Page 198 of Revenge Puck

Takes my hand.

His fingers are warm despite the cold air, and I stare down at our joined hands.

“I like you,” he says simply. “I respect you. And don’t want this to be casual.”

My heart pounds so loudly I swear I can hear it.

“Here is me being very clear about my intentions,” he continues, faint smile curving his mouth. “Juliette Kennedy. Will you do me the honor of dating me?”

For a beat, I can’t speak.

This man.

This ridiculous,stubborn,giant hunk of a man.

I lift my wine glass, but instead of toasting immediately, I tilt my head and look at him with as much sincerity as I can without grinning like a complete love-sick fool.

“Yes,” I say, glass still raised. “Yes, I would love to date you.”

Our glasses clink.

“To us,” he murmurs.

“To us.” A sweet sip of wine warms my tongue. “You realize this is the craziest ‘how did the two of you meet?’ story of all time, even though you did not have to bribe a Zamboni driver and put my brother in a bow tie to win me over.”

His dimple flashes. “Shit, then I have some bad news for you…”

My brow furrows. “Bad news?”

“Yeah. If you think the Zamboni was over the top, then you’re going tohatethis.” That dimple of his makes an appearance, all smug and unapologetic.

“I’m so confused! Just tell me.”

“Patience,” he says, pointing toward the massive screen above us. “This is what’s going to play at the next home game.”

I blink. “What is?”

My confusion deepens as I twist my body, contorting so I can squint up at the Jumbotron.

It comes to life.

A cartoon version ofuspops onto the screen. At least, I think it’s supposed to be us: a big dude skating around and a small blonde wearing a headband, running away from him…Who else could it possibly be?

Cartoon Aaron says something, and a speech bubble pops up, while cartoon Juliette rolls her eyes.

Then he drops to one knee. And even though we’re animated, this moment is one I will never forget. Especially when the speech bubble reads:

WILL YOU DATE ME?!

A giant speech bubble pops up above cartoon Juliette:

YES!

Confetti. Balloons.

It is adorable.

My eyes widen. “You are not putting that on the Jumbotron in front of thousands of people.”