, so he was thrilled. He left the ice at the end of the game and worked to remove his uniform and shower off quickly, but he was not fast enough; Lucy was sitting on the chair in front of his cubby waiting for him when he returned from the showers with only a towel wrapped around his waist. “I’m almost ready,” he said.

“Why are you in such a rush for this interview? You know it’s not gonna be a fun one.”

“These interviews are never fun, but we’re in the middle of a media storm, Luce. This one is going to be all about you.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. Your team performed so well today, and I hate that I’m going to be the main topic of discussion instead of your team’s win.”

He snaked his arms around her hips. “But see, you’re my favorite thing to talk about, so this’ll be great.”

“When do you talk about me?” She wondered.

“If he’s not talking about plays, he’s talking about you during practice,” Aaron butted in to say.

“Really?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, we played your album at practice yesterday to get a rise out of him, and he just said something about you loving each other or whatever,” Jackson complained, since he thought he had come up with a good way to tease his teammate, but quickly learned mocking Tim and Lucy’s relationship did not work.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your team giving you grief about the album?” Lucy asked Tim.

“I forgot all about it, because it didn’t matter to me, and besides, we didn’t have much of a discussion when I got home last night.”

“Still so insatiable,” she noted with a smile.

“Give me a second to get dressed, and then we’ll go face the press.”

“If you really wanna make headlines, go out in this,” her eyes tracked down his naked, still damp, chest and the white towel that only covered what a pair of shorts would.

He chuckled.

Lucy watched him change as she chewed at her lip; perhaps his insatiable appetite was contagious.

Tim caught her staring, took a large step to stand right in her space to tower over her, and whispered desirously, “Wes can handle the interview if you really want to go home right now, because you know I do.”

She smoothed her hands across his stomach. “We can wait the ten minutes it’ll take to do this interview.”

“I’m not so sure we can.” Tim’s fingers danced along the thin band of skin between where her cropped sweatshirt ended and her jeans started.

“When are you going to snap out of this?”

“You were gone for a year, and then you dropped an album about me. Give me a little time.”

“It was a month, and I still came home for the Grammys, and you showed up at my hotel days before I was supposed to go home.”

Tim reached for her jaw to tilt her neck for the perfect angle to slot their lips together, because her words somehow only made him want to kiss her more.

Nell saw Grey take a step forward from his corner of the locker room, and she put a hand out. “Let them come up for air,” she suggested. “Interrupting them only makes it worse.”

“I don’t remember being a newlywed all that well, but I don’t think Luna and I were like that,” Grey said.

“Of course two absolutely beautiful people found each other and can’t keep their hands off each other. Fate sometimes works in mysterious ways and sometimes in very obvious ones,” Nell replied.

Grey sighed in relief when Tim and Lucy broke their lips apart even if they remained encircled in each other’s arms. “Finally. I need them to stop playing tonsil hockey and handle that interview.” But even without him having to say a word to them, Grey watched as Tim took Lucy’s hand and exited the locker room.

Lucy let Tim bring her into his side as they walked the empty corridor.

He looked down at her and asked, “What are you thinking about right now?”

“That it’s too bad you already showered.”

As he kissed the top of her head, he whispered, “Good thing I know some great ways to work up a sweat again.”

She laughed with him as they entered the media room. The long table filled with microphones was the same, but there were more members of the press in the space than ever before. Nell must have purposefully set up two chairs behind the microphones, since she presumed correctly that they would want to handle the media together, but Lucy was still drawn into Tim’s lap as if the second chair did not exist.

With his chin resting on her shoulder, Tim answered the questions about the game easily despite the fact that he half expected the reporters to skip over inquiring about the Kings’ performance at all. Then, the course of the interview changed.

A reporter asked, “Aside from the songs on Lucy’s new ‘Safe With You’ album, what other songs has she written about you? Surely as her secret boyfriend and fiancée before you two publicly announced that you got married, there has to be more written about you.”

Tim was not necessarily prepared for that question, but he knew rumors had been swirling as many speculated about their relationship timeline per Lucy’s discography. He answered, “My wife has the best fans in the world, and as her husband, I’m her number one fan. The album may be about me, and other songs may be about her exes, but all of her music exists because of her hard work and talent. That’s all that matters.”

She was touched to hear his response and barely resisted the urge to kiss him in the middle of the interview.

Another reporter inquired, “Lucy, now that you’ve exposed who your most recent songs are about, will you speak to the subject of previous ones?”

“No, because like my husband said, it doesn’t matter,” Lucy responded.

The reporters spoke over each other, but one voice was louder than the others, “Tim, how do you feel about the fact that so many of her famous hits aren’t about you?”

“I love my wife,” was all he said.

Lucy listened as question after question was directed at Tim, and he said it over and over again simply and evenly: “I love my wife.” That was his only response regardless of the inquiry. With each time he said it, she flushed further, and soon enough, she was blushing so brightly she swore her whole body had turned red.

“Okay,” Tim finally stated with finality. “That’s enough questions for tonight. Bottom line is I love my wife.” The reporters in the room laughed at that. “Thank you. Good night.” He loved having Lucy in his lap, because it was easy enough to scoop her up and carry her out of the media room and down the corridor. 

She held back from speaking until they fought through the paparazzi waiting outside and climbed into the idling Chevy Suburban. “What was that?” Lucy asked as she shifted in her seat next to him to throw her legs across his lap.

“I told you I would handle the postgame interview, and I did,” he replied simply. Tim tugged at her hips, since he did not like how far apart they were.

“You said ‘I love my wife’ ten times. Did Tamara help you come up with that?” She teased with a snigger.

“No, I came up with it all on my own.” 

“I figured that out,” she laughed. “That’s not exactly how people usually handle the media.”

“Well, I’m a hockey player not someone who knows how to ‘handle the media’, and my plan worked just like I said it would.”

“I didn’t doubt you for a second.” She played with the open plaid shirt over his tee as she noted, “You know, this is the worst media storm I’ve ever experienced, but you’ve made it as painless as possible.”

