30
At the postgame press conference, the first question fired at Reid was the predictable, “Were you surprised by the home crowd’s reaction after you scored the game-winning goal?”
“Yes.”
Reid’s succinct answer sent a ripple of laughter around the room.
He flashed a lazy grin, a dazzling slash of white against his skin. Right after the game he’d showered and changed into a dark navy suit that brought out the deep blue of his eyes and fit his powerful body like a dream. He looked so handsome, so arrestingly masculine, that he took Nadia’s breath away as she stood in the back of the room with his family.
“What kind of reaction were you expecting from the fans?” another reporter called out.
“I don’t know,” Reid drawled humorously. “I mean, I wasn’t expecting them to hurl hubcaps or anything.”
Another rumble of laughter swept over the room.
Reid chuckled, then sobered after another moment. “Seriously though. You guys know how much Detroit means to me. I was born and raised here. My family and friends are here. So it’s still home to me. Of course it goes without saying that I love and appreciate the good people of Denver for embracing me, and I enjoy playing for such a great fan base. But while I may be a Rebel on the ice, I’ll always be a Detroiter at heart.”
That earned him a quiet round of applause interspersed with approving murmurs.
“On behalf of my colleagues,” an ironic voice drawled, “can I just say how glad we are that you’ve finally stopped giving us the silent treatment?”
“What?” Reid cupped a hand to his ear. “I didn’t catch that.”
More laughter erupted.
Nadia grinned, marveling at his sense of humor and comedic timing. The man was a natural on that podium.
“I bet the folks at Gatorade are celebrating right now,” someone said jokingly. “The way you won the game was pretty similar to your Gatorade commercial. They should give you some sort of bonus for that.”
“Hmm. That’s not a bad idea.” Reid stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I’ll have to ask my agent about that.”
Everyone laughed.
Another reporter piped up, “On a personal level, Reid, it must have felt deeply satisfying to score that goal tonight and bring yourself that much closer to tying Ray Bourque’s record. If the Rebels win the Stanley Cup, how much more satisfying will that be?”
“Very satisfying, of course.” Reid grinned. “Winning the Cup is the pinnacle, the holy grail. We’re playing well, winning games and doing everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to take home the Cup. But you know what? I’m not gonna think about that tonight. Tonight I’m just gonna savor this win and the special milestone I reached, which I couldn’t have done without the help of my teammates.”
“How do you plan to celebrate your big night? Got any special plans?”
“I do, actually.” There was a mysterious glint in Reid’s eyes. “I’m heading to a party to celebrate with my family and friends and teammates. But before I do that, I’m gonna make my way to the back of the room, get down on one knee and ask my girlfriend, Nadia, to marry me.”
A stunned gasp went up from the crowd.
Oh my God, Nadia thought, her heart pounding against her chest. Did he just say what I think he did???
Avery and Aria, flanking her on either side, wrapped their arms around her waist and hugged her excitedly.
“This is so freakin’ romantic!” Aria squealed in her ear.
Nadia watched in breathless excitement as Reid rose from the table. He made a show of fastening the last two buttons of his suit jacket, adjusting his shirt cuffs and straightening his silk tie.
The reporters laughed good-naturedly.
“Go get ’er, Rocket. Hope she says yes!”
Reid laughed. “I hope so too.”
Nadia’s heart rate kicked up another thousand notches as she watched him saunter down the aisle toward her, his eyes never leaving hers.
His family stepped back, melting into the background as he came to a stop before Nadia. His eyes roamed her face as cameras whirred and clicked frantically around them.
Nadia stared up at him, her heart in her throat.
His eyes glinted. “I guess my announcement kinda ruined the element of surprise.”
She laughed softly. “Just a little.”
He grinned broadly, then suddenly lifted her off her feet, crushed her to him and kissed her with breathtaking fervor.
“I love you so much,” he whispered.
She stared down into his eyes. She felt positively reborn. “You mean everything to me.”
“That’s good. Because…” He set her back down, then hitched up his pants legs and smoothly lowered himself to one knee in front of her.
“Oh my God. Reid…” Nadia was trembling all over with excitement, love, joy. Too many emotions for one person to contain without bursting.
