CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T he next three weeks raced by as Caroline floated in a happiness bubble. Every day Nico called or texted and she responded with cute flirty messages. It was stupid to get attached to someone who might walk away, but she couldn’t help herself. The morose man who refused to share was replaced by a man who said all the right things to make a girl blush and laugh at the same time. Each day she fell more in love with him.

She wondered more than once why he was single, but she never asked. The limited time they carved out to be together hadn’t been wasted with idle chat. They hadn’t seen each other for more than a few hours since their first night. Nico insisted on taking her out on dates. This meant they’d had sex in three different restaurant bathrooms, twice in her car, his truck once, and a lot of heavy petting at the movie theaters. Not the most romantic settings, but both of their schedules were insane. Hockey took up most of his time and when he was home and not at the rink, she was playing music.

The band had picked up two regular gigs at local clubs and they were in the studio recording an album. A record company expressed interest and wanted to hear some original songs. Things were coming together on a professional level. There weren’t any bad feelings between her and Brody. He flirted, but he hadn’t crossed the line again. Caroline couldn’t have been happier, except for the secrets eating away at her conscience. The timing hadn’t been right, but as the weeks disappeared her guilt mounted. Each time she mustered the courage to bring it up when they got together, he’d kiss her and all discussion vanished. Keeping secrets took more effort than expected, watching what she shared and trying not to let things slip. There might never be a right time, but she had to get this off her chest. Nico returned to the city late last night, and they planned a date for tonight.

As that time loomed closer, the fear Nico might disappear cloyed at Caroline. It nipped at her heels, threatening to pop the bubble she’d created. Her father had noticed something, but she’d played it off as nothing. She tried to keep the pep out of her step when he was around, which was all the time. When the team traveled that’s when he made time for his daughters. They got his undivided attention. Normally, Caroline loved those days, but she’d never kept a secret before. She always told him when she met someone new, and Nico’s name had been on the tip of her tongue more than once. It killed her to stay quiet, but she reminded herself that it was for the best.

She needed to make sure there was a real relationship to talk about before she spilled the beans. The chance existed that once Nico learned her true identity, he might bail. She tried to push those negative insecurities away. Regardless of what happened, if their relationship stood a chance, he had the right to know the truth. She hoped he thought she was worth the risk.

They picked a neutral meeting place at a coffee shop downtown. As intimate as they’d already been, neither had been to each other’s place yet. When he suggested the coffee shop, she thought it was a good choice. She also figured it best if they went separately on the off chance he never wanted to see her again. That seemed unlikely given the deep feelings she’d developed.

Caroline arrived first and grabbed a seat by the window. Her legs bounced under the table as the minutes ticked by. Then she saw golden waves poking from under a plain black beanie. A well-groomed beard covered the softest lips on the planet and shoulders broader than the sidewalk approached. Her breath hitched as she drank him in. He didn’t appear as dark and intense as he had the first time she’d laid eyes on him, but he wore the same leather jacket, and fierceness still radiated from him.

The door chimed as he stepped inside. He looked around and when their eyes met, his entire body relaxed, as if he thought she might not show. Maybe she wasn’t the only one with insecurities?

She stood up to greet him and he instantly twirled her around in a hug that stole all the air from her lungs. Then he kissed her. A kiss that made up for all the hours they’d been apart. It was hungry and not appropriate for a coffee shop. It left her gasping for air and soaking wet below the belt.

“I fucking missed you,” he said as he set her down.

Caroline laughed. “I can tell, and the feeling is mutual. You almost seem surprised to see me. What’s that about?”

He held onto her hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. “It’s been my experience that people don’t always do what they say they will. Guess I’m not used to dating a normal woman, and I’m happy to see you, angel.”

She beamed. “I’m glad to see you too.” Happy didn’t fully convey her emotional state, but as the L-word lingered on her lips, she kept talking. “Drinks… I got you coffee with milk and nothing else, but I’ll get something different if you’d prefer? That’s how you took your coffee when we went for brunch at the hotel a few weeks back. I have a good memory, but I might have mixed something up. How did the trip go? I don’t watch hockey, but I overheard you guys won two out of three. Is that good? Should we—”

He kissed her, swallowing her words. Their tongues met again, and she reveled in the connection. “I even missed your rambles.” He chuckled, and she swatted his shoulder.

“Hey!”

