“No.” His voice sounds hoarse.
“I know it’s late, but I need your help.”
“Is your grandfather going to sell the team?”
“No. Not right away.” Not that he would inform me beforehand.
“Why is the Italian guy here?” It sounds like he’s talking through clenched teeth.
“He wanted to talk to me.”
“About what?” His voice sounds clipped now.
“We need to increase sales. The figures are dropping, and we need to do something about that.”
“I don’t like him.”
“Neither do I.”
“But you went out with him.” It’s a statement, not a question. When I don’t answer right away, he adds, “He was one of the men you dated, wasn’t he?”
I sigh. “Yes, but I never was in a relationship with him. And I didn’t sleep with him either—not that it’s your business. Gianluca wanted to get in my pants to climb the career ladder; I heard him bragging about it to someone on the phone and ended whatever we had before it began. Speaking of exes. You never told me about your ex.”
He sighs. “It’s a long story.”
“I see.” So, he gets to ask questions, but I don’t? What happened to equality?
“I’ll tell you, but not tonight.” He yawns.
“Are you really all right? Those punches looked brutal.”
“I’m fine. There’s something you wanted to ask me.”
“Yes. About that, we’ll host a charity event next week. Children will be invited to skate in the arena, and I’m supposed to skate with them.”
“I can come and skate with the kids.”
“Yes, that’ll be great, but there’s another thing—I can’t skate.”
“But… your father was a hockey player.”
“He ended his career before I was born. He never took me skating.”
“Oh… I’m sorry.”
“Can you teach me?”
He sighs. “Yeah… I guess so. But I’m not a skating instructor. Maybe you should hire one of those.”
“I was thinking we could meet in the morning and use the arena before the training. I don’t want anyone to see me.”
He sighs again. “I see. Yeah, I’ll teach you. When do you want to start?”
“Let’s start after Gianluca is gone. I’ll have to concentrate on marketing strategies for the next two days.”
“Sure. See you tomorrow.”
Before I can reply, he ends the call. But we have a skating date, don’t we? And he said goodbye to me.
Chapter 12
Emilia
“Put one foot in front of the other. Don’t be afraid, Emilia.” Matt holds out his hand and motions for me to skate toward him.
Easier said than done. While Mr. Skating-is-so-easy glides over the ice with the elegance of a prima ballerina, I haven’t even mastered walking on the slippery surface yet. The boards are my friends, and whenever Matt is near, I hold on to him for dear life, while the ice remains the enemy of the state.
How can the guys make skating look so effortless? How do they not crash into the boards and fall all the time with the insane speed they’re playing the game? I always thought myself to be a fit and coordinated person, but when it comes to skating, I’m hopeless. Matt has been trying to teach me for the past five days, with little to no success. And it’s not his fault—it’s me. I try to do what he tells me, like not watching my feet when I attempt to skate but look forward instead. But on the ice, I turn into a nervous wreck, unable to follow instructions.
“Skate over to me. Come on. You can do it.” He talks to me as if I’m a little kid. I’ve no idea how he can still be so patient and encouraging with me. If it weren’t for him, I’d already have given up. At least I know he’ll be the best father ever. Let’s just hope the babies inherit his talent for skating.
“Please, Matt. I don’t want to fall.” The last thing I want to do is hurt the little ones.
“I’ll catch you.” His tone is soothing.
I don’t want to disappoint him, so I take another step in his direction, only my feet are not going where my brain wants them to go, and instead of skating nearer to Matt, I end up skating to the right.
It’s not the first time this has happened, so Matt goes where my feet want to go. “Good job. And now another step.” Who is he kidding? I won’t be able to do any skating later. At least I can balance on the skates with my hip leaned against the boards. I’ll have to pretend to watch the skating and make conversation with the parents instead of joining the kids.
“I’m afraid. I don’t want to hurt the babies.” I frown.
