Off the Ice

by L. P. Dover

  Meghan pulled up to the house and clicked the tailgate lift. I opened my door and stepped out, leaning back in to face her. “Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it.”

  Grinning wide, she shrugged. “Hey, it’s the least I can do.”

  I nodded toward my new home. “Want to take a tour with me?”

  Her eyes lit up like she wanted to, but then she sighed and shook her head. “Not today. I really need to get to the grocery store, or I won’t have any food at my house.”

  I couldn’t let her leave without knowing I’d see her again. “I understand. Maybe next time?”

  She nodded. “Definitely.” Reaching into her glove compartment, she tore a piece of paper off a pad and wrote down her number. “Give me a call if you need anything. I’m just across the road.”

  Our fingers touched as I took the paper. “I’ll be sure to do that.”

  After grabbing my bag out of the back, I watched her drive away. Wyoming was already off to a great start.

  Chapter Four

  Meghan

  Justin Davis. Famous center forward for the Charlotte Strikers, and he was living right across the street. And to top it off, he was America’s Sexiest Bachelor, who just dumped his fiancée on television for everyone to see.

  Heart racing, I sped down Justin’s road and across the street. As soon as I came to a stop outside my cabin, I whipped out my phone, fingers trembling. I jumped out of my car and paced around, line ringing. “Come on, come on. Answer the phone.”

  “I’m here,” Kimberly laughed. “What’s wrong?”

  I closed my eyes, envisioning Justin’s face. I knew I was right. “Wrong isn’t the word I’d use. But maybe the fact that Justin Davis bought Southfork Ranch, and I gave him a ride from the airport, is something worth getting a little excited about.”

  “What?” she screamed. “You’re joking, right?”

  I shook my head, knowing very well she couldn’t see me. “Shh … don’t tell anyone. I don’t think he wants anyone to know he’s here.”

  She snorted. “I can see why. The paparazzi have been on him like the plague since he dumped Miranda on live TV.”

  “And what better way to disappear than to come here?” I added. But what were the odds of that?

  “Are you sure he’s Justin Davis?”

  Even I started doubting myself, but he looked exactly like him, and he said he was from Minnesota and North Carolina. It all added up. “Pretty sure,” I said. “I asked him what he did for a living, and he very quickly deflected the question. I just pretended he was a normal guy. He seemed to relax more when he thought I didn’t know who he was.”

  Kimberly chuckled. “This is insane. I can’t believe you gave him a ride.”

  I wasn’t in the habit of letting a stranger get in my car, so I was pretty confident it was him. “He didn’t want to be anywhere near the people in the airport. When I realized who he was, I kind of figured out he didn’t want to be recognized. That’s why I offered to take him home.”

  “I am so jealous of you right now. But don’t tell Jackson that,” she said, snickering. “What now? Do you think you’ll see him again?”

  Grabbing my bag out of the back of my car, I headed inside. It was going to be strange being home by myself, without Ellie. I missed her so much already. At least the Justin excitement had helped take my mind off that. “Most likely not. I did casually give him my phone number, in case he needed anything, but I highly doubt he’ll use it. He’s famous, for Christ’s sake.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything.”

  A car door slammed outside, and I rushed over to the window. “Kim, I have to go. Emmett and Cody are here.”

  “Okay. Tell them I said hey.”

  “Will do.” We hung up, and I hurried to the door. Cody was just about to hit the doorbell when I opened the door. “Well, if it isn’t my hired hand who’s ditching me to study abroad this summer.”

  Cody sheepishly shrugged and held out his arms. “I still love you, Aunt Meg.”

  “You better.” Laughing, I hugged him hard. He reminded me so much of Trey. They had the same amber-colored eyes with gold specks, and floppy, light brown hair. Even Emmett shared the same traits. “It’s okay, though. Not everyone gets to experience that sort of thing, especially ones in high school.”

  I let him go, and he winked. “Looks good on college applications.”

