“I wanted to skate.” It’s true. Just not the complete truth. “How about you? I couldn’t help but to see you on the ice. You’re amazing. Are you sure hockey is your calling? I think it’s ice skating.”
He laughs. “Want to join me?” he asks. Conveniently not addressing the last comment.
“Yeah.” I move to the benches, Blake in step beside me, and sit down, removing my shoes and putting on my skates. It only takes me a moment to lace them. Blake reaches out for my hand when I’m done and I grasp it. A sudden sense of familiarity and home taking over me.
God, I’ve missed his touch.
Chapter 16
Carter
Today’s the day. Mybrother and Blake are going to be forced to face their issues, and either come out of this on Monday morning together, or forever be broken. But it has to be done, no matter the result. Personally, I have a good feeling it’s going to be with both of them madly in love and ready to make Ginny ours as a unit.
When I pull into the nearly empty parking lot, a sense of excitement overtakes me when I see Ginny’s car. I can see the smoke filtering from the tailpipe, so I know she’s inside it. My heart warms knowing that she’s safely enjoying the heat it provides.
A few stray cars are parked, scattered near the far end, their windshields glistening faintly with the promise of frost. But none of them belong to Coach Lein. We’re good. We can slip in, set up everything and then get the two key players into position.
A sharp gust of wind cuts through me as I open my door, stepping out of my truck, carrying the biting scent of impending snow. I shiver, shutting the door behind me, making my way over to Ginny’s car. She sits inside, head down, scrolling throughher phone, not even aware that I had pulled up beside her. I use my fist and give a gentle, but firm knock on her window that causes her to jump and her phone to go flying into the passenger seat.
She places her hand over her chest, breathing deeply when she looks over to see me. Her head falls back on the seat and she begins to laugh. “You scared the ever loving shit out of me!” she screams through the shut door, not even taking the time to open it or roll down the window.
I move back, allowing her space to open the door and get out. As soon as she shuts the door, I step into her space, backing her up against her car as my fingers slip through her hair and my lips crash onto hers.
It’s reckless. I know it. Anyone could see us and report back to her father, but I couldn’t let the moment pass. She moans and I capture it, savoring it like I'm an inmate on death row and her kiss is my last meal.
She places her hands on my chest, gripping my jacket in her palms before pushing me away, frantically looking around the parking lot to check if someone is watching.
“We can’t do this in the open, especially not right here, where my dad could show up at any minute.” The panic in her voice is evidence of how scared she is of getting caught.
“You’re right. I just couldn't help myself. I’ll make sure to check first next time. I can’t help it. You’re so fucking irresistible.”
“Stop. Are we ready? We need to be quick.” She pauses for a moment, biting on her bottom lip, as if she’s thinking about how to word her next response. “How are you going to make sure my dad doesn’t see anything? He’ll be here in a few hours and will close up the rink. How are we going to get Blake and Chase in there without him seeing?”
A wide grin stretches across my face, one full of mischief and something dangerously close to delight. I’m barely able to contain the amusement I have over her question. I feel as smug as the Cheshire Cat himself.
She narrows her eyes. “What?”
My grin only deepens. “There may have been a part of the plan I kept from you. I told you I was going to cover any possible scenario that could arise. I just need one thing from you.”
She crosses her arms, leveling me with a stare that any other time would have me shitting my pants in fear she was able to end me, end us. “Carter.”
I chuckle, shifting my weight, but not answering.
“Carter. Tell me. If you need my help more than this, don’t you think it’s important to let me in so I know what to do?”
“Fine. Like I told you, I was going to bring Henley in on the plan. He’s going to be here to make this meeting look legit. He’s also going to take everything from where we place it and set it out. All I need you to do is to be here at three sharp and get your father out of here. He always stays while they resurface the ice, but Henley is going to step in and tell him he’ll do it for him.”
“See, Carter. Vital information I needed. Three sharp. I can do it. I actually have the perfect plan to get him out of here.”
“Good, then we’re set. Come Monday, the two of them will be back together.”God, I hope so.
I take hold of her hand and move toward the truck bed. We need to hurry up and get this shit inside before anyone catches us. Then I need to head home and make sure Henley calls for the meeting. Of course, all the other guys will already know to ignore the message. We just needed to include them to make it look legit. The only person blocked from the thread is Max. He’s too much of a wild card and we don’t need him showing up and fucking shit up.
“What can I take?” Ginny asks, stepping up beside me as I lower the tailgate.
“If you can get those two duffel bags, I’ll take the box and rolling footlocker. Just be careful.” I take hold of the handle on the footlocker and pull it off the truck, letting it fall heavily onto the concrete. There’s nothing inside that can break, so I’m not worried about that.
She reaches in like a fucking champ, taking hold of the straps of the bags. Their weight nearly knocks her off balance, and she lets out the cutest little huff as she struggles to get a better hold.
