Save the Date (Chicago on Ice Series Book 3)

by Aven Ellis

  I take a moment to admire him. He’s come to this party, not knowing anyone but me, and he’s making the effort to talk to people because he knows this night is important to me. Luca drove out from the city to be here, aware of the fact he’d barely see me.

  That is love.

  Luca turns his head and catches me watching him.

  “Hi,” I say, after crossing the room and pressing my lips against his cheek in greeting.

  “Hey.”

  He entwines his hand with mine, and Noble smiles at us.

  “I asked Luca when we can expect to see him out on a horse,” Noble says, his brown eyes twinkling.

  “Collins will have to teach me over the summer. She will have her hands full because I know nothing about horses.”

  “Not quite the same as stopping shots, is it?” Noble says. Then he turns to me. “I can’t believe Luca Ballerini is your man. I have season tickets, you know.”

  “I had no idea you were a hockey fan,” I say. “But then again, we always talk horses when we cross paths.”

  “My two biggest joys. Hockey and horses. Best thing I got in my divorce was the hockey season tickets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to hit that raw bar. There are definitely some stone crabs calling my name. Luca, it was a pleasure to meet you. With you and Justin Wilson, we have the best 1-2 goalie combo in the league. Both of you could be starters.”

  I feel Luca’s hand flinch in mine.

  “Justin is very talented,” Luca agrees. “And it was nice to meet you, too.”

  “Good luck tomorrow night,” Noble says. “And I’ll see you on Sunday, Collins.”

  “I never miss a Sunday,” I reply, and Noble excuses himself and heads off to the raw bar.

  I turn to Luca. “Are you okay?”

  Luca furrows his brow. “What?”

  “You flinched when Justin’s name was brought up.”

  “I did?”

  He doesn’t even realize he did.

  “Hey,” I say, putting my hand to his face, “your job is secure. Justin is good, but he’s not you.”

  “I know I’m good,” Luca says, his eyes locking on mine. “But Justin wants my job. I would too if I were him, and I’d also be working my ass off to get it. I have to work extra hard to keep my position.”

  “Extra hard?” I ask, concerned. “Luca, you already work harder than anyone I know.”

  I see doubt in his eyes, but he clears his throat and smiles at me.

  “Hey, tonight we’re talking about you,” Luca says. “You look stunning. When I saw you walk across the room in this dress—” He pauses and lowers his head to my ear, his deep voice low so only I can hear. “You don’t want to know the sinful thoughts that went through my head.”

  My body burns hot when I feel his warm breath against my skin.

  “Care to explore those thoughts after the game tomorrow night?” I ask playfully.

  “Yes.”

  We both laugh.

  “Luca, thank you for coming out here tonight.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. Cinderella, this party is mind-blowing. It’s like something in a magazine. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Kristine and CJ love you.”

  “Yes, CJ said they talked to you for a bit,” I say, curiosity clear in my voice. “What did you talk about, anyway?”

  “We,” Luca says, setting his water bottle down on a table next to us, “were talking about an intelligent young woman with a passion for horses. One with toffee-colored eyes that show everything she’s feeling. With gorgeous freckles that enhance her gorgeous face.” He sweeps his fingertips across my cheeks. “Who has a huge heart and completely has me under her spell.”

  Oh, how I love this man.

  “Luca?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m so lucky you found me.”

  His eyes shine brightly at me. “Nobody is luckier than me.”

  If I could kiss him right now, I would.

  “I’m probably going to have to go soon,” Luca says. “But I’ll see you tomorrow after the game. Then I’m all yours.”

  I wish I could ask him if I could come over after the party, but he’s already made a huge step in coming tonight. I know he won’t change his habits right away, and after what happened when I did press him, well, I can’t go there again.

  “Okay,” I say, forcing a smile on my face and keeping my thoughts to myself.

  I introduce Luca to a few other riders, the riding instructor, and the stable manager, and before I know it, it’s time for him to leave.

  I escort him out to his car. The air is cold and stars are abundant in the inky black sky.

  “I’m amazed how well you can see the stars out here,” Luca says as we head down the gravel path.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Luca stops in the middle of the drive and wraps his arms around me.

  “Not as beautiful as you,” he says softly.

  Then he lowers his head to mine and kisses me beneath the moon and stars.

  As I kiss him back, I know this is the man I was meant to love.

  I want to kiss you under these stars for the rest of my life, I think as he breaks the kiss and gazes down at me.

  When I see the way he looks at me, I have no reason on earth to believe I won’t.

  Nothing will come between us.

  Ever.

  Chapter 31

  Handle conflicts with composure and grace . . .

  I take a sip from my mug of coffee, savoring the delicious brew on this chilly November morning. Cold rain is splattering against the window. According to the weather, the high today is going to be thirty-four. Perfect for a lazy Sunday in bed, tucked in under the duvet, watching movies all afternoon.

