Page 98 of As You Ice It

“It would have been sweet,” Naomi continues, “but then I got wrapped up thinking about the perfect moment. The other night at your house I wanted to say it. Then I started overthinking, like maybe it wouldn’t be the right time because you were upset. While you were struggling seemed like the worst time to tell you I love you.”

She loves me.

I knew it,haveknown it, even if she hadn’t said it out loud. I’m not sure this technically counts as her saying it. But it’s an admission nonetheless, and one I desperately needed to hear.

I’ve been frozen since she started speaking in earnest, and not just because I’m buried under the combined weight of Nathan and Van. While it’s an intensely vulnerable thing to be listening to this with so many people in the room, I’m surprised by the comfort they bring.

I’m not alone.

I haven’t been alone, even if I’ve done my best for a long time to isolate myself. From my family, from my teammates, and from Naomi.

“I love you, Camden Cole,” Naomi says. “And I was wrong to think there would be a perfect time to say it. I should have said it the moment I knew. Or at the very least, I should have said it when you told me. I love you, and I’m sorry I waited to say it.”

“I love you,” I say, fully expecting a whole bunch of ribbing from the guys. Surprisingly, they’re quiet.

Other than Eli, who sniffles from his spot on the floor.

“Dude, are you crying?!” Van whispers.

“Shut up, Van.”

When I glance at the phone, Logan’s grinning. For once, it’s not teasing but a full, genuine smile. And if I’m not mistaken, his eyes are bright with what look like unshed tears.

Is this something I have to look forward to? Will falling in love turn me into the kind of guy who cries at everything?

Possibly. Because a deep swell of emotion is building in my chest, and my nose starts to burn.

“I’m sorry for pushing you away,” I tell her. “I have some things I need to deal with.”

“I talked to Mike,” Naomi says, and I suck in a breath.

“About my family?” I ask.

“No. I just asked him what I should do to fix things with us. He said I needed to chase you down. To not let you run. And as a person who excels in the figurative running away, I relate.”

“He was right,” I say. “Mike’s right about a lot of things.”

“I’ll tell him you said that.” I hear a smile in her voice, but with her next words, it disappears. “I don’t want to run anymore, Camden. I want to put down roots, build something lasting. Forget about rental furniture and leases. I want that—and I want it with you.”

I swallow. “I want that too.”

“Good,” she says. “Because sometimes, I might be the one running, and you might need to chase me down.”

“I will,” I promise. “I’ll always come after you.”

Eli sniffs, and Van chuckles. But then he sniffs too, and Nathan laughs. “I saw that.”

“Saw what?” Van says defensively.

“A tear. You’re crying.”

“I’m just allergic to this comforter,” Van says. “Or whatever they use to wash it.”

“They don’t wash comforters,” Dominik says. “Not ever. Filthy. I saw it on60 Minutes.”

“Ew!” Van yells, and someone starts banging on the wall again.

“That’s only in the cheap hotels,” Nathan says. “They use duvet covers in the hotels we stay in. They get washed after every guest.”

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