HOT ICE: Complete Sporting Romance Series

by Lily Harlem

  “Yes, I know you love me and I love you, very much.” Henri had always been free and easy with his declarations of love and devotion and I’d found myself slipping into the same habit of announcing my love for everyone when I was in Paris.

  A rattle behind me made me jump, someone clanking a can out of a vending machine.

  “Ah, you have a special place in my soul, Gina,” Henri said, “which is why I wanted to tell you and, of course, invite you to the wedding.”

  “Well, it’s a long way, Paris, but you know I love it there. I’ll need to make some arrangements though and speak to my father.”

  “Ah, that makes me sad that you can’t say just yes, yes, yes, but of course I understand. Your papa must take priority and of course your big new job.”

  “Thanks, you know, for understanding.”

  “But we will stay in touch, oui?”

  “Oui.”

  “And I do love you, you lit up many dark nights for me, my beautiful American woman.”

  I sighed and pushed my hand through my hair. “They were very special nights, Henri, and I’ll see you soon, I promise.”

  I ended the call, my heart aching but also not. Henri had never really been mine, we’d been ships passing in the night. Fun party ships who’d supplied what the other had needed. I hadn’t yearned for him when we’d parted, or longed to hear his voice. Our kisses and our connection had been fun, passionate to an extent, but not wild, not soul-achingly raw like that kiss with Dustin. That had curled my toes, left me hollow and craving something no amount of masturbation had been able to satisfy.

  Reaching for my case, I turned. It was time to board the Gunner jet.

  My breath caught and for a moment I didn’t quite believe what I was seeing. Standing by the door, swigging from a can of Coke, was Dustin Reed.

  “What the—?” I gasped.

  He lowered his drink and narrowed his eyes at me.

  “What the fucking hell are you doing here?” I demanded, stalking up to him. Damn, why did all hockey players have to be so freakin’ tall?

  “I’m getting on a plane to go see the guy who pays my wages,” he said, looking down at me with a shrug. “I have some things to discuss with him.”

  “Like hell you do.” I shook my head and tried to stop a tremble of anger racing across my body. “And like hell you are. This is my plane, our plane. You can’t just catch a lift on it.”

  “I’ve been given permission.”

  “By who?”

  “Mr. Gunner.”

  “What?” Now I was so mad I could see little black dots swimming in front of me. “When did you speak to my father? He’s supposed to be taking it easy, not being hassled by annoying players.”

  “Didn’t hassle, my agent emailed him a few days ago after you brought up the subject of not renewing my contract. It was Mr. Gunner who proposed that the best way for us to iron out any miscommunications was for me to hop on his plane next time it was en route to the island and go talk it through face-to-face.”

  “What? That’s a pile of shit. My father would have told me. I only spoke to him a few hours ago.”

  Dustin dropped his shades over his eyes. “I guess it slipped his mind, huh?”

  “No, it didn’t slip his mind. He didn’t know anything about it. You’re not coming. I want some time with my father, who, can I remind you, nearly died last month, and you being there, all…all…”

  “All what?” He tipped his head and seemed to enjoy the fact I was struggling to find the right words to describe him.

  “All cocky and…” I wanted to say gorgeous, but that wasn’t right. “Over-fucking-confident. It’s just not going to help.”

  “Take a chill pill, will you? I’m only going to be there for a few hours, and then I’ll head off and do a bit of sightseeing. Phoenix is always raving about the harbor restaurants. Seems he and Brooke had a great time when they visited the place.”

  “You can’t stay for a few days. You have practice.” I rammed my hands on my hips.

  He gnawed the inside of his cheek and tossed his empty can into a nearby bin. “Yeah, well, not much point practicing if I don’t have a team to play for. Kind of figured my contract renewal takes priority. Having a team next season is vital in my world.”

  “Miss Gunner, the captain has given the go-ahead.” A smartly dressed woman walked up to us with a clipboard. “And I see the second passenger has arrived.” She looked up at Dustin and I swear she actually fluttered her eyelashes. “Mr. Gunner’s secretary rang ahead and told us to expect you, Mr. Reed.”

