I hesitate, then give a short nod.
He takes my hand. “The others are staring at us.”
“They always do that,” I lie. “But perhaps we should go back to the apartment.”
We ride the elevator down. I can still taste him.
Florian’s thumb traces hearts on the back of my hand. “I made reservations at that restaurant your sister said we used to eat at.”
CHAPTER
NINETEEN
Florian
Last night’s dinner was wonderful and included oysters, but I haven’t remembered anything more. I insist on going to the arena with Mateo. I can exercise and watch my teammates practice. I don’t want to spend another day at home alone missing Mateo.
“Are you nervous?” Mateo asks me.
“Maybe,” I admit.
I look out at the arena. “It’s very new and impressive.”
“That’s what everyone says.”
“I cannot believe I lost my memory,” I grumble. “Now I must do the first day of work all over again.”
Mateo gives a delighted giggle, and I pull him into my arms and kiss him. I brush my lips against his tentatively, then suck on his lip. He gives a little gasp, and I tentatively rub my tongue against his.
Ever since we kissed at the pool, I’ve kissed him every chance I can. I love kissing Mateo.
My cells zing, and someone must have placed us on one of the fluffy clouds currently sweeping over Boston’s bright blue sky.
Someone whistles, and when we look, Troy is giving us two thumbs up.
Mateo waves, then I do.
We walk toward the arena.
“I am sorry I kept you a secret,” I say. “That must have been hard for you.”
“It was really okay.”
I nod solemnly.
Still, when we enter the arena, I take his hand in mine, and when he tries to let go, I rub my thumb over his to calm him.
Mateo murmurs something—it sounds like ‘I’m going to hell’, but obviously I must have misheard.
We walk past security, then Mateo leads me toward the massage room. I can’t wait to see where Mateo works. A few players spot us together. Their eyebrows raise, their jaws drop, then they grin.
“You’re a real Blizzard now,” Axel Knight says.
I beam at him. “I saw you play during the Olympics!”
He chuckles. “You know, we’ve actually played together too.”
“So you and Mateo?” Axel asks.
