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June 5 - June 6, 2025
As Violet spoke, I was struggling to stop myself from interrupting her so I could tell her that I wasn’t sorry she’d kissed me.
That was actually the truth. At least, it had been until I’d met Violet.
“I’m your girlfriend now, aren’t I? I think that means I get to keep it.”
And I was left trying to ignore how much I’d enjoyed it when she called herself my girlfriend.
I couldn’t quite bring myself to regret the kiss though.
Reed’s lips were far too skilled, and I’d enjoyed it far too much.
“Good,” Reed said, his face turning stern. “After the way he treated you, Hoffman deserves a little payback.”
“And I promise I won’t stomp on your heart if you don’t stomp on mine.”
I was a goner—and I had been ever since I’d seen her swing her foot at her car.
and I’d been more than happy to tell them she was my girlfriend.
There was something about knowing Violet was watching me that made me want to work even harder than usual.
I was rushing because I couldn’t wait to see Violet again.
“It’s easier,” he replied. “No one can screw you over if you don’t give them the chance.”
“Well, you don’t scare me, Reed Darling.” “Good,” he said. “You’re the last person I’d ever want to scare.”
I, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of her.
“A handle on the situation? It sounds like you’re already half in love with the girl.” His words struck me silent because I wasn’t sure I could deny them.
we are never, ever, getting back together.”
like ever
She was beautiful tonight. She was beautiful every time I saw her.
“It’s not crazy to look out for someone you love.”
they’ll all think I’m madly in love with you.” If only. Was it too much to hope that might actually happen?
She laughed easily, and the sound made my heart do a small flip. I itched to move closer to her, but I somehow managed to stay put.
My mom was right about Violet’s smile; it really was beautiful.
I’d never wanted to kill my brother more in my life.
“Dude, you’re the one the girls need rescuing from,” Cammie said.
Still, I stared at the photo and the boy in the center of it far longer than I should have.
“Okay, I like her,” I said. “Hell, I more than like her, but she’s not interested in dating another hockey player.”
would never hurt Violet, if that’s what you’re asking.”
I frowned because the worst thing that could happen was I’d lose Violet, and that was exactly what I wanted to avoid.
I wished I could lean closer to her, and the way she was looking at me was almost urging me to do so, pulling me in like a doomed moth enchanted by a bright but fatal flame.
“You look gorgeous.”
“You really do look beautiful tonight, Sunshine. I’m glad you’re here with me.”
“You okay?” he mouthed.
“Well, that too, but no, I’m talking about how he spent hours working at his dad’s garage to get all the repairs done.”
“Reed was the one who fixed my car?”
How I hadn’t fallen deeply in love with this boy the moment I met him.
“Hey,” he said when I reached him. “I’m glad you’re back. I’ve been wanting to show my girlfriend off.”
That I really was Reed’s girl.
Again, I struggled to believe what I was seeing. How was it that no one knew the big bad Devil Reed Darling taught little girls to skate?
“Despite what everyone says, I’m not some player. There’s only one girl I care about, and she’s standing right in front of me . . .”
I hesitated. Not because I was terrified of falling on the ice but because I was terrified I was falling for him. Every moment I spent with him, I could feel the protective barriers I’d erected around my heart slipping away.
The longer he held me, the more I began to wonder if perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to fall after all.
Gone were the jokes and the banter, and I felt exposed as I looked into his eyes. There was nothing fake about the way my heart pounded. I wanted Reed. And there wasn’t a single part of me that could deny it anymore.
As I dashed from the ice rink, all I could think was how perfect this morning had been, how much I liked Reed, and how I’d well and truly gone and broken my golden rule.
But when I considered the alternative, the thought of not being with Reed, I felt a little empty inside.
Does it really matter why you both got into this fake relationship at the start if the feelings at the end were real?”
he was just hiding the real Reed Darling from the world so he wouldn’t suffer similar heartache again. That was until he met you.”
“I’ve watched him come to life again these last few weeks, and I know it was because of you, Violet. Despite all the walls he puts up, you somehow got through to him, and he fell for you.”
“Go,” she said as she caught my gaze. “Go get your guy.”
“I hope there’s not something wrong with you and Violet?” He lifted his head to glance around at the cheering crowd. “I haven’t seen her up in the stands. Is there trouble in paradise?”
Dick
“It doesn’t matter what you said, Hoffman. I’m still going to win both the girl and the game today.”
