Page 18 of Fire and Ice
“She looks so beautiful on the ice.” Gracie Chen’s mother, Mindy, had pride in her voice. The kind of pride Chelsea’s own mom had expressed for her daughter when she was alive.
Chelsea nodded without taking her gaze off Gracie. “She’s gifted.”
“You have made all the difference, Ms. Dunn.” Mindy’s sincere words sent warmth through Chelsea.
“I live vicariously through your daughter.” She flashed Mindy a smile before looking back at Gracie. “I loved competition—training in Colorado Springs was the best thing that happened to advance my career.”
“We can’t wait for her to start.” Mindy hurried to add, “Of course, Gracie will miss you.”
Chelsea almost laughed as she watched the girl perform her routine. “I love Gracie to pieces, but going to the Broadmoor Arena is going to do fantastic things for her career. As long as she keeps working as hard as she does, she has the skill and talent to make it onto the Olympic team.”
“I know you wouldn’t say it if you didn’t mean it.” Mindy drew Chelsea’s attention briefly from Gracie. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for trusting me with her training, Mrs. Chen.” Chelsea smiled. “I feel blessed to have even a small part of working with Gracie.” She moved her gaze back to the young athlete. “She is fortunate to have parents like you, who are willing to move to Colorado so she can have this opportunity and still be with her family.”
Gracie came to a perfect ending to her performance. Chelsea clapped, Mindy echoing with enthusiasm.
“Great job, Gracie.” Chelsea motioned for Gracie to come to her. “I think you’ve had enough for the day.”
“I still want to skate.” If she could get her own way, Gracie would never get off the ice.
Mindy shook her head. “Time for a good meal before you do your homework and then get to bed.”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “Mom. You’re such a—a—mom.”
Both Chelsea and Mindy laughed. “That’s because I am. Now get your skates off, and we’ll head home.”
Gracie gave a few good-natured grumbles. She was probably tired, but her competitive spirit never wanted to stop. Chelsea knew the feeling well.
As Gracie and Mindy walked away, a male voice captured Chelsea’s attention. “Hello, beautiful.”
Chelsea gave a broad smile as she turned to face Grady, who was decked out in full hockey gear. A happy feeling bloomed in her chest. “Hey there.”
He took her by her upper arms and brushed his mouth over hers. It was such a sensual touch of their lips that she shivered with pleasure.
She rested her palms on his shoulder pads. Why was it that a man in uniform turned her on? Yeah, he was so good-looking in his hockey outfit, and she’d bet anything he was equally yummy in his firefighting gear.
“What time is the game this evening?” She slid her hands down the front of his jersey as she took a step back.
“Seven.” He took her by the shoulders and pressed his lips to hers. “I can’t get enough of you.”
“Same here.” Her words came out husky and maybe even a little needy as tingles curled through her belly. She had to rein herself in. She cleared her throat. “I should let you warm up before they start letting in fans.”
“I’m warming up already.” He grinned as she playfully slapped him on the shoulder.
“You know what I mean.” She shook her finger at him. “Now run along.”
“Yes, teacher.” He brushed his knuckles along her cheekbone. “I had a great time last night. How does Saturday work for you?”
“I had a fabulous time, too.” She felt almost giddy at the prospect of a second date. “What time?”
“I’ll call you, and we’ll figure out where we are going and what time.” He glanced at the ice, where his fellow league teammates were gathering. “I’d better go. Are you staying to watch?”
“Of course.” She gently pushed him toward the arena. “Go on now. They’re waiting for their ringer.”
He snorted. “I’ll see you after the game.” He eyed her. “You are waiting until I get out of the locker room, right?”
“If you insist.” She pretended to be put out even as she wanted to say abso-freaking-lutely-yes.
