LOGINEmily’s POV There was something truly enjoyable about watching Alex train like this. Even though I’d sat through countless hours of practice before—back when I used to accompany Julian to the same kind of rinks—seeing Alex out on the ice gave me a completely different feeling. The way he moved was sharp yet fluid, powerful but controlled; every turn, every pass, every burst of speed looked effortless, as if he and the ice were always meant to work together. Just seeing him smile or call out to a teammate made something light and warm settle deep inside my chest. I realized then that watching him play didn’t just feel like watching a sport—it made me happy in a quiet, steady way I hadn’t expected. “You really can’t stop staring at him, can you?” The voice beside me pulled me gently back to the present. Karen sat on the bench in the stands, a cold can of cola in one hand, grinning at me over the rim. My cheeks flushed a little, and I shifted my gaze quickly toward the rest of t
Alex’s POVI pulled up outside Emily’s building just as the morning sun began to warm the streets. I had been looking forward to this day for a while—finally introducing her to the people I spent almost every day with, the team that felt like family. When the main door opened and she stepped out, a soft, bright smile already playing on her lips, my chest felt lighter instantly. She walked toward the car with easy steps, carrying a small bag slung over one shoulder, and I got out just to open the passenger door for her before sliding back behind the wheel.“Morning,” she said, settling into the seat and pulling the belt across her chest to fasten it.“Morning to you too,” I replied, and while she was still busy clicking the buckle into place, I leaned over and pressed a quick, warm kiss to her cheek. She turned her head toward me, eyes glinting with that quiet happiness I was learning to love more every day.“Are you ready?” I asked, starting the engine and pulling away from the cu
Emily’s POV A full week had slipped by, each day feeling softer and lighter than the one before. Alex came over almost every afternoon and stayed well into the evening—sometimes overnight, too. He never rushed me or distracted me when I worked, yet his presence filled the small apartment with something warm and steady. He’d lean against the table, ask how I chose each shade, or quietly suggest little ideas that made me see my own work in new ways. Strangely enough, every painting I finished lately felt alive—bright, unforced, and full of feeling I hadn’t known I could put down on canvas. The gallery opening was exactly two weeks away. Every single piece had to be framed, signed, and ready for display before then. Usually, that deadline would make me restless and anxious, but this time was different. My mood had lifted completely, and with Alex close by, I felt confident—more sure of my art and myself than I had been in a long time. I stood at my easel, leaning slightly fo
Emily’s POV “Em… will you teach me how to paint?” Alex stood near my work corner, hands in pockets, looking curious and calm. I shook my head straight away. “No way. Painting is messy, and you’re busy enough as it is.” He smiled, that soft, stubborn smile I knew too well. “Come on. I just want to try something new. Please?” “At first I refused,” I said, laughing a little, “but you always find a way to change my mind, don’t you?” “Only when it matters,” he answered. “So… yes or yes?” “Fine,” I gave in, grabbing a small canvas and setting it before him. I lined up tubes of color and handed over a brush. “Okay. What do you want to paint?” “What do you like?” Alex tilted his head, thinking. “Oh wait—you love flowers, right? I’ll paint one for you.” I just smiled. “Go ahead then.” He dipped the brush into green and moved it carefully over the white surface. Strokes were stiff at first, unsure, but steady. I leaned closer, watching every mark, fully focused—so focused I didn’t no
Emily’s POV “You don’t have to do this, Em. We can do this slowly,” Alex said, still busy kissing my neck. I held my hand back, restraining myself because what Alex said was true. “There’s no one here, so we don’t need to rush,” Alex whispered in my ear before looking into my eyes. We were so messy at that moment that my stomach growled, making me bite my lip in embarrassment. Alex just chuckled before hugging me tightly. “We can continue this later, you need to eat lunch first. I should buy something else for you because you won’t like that,” Alex said, kissing my forehead and immediately calling the delivery service to order new food. We sat on the couch waiting for our food. It felt incredibly awkward, but Alex didn’t let go of my hand. “Alex, you know, I’ve never seen this side of you.” “What do you mean? Maybe you’ve never seen it or don’t want to see it,” Alex said. “I mean the side of you now, when you’re with the person you like, I’ve never seen this side before.” “I
Emily’s POV “Alex, what are you doing here? How did you know I was here?” “Can I come in?” Alex asked, just staring at me, making me forget he hadn’t even answered my question. For some reason, I let him into my apartment, walking past me. I missed his scent so much; it seemed like I hadn’t smelled it in a long time. “Do you live here alone? Actually, our apartment isn’t far, only a few blocks from here, actually, since my practice is nearby,” Alex said. “What are you doing here? I told you we didn’t need to see each other anymore.” Alex turned around and saw the lunch Pierre had bought me, untouched. “I don’t think you’ll like this food. I can buy you something else if you want,” Alex said. “Alex! Stop being like this! Don’t act like nothing happened between us. I don’t want us to repeat the same thing. I care about you, that’s why I want you to focus on your hockey. I don’t want you here. I don’t want you stuck with me.” “What are you talking about? I’m not thinking about t
Emily’s POVThe meal that day felt painfully awkward.I couldn’t stop stealing glances at Alex. He sat directly across from me, even though there was plenty of space next to Julian. Why did he choose that seat? Every time our eyes almost met, my heart stuttered and I looked away. The air between
Emily’s POV That night I couldn’t sleep.I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning in circles. The room was dark and quiet except for Kara’s soft snoring from the other bed. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw fragments of the past few days — Julian’s shocked face, Lucas’s hopeful eyes
Alex's POV I was still in the locker room, slowly putting away my hockey gear, when Julian walked in with an iced lemon tea in his hand. He looked lighter than he had earlier on the bench. There was even a small smile on his face as he dropped down on the bench beside me. “Finally, I can talk to
Alex’s POV Three days had passed, and Emily still hadn’t replied to my text. I kept telling myself it didn’t matter. She was probably back with Lucas, figuring out their little family drama. That was her problem, not mine. I had practice, games coming up, and Sophia waiting with wedding plans. L







