“Yeah…” I mutter, stepping back and tugging a hand through my hair as I catch sight of Theo on the ice, trying like mad to control the puck as he skates. Most adorable kid ever. I wave in his direction, but I’m not sure if he sees me.
Turning back to Eddie, I shrug. “Here’s the thing. I don’t think I want my old life back. It—” I’m cut off by my phone’s ring. Fishing it from my pocket, I sigh and flash the screen at Eddie. “It’s Nolan. Better not ignore him, right?”
Eddie averts his gaze, focusing on the rink. “Probably not a good idea.”
“Hi, Nolan. What’s up?”
“I should ask you the same thing,” Nolan replies. “Romy sent me a link to the interview with your ex. How are things out there?”
“Congratulate me, I’m no longer a married woman. The SOB signed the papers. Things are turning around. Crazy, huh? “ I stare at Eddie through my lashes, aware he’s payingwaytoo much attention to this phone call.
“They are, although my offer still stands. I know Sparkwood will open its doors to you again, but if you desire a fresh start, LA is waiting for you.”
“Actually, a new start is exactly what I want. You’re absolutely right.”
I capture Eddie’s gaze, watching the smile drift from his face as he shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. Time for me to wrap up this call and move on to more important matters.
“You’re staying in Sparkwood, aren’t you?” Nolan asks, a humorous lilt to his tone.
“Yep.”
Nolan chuckles. “No surprise there. If you change your mind, let me know.”
“Thank you, Nolan.” I pocket the phone as a swarm ofbutterflies takes flight in my belly. Time to hear Eddie’s stance on my plan. “Where was I?”
Eddie squints at the overhead light. “Planning your new life as a single woman.”
“Right.” I snap my fingers, tamping down the nerves. “Like I was saying, my old life wasn’t that great. But I know the kind of life I want now, and I plan on pursuing it with reckless abandon.”
A pall falls across Eddie’s face as he straightens and crosses his arms, cutting his gaze toward the far wall. “You’ve earned a new life, Kiki. You deserve to be happy, whatever that looks like. Wherever it takes you.”
Sir, I amsoglad you said that.
I jut my hip out, shooting him a cocky grin. “You mean that?”
“I do.”
“Remember when I told you about my dreams?”
He nods. “Which one? European dream or baby dream?”
“Neither, actually.”
Eddie turns his full attention to me, a frown marring his handsome features. “Okay, help me out here.”
Here goes everything. “You, silly man. Cuddling and playtime, non-negotiable, remember? But here’s the thing. I don’t want some casual bullshit style relationship. I want it all, and damn it, I deserve it. The last several months have taught me about fear and making myself small, but I’m done with that. From here on out, I plan on going after what I want, and I want you.”
A shocked huff flies from Eddie’s mouth, although I’m not sure which part threw him.
Time to pad my landing, just in case.
“Look,” I move closer until we’re toe to toe. “If there’s toomuch damage, I get it, but I needed you to know my truth.” I grip his fingers and give them a squeeze.
“What about your fancy life in Los Angeles?”
“I don’t want that life. I want a life with you. Will you give me a second chance?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
