Melting Away The Ice (THE ICE SERIES)

by Smith, Mary

  Lucas: Have my phone back =) keeping Max & Marc away from it ;)

  I could not help the smile that came across my face.

  Me: Good!

  Fun-Sara can still flirt, even if it’s through text messages.

  I had a long talk with Rachel in the cab before I was dropped off and, yet again, she was right about me moving on. She told me to grow from what happened that it would make me stronger. I needed to think about me. I had a great career, wonderful friend and it was time I enjoyed more personal interactions.

  Just as long as I don’t have a panic attack while enjoying them.

  Lucas: We still on for 2 nite?

  Me: Yep. Where R we going?

  Lucas: Surprise! Can’t tell ya….

  Oh dear stars! Deep breath, I can do this. Fun-Sara can do this. Just flirt back.

  Me: Surprise, huh? What if I don’t like it?

  Lucas: You will like this, promise! C-ya @ 6! Text me your addy and I will pick you up.

  I was nervous about giving out my address but I knew my building was secure and Lucas was not Jake. Then it hit me: Great, what am I going to wear? I had a few hours to figure it out. Who am I kidding? I called the one person who could help.

  After about a hundred outfit changes and Rachel’s doing my hair and makeup. I was ready and about to pass out from nerves. I had on a pair of dark jeans with knee high boots and, a red button-down shirt with a black cami underneath. Rachel left my hair down with my natural curls everywhere and light makeup. I thought my hair was too frizzy and my clothes too casual.

  “You look great,” Rachel cooed as she fluffed my hair again.

  “You know something, don’t you?” I accused her. She would have usually dressed me all up for a night on the town. This time I was dressed casual. I could see it on her face.

  “What? Noooooo,” Rachel sang out and walked away from me.

  “You little liar-,” I chased after her. Just then my door buzzed and I stopped in my tracks.

  “Do you remember our talk? Deep breaths and have fun.”

  “You’re right. I am going to have fun tonight,” I walked out of my bedroom straight to the door. I was a little shaky, but determined to have a great time.

  Chapter 14 – Lucas

  I wasn’t really nervous about our date tonight, but I was definitely excited. When Rachel gave me that business card the night of the special meet and greet I didn’t understand why she left her number as “in case of emergency.” Then it dawned on me today that I didn’t know where to take Sara for our date.

  Yeah, it has been a while.

  My focus had been work, hockey and winning the Cup, not dating or women. So, maybe I did need a little help. I knew that Max and Marc were out because, well, they were guys. Max was more of a sports bar kind of guy and Marc could hardly speak English.

  “I knew you would call,” she said as she answered the phone.

  “Alright, are you going help me out or not?” I laughed.

  “Well, I have an idea. Would you like to hear it?” Rachel told me her idea. After thinking about it for a minute, I knew it was perfect.

  “I owe you Rachel, thanks,” I said, and I was off to get ready.

  I had to do everything in my powers to keep my eyes in my head when Sara opened the door. She was stunning.

  “Hi,” I said breathlessly. She smiled and nodded. “Are you ready?” She nodded again and I saw her turn around to grab her purse on the table.

  “Have fun, you two. Don’t do anything I-,” I heard Rachel say from the living room before Sara shut the door on her.

  I grabbed her hand and headed straight for the stairs. We didn’t speak on the way down. No wonder she has great legs.

  We made it out to my car and I opened the door for her. She smelled just as amazing as she did the other night. It was not overpowering just a hint of fresh linen – the perfect clean smell. I really disliked girls who wore too much perfume, especially flowers and fruits. She is going to kill me being so perfect.

  “So, where are we going?” she finally spoke when I jumped into my car.

  “I told you, it’s a surprise.” I smirked.

  “Could you at least tell me if I am dressed properly?” She ran her hands down her jeans like she was unsure about her outfit. Man, her thighs are amazing looking.

