AllFreeNovel
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I look at Liam in all his male hotness. He’s wearing a pair of worn blue jeans and a bomber winter coat. He looks too good. The chemistry I always felt toward him is still there, clearly. It may even run deeper now that we are both experienced adults and not fumbling teenagers.
“What would be the point? Don’t you think our ship has sailed?” I ask. This is me being on defense. Guarding my heart and Crew’s at all costs.
“On the contrary. We’re both young and single,” he retorts, looking me in the eyes. I see heat and passion reflected back in them, and it makes me squirm.
“I’m a single mom, Liam. I can’t let Crew get close to you,” I assert.
“We can tell him we’re old friends,” he retorts easily. “And then I can sweep you off your feet.” He reaches up and brushes his thumb against my cheek. “How I missed touching you.” He blinks slowly.
“What if it doesn’t work out? What if my son gets used to you, and I end up breaking his heart? What if. . .?”
“What is it? What were you going to say?” he asks.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. I was going to mention Carter, but this is an awful time to do that.
“Skylar, I know I let you down. I let myself down too. Trust me. I want to make it up to you.” His tone is filled with honesty and promise. A part of me wants to give in. .
“I don’t know, Liam,” I say because I feel like my world’s axis is tilting, and I need to watch out for my son too.
“Give us a chance,” he urges, looking off to the side and clearing his throat. He turns away and whispers, “We have an audience.”
When I turn to see what he means, I see some of the parents watching us. My eyes widen. “Oh shit.” I look at him, feeling awkward. “This is not the type of talk for parents at their kids hockey practice.” Of course, I whisper and have my head turned away from the parents.
“Sorry.” He winces. “I had to use this opportunity. I know you’re worried about Crew, so go out with me when he isn’t around, even though I’m happy to spend time with the little guy.”
“I can see how much he likes you already,” I confess.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” he asks, but now he’s looking out at the ice.
“I don’t think so.” I wince.
“I won’t let you push me away. I know you feel what I’m feeling,” he states, and he turns to me again and lifts his hand to touch me. Shots of warmth and electricity thrum beneath my skin from his touch, but I keep what I hope is a poker face. I dip my head and pull away. “Not here, Liam. You’re a famous hockey player. People are intrigued by you, and I don’t want any attention on me.” I don’t want Carter seeing us on social media together.
We remain quiet for the rest of the practice. Liam tells me there is a game next week against another team.
“I don’t know if Crew is ready for that,” I tell him.
“They’re all five-year-olds, Skylar. He’ll be fine. I’ll try to make it. I need to check my schedule.”
“You don’t have to feel obligated,” I say.
“Stop, Sky, I want to be here, and when you have free time, I’d like to get you alone, so we can talk in private.”
I nod. “Okay.”
We head down to meet Crew. I tell Liam I will help him get changed because I don’t want him getting too attached. Liam hangs back to speak with his teammate Wolfe.
I head into the change room, and my son is so excited. He’s going on and on about what a good time he had and how much fun it is and if he can come back next week. I’ve never seen Crew this excited before.
When I get him changed, we head back out to meet Liam.
“Hey, guys,” Liam says, walking over to us. “Did you have fun, bud?” he asks Crew.
“Yes,” Crew confirms, bobbing his head.
“High five,” Liam offers, and Crew smacks his hand hard. Liam pretends it hurts, and once again, my son looks like he has stars in his eyes.
Wolfe walks over to us, and Liam introduces me to him.