“Let’s grab a seat and we can catch up. Thanks for the coffee and for having such a great memory. I don’t remember what you drank that morning because I was too busy thinking about how wet you were under the table. I was counting down the minutes until I could touch you again.”

She swallowed hard. Telling him her real name wouldn’t be a big deal, but then she chickened out. “Do you remember what happened when we got back up to the room?”

“Yeah, you weren’t wearing any panties.” He arched a brow, and she nodded. “We’re leaving.” He grabbed her coat off the back of the chair and helped her into it. She couldn’t stop laughing at his sense of urgency even though she felt the same.

“Here’s your coffee. You’ll need the caffeine because I plan on keeping you up for hours.” Caroline licked her lips and Nico growled as his phone rang.

The Canadian anthem ringtone wouldn’t stop. “Hold that thought,” he said to her before answering his phone. “This better be good… I don’t remember saying I’d be there. Theo, tell her I’m sorry, but I have plans... Fine, let me get back to you.” He hung up and the playfulness from seconds ago faded.

“Who called and why don’t you look happy?”

“I apparently made dinner plans I’m not allowed to cancel. Would you like to come with me as my date? It’s a casual dinner party, nothing fancy.”

Meeting the friends was a big step, and one her previous boyfriends had delayed for months. She loved that Nico included her in his life. “I’d love to be your date. Can we stop somewhere and grab a bottle of wine or something? I’d hate to show up empty handed.”

He smiled and her heart constricted. “Do you want me to follow you home so you can drop off your car? I plan on staying for the minimum required amount of time and then taking you home.”

“I took a taxi.” She had been preparing for the worst after her big reveal. As his eyes sparkled with desire, she put the conversation on hold; at least until after dinner.

“Awesome. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave.” They both laughed and held hands as they left the coffee shop.

The dinner party was being held at his friend Theo’s condo, which happened to be located on the south side, in the same complex where she lived. The same building her father owned. Several players lived in there, but so did many other non-hockey folks. Nico had to have friends that didn’t play hockey professionally. When they arrived, it would have been a good time to bring him to her place and tell him her name. Clear the air before imbedding herself into his life. But she chickened out again. She wanted to spend more time with him.

Her hands were sweating as they waited for Theo to open the door. She should have asked more questions about his friends. Caroline wanted them to like her.

“Don’t be nervous. It’s only a bunch of my teammates and their women.”

Her heart stopped beating. “I thought you said we were having dinner with your friends.” Someone from the hockey world might have recognized her before she got the chance to tell Nico her identity. She’d waited too long.

“These guys are my friends and as close to family as I’ve got. You’ll like them, trust me.” He kissed her cheek and before she could pull him aside the door opened. Caroline tried to hide behind Nico and conceal her face.

“About time you showed up, Ivarsson.” The men shook hands. “Carly figured you… wait a minute. You brought someone?”

“Yeah, I did and I don’t want you guys to make her uncomfortable.” Caroline clung to Nico’s coat avoiding the host.

“Me? Never. I’m shocked is all. I’ve never seen you with—”

“Shut it, Montagne. I’d like to introduce you to Caroline, my girlfriend,” he said the words like they were the most natural phrase in the world. If she wasn’t so scared about meeting these guys, she would have been jumping for joy. Nico pulled her beside him, throwing his arm over her shoulder.

Her eyes landed on the face of their host and her heart sank. She recognized him from the fundraiser. His wild mop of brown hair covered one of the most startling set of blue eyes. This evening would not end well.

She tried to swallow her nerves and her voice took on an even more raspy tone than normal. “Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for having us.” Caroline held out the wine, hoping to distract him from staring at her face.

“Girlfriend. Wow, it’s great to meet you, Caroline.” He patted Nico on the back and took the wine, ushering them inside. If he recognized her, he said nothing. “Everyone’s in the dining room already, so go grab a seat while I put your coats away. The foods ready.”

“Relax, angel. You’re shaking like a leaf. Are you cold?” Nico rubbed her arm as he led her out of the entryway and towards a room full of people. The condo had an open layout. Next to the ten-person dining table were floor to ceiling windows.

The view of the river didn’t distract the guests as all eyes were on them as they entered hand in hand. Two super sexy guys with shit-eating grins that would drop panties worldwide stood up. She noticed the raised eyebrows and couldn’t figure out why. “Um, hi,” she said, cringing inside as a curvy girl regarded her.

“Everyone this is Caroline Masters.” He looked so happy introducing her, and she hated herself for not enjoying the moment. “Caroline, meet my closest friends.”