Reid’s gaze was solemn, his eyes holding hers with a deep intensity that reached right into the core of her soul. “I loved you almost from the moment I met you,” he said in a husky voice. “You took my breath away, and you never really gave it back. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, Nadia Warner, and you’ve changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. So with that being said, baby, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?”
Nadia opened her mouth to speak, but her throat was too choked up with emotion. So she just smiled and nodded really hard.
Reid’s eyes twinkled up at her. “Is that a yes?”
A breathy laugh escaped her. “Yes! Oh my God, baby. Yes!”
His face broke into a huge grin that was tinged with relief as boisterous cheers and applause erupted around them.
Nadia gave him her left hand, tears blurring her vision as she watched him slide the most breathtaking diamond ring onto her finger.
As more cheers went up, Reid rose to his feet and caught her face in both of his hands. They shared a long, slow kiss as cameras flashed around them, capturing and freezing the romantic moment that would soon explode all over social media.
They left the arena with Reid’s family and friends and headed to an upscale riverfront restaurant that he had rented out for the night.
A smiling hostess escorted their group to the dining room. When they stepped through the double doors, the first thing that struck Nadia was the enchanting décor. The restaurant was a blaze of twinkling lights that reflected off the gleaming marble floor. Dozens of linen-covered tables were set up along a wall of windows that overlooked the glistening river. Candles glowed in the branches of crystal candelabras placed in the center of each table.
When Nadia’s gaze swept over the sizeable crowd that had gathered, she was stunned and ecstatic to see her entire family there, along with Jess and Bianca and Ana. They all beamed at her, their eyes shining with laughter at her shocked reaction.
“Oh my God,” she whispered, turning to stare incredulously at Reid. “How…when did you…?”
He grinned down at her. “Whether you said yes or no tonight, I knew it would mean a lot to you to have them here. And I wanted our families to meet as soon as possible. So I flew them out today, and I asked them to keep it a surprise.”
Nadia’s heart melted into a puddle at his feet. She stood on tiptoe and gave him a resounding kiss on the lips, then pulled back and whispered earnestly, “Thank you.”
He stroked her cheek. “Anything for you.”
She beamed rapturously, then took his hand and ushered him and his family across the room to greet her people.
Laughter and hasty introductions flew through the air, mixed with tears and hugs. Her mother clung to her for a long time, whispering words of blessings in her ear. Nelson, Scarlett and Aunt Sherise also hugged her long and hard, grinning from ear to ear.
Her father wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek, then pumped Reid’s hand and grinned broadly. “Congratulations, young man. I’m impressed. Not only with your performance in tonight’s game, but with the way you proposed to my baby girl. I like your style.”
Nadia grinned. “So do I.”
Everyone laughed.
Roark and Arlene struck up a friendly conversation with Nadia’s parents and Aunt Sherise and Uncle Lavell. While they were getting acquainted, Reid wrapped his arm around Nadia’s waist and tucked her to his side as they began moving through the crowd of well wishers, accepting more handshakes and hugs and heartfelt congratulations. The guests included Reid’s teammates, coaches, trainers, old family friends and close acquaintances.
Since Nadia didn’t know most of them, she was beyond thrilled to see Dawn’s familiar face. They hugged like old friends before Dawn introduced Nadia to her husband, an attractive black man with an easy smile.
Nadia grinned at Dawn. “You were right about the standing ovation.”
“I saw that. Made me so proud.” Dawn smiled at Reid, her eyes twinkling. “So did you.”
He grinned and winked at her.
Nadia and Reid stood chatting with Dawn and her husband until they were interrupted by more well wishers. More hugs and greetings were exchanged, more friendly questions about where and how they’d met.
They made their rounds, grinning and holding hands as they moved across the room. The party was buzzing around them, lively conversation interspersed with gales of laughter and music.
As Nadia looked into the sea of smiling faces, she felt as if she were having the most amazing out-of-body experience. This was her engagement party. She was getting married to a wonderful man who loved her, cherished her, declared his feelings for her in front of the whole world.
It was positively surreal. A dream come true.
“I love the look on your face right now.”
Nadia turned her head to meet Reid’s satisfied gaze. She smiled. “You were watching me.”
“I’m always watching you.” He lifted her hand to his lips, his eyes smoldering with heat as he slowly looked her over.
