Melting Away The Ice (THE ICE SERIES) (7 page)

Holy stars, if ever I wanted Rachel to open this door it would be now.

Since I still could not speak I just
nodded and gave him a small smile.
Why can’t I speak? Those crazy stamps are adding up on my forehead.

             
He leaned in and I could not help myself I leaned into him. My body took over for me, instead of letting my emotions run wild. I could feel his hot breath and I wasn’t sure if my knees would hold me up.

“Captain! Oh my Captain Sharp! We have been chasing you,” two guys yelled at the end of the hall.

“Well, that didn’t last long,” Lucas whispered. I peered around him and saw the two guys stop in their tracks about a foot from us.

“Sorry, Sharp.
We thought you were alone.” The one on the left said.

Lucas let out a deep sign and turned to the guys.
“Well, I am not. What do you two want?”

“Vets are about to prank the
rookies and seconds thought you would supervise so the hotel won’t burned down.” The one on the right stated. He had a thick French accent and looked a lot younger than Lucas.

“Fine,” Lucas
looked like he was upset.

“Are you going to introduce us, Sharp
?” the one on the left asked. He looked like the same age as Lucas. He had long dark hair that almost touched his shoulders. I could tell he had a slight French accent.

“I shouldn’t
, but, Max, Marc, this is Sara Smith. Sara this is Thing One and Thing Two. They are extremely immature and they are the reason I have an ulcer,” Lucas declared.

I
couldn’t help but laugh. “Nice to meet you guys.”

“We will see you upstairs.
Nice to meet you, Sara,” Marc said as he dragged Max away.

Lucas watched the guys go down the hall and then turned back to me.
“I am sorry about that, really I am.”

“No, its fine
.” I waved it off like no big deal.
You don’t even know how fine it is.

“Listen how about tomorrow after the game we grab a bite? Down in the restaurant in the lobby,
okay?”

“
I’m sure you will be tired.”

“I will be fine.
”

“
Okay, then,” I nodded.

“
However, I need to go now. They were not joking about burning down the hotel.” He chuckled.

I laughed as Lucas kissed my forehead.
Oh thank the stars! He is so perfect!

“Bye, Sara.”

I nodded and smiled as he turned and walked away

Chapter 11 – Lucas

“You
two have the worst timing,” I said as I entered my hotel room with Marc and Max.

“How did we know you were with someone
?” Max asked as he threw items down onto the spare bed.

“We figured you were talking with the coaches.
They are on the fourth floor, too,” Marc chimed in.

I let out a long
sigh and ran my hands through my hair. I really wanted to kiss her, even if she looked nervous. She was still so beautiful. I could not believe my eyes when I saw her in the bar. At first, I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me. But, I knew it was her when I saw her gorgeous profile and her massively curly hair.

My heart pounded in my chest as I
looked at her. I wasn’t even sure if I was breathing when I made my way over to her and Rachel. But, it was worth the panic, because I enjoyed every single moment with her. When I held her hand, I felt complete, something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Why does this feel so right? I just want to be around her all the time. She is all I think about it.

I was still mad
over Max grabbing my phone a few days ago. I was getting ready to text her to see how she was doing when he took it. He was going to send some gooey – girly text. Before he could, Marc grabbed it to send a worse one, and the next thing I knew the screen was broken. When they realized what they had done, they sprinted away from me.
Yes, I was going to beat them to death.

A knock on my door brought me back to reality.

“Captain, all of our clothes are gone,” the three newbies said as I opened the door.

“They are
?” I asked in a mock shocked voice. I could hear Max and Marc snickering behind me. “Guess you boys need to find them” I shut the door on them, then turned back into the room and saw three very large suitcases on my spare bed.

Ro
okies
, I snickered.

“Lucas, seriously bro, we are sorry,” Max
looked straight at me. My friend knew that I was not one to fall in bed with just anyone and that Sara was someone I wanted to pursue.

“It’s fine.
I know you guys didn’t know. It’s late and I want to sleep.” Both of my friends nodded and left my room.