The hostess rounded the table and hugged Nico before pulling her into a tight squeeze. “Thank you for coming. Have we met before?”

Caroline fidgeted and shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t think so. I appreciate the invite, and I hope I’m not intruding.”

Theo came up behind the redhead and tucked her under his chin. She melted into him and they shared a chaste kiss. “We’re happy to have you both. Carly will try to pass off the food as her own, but it’s from the diner where she works.”

She slapped his chest. “Hey, you’re not supposed to reveal my secrets.” They took their seats and Caroline ended up next to Carly. “I would have cooked for ya’ll but I had classes all day. To be honest, I’m freaking beat, but you guys need a home cooked meal. This is as close as I could get.”

Platters of food were scattered all over the table. “It smells great.” Nico’s hand landed on her lap, but his eyes were on her as he spoke. The heat spread over her body, making her blush.

People filled their plates as Theo began introductions. “This is Martin. He’s one of our starting goaltenders. His date is… um… Candy? Crap, I’m sorry,” Theo said.

Martin’s model like features weren’t easily forgotten. She squirmed in her seat. He eyed her, and she thought for a moment he might remember her, but then the girl with him spoke. He broke eye contact to regard the girl.

“That’s okay, Theo. You’re totally hot, so you’re forgiven. My name is Kandy, with a K,” she replied to Theo, before her eyes latched onto Nico. The eye fucking that followed bothered Caroline. She threaded her fingers with Nico’s but it didn’t deter the woman’s stare.

“I’m sure she knows who we are. This is Shirley,” the other man at the table said, hiking his thumb to the girl on his right. The man’s arrogance couldn’t be ignored. On the bright side, she had no idea who he was, and he didn’t know her either. Caroline breathed a sigh of relief.

“Caroline doesn’t follow hockey. She didn’t even recognize me, so I highly doubt she’d know you Joe.”

“You’re forgettable, Ivarrson, unlike me. I’m like Cheers, everybody knows my name.”

“Yeah, everyone knows Joe Larson. He’s a legend like Martin will be,” Kandy with a K said. “But then no one would ever forget Captain Nicolas.” She giggled, while undressing Nico with her eyes.

Caroline wanted to stomp on her collagen injected lips. “It’s nice to meet you all. Sorry to deflate your ego, but I have no idea who you are. Are you the water-boy or something?” She guessed by his size and stature that he played hockey, but her dig earned a round of chuckles.

“I’ll let that comment slide. If you’re interested in trading up, one night with me will make you forget your own name,” Joe offered with a cocky smile.

Nico pushed back in his chair, but Caroline stopped him. “That’s funny, cause I’ve already forgotten you.”

“Oh my… I love this girl,” Carly said. “You are welcome to come back anytime.”

“Ivarsson you need to find better company.” Joe puffed out his chest and took a sip of his wine.

“I like her company just fine,” Nico said before kissing her knuckles. The public display of affection warmed her. Just fine wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was a start.

Their hidden touches and glances were nothing compared to the outward display of affection between the hosts. Carly and Theo were the most adorable couple. Their love and positive energy were infectious. The other guys, Martin and Joe, were single and their dates had nothing more to offer than pretty faces. The goalie talked shop, too busy to notice or care that his date flirted with Nico. Other than the puck bunny bimbo’s occasional remarks and grabby hands, dinner was a blast. The hockey tales had her in stitches more than once.

Theo pushed his empty plate away, leaned over and kissed Carly. The kissing didn’t make Caroline uncomfortable in the slightest. “Thanks for a great dinner, sweetheart.”

“Have you two been together long? It seems like you’ve known each other forever,” Caroline asked, pushing her plate away as well. The second helping of pie was too much, but she’d been unable to turn down the melt in your mouth confection.

“I wish Theo had come into my life sooner. He’s a breath of fresh air.” Carly hugged him and they kissed again.

Theo ended the kiss and stood up. “I love this girl like crazy. We couldn’t be happier. Let’s head into the living room and get comfortable. I don’t know about you all, but I’m stuffed and I’m willing to spend a little more time with all of you before I stuff someone else with—”

Joe groaned. “Keep that shit to yourselves. I don’t need the love contagion over here.”

“Amen!” Martin high fived his friend across the table. It was sad they weren’t ready for the kind of love Caroline witnessed between their hosts. It mirrored the way she felt about Nico. They hadn’t said the words, but she suspected he felt the same.

