Page 201 of Almost Ours
Ryan: Sure you were. It’s okay, Harper. I think you’re cute when you try to play it cool.
I glanced up, risking another look his way, and caught him smirking. He gave me the smallest wink before turning back tothe game, leaving me biting my lip to keep from grinning like an idiot.
Nina leaned over again, narrowing her eyes as she took in my expression. “What’s with the goofy smile? Did I miss something?”
“Nothing,” I said, shoving my phone back into my pocket
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
I ignored her, my gaze drifting back to the game. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at Ryan. And judging by the way he kept catching me he didn’t seem to mind one bit.
The final buzzer had barely sounded before the rink erupted into cheers. The kids swarmed each other in celebration, sticks clashing together in a flurry of excitement. Parents clapped, coaches exchanged grins, and the energy in the arena buzzed with post-game adrenaline.
By the time the crowd began to thin, the excitement hadn’t faded. Parents herded their kids toward the doors, skates clanking in their bags, voices overlapping with chatter about the game’s highlights. I leaned against the wall near the dressing room, waiting for Connor to get changed.
The sound of approaching footsteps pulled my attention, and I glanced up just in time to see Ryan sauntering over, his jacket unzipped and a teasing grin plastered across his face.
“You know,” he started, crossing his arms as he stopped in front of me, “if you were going to stare at me that much during the game, you could've just come down to the bench and saved yourself the trouble.”
I rolled my eyes, but Nina–who had been scrolling through her phone nearby–burst out laughing. “Oh, she totally was. It was like her eyes were glued to you, dude. I’m honestly impressed she didn’t fall off the bleachers.”
“Thank you, Nina,” I said dryly, shooting her a glare.
Ryan shrugged, his grin widening. “Can’t say I blame you. I mean, I do look good out there.”
“Keep talking, and I’ll make sure you don’t get your chocolate croissant,” I retorted, trying to fight the smile tugging at my lips.
Before Ryan could respond, Shane strolled over, his clipboard still in his hands. “Hey if it isn’t the peanut gallery,” he said, his tone laced with mock annoyance. His eyes landed on Nina, and his expression instantly shifted to one of exaggerated disdain. “Oh great, it’s you. Thought the game smelled funny.”
Nina gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “You’re one to talk, Coach Sweatpants. Pretty sure that cologne you’re wearing is just leftover Axe body spray from high school.”
Shane smirked. “Still good enough to keep you in check, isn’t it?”
“Not even in your dreams, McConnell.”
I groaned. “You two need a sitcom, I swear.”
Before they could bicker further, Connor emerged from the locker room then, his hockey bag slung over one shoulder and his stick in hand. His face lit up when he spotted us. “Did you guys see my pass in the third?”
“I sure did, buddy. That was some slick work out there,” Ryan said, ruffling Connor’s hair.
“Mom, can we go to Benny’s now?” Connor asked, his voice eager.
“Of course,” I said, grabbing his stick and bag from him. “Let’s go before Benny closes.”
As I adjusted Connor’s bag on my shoulder, Nina leaned in to give me a quick hug. “Text us when you’re back from the bakery. We’ll go so Liam can get showered up and I’ll grab the salad I made. We’ve got a post-game tradition to uphold.”
“You got it,” I laughed. “I’ve got the burger stuff for Ryan and Shane to grill, and I’ll grab dessert from Benny’s.”
“Perfect.”
With a round of waves and goodbyes, the group dispersed. Ryan, Connor and I headed toward the truck, I looped my arm through Ryan’s. He gave me a smile before pressing a kiss to the top of my head, sending warmth straight through me.
The familiar warmthand smell of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries wrapped around us as we stepped into Benny’s. The bell above the door jingled, and before I could even take a full breath, Benny’s voice rang out.
“Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favourite employee and hervery handsome companions!” Benny practically shouted, dropping the roller he was holding onto the counter. His flamboyant flair was as vibrant as ever, his apron dusted with flour and his smile impossible wide.
Ryan chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Long time, Benny.”
