Page 33 of Ice Ice Maybe
Nolan nodded. “Okay, you’re right. It’s a little more complicated than I anticipated. I mean, we have to pretend we like each other around Mitch. And we have to pretendwe don’tlike each other around your dad.”
“It’s safe to say we stopped pretending anything a while ago,” I admitted.
“That’smy point!” Nolan said. “I’ve liked you since the moment you sat down next to me at Lucha Libre. It’s crazy, but it’s the truth. And it is alsoverydangerous.”
His confession sent a thrill through me, even as anxiety crept in. “Dangerous how?”
Nolan ran a hand down his face, his voice strained. “Your father is my boss, Zena. He made me promise to stick to the plan and walk away from you when it’s done. No exceptions. No hanky-panky. I gave him my word. For me, it’s a question of integrity.”
“Which I can appreciate, but I’m not some helpless damsel whose life needs to be controlled by her father,” I argued. “You’re not taking advantage of me at all. Perhaps it’s me taking advantage of you and your commitment to this plan with everything you have at stake.”
It was time to be honest with Nolan and with myself.
“This is mutual, Nolan,” I added. “I’m a willing participant.”
He groaned, pacing the room. “Why did you say that? That makes it worse. Did you hear me? Mr. Dalton said no hanky-panky!”
“Quit using that expression!” I said. “You sound like my grandmother!”
His lip curled up into a partial smile, but it disappeared in an instant. “This is not funny, Zena. Your dad fired a guy for refusing to do one simple favor for him that was not part of his job duties. I love my job. Finding another one like it would be nearly impossible. We’re adults and we can fight this ridiculous attraction. We have to.”
I wanted to assure him. “Dad wouldn’t fire you over this.”
Nolan’s gaze was serious. “Can you guarantee that?”
I shook my head.
“Exactly,” he said. “I’m just saying, maybe we need to pull the brakes on this speeding locomotive and focus on getting into the playoffs. We can figure this out in the future.”
“In the future?” I stood, moving close to him. “Can you honestly tell me you can shut this off? That the next time we kissfor show, you won’t feel anything? This is not attraction, it is chemistry in its purest form, defying all logic.”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t feel something. I said we should try.” Nolan’s resolve visibly wavered. His eyes softened as they met mine. “It’s ironic, really. This whole charade started as something not exactly honest, but what’s growing between us, it’s the most real thing I’ve felt in a long time. If it wasn’t for the karma of helping you and the team, I’m not sure this job would be worth it.” A small smile played on his lips. “This is your fault for being so irresistible.”
I reached for his hand. “Look who’s talking, mister. Anyway, I truly believe whatever’s meant to be will find a way.” I waved it off. “All right, enough relationship drama. Let’s hear about this master plan of yours. Back to our mission, please.”
Nolan’s eyes lit up, his serious tone completely evaporating. “Okay, so Mitch is downstairs for his pregame meal, right?”
I nodded. “Standard routine. He’ll be back within the hour for his rest period before he takes off to the arena for the game.”
“Exactly,” Nolan said, practically bouncing on his toes. “That is our window right there to take action.”
“What are you saying?” I asked, confused. “You want to break into his room while he’s gone? That would be impossibleandillegal! I will not go to jail for this.”
“What?” Nolan said. “No! I didn’t say that at all. Where did you get that idea from?”
“I don’t know! The movies, maybe? Come on, get to the plan!” I said. “I can’t stand the suspense.”
“Okay,” he said. “When we hear him return to his room, we’re going to put on a little audio show for him.”
My brow furrowed. “Audio show? What are you talking about?”
Nolan’s grin widened. “We’re going to make some very specific noise. The kind of noise that’ll make Mitch think we’re,you know…” He gestured to the bed.
I blinked twice. “Thatis your plan? You can’t be serious!”
“It’s foolproof!” he insisted. “If Mitch suspects you and I are getting freaky beneath the sheets, he’s going to lose his mind.”
“And I’m pretty sure you have already lost yours if you think this will work,” I said. “I can’t believe you gave up the tickets for this.”
