Page 134 of Stealing for Keeps
Surprising us both, I throw myself into his arms. He catches me, cocky smile sliding into place as his hands grip my waist and mine settle around his neck.
“You’re my favorite everything,” I tell him.
His lips crash down onto mine in a kiss that feels as good as stepping onto fresh ice. No, better.
Happiness spreads through me until I feel like I could float away.
He pulls back far enough that he can see my face. “I didn’t see your note in my sketchbook until today.”
“But I gave it to Blake yesterday right after school.”
“He didn’t see me, and then he put it in his locker and forgot…” He trails off with a shake of his head. “Thank you for cheering me on.”
“Always.”
“I wasn’t sure if you still felt the same. I’m still not, but I’m hoping.” He looks almost bashful as he grins down at me.
My heart flutters in my chest as his hands reach for mine. He links our pinkie fingers. Even through my gloves, the contact sends an electric current up my arm.
“I know that we’re both still figuring things out, and I don’t want to hold you back from discovering all these new things about yourself, but I don’t want to miss it either,” he says. “I am in love with you. I’ve been in love with you.”
All the air in my lungs leaves with a whoosh that makes me feel lightheaded.
“You are?” My lips curve, and I can’t seem to do anything but just smile up at him.
“Completely.”
His hands come up to my face. Cold fingers rest along my cheekbones, and his light green eyes stare back at me with all the love and adoration I’ve felt in every action and word of the past three months. He has shown up for me time and time again. It’s his day, and he’s still showing up for me.
“I love you too. I’m sorry I pushed you away. I should have fought harder to show you how much you mean to me. I just didn’t want to risk everything you’ve worked for. You’ve worked so hard, and you’re so talented. You deserve to have everything you want.”
“Even if what I want is you?”
“Even then. I’m done running away from you and my feelings. You are one thing I am absolutely certain about. I love you too.”
“Thank fuck.”
His lips cover mine again. I drape my arms around his shoulders, and his circle my waist and then pick me up. While he spins in a circle, my lips pull into a smile. I’m grinning so big it’s hard to kiss him, but neither of us moves away as we laugh and smile with our lips pressed together.
When he sets my feet back on the ground, I’m dizzy with happiness. We stare at each other, the rain still coming down in sheets between us.
“Should we get out of here?” he asks.
My head is still swimming with excitement and anticipation, but I glance toward the field. I can make out the Frost Lake team and fans still celebrating.
“Not just yet.” I take his hand and pull him back toward his teammates so he can celebrate with all the people who love him.
Including me.
Chapter Forty-Two
Claire
Austin and I arrive together at Doyle’s cabin to celebrate the win today. The rain has stopped, but the temperature has continued to drop. Austin hurries from the car to the front door like another second out in the cold weather might kill him. He is not at all prepared for winter in Michigan.
“Brrr.” He stops inside the cabin and rubs his hands together. He’s wearing a sweatshirt and beanie pulled down over his ears, but he left his jacket and gloves at home.
“It’s time to pull out your below-zero winter gear.”
