by Aven Ellis
“We’re almost there,” I promise, squeezing his hand in mine.
“It’s not a bridal show or wedding reception, right? You aren’t trying to make me work?”
I roll my eyes. “Ugh, no. Nothing to do with a wedding, party, or conference, I swear.”
“You know, a lot of women would think your job is fun,” Luca says aloud. “Planning dream weddings and parties and looking at decorations, menus, and dresses. But that’s not you, Cinderella. You’d be happier in your boots in a horse stall covered in muck. I love that about you.”
Luca brings my hand to his lips and kisses it softly. He gets me so well. He knows what I need to be happy.
“Well, for now it’s bridal dresses and Pinterest dreams,” I say, trying to shove away the sad feeling creeping into my chest.
“For now,” Luca emphasizes.
“You’re right,” I say, determined to feel his optimism. “For now.”
I see our destination up ahead and excitement fills me.
“Oooh, we’re almost there,” I say.
“Now can you tell me?”
I stop walking and move in front of him. “We,” I say dramatically, “are going on an art date.”
A quizzical expression passes over his face. “Art date?”
I nod. “Yes. There’s a studio up ahead, and for two hours, we’re going to learn how to make pottery. You can sketch or paint if you’d rather, but for the next two hours, you can do whatever inspires you, Luca. I wanted you to have the freedom to create tonight. And,” I say, reaching into my brown leather tote, “it’s BYOB so we have a beautiful bottle of malbec to further enhance our creative juices.”
I wait for him to say something, but Luca simply stares at me.
Oh, no. Did I misread him last night? When he said he only shared his art with me, did that mean it’s something he wouldn’t want to do in public, at a studio, where other people could see?
“I . . . I thought it would be nice for you to have this time,” I say, praying I didn’t piss him off. “I know you wouldn’t do this for yourself. Your artwork is so beautiful you should pursue it. It’s something that brings you joy, off the rink.”
I close my mouth. I’m rambling, and Luca is still staring at me as if he’s shocked by my choice.
He looks away from me and slowly exhales. After what seems like an eternity, he turns back to me, and I’m stunned to see his eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“Collins, I don’t know what to say.” His voice is husky. “You get me in a way nobody else ever has. Thank you for this. For giving me art tonight. For wanting to be a part of this side of me.”
He draws my free hand to his chest, and I place my palm protectively over his heart, feeling his heartbeat underneath the fabric of his black cashmere sweater. In this moment, I vow to protect Luca’s heart and keep it safe forever if he were to fall in love with me like I have with him.
“I do,” I say, gazing up at him. “There are so many different things that make you who you are. I want to know them all.”
“I know I’ve said this before, but you’re so much more incredible than I ever dreamed you could be,” Luca says, searching my eyes.
“So, you’re happy with my date?”
“Happy?” Luca asks, surprise in his question. A huge smile lights up his face. “Hell, yes. This is so cool. I had no idea you could do things like this on a date.”
“Well, come on. I’m going to try pottery. I’ve had bad experiences in art class at school with lopsided bowls. I’m convinced having a professional guiding me will give me a fighting chance.”
“I’m going to do that, too,” Luca says as I lead him toward the studio. “I’ve never worked with that medium.”
I smile. He’s definitely going to be in his element tonight.
“Well, don’t worry,” I say. “We’ll each have our own wheel, so it won’t be like that famous scene from Ghost.”
“What are you talking about?” Luca asks.
I giggle. “Oh, right, Ghost isn’t a hockey movie, so you probably haven’t seen it.”
“I’ll make you pay for that comment later.”
“Promise?” I tease.
I put my hand on the studio door, but Luca stops me.
“I wouldn’t want this experience with anyone but you,” he says, bending down to drop a kiss on my lips. “Nobody but you.”
Luca lifts his head and smiles at me.
And as we head into the studio, I can’t wait to see where life will lead us next.
Chapter 25
Solid communication skills are critical to success . . .
I tug on my barn boots as Luca packs shirts into his duffel bag.
Sadness washes over me as I watch him. It’s Sunday morning, and he has a flight to catch at two this afternoon for the Buffaloes’ first long road trip of the season.
“I can’t believe you’re going to be gone for so many days,” I say as Luca lays out a suit in a garment bag.
“Yeah, the scheduling gods were harsh to us this October,” Luca says. “We get a big road trip right off the bat.” He stops and stares down at his suit as if planning out his outfits for the week ahead. “I need another tie,” he says, moving back over to his closet.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” I say.
And I will. It’s insane how in a short period of time someone can hold such a special place in my heart.
But he doesn’t just hold a place.
He holds all of my heart.
“I’m going to miss you, too, Cinderella,” he says, returning to the bed with a platinum tie. He moves the duffel bag and sinks down next to me, wrapping his huge hand over mine.
I don’t say anything for a moment. I know distance is part of dating Luca, but I never expected to feel so emotional about it.
