Page 75 of Ice Ice Maybe
“Mitch, I need to be honest with you,” I said. “Nolan and I may not be in a good place, romantically speaking, but we’re still close friends. I know that won’t be easy for you. I think it’s only fair that I tell you I’ve taken a break from dating altogether. I’m going to focus on my career and personal growth for a while. It’s not fair to you, Nolan, or anyone else for me to be in a relationship right now when I’m not emotionally available. I hope you understand.”
He sighed and ran his hand down his face, thinking. “How do I know this is not an excuse?”
I shrugged. “You don’t, but I hope you will be man enough to accept it and move on with your life. There are so many fish in the sea and you never know who could be right around the corner waiting for you. Someone perfect, who truly gets you. Oh, that reminds me, I forgot the surprise I had for you!”
I waved over to the BMW where Belle was watching intently, waiting for my sign. She practically sprinted toward us as Nolan and Bonnie hung back. Mitch watched her approach with curiosity.
“This is Belle,” I said. “We met downtown and hit it off, and I found out she is your biggest fan.”
Belle stepped forward confidently, planting a kiss on his cheek. “I finally get to meet the ‘Decapitator’ in person. Should I be scared?” She laughed.
“Only if you’re on the other team, sweetheart.” He winked, the flirtatious undertone unmistakable as he eyed her yoga outfit.
I was fascinated by how effortlessly he switched from the brooding, angry man I’d been dealing with to this almost playful version I did not know existed. He responded well to flattery.
Belle shot him a playful glance. “Then I guess I’m on your team, Mitch.”
“Good call,” he said.
“By the way, that first goal last night was incredible.” Her eyes never left Mitch’s face. “I’ve never seen anyone move like that on the ice. Ever.”
Mitch leaned in slightly and whispered suggestively, “It’s all in the hips.”
“I’m sure it is,” she said, glancing down at his lower half. “I can’t wait to see you play in Tampa. I’ve already got the flight and hotel, but Zena said there was a possibility you were not going. Is that true?”
Mitch glanced at me briefly before getting his eyes back on Belle. “I’m not sure.”
“That would be such a shame if you weren’t there,” she said. “You know, I have a twelve-year-old nephew with posters of you on his wall. He wants to be you when he grows up, like thousands of kids. Please don’t disappoint him.” She shrugged, a smile forming on her face. “I would be disappointed as well. I’ll be staying at your hotel.”
“Is that right?” Mitch asked with a grin.
Their body language spoke volumes, but I was tiring of listening to this conversation. Luckily, I wouldn’t have to much longer.
“Nice car,” she said, eyeing the Ferrari.
“It’s a rental, but I’ve got two at home,” Mitch said. “Want to go for a ride?”
Belle’s eyes lit up. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Hop in,” he said, his eyes never leaving her. “I’ll be right there.”
Belle beamed as she slid into the Ferrari’s passenger seat. The car door closed with a soft click, then she waved enthusiastically at Bonnie, as if she were simply heading out for a quick coffee run rather than leaving her best friend behind.
Mitch turned to me again. “Thanks for the introduction. She’s intriguing.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied, then added, “Don’t forget about Tampa. The team needs you there, and Belle will be watching.”
Mitch nodded, but as he turned to leave, his eyes suddenly locked onto my hand. His whole body tensed.
“Why are you still wearing that ring if you and Nolan are done?” he demanded, his voice sharp.
My heart hammered against my ribs.
“It’s stuck," I explained hurriedly. “We’ve tried everything to get it off. Don’t worry, Nolan found some video online with a trick that hopefully will work.”
Mitch’s eyes narrowed. “Is this some kind of trick?”
“No! Look, see for yourself,” I insisted, tugging at the ring futilely.