“When the next media storm comes, I’ve already got my statement prepared.”

“Oh, really, what’s your statement?”

He brought his mouth right against hers and breathed as his eyes slipped closed, “I love my wife.” Tim felt her lips curl up making his do the same.

“That’s all you’re planning on saying?” Lucy murmured with a grin as she felt his smile barely ghost against hers.

“Yup, every single time.” 

She giggled as she fisted her hand in his shirt. “That’s surprisingly effective.”

“It’s the truth. We can’t say much when they ask questions, but I can say that, and the added bonus is that you looked so cute every time I told the press that I love you.”

Lucy pulled back as her eyes fluttered open to look at him, really look at the man she loved more than anything and who loved her more than anyone ever had. “For once,” she said lowly, “I don’t have any words right now.”

“You? The person who always wants to talk things through and writes song lyrics all the time? You don’t have any words to say?”

“No, I really don’t. This is new for me.”

“What does that mean?”

“I think it’s time I take a page out of your ‘Great Husband’s Guide to Marriage’ book.” He hummed to indicate she was listening, so Lucy cupped the side of his face, carefully stroked his cheekbone with her thumb, and said, “I should take some time showing you how I feel.”

“You don’t leave town for a few days. That’s plenty of time,” he smirked.

“A million years wouldn’t be enough time to show you, but we’ll start with tonight. Come here,” Lucy pulled his face down for a kiss she never intended to break away from for the rest of her life.

Chapter Text

Every day started blending together in Tim’s mind. Without an 11AM alarm on his phone, he would have no idea what time it was, but the second that alarm chimed, he felt lighter even before he dialed.

“Good morning, husband,” Lucy answered the phone exhaustedly.

“Morning, gorgeous. Are you okay?”

“No. I’m trapped in a hotel room, because of this damn media storm, and I don’t have you for entertainment,” she pouted.

“So that’s what I am? Your entertainment?” His face cracked with a hint of a smirk.

“Of course. Actually, I-”

“Damn, hold that thought, baby. I’ll try to call you later. Long practice today. I gotta get back to the guys. Bye, wife.”

“Okay, bye hus-,” the call ended before she could finish the word. It was the part of the season when practices got longer, games were more intense, and the time between games and practices was shrinking, so getting Tim on the phone for more than a few seconds had become a rarity since Lucy started touring Canada, and she hated it. Everything moved so much slower without Tim at her side putting the entire universe into overdrive. She savored the tea he ordered to be delivered to her room partially because it was a way to miss him less, but mostly because at least she had something to do.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Tim’s zombie-like shuffle into his hotel room was all he could manage after another brutal practice before another game in another city. He showered and got ready for bed then did a few jumping jacks to stay awake long enough to call his wife. He sat at the edge of the mattress to dial her.

“You’ve reached the husband hotline,” Tamara answered the phone.

“Hey, is Lucy still on stage?” He sighed.

“She’s got three songs left including her encore. The crowd’s been going wild for all of her new songs. All of her encore songs have been from the new album.”

“Well, they are some of her best.”

“Not that you’re biased,” she responded sarcastically.

“I like all of her music, but my favorites happen to be about me. Except for ‘Possibility’.”

“A song that’s now permanently in the set list for you.”

His chest warmed. “I love my wife.”

“So you’ve said in every postgame interview lately. I studied Public Relations in school, but who needs a college degree when you know the real secret to handling the press?”

“It’s a gift,” he smiled. “So, be honest, how’s she doing?”

“You’ve barely spoken in the last two weeks because of your busy schedules. Take a guess.”

He dropped back onto his bed and shut his eyes tightly as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yeah, I’m miserable, too. Hearing her voice would help. Can you put the phone on speaker, so I can listen to the end of the concert?”

“Sure,” Tamara replied and put the phone on speakerphone before placing it close to a speaker so that Tim could listen to Lucy sing. The second the concert was over, she held it out for Lucy to take. “Your husband is on the phone.”

“He is?” Lucy asked excitedly and lunged for her device. “Hi, husband,” she said. She waited a beat, but no response. “Babe?” Still nothing. “Tim?” Just to be certain, she plugged one of her ears and held her phone flush against the other, and that was when she heard him snoring. “I love you,” Lucy whispered before hanging up. “He fell asleep,” she reported to Tamara. “How did he sound?”

“Miserable. He said he was miserable,” she answered sorrowfully.

“Can I-”

“I’ve been looking into making arrangements since he called. With his schedule, the next time and place you can see him is Toronto in three days. Nothing sooner.”

“Three whole days?” Lucy whined.

“You went almost three whole decades without him, and now you can’t stand to be apart for three days? You’re gross.”

“We can last three days. It’s not a big deal. He, uh, he got punched in his last game, and that’s why I want to see him and take care of him. He needs me when he gets hurt, so that’s the real reason.”

“He’s got very capable doctors treating his boo boo. Making out with Tim doesn’t actually heal him.”

“Of course not. It’s the combination of quality cuddles and making out that helps him,” Lucy scoffed.

Tamara rolled her eyes. “You’re officially pathetic. Just admit you want to see him, because you miss your favorite person in the universe…those are your words, by the way. I heard you working on another song earlier.”

“As much as I love you, because I do, Tim is different.”

“Yeah, because he’s your husband, well not in the eyes of the law, but according to TMZ he is, which some argue truly rules our society anyways.”

“In a couple of months when we legally tie the knot, you’ll have to come up with other ways to make fun of us.”

“Looking forward to it,” Tamara smiled.

“Okay, this dress needs to come off, I need water, and then I need to sleep.”

“I’m surprised Tim didn’t make your list of needs.”

“He’s a permanent necessity. I always need him. God, these three days can’t go fast enough.”