  “Please,” Dustin said, “call me Dustin.”

  She giggled. “Okay, Dustin. I’m Angela. I’ll show you to the plane, it’s only a short walk.”

  Dustin nodded and wandered after her, his big strides casual and unhurried as she tottered along in black patent heels.

  Seriously. This couldn’t be happening. What the heck had I done to deserve the most irritating player on the planet accompanying me on a much-needed break?

  Drat and double drat.

  Within minutes I found myself sitting on a plane, for the second time in as many days trying to avoid being near Dustin. It was kinda hard on this one, though, with only half a dozen seats and a small, narrow fuselage.

  I opted for my usual spot near the door and, much to my annoyance, Dustin sat next to me. On the other side of the aisle, admittedly, but that was still too damn close.

  After fastening my seatbelt, I rested my head back and let the drone of the plane as it taxied onto the runway vibrate through me. I had to calm down and keep my cool. I was beginning to think Dustin enjoyed seeing me rattled. Hell, he’d provoked me enough times.

  But this. Really? This was private time between me and my father. I glanced at him and resisted a theatrical sigh even though it was how I felt.

  His bulk completely filled the seat and, despite the generous legroom, he still couldn’t stretch his legs straight. I stared at his big feet encased in black sneakers with a thin orange stripe above the sole. Goodness only knew what size they were. Like me he wore jeans, though mine were dark denim, brand new and skintight, his were worn and loose, faded on the thighs and around the groin area, they had a small rip on the right knee.

  “You want something, sweet cheeks?” he asked suddenly.

  I looked up at his face. His eyes were twinkling and one side of his mouth was curled up.

  Damn, he’d caught me looking at his… “No, just checking that your belt is done up.” I pointed at the sign above the pilot’s door. “When that goes on it means take off is soon.”

  “Ah, well, you don’t need to worry.” He plucked the thick black strap that sat over a wide denim crease in his groin. “I’m safe and sound.”

  “Good. Though we have you well insured—your body that is.” As I spoke, the small plane suddenly kicked up a gear and hurtled forward. I was pressed back in my seat and gripped the armrests. I was a seasoned traveler, but still, takeoff always freaked me out.

  “Though how effective a belt is during a plane crash is negligible,” Dustin said.

  “What?”

  “I hear small planes are ten times more likely to crash than big commercial ones, and come on, is a thin bit of fabric gonna save you?”

  “Why the hell would you say that?” I glared at him. “You’re not even supposed to say the ‘c’ word when you’re on a plane.”

  “What, crash?”

  “Yes,” I hissed. “It’s bad luck.”

  He shrugged and set about uncurling a pair of headphones. “Just stating a fact.”

  “Why, when we’re just about to…” I held my breath as the plane lurched into the air. It seemed there was quite a side wind. “Shit, that was a bit…” My stomach rolled.

  “The forecast mentioned a weather front was coming. I reckon this wind will be worse over the Gulf. I hope we land okay.”

  I swallowed. Damn him. Now I had visions of us touching down in a storm, rain and hail pelting the small plan
e, playing havoc with the radar, the wings skimming the runway as we were blown and bounced around, tipped left and right.

  “Jesus, you really need to relax, sweet cheeks,” he said, staring at me. “You’ll give yourself a heart attack.”

  I opened my mouth but no words came out. What a jerk.

  He rubbed his hand around his roughly stubbled jawline and frowned. “Shit, sorry. I was forgetting about Mr. Gunner.”

  I pursed my lips, turned away from him and stared out the window. We were breaching the fluffy white clouds and bright blue was dominating the horizon.

  “It’ll be fine,” he said. “The landing.”

  I took a deep breath and was relieved to feel the plane leveling out.

  “And planes fly in light winds all the time,” he said, “so don’t get your lacy panties in a twist.”

  “I am not getting my panties in a twist.” I turned back to him. “And kindly refrain from bringing my panties into conversation ever again.”

  He held up his hands as if in surrender. “Whatever you say, boss.”