I changed,
lay in bed and turned on ESPN. Although, I couldn’t concentrate; my mind kept wondering about Sara and the night we had.

Just then my hotel phone rang.

“You should have had that goal in the third period,” my mother quickly stated. I laughed.
Forever the Hockey-Mom
. I could still remember all the days off work she took to drive me to games and practices. The woman was the most amazing person I knew.

“Well, hello to you too
Ma.”

“Hey, I am just stating a fact.
You really need to practice your forehand,” I could see my mother in my head sitting at the kitchen table, her slightly graying hair and small build. She was no more than 5'5 and I have towered over her since I was thirteen.

My father left her when I was just a baby. He said that he couldn’t deal with having a family.
Mom never dated, as far as I knew, since him. She always focused on me and my wants. Now I got to return the favor.

Every paycheck I g
ot I made sure Mom was taken care of first. When I got my very first endorsement check, I paid her mortgage and car off. I didn’t want her to work if she didn’t have too. But, she still worked, every single day, as a teacher for first graders. Mom’s philosophy was “Get ‘em while they are young.” That was why she was a saint.

“Well, thanks for that.
Hey, you won’t believe what happened today.”

“With you? Anything is possible, son.”

“I saw Sara here in Pittsburgh,” I went on and told her everything that happened. I even told her about our interrupted kiss. Mom just listened and laughed. She was always the best person to. She would never say anything until it was all out.

“She sounds very smart and it sucks about the kiss.”

”Is it strange that I think about her all the time?”

‘Not when you like her.”

“Merci maman je t'aime.”

“
Fils je t'aime plus que tout.”

Chapter
12 – Sara

“Can you believe that game?” Rachel was jumping all over the cab as we headed back to the hotel.

“It seemed very intense,” I said.
I was looking out the cab window as the scenery flew by.

“Were you watching the same game I was or just a certain player?” I felt my face get red because I did mainly watch Lucas as he was on the ice.
There was just something about him when he was skating. His movements were smooth and precise. He was hypnotic to watch.

“Come on,” I said as we got out of the cab when it pulled up to the hotel.
“I want to change before I meet Lucas.” I looked down at my Eagles gear that Rachel got me.

I want to
look normal for tonight. Not a fan girl.

“Be sure to wear sexy underwear.” Rachel bolted out as we walked into our hotel room.

“What?” I whipped around.

“Well, if you get laid tonight you should
look sexy.”

“Rachel, I almost had a panic attack last night outside this very door when he tried to
just kiss me. Do I seem like a rational person to have sex with?” I walked into the bathroom and stripped out of my clothes.

Twenty minutes later I was in dark jeans, purple capped sleeve top and a green scarf.
My feet were still killing me from the heels I wore earlier so I opted for my flats.

“
Okay, I am going to go down with you because I am starving but I’m just gonna order and leave,” Rachel stated.

I just nodded.
Great, here I go again with no talking
.

“Hey
.” Rachel squeezed my arm. “You will be fine. You had a great time with him last night and tonight will be just as awesome.” She hugged me. She always gave me the best advice and she was rarely wrong.
I could not ask for a better friend.

When we reached the lobby I saw Lucas standing outside the restaurant.
I was pretty sure my tongue fell out of my mouth. He stood there in dark jeans, an open gray button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a white undershirt. He saw us coming and walked towards us.

“Small change in plans,” he stated.
Oh no, he doesn’t want to have dinner. I bet it’s because I didn’t kiss him last night
.

“I lost a bet so I have to feed some of my teammates tonight. We won’t be alone,” he
continued with a sad smile on his face.

“Can Rachel come too then?”
I almost shouted and jerked on her arm so hard that she stumbled into me.

“Smooth, Smith.”
Rachel whispered in my ear. I could feel my face flush.
I cannot have dinner with Lucas and his teammates without her.

