Cam’s gaze roams over me. “You look beautiful, Savannah.”
“Thank you.” I gesture to his menu. “You must be starving after that game. You were amazing.”
“I told you—I’m on a mission now. Playoffs first…” He holds up one finger. “Championship next.” He holds up another finger. “And you were right, by the way. This is a lot more fun for me.”
“What is? Winning?”
“Trying.” His expression turns solemn. “Being at war with my dad has been more draining than I knew. Since you and I talked during practice that day, I feel better. He still bugs the crap out of me, but I’m no longer weighing what will happen if I play well and how to screw up just enough to keep him at bay.”
“So instead, you’re just playing a game for fun,” I say.
He winks at me. “And for you.”
I reach across the table and take his hand. “Cam. Don’t do this for me. Don’t play your best for anyone but yourself. You deserve to go out on a high note. You’ve dedicated your life to hockey. And even if you don’t love it, even if you’re ready for a new chapter, you deserve a happy ending.”
He laces his fingers through mine. “And so do you, Savannah. So let’s both get what we deserve.”
* * *
Cam and I have a great time talking over dinner. Things are different between us tonight. Now that he knows my secrets, I’m not as guarded. We each have a glass of wine, and we share a piece of chocolate cake.
When we walk outside a long while later, a light snowfall greets us. Not too hard but definitely snowing.
“I guess Lovelake and snow go hand in hand for us,” I say.
“This isn’t a storm, though,” he says, putting his arm around me. “We’re not stuck here, in other words.”
Once we’re inside the truck, Cam turns on the heat but doesn’t leave the empty parking lot. His lips go to mine, and we start making out like teenagers. He tastes like chocolate mixed with wine.
“Cam.”
“Yeah?”
“I wish we could have a do-over from last night,” I say quietly.
“We can if you want to.”
We lock eyes. “You mean like…”
“We can stay here if you want. No pressure.” He runs his hand along my jawline. “Nothing has to happen unless you want it to. If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll take you home instead; whatever you want, Vannah. Either way, though, we’re going to take our time.”
I know I want him, and I sayyes.
Chapter Nineteen
We liked the hotel we stayed at last time so much that we book it again.
“This is a suite,” I say as we step into the room. “Cam, you didn’t need to do this. And I’m happy to pay you for half…”
“My treat,” he says, taking my hand and leading me over to the bed. “I thought…I don’t know. I thought maybe…” He runs his hands through his hair awkwardly. “Maybe being away from Climax would be good for you.”
I stare into his eyes and read the genuineness in their dark depths. “I think you’re right. But I’m not sure…”
Cam takes my hand in his. “This is too fast for you. I didn’t mean that we needed to…”
“I know you didn’t.” I shake my head as I shift closer to him. “I want this. I’m the one who asked you, remember?”
Cam leans back against the headboard and brings me into his chest.
