"It's McCoy. I should take this."
I busy myself clearing away our dishes, stacking them on the room service cart outside our door.
When I return, Nate's standing at the window, still on the phone. His broad shoulders block much of the view, but I can see the snow is falling harder now, swirling in great white gusts.
"Yeah, we're snowed in," he's saying. "Flight's not until tomorrow morning, so hopefully it clears by then." A pause. "Nah, we're good. Plenty of food. Warm hotel room." Another pause, then a laugh. "Fuck off, McCoy. I'll see you at practice Tuesday."
He hangs up, turning to find me watching him.
"Everything okay?" I ask.
"Yeah. He wanted to make sure we weren't stranded." Nate crosses the room, pulling me into his arms. "Guess we have a legitimate excuse to stay in now. Apparently all non-essential travel is discouraged. Even just being outside."
I loop my arms around his neck. "So sightseeing is off the table?"
"Tragically." He doesn't look disappointed at all. "Whatever shall we do instead?"
I stand on tiptoe, pressing my lips to that spot just below his ear that makes him shiver. "I'm sure we'll think of something."
He lifts me easily, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carries me back to bed. As Nate lays me down on the sheets, looking at me like I'm everything he's ever wanted, the words rise up in my throat again. I love you. Three simple words that could change everything.
But before I can say them, he stops kissing me and clears his throat.
"I love you, Elena."
The words hang in the air between us, and suddenly he looks so vulnerable. "I think I've loved you since that first night at the Palmer House. When you looked at me like you could see right through all my bullshit."
My breath catches. Time seems to stop, the world narrowing to just this bed, this man, this moment.
"I didn't plan to say it like this," he continues, voice rough with emotion. "I wanted it to be perfect, but I can't hold it in anymore."
Tears spring to my eyes, happiness expanding in me until I think it might burst. "I love you too, Nate."
His face transforms, relief and joy washing over his features. He cups my face in his hands like I'm something precious. "Say it again."
"I love you." The words come easier now.
He kisses me deeply. When we break apart, his forehead rests against mine, our breath mingling. This moment is so perfect—his body covering mine, his eyes telling me everything I need to know. I couldn’t be any happier.
Chapter 27
Elena
Iclutch the bottle of wine tighter as we approach Dad's front door, my stomach performing Olympic-level gymnastics. Nate's hand rests on the small of my back, steady and warm through my sweater.
"Relax," he whispers, his breath tickling my ear. "He already gave us his blessing, remember?"
I nod, but can't shake the feeling that tonight matters more than all our previous interactions.
The door swings open before I can even knock. Dad stands there in jeans and a gray button-down. His eyes flicker from me to Nate, and I can practically see him swallowing whatever comment first came to mind.
"Right on time," he says instead, stepping back to let us in. "Come on in."
I lean in for our customary hug, which feels stiffer than usual. Nate extends his hand, which Dad shakes with a firm grip and unreadable expression.
"We brought wine," I say, handing over the bottle I selected with embarrassing care. Something nice but not showy, redbecause Dad prefers it, but not so heavy it'll clash with whatever he's making.
"Thanks." Dad examines the label with a small nod of approval. "Dinner's almost ready. Hope you like lasagna, Barnes."
