He grinned, enjoying the softness of her eyes even when they were flashing with irritation. “You haven’t said hello to me properly.”
“Wha—”
“Rocco!” The puck came sliding over to him. He snatched it up, weaved through the group, and powered it into the goal.
Mr. Davis cheered from the sidelines. A mouthwatering smell of meat on the barbecue carried out over the ice.
Summer looked away as soon as he moved to skate beside her again.
“I don’t know why you’re trying to ignore me.”
“I’m not.” The puck glided over to her. She snatched it before Rocco could and took off for the goal.
Redemption was on its way. Rocco took after her until he reached her side. “Something about this looks familiar.”
“I’m glad you see things my way.”
He laughed. “Familiar until now.” He reached out and tipped the puck, then shifted his body so he could move in and protect the small black cylinder. Technically, he had just body checked her, a slight one. He did it without thinking, but he jarred her, and the shift in her balance made her topple forward.
Rocco dove out in front of her, throwing his body onto the ice while sending the puck toward the goal. When he landed on his back, he remembered he wasn’t wearing pads either. Then he reached up to soften Summer’s fall onto him. He curled slightly, and they slid for a second, his arms cradling her. “You okay?”
She lifted her head. Her hair had come out of her ponytail, and it fell down around her face. For a moment, Rocco was sure music and fireworks were going off. His heart pounded at the feel of her in his arms.
She lifted her face and smacked him on the chest. “It went in.”
“What?”
She tried to stand, but their skates were tangled up. “Your puck. You scored.”
“Oh.” He chuckled and shifted so that she could find her footing. “Of course.” He winked.
For a moment, he could see the fire of competition flash across her face, and he was filled with a desire to roll her over in his arms and kiss that smirking mouth. But then she started to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Help me up.”
The last thing he wanted was for her to leave his arms. But he moved his skates behind him as he sat up on his knees. Then he offered his hands.
She used his shoulders, and as soon as she was standing, she skated off to join her team. They huddled up. The game was now tied.
But he tingled with new awareness, and he couldn’t help but try to imagine a way for her to be back, draped across his chest.
“Hey, Pebble.” Zane waved him over to the team huddle.
Rocco tried to listen to the strategy, but his gaze kept shifting to Summer. One time, he caught her looking back.
The teams skated into position, and play started with another puck drop. Kyle counted down and then raced out of the way.
Rocco held back. Jed took the lead on their offense.
The house’s back door opened, and his mom’s excited hands waving in the air caught his eye as she rushed down to the pond. He laughed. The De Luca parents were here.
Looked like she and Mrs. Davis were getting along great. Then his dad joined Mr. Davis at the grill. In the four hours they had left before they had to head to the airport, Rocco hoped that he and Summer could also be on closer terms. What had happened between yesterday and today to make her seem so distant? The possibility that she just wasn’t that into him crossed his mind, but he refused to believe it, not yet.
The house bell rang.
“That’s a wrap!” Eric called. “Food’s ready.”
All the Davises raced off the ice. Even though the score was still tied, even though they were in the middle of a play, they were unlacing skates at the side of the pond and then hurrying up to the house.
He and his teammates followed.
Zane nudged him. “What’s up?”
Rocco shrugged. “Nothing yet. And that’s the problem.”
“Oh, so it’s already a problem?”
“I guess so.” He frowned. Somehow, he’d gone from a soft let’s see where this goes to a firm place in the I want Summer camp.
“Well, then you better do something about it.”
Rocco studied Summer’s retreating form. “I think you’re right.”
8
Summer still buzzed from the lingering tingles that coursed through her while being held in Rocco’s arms. And when he had skated right in front of her, in her space…she could hardly concentrate with all of his broad chest and warm eyes working magic right in front of her. Wow, he was more man than anyone who had ever expressed an interest in her before.
She hurried toward their mothers. That direction felt safe, away from the strange new sensations that poured off Rocco in waves. Mrs. De Luca waved her over, and Summer relaxed enough to feel more normal. But then Rocco jogged up and joined her at her side, and everything amped up again.
“Hello, dear.” Mrs. De Luca stepped forward and pulled Summer closer for a hug, kissing both her cheeks. “And how is my Bellona?”
“I’m great, Mrs. De Luca, how are you?”
“You must call me Delores, please.” She waved a hand at Rocco. “And you, say hello to Mrs. Davis.”
“Thanks, Ma.” Rocco didn’t seem at all fazed that his mother was telling him what to do; in fact, he seemed to get a kick out of her. He stepped up to Summer’s mother and leaned down to kiss her cheeks. “Mrs. Davis, thank you for having us.”
Her mom looked like she might blush, and Summer couldn’t believe it. Then Mrs. De Luca shouted out to the boys, “Everybody up here, now. The guys have a plane to catch.”
“It’s okay, Ma, we’ll make it.” Rocco grinned.
“Come in, let’s get you situated.” Mrs. Davis led them all back into the house.
