Page 12 of Icebreaker

He raised an eyebrow, and a smirk appeared on his lips. "Research? You?" He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain grumpy Swedish defenseman, would it?"

My cheeks flushed, and I turned my attention to the lasagna. "Don't know what you're implying, and this is pretty good for frozen."

Moose smiled, leaning forward and stretching out a long arm to punch me lightly on the shoulder. "Damn, Quinn, it's okay. I think it's great that you still want to connect with Axel, and if upscale food helps you do it, go for it."

"You think so? I don't know whether he'd take me up on it. And what if we did go, and it was weird, or awkward, or…" My voice trailed off.

"Aww, man, don't be so worried. You've got this. You're a catch, on and off the ice. If Axel can't see that, it's his loss." Moose winked across the table. "For what it's worth, I've got a good gut feeling about it."

I took a deep breath, happy for Moose's unwavering support. "Thanks…for the recommendation and always being there for me."

Moose grinned, raising a forkful of lasagna in a mock toast. "Always, and now let's finish this gourmet meal so you can startplanning your big date with destiny…or at least with a certain defenseman."

***

After the next day's practice wrapped up, I caught up with Axel in the hallway outside the locker room, my pulse racing. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, expression unreadable. I breathed deeply to steady my nerves. "Hey, got a minute?"

He looked at me with those dark eyes. "Maybe thirty seconds; what's on your mind?"

I stepped closer, sensing the tension crackling between us. "I heard about this new restaurant, which made me think of you. They fuse Swedish and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Would you ever think about checking it out together? You know, grab a bite, talk some hockey…maybe even discuss that youth program idea."

Axel uncrossed his arms and pushed off the wall, moving his body closer to me. "Who told you about that?"

I shrugged. "I've heard it kind of floating around here. Does it matter? The point is, it's a great idea, and I'd like to help make it happen."

Axel's jaw clenched, his eyes boring into mine. He was so close that I could see tiny flecks of gold in his dark brown irises and smell his aftershave's clean, sharp scent.

"Why?" he demanded, his low, raspy voice sending shivers up my spine. "What's in it for you?"

My heart pounded, but I didn't back down. "I don't know…nothing specific. I admire what you're trying to do. Giving those kids a chance and being a role model is important work."

Axel's expression softened momentarily, and I thought I'd made it past the defenses, but then his guard slammed back into place. "I don't need your admiration, and I definitely don't need your pity."

I gasped audibly, frustration and desire fighting inside me for my attention. "I'm sorry you thought that. It's not pity. It's respect. You blow me away, day after day, on and off the ice, and I just…I want to get to know you better. Is that such a bad thing?"

He continued to stare at me. His arm lightly brushed against mine, and he was close enough that the heat of his breath tickled the side of my neck. I'd hoped he might close the distance entirely, press me back against the wall, and…

He blinked and stepped back. "Fine. Let's go to the damn restaurant but know this, Quinn. It isn't a date. It's just a meal between teammates. Got it?"

Date…he mentioned date. I nodded, fighting to hide a smile. "Understood."

Axel shook his head. "Damn. You are trouble. I hope you can handle what happens when you poke the bear."

***

I arrived at the restaurant early, my stomach tied in knots. I'd FaceTimed Maggie earlier in the day, begging for advice on my outfit.

"Wear the dark blue button-down," she suggested. "It brings out the blue in your eyes and makes you look trustworthy but still sexy."

I cringed when my sister referred to me as sexy, but I appreciated her help. Wanting to look put-together but notfussy, I paired the shirt with my best jeans. It needed to convey that I cared about my appearance, but not too much.

The restaurant's atmosphere was warm and inviting. At the door, the rich aromas of spices and seared meat hit me. I'd been busy studying the menu when Axel walked in.

Away from the arena, he was breathtaking. He wore a fitted black sweater that drew attention to his broad shoulders and slim waist. His dark wash jeans hugged his muscular thighs. As he approached, I caught a whiff of his cologne.

I hadn't smelled anything like it before. I detected juniper and black pepper, but it had other elements that I couldn't quite place.

Axel seated himself across from me. "Hope you haven't been waiting long."

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