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The Toronto Maple Leafs locker room was fine, but Tim wished it had a picture of him and Lucy in it like his cubby at his home rink. Instead, he settled for listening to her songs in his headphones and scrolling through pictures of them she had thankfully insisted on taking. Unexpectedly, his screen flashed with an incoming call from her that he answered immediately. “Hey, I was just thinking about you.”

“I just finished my soundcheck. Are you at the arena?”

“Yeah, we started pregame prep.”

“Aren’t I part of your pregame prep?”

“Wanna come over here? We can find a place to catch up,” he said suggestively.

“I’ll tell the driver to take me over. I’m sorry I couldn’t fly in earlier. Tamara scheduled this last minute visit to a hospital to see some young fans, and-”

“You did something really nice for those kids. Your private performance for them probably made their year.”

“As much as I loved how special that whole experience was, I hate that I missed out on a chance to see you.”

“Come over and see me now.”

“I am racing over. My hair is so messy right now, and I was going to change into something cuter…”

“Stop. You look gorgeous no matter what.”

“You’re just saying that to get in my pants.”

“I think we both know I don’t have to say anything to get in your pants, and you know I always mean it. Wait, do you only say I look handsome to get in MY pants?”

“Absolutely not. You always look handsome. It’s actually unfair.”

“Bradford,” Grey barked. “I want you in on this strategy meeting.”

Tim put his phone over his chest and asked, “A strategy meeting, sir? Before a game?”

“It’s about the final push to make it to the postseason. We’ll wrap up just in time for the game to start.”

“Can I have one more minute with my wife?”

“Thirty seconds,” Grey said unamused and strode away.

When Tim put the phone back to his ear, he said, “Babe…”

“I heard,” Lucy responded. “Go be part of that very important strategy meeting. I’ll see you after the game. I wish I could watch you play, but I have a concert at the same time.”

He frowned. “I could skip the game to go to your performance.”

“Absolutely not. We can wait a few more hours to see each other.”

“I guess.”

“Good luck tonight. Bye, husband.”

“Good luck to you, too. Bye, wife.” Tim ended the call and exhaled deeply. It was like trying to skate without one of his legs or breathing with only one lung; he was incomplete without Lucy around, and there was no way to get used to such a feeling. He just needed to see her.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

One of the perks of being Lucy Chen’s husband is that when Tim arrived at her hotel after his game, the staff let him into her suite to wait for her without question. In the expansive space, he had plenty of sitting options to wait for her between the assortment of chairs, couches, and beds. He dragged a dining chair over to the doorway to sit and watch the entrance for the exact moment when she would arrive, but then he thought he might freak her out, so Tim went into the sitting area and lounged on a couch. Unfortunately, he got a little too comfortable and drifted off to sleep until his phone buzzed. He swiped to answer the call immediately as he cleared his throat. “Hey, baby.”

“Hey, where are you?” Lucy asked as she spun around the hotel room.

“I’m at the hotel.”

“Where? I can’t find you anywhere. I don’t even see your bags.” She checked the entirety of the room. “You are a lying liar who lies. Seriously, where are you?” He laughed on the other end of the phone. “What’s so funny?” She wondered.

“You went to my hotel room to surprise me, and I moved into yours to surprise you.”

“Great minds think alike, I guess.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“No, I’ll meet you at my suite. Don’t go anywhere.”

“You do realize that because both of us wanted to surprise the other, we ended up spending more time apart?”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Please, stay awake. I need a hug.”

He wiped at his eyes. “I’m not even tired. I can wait for you.”

Between the adrenaline of performing and the excitement of finally being reunited with her husband, she was practically bouncing in her seat for the drive to her hotel where Tim was. She urged her security team to ease up their usual protocol, because she needed to get upstairs as quickly as possible, and she bursted into her suite. Lucy looked around calling his name, but there was no response. Right when she thought he left to go back to his hotel room the team booked for him, against her wishes, she found him laying back on the bed on top of the covers in his pajamas as if he got ready to sleep but tried to wait up for her. She changed into some sleepwear, carefully climbed on top of him, then buried her head in his neck to inhale his scent greedily. “Good night, husband,” she whispered.

Tim felt movement on top of him, so he barely opened his eyes to discover Lucy’s whole body on top of his. He tucked some hair behind her ear to confirm she had fallen asleep. “Good night, wife,” he murmured then kissed her forehead before wrapping his arms around her to keep her in place. The vacancy she left behind when she was traveling was immediately filled with her presence. He was whole again, and that was the reason he fell asleep with a ghost of a smile pulling at his lips.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Her body knew it was not her usual 11AM wake up call when Lucy heard a phone ringing. She found the offending device at Tim’s hip. It was Wes calling his phone. “Hi, Wes, Tim’s asleep,” she reported then planted a kiss to her husband’s jaw.

“Of course he’s with you. The team is checking out of our hotel to fly back to L.A., and the only missing person is Tim. He had a look on his face yesterday. I worried he would fly in the middle of the night to see you.”

“All he had to do was drive twenty minutes away. I’m in Toronto for the weekend for my last few tour dates.”

“I’m guessing that means Tim won’t be getting on the team jet?”

“No, I’ll let him sleep. I can send Tim back on my jet later.”

“We have a half practice today as punishment for some sloppy playing last night. Tim did well, though.”

“He sure did. I watched the postgame highlight reel on my drive over to the hotel. I was so proud of him for scoring a goal, but I didn’t even get to tell him. He was asleep when I got here.”

“That sucks. I wish he didn’t have to come back today. I know you want to keep him with you,” Wes said sympathetically.

She rumpled Tim’s hair as she pouted. “I’ll take a couple of minutes when he’s awake at this point. Don’t worry, he won’t miss practice.” 

“Glad to hear it, but sorry you’ll be apart again.”

“How do you and Angela handle it? All the missing each other?”

“Phone sex. Lots and lots of phone sex, oh, and we’re used to it by now. We’ve been married for years whereas you two are still newlyweds, I mean, not legally, of course.”

“Everyone’s gotta stop pointing out we don’t have a damn piece of paper. We’re getting one in a couple months, okay? I’ve already started planning the ceremony.”