  The way he said boss was full of mocking, almost with a laugh tagged onto it. The guy really didn’t take me seriously. Well, he’d have to when my father was sitting next to me, on my side, agreeing with my plans to save the team he’d worked so many years to put at the top of the NHL.

  Then we’d see who was laughing and who was boss. Dustin “Speed” Reed would have that stupid smirk wiped right off his face when he found out he was just too damn expensive for the Vipers.

  Chapter Five

  “What do you mean you’re going to Orlando now?” I stared in disbelief at my father, who stood on the runway at the base of the airplane steps I’d just descended. He had his usual battered suitcase in his hand, one I’d bought him many years ago and he claimed to still love.

  “Buttercup, I’m sorry. But my cardiologist called this morning, he wants me back for a few more tests. Seems my blood work last week wasn’t quite right.”

  I propped my suitcase up, stepped past Giselle and gripped his free hand. My head spun. I thought he was getting better. On the mend. He certainly looked well. “What do you mean not quite right? What’s wrong? Oh God, can they fix it?”

  He smiled and leaned down, kissed me on the cheek. “You worry too much, Gina. I’m sure it’s nothing. They just want to do another heart tracing and switch some of my meds. I could see one of the local doctors, but I’d rather see Dr. Hamilton, he’s been with me from day one of all this heart trouble.” He dropped his bag and took both of my hands in his. “Everything will be fine.”

  “Are you sure?” My own heart was racing.

  “Yes, of course.”

  “But when are you coming back?” I glanced at Giselle, who was twirling one of her long auburn curls around her finger and eyeing up Dustin. “I think I should come with you. To Orlando. That would be for the best. Yes, I’ll come back now. Come to the appointment with you.”

  Dad laughed. “Giselle will come with me, and besides you’ve only just got here. And, my dearest, you look exhausted. You’ve been working too hard.”

  “Only the way you used to.” I couldn’t help a pout. Why couldn’t I go with him if I wanted to?

  “Yes, probably, in which case we need to make sure you don’t head down the same route as me. You need proper downtime. Vacations, time out. Give your body a chance to recharge. And since you’re here…” He raised his eyebrows, crinkling his brow. “You should stay and enjoy some rest and relaxation. The villa is fully stocked. The cleaner was just finishing off when we left, so it’s all ready. It will do you good.”

  I sighed and thought about all of the things I needed to discuss with him—things that would wait only a week at the most. Decisions had to be made and although he’d given me the power to run the Vipers as I saw fit, I wasn’t naïve enough to think I was an expert. I wasn’t, I was a novice. I needed his input, even if just in the form of conversations.

  “And when are you coming back?” I asked. “To continue your recovery.”

  “In a few days.” He released my hand and reached for his wife’s.

  She smiled and stepped up close to his side. She was wearing a short, fitted dress that was splattered with bright-pink flowers. Her shoes and purse matched, as did her lipstick.

  “Hello, Giselle,” I said, with a curt nod.

  “Gina, good to see you.” Her smile broadened. “And I really am sorry that we have to go. But Fergal’s health has to be the top priority.”

  “Yes, I agree. Absolutely.” Why did she manage to make it sound as though I didn’t think it was top priority? Of course it was.

  “But the weather has been gorgeous here,” she went on, “and it’s set to stay like that, despite this breeze coming in. So you really could have a nice break away from your new venture.” She glanced at Dustin again, who had crossed his arms over his chest and was chewing on a piece of gum. “It must be exhausting being in charge of all of these big, burly men. Really, very tiring, I don’t know how you’re managing it. One is enough for me.” She giggled.

  Dad dropped a kiss onto her head. “Well, I don’t know about burly.” He laughed. “Come on, we should go. The captain is waiting. But, Gina, stay, and I’ll see you in a few days. I’ll give you a call.” He turned to Dustin. “Feel free to use the villa, too, for some downtime. It’s plenty big enough, and we’ll have that talk your agent mentioned when I get back.”

  “Well, if you don’t mind, sir, I’ll just return with you now. We could talk on the plane.”

