Page 65 of Face Off

“Well, someone told me it was show and tell today, but she didn’t have anything to bring, so I figured I’d help out.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “You’re going to be my show and tell?”

“I brought some cool stuff from work to show your friends.” I lifted the bag for her to see.

“Cool!” She cheered and pointed to the doors. “Let’s go!”

I turned and headed in, glancing back at the frozen Holly. “You coming?”

She followed me inside. “How did you know about show and tell?”

“She told me yesterday at the store.”

Holly looked away. “I didn’t even know about it.”

Sadie was greeting the woman at the front desk, telling her about her surprise.

“She said she didn’t have anything to bring for her class, so I told her I might be able to help.”

Holly’s gaze lowered to the bag. “So what is it?”

“At first, I was thinking about my championship ring, but I doubted that would impress this crowd.” I unzipped the top a bit. “I brought them all some pucks. I figured that would be more interesting to them.”

Her brows rose. “You brought pucks for the kids?”

Was that a bad idea? I didn’t think they could get hurt with them. I’d debated bringing a stick and showing them a few tricks but didn’t want to teach them anything that could cause damage later.

“Yeah?”

“That’s really sweet of you, Mikey. Thanks.”

Her eyes held mine, and our kiss flashed through my mind. I wanted more of that. It had been so easy the night before, but now? I didn’t know how to get there again.

“I’m happy to be here.”

She hesitated. “I have to get to work, but I can call and see if it’s okay if I stay.”

I doubted Chloe would have a problem with her staying, but she was also new and probably didn’t want to push any buttons yet.

“It’s fine. I’ve got this.”

Something about my words bothered her. She flinched like I’d hurt her somehow. I didn’t want to end things like this. I came because somehow, over the past several weeks, Sadie had become important to me. They both had.

I made sure we were alone and stepped closer to her. “Please, let me do this for you both.”

Her eyes dropped. “Why?”

I wanted to take her in my arms until I could make her understand how much she changed me. How important she’d become.

“I know we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but it’s been more than enough to change everything.” I waited until she met my gaze again. “I’ll be the first to admit I’m not like the other guys. I didn’t need or want anything outside of hockey. I was perfectly content with being a bachelor. I didn’t want any distractions or commitments that might take me away from the only thing that mattered.”

“And now?” she asked in a meek voice.

“Now I see all that my friends have, the relationships and connection and responsibility, and I want that.” I swallowed. “Not just the general idea of it. I only want it because I met you. When I think about those things, I think of you. And Sadie.”

Her hand drifted up to the base of her neck, and she looked away. “Mikey—”

“This is the first time I’ve ever said those words aloud.” I almost laughed. It was easier than I thought. “I don’t want you to say anything. Not yet. I just want you to know how I feel. I want you to be able to think it over too. Consider that maybe there could be something between us.”