That night Annika was just about getting ready for bed when she suddenly heard a knock on her window. She turned, raising her eyebrows and smiled a little at seeing Mac there, waving. She walked over, opening her window and let him in.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" She asked, smiling softly.

"My sister is sneaking out somewhere." Mac explains, climbing onto her bay window. "I was gonna go follow her and find out where she's going. Wanna go with me?" He questioned in a hopeful tone. He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It could be fun. Like our own little mystery to solve."

Annika couldn't help but smile at his excitement. "You want me to help you spy on your sister?" She raised an eyebrow, amused by the idea.

"Please?" He gave her a pleading look, making her chuckle. He knew she had trouble saying no to his puppy dog eyes.

She pretends to think for a moment, tilting her head to the side. "Alright, I'll go. But only because I'm intrigued by what your sister is doing."

"Great." Mac grins and started climbing out of her window. "Hurry up and meet me outside."

Annika nodded and went to put her shoes on before she grabbed her phone and climbed out her window to follow Mac. Together, they snuck behind Kayla, following her to the ice rink, causing the two best friends to share a confused look. Why would Kayla sneak out to the ice rink? They hide behind the railing of the stairs into the rink while watching Kayla climb into a window. Annika glanced at Mac when he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

"What are you doing?" She murmured, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Calling Mr. Hammarstrom-"

"You're gonna get your sister in trouble?" She gasped, staring at him wide-eyed.

"Technically, she got herself in trouble by sneaking in there." He pointed out, holding his finger to his lips as he called Anton. Annika rolled her eyes and sighed, leaning against the railing. This wasn't she imagined would happen. She looked at him with amusement when he practiced on how he would greet Anton. She mocked him, earning a playful glare and an elbow to the ribs. She chuckled quietly, grinning. She leaned against the railing while Mac talked with Anton Hammarstrom, owner of the ice rink, in a fake accent.

After the call, Annika raises her eyebrows at him. "Why the fake-"

"Don't know." Mac interrupted her with a sheepish smile. "Didn't want him to recognize my voice, I guess." He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh," She nods, smiling a little. "Makes sense." She chuckles. "But the fake accent was a nice touch."

Mac smirks, chuckling. "Thanks. I thought so too." They both glance over at the door when they saw Mr. Hammarstrom and Kayla walking out. Annika grimaced at Mr. Hammarstrom's expression. He didn't look happy. He didn't even say anything when Kayla nervously thanked him for giving her a ride home.

"Come on, we better get going too." Annika murmured, patting his arm and turning to start walking back. Mac nodded, stuffing his phone back into his pocket as he followed Annika. They walked in silence for a while, the cool night air wrapping around them as they left the ice rink behind. A few moments passed, the sounds of their footsteps on the pavement and their steady breaths the only noises.

"Do you think Kayla's in trouble?" Annika asked quietly, breaking the silence.

"Probaby will get in trouble for sneaking into the rink." Mac replies, glancing at her. "And Mr. Hammarstrom looked pissed. She's definitely in for a lecture from mom and dad."

Annika nods, a frown tugging at her lips. "Yeah, she probably is. I wonder why she snuck in though." She mumbled, confused and curious about what her friend could be doing at the ice rink.

Mac shrugs, shaking his head. "Who knows."

A comfortable silence settled between them once again as their walk continued. Neither of them spoke as they made their way back to their houses. Their sides brushed against each other as they walked, the closeness adding a warmth that neither of them could ignore. The stars shone above them, a gentle breeze rustling their hair. They both enjoyed the peacefulness of the night, the calmness of being with each other.

Annika smiles as she thought of an idea. "Wanna go get some hot chocolate? It's a bit cold, and I could use something warm after all that sneaking around."

Mac's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds perfect! I know a great little café that's still open. It's not far from here."

"Lead the way!" Annika said, excitement bubbling inside her as they changed direction and walked towards the café. The anticipation of warm drinks and the cozy atmosphere made the air feel a bit sweeter.

As they strolled, they continued to share lighthearted banter, joking about their spying adventure and playfully speculating about what Kayla was up to at the rink. Annika found herself laughing more than she had in a while, the worries of the day melting away with each joke.

Arriving at the café, they stepped inside, the warm air greeting them like a comforting embrace. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped them. Annika could see the soft glow of string lights hanging above the counter, creating an inviting ambiance. There were a few patrons seated at the tables, quietly sipping their drinks and enjoying the calmness. Soft music played in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The two best friends went up to the counter to decide what they want and then put in their orders. As they waited, they chatted about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing effortlessly between them. Annika loved how easy it was to talk to Mac; he always knew how to make her laugh, and she felt comfortable sharing her thoughts without any judgment.