After the game, she’d changed into a sleeveless Miu Miu dress that Avery and Aria had helped her pick out today. The fitted bodice cinched at the waist before flaring out into a short skirt with frothy layers of black net peeking enticingly from beneath. The designer dress was metallic gold with black piping, so she appeared to be wearing the Rebels’ colors.
Reid leaned close to murmur in her ear, “You look absolutely incredible in that dress.”
The low, sexy timbre of his voice sent a thrill down her spine and had her nipples pebbling against the lacy cups of her bra. And that was before he added, “Can’t wait to get you out of it though.”
She shivered and gave him a breathless smile. “Good things come to those who wait.”
“I know.” He nipped her earlobe. “Just don’t make me wait too long.”
Before she could respond, they were interrupted by his mother, who had her phone pressed to her ear as she strained to listen above the din of the buzzing crowd.
“There you are,” she said to Reid. “I’ve been looking all over for you and Nadia. Your grandparents want to offer their congratulations on your big night. I told them we were at your party, but they insisted they’ve been trying to reach you since the game ended. They couldn’t wait to— Yes, Dad, I found them,” she spoke into the phone, raising her voice. “It’s pretty noisy in here. I’ll put Reid Tyler on the phone and then you can have a proper conversation with Nadia tomorrow. Okay? Give us a minute to find someplace quiet. I said— Oh, never mind. Just hold on.”
Arlene covered the mouthpiece of her phone and smiled ruefully at Reid. “I’m sorry. You know how they are. They love to dote on you, and they really wanted to be here.”
“It’s all good, Mom. I wish they could have been here too.” Reid took the phone from his mother, then brushed his knuckles down Nadia’s cheek and winked. “Be right back.”
“Take your time.” She grinned. “I see some of my womenfolk headed this way.”
Reid and Arlene smiled at her before turning and disappearing into the mass of bodies.
Nadia accepted a flute of champagne offered by a passing waiter, then laughed as she was swarmed by Aunt Sherise, Scarlett, Jess, Bianca and Ana.
“All right now, missy,” Aunt Sherise demanded. “Let’s see it.”
When Nadia stuck out her hand, all the women squeed and gushed excitedly over her stunning emerald-cut diamond ring.
“Damn, how many carats is that?” Ana breathed.
“Has to be at least ten,” Aunt Sherise asserted. “So you know it cost a fortune.”
The others hummed loudly in agreement.
Nadia chuckled and withdrew her hand, feeling self-conscious. “I don’t care about any of that.”
Ana snorted. “Says the lucky girl wearing the big ass rock.”
Everyone laughed.
Aunt Sherise placed her hand over her heart and sighed. “Nadia, honey, that was one of the most romantic proposals I’ve ever seen.”
“It sure was,” the others agreed with sentimental sighs.
Nadia smiled softly. “It was pretty memorable.”
Scarlett grinned. “Hell, yeah, it was.”
“And he apparently didn’t tell anyone what he was planning to do,” Aunt Sherise said. “We were just talking to his sisters, and not even they knew he was going to propose to you. But Avery said she had her suspicions, which is why she had you guys change your clothes right after the game instead of waiting to get to the restaurant. She wanted you to look fabulous just in case her brother decided to pop the question at the press conference.”
“Which you do,” Jess said approvingly. “You look absolutely gorgeous, Nadia. Love that dress.”
“So do I.” Bianca ran an admiring eye over her. “Miu Miu?”
Nadia grinned. “You know your designers.”
“But of course.” Bianca grinned, holding up her phone. “And I’m glad Avery made you change after the game, because your proposal video has already gone viral. If ever there was a time you needed to look your best, this was it. And girl…” She gestured to indicate Nadia’s appearance. “Your hair, your makeup, your dress and your shoes are on fleek!”
Everyone laughed and nodded vigorously.
Scarlett sighed. “I still can’t get over that romantic proposal.”
Nadia smiled. “Where’d you guys see it?”
“In the hotel lobby. They had all the TVs tuned to ESPN while we were waiting for the limo to pick us up for dinner—”
“Yes, honey,” Jess interrupted, grinning broadly. “Your man flew us out here on a chartered private plane, put us up in that nice hotel and provided a limo to chauffeur us around. Now that’s what I’m talking about!”
This set off more laughter.
