Page 51 of Pucking Tangled
Tender kisses that left her breathless. Late-night conversations. And a relaxing date or two squeezed in there between games and practices.
Luca was playing the long game. And Mia was here for it.
At least someone had taken the new rule she added to the list to heart.
Mia stepped over the hockey bags and dropped her backpack right beside them.
Silence seemed to echo around her.
“Anyone home?” she called out, surprised that even Skeeter hadn’t run to greet her.
No one answered.
Maybe there was a team meeting or something scheduled that she didn’t know about.
She made her way through the foyer and into the kitchen before she spotted Luca in the backyard.
Their outdoor space was already pretty perfect as far as Mia was concerned, but now it looked a lot more like a romantic oasis. Fairy lights lit up the patio area where the table was set for dinner for two, complete with candles and flowers. Cute little water lilies with lights floated in the pool.
And standing in the middle of it all was Luca, who finally noticed her arrival.
The smile on his face as he walked toward her nearly knocked Miaoff her feet.
“Hi,” he whispered, kissing her on the cheek.
“Luca.” Her own voice came out breathlessly. “Where is everyone?”
He bristled for half a second before shaking his head. “Casey and Owen took Skeeter to doggy daycare to hang out with some of his puppy friends, then they were going out on a date together. Waylon’s at Dalton’s house, blowing off steam.”
“So, it’s just us?” She felt her face light up with excitement and promise.
“Just us, MiaMoo,” he grinned back at her with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Luca placed a hand on her back and led her over to the table. “I thought you might be hungry when you got home.”
“Is that…Pasta alla Vodka?”
“It is.”
“Wow. How’d…”
He smirked. “Casey might have given me a copy of your favorite recipe.”
“Wait, you made this?”
“Guilty,” he grinned like he just won the grand prize.
“Luca Blackford, you did not have to go through all this trouble for me.”
He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. “One day, Mia, you’re going to realize you’re worth it,” he said, kissing her cheek again before circling the table and taking a seat across from her.
Conversation flowed between them with a practiced ease while they ate.
After Mia cleared her plate, she sat back in her chair and wiped the corners of her mouth. “Luca, that’s the best Pasta alla Vodka I think I’ve ever had.”
“Good. I’m glad. I hope you saved room for dessert.”
“Dessert?” Mia let out a tiny laugh. “Luca, you do realize I am a sure thing, right?”
