Page 94 of From Wink to Kink

As I'm leaving the convention center, Tyler catches up with me. "Hey," he says, clapping me on the shoulder. "I meant what I said earlier. If you hurt her?—"

"You'll kill me, I know," I finish for him. "But Tyler, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to hurt her. The real danger is her hurting me."

His expression softens slightly. "Yeah, well, that's the risk you take when you fall for someone, isn't it?"

I nod, the truth of his words hitting home. "Yeah, I guess it is. But you know what? Ruby's worth the risk."

"Glad to hear it," Tyler says. Then, with a grin, "Now go get her, you idiot."

As I drive home, my mind is whirling with ideas. I want to do something that speaks to who Ruby is, something that shows I've been paying attention, that I see her for who she really is.

And then it hits me. I know exactly what I need to do.

It's going to take some planning, some favors called in, and probably more than a little groveling. But for Ruby? It's worth it.

Because the truth is, I don't just have feelings for Ruby. I have all the feelings. Every single one. And it's time I showed her just how much she means to me.

Watch out, Ruby Brooks. Chuck Newcomb is about to bring his A-game. And this time, I'm playing for keeps.

49

CHUCK

As I pullinto my garage, I can't help but smile. For the first time in weeks, I feel hopeful. Excited. Ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.

Because now I know. Ruby loves me too. And that changes everything.

I start with a call to the library. Then, a florist. And finally, a bookstore.

Operation Win Ruby's Heart is officially underway.

And failure? Well, that's simply not an option.

Because a love like this? It doesn't come around every day. And I'll be damned if I let it slip away without a fight.

I've faced down opponents twice my size on the ice. I've played through injuries that would sideline most people for weeks. I've even stared down the barrel of potential suspension and fought my way back into the good graces of the team.

But nothing has ever terrified me as much as the thought of losing Ruby Brooks.

It hits me like a blindside check as I'm mindlessly going through drills at practice. The puck slides past my stick, and Coach bellows something about keeping my head in the game. But how can I, when my heart is somewhere else entirely?

That's when it sinks in. None of this—the ice, the game, the roar of the crowd—means anything without Ruby. She's become my center, my true north.

As soon as practice ends, I'm on the phone, calling in every favor I can think of. First, Ruby's boss at the library. It takes some convincing, and a promise of a generous donation to their children's reading program, but she finally agrees to help.

Next, a rare book dealer I know through a teammate. He owes me for introducing him to his wife at a team event last year. It's time to cash in that favor.

Finally, Vince Vincent, who looks at me like I've lost my mind when I explain what I need. But he sees the determination in my eyes and sighs, agreeing to run interference if necessary.

It takes two days of planning, sneaking around, and more close calls than I care to admit. But finally, everything is in place.

I arrive at the library early, my heart pounding as I slip inside. Ruby's boss gives me a conspiratorial wink as she hands me a staff badge. "You've got an hour before she arrives for her shift," she whispers. "Make it count."

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. This is it. My last shot. If this doesn't work...

No. I can't think like that. This will work. It has to.

I make my way through the stacks, placing clues in the books I planned on. Each one is a memory, a moment that led me here.

---