“You won’t hurt them, and you won’t fall. I’ll catch you. I promise. Come on, Emilia. One foot in front of the other. Look at me and skate over.” He’s talking to me like a father to his scared child. That’s how I feel right now. A child scared to death.
I look at him and take one step forward at a snail pace. I’m not gliding—whenever I tried to do that in the previous lessons, gravity pulled me down, and I landed in Matt’s arms—but wobble forward like a car with initial difficulties. Skating as much as skiing is something one should learn as a child. Not as a twenty-six-year-old pregnant woman with severe balance issues.
“One more step,” he encourages.
I wobble once more, and he takes my hands in his. This has to be my favorite part of our lessons. Whenever he takes hold of my hands, I feel secure on the ice, like my body and mind connect skin contact with him with protection.
“Well done. I’m going to pull you back to the board. Ready?” God, this man was born to be a father.
Little ones, you’re going to love your daddy. He’ll never lose patience with you. He’ll always encourage you, and he’ll never let you down.
Even though I don’t say those things out loud, I know in my heart that the twins can hear me. I couldn’t have wished for a better father for my unborn babies.
But this lesson is not about them, so I nod and put my feet hip-width apart and bend my knees. This part is fun. Matt skates backward, and the only thing I have to do is keep my feet pointed to the front. I can’t hold the position for long, since my thighs aren’t used to enduring a squat position for long, but for a short distance I experience what the players must feel when gliding over the white underground. Just at a slower pace. A snail’s pace compared to their speed.
Way too soon, we’re back at the boards, and Matt releases my hands. “Well done.”
“Don’t praise me. I’m hopeless.” I look at my feet.
“You’re getting there. You need more practice to skate on your own, but you’ll get there eventually.”
I laugh and look up again. “Our babies better have your skating genes.”
And that’s when the unthinkable happens. Matt laughs. Loud and clear and with all his heart. It’s a beautiful sound, and my stomach flutters. “Yeah. I guess I agree.”
“Did you just laugh at me?” I can’t believe it. He laughs—at my expense. But if embarrassing myself in front of him is what it takes to hear that deep rumble again, I’ll do it every day for the rest of my life.
He winks. I swear he just winked at me. “I may have.” Little lines appear around his eyes, and my insides melt. I can’t deny it any longer. I have a thing for Matt, especially for the version that may or may not be flirting with me right now.
“Stop teasing me.” I smile at him.
To my disappointment, he turns and opens the gate. “We better get going if you want to grab something to eat before the kids arrive.”
I nod. He’s right. As much as I dreaded food during the first several weeks of my pregnancy, I love it times ten now. The twins must have realized they need more sustenance to grow, and I’m making up for losing a few kilograms by eating mountains of food. I’m not picky about what it is as long as it is filling.
Once in the cafeteria, I dig into my oatmeal that has become my standard morning meal. The cook uses whole wheat oats and
almond milk and mixes fresh fruit underneath the creamy porridge. I haven’t been able to coax the other ingredients out of him, but I’m pretty sure he uses vanilla and some ground nuts for texture. I’m not complaining, since he has a fresh batch ready for me every morning, but I never know when or if I’ll have pregnancy cravings.
Matt’s eggs arrive, and we eat in silence. I’m just finished with my plate when a surprise guest joins us.
“Good morning.” Tyler sits down next to Matt.
“Good morning. How are you?” I ask. He had another checkup at the hospital yesterday, but I haven’t heard about the results yet.
“I’m cleared to train again.” He beams.
I smile at him. “Good to hear. We missed you on the ice.”
He shrugs. “As far as I can tell, this guy over here did a great job stepping in for me.”
“I only did what I had to do.” Matt takes another spoon of his eggs.
“That’s debatable.” Tyler slaps him on the shoulder, causing Matt to cough, and then turns back to me. “I’m also cleared to skate again and thought the kids’ event would be a great start.”
“Awesome. I was supposed to skate with the kids, but I’m hopeless on the ice.” I sigh.
