I want to feel bad for keeping these little secrets to myself, the boys know the gist of what I went through, but I can’t bring myself to care. It’smydirty laundry, I don’t have to air it out if I don’t want to.
With understanding, they lead me to the tunnels that players use to get onto the ice. The path is covered in twinkle lights and rose petals, soft music drifts towards us from the ice, and the boys let go of my hands.
I stare ahead of me, and the overhead lights shut off. The tunnel is dark, the only thing lighting my path is the soft glow of the lights strung along the walls.
“Be kind to him.” Blair says as I continue to walk forward, “he’s hurting too.”
My heart pounds in my chest, butterflies erupt in my stomach as I step foot onto the cold surface. Hundreds of candles are placed along the ice, flickering in the darkness while a certain asshole I love stands at the centre.
There’s a blanket behind him, flowers scattered along its edges. Lucas holds a speaker above his head, staring at me like I’m the only person in this entire world.
His eyes bore into mine, emotion pooling the closer I get. His lips turn up slightly, and tears well in his eyes.
When I’m finally close enough to smell his cologne, I chuckle nervously, “I didn’t know you were such a big baby St. James.”
“I’m scared” he admits, taking me off guard. “I’m so terrified of the way you make me feel, I’m terrified of losing you forever or having to watch you fall in love with someone else. I hate the idea of you looking at someone the way I look at you, and fuck I hate myself for not realizing any of this sooner.”
My chest aches, I want to touch him.
“I’m far from perfect, and I know I have so much to make up for, but I really,reallywant you to give me a shot. Let me show you that love can be gentle.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, letting my fingers intertwine with the soft waves. Our breaths combine and his heartbeat thunders against me as our chests press against one another. “You are such a loser” I snort.
He looks down at my lips, “a loser you’re really into.”
That might just be the truest thing he’s ever said.
I lean in towards him, teasing him by hovering just a breath away from his lips, “I expect your little promise to be fulfilled at the next game.”
“I haven’t been able to forget about that fucking kiss” he says, practically begging me to give him what he wants. “I’d do anything if it mean’t I got a re-do.”
A wicked smile takes over my face, and I pull away. He groans when he realizes that I will not be indulging him, “not so fast St. James… I may forgive you but I still want you to fight for my heart.”
Lucas licks his lips, “I’ll get you to kiss me one day.” He turns towards the stands and cups his hands around his mouth, “she forgives me!”
Cheers echo against the walls, and I look up to see all of our friends clapping in excitement.
We both laugh, holding onto one another while Steph screams at the tops of her lungs, “finally!”
“Way to go Clarity!” Davis cheers.
Lucas lifts me up, holding me while I wrap my legs around his waist, “wanna put on a little show for them?”
An embarrassingly loud laugh escapes my lips and I throw my head back, “nice try, but I’m not that easy.” As we walk over to my friends I have to ask, “How’d you get all of this set up anyway?”
“My girlmightbe related to a hockey player, who may or may not have told me that I needed to get my head out of my ass and make things right with you.” My jaw drops. Lucas shakes with laughter before placing a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose, “he’s a big softie when you get to know him.”
thirty-eight
LUCAS
She’s stunning, absolutely stunning.
This sorority on campus is throwing a party to raise money for sick kids, and even though Claire is wearing the same jeans and crop-top combo she always go’s for, I can’t help but drool at the sight of her.
I walk to the base of the stairs, and hold out a hand for her, she grabs it and as she goes to take the last step… she stumbles.
My arms wrap around her on instinct, catching her before she can fully fall, “already falling for me I see.”
