Page 16 of One Pucking Chance

“This is stupid.” I set my basket down on the grass and wipe my cheeks. “I’m just so used to defending that character because no one actually sees her. But you did.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I’d imagine your job is full of emotions, getting into your character’s head like that. Wanting deeply to convey their message through your craft.” He smiles sweetly.

Without thinking, I take a step forward and wrap my arms around him. He drops his basket of apples and hugs me back. I lean my cheek against his chest. His heart beats rapidly as his strong arms envelop me, and I feel safe and calm.

But most importantly, for the first time in a very long time—I feel seen.

CHAPTER

EIGHT

JADEN

Holy shit.I am thanking my lucky stars that I didn’t blurt out my first thought when she asked me what my favorite part of the movie was. Because that motorcycle scene was the first image that popped into my head. Put it off to sheer luck, divine intervention, a favor from the universe, or Cupid himself, but something in me told me to keep my mouth shut and pick another answer.

Given her reaction, that little voice was a game changer.

Holding Annalise in my arms feels more incredible than I dreamed it could. This entire experience is surreal. I’m standing between rows of twinkle-lit trees with my dream girl in my arms. I can’t believe this is happening. At the same time, I realize that all of my preconceived notions surrounding this woman were false. She’s not at all the person I imagined her to be.

I suppose I always saw her as my female equivalent from another world. Both of us good looking. Both of us at the top of our games in our prospective fields. Both of us confident as hell. Where I rule the world on the ice, she rules it in Hollywood. However, I’m going to have to change my reservation at the smug and cocky table to a party of one. Annalise is the opposite of arrogant, and that realization brings out something primal in me—this fierce desire to protect her.

The way I just described her acting abilities wasn’t a farce. While it wasn’t the first answer I thought of, it was true. I genuinely think she’s brilliant. I don’t know what she’s been through to make her believe otherwise. Something or someone in her industry has made her doubt herself. Perhaps a multitude of experiences has created this fragile confidence within her, making her feel less than. And I can’t accept that. Whether tonight leads to something more or not, she deserves more.

Her warm body against mine, the fruity smell of her hair, and the feeling of her chest rising and falling leave me completely intoxicated. I could stay like this all night. When she starts to move, I release my grasp, not wanting to make it awkward.

“I’m sorry,” she says again.

“You have no reason to apologize. Everyone needs a hug every now and again, right?” I reach out and swipe a strand of hair behind her ear.

She grins, and her cheeks flush. “Yeah, I suppose.”

“What shampoo do you use?” I blurt out.

“What?” A surprised laugh escapes her full lips.

“Just wondering. Your hair smells amazing.”

“Um…thanks.” She shakes her head. “I’ll give you my shampoo hookup.”

“Good. I need it.” Bending, I grab both of our baskets and nod my head toward the table. “Come on. There’s something else you have to try.”

I spread the large flannel basket out and motion for Annalise to take a seat. Retrieving an insulated bag from the picnic basket, I unzip it and am met with one of my favorite scents.

“Now, the apples are good, but they’re not actually my favorite part about this place.” I pull out a cinnamon sugar apple donut and hand it to Annalise. “Try this.”

“It’s still warm,” she says.

“Yeah, they make them fresh every day, but I made sure to ask Mr. Appleton to make a batch right before we showed up. They’re best when they’re still warm.”

“The Appletons spared no expense for your date setup. I hope you made it worth their while.” She takes a bite of the donut.

“Please,” I scoff. “They are well taken care of. In fact, if you decide to come to a game while you’re in town, you’ll see them in their VIP seats, each wearing signed number two jerseys, navy-and-white Cranes hats, navy pants, waving a giant foam finger in the air, and swinging around noisemakers while half of their faces are painted white and the other half navy.”

“You’re serious?” She laughs.

“Completely. The thing you have to realize is that while not everyone loves hockey, those who do…reallyloveit.”

Seated across from Annalise on the blanket, I pop half a donut into my mouth.

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