Page 86 of On Ice

He gives an impatient grunt. “So, it’s not just that you’re tired or that you don’t have a suit. You simply don’t want to go.”

I grimace. “Luca, if you want me to go places with you, you need to give me more warning. You can’t just spring something like this on me in the middle of the night the day before the event.”

“I know.” He winces, and his tone is surprisingly appeasing. “I’m sorry. Like I said, I forgot all about the wedding.”

His apology throws me. I expected him to respond with anger because I’m not cooperating. That would be his usual MO. But he seems more conciliatory than upset. He reminds me more of the Luca I met that first night. Is he manipulating me? Playing the nice guy role? Probably. Just because he’s not outright intimidating me, doesn’t mean he’s now a good person.

He bites his bottom lip, studying me. I wait for the threats to come, but instead of bullying me, he says softly, “You don’t think, after a little sleep, maybe you’d be more willing to go with me?”

I’m so confused by why he’s being patient with me, I’m speechless. I finally grate out, “I’m not sure.”

He grimaces. “I’m stuck going either way. I hate weddings. It sure would be nice to have your company.”

His coaxing voice gets through to me. After all, he’s not asking anythingthatdifficult of me. We do need to go places together if we’re ever going to establish that we’re a couple. My safety depends on people accepting that narrative.

“What time is the wedding?” I ask gruffly.

“We’d need to be at the church by 3:00 p.m. So we’d need to leave here at 2:00 p.m.” He leans toward me. “What do you think? Would it really be so bad to spend some time with me, drinking expensive champagne and feasting on delicious Italian food?”

I grimace. “I’m sure I’d enjoy myselfsome. I truly am tired though. Yeah, we won, but it was a brutal game.” I rub my eyes with the heels of my hands, and then rest them in my lap. “Honestly, I’m wiped. I don’t even know if eight hours is enough sleep to get me ready to go socialize with a bunch of strangers.”

He looks disappointed. “I see.” I wait for aggressive Luca to appear, but instead he says softly, “Well, if you’re too tired, you’re too tired.”

That’s it? What the hell is he up to?

I watch him warily, convinced that Threating Luca is lurking beneath his polite mask. “You’re okay if I don’t go?”

He shrugs. “I mean, I want you to go with me. But I understand why you’re exhausted,” he says. “I saw the last half of your game on TV. It was a nail bitter, but you guys played your hearts out. I was proud of you.”

I’m surprised by how much I enjoy his praise. It warms me and makes me feel more open to him. “They wanted it as bad as we did.”

“Yeah they did.” A gleam of satisfaction appears in his eyes. “But you beat them, and that’s what matters.”

“Damn straight.”

“Keep playing that well, and the Ice Hawks are guaranteed to get into the playoffs.”

I clench my hands. “I hope so. I can almost fucking taste it.”

“I’ll bet.” He smirks. “I did notice a few things about the Ice Hawks defense. I’d love to share my observations with the team.”

I narrow my eyes. “Luca, don’t you dare. Anything you saw Coach will have seen too.” He grins and my stomach tightens. I don’t see him smile often, but when he does it’s beautiful.

“I’m just kidding,” he says softly. “I had you going there for a few moments, though, didn’t I?”

I laugh sheepishly. “Yeah, you did. As I recall, last time we were together you didn’t hold back.”

“True, but I’ve been told I should keep my brilliant observations to myself.” His lips twitch.

I’m surprised at how well we’re getting along. We’ve been at each other’s throats since the morning after we slept together. It’s a relief not to be angry with him for once. Not that I think this truce will hold. It’s only a matter of time before his asshole side reappears, I’m sure.

He watches me for a few moments, then he stands. “I’ll try to think of some other event for you to join me at. I’ll give youmore warning next time.” He turns and starts to head to the door that connects our rooms.

Baffled that he’s accepted my rejection, I find myself calling out, “Luca, wait.”

He stops and turns back toward me. “Yes?”

I really don’t want to go to that damn wedding, but I also feel bad rejecting him. It’s not a logical reaction, especially after all he’s put me through. But he’s being nice about it, and I feel guilty. “If… if you really want me to go with you, I guess I can go.”

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