Page 56 of Miami Ice

“I appreciate that,” Beckham says casually. “I’d like to get Nowak’s thoughts on the neighborhood.”

I smile at his laid-back reaction. Of course, to Beckham, Antoni Nowak is just another athlete.

Or potential new neighbor.

“This is it,” Kinzie says, pulling up to a gate and lowering her window.

I stare up at the large, square-shaped, gleaming white contemporary home with lots of windows. It’s not nearly as big as Antoni’s, but it’s still a mansion. Huge palm trees frame it from all sides, and as the gates swing open, I can see it’s well landscaped with lush tropical plants and trees. There’s boxwood shrubbery that’s clipped to perfection, and a water sculpture/fountain near the path that leads to the front door. The look is both modern and tranquil.

Kinzie parks the car, and we all get out. The Realtor leads us up the path, rattling off all kinds of details.

“I think you’ll see why Sofia was so excited about this property,” she says eagerly. “It has large living spaces, and it’s very open and airy. A gorgeous swimming pool and guesthouse. This home is just over fifty-one hundred square feet and has six bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths.”

“Good. I always like a higher bathroom-to-bedroom ratio,” Beckham says dryly.

Kinzie smiles brightly at him, not picking up on the fact that he is completely joking. “It’s perfect for when you have guests.”

I share a look with Beckham that tells him I know he’s kidding, and his eyes shine back at me in amusement.

Then he winks at me.

Electricity jolts through me the second I see that wink. I feel excited and happy. I know I’m in over my head, but I ignore the warning flags and decide to live in the moment and bask in his attention.

We walk up toward the front door, and there’s a floor-to-ceiling window next to it. I look inside where I can see a magnificent floating staircase and large living area.

Kinzie enters the code into the lock on the door, and then she opens it. I step inside, loving the fact that the floors are a very pale, light wood and not marble. I look up, andwow, the ceiling soars high above us.

“The ceiling in the foyer is twenty feet,” Kinzie says, as if she read my mind.

To my right is a staircase, and to my left is a large living area, with more floor-to-ceiling windows to let in natural light. The home is artfully arranged with modern, contemporary furniture in a neutral palette.

“I love the floors,” I say to him. “The wood warms the space up.”

“It’s European wood,” Kinzie adds. “It’s just stunning.”

Beckham wanders into the living room and looks around. There’s a beautiful fireplace against one wall, and the lush foliage from outside is nestled up against the windows, which I like.

“Kinzie, would you mind if Georgie and I walk around first before doing an official tour?” Beckham asks.

“Of course. I’ll be available if you have any questions.”

She moves down the hallway, toward the back of the house, her Louboutin heels clicking against the hardwood. When Kinzie is out of sight, Beckham turns to me. “I want you to tell me what you really think about this place as we walk through it. Don’t hold back.”

“Of course I will. But Beckham, it doesn’t matter what I think. I mean, I know you told me you wanted my opinion, but you’re the one who’s going to have to live here.”

He stares down at me. “I told you when I was in Denver, I rented a condo downtown. That’s because I didn’t want the commitment of a house. But now? I want to show Miami I’m committed to them. They probably don’t care where I live as long as I produce on the ice. I could have let Sofia put an offer for this home sight unseen. In the past, I would have done that. Let someone else handle it. But not anymore.”

I stand still as I watch him. Beckham pauses for a moment, then he continues.

“I need to be responsible for this,” he says quietly. “I need to prove to myself I’m ready to grow the hell up and own a home. And yes, I have Sofia’s opinion on this place, but she’s my sister. I need someone else’s opinion. Someone who will shoot straight with me and tell me what I need to hear. I want your opinion because … well, I … I trust you, Georgie.”

My heart beats wildly inside my chest. I see nothing but sincerity shining in his deep brown eyes.

I trust you, too,I think.

“Okay,” I say simply. “I’ll tell you what I think. And I’ll start by saying there is a shocking lack of pink so far, but that can be rectified with paint.”

Beckham laughs loudly. “I knew I was right to bring you.”

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