  “Yeah, I bet that’s the only reason.” Chuckling, he hurried off to the kitchen like he always did. “Good luck finding something in there,” I shouted. “I haven’t been to the store yet.”

  Grinning wide, Emmett shook his head. “I’m glad we caught you in time. He has to be at the airport in an hour.” He opened up his arms, and hugged me. I loved being around Emmett and Cody because they reminded me so much of Trey, but on the other hand, it hurt to look at them sometimes. They all shared the same eye color, but Emmett had the same build and facial features. Most people used to think he and Trey were twins, but Emmett was two years older.

  “He’s going to have a blast,” I said, letting him go.

  With a heavy sigh, he nodded. “I have no doubt. I’m sorry he’s not going to be here to help with the fence. I can find someone else to do it.”

  I shook my head. “Don’t go doing that now,” I scolded. “You of all people know I can take care of myself. I’m sure I can find someone.”

  His gaze narrowed in concern. “When my brother left to go overseas, I promised him I’d look out for you.”

  I squeezed his arm. “And you have. But there comes a time when I have to do things for myself. Trey’s been gone eight years now. I can’t rely on you forever. You have your own family to take care of.” His wife, Samantha, was one of my closest childhood friends so I knew she didn’t mind Emmett looking out for me. She was the one who’d introduced me to Trey. Over the past couple of years, she’d made it her life’s mission to find me someone else. Guess you could say she was the town matchmaker.

  Emmett’s expression saddened. “It has been eight years, but you’re showing no signs of moving on.”

  “Seriously, Emmett. Just because I’m not dating anyone doesn’t mean I’m stuck. I’ve had Ellie to think about. She keeps me busy.” Maybe part of that was a lie, but it wasn’t that I didn’t want to move on. I just wasn’t attracted to any of the men that came my way.

  Emmett didn’t believe me by the look on his face. “Keep telling yourself that, Meghan. With Ellie gone for the next few weeks, you should take some time to focus on yourself.” His eyes lit up. “Hey, we’re having a summer get-together at our house in a couple of weeks. All the guys from work will be there. Why don’t you come? Might be a great way for you to meet new people.” Emmett was a park ranger for the Grand Teton National Park. I’d already met some of the guys he worked with, and I got along with them great, but not in a romantic kind of way.

  I gave in. “Fine. I’ll be there.”

  Cody came back in the room, carrying a handful of chocolate chip cookies. “All right, I’m ready to go.”

  I chuckled. “Looks like it.” I hugged him again. “Be safe in Spain, Cody. Don’t do anything stupid. You’ll be missed around here.”

  He shoved a cookie into his mouth. “Tell Ellie I’ll see her when I get back.”

  “I will.” Letting him go, it took all I had not to cry. Cody had been a huge help to me, not only with the ranch, but with Ellie. She loved spending time with him. He was the big brother she never had.

  Cody’s eyes saddened. “I really am sorry I won’t be here this summer.”

  I kissed his forehead. “Don’t worry, I’ll have plenty of stuff for you to do when you get back.”

  Emmett hugged me again. “Call me if you need anything.”

  “Will do.” I walked with them out to Emmett’s truck and watched them drive away. Something inside me felt different, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. All I knew was that things were about to change, only I didn’t know how.

  Chapter
Five

  Justin

  “Dude, your face is everywhere right now.”

  Cliff was not telling me anything I didn’t know. I had the evidence on my laptop, my own face looking back at me. As much as I wanted to believe the world had forgotten, it wasn’t so. I closed my laptop and sighed. “This is a nightmare.”

  Cliff chuckled. “For you, yeah, but I think your bitch of an ex-fiancée is loving the spotlight.”

  “Of course she is. Guess it’s a good thing I don’t plan on leaving my ranch. How’s your dad doing?”

  His chuckles turned silent. “Okay, for now. He had two stents put in his heart. He’ll probably have to have surgery soon. I’m taking over the garage until I can hire someone to take my place. It’s a good thing I grew up working on cars.”

