Page 32 of Goalies Don't Date Ice Princesses

As if sensing my thoughts, Archer’s arm tightened around me, pulling me even closer. His touch was gentle and possessive, as if he couldn’t bear the thought of letting me go. I nestled my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart echoing through every fiber of my being. I wished I could have stayed like that forever.

* * *

When I next woke up, the first rays of morning painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting a warm glow across the room. The soft light filtered through the curtains, casting intricate patterns on the walls.

I watched in awe as Archer stirred from his slumber, his eyes fluttering open to meet mine. The corners of his lips curled into a sleepy smile, and I couldn’t help but return it. We lay there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, cherishing the precious moments before reality would come crashing back in.

As the last remnants of sleep receded, Archer traced small circles on my back with his fingertips, leaving a trail of warmth wherever he touched. His touch was like a comforting balm, soothing any doubts or fears that lingered within me.

“How did Blair end up on the floor?” Archer’s voice broke the silence, his eyes filled with curiosity and concern. I chuckled softly, unraveling myself from his embrace and sitting up.

“Well,” I began, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, “after we fell asleep last night, Blair came in quietly so as not to wake you. She found us snuggled up together and decided she didn’t want to ruin the moment.”

Archer’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a mixture of amusement and gratitude lighting up his features. “She’s really something, isn’t she?”

I laughed and glanced at her, sprawled out on her back, totally dead to the world. “You can say that again.”

* * *

“Adelynn!” I squealed, running to hug my best friend. She was up at the lodge to see Archer’s hockey game this afternoon, then would stay overnight tonight and come back to school with us in the morning.

“Would it be sad for me to say that I’ve missed you over the past day and a half?” Adelynn asked as she hugged me.

“No, I missed you too!” I said. Never mind that we went a month at a time without seeing each other over the summer. “Come on!”

We settled into a cozy corner of the lodge, nestled near a warm and crackling fireplace, since Adelynn said she’d been freezing during her car ride and needed to warm up.

“So, how was your performance yesterday?” Adelynn asked. She wanted to come up earlier, but her mom and Avianna didn’t want to come up until today, and she had no other choice about it.

I told her all about the performance, avoiding all the parts about Archer. I knew I would have to tell her about us eventually, but today definitely wasn’t going to be that day.

But, speak of the devil, just then, a familiar figure caught my eye.

“Hey there, ladies,” Archer greeted, appearing behind the couch. “I see you two are having quite the reunion.”

Adelynn grinned mischievously. “Well, it’s been a long day and a half. Are you ready for your game later?”

“Ready? More than ready,” Archer said confidently. “Actually, I’m even more excited for after the game. A few of us are planning to go snowboarding—it’ll be a perfect way to unwind and make the most of our time here.”

“Snowboarding, huh?” Adelynn said, her voice filled with uncertainty. She glanced at me and I grinned back. Neither of us were really snowboarding people, but her especially so. She didn’t like skating either. “Well, good luck with that one.”

Archer chuckled. “I didn’t think you’d be very into it.”

“Why did you wait this long?” Adelynn asked. “You’ve been her for a while.”

Archer pinched her cheek, and she leaned away with a disgruntled look. “Can’t risk getting injured before the game, Addie.”

“Oh, right, how stupid of me,” Adelynn mumbled.

“Anyway, I better get to my team,” Archer said. “I’ll see you after the game.”

“Good luck!” I said, just in case I didn’t see him before then. He smiled at me. I wished I could have kissed him, but that wasn’t happening with Adelynn here. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

And he did. The game that night was nothing short of spectacular. As the final buzzer sounded, signaling their victory, the entire arena erupted in cheers and applause. Adelynn and I joined in with unwavering enthusiasm, our voices melding with the jubilant chorus that filled the air.

The hockey team had their own celebration tonight—before the joint figure skating and hockey team one tomorrow—so Adelynn and I just hung around the lodge for the evening. As we settled into the cozy warmth of our room, the crackling fire casting a flickering glow upon the walls, Adelynn and I couldn’t contain our excitement. The exhilaration of witnessing Archer’s glorious victory on the ice still lingered in the air, filling our hearts with an infectious joy.

The evening was ours to savor, and we reveled in the ambiance of the lodge. Soft piano melodies floated through the air, mixing the sound of the crackling fire, and it gave the lodge a nice homey feel. As the evening wore on and the clock ticked closer to midnight, Adelynn and I curled up on the couch in our room, surrounded by blankets and pillows. The TV screen flickered to life as we settled in for a movie, our laughter and chatter filling the quiet room.

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