“Anyway,” Scarlett went on, her eyes twinkling with excitement, “there was a big crowd of us watching the press conference after the game. When Reid announced that he was going to propose to you, everyone’s jaws dropped, and you could hear shocked gasps coming from the lobby bar. Then when he stood up and started walking toward you…” She pretended to swoon, making everyone laugh.
“I know your heart had to be beating like crazy,” Jess asserted, “because mine sure as hell was!”
“Mine too!” the others chorused.
Nadia giggled. “It was, believe me. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what was happening.”
“We could tell.” Scarlett grinned, draping an arm around her shoulders. “Let me just tell you, sister-girl. If you hadn’t said yes to that man, I would have jumped through the TV and choked you!”
Everyone burst out laughing.
A few moments later, Jess glanced up from her phone and grinned at Nadia. “Caitlyn sends her congrats. She just saw Reid’s proposal online, and she’s totally in shock. She can’t believe you pulled it off. Of course, you know she had to add a warning—”
Nadia held up a hand. “Don’t kill my vibe. I’ll just pretend she offered her sincere congrats and left it at that.”
Jess chuckled. “Good idea.”
Aunt Sherise smiled, looking across the room. “Well, girls, it’s been fun, but I need to head back to the grownups. I see Reid’s father introducing Eden and Lincoln to some friends. Lord have mercy,” she breathed, fanning her face. “I can definitely see where Reid gets his good looks. His daddy is scrumptious.”
Scarlett grinned lasciviously. “So is his brother.”
“Umm-hmm!” Jess, Bianca and Ana enthusiastically cosigned.
Grinning coyly, Aunt Sherise patted her hair, winked and sashayed off.
Bianca chuckled, watching her go. “Your mom is a trip, Scarlett.”
She snorted. “That’s one way of putting it.”
Bianca laughed, linking her arm with Ana’s. “C’mon, chica. Let’s go see what our men are up to.”
Ana grinned. “Last I saw, they were laughing and joking around with Reid’s brother and friends. Is it just me, or does that one guy look like Jake Gyllenhaal?”
“Doesn’t he? I could have sworn it was him! I was about to ask…” Their conversation faded off as they disappeared into the crowd.
“Well, I’m going to the bathroom to freshen my lipstick.” Jess dropped her phone into her clutch and tucked it under her arm. Then she grinned and leaned close to Nadia, her voice low enough for her ears only. “When I get back, maybe we can track down you-know-who so I can get my flirt on.”
Nadia shot her a confused frown. What the hell was she talking about? She’d already told Jess that Viggo was interested in Scarlett. As expected, the conversation hadn’t gone very well. Jess had been surprised and disappointed, and she’d petulantly accused Nadia of putting her cousin’s interests over hers. But in the end, she’d given Nadia her word that she wouldn’t try to cockblock.
Nadia opened her mouth to remind her of her promise, but Jess was already strutting away, her long hair swaying back and forth.
Scarlett snagged a flute of champagne off the tray of a passing waiter and smiled at Nadia. “So where’s your fiancé?”
Nadia couldn’t help grinning. “I could get very used to that.”
“I know, right? It has a nice ring to it.”
“Definitely.” Nadia sighed. “Anyway, his grandparents called to congratulate him, so he stepped out of the room to talk to them. His mother went with him. Judging by how long they’ve been gone, they’re probably having a heart to heart and patching things up.”
“That’s good.” Scarlett gave her a meaningful look. “And what about you and Mrs. Holden? Are you good?”
“We are.” Nadia smiled quietly. “We had a meeting in the ladies’ room during intermission. She apologized for her behavior and said a lot of other really nice things. I think we’re going to be okay.”
Scarlett nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. You—”
“Evening, ladies.”
Nadia and Scarlett turned toward the deep voice behind them.
And there was Viggo, drop-dead handsome in a custom-fitted charcoal suit that emphasized his tall, powerful frame.
Nadia’s face lit up with a smile. “Viggo! I’ve been looking for you!”
He smiled. “Sorry about that. I got held up at the arena doing postgame interviews.”
“Totally understand. I’m glad you’re here now.”
“Me too.” Viggo was staring at Scarlett with a look of blatant male appreciation.
