Dove
He’s a famous hockey player. I didn’t think he could come, but his situation changed.
She hits send and curls her fingers in my shirt, eyes wide. “I can’t believe I did that.”
We’re so close we’re touching, speaking softly, sharing her phone. It immediately buzzes back, and our foreheads are together as we read the words aloud.
Corey
Since when are you dating a hockey player?
Her thumbs fly over the screen, and she hits send, looking up at me again. Her face is flushed, and she’s fucking gorgeous. Now I’m really fighting the urge to kiss her.
I read what she wrote.
Dove
He’s an old friend of the family. You might say he’s part of my heritage.
Corey
I doubt I’d say that.
A smile breaks across my face, and she laughs, resting her head against my chest. It’s like we’re sharing a naughty secret.
“What have we done?” She looks up at me again, and I lift my hand, sliding my thumb across the top of her cheek.
My other hand is on the back of her waist, and I hold her firmly to me. “You’re going to have a fun weekend, and you’re not going to worry about Corey Hayes.”
She’s going to leave him to me.
19
DOVE
The entire flight I’m tense and electric.
All I can think about is what we did, and I try my best not to sneak glances at him every five seconds. I do my best not to blush and squirm like a silly schoolgirl keeping a secret.
So we told a harmless white lie to get Corey off my case. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s not like he’ll tell everyone. He’s too proud for that.
I hope.
Chewing my lip, I remember standing close, spinning our little web. Mav’s hand on my lower back, me leaning into his chest. Our lips so close…
Shaking away these thoughts, I try to distract my mind, be unbothered, cool like Mav.
I’ve never been on a private jet before, but I could get used to this type of luxury. When we boarded, the flight attendant met us with glasses of champagne.
Maverick took one, handed me one, and clinked his against mine before taking a sip. I sipped mine, and he gave me a wink, then headed to his seat.
My neck heated, but I guess that means we’re partners in crime now.
Gina didn’t even seem to notice. She also didn’t take a glass.
She led Maddie to the back of the plane where oversized armchairs are positioned in front of a flatscreen television. Now they’re both wearing headphones and watchingBecause of Winn-Dixie. Maddie has her head in Gina’s lap, her stuffed zebra cuddled at her side, and Gina’s tracing her fingers along the little girl’s arm.
They’re adorable, already a family, and Gina’s here to decide if she and Owen will get married in the orchard. I hope they do. I love their story and how they were pulled together by fate and dogs.
