Page 45 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“I brought pizza from the Rustic Slice,” Weston announces as soon as I open it, holding up the box.
I smile, instantly lighter. “Ah, great minds think alike. I was going to suggest we order it.”
He grins and steps inside, setting the box on the counter before wrapping his arms around me. I let myself melt against him again, closing my eyes so I can soak up every bit of comfort he’s offering me. His familiar scent grounds me. Even with so much up in the air, being around Weston makes everything feel steadier.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I mumble into his chest.
“Me too,” he says softly. “Being on the road is exhausting.”
I lead him into the kitchen, pulling plates from the cabinet while he opens the pizza box. The scent of garlic and melted cheese fills the air, and suddenly I realize how hungry I am.
“How was traveling with the new team?” I ask, grabbing two slices and handing him a plate.
“Actually pretty good,” he says, leaning against the counter. “The shorter trips help, and we picked up two wins, so that always makes it better.”
“That’s great. And now you have a French man living with you?”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Yep. Clément bought a fixer-upper house. He says it has potential, but right now, it’s barely livable.”
“That’s really generous of you to let him stay.”
He shrugs. “What can I say? I’m a nice guy.”
Weston takes our plates to the couch, and I grab a couple of Diet Cokes from the fridge.
“So, what haveyoubeen up to?” he asks after we settle in with our food.
“I’ve been studying birds,” I say casually.
He pauses before taking a bite of pizza. “Birds?”
I laugh and quickly explain Mabel’s idea about the Blue Rock Thrush. “If the bird nests on the property and it’s endangered or protected, then MacDonald can’t touch the land. It could stop everything he’s trying to do.”
Weston nods, impressed. “That’s actually really smart.”
“I know,” I say. “When Mabel first suggested it, I was skeptical.”
“Do you study birds often, or is this a new hobby?”
“You know it,” I say, deadpan. “I’m super outdoorsy. Camping, birdwatching…all the things we city girls are known for.”
He chuckles. “You’re full of surprises.”
His expression changes, suddenly more serious, and I know what’s coming before he even says it.
“Speaking of surprises—about that auction bid…”
I take a deep breath, even though I knew this conversation was inevitable.
“What about it?” I ask carefully.
“It was a lot of money.”
I shrug. “I guess so.”
He looks away, as if he’s trying to process what just happened. I get it. What is there to say to someone who just dropped eight thousand dollars on a single date?
“Are you sure about—?” he begins then stops, his mouth tightening. “Sorry, I’m trying to put my thoughts together.”