  “You did see what I am wearing right?” I had on a pair of light-colored jeans, gray fitted tee under my black leather coat, and my black working boots.

  “Oh, okay.” She seemed to be satisfied with my answer.

  “I promise we are not doing anything fancy on this date. Maybe next one.” I winked at her and I saw her cheeks get pink. I pulled the car out of the parking spot and headed down the street.

  “Can I at least get a hint?” she asked, smiling.

  “It isn’t that far away,” I grinned back to her.

  We made small talk in the car. She was telling me about a case that she was thinking about taking and how Charity was the greatest assistant. I noticed that she beamed with pride talking about her work. I could tell that it was something she really loved to do. We chatted back and forth until we reached our destination.

  “Where are we?” she asked with a confused look on her face, peering out the window.

  “We’re going skating,” I declared.

  “What?” She whipped around, shock spread across her features. I got out and came around to her side. We were at the practice arena. My plan was to want her to like my sport as much as I loved it. I had to pull a few strings for it to be opened but I was okay with that. I could feel her hand shaking as I took it in mine.

  “Okay.” I turned to her and put my hands on the side of her face right before we walked into the arena. “Listen, I talked to Rachel and she said that you can skate. I thought it would be nice to teach you hockey. If you remember, I told you I would. Don’t be scared or nervous. I won’t let you get hurt.” I looked deeply into her green eyes.

  Wow they are beautiful. She is so perfect.

  Sara looked at me for a moment and then nodded. I could tell she was still nervous. “I haven’t skated in a long time and I don’t have skates,” she finally said.

  “It’s like riding a bike and I have that covered,” I told her. Rachel had told me her shoe size and I went out and purchased a pair for her. We walked out to the bench where my skates were, as well as the pair I bought for her and two hockey sticks.

  “You’re serious about this.” There was panic in her eyes.

  “Yep, I am.” I sat on the bench and began to unlace my boots. I figured she would follow suit or run off screaming. She sat next to me and unzipped her boots and a smile crept on my face. Man, those are hot boots. Focus Sharp don’t push fast.

  I stood up and shook off my jacket. As soon as she finished lacing her skates, I helped her stand up and she got her balance.

  “You ready?” I asked.

  “To break my leg? Sure am, Coach,” she shot back. I laughed. I stepped onto the ice and she followed. She wobbled for a second but gained her balance quickly. I skated backwards, still holding her hand to make sure she didn’t fall or get hurt.

  “When was the last time you skated?” I asked. The way she was acting it seemed like forever, but she actually skated well.

  “Rachel and I used to skate a lot when we were kids but I haven’t skated as an adult in a long time,” she shared.

  “You are doing great.” I let go of her hand to go grab the sticks. “Alright, Ms. Smith, are you ready to learn hockey?”

  “If I get hit in the face with that puck, I will be very upset,” she stated sternly as she took the stick from me.

  “I promise no slap shots to the face.” I held up my right hand. “I swear.” She rolled her eyes but smiled.

  ”Okay,” she huffed out, “teach me hockey, Coach.” And just like that I handed her the stick.

  After spending a long time on the ice I could tell Sara was freezing. She did have the basics down and didn’t fall once. I t
aught her the differences of the lines, the most commonly called penalties, each player’s position, and took a few shots on the net. I was trying to show her some defense moves and she did well, even took a few shots with her stick. She was almost a natural. The best part was her smile and laughter.

  “So, what do you think? Are you a hockey fan?” I smirked at her as we sat on the bench and changed back into our shoes.

  “Well, I do understand it better, I will give you that much,” she smiled.

  “I guess I will have to keep trying then,” I replied. “Now, how about some food? I am starved.” She nodded.

  “Sounds great.”

  I grabbed the skates and sticks and then we headed out. I made sure to call security to close up the arena and thanked them for letting me use it as I placed the equipment in the trunk.

  On the way to my favorite pizzeria, she continued to ask me more questions about hockey and the NHL. The conversation was fun and I could tell that she wanted to know ever part of the sport.

