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I should step back. I should create space.

But I don’t.

His gaze dips to my lips, and for a heartbeat, I think he’s going to kiss me.

And Iwanthim to.

My pulse skyrockets, and every nerve in my body screams for me to lean in. To let go.

But just as Beck starts to close the distance, Jake’s voice cuts through the moment like a foghorn.

"Beck! I think I found your glove!"

What is it about kids? They have a Spidey-sense for timing … bad timing.

I jolt back, heat flooding my cheeks. Beck’s hand falls away, and the space between us feels suddenly, achingly empty.

“Thanks, buddy,” Beck calls over his shoulder, but his eyes linger on mine for just a beat longer.

And in that moment, I know.If Jake hadn’t interrupted…

I don’t even want to think about how close I came to crossing a line I don’t know if I’m ready for.

“Mom?” Jake pipes up, unknowingly rescuing me from the emotional quicksand I am sinking into. "Can we come to the game on Saturday? Beck said it’s a big one."

“Oh, uh…” I blink, trying to shake off the warm fuzzies threatening to take over. "We’ll see, buddy. I’ve got a lot of work to do this week."

Jake’s face falls just a little, and Beck notices.

"I’ll leave tickets at will call," Beck offers with a smile that makes it impossible to say no. "No pressure. Just… if you want to come."

Jake’s hopeful eyes bounce between me and Beck, and Spotty takes that exact moment to leap up and lick Beck’s face, sending Jake into another fit of giggles.

"Spotty! No licking the superstar!" I gasp, mortified, but Beck just laughs, wiping his face.

"Don’t worry," Beck says, grinning. "I’ve had worse. Griffin once dumped an entire protein shake on me as a prank. Spotty’s a walk in the park."

I laugh despite myself, but it doesn’t do much to calm the swirling mess inside me.

I should say no. I should walk away before this gets any more complicated.

But as I watch Beck and Jake — and even Spotty, who’s officially declared Beck his new best friend — I realize something terrifying.

I know that I don’t want to walk away.

Chapter twelve

Abby

Ofcoursewecameto the game. Who’s kidding who?And now the following weekend we’re back at a practice session. I pretend it’s only Jake who’s making this a routine, yep, only Jake.

“Beck, can I see the stick room again?” Jake’s eyes practically sparkle as he tugs on Beck’s sleeve. He’s been talking about that stick room since the last tour, and I’m pretty sure he’s memorized the dimensions of every blade in there.

Beck chuckles and squats down to eye level. “Of course, buddy. But only if you can beat me in a race down the tunnel.”

Jake gasps, eyes widening. “A race?”

“Yep.” Beck’s grin is pure mischief as he leans down, giving Jake a head start. “One, two… go!”