Everyone piled in, and suddenly their house, which was used to noise and roughhousing and lots of large guys, looked just a bit smaller. The hockey team filled out the space all by themselves. But then Jed and Jake and Eric were pretty large, too, standing at over six feet each. Everyone grabbed a plate and stood in line.
The back door opened with Mr. Davis and Mr. De Luca bringing in huge platters of ribs and steaks and chicken breast.
Summer smiled at her dad and Mr. De Luca laughing together. And then she looked around at everyone, seeing how happy her brothers were, how the hockey players were feeling comfortable in her home, and then Rocco, still at her side, was watching her.
“You know, I think all this might be because of us.”
She sucked in her breath. “I think you’re right.” She smiled. “I like that.”
“You do?” He leaned his hip up against the counter next to her. They were last in line. “I’d like to learn a bit more about what you like.”
“Really?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Well, you didn’t call. I wasn’t sure you were even coming today.”
“What! You didn’t call. I had to have Zane text you for the address.”
“Because you didn’t.”
He eyed her. And Summer tried not to smile under his scrutiny. Truth was she was a goner. She’d fallen for this guy right away. But he didn’t need to know that.
His grin slowly grew across his nice, full lips. “So, what you’re saying is we both waited for the other to call?”
She nodded. “It appears that way.”
“Well, that’s just…” He pulled out his phone, and suddenly hers was buzzing in her pocket.
She looked at the screen and then put it up to her ear. “Hello?”
“Hello? Oh hey, Summer, glad I caught you.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“You are?” He stepped closer.
“Mm-hmm.”
“So, what are you doing right now?”
“Um, I don’t know. What do you have in mind?”
“I say we ditch these nice people and delicious food and yo
u show me a thing or two out on that rink of yours.”
Her eyes widened. She couldn’t just skip family dinner at the Davis house…but then again, this wasn’t a normal family dinner.
“Are you worried about what our parents will say?”
She looked away and then back. “A bit.”
He reached for her hand. “If we act like there’s something up.” He lifted their linked hands. “Do you think that will excuse us?”
“Act?”
“Well, it’s just my excuse to hold your hand. No acting going on here.”
She shrugged. “Let’s try it.” Always trying to stay far outside of the parental radar, she had to bite the inside of her cheek while they scooted away out the front door and snuck back around to the pond. Their skates were on the back porch and were soon back on their feet.
Rocco moved slowly out onto the pond. “Now, show me what you do.”
“What I do?” The magic of having Rocco with her in her space was filling her with a Christmas-like sensation.
“Yeah. When you come out here and you work, what do you do?”
“Okay.” She held her hands out to her sides. “I start with a slow turn around the pond. Arms out. Head high.”
He imitated her as they circled the pond.
She reached for his hand. “And then I just work on things.”
“Things. Like what?”
“Like skating backwards. Leaps, turns.” She shook her head. “But I’m not very good at those.”
He turned in front of her and put his hands on her waist. “I’ve been thinking about this since the match earlier.”
“Oh yeah?”
He nodded. “I’ve never met a girl I could skate with.” He pulled her closer and then led her around on the ice as if in a dance. Sometimes he was skating backwards, and sometimes she was. He moved in circles along the edge of the pond, across the middle. Every surface knew the feel of their blades together. And she was lost in the moment. He moved one hand up her back and spread out his fingers, then on the next turn, he dipped her low, cradling her up against him as they came to a stop. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” he breathed.
“Me too.”
Then he grinned. Their lips were close. And even though his looked full and delicious, she knew he wouldn’t kiss her. It just wasn’t the right moment. But it sure was fun to think about. His gaze held hers, then he took in her face, her eyes, her cheeks, and her lips. As he did a slow perusal of her mouth, the intensity shook her, and she was breathless when he at last lifted her and they returned to skating side by side.
“I always do a closing lap.”
“I like that.”
They made their way around one more time, and Summer loved the feel of his larger hand holding hers.
Before they left the pond, took off their skates, and headed back to the craziness of having both their families in the same room, Rocco pulled on her to wait.
“Can I see you next time I’m in town?”
She nodded. “I’d like that.”
He squeezed her hand. “And I guess I can call you?”
“Yes. I’d like that, too.”
They slipped off their skates and walked back up to the house. Summer was happier than she’d been in a long time. “You know, they’re not going to believe me at the library when I tell them you guys all came over.”
“Do they have to know? I forgot you work at the library. In fact, I don’t know nearly enough about you.”
“Having second thoughts?”
“No way. I’m gonna stop by there sometime, and you can help me pick out a book.”
She shook her head, not believing this whole new interest on his part was even happening.
As soon as they walked back into the kitchen, the room went silent and every eye turned to look at them.
Mr. Davis stood up from his seat at the head of the table. “What are you doing with my daughter, Rocco?”
“Dad!” Summer was shocked.
“Nothing you couldn’t see from the window, sir. I have the highest respect…”
The whole table started laughing. Zane lowered his phone, and Rocco’s pocket buzzed. “And here it comes.”
“The Pit?” she asked.
“Yep.”
“Sorry.”
Everyone in the room was high-fiving and laughing about their joke. “Well, at least our families share the same sense of humor.”
