Page 141 of Miami Ice

“Labyrinth.”

This song jumps to the forefront of my mental Swiftie soundtrack, a song about falling in love, and I know I’m falling in love with this man already.

But there’s no “uh-oh” about it.

I know people could ask how this is possible. I’m still getting to know Beckham. But in other ways, I feel as if my heart has known his for so much longer. Nothing has ever felt as right as being with Beckham has.

My heart knows this is the man I’m meant to fall in love with.

And I hope Beckham has the same big feelings for me, too.

Chapter Thirty-One

I’ve decided I hate road games.

I’ve learned this as December has gone by. Beckham had some home games, but they went by too fast. He left yesterday and I already miss him. And this is a long West Coast road trip. He’s going to be gone for an entire week, not coming home until the early hours of Saturday morning.

Only to have another game to play on Sunday.

I package up another jar for shipping. Luckily, I have a lot to do this week to keep me occupied. The Holly Jolly Christmas Bazaar was a huge success—my best show EVER. So I have a lot of stock to replenish. But first, I have to finish shipping all the Etsy orders from last week, and that’s going to take all day today.

I smile. I’m not mad at it.

I add some paper shreds to a box and then put a handwritten thank-you note on the top. I have shows next weekend, and some nighttime events, too. I’m going to be busy.

I’ve also made some personal plans this week, too. I’m taking some of my jars over to Scarlett’s apartment tomorrow so she can take some pictures, and I’m excited to get to know her better. Then I’m having dinner with Becca on Wednesday night, as Antoni is on the road with the Copperheads, and I can’t wait to spend more time with her.

I take my roll of printed packing tape—I had some made with the Georgie’s Jars logo all over it—and seal the box shut. I have to set up for another show on Friday night—this time it’s at a posh private high school in Miami Beach—and then I’m going out with Ella, Chloe, and Emilee. We’re going to dinner and then getting coffee and dessert at an independent bookstore. I’m excited about this—I haven’t been to a bookstore in forever.

So I have a fun week of activities and lots of work to do.

I frown as I peel off the label I’ve printed. So why do I still miss Beckham like crazy?

“Winston. I’ve become a complete sap. Don’t tell anyone,” I say to him.

Winston looks up from the Kong toy he’s working on. His tail swishes, and I swear he’s grinning at me.

“You’ll keep my secret, won’t you, Winnie?” I ask, going over to ruffle his head.

“Woof!”

I grin. “You’re such a good boy. I love you.” I lean down and press a kiss on the top of his head.

I get back up and consult my laptop for the next order I need to ship, this time a complete set of my Pinkmas jars. Those have been the biggest seller of the season so far, and I can’t wait to tell Beckham that fact. I gather the jars up on my shipping table. After I finish this package, I’ll take Winston for his afternoon walk and then I’ll break for lunch.

Buzz!

I retrieve my phone, and I grin when I see it’s Beckham.

We’ve exchanged a ton of texts since he left for Los Angeles last night. The Manatees are playing in Los Angeles tonight, San Francisco on Wednesday, and finishing up with Las Vegas on Friday. I eagerly tap it open and read:

Got a question for you, Cupcake.

I smile and text him back:

Hopefully I will have an answer.

Beckham Bailey is typing …

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