  “Oh, I don’t think my husband should be worrying about Viper business until he’s seen the specialist,” Giselle said with a worried shake of her head. “I mean really, once he starts down that train of thought his blood pressure will be up and he’ll be getting those silly palpitations again.” She rested her hand over his chest. “So I don’t think that would be wise, Mr. Reed.”

  “Palpitations?” I asked. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “Only a few, at er, crucial moments…” Dad glanced at Giselle, who nibbled the corner of one of her long bright-pink fingernails and stared up at the plane. “And I told you,” he went on, “it’s probably nothing. However, you can’t be flippant with these things.”

  Giselle began to climb onboard. “Come on, darling. Let’s go and get you fixed up then you’ll be good as new and ready for action.”

  “Mr. Gunner,” Dustin said, stepping past me. “It really won’t take long.”

  “I’m sorry, son,” Dad said. “Just how it goes when you get old. Plans have to be undone. But this one is just delayed, not canceled. If there’s still an issue with your contract when I return from Orlando, and if you’re still here soaking up the ambience of Honeysuckle Key, then we’ll sit and have a discussion over a beer.”

  Dustin let his arm fall to his side. His mouth opened and closed.

  I couldn’t help the pleasure it gave me to see him at a loss for words for once. Now what could he say? He wasn’t getting his own way, despite his sneaky plan to get to my father’s ear. I bet that didn’t happen too often. Not in his me-me-me world.

  A smirk spread on my face.

  He glanced at me. Frowned.

  I didn’t care that he knew what I was thinking.

  “Bye, Dad,” I said, my voice a little too light. “See you in a few days and good luck, let me know how you get on.”

  “I will, buttercup. Now you have fun. And don’t worry, I’m fit as a fiddle.”

  The copilot, Edmond, appeared and made a fuss over his passengers. He tipped his hat to me just before the door was shut.

  The engines were running a little faster now, beginning to rev. My hair licked over my cheeks.

  “We should get off the runway,” Dustin said with a scowl, then turned and marched toward the small wooden hut that functioned as an airport arrival lounge.

  Nothing on the island was overly fussy. The people had a make-do attitude and it seemed to work for them. It was rare to see locals
without smiles on their faces.

  “There’s a hotel in the town,” I said, catching up to him, my suitcase rattling behind me. “I have the telephone number at the villa. You can come back with me then call and book a room, stay there.”

  “What?” He stopped and turned to face me.

  “The hotel. In the town. You can stay there until my father returns and you have your little chat.”

  “Why the hell would I do that?”

  I huffed. “Why the hell do you think?” I put my hand on my hip.

  “I can’t think of any damn reason to book a hotel when I’ve just been invited to stay at a fancy villa for the next few days.”

  “I’ll tell you why, because I’ll be there.” I flicked my hand between us. “And it’s my villa, not yours.”

  He slipped his shades to the top of his head. Part of me wanted to stare into his angry eyes, show him that I wouldn’t back down, but the sound of my father’s plane shooting down the runway caught my attention and I watched it zip along and take to the air. The wheels quickly disappeared into the undercarriage as it tipped to the right and headed for the mainland.

  “You really want me to go and stay in some damn hotel?” he repeated slowly. “Until your father comes back?”

  “Yes.”

  I turned, flashed my ID at the usual guy who sat in arrivals and headed toward the Jeep Dad had left in the lot. The keys would be in the ignition, waiting for me.

  I’d annoyed Dustin that was for sure. He wasn’t used to being told what to do. He wasn’t used to not being wanted. Well, I didn’t want him. I wanted peace and quiet without a big hunk of a guy looming over me, distracting me, blowing hot and cold and calling me stupid names.

  That was what I wanted.

  *****

  The villa was the same as it always was. It never changed and I liked that. It was as familiar as home and a place that housed many happy memories. From the long gravel driveway with the bright-orange flowers dotted on lush bushes, the naked cherub in the central fountain outside the front door that used to make me giggle as a small girl, to the soft furniture and sea breeze, it was definitely a place designed for privacy and rest and relaxation.