And who could blame him? Scarlett looked gorgeous in a wide-legged cream pantsuit that accentuated her rich brown skin and clung to her curves. It was backless, so Viggo must have gotten a nice eyeful of her bare back—and shapely ass—as he’d approached. She had a creamy star-shaped flower tucked into her curly hair above her left ear. Her bronze eye shadow drew attention to the sultry slant of her eyes, and her bright red lipstick showed off the lushness of her lips.
Viggo looked mesmerized.
Scarlett looked pretty dazed herself.
Nadia grinned, secretly delighted. “Viggo, I’d like to introduce you to my cousin Scarlett. Scar, this is—”
Scarlett was already thrusting her hand forward. “Nice to meet you, Viggo.”
“The pleasure’s mine, Scarlett.” As his big hand enveloped hers, their eyes held. The handshake lingered, neither in any hurry to end the contact.
It was Scarlett who finally disengaged her fingers and nervously cleared her throat. “Congratulations on tonight’s win. You played a great game.”
Viggo inclined his head. “Thank—”
“Well, except for that penalty you took in the second period. That could have been really costly.”
Viggo’s smile faded, his brows furrowing into a frown.
A subtle spark of satisfaction lit Scarlett’s eyes.
After a moment Viggo shifted closer to her, just an infinitesimal fraction. But it was enough to make Scarlett’s breath hitch audibly as she stared up at him.
Those magnetic gray eyes drifted slowly over her, a deliberate perusal that was as potent as if he’d run his hands down the sides of her body, slowly peeling away her clothes.
Scarlett’s lips parted, and Nadia actually felt her shiver.
Viggo’s eyes moved back up to her face, his lips curving ever so slightly. “Are you always so…” He trailed off, as if searching for the right word.
“Am I always so what?” Scarlett’s voice was barely a whisper.
Viggo’s eyes glinted. “Opinonated?”
Scarlett lifted her chin. “You make that sound like a bad thing.”
Viggo stared at her a moment. Then a deep, rumbling laugh rose from his chest and spilled out his lips.
Scarlett swallowed visibly, lifted her glass and took a large gulp of champagne.
“Excuse me,” a nervous voice interrupted.
Everyone turned to see a pimply-faced young waiter staring up at Viggo with an awestruck expression.
Viggo gave him a lazy smile. “What’s up, man?”
The waiter swallowed nervously, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I-I’m sorry to bother you, Mr. Sandstorm— er, I mean Mr. Sandström—”
Viggo chuckled. “I know, it’s a tongue twister. Just call me Viggo.”
The waiter gulped. “I know we’re not supposed to talk to the guests, but I’m a huge fan of yours and it’s my last day at the restaurant. So I was just wondering if you, uh, could take a picture with me and some of my coworkers?”
“Sure,” Viggo agreed.
The waiter beamed with surprised relief. “Awesome!”
Viggo glanced at Scarlett. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too, Viggo,” she murmured. “No hard feelings, I hope?”
A glint darkened his eyes and his smile widened just a fraction before he turned and sauntered away with his excited young fan.
As soon as they were gone, Nadia stared at Scarlett in stunned disbelief. “Okay, what the hell was that?”
Scarlett was guzzling her champagne as she watched Viggo’s retreating back.
“Scarlett?”
“What?”
“Why did you insult Viggo like that?”
“I didn’t insult him. What I said was true.”
“Yes, but did you have to say it upon your first introduction to the man? And considering how well he played tonight, your comment was pretty nitpicky.”
Scarlett shrugged. “He’s a big hockey star. I’m sure he can handle a little constructive criticism.”
Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Is that what that was? Constructive criticism?”
Scarlett ignored her and downed the rest of her champagne, then grabbed another glass off the tray of a passing waiter.
“Take it easy with those,” Nadia warned wryly.
Scarlett waved her off as she guzzled more champagne. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were flushed. The brief encounter with Viggo had gotten her all hot and bothered.
“Are you okay?” Nadia asked, all innocent concern. “You seem a little…flustered.”
“I need to go work on some music,” Scarlett muttered under her breath.
“Oh, really?” Nadia gave her a sly grin. “Is someone suddenly feeling inspired?”
Scarlett stared down into her glass. “Maybe.”
Nadia threw back her head with a peal of laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Scarlett grumbled.
“You! That man got you shook!”
Scarlett didn’t try to deny it. “Damn him. He’s even hotter in person.”
