Melting The Ice

by Amy Leigh Napier

  After dinner, they had all went to a local club to hear some live music and she had found herself seated next to Denise Secord. Conversation had been impersonal and infrequent due to the loudness of the music until Ava had went to the bathroom. When she came out of the stall, Denise was waiting for her. “I wanted to talk to you for a moment alone.” Ava had nodded her agreement. Denise had immediately gotten to the point. “My son is miserable and from the looks of you, you’re not doing much better. He told me he asked you to marry him and you refused.” She paused for a moment. “God knows if I could pick a woman for Cian, it would be someone closer to his own age that could give him children.” She had hung her head, nodding in understanding. Someone finally agreed with her reasoning but it made her feel no better. Denise’s next words had her head jerking up. “My son is a good man and he loves you, Ava. I believe you love him as well.” Ava had gaped at her in shock. Swallowing hard, she had managed to ignore her embarrassment and respond.

  “I do love him.” She had said softly. Denise had smiled and moved forward to enfold a stunned Ava in a quick hug.

  “Then forget all the reasons you came up with to say no and go after him.”

  “He hates me now…”

  “He doesn’t hate you; he’s hurt and angry. And like every other man on earth, when he’s hurt and angry he acts like a wounded bear.” Denise stated knowledgeably. Ava had listened to her make her case in support of her son and had finally agreed to at least think about calling him. She had left Baton Rouge feeling hopeful about Cian but the next few weeks had killed that hope. He wasn’t taking her calls. He wasn’t returning messages or responding to texts or emails. She didn’t know what else to do besides show up in Boston and confront him and she wasn’t sure that was such a good idea. The hockey season was in full swing and Ava had purchased the NHL package so she could watch his games. As hot as he was off the ice, there was just something about him in full hockey gear with that look of utter concentration on his face that made her melt. It had been hard to follow the action at first but after looking up the rules on the Internet she understood better and actually enjoyed it. Cian was wildly popular with the Boston fans. As soon as he stepped on the ice, the cheers from the home crowd were deafening. There were hundreds of fans in the stands wearing his jersey; a lot of them female and the sports commentators talked about him incessantly. The scandal with Lani Mason was mentioned at times but mostly, they talked about his leadership on the ice and skill as a player. Every time they showed him during the games, he looked mad and from the way he was checking guys into the wall and dropping the gloves at the slightest provocation, mad didn’t begin to describe it. She had heard one of the sportscasters remark that he had spent more minutes in the penalty box this season than any other in his career. He had even passed Max in penalty minutes which apparently was considered to be an unbelievable feat amongst hockey fans.

  Trying to stay busy so she wouldn’t just mope over Cian, she had agreed to help Macy decorate her house for Halloween. With Maddie, every holiday was a big deal and the entire house had to be decked out with every tacky decoration known to mankind. Macy had hired a professional firm to come in the previous year, thinking to save herself some work, but Maddie had pitched such a fit Macy had sent them home. Since no one wanted to witness another Maddie meltdown, Ava and Macy spent hours with Maddie spooking up the house. They were putting on the finishing touches when Lora Talbot showed up to take Maddie shopping with her. Once Lora and Maddie left, Ava and Macy collapsed on the overstuffed furniture in the solarium with a bottle of wine.

  “I heard from Max today.” Macy stated with a grin as she poured. Ava’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “I didn’t know you stayed in touch with Max.” Macy laughed at her friend’s shocked statement, passing her the full glass before settling back into the sofa cushions.

  “Why wouldn’t I? Max and I became pretty good friends while he was here. Besides, you and Cian were so wrapped up in each other, somebody had to entertain him.”

  Ava eyed Macy speculatively. “Did you…” Macy snickered and shook her head.

  “No, I didn’t, though I’m sure Max would have been a real good time. I’ll leave the hot young hockey players to you.” Ava chuckled at Macy’s teasing words.

  “So how is Max?”

