Page 26 of One Night with my Best Friend's Dad

The crowd jumps onto their feet, waiting...

Oliver and Nate are passing to each other. Oscar slides around the back of the net. Connor slips between Oliver and Nate, stopping their defender from making a move.

I lean forward in my seat, my heart pounding with excitement as the New York Stars near the net as Oliver flicks the puck back to Nate, and I’m sure my world turns into slow motion as his stick slides backward on the ice, and suddenly everything quickens and the puck is in the back of the net.

The Stars score what must be the winning goal and the arena erupts in thunderous cheers, the deafening roar washing over me.

Piper jumps to her feet, pumping her fists in the air. “Yes! That’s what I’m talking about!” she shouts, her eyes shining with pride at Connor celebrating the goal.

I glance over at Mac, my breath catching in my throat as I see the pure joy and relief on his face. He’s completely immersed in the moment. All of his focus is now on his team to hold the win as the jumbotron counts down the last seconds of the game.

Time ticks away as the players skate devilishly, wasting time as they try to maintain their lead.

The opposing team makes a desperate push, but the Stars’ defense holds strong.

Finally, the buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the game, and the arena erupts once more.

Piper throws her arms around me, my laughter mingling with hers.

As we pull apart, I catch Mac’s eye. He’s making his way towards us, a wide smile on his face. My heart flutters as he approaches.

“That was an incredible game,” I say, my voice tinged with awe.

“Thanks,” he replies, the deep timbre of his voice sending a shiver down my spine. “The team really pulled it together in the end.”

Piper nods enthusiastically. “Dad, I’m so proud of you!”

Mac chuckles, pulling Piper into a tight hug. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Freckles,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

I watch the tender exchange, my heart swelling with affection. It’s clear how much Mac and Piper love each other, and I never want to come between them.

As Mac releases Piper, his gaze shifts to me. My breath hitches in my throat. There’s an intensity in his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine. His hand reaches out and gently tips my chin up before his thumb caresses my cheek as leans closer and kisses me on the lips for the world to see.

And that world seems to fade away. All I can focus on is the heat of his touch, on his love for me.

The sound of the ref’s whistle shatters the moment, and we both jump, our heads snapping towards the ice. The players from both teams are skating around congratulating each other as they make their way to form a line.

“I need to go.” Mac rushes to the bench, his eyes finding mine when he gets there. He gestures for me to come down to the ice. My heart skips a beat.

“Piper, I—”

“Go,” she says with a knowing smile.

I don’t need to be told twice. Quickly making my way down to the ice where I find Mac waiting for me with a wicked glint in his eye.

Confusion must cover my face. “What’s going on?” I whisper in his ear over the noise of the arena.

Mac’s eyes sparkle with roguery as he leans in close. “Just trust me,” he murmurs, his warm breath caressing my cheek.

“I trust you.”

“Do you love me?”

“With all my heart.”

“And I love you.”

Before I can respond, his lips are on mine, igniting a fire within me that threatens to consume me whole. I melt into his embrace as the arena erupts once again, but everyone fades away when I’m with Mac. It’s only him in this world right now.

---