“Told you.” Nadia grinned, dabbing at her eyes. “I think it’s pretty obvious he was feeling you too.”
Scarlett bit her lower lip, then let it go and shook her head. “I meant what I said about not having time for a relationship.”
Nadia gave her an amused look. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
Scarlett lowered her gaze to her glass without answering.
Nadia grinned. “Why don’t you go talk to him?”
“About what?” Scarlett mumbled.
“He loves your music, so start off with that. Sing him a song. Ask him about Sweden. Tell him how much you loved touring in Stockholm and how you can’t wait to go back.” Nadia paused, lips twitching. “But I’d probably hold off on telling him about your dream wedding at that castle.”
She laughed as Scarlett clapped a hand to her cheek and groaned. She could practically see her blushing. It was adorable. Guys rarely made Scarlett Warner blush.
“If you’re interested in him—and we both know you are—I think you should make your move before someone else does.” Like Jess, Nadia thought grimly.
Scarlett nodded slowly, contemplating her suggestion.
“But,” Nadia admonished in a stern voice, “before you say anything to him, you need to apologize for being rude.”
“I wasn’t—”
“Yes, you were. All because you were flustered and trying to front like you weren’t. It was a punk move and you should apologize.”
Scarlett scowled, then drained her glass and heaved a sigh.
Nadia arched an eyebrow. “Well?”
“I’ll think about it.”
At that moment Ana sidled up to them, sipping from a flute of champagne. “Hey—”
“I need to use the restroom,” Scarlett muttered, handing off her empty glass to Nadia before striding away.
Ana stared after her with a puzzled look. “Was it something I said?”
Nadia laughed. “No worries. It wasn’t—” She broke off, her heart leaping for joy when she saw Reid walking through the door with his mother. Arlene’s eyes appeared red, as if she’d been crying. But her smile was serene, not troubled.
Ana followed Nadia’s gaze across the room and grinned. “You must be on cloud nine right now.”
Nadia smiled, her eyes meeting Reid’s through the crowd. “I am.”
“I don’t blame you.” Ana’s tone was tinged with just a touch of envy. “I love Luke dearly. But he could learn a thing or two from Reid about being more spontaneous and romantic.”
Nadia chuckled, handing her empty glasses to an attentive waiter. “Luke’s always been more analytical and cerebral. He’s an engineer—”
“And Reid is a super macho hockey player, but that doesn’t stop him from showing his romantic side. That proposal…” Ana sighed and lifted her glass to her lips, looking across the room with a sudden calculating gleam in her eyes. “I bet Viggo is roman—”
“Ana,” Nadia warned.
“Just kidding!” She laughed and sipped innocently at her champagne.
Nadia put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a sisterly hug. “Listen, chica, Luke’s crazy about you. I still remember how excited he was when he first told us about you. He loves you, Ana. And that’s all that matters.”
“I know. I’ve never doubted that.” Ana’s expression softened. “But thank you for the reminder.”
Nadia winked. “One good turn deserves another.”
Ana smiled, remembering the pep talk she’d given Nadia that day at her parents’ house. It seemed a lifetime ago.
“I know Reid just proposed,” Ana said casually, “but have you given any thought to your wedding date?”
“I have.” Nadia smiled as she watched Reid come toward her, stopping every two steps to receive congratulations from well wishers. “I’m thinking the end of June is a good time. Reid’s so busy with hockey, I don’t want to add a wedding to his already full plate. By the end of June, whether the Rebels win the Cup or not, the season will be over. So we can just relax and enjoy our wedding and get away for a nice, long, stress-free honeymoon. Also,” she added, shifting her gaze to Ana, “I don’t want to upstage your wedding in April. Having ours in June gives you and Luke time to enjoy the spotlight.”
Ana gave her a warm, grateful smile and hugged her around the waist. “Thank you for being such a beautiful person. Inside and out.”
Nadia smiled, hugging her back. “Ditto.”
Reid finally reached them, his eyes on Nadia’s face. “Hey.”
She smiled softly. “Hey, yourself.”
Ana grinned. “I’ll leave you two alone.”
When she was gone, Reid reached out and palmed Nadia’s cheek. “Sorry I took so long.”
“That’s okay.” She smiled. “I assumed you and your mom had some important things to say to each other.”
