The Penalty Box (Vancouver Wolves Hockey #3)(33)
“Is he in trouble?”
“Nope.”
The refs flanked Mica and skated him back towards the bench. I watched as he looked over his shoulder and yelled something at the guy. I couldn’t hear his words, but judging by the movement of his lips, he was using more than a few four-letter words.
I clutched Krista’s hand. “I married that.”
She laughed long and hard. “You’re just getting that now?”
My stomach was a mass of butterflies. I mentally made a note to never come out of my bedroom again. Until now, I had no idea what I was getting into. Now that I did, my best plan of attack was to retreat and hide. “Why did you let me do something so stupid?”
She squeezed my hand. “Because this is where he belongs. And you helped him get back here.”
This was true, but that didn’t help the fact that I was in way over my head where he was concerned.
During the intermission, I looked over at Krista. “I’m scared about the party.”
She grimaced. “You should be. Yesterday, you were acting like two polite strangers. You need to feign some emotion.”
I tried to imagine how to do that. I skirted away from him. I had trouble making eye contact, much less speaking to him. “Any tips?”
“Yes. Lots, but let’s start with a few basic ones. You have three feet of personal space that you don’t want anyone to penetrate. Close the gap. Stand closer to him.”
“Close the gap.”
“When it doubt, just smile a lot and lean towards him. If he’s talking, don’t look elsewhere. Everything he does, pretend it fascinates you. Try to look like you adore him.”
The guy did fascinate me. I wouldn’t have to pretend.
“Smile and lean,” I repeated.
“If you have your eyes on him like you did during this game, no one will question how you’re feeling.”
“If I fuck up, will you come and save me?”
She shook her head. “Nope. This is the Mica and Charlie show. It’s totally up to the two of you now.”
*
Krista wisely didn’t let me near the family green room. She told me that all eyes would be on me and instead she texted Mica to meet us privately. She flashed her badge to the security guard and then led me down a long cement hallway.
My heart started to beat erratically when he came walking towards us. He was wearing a dark suit, and his hair was still damp from his shower.
“Where is the party?” Krista didn’t let either of us get a word in edgewise.
“They booked the entire bar at the Marchione Hotel.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “That’s impressive.”
He glanced at me. “Ready to go?”
No. I wasn’t ready. Not even close. “Sure.”
“See you there?” he asked Krista.
“Oh darling, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
I glanced back at her.
“Close the gap,” she mocked as I walked away.
Mica led me out to the private staff parking lot. “How did you like the game?”
“I don’t remember hockey being like that.”
He grinned as he tossed his bag in the back. “What does that mean?”
I waited until we were both seated in his Porsche. “It just seemed intense.”
“Wait until the playoffs. That’s when it gets intense.”
I couldn’t imagine a game getting more intense than the one I had just witnessed.
We drove in silence for a while before he asked, “What does close the gap mean?”
I blushed. “I was getting tips on how to manage this party. Krista advised I stand closer to you.”
He didn’t speak.
I tried to explain. “She said I have a big personal space.”
“You’re prickly.”
“I am not!”
He threw a mild glance at me. “You’re showing your prickles right now.”
“I’m just warning you I might edge closer than you are used to, and I’m supposed to look at you with adoration.”
“Just don’t fight me, and we’ll be fine.”
We pulled up in front of the hotel.
“What does that mean?” I felt panic as we pulled up to the valet. “Why would I fight you? You said that same thing this morning.”
He didn’t answer because someone opened my door for me. He came around the car and together we walked towards the hotel. Even with my high heels, I barely came up to his shoulder.
As we walked through the door, he put a big hand on the small of my back, causing alarming sparks to zip up my spine. Then, as we walked across the lobby, he put his arm around my shoulder, tugging me close to him.
I went stiff as a board. He leaned down, and his hot breath blew against my ear. “Don’t fight me. Try to relax.”
I stopped walking. My hands were ice cold, and my nerves were strung so tight I thought they might snap. “I can’t relax. I’m so nervous.”
He stepped in so close, our bodies touched. He put his hand under my chin and lifted my face. “I’m going to be all over you tonight.”
“What?” I squeaked.
He looked apologetic. “I’m an affectionate guy when I date someone. Everyone in there knows that.”