Prologue
PIPER
“That sounds like a great plan, sweetheart.”
“Are you sure? It’s not too lame?” I ask my mom on the phone.
“I know the team has been away, so I think Duncan would love spending some quality time with you.”
“I’ve missed him.”
The life of being a pro hockey player’s girlfriend. My boyfriend and the Black Diamonds have been gone on a thirteen-day, six-game stretch. The team was dominant. You couldn’t have asked for a better start to their season.
“I know when your dad played, I hated the away games. And that was only a few days.”
“I just hope he likes this surprise.”
“Trust me, he will.” I can almost hear my mom’s smile through the phone. “Tell Duncan we said hi.”
“I will. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too.”
I end the call and shoulder open the door of my small car. Grabbing the bag of groceries on the front seat, I head into the lobby of Duncan’s building.
It’s one of the more modern buildings in downtown Denver. The lobby is all glass and marble. Sunlight beams through the lobby in the early afternoon. It’s way too fancy for my taste, with an ornate gold fountain in the middle of the outer courtyard, but Duncan likes it. Mainly because of the doorman. Because what professional athlete doesn’t need security, he told me.
“Hi, Miss Fields.”
“Hi, Ray.” I wave to the older security guard who mans the front desk. “How was your family reunion?”
He gives me a big toothy smile. “It was wonderful. Happy to see all the grandkids come in from Texas.”
“I’m glad you had a good time.”
“Thanks for asking. I’ll buzz you up.”
“Thank you.” I give him a smile before hoisting my purse higher up on my shoulder as I wait for the doors to open.
The elevator to the penthouse condo opens and I step in. The ride to the top of the building is swift. With each floor I pass, my nerves grow.
It’s always like this after a stretch of away games. All I really get during these times is a few texts here and there. Duncan says he likes to stay in game mode and not break his concentration with phone and video calls.
I don’t get it, but I don’t want to mess with the mojo.
The elevator opens and I head to the one door on the top floor of the building. Windows look out over the bustling city. It’s the perfect fall day in Denver.
Grabbing my key, I open the door to Duncan’s place. It might not be one of the most exciting ways to welcome him home, but I love cooking. And it’s one of the ways I love showering Duncan with attention.
Dating a hockey player is something I never thoughtwould happen. But when I started working for the Black Diamonds, I couldn’t resist Duncan.
Those green eyes and that blond hair drew me in. I was a goner by the end of the first date.
Unlocking the door, I nearly trip over something in the entryway. Kicking it out of the way, my eyes are drawn to it.
A red lacy bra.
“What in the world?”