“I can’t wait to officiate. I’ve got my license ready.”

“One detail down, and a million to go, but that’s a problem for another day.” She felt Tim stirring beneath her. “I think my husband is waking up. I gotta go. See you soon, Wes.” Lucy did not even wait for his reply before ending the call, tossing the phone, and giving her full attention to the man who already started smiling even before he opened his eyes.

“Am I dreaming?” Tim asked with his still sleepy, raspy voice.

“What if you are?” She asked.

“I don’t want to wake up.” He held onto her as he twisted around to switch their positions and get on top of her. “Damn, it’s been hard to track you down.”

“Says you. I didn’t think I’d see you until the hockey season ends.”

He shook his head. “I would never let that happen.”

“Neither would I. I’m actually considering buying the Kings. I would put it in your contract that you have to come home to me every night with enough energy for at least a kiss.”

“A kiss? All you want is a kiss?”

“Well, I’ll take more, but I’m not that picky considering I haven’t seen you in three whole, terrible weeks.”

“Very terrible weeks. I don’t want you to leave again.”

“You’re the one that’s leaving me. I’m staying in Toronto for another night, but you have to get back to L.A. for a practice later today. Wes called and told me.”

“We don’t have another game for a couple of days, and I’m not the one that played like crap last night. I don’t have to go to practice tonight. I wanna stay with you.” He cradled her face, confirming he really had Lucy under his fingertips for the first time in so long.

“Practice is important. Why am I the one that’s always convincing you to do your job when you used to live for hockey?”

“Marriage changes things. Can we stop talking about hockey now?” He covered her mouth with his own to prevent her from speaking and felt the moment she yielded to him and his fervency with a sigh. Tim practically melted his entire body into hers. He was finally home.

“Don’t,” she wrenched away to gasp when he tugged at her satin pajama pants. “You have to get on my jet and get out of here.”

An idea came to him. “I need to make three phone calls, and then you’ll let me take off more than your pants.”

“Tim, I only get you for a few minutes. Please don’t call anyone during our only quality time.”

He reached for his cell phone. “Trust me.” First, he started by dialing an old friend while Lucy sucked on his neck. Next, he called his coach while she nibbled in a particular spot at the base of his throat hard enough that he barely stifled a moan. Lastly, he strained to gain access to the hotel room phone with her working on perfecting her mark on him, causing his eyes to roll back. “Okay,” he groaned. Tim knew there was a hickey without even needing to look, and that made him smile uncontrollably. “How big is it?” He asked as he tried to trace the mark.

“I’ve left bigger ones,” she answered.

“You can leave more, because I’m staying for the rest of the day.”

“Really?”

“Didn’t you hear me on the phone?”

“I was a little busy,” Lucy smirked.

He tapped the spot on her neck where she left a hickey on his and asked, “Wanna match?”

“Wait a minute. How are you allowed to stay?”

“The Assistant Coach on the Maple Leafs is an old friend. I asked if I could come to practice today and leave in time to see your concert, and he said that was fine. I asked Grey if he was good with it, and he said it was fine, so I’m staying.”

“Okay, that’s two calls. What was the third?”

A knock at the door interrupted them. “That,” Tim replied. “I’ll be right back.” 

She whined when he shimmied off of her and left their bedroom, but he returned within a minute pushing a room service cart into their room.

“Can’t break my vow to you,” he explained as he poured her a piping hot cup of tea.

“I don’t want tea. I want you.”

“You can have both. You need both. Your voice doesn’t sound so good, and this helps.” He added a bit more honey in the hopes it would ease the faint scratchiness of her voice. Tim sat up in bed before pulling her into his arms and offering the cup for her to take. “Drink. I got you,” he whispered into her ear as he tightened his arms around her stomach to bring her back flush against his front.

She was grateful for the tea and the wonders it did for her hoarse voice even if she was willing to ignore the pain to make the most of her precious time with Tim, but he gave her both the healing of his embrace to mend the ache in her heart and the drink that would do the same for her throat. “You really are the greatest husband ever. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but you are.”

He grinned into her hair. “Only a billion times, but I’m not complaining. It’s nice to hear.” Tim noticed how her brow was furrowed. “What’s on your mind?”

“Do you think we’ll get better at missing each other when you’re on the road or our schedules don’t match up? Wes says he and Angela are used to it, but I don’t know if we’ll ever get to that place.”

“Wes is full of it. I’ve seen first hand how much he mopes when he hasn’t seen Angela in a week. I actually used to make fun of him for it. Now I feel like an ass.”

“Because you mope without me?”

“No.”

“Uh, Wes basically admitted that you were moping, because you missed me.”

“When have I ever moped? I don’t even know how.”

“Mhm,” she hummed, not at all believing him.

Tim conceded, “Maybe I’ve moped a little without you.”

“I have, too. Guess it means Wes was lying.”

“You know what the solution is? We hire you as a coach on the team, so you have to be at every practice and every game. I won’t have to miss you if you travel with me.”

“Even if I became a coach, we’re not taking our kids on the road with us all season.”

“Why not? We can hire them to be the little water girls hydrating the players during games.”

She giggled at the mental image. “Sounds like you want the Bradford family to take over the Kings.”

“Definitely. In time. I can wait.”

“You better wait, mister. Let’s focus on the wedding first. We have so much to plan.”

“Don’t spare any expense. I want us to have the wedding of the century.”

“I would’ve thought you wouldn’t care about our wedding at all.”

“What? I get the chance to let the world know that you’re mine forever. It’s a big deal.”

“Considering all you’ve said in your press conferences for the last few weeks is that you love me, and you leave hickeys where the cameras can see, I don’t think anyone doubts that.”

“Did you watch my press conference last night?”

She snickered. “You were so tired that when some reporter asked you about your defense, you said, ‘I love my wife’.”

He took the teacup out of her hand, set it on the nightstand, and bunched up her shirt over her stomach. “Speaking of, it’s about time I show you how much.”

