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“Ready?” he asks, offering his arm with that confident tilt to his lips that could charm birds from trees.
“Almost,” I reply, my voice a traitor to the storm inside.
I catch Maddy’s eye peeking from her bedroom as I grab my coin purse. Her thumbs-up is both reassuring and unsettling. She slips back to her room, leaving us alone, and suddenly, I’m acutely aware of every inch of space between us.
Blake reaches out, fingertips grazing the thin strap of my dress, the touch featherlight yet sparking a wildfire. “You look incredible, Amanda.”
“Thanks.” My words are pebbles tossed into the ocean of emotions churning inside me. Indecision wars logical thinking. I know which path I should choose. But I also see the course I want to pursue. Follow my heart or my brain. Will there even be a choice to make?
Pull it together, Amanda, or there won’t be anything to choose.
“Shall we?”
“Before we go, I have to tell you.” I give my purse a few pats. “I brought your lucky puck.” My shrug is smug. “In case your parents want to see it.”
“I love the way you think, Princess.” He laughs as we move forward.
“I’m proud of you. You deserve this.”
He halts, and those bright and glossy eyes meet mine. “Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“Then, you’ve been hanging around with a lot of idiots.”
His lips twitch, but his expression is serious. As if he’s unable to stop himself, he skims his fingertips along my jawline, his gaze tracing his every movement. His fingers wrap around my bare neck. He leans down, lips brushing against mine as he whispers, “I want to devour this mouth of yours, but I don’t want to smear your lipstick.”
“I can reapply.” My voice is breathy as my chest rises and falls rapidly.
That must’ve broken his willpower. His lips crash upon mine as he pulls me into him. It’s a searing, claiming, and all-consuming kiss. I let the worries fall away for a moment and enjoy how safe and protected I feel wrapped in his arms.
When we break apart, every suppressed thought floods back in. Should I let him in more? Can this be real? Or am I destined to play my part until the final curtain call?
“You’re gorgeous, Princess.”
“Such a flatterer,” I say with a hollow laugh.
“I’m only stating facts,” he says confidently, his presence almost overwhelming. This man wants success in hockey and a life separate from family legacies. And what about me? I want to heal, to help others, and to hold on to something real. But can I have that without accepting the Boston Internship? I still don’t know.
His hand feels warm against my back, guiding me forward, and I allow myself to be led toward whatever comes next.
“Are you excited or nervous about tonight?” He steps beside me and presses the elevator button. I dare a glance. His profile is sharp against the dim fluorescent lighting, making my heart play hopscotch.
“Both,” I answer truthfully. I’m excited to see the way he interacts with the guests. He’s so charismatic and has a way of pulling people in. It’s magical. But damn, if I’m not worried about what happens after tonight. The decision weighs heavily on me. It’d be easier if I knew his true intentions.
“Remember, we’re in this together,” he says, gesturing to the elevator.
“Thanks.” My gratitude is genuine.
As we step out into the night, Blake offers his arm. I take it, the warmth of his skin against mine grounding me. “Let’s do this.”
“Let’s,” I say, more to myself than to him. Because beneath the layers of silk and lace, doubts gnaw at the edges of my mind. The rejection letter whispers insecurities about my future and choices. I glance up at him, his face radiating confidence and genuine interest, and wonder if he’s just another unknown variable in an equation I can’t solve.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE
BLAKE
I’m fucking in love.
It’s the only thing that can describe the ache in my chest at missing my date. This constant need to be around her. When we arrived at the Silverstone Hotel, Amanda excused herself to the bathroom to reapply the lipstick I smeared. It has only been two minutes, yet I already miss her. With Drew interrupting our plans last night, this is our first chance to spend quality time together after a grueling week of studies and the hockey tournament.
