Page 65 of Season's Schemings
The look he gives me sears me to the core. “I think we woke them up.”
I flush, my mind flashing back to how…enthusiasticthat kiss was. All at once, I’m embarrassed and excited and hoping we get to do that again ASAP.
“Madelyn, you are being exceptionally rude!” Mom calls again, her voice sharp and impatient.
I cringe. “She’s so pissed. She, and probably Richard by extension, are not gonna let us hear the end of this.”
“That kiss was well worth their wrath to me,” Sebastian responds with a smile. It’s a beautiful, dazzling smile—one that signals that he cares not one iota about what everyone else thinks, because he’s totally, solely, wholly focused on me. “And for you… worth it?”
I grin back, not even having to think about it. “Worth it.”
24
SEB
The morning after Christmas, I’m on top of the world.
It snowed overnight, powdering a fresh sprinkling of fluffy white over what is already a winter wonderland, and my boots crunch in the snow as I return to the cabin with a large takeout cup in my hand. Maddie isn’t a coffee drinker—opting for tea instead—and I’ve noticed that she has a specific preference for peppermint tea. There are no mint tea bags at the cabin, so I walked into the village to get her a cup.
I took the time alone to give my family a long overdue phone call. Wish them a Merry Christmas. Tell them that I miss them and love them. I can’t believe I ever thought I had to put hockey above everything else, to the point where it’s been to the detriment of my relationships with the people that mean so much to me. I know that my intentions were good, and I wanted to make sure that the sacrifices my parents made were worth it, but along the way somewhere, I became driven to the point that I ended up unnecessarily distancing myself from the people who supported me the most.
I ended the call by promising my mom that I’ll come to Canada to see her the next time I get a few days off, and I intend to make good on my promise. I also reminded them all that they’re welcome to visit me in Atlanta at anytime, that I’d always be happy to see them.
My priorities have been totally out of whack for awhile now. And being with Maddie has helped me realize that.
Speaking of Maddie, we’ve planned to hike some of the trails around the cabin later with Jax, and I can’t wait to hear what’s sure to be a hilarious running commentary about how much she hates hiking and The Great Outdoors.
I’d bet anything she’ll look cute as all hell bundled up in her big, fluffy jacket, large snow boots, and thick tuque—beanie.
Being in Aspen at this time of year reminds me of being home in Canada. Not just the snow, but the abundance of pine trees, the crisp, chilly air that feels thin in your lungs and makes you want to inhale deeper, the expansive mountain vistas that provide a stunning backdrop for the people skating on frozen ponds.
Skating… Haven’t thought much aboutthatlately.
In fact, this is the longest I’ve gone in years without a skate... or a conditioning workout at the gym that’s aimed at improving my speed, strength or agility on the ice.
As much as I’m enjoying this time away with Maddie, I’ll admit that I’m excited to fly back to Atlanta tomorrow morning. Excited to have my skates strapped on by afternoon for practice. Excited to see the guys and hear all about their Christmases. I’m sure Jimmy, at least, has some ridiculous stories.
And then, I’m excited to come home to Maddie afterwards.
To see that freckle-faced, green-eyed, beautiful girl smile at me every damn day.
I have no idea what the future holds for us, but I know that last night marked something changing. I don’t remember ever feeling this way about someone—almost giddy with happiness.
After the wild kiss in the hot tub, Maddie and I spent the rest of the evening acting in a much more family-friendly manner, playing cribbage while I rested one hand on her thigh under the card table. Adam and Elizabeth—who pretty clearly were the ones who sent Maddie’s mother to interrupt us—sat stiffly, side by side, across the table. Something certainly seemed to be simmering beneath the surface for my old friend Eugene.
At the end of the night, we went to our bedroom and Maddie tore down the Great Wall of Slater with one fell swoop of her hand. Not wanting to take things too far too fast—and also perfectly content playing that incredible kiss over and over in my mind—I drew her close and just held her. Spent all night spooning her and sleeping curled around her body, listening to the beat of her heart and the stutter of her breaths.
It’s barely 8am, and I’m already excited to sleep next to her again tonight.
I walk up the driveway with both of my hands clasped around Maddie’s tea to fend off the cold. When I reach the front door, I open and shut it behind me as quietly as possible, in case some people are still sleeping.
Actually, everyone might still be sleeping. The cabin is quiet as can be.
I unlace my boots and am about to bring the tea up to Maddie in bed when I hear voices in the kitchen.
“—none of your business, frankly.”
“Of course, it’s my business!”