“Are you sure you’re not too tired?”

“I’ll manage. Are you too tired?”

“I’ll manage,” Lucy replied with a smile as she twisted her neck to kiss him.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Feeling revived enough to be dedicated to his practice, Tim was thrilled to be on the ice despite his permanent state of exhaustion. That was the Lucy effect igniting a fire in his bloodstream. The scrimmage game at the Toronto Maple Leafs’ practice facility was going well until play ceased and all of the players started looking in a particular direction. He followed their eyes and waved. “Hi, wife!” Tim called to her with a grin.

“Dude, I can’t believe you’re actually married to her,” one of the players said.

“Yeah, she’s incredible,” Tim replied with awe. Others who were unaccustomed to seeing Lucy got starstruck, and he understood, because he felt a similar sensation akin to boundless adoration mixed with disbelief that he really got to call HER his wife.

“Hi, husband,” Lucy smiled. “How’s practice going?”

“Great.” He skated over to the edge of the rink and waited for her to make her way down the stairs to the bottom of the stands. He leaned forward over the short wall to give her a quick peck, but her lips lingered.

“Soundcheck went well. Wish you were there.”

“Wish I could’ve been there, but we’re almost done here. Take a seat and watch the game.”

Lucy broke their eye contact to glance at the ice where everyone was staring at her; she was not surprised by the reaction, but it still gave her pause. Bashfully, she waved at the players and said, “Hey, guys.”

There was only silence. Tim knew he had to take it upon himself to snap everyone back to attention. He tapped his stick against the ice before regarding the team, “I know she’s gorgeous, guys, but she’s taken, so let’s get back to practice. Come on.” Since it was the first time in a while that Lucy was in the stands watching him play, he might have started skating harder and fighting more aggressively to score. As time was ticking down on their tied scrimmage game, Tim got possession of the puck, and spun around abruptly to shoot it. He turned with such great force that he lost his balance and fell on his back before he could even see whether the puck went into the net. The excited cheers were his only indication that he scored the winning goal as he tried to catch his breath.

“Oh my god!” Lucy exclaimed and struggled to climb over the wall and slide on the ice in her rush to reach him. “Tim? Are you okay?”

He loved her concern. He saw it on her face regardless of the level of his injuries, so he smiled up at her reflexively. “I’m fine.”

The coach blew his whistle to indicate that practice was over, so all of the players skated off the rink towards the locker room save for Tim who was still laying on his back.

Lucy offered her hand for him to take. “Let’s get you up.”

He shook his head. “No, I live here now. I’m never getting up again.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t have done extra cardio,” she said as a coded reference to their morning activities.

“I’ll never regret doing extra cardio with you.”

“Well, now you’re too tired to get up.”

He outstretched his hands to take hers. “Come join me down here. If I’m gonna live here, I’ll need the essentials.”

“Okay, and what are these essentials?”

“You just you.” He pulled her by her hands to coax her into laying on the ice with him, but she stubbornly remained standing.

“It’s cold.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you warm.”

“We could go back to the hotel…ah!” He pulled her hard enough so she flopped down on top of him, then giggled wildly. “Timothy Bradford!”

“Yes, Mrs. Bradford?” He pushed her hair out of her face for an unobstructed view of how she was beaming.

“We are being very inappropriate.”

“I don’t care.” He placed his hands low on her hips then started gliding lower in search of a place to settle. Expectantly, Tim angled his head upwards.

“No, I’m not kissing you. This isn’t even your team. It would be so unprofessional if they saw us.”

“As far as I’m concerned, the world doesn’t exist anymore. Just you and me.”

“Just the necessities.”

“Essentials, necessities, or whatever you want to call it.” One of his hands slid up to cup the back of her head, his fingers threading through her hair.

She pecked his lips lightly. “There.”

“Is that it?”

“Look, if you think-” The rest of her sentence died in her throat when his mouth slammed into hers. Fighting for dominance, she put her hands on the sides of his neck to angle his face how she wanted. It was like their first kiss, the same positions on a cold ice rink floor, only more loving and coordinated as two people who had grown quite accustomed to kissing each other had become.

He hummed as he dropped his head back to breathe. “Now THAT is what I’m talking about when I say essential.”

She chortled. “I hope no one saw that.”

“Doesn’t matter if they did.”

“This is the competition, and they’re doing well this season. What if they see us and think you’re not a serious player?”

“And? They’ll be underestimating me, which will make it that much easier to beat them. So if anything, they should catch us.”

“Should we hook up out here to really sell it?” His mouth dropped open in surprise. “I’m kidding. What we both need is a nap.”

“I’m suddenly not tired.”

“No?”

“Wide awake,” he murmured before capturing her lips once more until all of the oxygen left their lungs. Tim loved seeing her when she was still dazed from kissing him. He drew circles into Lucy’s back as he said, “Listen I didn’t just ask Grey to stay tonight. I asked if I could stay through tomorrow and be at your last concert of the tour. He said I could stay, and it’s a rest day. No practice. So, I was wondering if I could take you on a date tomorrow.” She worried at her lip, so he swiped his thumb below to free her lip from her teeth. “What’s the problem?”

“We have a public image to consider.”

“The world knows we’re married, and married people go to restaurants.”

“What if our date goes terribly wrong?”

“Do you honestly believe it would?”

“No.”

“Me neither, so let me take you somewhere for lunch between soundcheck and the concert tomorrow night.”

The chilly air was not the only reason her cheeks were turning pink. “Okay, it’s a date.” She kissed him lightly to seal their plans. “Coordinate with security when you’re picking a place.”

“With security?”

“One of the reasons it’s hard to date me is that a lot of public places are hard to secure, so finding a date spot won’t be easy.”

“I’ll figure it out. You’re worth the effort.”

“But if it gets too complicated, we can call it off.”

“No, I want to no matter what. Ready to go back to the hotel?”