“Cool. I’ll put on my skates and stretch my legs then. See you later.” He jumps up and heads to the locker room.
“I’m glad he’s here. It’ll be great for the kids to have a second person who can actually skate with them.” I watch Matt clear his plate.
He nods but doesn’t say anything. So brooding Matt is back again.
I stretch my left leg, trying to soothe the ache on the inside of my legs. “Don’t your legs ever get tired?” I spent only a half an hour on the ice over the past few days, and my legs are screaming.
“Only when we have to play overtime.” He refuses to look at me.
“I wish I had your stamina.” Our eyes meet for a split second.
“You’re pregnant. It’s better not to overdo things.”
It’s still frustrating when you’re surrounded by athletes. I clear my throat. “Right. I need to go. The kids will be here any minute. See you on the ice.”
I arrive at the entrance just as the first kids step inside. I love watching their little faces light up in wonder when they point to the Ice Tigers logo on the wall. “Hi, everyone. Welcome to the Ice Tigers’ headquarters.” I shake hands with the parents, while more people enter the facility.
A little girl pulls on her father’s arm and squeals when Tiggro arrives. “Look, Daddy, there’s a tiger.” Well, it’s a law student in a white tiger costume, but I don’t want to spoil her excitement. The mascot is a fan favorite with his big ice-blue eyes and soft fur.
The kids’ eyes shine when Tiggro pats their little heads and bends down for photographs taken by proud parents. If everything in this organization were as easy as making kids happy, I’d have an easygoing life.
When every kid has had the opportunity to take a picture and pat our furry mascot, I signal the portiere to open the door and motion everyone inside. “Let’s go. Our first stop will be the locker room.”
I lead the way through the hallway and open the door for the kids and their parents to step inside. “Two of our players have volunteered to skate with you today. Please welcome our Captain Tyler Wolfe and Assistant Captain Matt Walker.” Little hands clap together dutifully as Tyler and Matt step inside.
“You’re my favorite player,” a little girl squeals, pointing at Matt.
“Thank you, I guess. Want to sit in my spot on the bench?”
Her little pigtails bob up and down when Matt lifts her up and carefully lowers her on the bench. Her little feet barely jut out over the wooden edge. My heart goes out to Matt, and warmth floods my body. But now is not the time to swoon over my baby daddy.
“You can sit down on the bench, and Tyler and Matt will bring each of you a pair of skates and kneepads. Parents, you can wait in this corner.” I point to the left corner where on a game day we would set out snacks and beverages for the players.
I watch, fascinated, as Matt helps some kids with their skates, tying the laces and instructing the older ones how to lace them up themselves. Both he and Tyler have the patience of saints and answer every question thrown at them.
“Does your girlfriend love her horse more than you?” a little girl asks.
Lily and Tyler’s relationship is all over the newspapers in Boston, since she’s on a winning streak with her—or better—Tyler’s stallion, preparing to make the national team. Even though they try to protect their privacy as much as possible, they have become Boston’s favorite sports couple. And that he owns her horse has made headlines.
Tyler chuckles. “I hope not. But I suspect it.” He winks. “He always gets apples and carrots, and she cuddles him all the time. Do you like horses?”
Her little head and ponytail bob up and down. “But I like hockey more.”
“That’s my kind of girl.” He lifts his hand, and they high-five.
“So, who has skated before?” I ask when every kid has a pair of skates on their feet and padding where it’s needed.
Most kids lift their hand. “Anyone here who’s never been on the ice?” Not a single little hand rises. Interesting. “Then grab a helmet and follow Matt and Tyler.” I hand out the helmets and watch the kids walk through the tunnel. They don’t wobble as much as I do, walking in skates on solid ground. Most don’t even need their parents’ assistance. It confirms what I already knew deep down; I’m a hopeless case when it comes to skating. No hockey genes inside me.
Matt helps each kid step on the ice, while Tyler and two skating instructors make the kids form a big circle next to the entrance. Much to the kids’ delight, Tiggro glides around and spins a few pirouettes.
