“I will protect you, with everything I have. Don’t make me choose.” I see tears filling his eyes, I press a light kiss to his lips to distract him.

“I don’t want you to choose, Liam, I want you to go to New York. I want you to win the Stanley Cup and celebrate with your team. I want you to get everything you have worked so hard for.”

“I want you, too.” He sighs, knowing I won’t change my mind. Knowing a goodbye is near.

“I know. I wish we had more time,” I admit.

“We could have forever.” His voice is pained and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep a whimper at bay. Tears burn my eyes but I do what I can to stop them.

“It’s just the wrong time,” I say, with a hopeful tone; convincing myself that if we cross each other’s path again one day, we might be in different places. I might be stronger, more suited to him. He will have found all of his happiness in hockey and might be ready to come back home.

There are so many things that could change, but I hope he stays the same. Kind-hearted and fiercely protective. The man I wish I was ready to love. As much as I want things to change, so much of me wishes I could freeze time in this dorm room. Despite the emotional pain knowing my heart is going to break in a few short weeks, I am happy in his arms. I will hold on to the hope that when the time is right, when we need each other the most, we will find our way back.

I will find my way back.

Chapter One

December, 10 years later

Liam

Drinking in a packed club is not my idea of a good night. Not any more. During my rookie NHL season I drank, partied a lot, and fucked even more. That got old fast. Now I’m thirty, packed bars are hell, but I don’t have a choice. The team demanded my presence, so here I am.

Actually, Cassie, the Seattle Spears PR manager, demanded my presence. Told me if I want a renewed contract when mine is up at the end of next season I have to be an “active part of the team”.