“I just got comfortable. Let’s make sure our competition thoroughly underestimates you.” She whispered against his lips.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Sitting on their bed in the suite, Tim watched as Lucy held up two different pairs of earrings next to her ears as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

“Which do you like better?” She asked.

“They’re both great,” he answered.

“I can’t decide.”

“Wear one of each.”

She twisted around to face him. “Babe, I am trying to look perfect for our date.”

He rose up onto his feet and drew her in close. “You already look perfect. Why are you stressing out?”

“It’s our first date. It’s a big deal.”

“The stakes couldn’t be lower.” Tim tapped on her wedding band. “We’re already married.”

“You think I’m being ridiculous.”

“More like adorable. Let’s go on our date.”

“Where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere exclusive.” He took her by the hand out of the suite.

“Wait, I’m not wearing earrings.”

He pressed the button to call the elevator. “And yet you still look gorgeous. I’ve seen you in a million outfits with and without earrings.”

“I know, but I wasn’t always trying to look pretty for you.”

“You don’t have to start trying now.”

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. She expected Tim to hit the “lobby” button, but a security guard scanned a special key card and pressed the button to go on the only floor above them. 

He could see the confusion on her face as he lead her down the corridor and opened a door to lead them to the rooftop. “Finding a place to secure on such short notice wasn’t easy, so I asked the hotel manager if we could have a date up here. It kinda fits, though, I mean, that wedding photoshoot we had was on a rooftop.

Lucy saw the table for two adorned with candles and plates covered in silver cloches.

“What do you think?” He asked.

“It’s perfect.”

“We’ll go to a real restaurant for a proper date out in public when we can arrange it.”

“This is a proper date. I love it.”

He was pleased with her reaction and made a show of pulling her chair out for her and pushing it in once she was seated.

She circled her fingers around his wrist to stop him and tilted her head up.

“A kiss already? Our first date has barely started,” Tim smirked.

“If you’re gonna make a big deal about a kiss, then I wonder how you’ll react when you find out you’re getting lucky tonight.”

“Yeah?”

“Only if you’re up for it, and you better not make a joke about putting out on a first date.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He bent down to slot his lips with hers.

“This is already the best first date I’ve ever been on.”

“Not for me.”

She gave him her most incredulous look. 

“You wanna know what my best first date was?” He asked. “I was in a hotel suite with this drop dead gorgeous pop star. My annoying friends made it a double date, but I got to spend time with the prettiest girl I had ever seen.”

“That was NOT a date.”

“Sure it was. We had dinner together, you flirted with me, and at the end of the night, you called me your husband for the first time even before I earned the right to be yours.”

“I don’t think you’re remembering correctly. You called me your wife first, and you were flirting with ME. Talking about endurance and lasting all night? You made it dirty.”

“You made it dirty, and either way, you didn’t complain.”

“Neither did you.”

“Guess it’s no surprise we ended up here.”

“On our second first date according to you?” She scoffed.

“It’s not so bad, is it?”

Lucy intertwined their fingers on the tabletop admiring his wedding band as she had so many times before. “Not at all. Plus, now that I’ve got you alone for a few minutes, we can make a decision about the flowers. Do you like peonies or roses better?”

“Are we really planning our wedding on our first date?”

“The irony isn’t lost on me, but seriously, which do you like better?”

“Let’s have both. No need to limit ourselves. We only get one wedding.”

She considered his idea for a moment. “They would look nice together. I’ll email the wedding planner later.”

“Great. Any other wedding planning you want to do?”

“Actually…you’re phone’s ringing.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Check if it’s Coach Grey.”

Tim obliged. “It’s Wes.”

“Answer it.”

“No, I want to enjoy lunch with you.”

“It could be a hockey emergency.”

“There’s no such thing.”

“Just take the call, or you’ll be wondering what he wants.”

“Give me two seconds.” He stepped away to answer then looked back to watch Lucy take the first bite of her burger.

When Tim returned to the table, she could tell he seemed agitated. “What happened?”

“It was a hockey emergency. Nolan got hurt doing construction around his house. It’s always something with him. Now, we have to make a new plan for the next game without him on the ice. I’m so sorry. I gotta call everyone and see what we can do.”

“That’s okay. I understand.”

“Can I get a chance to redo this date?”

“You want a third first date?”

“We don’t have to keep track. I just want to have a nice candlelit dinner with you. No interruptions.”

“I don’t know. You might be harder to take on a date than I am.”

“No one could’ve predicted a hockey emergency.”

“I did.”

“Which is why I always listen to you.” He kissed her cheek.

“On second thought, you can get a redo. It’s very rare to find a guy who’s such a good listener.”

“Listening to you makes you happy, and a happy wife means a happy life.”

“The true hack to marriage.” Lucy stood from her chair. “Let’s go back to our suite.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay out here? All the hockey talk could be boring.”

“I don’t mind.” 

A member of the hotel staff wheeled their food into their suite where Tim sat down on the couch in the sitting area to start calling the coaches to discuss different plays while Lucy cozied up in his lap nodding off to the sound of his voice and his heartbeat right in her ear. “Best first date ever,” she murmured as she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Lucy took Tim’s hand once they stepped out of their car for the walk into the stadium. “I can’t believe you and I both got the dates mixed up. I thought last night was my last concert.”

“Clearly, we need more sleep.”

“I slept just fine last night. You were the one dealing with your hockey emergency at all hours.”

“Our next few practices are crucial, but even with Nolan out, I think we can make it work.”

“I know you will. You’re not just gonna make it to the postseason. You’re gonna make it all the way to the stage to accept the Stanley Cup.”

“There’s no stage. It’s not like the Grammys.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, when we win, we hoist the cup and skate around. That’s the whole ceremony.”

“That’s it? Do I get to hoist the cup?”

“No, no one comes on the ice when we win except for the press.”

“Well, that sucks. Can you make an exception for me?”

“Uhh, I can’t make that kind of promise, baby, but I can ask.”

