Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
His brows furrow. “Doing what?”
I shift, impatient to get moving and away from him. Allowing him to get close was a mistake, and I’ve learned my lesson. I was an idiot for thinking he was anything more than a player.
“Acting like there’s something between us.”
“Because there is, and I want to spend more time together and see where it goes.” When he steps closer, bridging the distance between us, it becomes necessary to tilt my chin upward. “Is that something we can do?”
Air escapes from my lungs like a tire with a slow leak.
It’s a terrible idea.
Nothing good will come from spending more time with Hayes.
“I don’t know,” I mumble.
“What don’t you know?”
I force my gaze from his, hoping it’s enough to break the spell he’s woven around me. I don’t know how he does it. Every time we’re together, all rational thought flies out the window.
A few people walking by stare in our direction with interest. It’s just another reminder that this is Hayes Van Doren I’m dealing with.
“Why we’re bothering to do this,” I mutter as my cheeks heat.
He hikes a brow. “You don’t?”
With my lips pressed together, I shake my head. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more confused or conflicted in my life. But there’s something else buried beneath those emotions. Something I’d rather not inspect too closely. I’m afraid of what I’ll find if I do.
It’s a surprise when his fingers slip beneath my chin, and he turns it until I have no other choice but to meet the steadiness of his gaze.
“I like you, Tink. Maybe I haven’t done a good job of showing it, but I do.”
“Is that the reason you’ve been avoiding me?” The question shoots out of my mouth before I can reel it back in. The last thing I want is for him to think I care.
It’s painful to admit that I just might.
There’s a moment of silence, as if he’s mulling over the question.
“That’s not what I was doing,” he says, his tone turning serious. “I just... I needed time to think.”
“About what?” I demand, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “About what I told you? Did that scare you off?”
His eyes soften. “No. It didn’t scare me. But it did make me think. I don’t want to hurt you. Not after everything you’ve been through.”
There’s something in the way he says it that makes me pause. It’s like he’s genuinely afraid of screwing this up and causing me pain.
For some reason, that hits me harder than anything else, and my anger drains away. “So, what now?”
He exhales slowly, like he’s been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I want to move forward. But I want to be careful. I want to do this right.”
I stare at him, my heart racing. “You want to keep seeing me?”
The smile he flashes makes my stomach flip. “Yeah, I do. If you’ll let me.”
It’s crazy.
The last thing I should do is let myself fall for this guy. But standing here, looking at him, I realize it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
“Okay.”
A grin spreads across his face as he reaches for my hand and threads his fingers through mine. “Are you free for the rest of the night? I want you to come with me.”
“Yeah. Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a surprise,” he says, leading me down the path, his thumb brushing against my hand. “Do you trust me?”
I hesitate for a moment and search his face. It’s almost a shock when I admit what’s in my heart.
“Yeah, I do.”
19
Hayes
The air in the ice arena feels familiar, almost like coming home, as Ava and I weave through the crowded lobby. I grew up in this place, spent hours on the ice, goofing around with teammates, and later, coaching my little brother’s team to help Mom with the bills. This arena is in my blood, and yet tonight, it feels different. It’s not just about hockey or family, it’s about the girl walking beside me.
I steal a glance at Ava.
The knot of anxiety that’s been sitting in my chest for days starts to loosen.
I want to bring her into my world and share the things with her that matter to me. I’m hoping it’ll help break down some of the walls she’s built around herself, the ones I understand so much better after what she confided.
Ollie’s team is already warming up on the ice. When I catch his eye, he lifts his chin in a gesture that makes him seem older than he is. I nod back, feeling that familiar burst of pride every time I see him out there. He’s grown into a hell of a player.
Before I can take another step, small arms wrap around my legs, and I look down to find Kia grinning up at me.