Page 11 of One Night with my Best Friend's Dad

“If you’ll at least consider it,” I say.

“I don’t know, Mac,” she whispers. “It’s all so complicated.”

She stares ahead at the dance floor, watching the packed floor as a blast of fake snow falls from the ceiling. Against my better judgment, I ask, “Would you like to dance?”

She hesitates, glancing around the room. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea...”

“If you choose us, everyone will know eventually. Tonight, it’s just a dance.”

“You want me to choose us?” Her jaw drops, eyes wide with shock.

Before I get the chance to reply, we’re interrupted by a booming voice.

“Coach! Where’ve you been hiding?” Nate, our star forward, and clearly three sheets to the wind asks. He throws an arm around my shoulder. “We’re doing shots. You in?”

I hesitate, glancing at Kelly. She gives me a small nod. I suspect she wants some time to take in my declaration. I turn back to Nate. “One shot, then I’m calling it a night.”

“That’s what they all say!” Nate belly laughs, dragging me to the bar.

The team crowds around, raising their glasses. “To Coach Mac!” they chorus before downing their drinks. The whiskey burns my throat, but the warmth spreading through my chest has nothing to do with alcohol and everything to do with the woman watching me from across the room.

“That’s it for me,” I say, slamming my glass on the counter.

“Lightweight,” Nate calls.

“We’ll see who’s still standing in an hour.” I tell him before I turn and I make my way back to Kelly, determination in every step. She smiles when I reach her. “Dance with me,” I say, holding out my hand.

She bites her lip, hesitating. “Mac, I don’t know if that’s a good idea...”

“Come on, just one dance with the father of the bride. Isn’t that what bridesmaids do?”

A reluctant smile plays on her lips as she takes my hand. I lead her to the dance floor just as the DJ switches toLast Christmas by George Michael.

“This song seems apt,” I tell her.

Kelly tenses as I pull her closer, her eyes darting around the dance floor.

As we sway to the music, I catch sight of Piper watching us from across the room.

“Relax,” I whisper, my lips close to her ear. “It’s just an innocent dance...for now.”

“Mac,” she starts, her voice low and urgent. “We can’t—”

I cut her off, my voice husky. “Meet me in my room in five minutes.”

Before she can protest, I spin her out in a playful twirl, then make my way off the dance floor. I stop to hug Piper and shake hands with Connor, bidding them goodnight.

“Leaving so soon, Dad?” Piper asks, a hint of suspicion in her tone.

I force a yawn. “You know me, sweetheart. Not as young as I used to be.”

As I head for the exit, I’m waylaid by well-wishers and tipsy hockey players trying to coax me back to the bar.

I nod and smile, my mind already upstairs with Kelly.

Tonight is the night I plan to make her mine. And tomorrow...well, we’ll face tomorrow when it comes.

Chapter 5

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