Page 52 of Break my Heart

“That’s not what I was doing,” he says, his tone turning serious. “I just... I needed time to think.”

“About what?” I demand, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “About what I told you? Did that scare you off?”

His eyes soften. “No. It didn’t scare me. But it did make me think. I don’t want to hurt you. Not after everything you’ve been through.”

There’s something in the way he says it that makes me pause. It’s like he’s genuinely afraid of screwing this up and causing me pain.

For some reason, that hits me harder than anything else, and my anger drains away. “So, what now?”

He exhales slowly, like he’s been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I want to move forward. But I want to be careful. I want to do this right.”

I stare at him, my heart racing. “You want to keep seeing me?”

The smile he flashes makes my stomach flip. “Yeah, I do. If you’ll let me.”

It’s crazy.

The last thing I should do is let myself fall for this guy. But standing here, looking at him, I realize it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

“Okay.”

A grin spreads across his face as he reaches for my hand and threads his fingers through mine. “Are you free for the rest of the night? I want you to come with me.”

“Yeah. Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he says, leading me down the path, his thumb brushing against my hand. “Do you trust me?”

I hesitate for a moment and search his face. It’s almost a shock when I admit what’s in my heart.

“Yeah, I do.”

19

Hayes

The air in the ice arena feels familiar, almost like coming home, as Ava and I weave through the crowded lobby. I grew up in this place, spent hours on the ice, goofing around with teammates, and later, coaching my little brother’s team to help Mom with the bills. This arena is in my blood, and yet tonight, it feels different. It’s not just about hockey or family, it’s about the girl walking beside me.

I steal a glance at Ava.

The knot of anxiety that’s been sitting in my chest for days starts to loosen.

I want to bring her into my world and share the things with her that matter to me. I’m hoping it’ll help break down some of the walls she’s built around herself, the ones I understand so much better after what she confided.

Ollie’s team is already warming up on the ice. When I catch his eye, he lifts his chin in a gesture that makes him seem older than he is. I nod back, feeling that familiar burst of pride every time I see him out there. He’s grown into a hell of a player.

Before I can take another step, small arms wrap around my legs, and I look down to find Kia grinning up at me.

“Hey, squirt,” I say, hauling her into my arms. She squeals before trying to wriggle away when I blow a raspberry against her neck.

Ava watches, a smile tugging at her lips.

I nod toward the blonde at my side. “Remember Coach Ava from the clinic?”

Kia’s face lights up in recognition, but she quickly ducks her head against my neck, giving Ava a shy wave.

I almost laugh.

Kia, shy?