Page 175 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Jamie smiles. "So did I."

We stop beside my car, and he tells me thanks for coming.

His voice is quieter than usual. "Tonight reminded me of what this life looks like from the outside."

I wait.

"You saw all of it." "The crowds. The expectations. The constant interruptions."

"And you still treated me exactly the same way you always do."

I smile. "How else would I treat you?"

His answer comes almost before I've finished speaking. "I don't know."

"I do." He looks at me. "Because that's who you are."

For a moment, I simply study him, then I smile and shake my head.

"No."

"Because that's who you are."

His expression softens in a way I've never quite seen before.

Not surprise. Not gratitude. Something quieter. Something that doesn't need words.

For a heartbeat, neither of us moves. Then he reaches for my passenger door and opens it before I can.

"Drive safely."

I smile. "You too."

He waits until I'm settled behind the wheel before closing the door.

As I pull away, he's still standing exactly where I left him, one hand lifted in a small wave.

Only after I step into my apartment do I realize I've forgotten to check my phone all evening.

It buzzes almost immediately...

It’s a notification from the Blizzards Foundation social media page. Photos from tonight's charity skate. Curious, I open the gallery. Children. Families. Volunteers. Liam making ridiculous faces behind a group picture, and Toby wearing three tiny helmets because three little boys insisted.

Then...

I stop scrolling.

One candid photograph fills the screen.

Jamie isn't looking at the camera. He isn't signing an autograph. He isn't speaking to reporters.

He's looking across the arena...at me.

The smile on his face is warm, unguarded.

He’s completely unaware that anyone captured the moment.

My breath catches.