Kiss and Don't Tell(49)

“I thought it was rather lovely to see. All those adoring fans trying to get a small piece of Pacey Lawes. Reminds me just how lucky I am.”

How could I not like this girl? Especially when she answers like that. I’ve seen some of my teammates deal with angry, jealous girlfriends, and although it’s far too early for me to make a comparison, I wonder if Winnie would always . . . get it. Appreciate the responsibility I have toward the people who support me. She seemed to agree with my parents’ sentiment earlier. Who knows?

I take her hand and entwine our fingers. “I really want to talk; think we can grab lunch?”

“That sounds nice.” Completely unfazed, she bumps my shoulder with hers and says, “You’re really great with your fans. Your parents should be proud.”

“Thank you.” Feeling awkward, I take her bags off her hands and say, “Get something else?”

“I found a book in an old bookstore I thought Halsey might like. The store was quite quaint. The smell of the old pages reminded me of my mom’s store. So, I spent a few minutes just . . . letting it soak in. And then I ran into this woodcarving shop. They make wooden pint glasses. I found one that says ‘Hostess with the Mostest’.” She shrugs. “I thought it was stupid, funny, and right on par with something Silas might enjoy.”

“Because it boosts his ego. You were right. Well, I’m sorry you had to shop alone.”

“Stop apologizing. It’s fine.” She glances up and down the street. “Now, where is this cidery? I need something in my stomach other than a protein bar.”





Chapter Twelve





WINNIE





Note to self—when traveling around with a professional hockey player, he’s not only swarmed by adoring fans, but he also gets the best seats at the restaurant.

Because . . . oh my God.

We’re seated on the second floor of the brewery, on the deck with the perfect view of Cascade Mountain. There’s a light breeze to distract from the heat of the sun, and even though we’re outside, we’re tucked under a large umbrella, which provides enough shade for the both of us.

Since I’ve never been here before, Pacey ordered us a flight of cider to split and some shareable entrees, one of them being tacos, which I can’t wait to get my hands on.

“Did you know tacos are my favorite food?” I ask him as I set my napkin on my lap. Food hasn’t been delivered yet, but I’m prepared for when it is.

“Now I do. Any kind of taco?”

“Yup. I’m not picky. I’ll take a taco any way I can get it. There’s a food truck in Seattle that specializes in tacos. Every week, they come out with a new taco of the week. I follow them on Instagram because every Sunday they announce the new addition. And then Max, Katherine, and I all grab the taco of the week and measure it up to the others they’ve had. It’s a Thursday tradition.” I lean forward and say, “The main reason why this girl has thighs—tacos.”

“Curves are hot,” he says.

Does that mean he thinks my curves are hot? From the longing in his eyes, I’m going to guess that maybe he does. And that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

The waitress brings our flight and sets it between us, along with a menu of each of the ciders we got so we know exactly what we’ll be tasting.

“This is so cool,” I say. “I’ve never had a flight of cider before. You always see beer flights, and although great for the beer lovers, what about the people who love cider?”

“You have a valid point.”

“I usually do.” I grin and then pick up the original, unflavored cider to try first.

“I’m sensing a theme here,” he says as he picks up the blueberry lavender. We already established we were okay with sharing glasses, something that made me smile inside. It shows how comfortable he is with me already.

“What theme?” I ask while taking a sip. “Ooh, that’s crisp. Really good.”

“You like to try the original of things rather than skip to a fancy flavor.”

“You have to have a good baseline first, and then you jump from there. Just makes sense.”

“Well, any cider you like, we can get cans to-go to take up to the cabin. I know Posey is going to want some, as well.”

“Maybe I’ll get you some cider for your trouble.” I need to get him something. I’m pleased with the little gifts I got the boys, but Pacey, he needs something special.

He sets the blueberry cider down and looks me directly in the eyes. “This is no trouble, so stop acting like you’re a burden. I enjoy your company. I want to be around you, Winnie.”

Can’t hear that enough, especially from someone as enchanting as Pacey Lawes.

The corner of my lips tilt as I set down my cider. “I enjoy your company, too, Pacey.” Then I lean back in my chair and say, “I honestly don’t know how this all happened.”

“What?” he asks.

“This.” I wave my hand between us and then around in the air. “I was expecting to find some cheap hotel to stay in, venture out a bit, maybe get lost in the mountains for a hot afternoon. But here I am, not alone, but rather, with wonderful company while I try to embark on this new chapter of my life.”