p a r k e r

"Excuse me," I say to one of the security guards manning the entrance of the building. "Do you know where the Vera Wang fashion show is?"

"Twenty-fifth floor," he replies. "In the left wing ballroom. Can I check your passes before you head in?"

"Yeah, of course." I remove the VIP pass from my back pocket. Deacon and Miles do the same.

Olivia invited us to a fashion show that her, Hayden, and Annalise are walking in. I've never been to one before, so I'm excited. I'm also excited to see Olivia strut her way down the aisle. The fact that she can walk in seven inch heels while twelve weeks pregnant is both impressive and scary.

Olivia and I have been spending more time together since the night at Urban New York, when we got "familiar" with each other again—if you know what I mean. But, I miss her so much on the weeks where I'm traveling out of the state from away games. I love waking up to Olivia's body nuzzled up against mine.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Olivia's second trimester. I can't believe three months of her pregnancy has gone by. It seems like just yesterday she showed up at my game to tell me the news. That day completely changed my life. For the better, I might add.

"Okay, you guys are all set." He returns our IDs and unclips the red stanchion for us to enter.

"Alright, boys. Please behave yourselves," I warn my friends.

"I can't promise anything," Miles says. "There's going to be a shit ton of models in sexy dresses and heels." He shrugs.

Deacon and I shake our heads. "Hey, I don't have a hot girlfriend. I'm an eligible bachelor," Miles says.

"I don't have a girlfriend either," Deacon states.

Miles and I smirk at each other. "Mhm. So if I told you Annalise is dating some hot male model, you wouldn't mind?" Deacon's jaw tightens, proving my point.

"Told you so," I laugh.

As we enter the ballroom, I'm blinded by flashing lights. I shield my eyes with one of my hands and squint to see dozens of photographers snapping pictures of us. "Jesus Christ," I hear Deacon mutter.

When we finally pass the crowd, someone ushers us to our seats. We're in the first row with a perfect view of the walkway. I flip through a program of the show. There's pictures of each Vera Wang piece along with headshots of the models and their names. I smile when I find Olivia's. Her headshot captures her beautiful smile and stunning eyes.

A few minutes later, everyone is seated because the show is starting. A lady with raven black hair and porcelain skin walks down the runway dressed in a black and white pant suit. "Hello, everyone." The crowd cheers.

"I'm Vera Wang and I'm excited for you all to see the pieces I have created for my bridal collection, this year. I have worked diligently to design these pieces, so I hope you all enjoy. Now, let's bring these pretty ladies out to show them off." We all clap excitedly.

A classical song plays in the background and the light dims except for the ones on the runway. When the first model steps out, my eyebrows lift in amazement. Holy shit. The white gown she has on is huge. I'm surprised she isn't tripping over the material. More models continue to file out from backstage onto the runway, all dressed in various white gowns.

When Annalise comes, I hear a sharp intake of breath from Deacon. I have to stifle a laugh. Her short hair falls under her chin and she wears a veil that covers half of her face. She has on a strapless dress with ruffles starting at her knees and end just below her feet. Deacon is practically drooling at the sight of her.

A few models later, Hayden comes around the corner. Her dark hair is styled into a low bun. Her dress has lace sleeves and a form-fitting bodice. One thing's for sure, these girls can rock the runway.

My chest constricts when Olivia graces the stage. Her golden brown locks are pulled back into a loose updo with two curled pieces to frame her face. Her tanned skin contrasts nicely against the soft white lace. The dress has thin straps and a plunging v-neck that displays just enough cleavage to give a sexy, yet sweet look. As she walks, a small grin plays on her face. Her makeup highlights her sparking, golden eyes. I would do anything to kiss those glossy lips.

When she gets to the edge of the runway, she poses and turns back around, giving the audience a view of her round bottom. I'm convinced she's a fucking angel. "Damn, I think I just fell in love," I subconsciously say.

Deacon pats me on the back. "What took you so long?" he teases.

Olivia disappears around the corner and the music comes to an end. We all stand and applaud when Vera Wang reappears. "First off, I want to thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by the support you all gave me. Secondly, I want to acknowledge those who helped me with the pieces shown, today. Lastly, I want to thank the gorgeous models for bringing my vision to life. Also, props to them for walking in those heavy gowns and high heels." Everyone laughs and applauds extra loud.

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There's an after party they invited us to in the ballroom next door, so we're waiting for the girls in the hallway. I'm grateful that I decided to wear a dress shirt and black slacks because everyone has formal attire on. Definitely, a vast difference from my usual joggers and dri-fit shirt.

The girls walk out of the ballroom with cocktail dresses on, of course, photographers trail behind them. I immediately march over to Olivia and place a possessive hand on the small of her back. I lean my mouth next to her ear. "Hi, Golden Babe."

She smiles. "Hi, Baby Daddy," she whispers back. Unable to resist, I kiss those pouty lips. Mmm. Her shoulders shake with laughter as my lips move on hers.

"That was one hell of a greeting," she says as I pull back.

"Wait until we get back to my place." I wink.

Hayden narrows her eyes at us. "Keep it PG," she says then breaks out in a smile.

We head into the other ballroom, purple and blue lights shine down on us. Everyone has drinks in hand as they bounce to the beat of the music. One second I feel like I'm at a wedding, the next, I'm back at my high school prom.

"I'm starving," Annalise says. "I don't want hors d'oeuvres."

"I second that," Miles says. "Are there burgers?" Deacon slaps him on the back of his neck.

"There's no burgers, you imbecile." Hayden rolls her eyes.

"Hey, I'm not an imbecile," Miles argues. "You can't blame a professional hockey player for wanting to eat more than a bite-sized meal. Plus, I'm allergic to seafood."

An evil smile overtakes Hayden's lips. "Oh, then I definitely suggest trying that." She points to the server holding a plate of shrimp. We all laugh.

After a few drinks—non-alcoholic for Olivia—and dozens of hors d'oeuvres later, we walked over to the dance floor. Even in heels, Olivia is still a better dancer than me. This girl surely knows how to move her hips. I wrap my arms around her from behind. "You're killing me." She wiggles her butt into my hardness, provoking me even more.

I place my hands on her hips, turning her body to face mine. Despite the chaos happening around us, the world seems to stop when I look into Olivia's eyes. There's an intense feeling radiating from my chest. I wasn't kidding when I said I fell in love.