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A couple of people point and stare when they recognize Ryder.
It’s not difficult.
He has a presence about him. Especially with the long blond hair and natural ability on the ice. During the season, his picture is plastered in the papers or on the Western University athletic home page.
“Has the situation with your coach gotten any better? You haven’t mentioned it lately.” Not even when we almost got caught in the locker room shower.
The way his smile fades makes me wish I hadn’t broached the subject.
“It’s fine, I guess.”
This time, I’m the one squeezing his fingers, wanting to offer comfort and support. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’m trying not to get in my head about it.” His voice turns wistful. “I wish it were possible to go back to last season when hockey felt more like a reflex rather than me second guessing every move I make on the ice.”
“It will. You just need to keep playing your game. That’s all.”
One side of his mouth hitches as his gaze fastens onto mine. “You think so?”
“Yeah, I do. You’re such a talented player. I have no doubt that Chicago will sign you after graduation.”
“I really hope that’s the case. I don’t know what I’ll do if it doesn’t pan out.”
Before I can say anything more, he tugs my fingers, drawing me closer until he can wrap his arms around my body. I gasp when he lifts me off my feet so that our faces are scant inches apart.
“I don’t want to talk about hockey,” he mutters, his warm breath drifting over my lips.
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have brought me to a skating rink.”
He grins. “Probably right about that. I just thought it would be fun.”
“It has been.” Actually, it’s been a blast.
He holds me close as we circle the rink. “Ready to take a break? Maybe get a cup of hot chocolate?”
“That sounds amazing.”
With me still wrapped up in his arms, he skates to the edge of the ice before jumping onto the rubber mats and then carrying me to the bench to change back into our shoes. Ten minutes later, we both have cups of cocoa in hand and are sitting near a gas fire pit as orange flames dance and twist in the air. The heat wafting off of it feels so good and the fire is mesmerizing. One of Ryder’s arms is wrapped around my shoulders and my head is tucked against his chest as we sip our drinks.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt happier.
That’s when I realize I’ll be crossing off number five after all.
In fact, I couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect date.
CHAPTER30
RYDER
My eyelids crack open, and it takes a couple of seconds to remember where I am.
Juliette’s room.
I glance down only to find her curled up beside me. Her dark hair is spread out around her. Unable to resist, I pick up a lock and caress the silky strands before twining them around my finger. They’re as dark and shiny as a raven’s wing.
There were so many years when I yearned to do exactly this. When I wanted to reach out and stroke my hands over her any damn time I craved it.
When I wanted to be the one who could claim her.
