My throat tightened around thelump forming in it. “I flirted with you in Briarwood because I thought nothing would ever come of it. I’m still not sure you actually know the real me. I’m not the kind of woman who is okay with a ships-passing-in-the-night kind of relationship.”
“I think I get where this is coming from.” He sighed. “Yes, I have a reputation in Briarwood, and to be fair, I earned it. But that was a long time ago. That’s not who I am anymore. To be honest, guys with reputations make the news more often, so I was never in any hurry to repair my rep. Never had a reason to until now. I’m ready for a change—a fresh start—with you. I can’t go back to living a life that you’re not a part of.”
His grip tightened around my arms when I rested my palms against his chest. He leaned in so close I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips. His gaze bore a hole into mine.There was no lie in his eyes. Zane Hayes wasn’t a player. He was serious.
About me. And serious enough to put his career on the line to give us a chance.
I swallowed hard. “I don’t know what to say,” I whispered.
“Then don’t say anything at all.”
His lips met mine a moment later, soft and gentle.
Audible gasps came from the customers watching our real-life love story play out in front of them. My heart raced as a thick, honey-like warmth bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me and flooded my chest.
The moment he cupped my cheek with the palm of his hand, the bookstore and everyone in it besides Zane faded away. He slid his arms around my waist and cradled my body with a tenderness that threatened to bring tears to my eyes.
That’s when I knew that this wasn’t just a kiss. This was a promise. Ourfutures were sealed. There was no safer place in the world for me than in the arms of this man.
We were brought back down to earth by someone clearing their throat beside us. Zane’s grip on me loosened, and I stepped back, reminding myself of where I was. I was at work and surprisingly enough, a small group of women had formed around us.
“I hate to butt in,” one of them said, “but can you sign this?” She shoved her book and a pen at Zane.
He looked over at me, running his fingers through his hair, silently asking for permission.
I chuckled. “It’s like you said, gotta keep the fans happy.”
Zane took the book and signed it, unleashing a tidal wave of estrogen surging our way as women there for the signing left their place in line and surrounded us.
“Who knew so many hockey fans would show up to see thisDoctor Love,” Zane said, pointing at the banner over his shoulder with the pen before signing the next book.
“Doctor Love?” I belly laughed when I realized for the first time that Daphne Rose Love’s initials literally spelled out Dr. Love.
“Wait a minute. Who’s Zane Hayes?” The first woman said, looking up from her book.
Zane laughed. “That’s a good one.”
She held her book out to him again as he finished signing the third book pushed his way. “Come on, sign your real name, Dash.”
“Zane is my real name. Who’s Dash?”
I clapped a hand over my mouth, stifling a laugh. If I hadn’t been so lost in a love-induced haze, I’d have caught on sooner. I held my hands up to the women around us and said, “He’s not Dash Rapture, ladies. He’s a hockey player, not a cover model. You shouldfind your places back in line. Daphne will be here soon.”
Audible moans and grumbles of disappointment came from the dejected women as the crowd around us thinned.
“I guess we can put a sticker over his name or something,” one of the women said to a friend as she walked away.
“Hey, my signature’s gonna be worth a lot someday,” he called out. But the ladies only chuckled. Zane’s jaw dropped. “It’s worth a lot now,” he muttered. “You know I sit at tables just like this and get paid fifty dollars per signature when I do fan events?” he said to me.
I patted his arm. “Sorry, Zane. They’re just not as into you as I am.”
“I’m starting to get what you mean about different worlds.”
I patted his back, teasing. “Humility looks good on you. I think you could use some comfort food.” I opened the box, and we reached for thesame cupcake. Electricity sparked between us when our fingers brushed.
“Back to your old thieving ways?” He wagged his brows.
“No way,” I shot back. “These are my cupcakes. I was gonna share, but after that crack, it’s going to cost you.”
