There was no hesitation with Dirks. I slept at his place every single night, no matter how late it got, no matter the hour-plus drive. I spent most of my days in the city anyway, catching up with old yoga friends, shooting content, doing photo gigs. It made sense.
The past week had been the best I’d had in a long time.
“I cannot believe I’m up at six in the morning, going to a market with you,beforeyour game tonight,” I muttered, rubbing my eyes.
Dirks laughed, the sound rich and unbothered, his long blonde hair falling into his face as he adjusted the woven strap of the ridiculous wicker basket he insisted on bringing.
“It’s aholidaymarket,” he said, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. “You’re lucky I didn’t make you wear antlers.”
“Youstill could,” I said with an eye roll.
His eyes sparkled with that shit-eating grin he wore so well. God help me, I loved it.
We wove between booths, steam from food stalls curling in the freezing air, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts trailing behind us. He reached for my glove-covered hand as we walked, our fingers linking easily.
“Are you going to bring someone with you tonight?” he asked.
My stomach pinched.Nova.
She’d been here the whole time, but I hadn’t said anything. Dirks hadn’t asked where I was living, just accepted that I’d stayed with him some nights. I told him I had a place in the North Shore, and we left it at that.
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Just me.”
There was still so much I hadn’t told him. Scarlette had her winter showcase coming up soon, and then Ollie would be in town. Things would feel more grounded once that happened. For the moment, this early morning market, basket full of overpriced jam and novelty tea, and the warm brush of his hand against mine had to be enough.
We were halfway through the second row of vendors when I felt a light tap on my shoulder.
“Sorry,” someone said. “Are you... oh my god—are you Luna Pierson?”
I blinked and turned. A girl—probably mid-twenties, bundled in a puffer coat and holding a cup of hot cider—was staring at me like I was someone she’d only ever seen through a screen.
I nodded, a little stunned. “Yeah. Hi.”
She lit up. “I follow your content. I didn’t think I’d ever actually run into you, but— I just wanted to say something.”
Dirks stepped slightly to the side, giving us space but still close enough to let me know he wasn’t going anywhere.
The girl smiled, then pointed to herself. “I’ve always loved working out. I’ve always felt strong, but I don’t have aconventional body, and for so long, that made me feel like I didn’t belong in those spaces. You changed that for me.”
My breath caught.
“I mean it,” she said, eyes glassy. “Your videos, your honesty... the way you move, and show up, and take up space like you’re allowed to... it’s changed my perspective. You’ve changedmy life.”
Tears prickled my eyes. It wasn’t the first time someone had said something like that. Probably wouldn’t be the last, but it never got old.
“Thank you,” I murmured. “Seriously. That means everything to me.”
She smiled, nodding like we shared some kind of secret. “Keep doing what you do.”
She ducked away, disappearing back into the crowd while I stood there for a second, blinking fast, heart full.
When I turned back around, Dirks wasstaringat me. There was full-on awe in those big blue eyes of his, like I’d just levitated off the sidewalk. His stupid basket was still in his hand and his blonde hair was falling into his face in soft waves. Tight jeans, charcoal sweater, navy jacket. He looked like a walking, brooding catalog ad... and he was looking atme.
“What?” I asked breathlessly.
He shook his head slowly. “I can’t believe that.”
“Come on,” I laughed, brushing it off even as my heart kept pounding. “That must happen toyou. You’re thecaptainof the damn Chicago Ravens. The city’s beloved golden boy. Don’t tell me fans don’t worship at your skates.”
