Page 93 of On Ice

Relief flutters through Evan’s eyes. “Okay, good.”

I glance at the dance floor. “Now, as much as I loathe dancing, I think we should dance at least once.” Dancing isn’t my thing, but after the way Isabella tried to monopolize Evan, it’s important to be seen on the dance floor together, acting like a real couple.

“Oh, uh, okay.” He hesitates. The song that’s playing is a slow love ballad and he appears uncertain. “This song or a fast song?”

“Slow is best.”

“Okay.”

I hold out my hand and he grabs hold. I enjoy the warmth of his skin against mine as I lead him out onto the dance floor. He moves closer, and I slide my arm around his waist. My dick warms immediately at the feel of his lithe, athletic body folded into mine. When I slip my hand up his spine, he shivers.

When Evan accidentally steps on my toe, he stiffens. “Shit. Sorry. I haven’t danced since high school.”

I pull back to study his face. “Seriously?”

He lifts his brows. “I play hockey. Dancing with the Stars has yet to call.”

“But, don’t you ever go to clubs?”

“Nope.” He stares over my shoulder. “I haven’t gone to a club since high school either. That was probably the last time I danced.”

“Huh. I thought maybe the team sometimes went to clubs. You hear stories about how wild professional athletes are.”

He laughs. “Some athletic clubs are rowdy. The Ice Hawks isn’t one of them. We go out drinking during off season sometimes. Not often though. We have to be really disciplined or we lose ground fast. It’s easier to maintain peak physical conditioning than to chase after it.”

“Sounds like a drag.” I smirk, smacking my flat stomach. “I’d die without my red wine and cheesy Italian food. Although, lately, I don’t eat dinner with the family as often as I should.”

His expression becomes pensive. “It’s important to take time for the people you love. While you still can.”

I suspect he might be thinking of his mother. “I know you’re right. We always think we have all the time in the world, but we really don’t.”

“No.” He drops his gaze to my shoulder. “We don’t.”

I clear my throat. “I’m very aware that I could die at any moment.”

He blinks at me, appearing taken aback. “We all could die at any moment.”

I smile. “Sure, but in my business, it’s a more constant worry. Death is all around me, and I know one day it’ll come for me too.”

“Jesus, Luca,” he says under his breath. “That’s a grim thought.”

“Weren’t you just saying the same thing? That we needed to be aware of our mortality so that we spent time with the ones we love?”

“Well, I was thinking more of being there for my loved ones. Not really about my own death.” He wrinkles his brow. “Although, considering my situation, maybe I should.”

“Nah, I think you’re okay. So long as you don’t do anything stupid.”

He scrunches his face. “Gee, how reassuring.”

I laugh. “I’m trying to assure you that you’re probably fine.”

“Probablyfine.” He shakes his head.

“All I’m saying is life is unpredictable. We should make the most of it.” As I finish speaking, the song ends. When another slow song begins, I tighten my arms around Evan so he can’t leave the dance floor.

He hesitates and then relaxes back into me. He holds my gaze, looking thoughtful. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes.”

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