So far, none of the kids has made a fuss, but the last one in line, a little girl, refuses to let go of her father’s hand when she’s supposed to step on the ice. The poor man is sweating and trying to calm her, but she isn’t having it.
Matt bends down on one knee and takes her hand in his while talking to her. I can’t hear what he says to her, but her eyes widen. For a moment, she chews on her lips, but then she abandons her father’s hand and stretches both her hands up to Matt, who lifts her on his hip and takes her skating.
It’s the cutest thing ever. The tiny girl squeals as he takes her around the arena at increasing speed and laughs her heart out when he stops and lifts her up over his head and spins around in a slow pirouette.
After that, he brings her to the circle of kids and lifts up the next child for the same treatment, repeating his loops with every child on the ice.
How can he be so sweet one moment and so unreadable and untouchable the next? And how am I going to protect my heart from this impossible man?
Chapter 13
Matt
“I can’t believe I waited this long. I feel wonderful. You truly have magic hands.” Stepping through the door, Emilia turns back to Danny and beams at him. He’s blushing and thanking her for her praise. While he sports a boyish smile, I pop my knuckles.
It’s not that I don’t like the guy. He seems like a nice fellow. But as far as I know Danny’s single. And good-looking. And he just had his hands all over Emilia. Or all over her legs and back, as far as I know. To say it was the longest hour of my life, not knowing what was going on inside Tyler’s guestroom, would be the understatement of the year. Even Lily’s sunny nature wasn’t enough to keep me from brooding today.
Why did I accept Tyler’s invitation again? Oh, right, since the charity skate event with the kids, he’s been in my ears about bringing Emilia over to dinner. It’s hard to say no to him, which is something he has in common with Lily and Danny.
“Now I know why you keep Danny so close. To have those hands at your disposal twenty-four hours a day must be unbelievable.” Emilia laughs.
Lily chuckles. “He needs breaks in between. We’re not his only clients. But, yes, Tyler cooks, Danny gives wor
ld-class massages, and I annoy them both.” She winks at the two men standing right next to her. “It’s the best arrangement ever.”
“You’re the cutest.” Tyler bends down and kisses her. Ugh. They’re so happy it’s making me sick.
I pull Emilia close, and she nearly jumps. She should be used to me touching her from our skating lessons. It’s what couples do all the time, and at some point, we’ll have to play this role in front of the whole world. A dress rehearsal in front of people who wish us well can’t hurt, can it?
“Is the food ready?” I ask then brush my lips over her forehead, and goose bumps appear all over her arms. “We have some babies to feed.”
“Matt.” She turns to me with a frown on her face.
“It’s so obvious you’re a couple when you know it.” Danny chuckles.
Emilia stiffens next to me, and I place a hand on the small of her back. If he only knew. At least we’re convincing. I’ll be using this evening as practice.
“The food is ready. Sit down. Danny, can you help me with the plates?” Tyler asks.
“Sure.” They turn around while Lily leads us to the big wooden table in the middle of the living area.
“You have such a nice place.” Emilia motions around.
“Yeah. Tyler already had this place when we met. I was allowed to make some minor alterations when I moved in. Danny and he had quite the man cave going on.”
Emilia laughs. “A man cave? Well, one can’t say that about the apartment Matt chose for us.”
“Why is that?” Lily raises an eyebrow.
“Care to explain, Matt?” Emilia winks at me while I pull a chair back for her to sit down and then repeat the same thing for Lily.
“Thank you. Tyler, your linemate has better manners than you,” Lily says toward the kitchen area.
“Debatable.” His voice carries through the room.
I shake my head. Those two are quite something.
“Sorry, got distracted there. Why is your apartment not a man cave?” Lily turns back to me.
Center of Gravity: An Accidental Pregnancy Romance (An Ice Tigers Hockey Romance Book 2) Page 15