“Rachel,” Lucas
looked over to her, “would you like to attend a dinner with 4 other Chicago Eagle players that will be immature and embarrass me all night?” Lucas laughed as he asked Rachel to dinner.

“Sharp
.” She slapped him on the shoulder. “You had me at ‘immature’.” They laughed together.

“We need to use the ladies’ room first,” Rachel informed Lucas.

“Sure, it’s over there. We are in the far back. Just come back there.” He smiled at me as he went towards the table.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”
Rachel almost yelled as we got into the bathroom.

“I can’t have dinner with his team without you,” I confessed.
I felt like a child but I knew I could not do it without Rachel.

“Sweetie, you are acting crazy and crazy isn’t sexy.”

“Oh, Rachel, I don’t think I can do this.” It felt like the room was closing in on me.

“
Look at me.” I turned toward my best friend. “You can do this. Fun-Sara was the life of the party and she was confident. She’s still in you, find her and use her tonight. These guys have girls throwing themselves at them all the time, but that man wants only you. Did you see his face light up when he saw you just now?”

I
shook my head.

“I would never lie to you, you know that.
But, if you act like a crazy person no man will stay around. Do you remember how much more confident you were the other day when you told me you flirted with him? Lucas is a good guy and I know you like him. You need to bring out Fun-Sara and leave Crazy-Ass-Sara in this bathroom. Agreed?”

I nodded.

“Good.
Take a deep breath, count to five and let’s eat. I’m starving.” I did just what she suggested and I did feel a little saner. She was right. He was not Jake and I was a fun girl. Never a slut or a drunk but I loved to be social and laugh.
I can do this. I do really like Lucas and I can be Fun-Sara again. Right?

“
Okay, I am ready.” We walked out of the bathroom and towards the back of the restaurant.

Lucas stood up when we approached as did the other guys.
Lucas pulled my set out and the guy next to Rachel did the same.

“Guys, this is Sara Smith and Rachel Silver.
Ladies, this is Max, Marc, Patrick, and Jonathan.”

There were “hi’s” all around and a waiter came by and
took our drink order. I ordered sangria. I saw Rachel smirk because that was always my drink of choice when we used to go out. That seemed like a life time ago.

“So, Lucas what bet did you lose
?” Rachel asked.

“I thought that Pittsburgh would score on us tonight.”

“Well, that was dumb,” Rachel declared. I whipped my head around at her with wide eyes in shock that she was so blunt.

Everyone
laughed and Lucas asked “Why?”

“
Marc has the highest shut out rate against Pittsburgh.” She pointed at Marc. “Plus, you have two of the league’s leading defensemen.” She waved her hand between Max and Patrick. “Lastly, you have the leading rookie scorer,” and pointed to Jonathan, “and you are the leading scorer of the league. Need I say anymore?” When she made her point she looked back down at her menu.

Lucas shrugged, “Huh didn’t think of that.”

“You speak hockey?” Max looked at her like a prize.

Rachel
nodded. “I’m a fan and I speak hockey.”

“I think I am in love with you,” Max said as he stared at Rachel.
Marc busted out laughing.

“Well, I am mad at you because of the St. Louis game.” Rachel sat her menu down, crossed her arms and stared at him.

“What did I do?” Max threw his hands up with a perplexed look on his face.

“That is right! What did you do?
You let two very easy goals get past you. Moves like that won’t get you the Norris Trophy.” She pointed her finger at him and the whole table erupted in laughter. On the other hand, I had no clue what they were talking about.

“Sara,
did you enjoy the game?” Marc asked me.

“Yes. It was very interesting.” I said nervously.
Breathe, remain calm, I can do this.

“Interesting? I don’t think I have
heard hockey described as that before.” Marc had a thick French accent it was a little hard to understand him.

“That is because Sara does not like hockey,” Rachel informed the table.

“You don’t like hockey?” Patrick asked looking at me like I grew a second head.              “I had been to a few games, but it is not for me,” I stated. I was trying to remain calm but I knew my voice was shaking.

