Page 2 of One Weekend in Vienna

And just like that night two years ago after discovering who I was, when she says my name, her beautiful, lush mouth twists with distaste. “Max Walker.” She folds her arms across her chest. “You actually showed up.”

I give her my best Prince Charming smile, the one that usually melts any resistance, but Anna doesn’t blink. She just stares at me, like she’s waiting for me to screw up.

Like she knows I will.

“I always show up,” I shrug a shoulder. “It’s kind of my thing.”

Her lips twitch, almost like she wants to smile, but then she looks away, her expression hardening again. “This isn’t like taking a cheap shot in front of the net.” Her gaze flashes back to mine. “This weekend isn’t about you. It’s about getting this deal done. All you have to do is smile pretty for the camera and then you’re out of my hair.”

Every single muscle in my body twitches at the challenge in her tone. I never met a challenge I didn’t want to conquer.

Is that what this obsession with this woman is? Two years of pining for a woman who obviously hates me – is it just that I finally found something I couldn’t win?

I should just nod, keep my head down, and fucking leave it. By Monday night, she’ll be in my rear view, and I’ll be back on the ice.

I take a step towards her, intending to do just that, but she doesn’t move. Instead, she bites her lip and those golden eyesflicker. A second of vulnerability I would have missed if I hadn’t been watching her so closely.

I take another step, lowering my voice and deliberately brushing her arm with the wool of my coat. “Is that what you want, Anna? To watch me like you do from the sidelines?

She freezes, lifting her chin to meet my gaze head-on. “I’m not one of your rink rats, you arrogant, delusional man. I can replace you tomorrow with any other attractive athlete and not blink twice.”

“So, you admit you think I’m attractive.” I smile at the frosty glare she gives me. She’s the utmost professional, probably one of the classiest women I’ve ever met – which is saying something considering what an absolute brute her brother is – and I’d give anything to hear her internal thoughts out loud.

“I don’t think about you at all,” she says, her elegant accent clipping the words.

I know a lie when I hear one.

“It’s good to see you again, Anna.” I give up the fight and rudely let my eyes slide down her body because let’s face it, she expects the worst from me anyway. Might as well live up to my reputation.

“Hmm. Wish I could say the same.” She paints on an obviously fake, bright smile. “But for some reason, Luxx thinks you’re the best person to showcase their brand so here I am.”

Another guest in line steps around Anna, throwing me a real smile as she walks past. “If she’s not happy to see you, I bet you won’t have any trouble finding some friendly company.” She crooks an eyebrow. “I’ll be in the bar in about two hours.”

I smile back and wink. “I’ve got a work thing, but I’m sure you won’t be lonely.”

When I turn back, Anna’s scowling. She turns on her heels, with a sigh. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”

I jog to catch up to her. “What are you talking about? Most people find me charming.”

But not Anna. When we met that night, two years ago, I could tell right away she wasn’t some puck bunny I could charm and ignore in the morning. At first, she didn’t even seem to notice me, but I’m not a guy who gives up, and the only option for me is winning, no matter what it takes.

And I wanted to win her over. I remember it so vividly. The second she walked in the room it was like the lights twinkled more brightly. Anna held herself with a quiet confidence, not drawing attention to herself, but her cool beauty did that anyway. I remember her simple red dress, legs for days, and her sharp, dry wit. It was clear she was smart, certainly smart enough to see through my bullshit, but I wasn’t giving up.

Slowly, I pulled a one reluctant smile from her and followed by another. Then, we discovered we shared a mutual love for Disney movies, and after she grilled me on Disney trivia, I was well on my way to assuming I had met my future wife, despite us not having exchanged names.

Until Felix sat down at our table, leveled me with an icy stare and made the formal introductions.

As Anna repeated my name, her warmth slipped away, and I knew I didn’t stand a chance a with her. Not then. Not ever.

Even knowing who she was, that weekend I couldn’t help myself, seeking her out every chance I got. She wasn’t immune to me either. Neither of us could deny the spark between us. The spark you only read about in fairytales. I felt it and it was real.

There was just something about her that hooked me hard. Something I couldn’t ignore.

Something that’s been eating at me ever since Felix made his feelings clear on the ice, with his fists and that goddamn trademark snarl every time he sees me. I’m used to his hits. Used to him chirping me. But when I waved at his sister during thatexhibition game, I might as well have been waving a red flag in front of a demented bull.

I guess his message about Anna beingoff-limitswas worth the double-minor that stuck him in the box for a full four.

The head butt should have knocked some sense into me. All it did was rachet up our long-standing vendetta a thousand percent.

---