“We’ll talk though, right?” I ask. “Have online dates the nights you don’t have a game?”
Luca is silent for a moment. “I’ll try my best, sweetheart,” he says. “I have a lot of games to watch at night and this is my first big test on the road, so I want to be focused.”
I bite my lip. “I’m a distraction?” I ask, hurt by his words.
“No, no, that’s not what I mean,” Luca says, reaching for my chin and turning my face toward his. The lightness leaves his eyes, and his expression turns to one of worry.
“I have to find a way to balance you with what I need to do to stay on top of my game,” Luca admits, brushing his hand against the side of my face. “What I have with you is new. I’m still figuring out how to have it all. This road trip will be a test. But you are everything, I promise you that. So, please don’t feel this way. Please don’t.”
I’m upsetting him, I think. The truth has upset him. It’s not fair to do this to him now, not when he’s about to leave.
Maybe my mom wasn’t all wrong about using masks to ward off unpleasantness. I can’t have this conversation and send him off worried about me. It’s not fair.
“Okay,” I say, forcing a smile on my face.
“You’re really okay?” Luca asks, studying me carefully.
I nod. “As long as I know you’re coming back to me, I’ll be fine,” I promise.
“I’ve never wanted to come home to anyone before,” Luca says, his voice low. “But I’m already counting the days.”
Luca dips his head and kisses me to reassure me his words are true. I know they are.
This man will come home to me.
And I have faith he’ll find a way to make time for me while he’s on the road, too.
~ ~ ~
I walk into the barn and breathe in the air. It’s a glorious autumn day, perfect for a trail ride. Luca left for the airport at the same time I left for the stables, and b
eing with Major is the perfect antidote to missing Luca.
As I approach his stall, I see Kristine Sharp, the owner of the stables, walk through the barn with her horse. I smile brightly at her.
“Collins,” Kristine says, returning my smile. “I’m glad I ran into you.”
She brings her magnificent black Friesan horse, Augustus, to a stop next to me.
“Hi, Kristine, how are you?” I ask.
“Fantastic,” Kristine says, her blue eyes shining at me from behind her glasses. “I just took a trail ride with Augustus. The foliage is spectacular today.”
“That’s what I’m going to do,” I say, as I reach over and stroke Major, who has greeted me at the gate.
“Before you ride, I have a question for you,” Kristine says. “If I remember correctly, you’re an event coordinator, right?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I’d love to talk to you about an event I’d like to host,” Kristine says. “You see, we’re expanding here. In fact, I’m going to open another stable.”
“Wow,” I say, “that’s fantastic news. Congratulations!”
Kristine beams at me. “It’s crazy. I opened this to share my love of horses, and we’ve done tremendously well. If you would have told me I’d be able to invest in a second one, I would have said you were nuts.”
I smile. Kristine is living her dream, and I’m so happy she’s found success.
“What I’d like to do,” she continues, “is to host a party up at my house for all the current clients. I’m thinking cocktails and nibbles. Come and go. Equestrian theme, of course.”
This is the perfect assignment for me.
“I can totally do that for you,” I say.
“Fantastic. Can we meet next week and discuss how much you’d charge for planning an event like this?”
“Sure. Why don’t I email you when I get home and we can set up a meeting?”
“Please email me Monday,” Kristine says, smiling. “It’s Sunday. Go enjoy your ride.”
“Okay,” I say. “I will. And thank you for the opportunity.”
“No, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow.” Then she leads Augustus down to his stall at the other end of the barn.
I’m grinning ear to ear as I enter Major’s stall. I stroke his gray head affectionately.
“Did you hear that? I’m going to plan a horse party. Do you approve?” I ask him.
Major gives me a soft nicker, expressing happiness, and I reach into my vest jacket for a carrot.
“You’re such a good boy,” I say, feeding him the carrot. “How I’d love to work with you every day.”
I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I retrieve it and see I have a text from Luca:
Sitting at the airport waiting to board. Missing you, Cinderella.
I read his words over and over, loving how wonderfully romantic my man is.
I text him back:
I’m with Major. About to groom him and make him very handsome. And I miss you too.
He replies quickly:
Speaking of horses, I have an idea for you. For your future. I’ll call you tonight so we can talk about it.
I freeze as I read his words. Could Luca honestly have thought of a way for me to work as a riding instructor and make enough to earn a decent living? I don’t see how. I’d have to apprentice, study for my certifications, find a job, then slowly build a client base, and that would take a while. I don’t see how Luca could have found a way.
Before I can reply, another text drops in from him:
Trust me. It can work.
My eyes linger over his words.
Trust me.
Luca has no idea how much I do trust him. I’ve allowed myself to fall in love. I’ve allowed myself to toss aside my mask and share real feelings with him. Even if today I muted them a bit, I did tell him what I was thinking, and that’s huge for me. I would have avoided such an unpleasant conversation in the past.
