Chapter 34

Kicking off my shoes as I stepped through the front door, I felt like I was floating. My heart was pounding, my skin still warm from where Macklin had kissed me goodnight after walking me to my door.

I had a boyfriend. Not just any boyfriend. I had the sweetest, most genuine guy I had ever met and somehow, someway, he was mine.I was practically skipping down the hall, bursting into Gabi's room without a second thought to tell her the news.

"Gab—" I started, but my words died in my throat.

Gabi. Will. Making out. He's on top of Gabi.

I screamed.

Gabi screamed.

Will screamed.

A full-on, chaotic symphony of shock echoed through the room as I immediately spun on my heel, slamming my eyes shut.

"Oh my God! I'm sorry! So sorry!" I blurted out, my hands flailing as I stumbled backward. "Carry on! Forget I was ever here!" I fled the room, practically running into the hallway.

Will was like my brother. I did not need to see that.

The door creaked open behind me, and a very awkward-looking Gabi and Will peeked out, attempting and failing to act normal.

"So..." Will cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "What's up?"

I stared at them, my brain short-circuiting. "Uh... nothing. We can talk later. Have a good night!"

I turned to flee again, but Gabi grabbed my wrist. "Oh, no, no, no—you are not running away after busting in like that."

"Yeah," Will added, clearly trying to suppress a smirk. "We wanna know how it went with Macklin."

I swallowed the lingering awkwardness, inhaling deeply. Right. Focus.

With that thought, I slowly exhaled, then cracked the biggest grin. "It was amazing," I admitted. "Macklin asked me to be his girlfriend."

Gabi gasped. "Oh my God, finally!"

Will nodded approvingly. "Knew it."

I bit my lip, warmth flooding through me again as I thought about the entire day—the cafe, the thrift store, Cali's little matchmaking stunt, the way Macklin had kissed me like I was the only person in the world.

"Yeah," I said softly, still smiling. "It was perfect." I glanced over at Will, my smile turning a little softer. "By the way... thank you."

Will raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

I rolled my eyes. "Don't play dumb. I know you told Macklin that I was missing Clover."

Will smirked but didn't deny it. "I might've mentioned it in passing."

"In passing?" I scoffed. "He literally surprised me with Cali and took me to Crissy Fields just to make me feel better."

"Sounds like he really likes you," Will teased, nudging my arm.

I sighed happily, flopping onto Gabi's bed. "Yeah.. and the way he asked me to be his girlfriend—" I looked at both of them. "It was perfect. Like, actually the cutest thing ever. Cali had a little note attached to her collar asking if I'd be his girlfriend and she even stamped it with her paw print."

Gabi squealed, practically tackling me in excitement. "Stop! That's adorable!"

Even Will nodded in approval. "Alright, I'll admit that's a pretty solid move. I taught him well."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Yeah, yeah, take the credit if you want but seriously, Will... thank you. I'm glad you gave him a little push"

Will gave me a little grin, ruffling my hair. "Anytime, Lex. Just please knock first next time."

I groaned, covering my face. "Trust me, I learned my lesson."

———

The past few days had been a crazy but consistent schedule between my classes, studying, and Macklin's intense practice schedule, we'd somehow perfected the art of balancing everything with just enough to make time for each other. Every night, without fail, we FaceTimed until one of us started falling asleep.

Tonight was a Sharks game against the Maple Leafs. Macklin had been clear from the moment the schedule was set that he was picking me up himself. Something about how he wanted his girlfriend to arrive and leave the game with him. Meanwhile, Will was Gabi's ride, which seemed to be their new arrangement from now on.

Apparently, Will and Gabi were "taking it slow," though I knew Will was ready to ask her out, just wasn't sure when. I'd been relentlessly pushing him to just do it already, but he and Gabi had settled into some weird, comfortable situationship. At this point, Macklin and I needed to start planning how to parent-trap them into making it official like how they did with Macklin and I.

A knock on my door snapped me out of my thoughts.

I opened it to find Macklin standing there, looking amazing as usual. His clean black blazer paired with matching slacks, a navy blue tie, and crisp white sneakers made for a look that was both professional and effortlessly cool. His blond hair was styled just enough to be put-together but still soft, and the second he flashed that easy grin of his at me, I became conscious of my staring.

"You're gawking," he teased, stepping inside.

"I—shut up." I rolled my eyes, but the warmth creeping up my neck betrayed me. "You just—you look good, that's all."

His grin widened. "So do you."

I was wearing his jersey over a cute pair of black denim pants. Before we left, I grabbed a Sharpie from the countertop and turned back to him. "Do me a favor?"

