Going all In (Men of the Ice Book 8)

by Michele Shriver

  Lauren smiled and locked the door behind her. “Yes. Let’s.”

  Chapter Four

  “Is the rink very far from here?” Lauren asked as they drove away from her apartment.

  Trent shook his head. “No. Less than ten minutes.” He turned to face her for a second. “Didn’t know you had am ice skating rink that close to where you live, huh?”

  “I sure didn’t.”

  Trent’s lips curled in a smile. “Maybe after this afternoon, you’ll decide you like skating so much you’ll be there every day.”

  She let out a laugh. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

  “Oh, you never know...” He shrugged. “Anyway, this is a pretty nice rink. I mean, if you have to do recreational skating indoors, which I suppose you kind of do in Texas.”

  “Are most of the rinks in Canada outdoors?” Lauren asked. “Assuming you’re even from Canada. I mean, not to generalize. I do realize not all hockey players are Canadian.”

  “No, we’re just better at it than anyone else.” Trent grinned. She was cute when she got flustered. “And yes, I’m from Canada. A town called Brampton, outside of Toronto.”

  “Small town, then?”

  “I don’t think it’s too small. Little over half a million people.” He chuckled. “Is that small to a Texan? Assuming you’re even from Texas?” Yesterday, she said her dad lived in Houston, but Trent had no idea whether she was a native or not.

  “Yes. Born and bred,” Lauren said. “And I think we can safely call half a million people a decent sized city, even by Texas standards.”

  “Good to know. Ever been to Canada?”

  “Nope. What’s Brampton like?”

  “Suburbia,” Trent said. “Nice city, though, and home to a few of the best players in the National Hockey League. And me.” Not one of the best, by a long shot, but at least he’d see the ice in the next game, sporting the maroon and gray colors of Generals. Wearing a suit and watching from the press box got a little old.

  “Hey now,” Lauren said, “don’t knock yourself. Isn’t that what you told me?”

  Trent nodded. “Yeah, sorry. I guess I need to practice what I preach.” He turned into the parking lot and eased the car to a stop and turned off the engine. “Here we are.”

  Lauren had the car door open before Trent could rush around to get it for her, but did allow him to take her hand as they walked to the rink’s entrance though she released it as soon as they got there, reaching for the door herself. “Not used to chivalry on your dates?” He asked, as they simultaneously pulled the door open.

  “Not used to dates.”

  There was the truth, and Trent realized he would have to tread carefully with Lauren. “I have my own skates,” he said, “but you can rent a pair over at that counter.”

  “Guess I better do that, then.”

  He sat down on a bench to put on his own skates, vaguely wondering if he should have paid for Lauren’s skate rental. Then again, if she expected to open her own doors, she probably expected to pay for her skates, too. If they got food later, Trent would pay for that. He’d finished lacing up his skates when Lauren returned with hers.

  She sat down beside him tugged off her boots. “You do realize I’ve never done this before and will probably make a fool of myself, right?”

  “I realize you’ve never done it, but I’m confident you’ll do great,” Trent countered. “Have you ever roller bladed?”

  “Sure, when I was teenager,” Lauren said. “I was decent at it.”

  “Then you’ll pick up ice skating in no time.” He got up, walking on his skates, and placed their belongings in a locker, before returning to where Lauren sat, skates laced, but apparently reluctant to get up. “You ready?” Trent held out his hand.

  “I guess.” Lauren stood, a little unsteady, and grabbed his hand. “Maybe it’s good I’m a nurse, for when I fall.”

  “Maybe, but if you do fall, I’ll be there to catch you.” Trent led her to the rink, stepping on the ice before her. “We’ll go slow at first,” he said, “and you can stay close to the wall, so you’ll have something else to hold on to, if you want.”

  “Thanks. I think I’m going to need that.”

  True to his word, Trent took slow steps, barely moving, as Lauren held his hand and kept the other along the wall, moving it as they did. They continued like that for the first half of a lap, until she seemed to gain more confidence, and let go of the wall. “All right. You’re doing great,” Trent said, and picked up the pace a little.

  They finished one lap around, and Lauren had a smile on her face. “I like this. It’s fun.”

  Trent smiled. “See, I told you. You’re a natural.” They went a little further, rounding the curve again, and when they reached the straight side, he released Lauren’s hand. “Don’t panic. I promise I’m right here.”

