Page 18 of They All Puck Me

"You know," Olivia starts after a while, "I've been so focused on my career that I've forgotten how nice it is to just... be in the moment."

I nod thoughtfully. "Yeah, life can get pretty busy sometimes. It's good to take a breather."

As we continue our walk along the lake, I notice the sky darkening. Before I can comment on it, fat raindrops start to fall, quickly turning into a downpour.

"Ah, shit," I mutter, glancing around for shelter.

Olivia laughs, a sound that somehow cuts through the patter of rain. "Guess we should've looked at the forecast."

"Quick, over there!" I point to a nearby awning attached to an old boathouse.

We sprint for cover, making it just in time to avoid getting completely drenched. The space under the awning is tight, forcing us close together. I can feel the warmth of her body next to mine, and my heart beats faster.

"Nice save," she says, her breath coming in short bursts from our run. Her hair is damp and clinging to her forehead.

"Yeah, I'm known for my quick reflexes," I reply with a grin.

She chuckles, shaking her head slightly as she brushes a strand of hair out of her face. A raindrop trails down her cheek, and I fight the urge to reach out and wipe it away.

"Looks like we're stuck here for a bit," she says, glancing out at the sheets of rain pouring down.

"Could be worse," I say, leaning against the wall and trying to act nonchalant despite the electricity crackling between us. "You could be stuck out here with the ever social Ethan."

Olivia looks up at me with those bright green eyes that seem to see right through me. "You always this smooth?"

I laugh softly. "Only when it counts."

She bites her lower lip, a move that makes my pulse spike. "So tell me, Noah Kane... what's your story? Off the ice, I mean."

I shrug, trying to keep it casual. "Grew up in a small town with Liam. Always had to work twice as hard to keep up with him."

Her eyes soften a bit. "Sounds tough."

"It had its moments," I admit. "But it made me who I am today."

"And who are you today?" she asks quietly.

I look at her for a long moment before answering. "A guy who's still figuring it out."

She nods slowly, as if understanding more than I'm saying. The rain continues to hammer down around us, but all I can focus on is how close we are and how much I want to close the gap.

"You know," Olivia says suddenly, breaking the silence. "I think you're doing pretty well so far."

Her words catch me off guard, and for a moment all I can do is stare at her. The rain isn't letting up anytime soon; we're trapped in this little bubble together.

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. "You really think so?"

She smiles softly, her eyes never leaving mine. "Yeah... I do."

The rain finally begins to let up, the steady downpour turning into a light drizzle. I glance at Olivia, noticing how she's shivering slightly despite her best efforts to hide it. Without thinking, I slip off my jacket and drape it over her shoulders.

"Here," I say. "Can't have you catching a cold."

She looks up at me, surprised but grateful. "Thanks, Noah."

"Anytime," I reply, leaning back against the wall of the boathouse. She pulls the jacket tighter around herself, and I can't help but notice how she seems to snuggle into its warmth.

I can't help but feel like this is oddly intimate. I feel like a fucking high schooler giving his girlfriend his letterman jacket. Except I never had one of those, I chose money instead, and pretty sure I ended up buying my mom a present for her birthday with it.

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