Page 105 of Icy Pucking Play

"I'm not good at this," he says finally.

"At what?"

"Trusting. Letting people in. Being..."

"Being loved?"

He nods.

"Good thing you have me, then." I squeeze his hand. "Because I'm really good at loving you. Even when you're being stupid about it."

A laugh escapes him—rough but real.

"I pushed you away."

"So, pull me back."

"I hurt you."

"So, make it up to me."

"I'm still scared."

"Me too." I step closer. "But maybe that's okay. Maybe being scared together is better than being safe apart."

He looks at me—really looks at me—and my heart thuds.

"You made a video."

"I made a truth." I smile slightly. "Several truths, actually. Want to hear them?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Always."

He squeezes my hand. "Tell me."

"Truth one: your family loves you. Completely. Even when you're being an idiot."

"Fair."

"Truth two: you're not the Ice Man. You're just...Evan. And that's more than enough."

His breath catches. "And truth three?" he asks softly.

"Truth three is..." I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I love you. All of you. The walls and the warmth and everything in between. And I'm not going anywhere. Even if you try to push me away again. Even if…"

He steps closer, his hand reaching up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing gently against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. His eyes search mine, and I can see the struggle within him, the battle between his fears and his desires.

"Sophie," he whispers, his voice sounding as if it’s been scratched raw.

"Yes?" I barely manage.

"I...I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," I tell him, grabbing his hand in mine. "Just feel. Just be here, with me, in this moment."

He leans in, his forehead resting against mine. I can feel his breath on my lips, warm and inviting. His eyes flutter closed, and for a moment, we just stand there, breaths mingling, hearts beating as one.

---