“Thanks,” she smiled. “I need something to look forward to, since my tour really is ending tonight. I’m a little sad. It’s my last soundcheck.”

“For now,” he corrected. “There will be more sexy soundchecks on your next tour.”

“Sexy? They’re just normal soundchecks.”

“When have you ever ended up singing in someone’s lap during a performance? It happens a lot when I come to your soundchecks, though.”

“Can you blame me? I told you I like having the best seat in the house. That happens to be with you.”

“Save it for my private concerts at home, Mrs. Bradford.”

“Maybe you’ll get one later,” she said with a wink. “But for now, take your seat.”

He took a folding chair and dragged it to the front edge of the stage as he had done many times before, yet he still watched in amazement as she sang a couple of songs for him as if it was the first time with her gorgeous voice, her mesmerizingly swaying hips, and eyes that never left him. Just as Tim expected, Lucy lowered herself to straddle his lap with a huge smile on her face for her final song.

“Do you think I should end the concert like this?” She asked.

“Maybe we should end the night like this.”

“I hope not. We’re wearing too many clothes.”

“We both know I’m very good at fixing that problem.”

“LIVE MICROPHONE!” Tamara shouted over to them.

“Sorry, Tamara…and everyone!” Lucy apologized with a blush starting to color her cheeks. “I’ll go back to singing and leave my private life with my husband to when I’m not holding a mike.”

“You can just turn it off,” he suggested at a whisper.

“After making hickeys on me in the car, there’s no turning me off right now.”

“I meant the microphone.”

She giggled. “Right.”

“Good to know I can’t turn you off,” Tim murmured before dropping a kiss on her neck making her sigh in response. “I know that’s your favorite spot,” he said even lower then amended to say, “Well, that someone else can see.”

“CAN YOU TWO BEHAVE?” Tamara shouted at them from where she was standing next to the band at the back of the stage. The microphone was sensitive enough that it had picked up on their whispers and broadcasted them throughout the arena. “MARRIED COUPLES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BORING!”

Lucy looked down at her husband. “I like that we’re not boring.”

“Me, too,” he hummed while tightening his hands on her waist.

When Tim angled his head up to kiss Lucy, Tamara groaned. “FOCUS, PEOPLE!”

Lucy pulled away from her husband’s lips with a grin. “I have to sing one more song,” she said to him then performed like he was the only person she wanted to sing to. When the song ended, she climbed out of his lap only for Tim to stand then pull her into his side and drape his arm around her shoulder for the walk off the stage into the tunnels to get to their private car. “Tamara has a point. We gotta snap out of this.”

“Snap out of what?” He wondered, noticing how they were in lock step as they ambled through the arena towards the exit.

“The honeymoon phase.”

“Well, we haven’t been on our honeymoon yet, so the honeymoon phase can’t end yet.”

“Fair point. Are we going to go on an actual honeymoon?”

“It’s all planned. We’ll be in Bali for a month after our wedding.”

“Bali? Really?”

“Staying in our own private villa with our own pool and our own stretch of the beach, and the best part is, no one around for miles.”

“And what are we gonna do in our own private villa for a whole month?” She asked slyly.

“I’m hoping you’ll write songs, and I’ll be busy watching game footage, but don’t worry, we’ll take breaks for dinner.”

Lucy shook her head and stopped walking. She stood up tall on her tip toes to look at him squarely as she put her hand on his chest and murmured, “I can agree we’ll be taking breaks for dinner. We’ll need the fuel, but what we do before and after dinner will be far more satisfying than songwriting and watching game footage.”

“For a whole month?”

“We gotta keep your stamina up on the off season. I want to make sure you can keep scoring all night.”

“I could always extend our honeymoon.” The idea of twenty-eight whole entire days alone with his wife was incredible but also not enough; he would rather have an eternity with her stranded on an island where nothing else mattered but each other.

“An extra week wouldn’t hurt, but nothing more. We have another tour to go on before hockey season starts up again.” She was greedy enough to want thirty-five days of shutting out the rest of the world beyond her husband; it was a luxury they might never be afforded again.

“Great. I’ll extend the trip by another week.”

“When we get back, we’ll totally have snapped out of our honeymoon phase.”

“Fine by me if we never do,” he assured as his fingers slid lower on her hips.

She considered his point of view with the heat radiating from his hands making her heart pick up speed. How innocent contact could still make Lucy react greatly, she had absolutely no idea, but an eternity of Tim inspiring THAT was absolutely welcome any time for all time. “I guess that wouldn’t be so bad. Married people are supposed to be boring, but you know, we haven’t done anything in this marriage the way it was supposed to be.”

“Why start doing things the way it’s supposed to be now?”

Lucy had to laugh at that. “Okay, let’s go back to the hotel.”

“How much time do we have before you need to be back to get ready for your concert?”

“Enough,” she answered simply as she swept her hair back to expose her neck. “There’s gonna be a lot of press coverage tonight. It’s my last performance of the tour. So, if I’m gonna be photographed a ton, I’d like to have a little something show up in the pictures. I have to maintain my status as the Hickey Wife.”

After licking his lips in anticipation, Tim asked, “Only one?”

 “Never only one,” she replied before taking the final steps out by of the arena and into their car. She was not at all surprised when his hot mouth glommed onto her the second he took his seat beside her.

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗  ⚭  ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

Lucy graced the stage in a flowing, long black dress with a deep neckline that perfectly showed of the tiny trail of love bites Tim left on her skin. She was happy to see so many fans in the audience, but when she glanced at the curtains at the edge of the stage leading to the backstage area, she saw her biggest fan of all trying to sing along to every one of her songs. It was one of those moments where so much was happening, and yet all she could do was pause, take a second, and be thankful for having such a loving and supportive husband. Bittersweetly, her final performance was nearing its end. Veering from the original plan, she went to her band to whisper directions to them and then gestured to Tim to which he looked around assuming she was motioning for someone else. “Hey, everyone!” Lucy spoke into her microphone. “We’re gonna do something a little different tonight. I’ve only ever done this in soundchecks, but we’ll see how it goes. I’ll need my husband to come out and join me with a chair.”

