The parking lot outside the rink was empty, illuminated by the harsh glow of the streetlights. Snow dusted the ground, crunching softly under their boots as Riley hurried toward Ethan’s car. Her heart pounded, her breaths coming in quick bursts.
Ethan was already outside, his jacket half-zipped, gloves in hand, pacing like a caged animal. The moment he saw her, his face softened, tension melting into something warmer.
“You came,” he said, his voice rough from emotion and cold.
“Of course I came,” Riley replied, closing the distance between them. “After everything, I wasn’t going to let you face this alone.
Ethan stopped, his hands reaching for hers, gripping tightly. “I… I don’t know how I got through the last few days without seeing you. Every time I closed my eyes, I kept thinking ab
