Page 18 of One Weekend in Vienna

Danny turns to look me up and down, doubtfully. “Are you a hockey player?” he asks.

“No, I’m not, but I grew up skating.”

Danny looks disappointed for a second then tilts his head at me. “Are you guys married?”

“Not yet,” Max says, shooting me a grin.

I inhale a sharp breath and choke. When tears fill my eyes and I can’t catch my breath, Max looks alarmed and skates to my side. I hold up a hand while my coughing fit subsides. “I’m okay,” I wheeze.

“Are you sure?” he asks.

“He’s totally kidding,” I say to Danny.

“We’ll talk about it later,” Max says, putting an arm around me and it sets off a fresh coughing fit.

“I don’t think you should talk about it later,” Danny says seriously. “She’s obviously allergic to you.”

Max and Danny’s dad erupt into laughter and even I smile at that. But my mind keeps going back to Max saying, “not yet”, like what is that even supposed to mean?

“She’s not allergic to me, in fact, I think I’m growing on her,” he teases, throwing an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the heat from where his arm rests around me. But his grin softens, and the moment lingers just long enough to remind me of how easily I fell under his spell the first night we met—before I knew who he was, before I learned what he’d done to my brother.

And then again last night, I went all in, knowing full well he’s leaving in a day and my brother would absolutely kill him if he knew what happened.

Danny’s dad beams. “Well, we’ll let you get back to winning her over. I’m certain you’re halfway there. Thanks for being so cool with Danny.”

Max nods. “Anytime.” He bends, giving Danny a fist pump before letting him skate off with his dad.

We watch them for a moment, standing in silence under the Christmas lights, and I can’t help but think that arm around my shoulders felt more real than it should.

As we turn to skate away, Max leans down, his voice low. “Admit it, Jäger. I’m growing on you.”

My whole body wants to nod enthusiastically but my brain is cautioning my heart big-time. But there’s something magical here and I can’t help but want to lean into it. “Maybe. But don’t let it go to your head.”

He pumps his fist skyward, in victory. “Too late.” He leans in close to me, his lips brushing my ear and I shiver. “I’ll win you over eventually.”

I’m afraid he already has.

10

MAX

The market is like a living, breathing thing, full of traditional holiday cheer I expect is unique to Europe. Although we were here last night, I’m still struck by the magical atmosphere. Strings of golden lights twinkle overhead, their reflections glinting off the frosted stalls that line the wide stone paths. The scent of roasted chestnuts, spiced cider, and pine hangs heavy in the air, wrapping around us like a warm, invisible blanket. I should be soaking it all in, enjoying every last second of my time in Vienna.

Instead, I can’t stop stealing glances at Anna. I realize it feels magical to me, not just because I’m here, but because of the woman I’m with.

She’s walking beside me, close but not close enough. I want to hold her hand, but hers are tucked into the pockets of her coat, and her cheeks and the tip of her nose are tinged pink from the cold. I really want to kiss her, but I hold back. Something hasshifted since we woke up this morning, and I can feel her pulling away.

She was so flustered when Danny and his dad assumed we were dating whereas I wanted to shout it from the rooftops that she was all mine.

Ever since we took off our skates, she’s been quiet, distracted, like she’s trying to shove the memory of last night into some box she can tuck away and pretend it never happened. It’s killing me.

One night. That’s all it took to wreck me for anyone else. I thought I knew what I wanted out of life – play hockey, win the Cup, enjoy everything my amazing career has to offer – but now?

Everything’s different. She’s different. And she’s slipping through my fingers.

We pass a wooden stall displaying delicate glass ornaments, each one sparkling under the glitter of fairy lights. Anna slows, her gaze catching on a deep emerald bauble painted with a Christmas woodland scene. It’s quite intricate, the tiny white snowflakes looking almost real. She doesn’t touch it, just stares like it holds some secret she’s not ready to share.

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