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Like a newborn calf learning to stand, I inch toward the edge of the rink, my knees trembling with each step. When I finally plant one skate on the ice, I cling to the boards, afraid of losing my balance. “Fallon?” Harrison shouts across the rink. “What are you doing out here? Can you even skate?” “I’ll manage,” I call out. I stand tall as if I’ve done this a thousand times, even though my legs feel like jelly. He glides toward me like it’s the easiest thing in the world. “What were you thinking, coming out here by yourself? You could get hurt.” “I’m fine. I just need a chance to get used to it.” I exhale sharply, holding out both my hands to try and stay balanced. “We need to talk, and this is as good a place as any.” He comes to a stop in front of me, setting his hockey stick against the boards so his hands are free. “And it couldn’t wait until we were both on solid ground?” Before I can answer, I start to teeter. Harrison encircles my waist with one hand, anchoring me in place. “I can’t think with you this close,” I murmur. He tightens his grip, laughter rumbling in his chest. “This better?” he taunts. I huff. “You’re insufferable, you know that?” The air is icy, but the warmth from his body leaves me flushed, and my skin tingles, torn between desire and defiance. Fueled by frustration, I push off him, convinced that if I create space between us, I can regain control of the situation before I’m consumed by the attraction I’m trying so hard to ignore. Harrison’s childish behavior makes it easier to stay composed, but it doesn’t stop my heart from practically pounding out of my chest. I turn and pick up speed to create more distance, and just when I think I’m finally getting the hang of this whole skating thing, the tip of my skate snags on the ice, sending me flailing, arms windmilling to try and stay balanced. “Fallon,” Harrison shouts behind me. My eyes are wide with panic as I fall backward, Harrison catching me in his arms as we are sent sprawling onto the unforgiving ice. The impact knocks the wind out of us both, and Harrison lets out a low grunt. “Oh no,” I exclaim, my body crashing into his as I land on top of him with a hard thump. “Fallon, are you alright?” Genuine concern is evident in his voice as he shifts me in his arms to face him and props himself on an elbow. His touch is frantic as he gives me a once-over, his face etched with fear as he scans for any signs of injury. “Does anything hurt?” “I’m fine,” I say softly. “I had you to break the fall.” He chuckles as he brushes my hair from my face. “Leave it to you to still make a jab after I saved your life.” I arch a brow in challenge. “That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?” “Can’t be too careful where you’re concerned.” “Why is that?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me. “Because for reasons unknown, the idea of you getting hurt sends a sharp pain through my chest,” he admits, drawing me closer. His breathing is rapid. Our faces are mere inches apart, and I’m drawn in by his chiseled jaw and the way he looks at me as if I’m the only thing that matters. A shiver travels down my spine when he traces his finger along the curve of my chin, and I’m mesmerized as he gently grazes my mouth with the pad of his thumb. Harrison shouldn’t have this profound effect on me, but the conflict warring within me since the day he came back into my life has only grown louder, refusing to be silenced. “Mind explaining why you had a problem with me in Aleksandr’s jersey?” I ask softly. “Because it was his.” I lift a brow. “And that bothers you?” “Yes.” “But you had me wear your shirt instead. It might not have your name on it, but it’s still making a statement.” Harrison nods. “Exactly. It’s not just anyone’s shirt. It’s 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.” His bold statement has our gazes colliding, holding each other in place. “You’re staring,” I whisper. “I can’t help it when you’re still wearing my shirt.” My skin tingles when he leans in closer, running his hand along my cheek. My heart races as his usual cold expression has been replaced with a tenderness that I’ve only seen a handful of times since our weekend together all those years ago. “I really want to kiss you, trouble,” he admits softly. “Now is your chance to tell me no.” Every cell in my body is screaming at me to speak out. This is a dangerous path to go down, and there’s no guarantee we’ll recover if we do. I’m supposed to despise this man, so why is the idea of his mouth on mine again so tantalizing. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? I place my palm over his hand, keeping it pressed against my cheek. “I don’t want to say no,” I murmur. 🎉 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 🎉 "Can we start by talking about the banter in this book?!?! Oh my gosh, it's so freaking good, right from the start! I was already kicking my feet like 10% in and could not get enough of how grumpy Harrison was! I knew I was going to devour this book and I absolutely ate it up!" —wingsandsmut "I loved the chemistry between those two characters and I'm a huge fan of the pranks they play on each other. Harrison is a grumpy but adorable teddy bear and Fallon knows how to hold her ground. The book has the perfect amount of banter, spice and swoon worthy love." —Theresa, Goodreads Reviewer "If second chance romance with some pranks, a crazy cat, and a mom that just can’t help but try to find the perfect person for her children sounds like a good time, you should curl up on your couch or favorite reading chair with this one!" —Jess, Amazon Reviewer