  “But, you guys fight all the time. Isn’t that, well, wrong?”

  “Well, yes. However, with your adrenaline running high and wanting the win it is hard sometimes to rein in your emotions.”

  “I thought Rachel said that you were friends with your rival teams.”

  “Some of them I’m very close too, but not when we are on the ice,” I tried to explain without sounding two-faced. “Think of it this way, you are friends with other lawyers, but not in the courtroom.”

  “Well, that is true.”

  We arrived at the packed pizzeria, I was happy I had called ahead so they could keep a back booth open for us. We slid into the booth and the waitress brought us menus. It was then that I noticed that Sara was searching around the restaurant, like she was plotting an escape route. She did this every time I was alone with her.

  “May I ask why you do that?” The words came out before I could stop them.

  “Do what?” she asked.

  “Since the first time I met you, you are always looking around like you are plotting out a route to escape. Why?”

  “I am just overly cautious. In case there is an emergency or zombies attack,” she laughed nervously. I knew that laugh was fake but I smiled at her anyway. She is hiding something.

  I knew that she wasn’t going to spill her life secrets to me so I changed the subject. “How about we order a deep dish and beer?”

  “Perfect.” She smiled brightly and looked grateful for the subject change.

  I reached across the table and grabbed her hand.

  “So, I know you play hockey, went to Wisconsin, and that’s about it.” Sara cleared her throat as she squirmed in her seat and talked.

  “Don’t forget I am Canadian,” I laughed.

  “True. Now I have a few questions.”

  “Shoot.”

  “What was your major in college?”

  I laughed. “Education. I wanted to get a teaching degree.”

  “You wanted to be a teacher?”

  “No, I want to be a teacher. I figure I have six to eight good years left in hockey and then I want to teach. Just like my mom.”

  “You said you were close to your mom and her side of the family. What is that like?”

  “Actually, it is great. My aunt is like another mom. She has a daughter, who is a few months younger than me, and we are very close.”

  “Wow. Okay, what do you in your spare time?”

  “Well I love movies, being outdoors and hanging out with friends. I guess the usual. What about you?”

  “I read a lot, love watching Friends re-runs, I enjoy my work and currently I am learning about hockey.” She laughed which made me laughed too.

  “Why did you become a lawyer?”

  “I wanted to do something worthwhile. However, corporate law is where the money is at. So, I do a lot of pro bono work on the side.”

  “I think that is great. Really.” She smiled. I stared at her lips and all I could think about was kissing her again.

  As the pizza arrived, she asked me some hockey questions about games that were coming up and other players in the league. It was great to talk about hockey with her. Even if, there were a couple times she looked confused, at least she was trying.

  “I never asked if you have been married,” I thought I would get the basics out of her.

  “Nope, never married. You?”

  “Please, I have been too busy trying to win the Cup to be married,” I scoffed. “I haven’t even been in a relationship in a while.”

  “I know. Max told me.” She slapped her hand over her mouth with a shocked look on her face, like she should not have said anything.

  “Really…and what else did Max say?” I am going to kill him the next time we are on the ice.

  She just shook her head but I insisted. “No, really, it’s fine.” I will need to figure out what to put on his tombstone.

  “Um, he said that you had not had a girlfriend in two years and that I shouldn’t break your heart,” she quietly said.

  “Yea that sounds about right. But I am not concerned about you breaking my heart.” I would fight for her until the end. Yeah, I am pushing it with her.

  “When I was in law school, I didn’t date at all. I was too busy. So, I understand what you mean about being busy.” She looked at me with those big green eyes; my mind went blank and suddenly I couldn’t form a thought. We took the conversation down a different topic path and started to talk about her. She told me about her life, or lack thereof, with her parents. She told me about Rachel and about their friendship. It was nice to hear about her life for a change.

  “What is next on our first real date?” she asked. I had just paid the bill and was not sure how to approach the next part.

