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There’s a flicker in her eye, followed by the slightest hesitation, but ultimately she answers, “I do, but he seems perfectly content to have our families manage our lives.”

Oh, David. You stupid dumbass. “Okay, tell me why you came here?”

“I didn’t really have anywhere else to go. Everyone I know is associated with my family. But I knew Axel would at least listen to me. He and my parents haven’t seen eye to eye in a long time.”

“That’s all?”

She thinks for a minute, then adds, “I guess I kind of wanted to see what his life was like. I’d heard about it all, but I didn’t know what it was really like to go to college, play a varsity sport, have a girlfriend that he can spend time with without a chaperone.” She stares down at her knees. “I guess I just wanted to know what it was like to have the freedom of no one watching all the time, or judging every little move I make.”

“You know what I think?” I ask.

“No, what?”

“I think you’re prettyfu-freaking brave. And smart. Because it would be easy to just keep barreling down the same path even with all the red flags waving in front of your face.” Trust me. Been there, done that. There were a million signs me and Darla weren’t going to work and I ignored them all, looking for some kind of ideal. “Giving yourself a little time to experience life is smart.”

“Thank you, Reid. I appreciate it, but after tonight I think I’m done.”

I take the way she pushes her hair over her shoulder as a sign of resolve, which is oddly why I blurt, “Actually, I don’t think you are.”

“Excuse me? What does that mean?”

“It means you came here for a reason. You want to experience life a little bit, and I think it’s a good idea.” I sit next to her, the old couch sagging under my weight. “Look, my girlfriend and I broke up a few months ago. We had long term plans, too.”

“You were engaged?” Her eyes widen with surprise. “Seriously?”

“Not quite engaged,” I admit, feeling stupid all over again, “but we talked rings and dates. I thought it was happening, but apparently she had other ideas.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, it sucked.” I exhale, not liking the way the hurt still lingers in my chest. “And honestly, it was a little scary, but it made me realize I’m not ready for something so serious. I’m young, good looking,” I raise an eyebrow, “and have a future in the NHL. I need to live my life a little and that may mean that I may not be a saint, but I won’t have regrets. I think that’s what you need to consider doing with the time you’ll be here.”

“Live my best life?”

“Yep.”

She looks at me with those big blue eyes, doubt creeping in at the edges. “What if I don’t know how to do that?”

That’s how it happens. How I get locked in. Because you never issue a competitor like me a challenge that I’m going to pass up. Especially when it’s a vulnerable, messy, hot girl making the offer. My decision is sealed before I ever say the words, “Then I guess I’ll have to show you.”

9

Shelby

Reid’s offeris the first thing on my mind when I wake up the next morning. I slept well, good even, despite my bed being an old couch.

I want to do it. Live my best life for the next few weeks. Explore freedom and the opportunities I know I won’t have when I go back home. But I also know there’s one thing I need to do before I take this step.

I call David.

The phone rings as I sit up, getting the full effect of how cold the porch is and pull the blanket to my chest.

“Shelby,” he says in greeting. “Finally.”

“Hi, David.” There’s a long pause and it’s clear he’s waiting for me to speak first. Okay. “How are you?”

“How am I?” He laughs. “I’m… well, I’m the way a guy is when their fiancée takes off without telling anyone, that’s how I am.”

“I’m sorry,” I blurt, then instantly regret it. This is why I haven’t called him. I don’t want to apologize. I’m not sad aboutwhat I’m doing. I take a breath and add, “I’m sorry if I scared or hurt you. This was just something I needed to do.”