He arched a brow. "What's that?"

I handed him the marker and then tugged at the bottom of my jersey. "Sign it."

Macklin let out a small laugh but didn't hesitate. His fingers brushed against the fabric as he pressed the Sharpie to it, writing his signature neatly across the number on my back. When he finished, he capped the pen and met my eyes with satisfaction before he set the Sharpie down.

"You ready?" he asked, reaching for my hand.

I nodded, lacing my fingers through his.

Like always, he opened the passenger door for me before getting in himself, and we were off to the SAP Center.

By the time we pulled into the arena, the lot was already filling with fans, some decked out in Sharks jerseys, others in blue and white for Toronto, some holding signs, others chatting excitedly about the upcoming game. Macklin pulled into his designated spot through the private players entrance, then walked around the car to open my door.

We walked inside, still hand-in-hand, and ran into a few of his teammates near the tunnel.

"Well, well, finally," Eklund smirked, arms crossed over his chest. "Took you long enough, Celebrini."

Toffoli chuckled. "Yeah, dude, we were starting to think you'd never make a move."

Macklin rolled his eyes, but I could see the slight flush in his cheeks. "Glad to know my love life is a team concern."

I just laughed, waving them off as Macklin walked me to my seat as he held my waist. Gabi was already there, scrolling on her phone and she beamed when she saw me.

"Hey!" she greeted, nudging the seat next to her. "Ready for the game?"

I nodded, settling in. "Oh, you know it."

Macklin gave my hand one last hand squeeze and a quick but loving kiss before heading toward the locker room.

———

The atmosphere inside SAP Center was electric. The energy of thousands of fans all cheering at once was enough to make my heart pound.

The Sharks started strong. Tyler Toffoli scored early, making the entire arena erupt in cheers. A few minutes later, Collin Graf and William Eklund each added a goal, putting the Sharks in a solid lead.

I wasn't a hockey expert, but I learned a bit throughout growing up with Will. What I for sure knew was Macklin looked crazy attractive every time he skated at full speed down the ice.

With each period, the Sharks held their lead, and Macklin was everywhere, stealing the puck, setting up plays, and keeping the pressure on the Maple Leafs.

Everything seemed to be going perfectly until the very last minute. Toronto's John Tavares scored with 59 seconds left, cutting the lead to one.

And then with 15 seconds left on the clock, William Nylander scored again for the Maple Leafs.

The game was tied and we were heading into a shootout. Each team sent out players to take turns skating toward the goalie and trying to score.

Will Smith went first for the Sharks and the crowd roared as he sent the puck flying straight into the net.

Toronto answered with a goal of their own and then it was Macklin's turn.

I clutched Gabi's arm as he skated toward center ice, my heart pounding.

The entire arena held its breath.

Macklin took off, skating fast but controlled, his eyes locked on the net. For a moment, everything seemed to slow down.

Thenhe made his move. A quick fake to the right. A smooth flick of his wrist. The puck sailed past the goalie and into the net.

The arena exploded.

I jumped up, screaming along with everyone else. Fans pounded on the glass screens, and his teammates rushed to him, celebrating.

And then—

Macklin turned toward my section.

He lifted his glove to his helmet and tapped it twice before waving right at me.

My heart melted.

Gabi squeezed my arm. "Oh my god."

I couldn't stop smiling.

Macklin Celebrini had just won the game and his first thought had been to signal to me.—

Gabi and I walked through the bustling hallway of SAP Center, making our way backstage where the players would be coming out soon. The energy in the air was still buzzing from the Sharks' victory, and I couldn't help but replay Macklin's shootout goal in my mind and then, of course, the signal—like the entire arena wasn't watching, god this boy is just a walking green flag.

As soon as I saw him, I moved. Macklin barely had time to react before I launched myself into his arms, wrapping both arms around his neck as I kissed him sweetly.

He stumbled back a little but immediately caught me, his hands gripping my waist, his lips moving against mine in a way that made my heart pound all over again.

I pulled back just enough to breathe, still grinning like an idiot. "That was amazing. I'm so proud of you."

His smirk was lazy but his eyes are bright and happy. "Yeah? I thought I heard you screaming."

I playfully smacked his chest while muttering a "shut up" but before I could protest further, Gabi's voice cut in.

"Congrats, Macklin," she said with a polite nod. "You did really well out there."

Macklin glanced over my shoulder and grinned. "Thanks, Gabi."

Just then, Will emerged from the locker room, still slightly damp from his post-game shower, his hair tousled and a tired but happy look on his face.

Gabi didn't hesitate as she tackled him in a hug.