  When I wasn’t stuck around Miranda, I’d helped him build the engines on some of his classic cars. I’d enjoyed it. “Let me know if you need help up there. I’ll fly to Vermont anytime.”

  “Thanks, dude. Business has been a little slow, so I think I’m okay. Besides, you have the cowboy life to live out there. It’s a shame you can’t go out and meet some Wild West chicks, what with you staying anonymous.”

  Thoughts of Meghan ran through my mind. Looking out the large bay window in my kitchen, I could barely see the entrance to her ranch. “I met one, actually.”

  “Oh yeah? Did she jump and scream when she realized who you were?”

  A smile lit up my face. “Not at all. She doesn’t know who I am. I met her at the airport, and she gave me a ride to my ranch.”

  He snorted. “And she didn’t know who you were? Where she been living … under a rock?”

  I burst out laughing. “Turns out she lives on a ranch across the road from mine. I’m glad she doesn’t know who I am. It was nice being able to be normal.” Her phone number sat on my kitchen table and I picked it up. It was only just yesterday since I met her, but I wanted to call her. The only problem was that the more time I spent with her, the harder it was going to be to keep my identity a secret.

  “Are you going to see her again?” Cliff asked.

  Blowing out a sigh, I sat down at the table. “I want to, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea. Especially with the shitstorm going on about me right now. If someone sees us together, it could cause her problems.”

  “So don’t let anyone see you together. Simple as that.”

  A part of me wondered if it could be possible. The media didn’t know where I was, and they definitely weren’t going to go looking in Wyoming. Miranda had no clue I loved hiking or fishing. The first place she’d think to look would be somewhere like Malibu. I was safe for now.

  “We’ll see,” I replied. “I’ve been lucky so far. Had my groceries delivered this morning. Didn’t even have to see the person.”

  Cliff chortled. “Better than getting mobbed at the grocery store. Those shelves would be full of tabloids with your face on them.” True. And it’ll probably be like that until I flew back to Charlotte.

  “All right, man, I’m hopping off of here. Remember to call me if you need help.”

  “Got it. Enjoy your alone time. Honestly, I don’t see how you’re going to survive being all by yourself.”

  “I’ll figure it out.” We hung up, and I looked down at Meghan’s number. Grabbing my brand-new cowboy hat, I placed it on my head. If I was going to live on a ranch, I had to play the part.

  I’d made my decision.

  Instead of calling her, I trekked down my long, dirt driveway to the road. It was late afternoon, so I had no clue if she was going to be home. I’d spent the whole morning ordering fishing rods and hiking gear and walking around my land. There was still a lot of ground I hadn’t covered.

  There was no one in sight down either lane as I crossed over to Harvest Moon Ranch. Meghan’s ranch was smaller than mine, and it needed a little bit of work. The fence was old and falling apart, and the paint on the barn was peeling off in large strips. She had a few cows, but no sight of horses or any other animals. Her cabin was smaller than mine, but quaint, with a sleek, green tin roof.

  Her voice echoed from the backyard, and a part of me didn’t want to intrude, but I wanted to see her. I followed the sound of her voice around the side of the house, and once I saw her, dressed in a pair of denim shorts, a sleeveless plaid shirt, and boots, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.

  Chapter Six

  Meghan

  “You’re already booked up for the summer?” Patience was not a virtue of mine, especially when I was dead set on getting my ranch fixed up, once and for all. I’d put it off way too long. Finding a handyman to work on my fence had turned into a nightmare. Everyone I knew to call was busy.

  “I’m sorry, Meghan,” George replied, sounding sincere. “We’ve never had so much work to do. It’s a good thing, but I hate we can’t help you out.”

  George was a friend of my father who owned a contracting business. He had a group of guys who worked under him, and I was hoping one of them would be free. “It’s okay, George. I’m sure I’ll find someone to fix the fence.” The last thing I wanted to do was put an ad out in the paper for help. I didn’t want someone I didn’t know working around my house.

