Page 18 of Ice Ice Maybe
“More than ready,” she said, jumping up out of her seat so fast that it made me snort.
I stood and glanced around the luxurious owner’s suite, located right above the lower seating bowl at center ice. Our typical small group of twenty VIPs, sponsors, and team executives were mingling and enjoying the gourmet spread of sushi, sliders, charcuterie, and much more. Dad was in the back of the suite, engaged in an animated discussion with a biotech mogul. Mom was by the bar, deep in conversation with a member of the catering staff. Knowing her, she was probably sourcing recipes or brainstorming the menu for her next charity gala.
Jing sidled up next to me in her matching Sea Lions jersey and grabbed a plate, adding two sliders, a generous helping ofprosciutto and aged Gouda from the charcuterie board, along with a dab of fig jam. She didn’t even bother putting the spicy tuna roll on her plate, opting to stick it directly in her mouth and immediately moaning her approval.
“You weren’t kidding when you said you were ready for food,” I said with an amused smile, then reached for a plate and helped myself to truffle mac and cheese and five stuffed mushrooms.
We settled back into our seats and ate, our attention on the ice as Nolan smoothed the surface on his Zamboni.
“Your boy is hard at work again down there,” she said. “He always looks so focused. Notice how he’s not paying attention to the announcer or anything else happening in the arena.”
“He takes his job seriously.” I smiled as I leaned forward and watched him expertly navigate the hulking machine, but then I corrected Jing. “And he’s not my boy.”
“Sure—whatever you say.” She glanced around to make sure no one was in earshot, then leaned in close. “So, about that kiss at the taqueria, was it as mind-blowing as it looked in the video, or was that all for show?”
I felt my cheeks flush as I recalled the electricity of Nolan’s lips on mine, keeping my voice low when I said, “It was off the charts.”
“Were there fireworks?” she asked.
I nodded. “There was even a moment when my brain short-circuited and I forgot who I was.”
Jing laughed. “Does he have a twin brother?”
“Sorry—he’s an only child,” I said with a frown as I popped a stuffed mushroom in my mouth.
“Just my luck,” she said, taking a bite of her slider. “Hey, do you think Nolan would be open to being my fake boyfriend when you’re finished with him?”
I rolled my eyes as I chewed.
“I’m joking of course,” Jing said. “But seriously, the man is gorgeous.”
“Nolan told me in a text this morning that Mitch called him a pretty boy,” I said. “I mean, technically, Mitch isn’t wrong, but Nolan is much more than a good-looking man with smoking-hot kisses. He’s got depth that would surprise you.”
Jing leaned in, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.”
“Well, for starters, he’s incredibly thoughtful. He’s loyal, we both know that. And he’s got this quiet intelligence; it’s like he sees things others miss. Plus, he’s got a great sense of humor, always ready with a quip that makes me laugh.”
She nodded. “I love a man with a sense of humor.”
“And let’s not forget his work ethic. The way he takes pride in his job, no matter how unglamorous others might find it. It’s actually quite admirable.”
“Careful or people might think you really like him,” Jing said with an amused smile. She subtly tilted her head, signaling behind me. “Speaking of hunks, don’t look now, but someone is eyeing you again.”
I nonchalantly glanced back at Evan Beaumont, one of Dad’s wealthy business partners. He was handsome and successful, but also arrogant, with a reputation as a playboy.
“Not again,” I said. “If he asks me out one more time, I’m going to scream.”
As if on cue, Evan sauntered over, martini in hand and a smarmy look plastered on his face. “Zena, you look stunning, as always. What do you say we grab dinner sometime, just the two of us? I could take you to Lucha Libre Taco Shop.”
Wonderful. Evan saw the video.
I fixed him with a polite but firm smile. “Thank you, Evan, but I’ll have to decline. I’m seeing someone now, as I’m sure you know.”
He shrugged. “I thought you were out having fun. It didn’t look serious.”
Jing huffed. “You don’t think marriage is serious?”
Okay, what is she doing?