“We did.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “She told me she talked to you and apologized.”
“She did,” Nadia confirmed. “We’re good now. What about you? Did you make peace with her?”
“Something like that. She knows where I stand when it comes to you.” He paused. “I’ll leave it at that for now.”
Nadia nodded slowly while sliding her palms up and down his chest, savoring his heat through the fine wool of his suit jacket.
“You keep rubbing me like that,” he warned, the husky rumble of his voice spreading goose bumps over her skin, “and we’re not gonna make it through this party. In fact, I’m thinking we should just skip dinner and—”
Nadia laughed. “I don’t think so!”
An older couple walked by and smiled at them. “Congratulations, Reid and Nadia.”
“Thank you,” they responded warmly.
Reid turned back to Nadia and grinned. “Logan and Hunter want to know if you can introduce them to your cousins.”
She laughed.
“Seriously. They told me to ask you after they saw that group picture on your Instagram page.”
Nadia grinned. “Well, as you already know, all of those cousins live in Virginia, so the fellas will have to wait to meet them at our wedding.” She paused. “Fair warning: They only date black men. So your boys might have their work cut out for them.”
Reid chuckled. “I’ve never known them to back down from a challenge, so it’s all good.” He leaned down, nipping her earlobe between his teeth as he murmured, “Speaking of our wedding, how soon can we make it happen?”
“Hmm.” His tongue on her ear felt hot and wet, sending shivers through her body. “No sooner than June.”
“What?” He pulled back and stared down at her in disbelief. “Why so far away?”
She laughed. “That’s not far away. This is December. June is only six months away.”
“Well, yeah, but I was hoping we could get married sooner.”
She raised an eyebrow. “So what do you propose? That we squeeze in a wedding and honeymoon between your games?”
He scowled and grumbled, but she could tell he understood where she was coming from.
Smiling, she stroked his whisker-rough jaw, cherishing the feel of him. “Just remember what I said. Good things come to those who wait.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” But he was smiling.
She glanced past him, then touched his arm and pointed across the room. “Look.”
He followed the direction she indicated to see their parents laughing and chatting like old friends.
A broad smile spread over his face. “Beautiful.”
Nadia beamed. “It sure is.”
They watched their folks for a few moments. Then Reid glanced around the room and remarked, “I see Viggo’s here.”
Nadia followed his gaze to where Viggo stood with Hunter, Logan, Colt, Avery, Aria, Jess and some skinny blonde. They were drinking champagne, laughing and joking around. Jess and Avery flanked Viggo on either side, breathlessly hanging on his every word. Jess was in full flirt mode—batting her eyelashes, tossing her hair and touching his arm every time she laughed. She was all but serving herself to him on a silver platter. But Viggo appeared more amused than enticed by her advances. And his eyes kept straying across the room to where Scarlett stood in a circle with Lennox, Nelson, Bianca, Luke and Ana.
He was watching Scarlett. And she was watching him.
Nadia smiled, tucking her arm through Reid’s. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“I am.” He sounded amused. “Didn’t you introduce them to each other?”
“I did.”
“What happened?”
Nadia sighed. “It didn’t go very well. Scarlett kinda blew it.”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Scarlett suddenly excused herself from her group and made her way across the room toward Viggo. He watched her approach, his face inscrutable. When she reached him, he gave her a small nod, the barest hint of a smile curving his lips.
Nadia couldn’t make out Scarlett’s words, but she assumed she was offering some sort of mea culpa for her earlier rudeness.
Viggo nodded again, acknowledging her apology.
Then Scarlett hesitated, as if she were waiting for him to say something. When he didn’t, she looked deflated. And rebuffed.
But as she turned to walk away, Viggo reached out and caught her wrist, stopping her. When she turned around to face him, he gave her a panty-dropping smile that had her looking dazed and sprung.
Nadia tried to read Viggo’s lips, but she was too far away. Whatever he said to Scarlett made her smile like a shy virgin. Then they walked off together, all but holding hands as they stared at each other.
In the wake of their departure, Avery looked somewhat perplexed, as if she were wondering what had just happened.
Jess looked peeved.
As Viggo and Scarlett walked slowly across the room, lost in their own world, Uncle Lavell and Aunt Sherise glanced up from chatting with two other couples. When they caught sight of their daughter with Viggo, they did a double take and traded shocked glances, then looked across the room at Nadia.