  Huffing, I sat down on my favorite canopy swing and marked George’s name off on my list. “This sucks,” I grumbled, crumpling up the paper.

  “Is this a bad time?” a voice called out. Grabbing my chest, I jumped out of the swing. Justin appeared off to the side, holding out his hands. “Shit. I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Taking a deep breath, I let it out slow, my heart racing ninety miles an hour. Mainly because it was Justin Davis, famous hockey player and reality star. At my house. Not to mention he looked like the sexiest cowboy I’d ever seen, dressed in worn out jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat. I had to blink twice to make sure it was him. First and foremost, I had to remain calm and collected. I wasn’t the type to shriek and squeal because someone famous was within touching distance. “It’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting company.”

  He walked up to me, his gaze on the surrounding mountains. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this.”

  “There are mountains in North Carolina,” I quipped.

  “Yes, but not like this.” His eyes met mine, and my heart fluttered. There was no denying how gorgeous he was in person. For my own sake, I had to keep those thoughts out of my head.

  Clasping my hands in front of me, I fiddled with my fingers. It was an unfortunate nervous habit. “Did you need me for something?” I asked.

  He averted his gaze back to the mountains and shrugged. “Well … I spent yesterday exploring my ranch and realized I want some farm animals. However, I don’t know the first thing about raising them.” He smiled at me. “Thought maybe you’d have some pointers for me.”

  Sighing, I nodded toward my vacant barn. “I wish I did, but I don’t have any animals other than the two cows in the field. I did have a horse, but it was too expensive to keep him.” My parents had offered to help pay for him, but I refused to take their money. Ellie was heartbroken.

  Justin stared at me, his gaze concerned. I wasn’t expecting to see that. “I’m sorry.”

  I shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m a teacher, so I don’t exactly make a ton of money.” I didn’t mean for it to be a jab, but he had no clue how lucky he was.

  He stepped closer. “You’re a teacher, huh? What grade?”

  Crossing my arms over my chest, I pursed my lips teasingly. “If I recall correctly, you wouldn’t tell me what you did for a living. I don’t think we know each other well enough for me to answer your question.”

  Chuckling, he stuck his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans, the perfect cowboy stance. “Good point.”

  I waved him off. “I’m just messing with you. I teach fifth grade.”

  A smile lit up his face. “I remember my fifth-grade teacher. Had the hugest crush on her.”

  That made me laugh. “I bet.”

&nbs
p; He smiled and shook his head, as if remembering those times. “So long ago.”

  “What? Like twelve years,” I teased, knowing very well how old he was. Although, I was older than him by two years.

  He smirked. “Close. More like eighteen. You’ve got to be around there as well.”

  I smirked back. “You’ll never know.”

  Justin chuckled, and turned his attention to the old blue truck by the barn. “Nice truck, by the way. I’ve always wanted one like that but never found one I liked.” It was my husband’s, and he adored it. It hadn’t run right in six years, but didn’t have the heart to get rid of it.

  “Do you want to take a look at it?” I asked.

  His eyes lit up. “Hell yeah.” He followed close beside me as we walked across my backyard to the barn. It was so strange being around him, knowing who he was. A part of me wanted to tell him that I knew, but I didn’t want to break the spell. Being around him was intriguing.

  The closer we got to the truck, the more excited he looked. It was like a kid at Christmas. You’d think a superstar like him would want brand new, shiny cars, but he genuinely appeared interested in the truck.

  I patted the hood. “She ran like a top back in the day.” He opened the driver side door and peeked inside, running his hands gently across the interior. “My husband loved her,” I added, lost in memories.

  He froze and then backed away, as if he was doing something wrong. “He’s not going to charge out here and kick my ass for talking to you and touching his truck, is he?”

  On the contrary, if Trey was still alive, he’d be getting Justin’s autograph. He loved hockey. I shook my head. “Trey died eight years ago in Afghanistan. It was his second tour.” I used to cry every time I talked about him, but now, I thinking about him gave me peace.