Page 150 of Silver Fox Puck

I freeze.

My heart lurches into my throat.

Because somehow, before I even stand up, I know who it is.

I swallow hard, pushing to my feet. My body moves on autopilot, but my brain is a mess.

This can’t be happening right now.

Not when I’m still trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do with these feelings.

Not when I’m still terrified of saying them out loud.

I hesitate for half a second before unlocking the door and pulling it open.

And there he is.

Grant Maddox.

Standing on my doorstep, hands braced against the frame like he needs it to steady himself.

Like he’s just as much of a wreck as I am.

His eyes find mine, dark and determined.

“I need to talk to you.”

My pulse stutters.

Because he doesn’t say it lightly.

His voice is low, rough—like he’s been thinking about this just as much as I have.

Like he’s already made up his mind.

And maybe—maybe I have, too.

I step aside, and he walks in, the air between us thick with something heavy.

Something inevitable.

And I already know—

Nothing will be the same after this.

The second the door clicks shut behind him, the air tightens.

I stand frozen, arms crossed, heart hammering, watching Grant pace like a man with too much energy to contain.

He runs a hand through his hair, then turns to me—dark eyes locked in.

“I love you.”

My breath catches.

There’s no preamble. No build-up. Just three words that slam into me with the force of a goddamn freight train.

My pulse roars in my ears. Because this is it. This is the moment I’ve been afraid of. And he’s standing there, looking at me like he’s never been more sure of anything.