Page 151 of Risking the Pucking Defense

We have the most incredible day. After eating our picnic, we head off hand in hand on the trail, taking in the incredible scenery and the peace it provides.

By the time we make it back to his car, I’m relaxed, and my heart is so happy.

Everything about being with Hayden is easy. I’ve never experienced being able to be exactly who I am with someone before. Previously, I’ve always felt like I’ve had something to prove, someone to impress. But that’s never been the case with Hayden, and it’s the freest I think I’ve ever felt in my life.

“Now what?” I ask once we’re heading back into town. We’ve been out hiking almost all day, the sun is beginning to set, turning the sky a beautiful shade of orange, my skin is glowing, and my muscles are aching in a way that makes me feel alive.

If I’m being honest, I’m not ready for our time together to be over, but I’m very aware that he needs to be back at training tomorrow, and of course, my job is always calling.

“That’s up to you. I could drop you at home or we could⁠—”

“Have dinner with me,” I interrupt.

“Yeah?” he asks, his entire face lighting up at the prospect of more time with me.

“Yeah. What time do you have to be at the arena tomorrow?”

“Early.”

“Did you…did you want to stay?”

“Hailee Caldwell, did you just ask me to have a sleepover at your place?” he teases.

“No one other than me has ever slept at my place,” I explain.

He doesn’t respond; instead, he just keeps looking between me and the road ahead.

“Hell, before you turned up with my suitcase, no one had even been inside.”

“What?” He balks. “But…what about friends or…shit,” he hisses, dragging a hand down his face as he realizes just how empty my life was before him.

“Things are changing,” I muse.

“Hell yeah, they are. I’d love to stay the night, if you’re willing to have me.”

“Yeah, you looked hot in my place.”

“Pfft, I look hot wherever I am, and you know it.”

“I’m not sure about that, but I’m pretty sure you know it, hotshot.”

He chuckles.

“Swing by your place and grab some stuff.”

“Gray sweatpants?” he teases.

“I mean, if you want,” I say innocently as if I hadn’t already thought about it. “And your book.”

“What about my glasses?”

I swallow thickly.

“Umm…yeah. I’d hate for you to strain your eyes.”

His laughter rings through the air, and I realize that it’s quickly becoming my favorite sound.

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