Page 136 of Off The Ice

I could barely focus because the only thing running through my brain was that moment upstairs. I’d beenabout to kiss her.I would’ve if Maggie hadn’t interrupted.

Hell, I wanted to try again right now.

And I could’veswornthat she was going to let me.

But here, surrounded by my entire family, wasnotthe place to unpack that conversation with her.

But my family was apparently hellbent on adding more chaos to the uncertainty of my relationship with Cassie.

“We saw the pictures from the gala,” Aunt Kim said. “You two make a gorgeous couple.”

“Oh, we—” Cassie started, but my uncle was already cutting her off.

“Can’t believe you made an honest man out of him yet.” He gave me a wink. “Guess you finally found someone worth leaving bachelorhood behind, huh?”

“Oh, no—” Cassie tried again.

“And look at your beautiful hair,” my aunt gushed, “You two will have the most beautiful children.”

At that, I actually choked on my own saliva, watching as Cassie turned strawberry red in front of my eyes. I had to drag my gaze away before I did something idiotic—like imagine it.

Oh, wait. Too fucking late.

“Sorry, we know we’re embarrassing you,” my aunt finally said, noticing the awkwardness that had enveloped the pair of us like a straitjacket. “We’re just thrilled Liam is finally settling down.”

I should correct him. I should laugh it off.

Now was the time to explain once and for all what the situation was.

But I didn’t.

Because if she let me, I’d settle down for the rest of my fucking life with this woman.

“Time to eat,” Mom called from the other room, sending us the reprieve we so desperately needed.

Cassie visibly breathed out in relief as we walked away from the crowd of relatives drilling us as if they were with the fucking media.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered to Cassie. “They’re not usually like this.”

But what Maggie had said earlier was true. I’d never brought a girl home before, and because of that, Cassie was the biggest deal in my life since I got signed with the Harbor Wolves.

“They’re all really nice,” Cassie said.

“Nice, but nosey. Just like Maggie.”

“You’re not like that,” Cassie said, almost as a question.

“I’m not nice?” I laughed.

“No!” Cassie blushed. “I mean, yes, you are! I meant the nosey part.”

I grinned down at her, squirming.

“You just don’t seem curious about, well, anything,” she said, hands in the air.

Well, that might be true for most things, but her? I had a feeling I’d never reach a limit on the things I wanted to know about her.

From every detail of her day, to her favorite things to what she thought we’d be doing ten years in the future.

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