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“Oh yes, much fewer.” I brought myself in close to him. “I like to dance, but I have nothing like that in my repertoire. That spin was about as complex as I can get.”

“At least you have a repertoire. I’m glad you knew what I was doing. That would’ve fallen flat otherwise.” He kissed my hand and then went to the fridge. “What can I get you?”

“Let me guess.” I moved behind him to peer over his shoulder as he opened the door. “My choices are water, hibiscus tea, and beer?”

He chuckled. “I really need to work on my hosting skills.”

I placed my hands on his shoulders and he allowed me to move him, gently pulling him away from the fridge before turning him around. “There’s something else I’d like first.”

“Oh?” His voice was a mix of playful and hopeful.

I brought my lips to his. The kiss started softly but deepened as Ethan wrapped his arms around me. All the emotions from Oscar and Nate’s dance poured into our connection. When we broke apart, we were both breathing heavily.

“Wow,” Ethan whispered, his forehead resting against mine. “Have I mentioned that you’re an amazing kisser?”

“You’re also quite talented in that area.” I brushed another kiss against his lips before stepping back. “Now, about those drinks?”

He laughed, the sound warm and rich. “Beer?”

“Perfect.”

We headed out to the deck and settled onto a cushioned couch. I angled myself toward Ethan, one leg tucked under me, and he mirrored my position.

The night was clear and star-filled. A gentle breeze rustled the trees as crickets chirped. I sank deeper into the cushions, enjoying the peaceful setting and the company.

This was a place I could imagine spending countless evenings. Even though it was way too soon, the thought of actually living here someday flickered through my mind.

“Can I ask you something?” I sipped my beer, gathering courage. “It’s kind of a weird question.”

“Go for it.”

“How is it we’re connecting so well? Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would happen.” My mouth became a desert, and I took a quick drink so I could keep going. “I mean, you’re a pro hockey player, and I’m just a small-town librarian who was a jerk to you in high school.”

“First, you’re not just anything,” he said emphatically. “You’re passionate, dedicated, and making real change in people’s lives.” He paused. “And yeah, we had our issues, but we grew up.” His expression turned playful. “Plus you’re hot as hell.”

I nearly choked on my beer. “Smooth talker.”

“I try.” He reached over and took my hand. “But seriously, watching you these past few days—how much you care. It’s amazing. And when you smile…” He squeezed my fingers. “You are so adorable. In his books, Shawn would call it swooning.”

Warmth spread through my chest as I idly traced along his fingers. “I should probably tell you about why my last relationship ended.”

Ethan cocked his head and nodded.

I didn’t talk about this often, but it needed to be said. “I was engaged once. To a guy named Denzel. We met in college, stayed together through grad school. He was getting his MBA while I got my library science degree.”

The memories weren’t as painful now but they still stung.

“We were a week away from our wedding when he ended it. He told me I’d driven him away because I was too intense, too controlling about how things should be done. Wedding planning became the last straw.”

“Oh my God,” Ethan said softly. “That must have been devastating.”

His hand in mine anchored me.

“It was.”

Emotions spilled out, and a tear slid down my face. Ethan was quick, brushing it away before I could.

“We don’t have to talk about this if you’re not ready.” He cupped the side of my face as he continued to hold my hand.