Page 80 of Roman and the Hopeless Romantic
Jesse shrugged and stood as the team skated from the ice.
By the time they returned a few minutes later, the crowd was ready for the game to start.
“Carrigan, Sullivan, Morrison,” Coach called. “You three are starting. Get out there and make Gulf City proud.”
Roman jumped over the boards with his line-mates as a familiar face caught his attention near the tunnel. Hadley jumped up and down, her mouth open in a cheer.
And next to her?
“Roman,” Jesse called. “They’re going to call us for delay of game if you don’t line up.” Roman glanced to where his team faced the opposing players at center ice.
Hockey once was everything to him, the game he could disappear into to forget the disappointments in his life.
But this time, he didn’t want to forget. This time, it wasn’t about a disappointment.
Hockey didn’t have to be everything because there was something more important.
His legs were moving before he knew what he was doing. Teammates called after him, but he didn’t hear Jesse’s voice again—because his friend knew.
This was something Roman should have done a long time ago. He reached the boards and forced open the door to the tunnel.
Random strangers called greetings to him, but he paid them no attention. Not when the girl he’d dreamed about stood so close.
Gripping the metal bars, he hoisted himself up until he came face to face with the girl herself.
“What are you doing?” Cassie hissed, her eyes going to the scoreboard that showed the two of them.
The game began, and Roman glanced over his shoulder to see Damien in his spot. When he faced Cassie once more, a grin split his lips.
Red tinged her cheeks, and she clasped shaking hands in front of her. He’d forgotten how difficult it would be for her to sit in the crowd watching the game.
“Roman, stop grinning like an idiot and answer me.”
He pulled himself up further, so he was eye to eye with her. “You asked me to kiss you.”
“What?”
“That night you asked me to kiss you, I should have known.”
“Known what?”
“You came to the arena just to yell at me for moving.”
“Spit it out, Roman.”
“You’re in love with me.” His grin widened as he realized it was true. All this time, he worried what she’d say if he admitted his feelings.
Her blush deepened as she shook her head. “I’m not.”
“She so is,” Hadley piped in.
Cassie sent her a scowl. “Traitor.” She crossed her arms. “So what if I am? What if I’m fighting back anxiety just to be here for you? It doesn’t mean you have to say it back, Rome. It didn’t mean you had to leave.”
“Cass?”
“What?”
“Stop talking.”