  Well, it is for me, anyway. The Buffaloes had an optional skate this morning, so of course, Luca went. I wish he would take a day off. It’s only the second month of the season, and I’m already worried he’s going to burn himself out. I don’t see how he can keep up this pace for an entire season without it backfiring. He’s going to exhaust himself, both mentally and physically.

  I remember his plea for me to tell him how I feel. Surely, I can bring this up without it distracting him from the game, right? Tomorrow morning he flies to St. Louis for a game on Tuesday.

  It will be different than last time. I can convince him he needs to take a step back for his own good, not mine.

  Ugh. I’m not prepared to handle conflicts like an adult. I can handle them with clients all day long, but adulting in personal relationships is so hard.

  There’s not enough pumpkin spice in the world to make me want to deal with upsetting the man I love.

  I hear the key turn in the lock, and I know Luca has returned. The door opens and closes, and then I hear footsteps coming down the hallway.

  Luca appears in the doorway, dressed in jeans and a gray Chicago Buffaloes hoodie, and flashes me a sexy grin.

  “I love coming home and finding you in my bed, Cinderella,” he says, flopping down next to me. Luca lifts up the duvet and snakes his hand underneath my T-shirt, and I squeal.

  “Gah! Your hand is like ice!” I cry, trying to push it away.

  Luca laughs and moves it to my bare thigh instead, and I giggle and try to wriggle away. He catches me with one strong arm and draws me back. I fall back on the bed and he moves over me, his huge body pinning me to the mattress.

  “Can you think of a way to warm up my hands?” he asks, dropping a kiss on my lips.

  Oh, how I love Luca’s playful side.

  “I know just how to raise your temperature, Prince Charming. Starting with body warmth.”

  I draw his head toward mine a
nd give him a slow, seeking kiss, exploring his mouth with my tongue. He groans against my lips, and heat rises within me as I feel his body go hard.

  “I love Sunday mornings,” he whispers against my mouth.

  I do, too, I think, losing myself in his arms.

  All thoughts of bringing up an unpleasant discussion about his work are shoved aside.

  Because I’d rather deal with pleasure instead.

  ~ ~ ~

  After we made love, Luca whipped up an amazing lunch, and then he took a nap while I took Major for an indoor jumping session. Nothing gives me the exhilaration that jumping does. I felt like I was flying all afternoon.

  Now I’m back, shaking the rain off my umbrella on the front porch while I wait for Luca to let me into his building. I have a cappuccino for him and a pumpkin spice latte for me. It’s rainy and gloomy outside, but when I’m with Luca, our little world is cozy and warm.

  “Hello?” Luca says, his deep voice cheerful.

  “I request permission to enter, Prince Charming,” I tease. “And I come bearing a coffee for you.”

  “I’ll lower the drawbridge immediately.”

  The door clicks open, and I step inside, wipe my boots on the mat, and head up the stairs. Luca is already waiting in the doorway for me. His hair is rumpled from taking a nap, and he’s dressed in a navy T-shirt that hugs his massive chest and gray sweat pants.

  He’s so sexy in his casual clothes.

  And even better out of them.

  “What’s that grin for?” Luca asks, cocking an eyebrow at me.

  “Just thinking about how sexy you are in sweats.”

  Luca laughs and takes the cardboard coffee tray from my hand. “You need to get higher standards.”

  Luca puts the tray down on the kitchen table while I take off my coat.

  “Your no-frills cappuccino,” I say, handing it to him. Then I playfully tug at the drawstrings on his sweats. “Sweatpants are sexy because they provide easy access,” I tease.

  A blush sweeps across his cheeks.

  “You’re adorable,” I declare.

  “Stop,” Luca says, dropping a kiss on my lips. “Did you have a good ride?”

  I retrieve my latte and take a sip. “I did. I jumped today, which always makes me happy.”

  “Good. Hey, if you can handle it, I can make you an early dinner before I need to watch the game. St. Louis is playing tonight, so I need to do my homework.”

  I bite my lip. I want to ask why I can’t stay here and do my own thing while he studies or if I could I watch the game with him and learn more about what he does.

  But Luca has made it clear he needs peace and quiet to concentrate, so I’m not going to bother asking again. I know he would have me here if he could. After Tampa, I vowed to never interfere in his process again.

  Yet I still hope that with time, and as the season goes on and he remains the number one goalie, he’ll learn to loosen up and relax a bit on his workaholic nature.

  “Hey, what are you thinking?”

  I blink. “Huh?”

  “You turned serious,” Luca says, studying me. “I can see it in your eyes. What’s wrong?”

  Shit.

  “Nothing,” I say. “Just lost in thought.”

  “Are you sure?” Luca presses. “Because I don’t know if I buy it.”

  My phone rings, and never have I been so determined to take a call as I am this one.

  “Hold on,” I say, fishing it out of my purse. “Oh. It’s Kristine. I’m going to take it.”

  “Of course,” he says.

  “Hello?” I ask.

  “Collins? It’s Kristine. I was hoping to catch you out at the stable today, but I missed you. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “I have an opportunity I’d like to present to you,” she says.

