I slap Mav on the back. “Yeah, but it’s not because I didn’t enjoy your suggestions. You save those for when you find the perfect girl and screw it up.”

“Good luck, buddy.” He gets in line for food.

I don’t see Ginny yet, so I head to the back where I find Brenda. She smiles when she spots me.

“How’s my favorite lunch lady?”

She snorts. Brenda is the no-nonsense lady who manages the dining hall. I won her over last year. It started with a lot of flattery. Much deserved flattery. She works hard to keep us fed and I appreciate that more than most people. Then I got to know her a little and found out she’s a huge hockey fan.

“Sam and the kids good?”

She softens at the mention of her husband and children. “Matty is graduating high school this year, and Sophia is all about boys, God help us all.”

She hands me a tray and quirks a brow. “Coach Meyers approve of this?”

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I wink. “Thanks, Brenda. I owe you.”

“Mhmm. How about paying me back with another win next weekend?” she calls as I walk off.

My steps are light as I head to my usual table. Ginny waits, looking around for me. When she spots me, a shy smile tips up the corners of her lips. Aaand, I’m suddenly really nervous.

“Hey,” she says tentatively. She looks as anxious as I feel.

I’d planned to say a lot of things, but fuck words. I drop the tray on the table, frame her face with both hands, and bring my lips to hers. She lets out a yelp of surprise, but then her body melts and she kisses me back. I’ve missed her so much. Not just this. Her.

I don’t want to stop kissing her, but the sound of people bustling around us going about their usual morning routines makes me pull back. That and I know there are things she needs to hear.

“I missed you so damn much, baby doll.”

“Same.”

“And I’m really sorry.”

“I know you are.”

I sit and guide her to take the seat beside me. “I want to explain, but I’m sure I’m going to say it all wrong.” I blow out a breath. The way she watches me, willing to hear me out even when I know I’ve hurt her, pushes me forward.