Page 23 of Defend Her Heart

Her lips tip up, revealing the faintest hint of that adorable dimple I spotted earlier today when she got off the ice.

“Good. You should be.”

Leaning back in my chair, I mirror her expression and fight the grin that threatens to overtake my face.

“Are you up for a little adventure? Or are you ready to pass out after devouring that pizza like a champ?”

Avery scoots her chair back, the wooden legs scratchingagainst the hard floor. As soon as she stands, she makes her way to the door.

Hurriedly, I wipe my face with the napkin she just assaulted me with and attempt to fish out some cash from my wallet to leave for a tip. I set the money on the table and when I look up, Avery’s standing near the exit with her hands on her hips.

“Well, are you coming? I want to see what the infamous Connor Smith considers an adventure.”

My heartbeat picks up in my chest with each step I take toward her. I don’t know much about love or relationships, but I’ve never had a reaction like this when it comes to a girl. My palms are damp with sweat, my heart pounds in my chest, and I’m excited that I get to spend more time with her.

Avery reaches for the door handle, and I rush in front of her, pulling it open for her.

“After you.”

She pauses for a beat, eyeing me curiously, before walking through. I follow close behind as we make our way onto the sidewalk.

“Your gentleman charm doesn’t fool me, Smith. I’ve heard all about you.”

Most of the time, that type of comment would make me laugh. It’s not really a secret that I like female attention. I’m sixteen years old and I live away from home. But for some reason, when Avery says it, I’m nervous.

“I’m not sure what you heard, but I’m always a gentleman. I know how to treat a lady.”

Avery barks out a loud laugh and the sound breaks through something in my chest. I’ve never wanted more than just a quick make-out session or two with a girl, but that thought isn’t appealing at all when it comes to Avery.

I want to know everything there is to know about this girl from Wisconsin. I want to know her hopes, her dreams, herdeepest darkest fears and secrets. A casual hookup would never be enough.

Bumping my shoulder into hers, I act offended. “Are you laughing at me, Aves?”

My question causes her to stop abruptly. I turn so I’m standing in front of her.

“Is everything okay?”

She nibbles on her bottom lip and then shakes her head. “Everything’s good. Just thought I forgot my phone.”

For some reason, I don’t believe her. Normally, I’d let it slide. But when it comes to Avery, I don’t want her to hide anything from me. I don’t know if I deserve the truth yet, but wanting to get to know her, I decide to push.

“That’s not it. Something else made you stop. Come on, tell me.” I put my hands in my pockets and rock back onto my heels.

Her eyes search mine, as if she’s trying to decide if she wants to let me in. I hold my breath, hoping like hell she does.

She puts her hands in the back pockets of her jeans and shrugs. “Besides my teammates calling me by my last name, no one’s ever given me a nickname before.” Her eyes cast down to her feet, as if she’s embarrassed by the confession.

Taking a step closer, I place my index finger under her chin and gently lift her head until her gaze is back on mine.

“Well, now you have one. And it’s mine. Is that okay, Aves?”

The prettiest shade of pink blooms across her cheeks. My eyes trace the color and then drop to her mouth just as her lips part on a sharp exhale.

She quickly nods her head. “Yep. That’s great. Awesome. Totally okay.”

I’ve been an infatuated fool since the moment I laid my eyes on Avery, so to see her affected by me like this gives me a boost of confidence.

I slowly smile at her, letting this moment drag out for as long as the fates will allow.