Page 9 of On Ice

The restaurant, La Mare, is the kind of place I’ve only read about in magazine profiles of the city’s elite. The maître d’ greets Luca by name and leads us to a private room with a view of the water. The lights of passing boats twinkle like stars on the dark harbor.

“I took the liberty of ordering ahead,” Luca says as servers appear with plates of what looks like art made from seafood. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“You ordered ahead?” I say, frowning. Was he that sure I’d accept his invitation?

“Yes.” He smiles. “I didn’t want you to have to wait to eat. I’m sure you’re starving after the game. You guys expended a ton of calories out on the ice.”

So he was just thinking ahead because he’s considerate. I’m flattered, but his consideration throws me a little. I’m not usedto being around men who are thoughtful. Most guys I spend time with are just infatuated with the idea of me being a professional hockey player. But sometimes, I think they just want to sleep with the hockey player, not the man. Luca, however, seems completely interested in me as a person, and that makes me feel even softer toward him. Yes, he’s technically my boss, and I need to keep that in mind. He’s not my date; he’s my boss. Still, it’s nice to be truly seen and taken care of for once.

Even though I had no say in what I’m eating, the food is incredible. Delicate flavors I can’t even name, each course paired with perfect wine. Between the scotch earlier and the wine now, I’m feeling pleasantly warm and relaxed. Luca proves to be a masterful conversationalist, drawing me out while maintaining an air of mystery about himself.

“You still haven’t said why you bought the team,” I note as dessert arrives. It’s something chocolate and decadent. This entire meal probably costs more than my first car. “I’m sure I’ve asked at least five times.”

Luca studies me over his wine glass. “Perhaps I simply appreciate beauty in motion.”

The way he says it, looking directly at me, sends heat crawling up my neck. I’ve been attracted to men before, but never quite like this, never with this mix of unease and raw want. He’s my boss and I shouldn’t even be thinking of him as a man, but I can’t help it.

“The team needs stability,” I say, trying to stay professional. “The guys are counting on it. The management we had before, they were a joke. I feel bad saying that because I don’t like being negative, but they really were a joke. It wasn’t just late paychecks that had us upset. It was the sheer lack of concern forus as a professional team. This isn’t high school hockey. We need certain things to do our job, you know?”

“Absolutely. But rest assured, I take care of what’s mine, Evan.” His voice has dropped lower, and something about his phrasing makes my pulse quicken. “You’ll find I can be very generous to those who... interest me.”

I should be concerned about what that means. Should be worried about his armed guards and evasive answers and the way he keeps filling my glass. Instead, I’m watching his hands, imagining how they’d feel on my skin. Jesus, I’m not even seeing him as my boss anymore. I only see him as probably the sexist man I’ve ever met. Having his full attention is a heady experience. I feel drunk, not just on the alcohol, but also from his interest in me.

His attention is so intoxicating, I feel almost dizzy. I’m not someone who gets my hopes up, but I feel really happy and excited about what the future might hold. I think Luca will be really good for our team. We might actually win a championship again with his help. I’m giddy at the idea the Ice Hawks have a boss who’s this fucking cool. Why he chose us out of all the things he could have spent his money on, I have no idea, but I’m eternally grateful.

When we leave the restaurant, he rests his hand on the small of my back. That subtle touch goes straight to my dick. He doesn’t give any indication he’s feeling anything toward me, but in the limo his thigh presses mine. The heat of his body soaks into mine, and my dick only gets harder.

The limo pulls up in front of my apartment. I put my hand on the handle, heart racing. I know I should say goodnight. Get out of the car. Go upstairs and sleep off the wine and good feelings. Doing anything else is reckless. Stupid. Foolish.

Yet, I hear myself say, “Would you like to come up?”

Luca’s smile is self-assured as if he knew I’d ask him up. “You sure?”

I study him in the street lights. His eyes glitter with anticipation and my gaze rests on his full lips. I’ve wanted to kiss him all fucking night. I’ve never in my life been attracted to anyone I worked for. Luca is different from anyone I’ve met. He’s exciting. Mysterious. “I’m sure,” I say softly.

“Then absolutely, I’ll come up.”

We get out of the limo and I notice my pickup is parked across the street as promised. I also notice his security team has followed us to my apartment building. I gesture to the two men sitting in the black SUV. “They’re not coming up, right?”

Luca laughs. “No. They’ll stay down here.”

“Okay, good.”

The elevator ride is charged with electricity. He doesn’t touch me, but I can feel his gaze like a physical thing. The way his eyes burn into me makes my skin hot. When we reach my door, my hands shake slightly as I fumble with the keys.

“My place is probably a mess,” I say, suddenly feeling super insecure. This guy probably lives in a fucking mansion. The second he steps into my grungy little apartment, he’ll probably have second thoughts. “I didn’t plan on bringing anyone home tonight.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he rumbles, leaning his body against mine.

My gut tumbles at his possessive tone, and the hard length of his frame against my back. The way he puts his hands on myhips is fucking sexy. He doesn’t seem to like the idea of me with anyone else. That’s so weird. We hardly know each other. But weird or not, I find it a turn on. I like that he wants me all to himself.

At least for tonight.

Inside, he takes control immediately. As soon as the door closes, his hand cups my jaw, thumb brushing my lower lip. “I’ve been wanting to do this since I saw you on the ice,” he murmurs, and then his mouth is on mine.

The kiss is like everything else about him, confident, intense, demanding. I melt into it, letting him back me against the wall. His body is hard and hot against mine, and when he slides a hand into my hair and tugs, I make a sound that’s a mix of pain and need.

“Beautiful,” he breathes against my neck. “Fucking perfect.”

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