Nat shakes his head. “The day I tripped up at practice, I was really discouraged. But when I took you out for ice cream and we spoke in the car, I saw how badly you wanted to fix your auto shop and it encouraged me to keep going too.”
“I’m glad I could be of assistance,” I tease, sniffing.
Nat’s expression softens. “Are you crying?”
“No. I’m sweating from my eyes.”
He laughs gently and wipes the tear that escapes me. “I have to go, but I don’t want to leave if you’re crying.”
“It was an eyelash. I’m all better now. See?” I widen my eyes to show him how tear-free it is.
Nat tilts his head. “Are you flirting with me, Riley Carter? Showing me those eyes I can’t resist?”
I laugh as he sets me down. “How did it feel out there?”
“Electric. I know it sounds cliché, but I can’t imagine my life without hockey. When I’m on the ice, it feels like I’m doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do.”
“And you did it well.”
He smiles. “I’ll admit, I showed off a bit because I knew you were watching.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I was hoping I could ace the ‘good at his job’ part of the inspection. In case that’s something on your checklist.”
“You’re pretty much checking all the boxes, Campbell.”
He lifts a brow. “‘Pretty much’? What box am I missing?”
My eyes dip to his lips as the air between us shifts. “Just a few things.”
“I see.” Nat steps closer and gently cradles my chin.
I draw in a breath as my heart slams against my ribs.
“Campbell!” A voice echoes down the hallway. “You can love on your girl later. Max is calling you!”
Nat groans and reluctantly releases me.
“Duty calls.” I nudge him away.
He shakes his head and takes a step back. “Are you going home now?”
“I’m going to the team party. I’ll catch a ride with Chris.”
“I’ll try to wrap up here quickly and join you guys.”
“Don’t worry about us and take as long as you need.”
Nat presses his lips together and lingers beside me.
“Go,” I urge him.
He gives me a slow nod and walks toward the locker room.
I stand there, watching him and enjoying the view when, suddenly, Nat stops. He remains completely still for a second and then he whirls around.
His face is covered in shadows since he’s deeper in the hallway and away from the rink lights, but I cansensethe intensity of his steps when he storms in my direction.
