Page 179 of Small Town, Big Storm

Shepherd Hall.

I exhale, ignoring the heat that blooms in my belly just by me thinking his name as a ball rolls by my feet, sending a gaggle of kids shrieking after it.I step back, but it’s impossible to escape the chaos.

Players sign autographs near the boards and pose for pictures.

Storm is giving an interview near the locker rooms, Holly and Poppy tucked close to his sides.

Clem is being asked about the importance of the Pioneer Museum just behind me.

Everyone is celebrating and talking and?—

It’s a lot.

And…I’ve had enough.

Leaving my friends to their success (and for Poppy’s case, her happily ever after), I slip out of the side door of the rink.

Outside, the sun hangs low on the horizon, the sky mostly navy with only a few hints of orange.

The hum of activity is less out here, and my shoulders immediately relax.A soft breeze buffets my skin, raising goose bumps in its wake, teasing me with hints of autumn on the horizon.

My favorite season.

Stopping, I tilt my head back and just breathe for a second.

“Better,” I whisper, straightening and turning for my house.

“Do you always disappear when things get too loud?”

I jerk, whipping around to find Shep standing behind me.He’s wearing a tee and sweats, his hair slightly damp from his shower, and when he steps close, I can smell his cologne that I like so much?—

No.

I don’t likeanythingabout Shepherd Hall.

Not one thing.

You sure about that?a silky voice in my mind asks.

Yes.

Absolutely.

I lift my chin, narrow my eyes.“I like the quiet.”A beat.“And being alone.”

His mouth twitches.“Should I take that to mean that you don’t likeme?”

Guilt twines through my insides, but I just grit my teeth…and don’t back down.

Shep laughs, and it’s a husky, gorgeous sound, one that matches the beautiful, smiling man with the soulful brown eyes.

Gorgeous?Beautiful?Soulful?

Ugh.

“Go away,” I mutter.

“Sorry, starlight.No can do.”