Page 18 of Goalies Don't Date Ice Princesses

“Look, Archer—” He held up a hand to stop me and, against my better judgement, I slowly closed my mouth. I was so desperate that I was willing to get on my knees and beg him not to ask me to stop coming if it came down to it. I’d feel a little stupid about it since he couldn’tactuallytell me not to come, but he could make it much harder for me to pull it off and I didn’t need more obstacles in my way.

“It’s a little boring skating all night on your own,” Archer continued. I furrowed my brow, now even more confused by Archer’s unexpected statement. What was he saying? He glanced out at the middle of the rink, a strange far-off look in his eye. “But recently it’s been different.”

“What do you mean?”

Archer’s gaze met mine. “I’ve never had someone to share this with. Never thought I’d want to share it with someone.”

Was he implying that he was happy I’d been here? I couldn’t imagine why. Over the last few weeks, we’d barely even spoken to each other. He stuck to one side of the rink and I stuck to the other, each practicing our respective sports, only occasionally saying a word to each other.

But now, as I looked into his eyes, I saw a vulnerability I hadn’t expected. There was something more beneath his cocky exterior, something that hinted at a longing for connection and companionship. It was a side of Archer that I hadn’t seen before, and it tugged at my heart.

“I... I didn’t realize,” I stammered, searching for the right words to say. “I mean, I didn’t think you wanted company. That’s why I kept my distance.”

Archer’s lips curled into a wistful smile. “I’ve always been a lone wolf, you know? But having someone here... it’s felt different. Right.”

My mouth was dry and my throat felt tight as I tried to find the words to respond to Archer’s unexpected invitation. Where was the arrogant boy I’d seen for the past few years? The one who refused to speak with me whenever I came over to his house with Adelynn? The one who pretended not to know my name and would never be caught dead at a figure skating competition? Was it possible I’d really misjudged him quite that much?

“Now that you’ve joined me… I don’t want you to stop,” Archer said.

“So…” I said, not quite understanding what he was trying to say right now.

“So, I want you to promise me something,” he said. “That you’ll keep coming here. No more of me wondering or guessing. Every night, you and me.”

As the weight of his invitation settled upon me, a rush of emotions collided within me. Confusion and curiosity, fear and excitement. The idea of sharing this hidden world with Archer, of being a part of his secret night skates, ignited a spark within me that I had never felt before.

I took a tentative step forward, drawn to him like a moth to a flame

I gazed at Archer, his words ringing in my ears, my heart pounding in my chest. How could I say yes? Agreeing to this was bigger than skating. It was bigger than anything we’d been doing until now. But how could I say no?

“I promise,” I said, my voice barely a whisper, but resonating strongly in the stillness of the arena.

His face broke into a grin, an expression I had rarely seen on him before. It transformed his features, softening the edges and revealing the warmth that lay beneath his tough exterior. It was a sight that took my breath away.

“Welcome to the club,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and genuine happiness. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, as if he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

I couldn’t help but reciprocate his smile, feeling a newfound connection forming between us. It was strange how quickly things could change, how perceptions could shift in an instant.

As he smiled at me, looking so young and carefree compared to his usual expression, I felt honoured to be the one he was willing to let his guard down around.

But there was another feeling in my heart, one that I was trying to ignore because I didn’t want to pay it any mind, even if I knew it was right.

I was falling for Archer Rainn.

My best friend’s brother.

I was so incredibly screwed.

twelve

I woke with a start,my head resting on my English textbook and the sound of someone’s voice still echoing in my ears. Slowly, I lifted my head and rubbed my eyes, trying to figure out where I was. My eyes struggled to adjust to the dim lighting, but as I took in the desks arranged in neat rows and empty chair scattered between them, I realized I must be in English class—but there was no reason I should have been sleeping in here. I wiped at my eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess of my unexpected nap, and glanced around again. The afternoon sunlight was filtering through the windows, making the room warm and I guess easy to fall asleep in.

The classroom was almost empty, save for a few stragglers packing up their things and the teacher, Mr. Jamison, sitting at his desk grading papers.

Embarrassment washed over me as I realized that I had fallen asleep during class. I quickly gathered my belongings and made my way towards the door, hoping to make a quick escape before Mr. Jamison noticed me. But my hopes were dashed when he called out to me.

“Bri,” he said. I froze in place, hugging my textbooks to my chest.

“Sir,” I said, without spinning around. I pulled at my shirt collar, hating how tight it suddenly felt. I could feel warmth spreading up my neck and face. I probably looked like a tomato.

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