  I cleared my throat. “We could go to a bar and keep talking or go to the movies. You pick.”

  “Or,” her cheeks grew pink, “we could go back to my place and have a drink. I really can’t stay out very late because I have clients in the morning and I am sure you have to work.” Alone with Sara in her home, I could handle that.

  “Sure, let’s go with that.”

  Chapter 15 – Sara

  Why did I even suggest that? Oh man, I hope that he doesn’t think I want anything.

  I could not believe that I had even said those words. I had a flashback to the panic attack outside the hotel room door in Pittsburgh.

  We made it back to my place and I was shaking, but trying not to over-think it at the same time. I unlocked the door and walked in, thankful that my place was clean. I had just sprayed air freshener everywhere and hoped it was not over powering.

  “Make yourself at home. I will grab us some beers.” I pointed at the couch and walked into the kitchen. I still had my phone in my hand, so I texted Rachel and told her what was going on right now.

  Rachel: Use a condom. Im 2 young 2 b an aunt.

  I rolled my eyes! Really!

  Rachel: Y R U texting me anyway ... when he is in there waiting!?

  Me: Thought my friend would calm me down

  Rachel: Isn’t that what Lucas is 4?

  Me: Im not talking to you anymore

  In my head I could hear Rachel giggling at the last text because she knew that was far from the truth. I really liked Lucas and he was everything that Jake was not. Lucas actually listened to the strange things that I said and paid attention. I didn’t have to have sex with him. I could be myself without that.

  I can do this.

  I took a deep breath, counted to ten, grabbed two beers and headed back into the living room.

  “Are you okay?” Lucas gave me a puzzled look. Sure, I’m just a crazy person having an internal conversation with myself.

  “Yep, I am fine. Still a bit tired from the trip, though. I am sure you understand that,” I handed him his beer and I noticed that my hand was shaking.

  Get it together, girl. This is not the first time that you have been with a guy alone.

  “If you are tired
I can go home. I have an early skate tomorrow anyway.” Lucas went to get up but I stopped him.

  “Wait, I’m sorry. I am just a little bit nervous right now. It has been a long time for me too,” I said quietly. I was never going to tell him what happened to me, but I didn’t want him to think that I was really crazy.

  “Sara, it’s okay. I’m not asking anything of you.” He rubbed his thumb over my cheek.

  “I know that. But you’re a great person and I probably sound like a nut-job. I have been blurting out questions, acting all strange, and this is not going as I thought,” I did feel better telling him. Even though, he really must think I am crazy. I let out a deep sigh and pushed my hand through my hair. Do I even know what I was doing?

  “One, you are not a nut-job and two, you are not acting strange. Although I can tell that you are nervous. How about this, lets finish our beer, then I will go home and we can pick up on the next date?”

  “That sounds great.” I nodded and took a drink of my beer. Yep, he is perfect and I am nuts.

  “I noticed that you have a ton of books.” He pointed over to the far wall that was lined with bookcases.

  “I told you that I like to read,” I stated.

  “You did. However, that is a lot of books.”

  “You think I am bad, you should see Rachel. She has her own law library,” I laughed.

  “You haven’t lived here long, have you?” he asked.

  “Why would you say that?”

  “By the bookcases you have broken-down boxes. Did you just move in?”

  “Oh, well, I moved in a while ago and just now got around to getting everything put away. I’ve been busy and what–not.” I looked everywhere but at him. It wasn’t a lie; I was busy, but mainly just didn’t want to unpack.

  “So, why did you move to this place?”

  Because the guy I thought was the love of my life beat the crap out of me.

  “Rachel found it and it was close to work,” I said instead. It was then that I noticed he was holding my hand. A sudden urge of liquid courage came over me and, I leaned in and kissed him. Maybe my inner-Rachel was coming out, maybe I didn’t want to think about the sadness of my accident, or maybe I just wanted to kiss Lucas because he was so wonderful. All I knew was that I wanted to kiss him.