  “Full of himself, as always. How does he make arrogance look so adorable?” Macy seemed to ponder that for a moment before shrugging. “He was in Florida on a road trip…though you probably know that since you’ve become such a hockey fan.” Instead of laughing at Macy’s sardonic words, Ava laid her head against the back of the arm chair to stare at the cloudy sky outside of the windows.

  “What am I gonna do, Mace?”

  “About what?” Macy’s nonchalant words were belied by her knowing look. The glare Ava shot in her direction had her laughing.

  “Don’t be a bitch. What am I gonna do about Cian?”

  “What do you want to do about him?” Macy inquired, leaning forward to watch her friend closely. Ava looked at her for a long moment before taking a deep breath.

  “I want to tell him I love him, ask him to forgive me for being such a chickenshit and…”

  “And what?” Macy was completely focused on Ava’s answer, wondering if her best friend had finally realized what a mistake she’d made when she hadn’t snatched up

  Cian Secord when she had the chance.

  “And tell him I want to spend the rest of my life with him if he still wants me.” She sighed with relief at finally saying the words out loud to someone.

  “Thank God!” Macy leaped up from the sofa to do a little dance, grinning ear to ear. “I’m so happy for you…” Macy noticed that Ava wasn’t smiling. Instead she looked dejected. “Why am I the only one here that is happy?”

  “He won’t talk to me.” Ava declared plaintively, tears coming to her eyes. Macy returned to the sofa and sighed heavily. “I’ve left messages on his phone, I’ve sent him texts and emails…his mother says he’s hurt and angry…I don’t know what else to do…other than show up in person and make him talk to me.” Macy studied her as if she were trying to see inside her head.

  “You’re sure you want him?” Macy questioned her tone serious. “You’re not gonna change your mind?” Ava vehemently shook her head in denial.

  “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.” Macy grinned broadly, grabbed her IPhone off the table and dialed a number, putting the phone to her ear while she waited for the call to connect. “Who are you calling?”

  “The man that’s gonna save your ass…” Macy’s words halted and she begin to laugh. “No, Sweetheart. I didn’t call because I have finally realized I missed out on the greatest experience of my life.” Macy giggled and rolled her eyes. “You are so full of it. Now be serious. I need you to focus on someone other than yourself for a few minutes.” She shook her head, still grinning. “Yes, Max. I appreciate the great effort you’re expending…here’s the thing. You’re going to help get Cian and Ava back together…”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Cian stood in front of his locker, adjusting the knot of his pale blue silk tie and donned the charcoal Hugo Boss suit jacket. Despite the fact his team had won and he had once again played brilliantly, he couldn’t seem to work up any enthusiasm for the party at Tate’s palatial mansion. The locker room was filled with loud voices calling out insults and raucous laughter; he felt like he didn’t fit in with all of these happy people. He had not seen or spoken a word to Ava in two months and it was wearing on him. Asking her to marry him and being turned down flat had been one of the most humiliating experiences of his life. When it came right down to it she just didn’t love him like he loved her; and that was what hurt the most. He missed her desperately but couldn’t get past the rage he felt when he replayed that last scene in his mind. Her number popping up on his phone had sent fury coursing through his body and he’d refused to answer. The voicemails she had left asking him to call her, telling
him she missed him…she was so full of shit. He wasn’t playing this game with her. She was probably just missing him in her bed. Too damn bad. After a few calls, she’d started texting him and emailing him but he’d ignored it all. Okay, he hadn’t ignored it. He’d saved it all like a lovesick teenage girl and that pissed him off further but he couldn’t bring himself to erase them.

