Page 10 of Dreams on the Ice

This is probably a horrible idea because whatever friendship we have is going to be null and void by the end of this. We’ll either be fuck buddies, lovers, or hate each other—there will be no in-between.

And since I’m not the kind of guy to commit, considering I’ve never done it before in my life, except for hockey, I have a feeling that I’m going to ruin everything and her. I’ll ruin her, and I can’t allow that to happen.

Brooklynn is too special. Too bright for me to treat badly. Another reason of the thousands that I haven’t taken this physical attraction I feel toward her any further. I’m afraid I’ll hurt her, and the sensation is odd. Because I don’t think I’ve ever been afraid a day in my life. I’ve felt a lot of different emotions, but never fear.

“I won’t, Brook. I really appreciate all your help. I know I am asking a lot of you. Clothes and rearranging your whole life, your business, to help me. It’s a lot, and I want to say thank you.”

Her lips curve up into a grin, and she jerks her chin slightly. “Okay, let’s get some mimosas or something… and food, so I don’t get drunk.”

Laughing, I reach out and hold my palm up for her. Without hesitation, she slips her fingers into mine, and I grasp her hand. Together, hand in hand, we head toward the nearest bar that is within sight of our gate.

The rest of the trip is great. We drink champagne, eat carbs so we aren’t trashed, and by the time we land and head toward our car, we are finally completely comfortable. Until I arrive at the gates of the estate.

My stomach twists as I stare at the call box. I could probably put in the code. I doubt it’s changed in all these years, but I decide against it.

This isn’t a friendly family visit.

And I know I’m not wholly welcome, either, not unless I bow down to their demands. I won’t be doing that. Instead, I lift my hand and extend my index finger to touch the call button.

I can feel Brooklyn’s gaze focus on my profile. I can tell she’s curious as to why I’m not just driving in, but she doesn’t say anything. I hear someone’s voice over the speaker. I don’t recognize it, but that doesn’t surprise me. My parents usually hire staff just for this party, and this is probably one of the temporary security people.

After I tell him my name, I am instructed to enter and drive to the back of the estate. It’s the owner's entrance, but it still, for whatever reason, makes me feel like I’m some kind of dirty secret. I know I’m not. It’s just in my own head. I don’t feel like I belong at all. I never have. This isn’t my world. I’m just a character in it.

“Ready?” I ask with a heavy sigh as the gates slowly open.

Brooklynn’s fingers wrap around my wrist, squeezing me. When I turn my attention to her, she’s giving me a soft smile. I flick my gaze to her lips, watching them for a moment, wishing I could kiss them. I bet they have healing powers.

“I’m ready, Forrest.”

I’m ready, too, but not to see my parents… I’m ready to make her mine.

Chapter

Five

FORREST

I’msurprised as I pull the rental BMW 7 Series up to the guest cottage, where my parents are standing in front of the garage door. They’ve never been outside to greet me when I’ve come home for visits. And this event requires my mother’s undivided attention, especially the afternoon of the first party, an evening garden party.

She should be sitting at the vanity in her bedroom with her entire crew of makeup and hair people surrounding her. So, the fact that she’s standing right here in front of me causes my body to jerk.

“Is everything okay?” Brooklynn whispers.

My initial reaction is to ignore her, but I can’t do that, so I answer her. “I honestly don’t know. Let’s get this over with.”

After shifting the car intoPark, I turn the engine off and open the door. Instead of walking straight to my parents, I play the perfect boyfriend and jog around the front of the car to open the passenger door.

The entire time I move around, I can feel my parents’ gazes focused on me and only me. I open the passenger side door, then hold out my hand, my palm facing up for Brooklynn.

She must feel the attention on her as well. She sucks in a breath, then places her hand in mine before she shifts her legs over the side of the car, places her feet on the concrete, and slowly stands.

Releasing her hand, I place my palm against the small of her back, and together, we make our way toward my waiting parents. My father is focused on Brooklynn, and my mother’s attention is on me. The moment we have closed the distance between us, my mother takes two strides toward me and wraps her arms around me in an embrace.

I’m taken aback.

I can’t remember the last time my mother hugged me without an audience. Then my spine stiffens because I realize there is an audience here. Brooklynn. This is all for her, to appear to be the perfect family when I know the truth.

Fucking shit.

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