Page 155 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

The girl I’ve been dreaming of has been under my nose this whole goddamn time, and I had no idea.

During any of those games, I could have looked up and seen her.

What would I have done if I had?

Probably raced off the ice to go to her.

Would you? You didn’t chase her when you did find her.

I shake my head as I think about that night. I was so sure she was going to take one look at me and see past all the changes and see me, just like I did her.

But she didn’t. I wanted to believe it was the alcohol, but the same thing happened the second time I saw her and invited her up to the VIP area without a second thought.

I should have told her that night.

But if I had, would we be here now?

I want to say no. I want to believe that everything has happened how it’s meant to.

She’s not hanging out with me now because of some fond memory of a boy from that summer; she’s willing to spend time with me because of the person I am now. I’m just praying that when she learns we’re the same person, she’ll see it as a two-for-one deal.

My stomach twists with anxiety, and my head swivels to look at her as she drives us home.

So fucking sexy.

Realizing she’s got an audience, she glances over, a coy smile playing on her lips.

“Everything okay?”

Tell her.

“Y-yeah. Of course. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself tonight.”

“I really did. Everyone is awesome. Did it feel weird?”

“Did what feel weird?” I ask, confused.

“Letting the guys see you with a girl.”

My mouth opens to say something, but I quickly find that I have no words.

“That bad, huh?” she teases.

“No. It was…right,” I say. “Having you beside me has always felt right.”

“You’re cute.”

“I’m not,” I counter. “I’m a big, bad D-man.”

“Sure.” She giggles as she takes the final turn toward our building and yawns.

“Tired?”

“It’s been a long day,” she explains. “Looking forward to not having to get up early tomorrow,” she says, reminding me that she’s working late.

Only a few minutes later, she’s pulling into her spot in our parking garage. Throwing my door open, I climb out, demanding she stay where she is.

The second I open her door, I’m met with her dazzling smile. This is why men have always opened doors for women—to see that smile aimed solely at them like they’re the most incredible human on the planet. Suddenly, everything is starting to make sense to me.