  “An opportunity?” I repeat.

  “I know how much you love horses,” Kristine says. “And I’m going to have a lot of opportunities here with the new stable. I’ll need more staff with the increased workload.”

  I can barely hear Kristine speak over the sound of my pounding heartbeat.

  “Collins, in an ideal world, what would you like to do? If you could have any job at my stables, what would it be?”

  My throat turns dry. I can’t believe I’m having this conversation.

  “I’d love to teach people to ride,” I say, my voice growing thick with emotion. “Any kind of riding, from recreational to jumping. But I’m not certified.”

  “I can solve that.”

  I don’t trust myself to speak, so I don’t.

  “Here’s what I’d like to propose. My life is insane,” Kristine explains. “I need someone who can organize my business life. An assistant manager for the stables. Someone to deal with vendors and potential clients and develop a system for scheduling. Collins, you’re probably too skilled for this position as my right-hand lady, but in return, I’ll help you become a trainer. During the workday, so you’ll have plenty of time to apprentice under Sean,” she explains, referring to her current trainer. “We’ll both prepare you for certification, and I’ll pay for it, of course.”

  I’m about to burst into tears. I couldn’t ask for anything more. My dream is right here, all I have to do is say yes.

  “I’m going to email you a job description and salary offer. The salary is based on your current job and management abilities. You’ll also see what benefits I can provide as far as medical insurance goes, etc. Take a few days to read it over, and you can call me this week to discuss further.”

  I bite down hard on my lip. “I don’t know what to say,” I manage to squeak out. I clear my throat and try to sound professional. “Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to reading about it.”

  Kristine laughs. “Hopefully, you’ll say yes. Now, have a good evening.”

  “Thank you, Kristine. Thank you so much,” I say. “I’ll call you soon.”

  I hang up and stare at my phone in shock.

  “That happened,” I say to myself, not quite believing it.

  “What happened?”

  I turn to Luca. “Kristine offered me a job.”

  “What kind of job?”

  “Assistant manager. And,” I say, my voice breaking, “and I’ll learn how to teach people to ride.”

  Luca draws me into his arms. “Baby, I’m so happy for you,” he says, kissing the top of my head. “You deserve this, sweetheart. You’re going to live your dream. It’s happening.”

  He steps back from me, putting his hands on my tear-stained face, and I’m surprised to see his eyes are watery.

  “You’re going to get the life you wanted,” he whispers.

  I do have the life I’ve always wanted, I think, staring up into the face of the man I love.

  Never has life seemed richer with blessings than it does to me in this moment. I’m about to start the life I only dreamed of living. And I’m going to start this adventure with Luca by my side.

  “But . . . Aunt Suzanne,” I say aloud, my stomach dropping. “Oh, Luca, what am I going to do? I can’t leave Aunt Suzanne!”

  Panic grips me. Not only would I be leaving her in the lurch, but it would break her heart if I left her company. She’s been so good to me, so generous in taking me on and giving me a career. How can I do this to her?

  “Hey,” Luca says firmly, putting his hands on my shoulders. “Your Aunt Suzanne would understand. Her dream was to run an event planning business, but that doesn’t mean she expects it to be yours.”

  “How do I tell her, Luca? I can’t hurt her like this!”

  “Collins. Listen to me. I know how you were brought up. I know you were taught to fear making waves
or challenging people and not to upset anyone, even if it’s at your own expense. But I think you’re underestimating your aunt. She will be sad to lose you, but happy to see you happy.”

  I bury my head against his chest. “I don’t want to do this to her.”

  “Sweetheart, this is life,” Luca reassures me. “Sometimes you have to do things that might hurt someone. Or piss them off. But people who love you move past it. Aunt Suzanne will be sad to see you leave, but thrilled that you are following your passion. She’ll be proud of you, too. But not more than I am.”

  I close my eyes and listen to his heartbeat against my ear. I know he’s right. I should talk to Aunt Suzanne first thing tomorrow morning.

  Luca’s hand moves up and down my back in a calming way, and I think of his words. I should tell him I shouldn’t have to leave on game nights. I should tell him he’s working too hard, and I fear he’ll burn himself out.

  An image of him dropping to the ice in Tampa flashes in my head.

  No. I can’t. Not yet.

  I’ll take one brave step at a time. Starting with Aunt Suzanne tomorrow.

  “I’m so glad I get to share this with you,” I say.

  “You are my everything,” Luca says, wrapping his arms around me.

  Then he lowers his mouth to mine and kisses me, letting me know his words are true.

  I’m his everything. And I always will be.

  Chapter 32

  Delivering bad news to a client is never, ever, easy . . .

  My stomach is in a knot as I sit across the table from Aunt Suzanne at an eclectic breakfast café in Lincoln Park. I texted her and asked if she could meet for breakfast before work so I could talk to her privately.

  Now here I am, chatting on and on about the snow that’s falling outside as I shove pumpkin pancakes around my plate in a desperate attempt to avoid bringing up the reason why I asked her here in the first place.