Page 81 of Absolutely Not in Love
I make a mental note to talk to Josh about it, see if they might be interested, then spend a few minutes helping Maddox with his grip. After that, we shoot around for a few minutes, Josh and I laughing as Maddox basically puts on a one-man show, scoring goal after goal and commentating his own moves.
“If personality were all it takes,” Josh says, “I think he’d be well on his way.”
“Agreed,” I say through a chuckle. “But I think he’s got some pretty solid skills, too. If he sticks with it, and if he’s lucky enough to be big enough, I think he’s got a pretty good shot.”
Josh stands a little taller. “Really?”
“Yeah. I do. And I’m happy to help him anytime. Maybe do a little one-on-one coaching? But only if he wants it.”
Josh quickly nods. “That would be amazing. If you’re willing, then, yes. Absolutely yes. I’m sure he wants it.”
His sudden enthusiasm gives me pause, and I reach over and clap a hand on his back. “Do me a favor, all right?” I say. “Ask Maddox first. Make sure it’s whathewants, too.”
Josh’s expression sobers, but he nods.
“You know your kid better than anyone,” I say, “but he’s young, and he might change his mind. If he does, let him.”
Josh finally smiles. “You sound like Gracie. Please tell her if Maddox decides he wants to try the cello, IpromiseI’ll let him try, even if it means quitting hockey.”
“Gracie knows what she’s talking about,” I say.
Across the rink, her laugh rings out, echoing through the cavernous room and making my heart squeeze.
I look at Josh and tilt my head toward his sister. “I’m going to…”
“Yeah, yeah,” Josh says, smiling. “I see where your priorities lie. But listen. I know you’re Felix Jamison, but I still need to tell you if you do anything to hurt my sister, Iwillmess you up.”
“I would expect nothing less,” I say.
I skate toward Gracie, gaining speed as I pass her on the inside, then spin around, skidding to a stop and sending a flurry of ice toward her and Jadah.
“Is this you showing off, Felix?” she asks playfully.
I skate backward so I’m facing her as she moves around the rink. “Is it working?”
“Okay, I’m finding Josh,” Jadah says. “You guys are just cute enough to make me barf.”
I grab Gracie’s hand and tug her toward me, then spin us both around so her back is to the wall and I’m hovering in front of her.
Gracie lets out a surprised yelp, her arms gripping my biceps until we’re finally still, her breathing coming in shallow gasps.
“Hi,” I say.
She smiles and gives her head a little shake. “You scared me.”
“If you can trust me anywhere, it’s on the ice.”
“I can see that.” Her nose is slightly pink with cold, her eyes are bright and happy, and I’m…falling in love with her.
The realization hits me with peaceful certainty, spreading through me with comforting warmth. My grandmother used to tell me the story of how she met my grandfather, how quickly they got engaged. It was a ridiculous story—less than two weeks from when they met to when he proposed—but she always told me, sometimes you justknow.I couldn’t imagine how that was possibly true, but now, I believe it. I finally understand what she meant.
I lean down and kiss Gracie, and her hands slide inside my jacket, pressing against my chest. “How are you always so warm?” she asks, her face pressed against my chest. “You’re like a big sexy furnace.”
I chuckle. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
Her hands slide up my chest, and concern flashes in her eyes, one palm pressing against my heart. “Felix, your heart is racing.”
I chuckle.Yeah, I bet it is.“Gracie, I want us to be official,” I blurt out.