But I can do these things now because of him.
I believe in what we have.
I trust his heart to follow mine and fall in love, too.
Chapter 26
Knowing what battle to pick is important . . .
I’m curled up on the sofa, eating a bowl of cereal for dinner as I exchange Connectivity messages with Taylor. I had a glorious afternoon ride with Major on the forest trails, taking in the beauty of the fall foliage as we rode. The air was crisp, the skies were clear, and it was magnificent.
As I was riding, all I could think of was how I wanted to share the experience with Luca. I can teach him to ride and we can go together. I can’t imagine a more perfect afternoon than spending it on horseback with the man I love.
Love.
It took me a long time to fall in love with Gabe. I remember when he first said the words thinking how much I liked him because of how sweet and kind he was and how he made me laugh. I thought maybe I had some romanticized version of how love should feel. It’s a different experience for everyone, and maybe I simply didn’t know what to expect. So, I said it back, and, in a way, I did love him.
But what I feel for Luca is completely different.
Taylor Hartigan is typing . . .
I take another bite of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and continue to reflect on Luca as I wait for Taylor to finish her message. Normally, I’d think there was no way love could be real after a week. I’d blame hormones. I’d say I was just swept up in a passionate new romance. I was wrapped up in a crush, not love.
Luca has taught me differently.
There are all kinds of love, I think, taking another bite of cereal. Sometimes it’s fondness, like what I had for Gabe. Sometimes you can know someone forever then, one day, see them in a new light.
Or sometimes you fall hard and fast. I remember after Livy fell in love with Landon, she said she learned there is no timetable. When your heart knows, it knows.
And my heart already knows Luca is The One.
Taylor’s message appears on my phone:
Okay sorry about that. Had to stop for baby cuddles from Samuel.
I smile. Samuel is her brother Jason’s six-month-old baby, and Taylor is spending the day with him and his wife, Carin.
We took Samuel to the Lincoln Park Zoo today. Mom and Dad came, too. The whole time, I was fighting back tears because I miss being a part of their lives so much. Samuel has gotten so big since I saw him last. Carin is making dinner now, and everyone is telling me how proud they are of me, moving off on my own and being such a success, following my blueprint I had laid out, and I feel like such a fraud.
I park my cereal bowl on the coffee table and type back:
You are NOT a fraud. You’re trying to figure out your life. I think the biggest thing I’ve discovered lately is that life never turns out how you plan it. I know this is hard for you because you plan everything to the smallest detail, but it’s the truth.
Taylor Hartigan is typing . . .
But the plan has always worked before. What is wrong with me, Collins? Why can’t I be happy in Minneapolis? Why do I hate the job I dreamed of since I was in high school?
I chew thoughtfully on my lower lip. Getting Taylor out of her “go according to plan” train of thought is going to be hard, but it’s critical if she’s to find happiness in her life.
Find her truth, as Nana would say.
I respond:
I don’t think Hunter Riley breaking the glass in front of you was part of his plan, but that worked out well for him, didn’t it? And you, I might add. ☺
I grin devilishly as I hit send, knowing that Hunter already texted Taylor yesterday and asked if the nachos were to her liking. I also happened to notice that they became Connectivity Connects.
<
br /> Taylor Hartigan is typing . . .
You’re so annoying.
I laugh. Now that’s the Taylor I know. I wait for her to finish her message:
We’ve exchanged a few messages. LIKE I DO WITH YOU, I MIGHT ADD.
Oh, oh, she has totally set herself up! I gleefully key my reply:
Yes, but I would never message you about nachos. I don’t care about your nachos. But apparently a very hot badass hockey player does. AMONG OTHER THINGS, I MIGHT ADD.
Taylor Hartigan is typing . . .
WHATEVER. He liked a post of mine. Made a comment. Need I remind you logistically he’s in San Francisco, I’m in Minneapolis, and oh, yes, my life is a freaking MESS? No. He’s an acquaintance. I’m Connected with a girl in my knitting class in Minneapolis. Does that mean I’m interested in her, too?
Hmmm. Something tells me Taylor has more interest in Hunter than the girl in her knitting class. She stared at him for the rest of the game, and her violet-blue eyes lit up when she was talking to him in person—no, she’s interested.
Taylor Hartigan is typing . . .
Carin is putting dinner on the table, more later. But no more about Hunter. That’s not going to happen. Love you.
I tell her I love her and agree to talk tomorrow. I have a feeling there will be more to this story with Hunter than she even knows.
Sometimes life goes off-script.
That’s when the best things can happen.
I finish my bowl of cereal and pick up the remote, wondering what I should binge watch while I wait for Luca to initiate a video connect. Say Yes to the Dress is definitely a no. I live that in real life. No, thank you.
Buzz!
Oh! I eagerly pick up my phone and see that I have a Connectivity Video Chat request from Luca. I hit accept and beam when I see his handsome face pop up on my phone.
