Later that night,after I drop Liv off at Kali’s, there’s a knock on my door. I open it to find Hannah in a sparkly silver dress, holding a bottle of champagne.
“After our conversation with Liv earlier this afternoon, I felt like mixing it up this year and going for the best of both worlds: a sparkly dress while I’m sitting on the couch because the thought of being at a crowded bar sounds absolutely horrible.” She grins. “Want to join me?”
“I’m a terrible father.” I yank her inside and close the door, pressing my lips to hers. She tastes like sugar, and she laughs against my mouth when I take off her jacket. “I was excited for Liv to spend the night at her mom’s so I could see you.”
“I’m excited to see you too, but I had fun with you and Liv today.” Hannah puts a hand on my shoulder so she can take off her shoes. “She’s a good kid.”
“The best.” We walk down the hall to the living room where I have the electric fireplace going. “Want to open the champagne?”
“Honestly? It was kind of for show. I’ll take a glass if you’re having one though.”
“It’s the year of saying yes, right?” I lead us to the kitchen and open the cabinet, pulling down two cups. “This is the fanciest thing I have.”
“It’ll get the job done.” Hannah hands over the bottle. “I’ve actually never opened one of these before, so I’m going to defer to you.”
“I’ve opened plenty in the locker room after a championship win.” I walk her through the steps, popping the cork and pouring the alcohol into our glasses. “Cheers, Hannah.”
“Cheers.” She smiles and bumps her cup against mine, taking a sip. “So. What time are you aiming to be in bed by? Ten, right?”
“I could be persuaded to stay up later.” I loop an arm around her waist, pulling her to me. Did you have something in mind that would pass the time?”
“Scrabble?” Hannah teases, and I laugh. “Gosh. I like that sound.”
“What?”
“You. Laughing.” Her fingers press into my cheek with a sigh. “It’s funny. Grant tells me about the guy at practice who rarely smiles and barks out orders, but I almost don’t believe he exists. You’re not that guy around me.”
“Can’t explain it. There are expectations that come with coaching, yeah, but when I’m with you…” I shrug, sipping my champagne. “I don’t feel any of that. I feel…” How is it that she makes finishing a sentence almost impossible? “Different, I guess.”
Hannah hops on the kitchen counter and swings her legs back and forth. “Is it a good different?”
“Yeah. It is.”
“Good.” Her whole face lights up when she says it, and her happiness hits me square in the chest. She’s so fucking pretty,and out of every option she could’ve picked tonight, she chose me. How lucky am I? “I’m glad.”
“You officially signed up for that competition in March?” I ask, trying to get rid of the pressure sitting on my chest. It’s persistent, heavy the longer I look at her. “How are you feeling?”
“Terrified, but also grateful. Working with you has meant so much to me, and I’m ready to see how our training has paid off.” Her foot nudges my thigh. “I’m really proud of myself, and I’m not sure that would be possible without you.”
“Hannah.” I set my drink down and nudge my way between her legs, putting my hands on her knees. “You would’ve gotten here without me. I’ve only given you the drills. You’re the one executing them. You’re the one showing up. And while I hope this is the cure for your burnout because you’re so fucking beautiful on the ice, I also know I’m going to be so proud of you no matter how your story ends.”
She puts a hand on my shoulder, hope in her eyes. “Really?”
“Yeah.” I step closer, cupping her cheek. “This year is going to be your year, Ice Queen, and I can’t wait to watch you shine.”
TWENTY-SIX
HANNAH
I settleon my couch with a glass of wine and my phone when a message from Brody pops up on my screen. My grin is undeniable at the sight of his name, and I don’t waste any time seeing what he has to say.
GC
Hi, Ice Queen.
Me
Hi, BB. How was the flight to Dallas?
