Page 97 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
After a while, he asks, “What’s your wish for the new year?”
My heart skips.You. But instead, I say, “It’s a secret.”
He huffs a quiet laugh. “That so?”
I nod. “What about you?”
“Also, a secret.”
I roll my eyes.
He chuckles, then leans back against the swing. “I can say what I’m thankful for, though.”
I glance at him. “Oh?”
“I’m thankful for how this year went. For my family. For yours. For Keith, even if I’ll never tell him that to his face.”
I snort.
Blake grins. “And most of all,” he continues, turning to face me, “I’m thankful for you, Whitney.”
Something tightens in my chest. “Me?”
He nods. “For always being there. For being a light, even when you don’t realize it.” He lets out a small, almost self-conscious laugh. “Just…, for being you.”
I can’t move.Can’t breathe. I just stare at him, wide-eyed, my heart beat a chaotic mess.
He checks his watch, then stands, holding out a hand. “Thirty seconds left.”
I let him pull me up. He leans in slightly; his eyes locked on mine. “You ready to go into the New Year with me, shortcake?”
I nod, my voice lost somewhere between my heart and throat.
“Count with me,” he whispers, straightening.
We look up at the sky.
“10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…”
Fireworks explode, the sky bursting into color.
“Happy New Year.” His arms tug me forward, and before I can react, his lips press against mine.
Brain freeze.
Blake is kissing me.
Blake. Is. Kissing. Me.
His lips are warm despite the cold, firm yet soft, and my entire body goes still, unable to process what’s happening. My mind barely catches up before he pulls back, still close enough that I can feel his breath.
“Breathe, Whit,” he murmurs, amusement in his voice.
I inhale sharply, staring at him. “Happy New Year, Blake…, but what - how - why - what was that?”
He smirks. “That was me kissing you. You know, first kiss of the year.”
“I know that, but why?”