They adjourned to the leather couches and Nico pulled Caroline onto his lap. She snuggled in and enjoyed the easy banter he had with his friends. The conversation and laughter continued, making her feel like she belonged among his group.

“I can’t stop thinking we’ve met before. Where did you two meet?” Carly asked and Caroline wished they had said their goodbye already.

“You probably remember her from the New Year’s fundraiser. She was on stage. My girl’s a very talented musician.”

“Right! That’s where I’ve seen you. Mr. Northcote pointed you out.” Carly swatted Theo’s arm. “I told you she looked familiar.”

Recognition dawned on Theo and his eyes widened. “You are… oh shit.”

All the blood rushed to her feet, and she was seconds away from passing out. “My band… we rang in the New Year.”

“Your dad was super proud. He told everyone that his daughter was singing. You are really good.” Carly continued to talk as the rest of the room fell silent. “It’s cool you’re a musician and an owner. Your life must be totally nuts. I can barely handle school and you’ve got all that on your plate.”

“Your dad was there?” Nico shifted her so she sat sideways on his lap. “What’s she talking about?”

Caroline couldn’t talk past the lump in her throat. She noticed Theo and Joe whispering in the background. “It’s no big deal. My life isn’t that interesting.” She moved her feet to the floor, needing the stability of a hard surface. “Nico, are you ready to go? I’m not feeling the greatest all of a sudden.”

“Yeah, okay.” He stood up and took her hand, threading their fingers as they had been most of the night.

They started for the door, but Joe stepped in their way; a wicked grin on his handsome face. “Had I known I was being introduced to my boss, I wouldn’t have propositioned you. Don’t hold it against me, Caroline.”

Nico’s gripped loosened.

“I’m not your boss,” she responded through gritted teeth. Her attempt to walk around Joe got thwarted when he refused to budge.

“If Northcote’s your father, then you sure as shit are my boss. You’re playing with fire, Ivarsson. Our contracts prohibit relations with staff.”

“You guys are confused. Her last name is Masters. Tell them, Caroline?”

This was the absolute worst way for him to find out. “Nico, give me a chance to explain.” She clung to his fingers, but lost the battle.

He pulled away, stepping back and out of reach. The look of disappointment on his face would haunt her for years to come. “Is your name Caroline Northcote? It’s a simple question.”

Tears filled her eyes as the word spilled from her lips. “Yes.”

A sharp intake of air was all she heard as he marched past her. Then the door slammed. Caroline stood there with her face in her hands as her worst fears became reality. He knew her identity, and he wanted nothing to do with her.

Carly rubbed her back with more kindness than she deserved. “Theo, take the guests into the games room and show them the new first-person shooter game we got. I need a moment with Caroline. And you boys don’t say another word. Not one or you’ll never get another one of Dottie’s pies.” The room emptied quickly. Having finished two slices of sugar pie, Caroline understood why they listened without protest.

“I take it he had no idea you’re Northcote’s daughter. How is that even possible?”

“I swear I wasn’t trying to mislead him. I didn’t know he was a hockey player until after I fell for him; not that any of that matters now. He will never talk to me again and I can’t blame him. I planned to tell him tonight, but dinner came up, then I thought I’ll tell him after. Dammit this is such a cluster-f.” She choked back the tears, refusing to let them fall.

“You mean cluster-fuck. Say it. You’ll feel better.”

Caroline lifted her face and smiled. “I try not to swear because my little sister is a sponge. I’m pretty sure nothing will make me feel better, unless Nico somehow finds it in his heart to hear me out. Guess there’s fat chance of that happening; he’s gone. Thank you for your hospitality. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Thanks for coming. I honestly don’t think highly of hockey players. Theo had to really convince me to give him a chance. But there are good ones out there. Okay, maybe not Joe, and I’m on the fence about Martin, but Nico seems great. If you like him, then fight for him and your chance. If Theo hadn’t fought for a chance, I wouldn’t be so deliriously happy.” She walked Caroline to the door. “Good luck. I hope to see you again.”

Carly reached into the closet and handed Caroline her coat. Nico’s jacket was gone.

He wasn’t coming back. Caroline’s heart broke apart, but she gave her new friend a hug and held it together as they said goodbye. As she stepped into the hall, she let the tears fall. Her vision blurred, but there was no mistaking the gargantuan shadow against the wall. Nico hadn’t left.