Stunned yet obedient, he grabbed a folding chair and took it with him out onto the stage that had never felt more massive than when it was all lit up with actual fans surrounding it.

“You know where to sit. Best seat in the house,” she said to him.

Tim opened the chair right at the edge of the stage, which earned loud, excited shouting from the people standing below.

Lucy nodded her head to the band to signal for the music to start to play. She sang “You Call Me Gorgeous” as she went around the stage almost ignoring where her husband was seated, but for the final chorus, she went over to him, made quick work of sitting in his lap, and finished the song like she was only singing for him. She kissed him softly; nothing too intense, or it would throw off her plan. Lucy whispered in his ear, “I’m gonna sing another encore song for my fans. Wait for my signal backstage.”

“Signal?” He wondered.

“Don’t ask questions. Just listen to your wife,” she murmured then stood up to let him rise to his feet and gather his chair. 

He watched her start to sing again and waited for the signal, which was her crooning her pointer finger to beckon him to her. Lucy sang her final note while confetti exploded everywhere, fireworks were shooting out of some place, the lights were all shining on them, but all he saw was her brilliant grin turned right to him. Tim watched when switched the microphone off before dropping it to the floor unlike any other night.

“No live microphone anymore,” she said quietly then launched herself into his arms. “I love you, and now I can tell you all the ways I want to show you that I love you when we’re alone,” she whispered in his ear.

Tim pulled back slightly to meet her gaze. “Tell me later,” he said then hunched down to capture her lips. When his eyes fluttered open, lights and colors were still exploding around him like a visual representation of what it felt like to kiss her. Every. Single. Time. He tried to go back to her mouth once more.

“Hold that thought. I need to take a bow first, babe,” she told him silkily to stop him from kissing her with the promise he would get more later.

She soaked up the last moment with her fans on her tour while holding hands with the man that was with her for most of the momentous chapter that was nearing its end, but at least Tim was going to be at Lucy’s side for all of their future chapters together that would come to pass. It was time to say goodbye to her tour, so she went offstage into her dressing room with her husband at her side. “I can’t believe it’s over,” she commented somewhat wistfully.

While pressing a bottle of water into her hand, he said, “I’ll miss this tour…well, parts of it.”

“Like what?”

“Just the soundchecks, actually. That’s the only part.”

She giggled. “I’ll miss being with fans, but my throat is burning, and I’m EXHAUSTED.”

“The sooner you change, the sooner we can go back to the hotel, and I’ll draw you a bath.”

“Oh, that sounds amazing,” she groaned. “Let’s do that.” Her limbs were aching, so she appreciated that Tim went behind her to unzip her dress then carefully dragged it down her body. Somehow, his slow yet attentive movements allowed her to let herself be as tired as she felt beneath the buzz of performing. He was taking care of her, so she was going to be fine. Lucy was like a zombie as he helped her into sweatpants and a shirt as the adrenaline rush evaporated from her system. As if he knew how truly tired she was, he scooped her into his arms and carried her all the way to their car.

“Keep drinking your water,” he instructed sweetly and kissed her temple as he cradled her for the duration of the drive to the hotel. Tim did not even bother asking and just lifted her up yet again to take her through the hotel up to their suite. They went straight into the largest bathroom with a large tub, and he turned on the water with one hand while the other was still holding her. “You really are tired, huh?”

All she could manage was a nod of confirmation. 

“Do you want to take a bath in the morning or now?” He asked.

“Now,” she replied with a strangled voice. 

“I’ll order some tea to come up, too. Your throat needs it.” Tim was going to set her down on the bathroom floor next to the tub, but she clung to him, so he had no choice but to keep her in his arms when he went to another room of the suite to call for room service to bring up some tea. He hung up and asked her, “What else can I do for you?”

“Stay,” Lucy whispered and buried her head in his chest.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he assured her. But, he wondered if she was asking him to stay how they were with her enveloped in his embrace, stay as in spend the night with her, or stay forever with her; his answer was the same regardless. Tim undressed her yet again with even less of her assistance, and after checking that the water level and temperature was suitable, he set her down in the water.

The warmth and scent of lavender was therapeutically soothing her poor well- worn body enough to open her eyes and ask, “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Your tea will be here any minute. I was gonna let you relax alone. I’ll be back.”

Lucy visibly pouted as he disappeared from the bathroom, and her lips remained pulled down when he returned with a mug in his hand.

“What’s wrong? Is the water too hot or too cold?” He wondered.

“The water’s just fine. Why don’t you come in and see for yourself.”

“You don’t want to recover alone?”

“I told you I’d ask you to join me sometime. The time has come.”

“Guess since I said I would any day of the week…” He started pushing down his pants.

She leaned forward to make room for him behind her and sighed happily once he was seated and pulled her back against his chest. “I need this for like five minutes, and then we can go to sleep.”

He banded his arms across her stomach and dropped his chin to her shoulder before shutting his eyes. “We can stay longer than five minutes.”

“I thought you liked ice baths.”

“Those are nice, but you never take those with me.”

“Well, I might have to start in the postseason if I have any hope of seeing you.”

“It’ll be tough for a few weeks, but we’ll get through it.”

“And, if all else fails, I’ll get used to ice baths.”

He snickered.

She reached back to hold his head. “This time tomorrow, we’ll be home, and you’ll probably be needing that ice bath.”

“I’m taking you home. I don’t care about anything else.”

Lucy partially twisted to face him. “I’m already home.”

“Why do you own a random hotel in Toronto?”

“I’m talking about you, you dummy.”

He tried not to laugh, but he did, giving away that he knew what she was trying to say but pretended he didn’t.

She elbowed him. “I was being sweet calling you my home, and you ruined the moment!”

“I’m sorry,” he giggled. “The opportunity was right there.”

“Why am I married to you?” Lucy asked, annoyed.

“No clue.”