Soon the barista called out their order, and they stepped forward to collect their steaming mugs. Annika wrapped her hands around her cup, savoring the warmth. The hot chocolate smelled rich and sweet, topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

"Cheers to our late-night adventure." Mac said, raising his cup.

"Cheers!" Annika echoed, clinking her mug against his before taking a sip. The warm drink sent a comforting wave through her, making the cold night feel a little cozier. After thanking the barista, the two best friends walked back outside and continued their walk home.

The night air was cool and refreshing after the warmth of the café. They strolled along, sipping their drinks and enjoying the peacefulness. As they drew closer to their houses, their steps slowed, neither of them wanting the night to end.

"Thanks for coming with me tonight." Mac said, his gaze fixed on the path ahead though he did steal a glance at her. "I had fun."

"Me too." Annika replies, her heart fluttering. "I always have fun with you." She admitted as she took a sip of her hot chocolate, the heat of the liquid spreading throughout her body.

"Same here." He grinned, nudging her playfully with his elbow.

They fell into a comfortable silence once again, neither of them wanting to spoil the moment. As they approached Annika's house, she found herself reluctant to say goodnight. She was enjoying the company, and the last thing she wanted was for the night to end. They had drank their hot chocolate on the way home and threw their trash in some trash cans they found on the way. She didn't want to say goodbye just yet, the night had turned out more fun than she had originally expected.

"Well, I should get going." Annika said, her voice laced with disappointment.

Mac nods, a frown tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I should too. It's getting late."

An awkward silence settled between them, neither of them wanting to say goodbye. The night had been filled with laughter and good company, and neither of them were ready for it to end. But they knew they had to.

"Goodnight, Nika." Mac said, smiling softly.

"Goodnight, Mac." Annika replied, returning the smile. She hesitated, chewing her bottom lip before leaning in and giving him a quick hug. He seemed surprised by the gesture, but he wrapped his arms around her nonetheless. The embrace was brief, but it was enough to leave Annika feeling warm and tingly inside.

"See you tomorrow?" He asked as they pull apart, the corners of his mouth turning upwards into a smile.

"Of course." Annika smiles, her heart racing at his smile. "Goodnight, Mac."

With that, she turns and heads inside, the memory of their night together fresh in her mind. She couldn't help but smile the whole way up to her room, her heart fluttering in her chest. The night had been unexpected, but it had been more than she could have ever hoped for. It was a memory she would cherish forever.

****

The next day she had to help her dad at his bookstore he now owned. Ever since moving to England because her mom got a job promotion of being in charge of a law firm here, her dad had decided to take a break from his previous job and focus on the family bookstore full-time. It had been a big adjustment for Annika, leaving behind her friends and the familiarity of her old life in the States. But over time, she had grown to appreciate the quaint charm of their new town and the opportunities it provided.

The bookstore was more than just a place of work; it was a sanctuary filled with stories and possibilities. Annika found solace in the pages of novels and the comfort of familiar faces that came through the door. Customers often engaged in discussions about their latest reads, and the community felt tightly knit. Her dad's love for books was infectious, and Annika often found herself lost in conversations about plot twists and character development.

As she helped her dad restock the mystery section, they chatted about the latest bestseller that had just come in. "Have you read this one yet?" Her dad asked, holding up a new title by a popular author.

"I've seen it everywhere and noticed it was popular! I've been meaning to pick it up," Annika replies, her eyes lighting up. "I heard it's a real page-turner."

Her dad grins, pleased. "I knew you'd like it. You've got an eye for good books. Here, let me set it aside for you. I'll make sure it's ready for you when you're done with your shift."

"Thanks, dad! I can't wait to dive into it." Annika said, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of a new story to immerse herself in.

As they continued to work, Annika noticed a few regular customers come in, exchanging greetings and smiles. She enjoyed the sense of familiarity that had begun to settle in, even if it felt strange at times. She was slowly starting to feel at home in this new town, especially with her dad's bookstore as a comforting backdrop. She continued working along with the other employees there. Her dad had hired a couple of part-time staff to help out, and Annika enjoyed getting to know them. They had formed a little team, bonding over their shared love of literature.