  His coach and teammates didn’t know what to think. He had always been fairly happy-go-lucky but lately he had been so surly and bad-tempered everyone gave him a wide berth. His shitty mood had carried over to the ice; he was playing well, but he was taking out all his pent up anger and aggression on the opposing teams. For the first time in his career, he was one of the league leaders in hits and penalty minutes. Coach LaPierre had called him into his office and tried to discuss the changes he had made in his game, but he’d just shrugged and pleaded ignorance. Cian had always had an active social life as well, but he rarely went anywhere except to have dinner with Max when he didn’t feel like eating alone. His friends and teammates had tried to set him up without success; he wasn’t remotely interested in any woman but Ava…how long was this going to last, he wondered. Would he ever get over having his heart stomped into the ground? He considered the irony of the situation; he had never loved any woman but Ava and she didn’t want him while other women threw themselves at him. It wasn’t fair…

  “Hey Key! I am riding with you to Tate’s.” Max declared, plopping down on the bench in front of the lockers, dressed dashingly in an Armani suit with Gucci loafers and a diamond Rolex glinting on his wrist. Cian turned to look at Max who was texting on his phone.

  “I’m not going.” Cian stated flatly. Max didn’t even look up from his phone as he waved his hand as if brushing away his words.

  “Oh but you are, mon ami.” Max said in his usual animated fashion.

  “Listen, Max, I just want to go home…”

  “And wallow in your depression at being dumped by the lovely Ava, blah, blah, blah…you need to get a grip.” Max said flippantly, coming to his feet. “Seriously, man, you are a real downer these days.” Cian literally growled at his self-centered best friend who continued talking as if Cian wasn’t mentally plotting his murder. “Now come along peacefully.”

  “Damn it, Max…” he fumed, following the still texting Max to the underground garage to retrieve his Maserati and hit the remote to unlock the doors. He settled back in the rich leather of the seat and fastened his seat belt, glancing over at Max who seemed to be fascinated with whatever conversation he was having on his I-Phone.

  “And you can stop damning me and get us underway. “ Max rolled his eyes, his fingers hitting buttons furiously, grinning ear to ear. Cian started the car and drove them out of the underground parking garage, maneuvering the powerful GranCabrio deftly through city traffic.

  “I’m just dropping you off…”

  “Oh no, you are not! Our dates are awaiting us…” Cian’s angry expletive had Max finally looking up from his phone, all wide-eyed innocence. “Why are you cursing at me?”

  “I’m not being set up on a blind date…”

  “She is not blind.” Max proclaimed reaching over to turn on the radio, which Cian promptly shut back off. Cian hissed a breath out between his teeth, appearing ready to explode.

  “Don’t play stupid with me, Asshole! You know damn well what a blind date is!” Cian bellowed at him. Max shrugged with a grin.

  “I am not up on all the American slang. My English is not so good…”

  “You’re English is fine, you lying mother…”

  “You are starting to hurt my feelings with all this cursing at me and name calling…”

  “I’m gonna hurt more than your damn feelings…”

  Max tsked. “You are absolutely no fun whatsoever anymore. When was the last time you went out?” Cian groaned in frustration.

  “We went to dinner two nights ago…”

  “With a woman!” Max huffed out an irritated breath. “Try to do someone a favor…” he muttered under his breath.

  “I have no desire to go out with one of your skanks…” Max’s gasp of outrage had Cian rolling his eyes.

  “You dare to criticize my taste in women?” Max inquired in disbelief. “After Lani Mason?” Cian punched him hard in the shoulder. “Ouch! Damn, you did not used to be so violent…”

  “Just shut the fuck up or I swear to God I will pull over and put you out of the car.” Cian mumbled angrily, turning the radio back on and cranking up the volume until the car rocked from the bass. He was sure he heard Max laughing before the music drowned out the sound.

  Within a few minutes, they were pulling up to the gates of the team owner’s sprawling estate and after passing the security checkpoint, were swiftly ushered inside. Lights shown from every window of the enormous Greek revival mansion when Cian stepped out of the car and handed the keys to a waiting valet. Max had finally put his phone away and was straightening his tie when they started up the steps. Several of their teammates were milling around the entrance being greeted by Tate and his much younger trophy wife, Corinne. After making it through the greetings, they pushed through the crowd to join some teammates at the bar. Cian refused champagne from a passing waiter and ordered a scotch. He was chatting with their starting goalie, Ty O’Malley and the rookie right winger on his line, Rory Locke, when Max interrupted.

