Page 36 of Say It Isn't Snow
“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I just…wasn’t ready to face your reaction yet.”
She hugs my arm and rests her head on my shoulder. “Don’t be. I’ve known you my whole life. You’re not anything like that guy, and you never will be. I’m pissed for you.”
“At this point, I want to move on and put Seattle behind me. The other guys on the team are nice enough, but I only stayed with them as long as I did because it took me a long ass time to work my way to the regular roster. I was so focused on helping the team make the playoffs for a chance at the cup, I lost myself and what I wanted.”
“So what happens now?” she asks.
“My agent has something lined up for me with a team that’s based here.”
Even though I only have a little information about this new team that wants me on their roster, my gut tells me it’s meant to be. I don’t care what their offer is, I’m ready to accept it.
I glide to a stop and hold both Holly’s hands in mine. Her eyes bounce back and forth. My heartbeat kicks up a notch, drumming faster with all the pent-up desire I’ve carried while waiting for this chance to come back to my girl. I lay it all on the table for her.
“If there’s a chance for me to stay in New England, I’m taking it. Because this is where I want to be.” I pull her closer, her chest brushing mine. “Right here.”
CHAPTER 13
HOLLY
Later that night,I’m brewing mulled wine that smells divine. The spiced, tangy aroma fills the first floor of the cabin. Caleb found a festive record in his parents’ collection and jazzy holiday tunes play from the record player while the fire he fed crackles with heat.
I hum along to the song and stir the simmering pot.
“That smells so fucking good.” Caleb leans over me from behind.
He’s a comforting, solid presence at my back. The urge to lean against him tempts me. He makes a gravelly noise of appreciation that ignites a burst of excitement in my core.
We skated on the pond for a while after he told me he plans to stay in New England. Neither of us said anything about holding hands the entire time.
Something has shifted between us. Something I’ve been resisting against every time he’s been patiently testing my resolve.
The walls I’d erected to protect myself from being vulnerable in front of him have crumbled to dust. I’m teetering on the edge, ready to jump but afraid to fall.
Because I know once I do, I’ll have to admit I’m irrevocably, helplessly in love with Caleb. And I have been for years. Breaking up didn’t stop it, only buried it.
He plays with my hair, twirling a lock around his finger. “Is it almost ready?”
“Yes. I wish I could use the hot tub. The fireplace is nice to drink by, but a mulled wine under the string lights on the porch and a view of the stars? It’s the perfect cozy atmosphere to enjoy this in.” I sigh dreamily. “I was looking forward to it as part of my vacation plan when I packed the ingredients.”
I brought the cutest bikini, too. I’m bummed I won’t get the chance to wear it.
“You’ve got it,” he says.
“Huh?” I turn away from the stove as he opens the door.
“I’ll shovel it out for you. It won’t take long.”
My heart flutters and I think back to what he said when he carried me up the hill after I hurt my ankle.Anything for you.
A smile tugs at my lips. I peek out the window to watch him dig out the hot tub on the porch. He turns on the string lighting to cast the steaming hot tub in a golden swath of light and makes quick work of it.
I change into my bikini and slip on an oversized hoodie—the one I’ve stolen from him. When I pad downstairs, he’s waiting for me.
Caleb’s gaze roves over me, lingering on my thick thighs with a darkening gaze. He pushes out a rough exhale and runs a hand through his tousled hair.
“Hot tub’s all ready for you,” he says.
“Thank you.”
