“Did it feel good to beat the reigning champions?”
“Felt awesome.”
“Do you think it helped having Noah Fields in the stands tonight?”
That gets a small smile out of me. “We definitely didn’t want to disappoint him. Even though he’s out, we want to keep playing hard. Make a push for the playoffs.”
“It would be the first time the Knights have made the playoffs in over a decade.”
“I’m trying not to think about that,” I tell them honestly. “I just want to do what I can to contribute to the Knights and help us win games.”
“Thanks, Graham.”
“Thank you.”
Heading back toward the locker room, I pull open the door and crash into someone.
Someone that isveryfamiliar to me.
Noah.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” God, up close he looks even better. His brown eyes are clear. “How are you feeling?”
Noah nods, rubbing a hand down the back of his neck. “Good. Shoulder still hurts every now and then, but good. I’m glad to finally be out of the sling.”
I nod. “And your head? It’s okay?”
“About the same as my shoulder. Still getting some headaches, but not nearly as bad.”
“That’s great to hear.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. Even though I knew how he was doing—secondhand from my parents—it’s better to hear it from him. To see him feels even better.
“I should get going.”
“Wait.”
I don’t think. For once in my life, I don’t weigh every decision and just do what I’m feeling. I grab Noah’s hand and pull him toward me. His eyes go wide as his front slams into me.
I don’t know where he was headed, but I don’t care. I don’t want him to leave.
Because if he does, I don’t know if I’ll have the balls to do this again.
His eyes widen as he looks me directly in the eye. “What are you doing?”
“What I was too scared to do before.”
I kiss him. I pour every ounce of feeling I’ve had since he left Nashville into this kiss. Sadness. Anger. Frustration. Love.
I shut my brain off and give in to what I want.
Noah Fields.
“Wait.” Noah pulls back, an unreadable look on his face. “I thought you didn’t want to be out.”
“I didn’t. I was scared. I still am because I have no idea if this is what you want anymore. IfI’mwhat you want. Because I’m damn well afraid I ruined everything.”
