Page 90 of Cross-Check

I can’t help but feel like I’m floating in the clouds as he walks with me to his truck. I don’t know how I ever thought I could give him up. He’s become the single most important person in my life.

After he helps me in the truck and drops his bag into the bed of the truck, he climbs into the driver’s side, once again taking my hand.

“Are you ready for the game?” I ask him.

He looks over at me for a moment, smiling. “I am. I feel like my life is back on track. The talk with Grace helped ease some tension off of me that I didn’t realize I was carrying. Then I have you here keeping me on my toes. Seriously, you’re the main reason I smile.” He pulls my hand to his lips, kissing it.

“You’re exaggerating.”

“Not even a little bit. Before you, my days were dark and gloomy. Now all I see is blue skies. It’s like that song that talks about seeing clearly after the storms pass. That’s you. You help me see the sky.”

I blink away the emotion filling me. Sometimes I hate that I feel things so deeply. It makes me react to every little thing. Like the man I love telling me that I’m so important in his world.

He pulls up to my dorm a moment later, putting the car in park. Then he looks over at me.

“Cora, I know you don’t see yourself like I see you. You’re confident, sassy as hell, sexier than anyone has the right to be, caring with the biggest heart that this world has ever seen, and forgiving even when most people wouldn’t blame you for holding a grudge. You helped your mom keep things going when Clay left to come here. I know you still call her to check in on her. I’d bet you refuse the money she tries to send you too. You are the single best person I have ever met in my life. I knew the moment I met you that you were something special. I didn’t realize what you would come to mean to me.”

My cheeks are heated as I ask him, “What do I mean to you, Kellan?”

He cups my cheek, tsking his tongue.

“Don’t you know, beautiful? I love you more than words could ever express. They will be writing poetry about the way I feel about you, but they will never get it right. My body is filled with so much love for you that there are times I feel like I can’t breathe unless you are by my side. I know one thing for certain in this life, and it’s the way I will always feel about you. I will love you until my dying breath. There’s no option not to. You’re it for me.”

The tears are falling now. He’s wiping them away as quickly as they fall. I suck in a breath. Then another. After several more, I finally collect myself. Kellan is patient through the entire ordeal, even though I know he is going to be late to practice.

“I love you, hotshot. I have for a while now.”

He smiles, nodding, “I know. You knew I loved you too. This thing between us? It doesn’t need any words. It’s part of why we work so well. You know how I feel and what I want to say before I even say it. Just like one look from you from across the room, and I know what you need.”

He’s right. It’s been that way for a while. I feel so in tune with him that if he were to take a step, I would match it every single time without looking.

Leaning over the center console, I press my lips to his. He kisses me back passionately. I’m ready to climb into his lap when his phone dings.

He ignores it, but I don’t. I pull back, pecking him one last time.

“You’re late,” I whisper.

He nods, smirking at me. “You’re worth it.”

* * *

It’s a home game. The arena is going nuts.

So far we have the best record this season. Even with the struggles, we are on track to make it to the championships.

This year is shaping up to be the best year yet. The chemistry between us on the ice is better than it has ever been.

I’m getting ready by my locker when Clay comes in. I stiffen, not sure if he knows I took Grace home yesterday.

He doesn’t stop at his locker, instead heading right toward me.

Right, so he knows. I wonder if he’s about to punch me. My hands grow sweaty as my heart starts to go haywire.

I’m not ready to lose the camaraderie that I’ve gained with the guys. I have to accept it, though. Whatever Clay says, I will take it with my head held high.

“Hey, man.” Clay stops beside me, patting my shoulder.

“Hey. What’s going on?” I ask, my teeth clenching.

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