After her shift ended, she decided to head to the gazebo near the ice rink that Mac had showed her when they were exploring the town. She loved spending time there, reading or just thinking. It was a special place to her, and she looked forward to the hours spent curled up in her favorite spot, lost in a good book. And now that she had this new novel to dive into, the gazebo was calling her name. She smiled at the familiar sight as she walked on the path leading to the secluded gazebo. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze, the perfect conditions for a peaceful afternoon.

She made her way to the gazebo, settling into her usual spot and opening the book. She was immediately swept away by the story, immersing herself in the world of the novel. The hours flew by, and she was completely absorbed in the pages, only pausing to stretch or take a sip of her water. She hadn't even realize someone had walked up to the gazebo. Mac had finished with practice, he had to be honest he was a little sad and disappointed he didn't see her watching, but he understood she had to work. He was tired after a long day of practice and upset that he and the other boys had to learn figure skating, by the help of his sister of all people. 

Something about being graceful and fast. Kayla of all people was leading the drills. He had not been pleased about it. And on top of it all, he woke up to his room full of balloons with a tag on them reading 'welcome to the hammers'. So for most of the day he had to deal with bad hair from the static electricity from the balloons balloons, teasing from his teammates, a sore body from practice, and the embarrassing spectacle of his sister leading the drills. The combination of all these factors left him feeling a bit defeated, but the thought of Annika brightened his mood.

So he decided to go look for her, wanting to hang out with his best friend and take his mind off the events of the day. He knew she would be at the gazebo and figured it was the perfect place to unwind. As he approached the gazebo, he could see her through the slats of the wooden structure, her brow furrowed in concentration as she read, her hair catching the sunlight in a golden halo.

He leaned against the wooden post, taking a moment to appreciate the scene before him. Annika looked so at peace, completely absorbed in her book. He couldn't help but admire the way the sunlight highlighted her features, casting a soft glow on her face. She was so focused, her expression thoughtful and her eyes sparkling. Mac loved seeing her like this, her passion for reading evident in every line of her body. He smiled to himself, a familiar warmth filling his chest as he watched her. She was captivating, and he was more than happy to stand there and admire her.

But he didn't want to interrupt her, so he decided to clear his throat softly instead, hoping to catch her attention without startling her.

The sound broke through Annika's concentration, and she looked up, her eyes widening with surprise before lighting up with joy. "Mac!" She gasps, closing her book and setting it aside. "I didn't see you there!"

He grins, his heart fluttering at her happiness at seeing him. He made his way over to her, his annoyance from the day he had and fatigue momentarily forgotten. He felt a sense of relief wash over him as he stepped into the gazebo. The sun filtered through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground, and Annika's radiant smile was like a beacon, drawing him closer.

"Hey! I thought I'd find you here," He said, taking a seat next to her. "How was work?"

Annika shrugs, her excitement still bubbling over. "It was good! We had a few interesting customers today. Plus, I got a new book to dive into. It's a mystery, and I'm loving it so far." She pauses when she noticed his slightly messy hair and the tired look in his eyes. She tilts her head, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. "How was your day? You look a little worn out." She reaches over to smooth his hair down, her fingers gently brushing against his forehead. "And your hair is a mess." She added, her lips twitching into a smile. She had to admit she liked the slightly messy hair, he looked good with it, well, he looked good no matter what, wait - why was she thinking of him like that?

Mac chuckles, a blush creeping up his neck at her touch. He tried to ignore the flutter in his stomach at her close proximity, her gentle touch sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't help but lean into her touch, the stress of the day melting away. "Yeah, my day was...Interesting." He muttered, leaning his head on her shoulder. He felt a wave of comfort wash over him as he nestled into her warmth. The world outside the gazebo faded away, leaving just the two of them in their little sanctuary. Her hand was now running through his hair, soothingly and he felt his eyes beginning to close. The feeling of her fingers combing through his hair made his heart skip a beat, and he had to fight the urge to sigh contentedly. He had no idea his hair could be so relaxing, and the thought made him smile.

She smiles at his relaxed demeanor, his breath fanning her skin as his body pressed against hers. She was more than happy to let him rest, and she enjoyed the closeness, his warmth enveloping her. It had been a stressful day, and she was glad he had found his way to her.

"So, how's your book?" Mac mumbled, his voice muffled.

Annika smiles, her hand continuing to run through his hair. "It's really good! I'm totally hooked. How was practice?"

Mac groans, burying his face into her neck. "Tiring. Kayla ran the drills today."

Annika couldn't help but laugh. She could picture Kayla leading the practice, her enthusiasm likely clashing with the guys' reluctance. "Oh no, not Kayla! Did you survive?" She teased, her fingers still gliding through his hair.

