Playing for Keeps: A Brother’s Best Friend Hockey Romance (Hot Jocks Book 1)
Playing for Keeps: Chapter 29

“What in the world?” I smile, keeping my eyes closed just like Justin asked.

His hands on my waist lead me down a cement walkway, my heels clattering in the otherwise quiet room. Before I can ask him again where he’s taking me, the smell gives it away. Hockey arenas just have a certain smell.

I grin, confused. “You brought me to the ice rink?” What in the heck? Did he forget that he has practice today or something?

This is all still brand new between us, and I love that he’s trying. But, huh? It’s obvious I’m clearly not used to this side of him.

He chuckles. “Open your eyes.”

I do, and then for a moment, I’m speechless. When he’d wanted to practice this whole boyfriend thing, Justin insisted on planning a special date for us this weekend, and I’d been more than happy to hand over the reins. Only now, I’m totally confused. He brought me to the ice arena where he spends countless hours each week training and working… it makes no sense.

Until suddenly it does.

First, we have the entire place to ourselves. There’s something about it that feels special and a tiny bit forbidden.

With a smile playing on the edges of my lips, I take a look around.

The overhead lights in the stadium are turned off, and the only light comes from the glittery disco-ball overhead. It throws tiny silver drops of light all over the ice. It almost looks magical.

Justin presses a button on his phone and all around us, low music fills the silence. He leads me over to the bench where there’s a fuzzy plaid blanket, two pairs of skates and a thermos.

“We have the whole place to ourselves,” he says softly, meeting my eyes.

My confusion gives way to a smile. We haven’t skated together in years. We used to all the time growing up, but somewhere along the way, that stopped.

It’s crazy how the chill in the air, and even the smell of the ice can spark up nostalgia. This is us. Our history. And he planned the entire thing without me knowing.

“This is amazing,” I murmur, following him to the bench where I take a seat.

He pours me a mug of hot cocoa, which I sip while he kneels before me to lace up my skates.

Then he takes off his shoes and puts on his own skates while I watch, finishing my cocoa.

“Ready?” he asks, grinning mischievously at me.

“Yes, but I’m going to be a little rusty.”

He offers me his hand and I take it, following him out onto the ice. He glides effortlessly along, keeping a firm hold on my hips so I don’t fall.

The breeze lifts my hair and I watch him, feeling deliriously happy as we move across the ice together.

Justin leans down and steals a kiss, chuckling. “You taste like chocolate.”

It’s been a month since we officially started dating and came clean to my brother, and every day seems better than the last.

“This is pretty much the best date ever,” I laugh, clinging to his biceps.

“I’m glad you approve. I wasn’t sure if you’d like it.”

I like it for so many reasons. Because it reminds me of our childhood, and because it’s just so him. I like that we’re not at a hoity-toity restaurant surrounded by people and pretense, and I can rest my head on his chest as he holds me.

“I love it,” I say, meeting his eyes.

He touches my cheek, tucking my hair behind my shoulder as he gazes down at me. “I love you.”

Emotion lodges in my throat and tears well in my eyes. It’s the first time he’s said those words, and a tidal wave of emotion threatens to knock me over. Being on skates doesn’t help.

Justin lowers his lips to mine as we slow in the center of the ice. “Don’t cry, baby.”

“I love you too,” I murmur, bringing my hands around his neck. Raising on tiptoes isn’t possible in skates, so I urge him lower. Dipping his head toward mine, Justin captures my lips in the sweetest kiss.