Page 23 of The Pucks We Freeze
“I meant it,” I said under my breath. “Back then, I didn’t know how to say it. But I noticed you. I always have.”
Her fork paused midair, her eyes lifting to meet mine. Something passed between us, and my stomach tightened. She didn’t say anything, just gave the faintest nod like she didn’t trust herself to speak.
Across the table, her dad was still watching. He didn’t say anything either. Just studied me for a long second, then tipped his head slowly. “Life’s strange sometimes. Has a way of putting things back in front of you when you’re finally ready to see them.”
My mom jumped in as she passed me a plate. “Or it’s just this town. Rixton’s small, stubborn, and knows exactly what it’s doing.”
Willow smiled without looking up. Her hand grazed mine as we reached for the same napkin. Neither of us pulled away.
I caught a glimpse of the tattoo wrapped around her wrist, the vine-like ink curling delicately across the top of her hand.
I knew I was toeing a line. Hell, I was half a step from falling right over it. It still didn’t stop me from leaning close as we stood to clear the table, brushing my hand against her lower back as I passed by. Her breath hitched.
Later, I’d offer to walk her to the cabin.
But for now, I was right here—spinning in this strange, stolen in-between where our parents were only feet away, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what her lips tasted like.
And the wildest part?
I didn’t think she could either.
When the last dish was cleared and the house finally quieted, I offered to walk with her. The air had cooled just enough to lift the edge of her hair in the breeze. Stars blinked overhead, bold against the dark sky, and the gravel path crunched softly beneath our feet.
Willow wrapped her arms around herself, her voice low. “I’m glad you skipped partying for the night to join us.”
“Is this you thanking me?” I nudged her gently with my elbow. “Even after I was teasing every juicy detail between us?”
She laughed, the sound quiet and breathy. “You tell my dad we’re hooking up, and I’ll deny everything. Lie through my teeth.” She arched her brow. “Your mom, though, she’s amazing. Every time she shared another embarrassing story about you, I was convinced she liked me more than you.”
“Can’t blame her. I like you more than I like me too.”
Willow rolled her eyes, but there was no heat behind it. “You’re trouble, Kade Brooks.”
“You say that like it’s news.” I smirked. “Might be my favorite compliment, though.”
We stopped in front of her porch, the light above us casting a soft glow across her face. She looked up at me, her expression unreadable, except for the way her eyes lingered. Almost as if she were tempting me, daring me to make the first move.
I stepped in, just close enough that I could smell the vanilla in her shampoo. Close enough to feel the way her breath caught.
“You ever think,” I asked quietly, “if I hadn’t blown my chance the first time… if timing hadn’t kept getting in the way… maybe this could’ve been more than just one night? Or one week.”
Her eyes dropped to my lips, then back to mine. “Yeah… all the time.”
“And?”
“Maybe we needed a couple more tries to get it right.”
My chest tightened as her words sank in. I stilled, swallowing hard, before sliding my hand around hers, memorizing every curve of her knuckles as I traced slow circles with my thumb.
“I don’t want this to be temporary,” I whispered, my voice rough with need.
Gently, I cupped her jaw, brushing my thumb along her cheek, committing every inch of her to memory for the nights I’m missing her. Willow didn’t say a word, and she didn’t needto. The way she stepped forward, her fingers curling around the front of my hoodie and tugging me toward her, sealed it for me.
Her lips parted with a soft sigh, her body melting against mine like she’d been holding herself back for too long. There was no pretense. No teasing, just want.
I deepened the kiss, guiding her backward until her hips hit the porch railing. She gasped, her fingers knotting in my shirt as I claimed her lips again. Every nerve in me was on fire.
Willow’s hands slid up my chest, stopping just over my heart. “You should go,” she whispered, though she didn’t sound convinced.