“You are dating Lucas Sharp and you don’t like hockey?” It was Jonathan’s turn to stare at me wide
eyed.
Jonathan just said I was dating Lucas Sharp. Holy stars, are we dating?

“Hey
, guys, not everyone likes hockey,” Lucas jumped in to rescue me.

“Do you know anyone who doesn’t like hockey?” Max asked.

“Yes, Sara here does not like hockey.” Lucas pointed at me. Just then the waiter brought our drinks and all I wanted to do was down mine like a shot. My nerves were out of control. I had to get it together. Rachel was right, I was acting crazy.

“Fun-Sara
looks like she is about to pass out,” Rachel leaned in and whispered to me. “Remember hot guys don’t think crazy is sexy.”

I nodded.
She was right, again.

“Rachel, what do you do for a living?” Max asked after the waiter
took our order.

“I am a lawyer, like Sara.”

“But, she is a constitutional lawyer. I handle mainly corporate law suits,” I chimed in, finally able to form words.

“Wow, you must
be wicked smart,” Jonathan said. Rachel just shrugged. If they only knew that Rachel read Supreme Court case briefs for fun and had memorized the Constitution, they would know just how smart she really is.

“And where did you lovely ladies go to
law school?” Max asked.

“University of Chicago,” I said.

“Nice. I went to Harvard but majored in literature not law,” Max said proudly.

“You went to Harvard?” I asked confused.
Was there hockey at Harvard?

“Max is extremely smart. He graduated Harvard at
nineteen and then was drafted number five into the NHL shortly after that,” Lucas said.

“Still with the
number five, Sharp,” Max gave Lucas a stern look.

“Just stating a fact, my friend,” Lucas said with a smile.

“I don’t get it. What’s with the number five?” I looked at Lucas. I knew Max’s number was not five.

“Max was drafted
number five the same year Lucas was number two,” Rachel clarified for me.

“Oh,
okay.” Just then our food came and the guys inhaled it like it was their last meal. I looked at Rachel and she just shook her head with a smile.

The conversation
didn’t seem to leave hockey and the guys, and Rachel, discussed the upcoming home games. I learned that Jonathan was drafted right out of high school, Lucas went to Wisconsin University before being drafted, Marc and Max were from the same area in Canada as Lucas and Patrick was from Sweden. I tried to pay attention but I kept noticing Lucas looking at me. He would occasionally run his thumb over my knuckles and I was sure I stopped breathing when he did.

“Captain that was a very yummy dinner you bought,” Max said.
“Now, I am going to lie down until we leave in the morning. Sara, it was lovely to meet you. Rachel, I hope you will become my girlfriend soon?” Max winked at her with a confident smile taking her hand and kissing it.

“Let’s see how the next few home games go before I commit,” she stated back.
That just made Max bark out a laugh. At the same time, the other guys got up to leave. They all were kind and great guys. However, I could not get over how cute and athletically built they all were. On the ice they all look bulky and huge.

R
achel and I grabbed our purses and we both were pulling out money when Lucas spoke.

“What are you two doing?”

“Well, Lucas, you usually have to pay for the food that was given to you in a restaurant. It is not a new concept,” Rachel said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes.
Rachel and her comments
.

“Put it away before I become truly
insulted. I invited you both here tonight and I am paying. No arguments.” Lucas looked at us both firmly. I could hear in his voice there was no arguing about it. It was then that Rachel stood up.

“I
’m heading up to the room.” Rachel leaned down and pecked my cheek, then walked over to Lucas and she hugged him. “Thank you for a lovely dinner Lucas. It was very nice of you to pay. Just remember what I said last night about Sara.” Lucas smiled and nodded. “Great. Have a good night you two.” She walked away and I found myself admiring her confidence.

“I had this evening planned a bit differently,” Lucas said as he sat back down and leaned closer to me.

“It was fine. Actually I had fun and learned a lot.”

“I guess all the hockey talk was boring to you, huh?”

“Well, I just don’t understand it all, yet.”