Page 125 of Icebound Hearts

My breath catches. Because God, I want that too.

Aiden smirks like he knows exactly what I’m thinking, then pulls me toward the blanket, making me sit before handing me a takeout box. “Eat. Before you start overthinking and ruin the moment.”

I scoff but take the food, digging in while he does the same. We sit in silence for a while, the only sound the soft lapping of the water against the shore. It’s peaceful. But of course, Aiden can’t let that last for long.

“So,” he says, wiping his mouth. “How does it feel to be my girlfriend?”

I nearly choke on my food. “You’re so annoying.” He grins. “But you love me.”

I glare at him, but the warmth in my chest betrays me.

“Unfortunately.”

Aiden chuckles, leaning in to kiss my cheek, his lips lingering for just a second too long. “Lucky me.”

I shake my head, rolling my eyes, but my stomach won’t stop flipping.

Because yeah.

Lucky him.

But also…. Lucky me.

Chapter Fifty

KATERINA

The arena is crowded to the brim. The crowd roars, the ice glows under the bright lights, and every muscle in my body is wired with tension as I watch Aidenfly across the rink. He moves like he owns it. Like the ice was made for him. Every sharp turn, every pass, every shot—it’s flawless.

I’m vibrating with nerves, my breath trapped in my throat. The final period is down to the last minute. The scoreboard is tied. The tension is suffocating.

“Come on, Aidy,” I whisper, gripping the sleeve of Alina’s jacket.

She squeezes my hand, her expression tight with anticipation. Aiden steals the puck. The crowd erupts as he takes off, weaving through defenders like they’re nothing, like this is his moment and no one’s going to take it from him. He shoots—

Time slows.

The puck sails through the air— And hits the back of the net.

Goal. The stadium explodes.

Aiden skates toward his teammates, his arms raised, his entire body radiating triumph as they pile onto him, shouts of victory ringing through the ice. They won.

They fucking won.

I don’t think. I move.

Before I know it, I’m pushing through the crowd, slipping past security, Aiden turns—

And his eyes go soft. His teammates are still cheering, still celebrating, but Aiden?

He only sees me and I don’t hesitate. The moment he skates towards me, I launch myself at him, arms wrapping around his neck as he manages to catch me effortlessly, spinning us on the ice as I press my lips to his.

“I’m so proud of you.” I say between kisses, my cheeks in pain from grinning.

The kiss is fire, desperate and triumphant, all our emotions

crashing into each other at once. He grins against my lips, his arms tightening around me.

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