Uncle Lavell’s expression was suspicious and accusing. Aunt Sherise’s was unabashedly intrigued.
Nadia laughed and shrugged her shoulders, feigning ignorance. Then she turned away to exchange pleased grins with Reid.
A white-gloved waiter approached them with a tiered dessert tray filled with beautifully decorated petit fours.
Nadia exclaimed in delight, cooing over the elaborate designs until Reid chuckled and drawled, “Just pick one, babe.”
Grinning, she selected a glazed petit four decorated like a wedding present. Reid chose an elegant Christmas ornament topped with tiny silver sugar pearls.
As they fed each other the delicate mini cakes, cheers and applause erupted from their guests. They laughed, licking sweet glaze from each other’s fingers.
“Kiss her under the mistletoe!” a man called out jovially.
A wave of laughter swept through the crowd. Reid and Nadia grinned and glanced upward, expecting to see a sprig of mistletoe.
“Um, we’re not standing under any,” Nadia pointed out the obvious.
Reid’s eyes glinted roguishly. “Since when do I need mistletoe to kiss you?”
She grinned. “Good point.”
Hooking an arm around her waist, he gallantly dipped her backward, leaned over her and kissed her long and hard, eliciting another chorus of cheers and whistles from their guests.
By the time he let her up, she was breathless and intoxicated, giddy with sheer joy.
When she looked around and saw her mother’s face in the crowd, her throat tightened. Eden had tears in her eyes and was smiling radiantly. Meeting Nadia’s gaze, she blew her a kiss and mouthed, You deserve all this and more.
Nadia smiled warmly and mouthed back, Thank you for everything, Ma.
A few moments later when “In Your Eyes” began playing, Nadia’s heart melted and tears sprang to her eyes. As she stared at Reid, he smiled tenderly and held out his hand to her.
“Can I have this dance?”
“Absolutely.” She gave him her hand, and he led her out to the middle of the dance floor.
Everyone looked on with big smiles as he took her in his arms, holding her possessively close. She twined her arms around his neck, relishing the hard strength of his body against hers, the strong beat of his heart, the intense love radiating from his eyes.
As they began swaying together, everything in the background faded away. It was just the two of them. Just this moment. It was so magical, it felt like they were gliding through a dream.
“I don’t want to wake up,” Nadia whispered.
Reid smiled. “When you do, I’ll still be here.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart.” He bent his head and feathered a kiss along her jawline, making her shiver and smile.
“You didn’t actually cross your heart.”
He chuckled. “That would require the use of one hand. And I’m not about to let you go, baby, not even for a second.”
Her smile widened. “Fair enough.”
He lifted his head to grin down at her. “When we get back to Denver, we can have another engagement party and invite more people—”
“More than this?”
He chuckled at her incredulous tone. “So you can celebrate with your friends and coworkers and other family members,” he elaborated.
“I’d like that very much.” She grinned. “We should also invite your teammates’ wives and girlfriends. You heard Sergei,” she teased, referring to the Rebels’ Russian goalie. “He said Jenna feels cheated because she couldn’t be here tonight. She’s gonna give you an earful when we go to their house for dinner.”
Reid smiled. “I’ll take my chances,” he said, his arms tightening around her waist and pulling her closer. “I couldn’t wait any longer to propose to you, Nadia. As amazing as it felt to score that goal, putting a ring on your finger is what made this night absolutely perfect.”
“Oh, baby.” With a dreamy sigh of pleasure, Nadia slid her fingers into the hair at the back of his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers. His breath quickened as she gave him a deep, lingering kiss, retreating just as she felt him increase the pressure.
“Easy there, Rocket,” she whispered teasingly. “Our guests are watching.”
The blue of his eyes seared her with molten heat. “We’re leaving right after dinner,” he growled low.
An electric sizzle shot to her core. “You’ll get no argument from me,” she breathed.
“Yeah?” A crooked grin curved his mouth. “Then you’re definitely gonna make the perfect wife.”
She laughed.
His expression went soft. Framing her face between his hands, he gazed down at her and murmured, “Thank you for saying yes.”
Nadia smiled into his eyes, falling even harder. “Thank you for asking….”