Will let out a surprised chuckle but wrapped his arms around her easily. "Whoa, hey—wasn't expecting that."

"Shut up," she muttered, still hugging him. "You played great. Congrats."

Will smirked down at her. "I did look good out there, huh?"

Gabi groaned, pulling away. "Ugh. Never mind. I take it back."

I exchanged a knowing glance with Macklin. We had to do something about those two. They were clearly in the "oblivious idiots in love" phase, and it was painful to watch.

He leaned down to my ear, voice low enough for only me to hear. "We need a plan."

"Absolutely," I whispered back.

"We should lock them in a closet or something," he mused.

I stifled a laugh. "I'm not sure that will work, Macky."

"Not with that attitude."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the fondness creeping into my smile as we walk out.

As Macklin's car inched toward the exit of the SAP Center parking lot, I could already see the group of fans gathered outside, waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite players. Some held jerseys, others had signs, and a few just stood there, cameras at the ready. The energy was still electric from the game, and the sight of all these people made my stomach twist slightly.

I wasn't scared, exactly but I knew how intense fanbases could be.. maybe a little nervous.

"Should I, uh... duck?" I asked hesitantly, glancing over at Macklin.

He frowned in confusion. "What?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. "I just—should I stay low so they don't see me? I don't want to cause anything, you know?"

Macklin's expression softened immediately. He reached over, his fingers brushing against the back of my hand in a way that made me instantly relax. "Lex," he said gently. "You don't have to hide. You're with me."

I exhaled slowly, nodding, but my nerves didn't fully subside.

When we got closer to the crowd, Macklin slowed the car to a stop near a group of younger fans. He glanced at me. "Mind if I say hi real quick?"

I shook my head no— that I didn't mind. "Of course not."

He shot me a small grin before lowering the drivers side window.

The moment he opened his window, excited murmurs filled the air. A few kids gasped, and a teenage boy immediately shoved his phone into his friend's hands, whispering, "Dude, take a picture!"

"Hey, guys, you having a good night?" Macklin greeted.

A chorus of excited yeses followed, and within seconds, he was surrounded. I sat in the passenger seat, watching as he signed jerseys, hats, and even someone's phone case. He was patient with each fan, nodding and laughing at whatever they said, making sure everyone got a moment of his time.

Then, I spotted a little girl, probably no older than five or six, who stood near the edge of the group, holding a Sharks jersey that nearly swallowed her tiny frame. It had Celebrini printed across the back in bold white letters, and she clutched a Sharpie in one hand while nervously twisting the hem of the jersey with the other.

Macklin noticed her immediately and leaned down so they were at eye level. "Hey there," he said warmly. "You want me to sign that?"

The little girl nodded shyly, holding the jersey out with small, shaky hands. Macklin took it gently, uncapped the Sharpie, and signed his name right above the number.

"Thank you," she said softly, then hesitated, her eyes flicking toward me in the car. She looked back at Macklin, shifting on her tiny feet before politely asking, "Is she your girlfriend?"

Macklin followed her gaze and smiled. He leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret, and whispered, "Yes, she is." —My breath caught in my throat.

The little girl's face lit up, her eyes going wide with excitement. She turned to look at me again before whispering back, "She's really pretty."

Macklin chuckled, then whispered, "I agree. She's really pretty." I felt my entire face heat up.

The little girl giggled before looking at me again, her shyness fading. "You're really pretty," she said, her voice sweet and sincere.

I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt. "Thank you," I said, my heart melting on the spot. "You're very pretty, too. I love your jersey."

Her grin stretched even bigger before she clutched it to her chest proudly. "It's my favorite."

Macklin gave her a final high-five before standing up. "You have a good night, okay?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Goodnight, Macklin!" Then, as she turned to leave, she glanced back at me with the purest little smile and said, "Goodnight, Mrs. Celebrini!"

My entire soul froze. Macklin choked on a laugh as my eyes went wide in complete shock. I barely managed to wave back, my voice coming out in an embarrassingly high pitch. "Good night!"

Macklin began to slide the window up with ease. He looked over at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. I was still blushing.

"She was cute," I mumbled, trying to play it cool, but my heart was pounding.

Macklin smirked. "Yeah, she was." His voice dropped slightly, softer, more teasing. "Almost as cute as you, Mrs. Celebrini."

I covered my face with my hands. "Oh my god, shut up."

He laughed, taking my hand in his and squeezing it. "Not a chance."

As we pulled out of the parking lot, I glanced out the window one last time and saw the little girl waving excitedly in our direction. I waved back, my heart still warm from the interaction.