Page 63 of Ice Dance Hockey

Somehow, I’ve come to care about my new little family. I don’t know how that happened either. I was genuinely set on breaking Mercy and Jack apart, but now I want to make sure Rhett’s asshole dad doesn’t ruin their lives.

“Father isn’t going to believe us at first. Tonight, we set the groundwork for a much bigger plan. I told you this would take some time.”

I nod into his chest.

“If there’s anyone who can do this, it’s you. Channel the guy who told Rhett Elkington that the ice was yours and that he could go play in traffic.”

“I didn’t give a shit about anything a few weeks ago.” I was pissed. I’d driven across Canada to cool down. I was still steaming when I turned up on Jack and Mercy’s doorstep. “I had nothing to lose.”

“I’m going to be with you. I won’t let you fall, remember? That goes for off the ice, too. If Father’s going to rake anyone over the coals, it’ll be me. Promise.”

“Okay. What about your mom?”

“Mother is intense, but she handles Maxwell Elkington, and she’s a high-profile lawyer, so that’s to be expected. Rich can be a dick, but?—”

“It’s literally his name.”

“There you go. My other brother’s in France for most of the summer and I think you might like Angelique.”

I’ve been hearing all about Rhett’s brother Maverick, the one that’s away. He’s playing for my brother’s team this season.

“If I have to put up with another Elkington,” he’d said, “he better play as good as the first draft copy.”

“What about food? I don’t like eating in front of new people.”

“You ate in front of me.”

“Again, didn’t give a fuck, Rhett.”

“Mother is aware of your special diet.”

“How?”

“I told her. You won’t have to worry about declining anything. I gave her a list of what you can eat.”

“Fuck. Okay, but can we stay out here instead?”

“No.”

“Then let’s get this over with.”

“C’mon, we’ll walk the rest of the way. It’s just up here.”

The trees shake with a warm breeze and a mixture of floral scents. Rhett’s firm hand wraps mine in security. He’s wearing a button-up shirt in pink with a high collar and white slacks.Casual dress my ass.

“I want our next date to be someplace I can wear jeans,” I demand.

“Don’t be ridiculous. All the important places require fancy dress. That’s where we need to go to be seen.”

“You were seen in a tiny coffee shop, Elkington. I think we’ll be fine.” Yeah, I’m rubbing it in. He’s supposed to be the expert when dealing with the public.

We stroll up to a large home that hangs toward the water. It’s massive, and there’s a garden off to the east side of the house that looks like it took its inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. Inside are tall ceilings with plaster moldings, columns, and polished stone floors.

Jesus fucking Christ, this place. There are gold chandeliers everywhere and cases along the walls filled with nothing but jade statues of animals. Not one, but two sweeping staircases lead up to a landing with yet another set of staircases.

Rhett’s mother looks like she does as much yoga and plays as much tennis as Rhett plays hockey. She’s tanned and her shiny locks are the same deep brown as Rhett’s. Her nails have a fresh French manicure and she’s clicking around in a pair of shiny red Louboutin pumps. A sharp yellow dress bells out and bounces around her.

“Hello, doll. I’m Jane, and you must be Logan. Rhett’s said a lot about you. Head straight through to the deck. Dinner will be served out there.”

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