I shrug. “Shit’s unfair sometimes.”
She tugs at her ponytail and wipes at her face.
“Hey.” I hold her cheek in my hand, brushing away another tear as it streaks down her face. “Don’t cry, honey.”
She sniffles. “I feel so awful. You might lose out on playing hockey—the thing you love most—because of me.”
I shake my head. “None of this is your fault, Poppy. Don’t you dare even think that.”
Her lips wobble, and my chest feels like it’s going to crack in half. “I’m so sorry, Nick…”
“Don’t. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I say softly.
“But what if this is what costs you your shot at playing pro? I’ll never be able to live with myself.” Her voice breaks.
Emotion surges through my chest. I can’t stand seeing her like this. I can’t stand the thought of Poppy feeling guilty for any of this.
I kiss her softly. “Honey,” I whisper against her lips. “I’d do it all over again for you. No question. If it happened a hundred more times, I’d do it over and over.”
She blinks at me, her big eyes teary. She looks so surprised.
“You would?” she asks.
“Of course I would. You’re the most important thing in my life, Poppy. More important than hockey, more important than making it pro, more important than anything.”
My entire body buzzes as I build up the nerve to say this next part. But I have to say it. Ineedto say it.
I’m tired of holding it in. I’m tired of hiding my feelings for her.
“I love you.”
Her mouth parts open, and her eyes are as big as saucers.
I swallow hard, my heart thrashing in my chest. “I know that probably sounds crazy, but it’s true. I’m so fucking in love with you.”
She’s quiet as she looks at me.
“I know you’re probably freaked out at hearing me say that, but I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life than how I feel about you, Poppy. And look, I’m not saying this to get you to say it to me, but I just want you to know how I feel and how I don’t regret?—”
She presses her mouth against mine, cutting me off. She kisses me hard until I’m panting.
When we break apart, she looks me in the eye and says, “I love you too, Nick.”
Chapter 52
Nick
Istare at Poppy in utter shock, unable to speak.
“You…you love me too?” I stammer.
She bites back a smile. “Yes. I love you.”
I stand there, feeling dizzy, like I’m about to pass out. Then I’m smiling so hard my entire face aches.
I kiss her again. “You love me,” I murmur against her sweet mouth.
“So much,” she rasps. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met, Nick. You put me first. You build me up. You’re proud of me. You’d do anything to make me smile, to see me happy. To protect me.”