"Barely," Mac replies, lifting his head just enough to meet her gaze, a playful pout on his lips. "And when I woke up this morning, the entire room was full of balloons. Had to deal with bad hair from static electricity and teasing from the other guys all day."

Annika couldn't contain her laughter at the image of the room full of balloons and his hair stuck up, her amusement and giggles making him smile despite himself. "It sounds like a welcome initiation alright," She smiles apologetically. "Sorry, I shouldn't laugh but the mental image is priceless." She kisses his forehead. "There, that should make it better." She teased.

"It helps a little." Mac smirks, the warmth of her kiss lingering on his forehead. He loved how easily she could bring lightness to even the most exhausting days. "So, what's the mystery about in your book?" He asked, moving to sit up straighter and so she could face her. The way she lit up when talking about something she loved was infectious, and he couldn't help but want to learn more.

Annika's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she began to explain the plot. He listened attentively, enjoying the way her voice grew animated as she spoke. She was always passionate about the things she loved, and Mac found himself mesmerized by the excitement in her eyes. He could listen to her talk for hours, no matter the topic. He wasn't a bookworm like Annika and didn't really care about reading, but he found her enthusiasm infectious. It was as if her passion had a way of pulling him into the story, even if he wasn't entirely familiar with it.

As she animatedly described the twists and turns of the mystery, Mac couldn't help but notice the way her hands moved, gesturing as she spoke. He admired how her face lit up, her brown eyes gleaming with excitement, and it made him realize just how much he cherished these moments with her. Her joy felt like a warmth that wrapped around him, creating a safe space where everything else faded away.

He had never really enjoyed reading, but the way she described it made him feel like he was there, experiencing the story alongside her. She was always so animated and enthusiastic when it came to books, and he couldn't help but smile. Her passion was contagious, and he loved seeing her like this. He loved listening to her talk about things she cared about, the way her eyes shone with excitement and the smile that lit up her face. She was captivating, and he would gladly sit and listen to her talk for hours.

Her animated story telling had drawn them close, their faces mere inches apart, their gaze locked onto one another, their eyes mirroring the other's joy and affection. Their bodies were still touching, the heat and comfort of each other's body a welcomed feeling. Annika felt the world slip away, her attention focusing on the boy in front of her. Time seemed to slow as she gazed into his eyes, the warm brown pools drawing her in. The sunlight illuminated his face, highlighting his strong features, and her heart skipped a beat. He was so close, and she could feel his breath tickling her cheek, his presence overwhelming her senses. Her face felt warm, and she knew she was blushing. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a tingle of excitement run through her.

She clears her throat and glances away. "Anyway, um, so if you're upset with your team pranking you, you could, you know, get them back with revenge." She suggested, a playful grin spreading across her face as she attempted to steer the conversation back to lighter topics. She tried to ignore the pounding of her heart and the fluttery feeling in her stomach. She couldn't allow her feelings to get in the way, no matter how close they were. He was her best friend, and she would do anything to keep him in her life.

Mac's eyebrows shoot up. "Revenge, huh?" He asked, intrigued by the idea.

She hums in response, glancing back at him with a small smile. "Yeah," Her eyes lit up as she thought of an idea. "Ooh, hold on." She pulls away and reaches into the bag she had with her. "You could fill up their bags with this." She held up a can of silly string, grinning mischievously.

He laughs, the sound music to her ears. "Where did you even get that?" He asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

She grins, her cheeks flushing slightly as she admits, "I might have stashed a couple of cans in my bag for emergencies. You never know when you need to unleash some fun, right?"

He laughs again, the sound filling the gazebo. His eyes are full of mirth as he takes the can from her, his fingers brushing against hers. "You are the best," He said, his gaze full of adoration. "Thanks, I think this will do the trick." He leans in and kisses her cheek. "I'll see you later, Nika. I got some revenge to take care of." He stood, grabbing his bag, and heads out of the gazebo, giving her a mischievous wink and a wave before heading back to the rink, his earlier exhaustion replaced by an energy buzzing through his veins.

Annika couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face, her cheek tingling where his lips had brushed against her skin. Her heart swelled with love and affection, and she knew her feelings were only growing. She sighed happily, her eyes following his retreating figure until he disappeared around a bend. She knew she had to be careful, that falling for her best friend could ruin everything, but in that moment, she didn't care. Her heart felt light and happy, and all she wanted was to revel in this moment, the memory of his lips on her cheek forever etched in her mind.

With a satisfied smile, she turned her attention back to her book, the story taking her mind off her feelings, if only for a moment.