Page 63 of Now That We Don't Talk

“Oh? What’s that? A visit to the hockey hall of fame?”

I don’t even know if there is a hockey hall of fame orwhere it might be located.

“Oh, that’s an idea,” he exclaims. “But I was thinking you should come see one of my games. You’re overdue for the full experience of hockey in person.”

I blink. Is this really happening? He’s inviting me to come watch him play.

“That’s one idea to consider,” I say after a few seconds, clearing my throat.

“I usually have good ideas, but this might be my best yet.”

Mac is saying all the right things, and while I believe he’s changed, there are still some doubts in my mind. But it could be my stubbornness and fear of letting my guard down.

“I’ll think about it,” I say, tucking my hands into my coat pockets. “Maybe Katie and I can take a road trip to Tennessee.”

“You should,” he says, eagerly.

“Although I’m still not sure if I’m a Tennessee Wolves fan,” I tease. “There are other teams, and since I don’t have an allegiance, I should probably do my research.”

Mac stops walking and looks at me in horror. “Wow…that’s just wrong. Besides I already know you’re a Wolves fan.”

I smirk. “Oh yeah? What makes you so sure?”

“I saw it the other night when we were eating ice cream. You were hooked.”

I cross my arms. “Are you sure about that? Or is that just what you’re telling yourself?”

He slows his pace then stops directly in front of me, his eyes locked onto mine. My pulse picks up almost instantly.

“I guess it’s wishful thinking,” he says, his voice low.

Another shiver runs down my spine. “Oh yeah?”

He reaches for my hand, his fingers threading throughmine. His touch sends a dizzying rush through me, making my heart pound against the walls of my ribcage.

“Yeah,” he murmurs.

He steps closer, the world around us fading into the background. His gaze drops to my lips, and before I can fully process what’s happening, he lifts my chin with a gentle touch.

Then, his lips find mine.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MAC

I’ve done plenty of stupid things in my life, most of which I never want to relive. But nothing compares to waiting all these years to kiss Vivian. This incredible woman has been right here all along, and I never noticed. What’s wrong with me? Admittedly the electricity crackling between us is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.

When our lips finally part, neither of us speaks. The air between us is quiet with an energy that’s difficult to describe. I glance at Vivian, her wide eyes mirroring the emotions racing through me. I’m hoping she enjoyed the kiss as much as I did.

She exhales a shaky breath. “Well, I can honestly say I never saw that coming.”

I let out a low chuckle. “At least we agree on that.”

She slowly lifts her fingers to her lips. “Yeah…definitely unexpected.”

I tilt my head down, studying her expression. “You know, I think it’s a travesty we haven’t done that before. I blame myself.”

Vivian smiles. “To think we spent years avoiding each other and bickering.”

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