“Come on. Let’s get you some food.” She didn’t even care that everyone in the room still watched them, most laughing. Rocco was something special, and she was filled with that newness that only comes every now and then in a person’s life. She was going to appreciate this thing they had, however long it lasted.
9
Zane worked out his flight so that he hopped on the first leg with Rocco. He was heading to Minnesota and Rocco to Detroit. It would be great to spend some more time with the guy, but first, he needed to zone out for a bit. He put in his earbuds, grunting a greeting when Zane sat next to him. Zane did the same. And then Rocco’s phone buzzed. He lifted the screen to see a mug of himself on the Pit.
Handsome guy. If Rocco did say so. He smirked.
That’s what Summer said. Zane was gonna get his. As soon as the guy showed an ounce of interest in anyone, he would get his own version of Pit harassment. Though he’d been married. Divorced. And had the sweetest little girl in the world to show for it. Maybe the guys would lay off because Zane deserved someone special. Hope did too.
More of the guys got on and started mouthing off about this or that. So Rocco brought up the all-star game Bree was planning. You guys excited for Chicago?
You know it! Clint was always the first to get excited about going back to Chicago. He’d lived there most of his life, and his family was there, including his hotshot major league baseball player brother, Grizz McCarthy.
Who still talks to Coach? Rocco needed to be better about staying in touch with the coach. He was a good man and getting on in years.
I do. Trane. Of course, he did. Coach had been a role model for Trane. Rocco didn’t know as much as Declan, but Coach had very possibly kept Trane alive and out of trouble. That guy had been through a lot, and all Rocco knew was if any of the guys ever saw Trane’s dad again, the man might have to worry about his health.
Dude. He’s gonna coach us again for the all-star team.
Declan sent a fist emoji. Do you think he’ll make us do the barf blaster?
As long as he doesn’t make us clean up the ice after. Rocco remembered all too well the coach’s drills. Sometimes, they ran them until someone lost their lunch. It wasn’t pretty. And then Coach made them clean it up.
Clint sent laughing emojis. Why do we love this guy again?
Rocco knew every one of the guys would say the same thing. ’Cause he’d made them the hockey players they were today. And turned them into decent human beings while he was at it.
Not gonna lie. Sometimes I miss you guys. I’m gonna love sending the biscuit over to Jax instead of Crandall. Huckleby’s for old times’ sake?
They went back and forth for a minute, reliving their club days, and then Rocco had to board. But before he pocketed his phone, Trane reposted a picture of Summer and Rocco out on the ice. Beautiful. Rocco zoomed in on her face, ignoring the stream of comments from the Pit. She looked happy. She was happy with him.
Zane shoved his overly satisfied self out of the way. “You’re blocking the line.” He leaned closer. “Even if she’s hot, we still have to get on the plane.”
Rocco lifted his duffel. “That’s not the point.”
“Yeah, I know.” He walked down the ramp. “Tell me all about it later.”
But Rocco didn’t know if he could. Summer was different. She was special to him and might belong on the list of things he didn’t share with the guys. Like the shoebox of his treasures in his closet, she just might be someone he treated differently than any other.
And his mom liked her. Right before Rocco l
eft, while he was kissing her goodbye, his mom had grabbed his face, holding both cheeks in her hands. “You hold onto this one, Rocco.”
He’d laughed. “I’ll do my best.”
Then his dad had pulled him tight against his chest. “You show the Comets that Trane can’t block everybody’s shots.”
Rocco had snorted. “I’ll do my best there, too.”
As he sat down, his phone buzzed again, and he almost didn’t check it, thinking he would catch up on the Pit when he landed, but he tilted the screen and was rewarded with a waving hand emoji from Summer.
He laughed to himself. That was what she was gonna send him? Summer! You know how to use your phone! Or is this Kyle?
Very funny.
I might need you to prove your identity.
And how would I do that?
Tell me something only you would say.
You smell nice, like pine.
Rocco couldn’t stop his grin, even if he looked goofy. He held the phone closer to his face, his thumbs flying. Now I know you’re an imposter. Summer would never admit something like that.
You’re just gonna have to trust. Now you prove your identity.
His mind raced with possibilities. She was incredible. He’d never met anyone like her. Her hair shimmered in the sun. She smelled like lemons, and he loved that. But he went with, You hum while you skate.
What!
It’s true. You hum. I can tell you love the ice ’cause you don’t even know you’re doing it. He grinned. And your lips purse together, and that might have been the reason you got the puck drop at the game.
You saying my lips made me win?
I might have been a little distracted.
The pause on her end made him laugh.
“Okay,” Zane said, pulling Rocco’s gaze away from his phone. “If I had a teenage daughter, you might be her.” Zane shook his head. They sat together in first class, the wider seats barely containing Zane’s shoulders.
“One day, man. Your little daughter, Hope, is gonna be there soon enough.”
“Well, I’ll thank you for preparing me.”
Rocco ignored him. Summer was responding. The three dots on the bottom of their text stream were maddening.
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