  “Ah…there is my date.” The pleasure in Max’s voice had Cian turning to see what had his friend grinning like a loon. Cian’s gaze settled on a shapely woman with long coppery-brown hair in a figure-hugging emerald green cocktail dress heading in their direction. He had turned back around before it registered. He did a double take and found himself looking into the smiling hazel eyes of Macy Talbot who was being greeted effusively by Max. Max moved to stand at Macy’s side, sliding his arm around her waist to grin at Cian.

  “I believe you already know my lovely date…” before Max could finish his words, an all too familiar woman stepped out from behind them, her blue eyes watching him apprehensively. His mouth fell open in astonishment. Ava looked gorgeous as ever, her dark curls pinned up with loose tendrils artfully arranged, diamonds dripping from her ears and neck and a little black dress that displayed her lush figure to full advantage. His eyes ate up the sight of her for long seconds, wanting nothing more than to reach out and pull her against him. But the momentary surprise wore off quickly and the memory of their final meeting came back like a slap in the face. The hungry look he had been wearing turned to one of contempt and Cian tore his eyes from her to glower at his backstabbing best friend. Max was smiling at him as if he had done him a favor; Cian changed it to backstabbing former best friend.

  “What the hell have you done?”

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Nerves were killing her. Ava held onto her composure by a slim thread when Cian’s velvety dark eyes settled on her with a hungry look that had her heart racing. Her eyes ran over him just as hungrily, relishing the sight of him. The charcoal suit, black shirt and pale blue tie fit him perfectly, showing off his powerful physique in a way that had her hands itching to divest him of it all. Her eyes met his again to find the hungry look replaced with open hostility. He and Max were arguing in low tones, the two large men they had been with following the conversation with interest and throwing speculative looks in her direction. He was in Max’s face, spitting out his words, his anger apparent for anyone who cared to look. Max didn’t appear to care Cian was furious; in fact, Max seemed to be equally as angry, talking fast and gesturing to Ava on occasion.

  “Well, this is going well.” Macy muttered in aside to her, her eyes worried. Ava found that her nerves were fading and instead, a slow-burning anger was replacing it. She was a proud woman and she was not going to stand around waiting for Cian to stop throwing his temper tantrum.

  “Come on.” She murmured, turning to push her way through the crowd. With one last glance over her shoulder, Macy hurried after her.

  “Ava…we came h
ere for a purpose…”

  “Yes we did, and that purpose didn’t have anything to do with making spectacles of ourselves while Cian has his fit.” She snorted in disgust. “I’m surprised he didn’t lay down in the floor and kick and scream.” Macy snickered at Ava’s words while they maneuvered as far from Cian and Max as they could get without leaving the party. They located another bar with a group of very large men, obviously Cian’s teammates, waiting for drinks as well. A big handsome blonde with piercing blue eyes smiled down at Ava, his gaze admiring.

  “May I get you a beverage?” he inquired politely, motioning to the bartender. Ava hesitated before smiling back and nodding.

  “Yes, thank you, I would like that.” She responded. After she had received her drink, he managed to charm her into having conversation with him. His name was Stephane Beliveau, he was originally from Ontario and played defense for the Blaze. He was also an outrageous flirt but not offensively so. Macy was busy chatting with another player with dark Italian looks so when Stephane asked her to dance, she agreed. She had been keeping an eye out for Cian or Max, but neither had come into her line of vision in the twenty minutes she had been conversing with the handsome Canadian and frankly, she was beginning to think her decision to surprise Cian might not have been the best. Stephane moved pretty well for a big man and she found herself enjoying his light flirtation. He was asking her how she happened to be at the team party when she was literally yanked from his arms. She stumbled back into a hard body that kept her from hitting the floor.