  He stayed right by her side, and Lauren skated a few feet on her own, without Trent holding her hand. Everything was going fine, until she turned her head slightly to face him, and she stumbled, and grabbed his hand. Trent tried to stop Lauren from falling, but instead she pulled him down with her.

  He landed smack on top of her. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’ve got plenty of padding back there,” Lauren quipped. “How about you?”

  “Oh, I’m good.” Trent made no move to get up. He’d never complained before about being on top of a woman and didn’t intend to start now.

  “I guess it’s a good thing you fell on me, and not the other way around, because that probably would have hurt.”

  Trent knew what she was doing, and he didn’t want to hear it, not with his face only inches from hers, so he did what he’d contemplated doing the day before, but deemed it too soon, or too risky.

  He kissed her.

  ***

  The fall hurt Lauren’s pride more than it hurt her ass. She could probably expect a bit of a bruise, because she’d always bruised easily, but it wasn’t a lie to say she had a lot of padding there. It was one of the perks of being fat. At least there was one.

  She assured Trent she was fine, and expected he’d help her up and that would be that. A bruise to her ego and her ass, but nothing worse than that. At least she wouldn’t end up in the ER of the hospital she worked at.

  Except Lauren couldn’t move because Trent didn’t get up, and the next thing she knew, his lips were on hers. He smelled of pine, or maybe it was cedar, and tasted of spearmint, and Lauren closed her eyes, taking it all in.

  Sadly, before she could respond any further, it was over. “What did you do that for?” she asked as she opened her eyes and met his.

  “Two reasons,” Trent answered, his face still only inches from hers. “One, because I don’t like to hear you put yourself down, and that was the best way I knew to get you to stop. And two, because I wanted to.” He smiled. “That okay with you?”

  Was that a serious question? Just in case it was, she’d give a serious, if understated, answer. “Yes, it’s fine.”

  “Good deal.” For the first time since they’d landed on the ice, Trent moved, pulling himself up in sitting position. “As much I’m inclined to do it again, we’re kind of blocking traffic here.” He stood up, holding put his arm to help her. “We better get out of the way.”

  “I suppose.” Lauren grabbed hold of his hand and pushed herself up from the ice. Padding or not, she’d be sore the next day. Another hot bubble bath was in order for later. For now, she let Trent lead the way off the ice and to a bench, where they sat down.

  “You sure you’re okay?” he asked.

  Lauren appreciated his concern, but nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I’m fine. More bruised ego than anything else.”

  “Oh, you were doing great. Looked like you just caught the skate a little. Happens to everyone. Even guys who earn their living on the ice,” Trent said. “How ‘bout I get us something to drink, and we’ll sit here a bit, watch other people skate, before you see if you want to go back out and give it anoth
er try?”

  “Sure, okay.” Lauren had already made up her mind. She’d get back out there. A little break would be good, though. “Water’s fine, or maybe a diet coke if they have it.”

  “Coming up.” As Trent headed to the concession stand, Lauren admired both the ease with which he walked on a pair of ice skates—as if he’d been wearing them his whole life—and the way his jeans hugged his behind. Had he meant it when he said he’d wanted to kiss her? Don’t second guess, Lauren, she cautioned herself, he did it, didn’t he?

  He was back within minutes, handing her a drink as he sat down beside her. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” Lauren accepted it from him and took a drink. She hadn’t been that thirsty, but the diet soda hit the spot, nonetheless.

  They sat sipping their drinks while watching other people glide around the ice, some older, some young, some people skating by themselves, and others in pairs. “I didn’t realize skating was so popular here,” Lauren said.

  “Yeah, not too bad for Texas,” Trent said. “It surprised me a little, too, when I first got here.”

  “Some of these people are really good.”

  “Mmm hmm. Do you want to get back out there, give it another spin?” Trent asked.

  “In a minute,” Lauren said. “There’s something I need to ask first.” She shifted on the bench so she could face him. “Did you mean what you said earlier, about wanting to kiss me?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.” His eyes were solemn, yet his lips twitched in a half-smile. “I’m happy to do it again, in the event you need further convincing.”

  “In that case, I might,” she answered. “Just to be sure.”

  “Yes, you can never too careful.” Trent scooted closer, then touched his hand to Lauren’s chin as he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers.

  Pine, the scent was definitely pine. Lauren was sure now. She closed her eyes and parted her lips, enjoying the gentle exploration. When it was over, and Trent pulled away, Lauren struggled to catch her breath. It had been too long since she’d been kissed by a man, and especially like that. Dirk hadn’t been much for giving pleasure, merely taking it, and made it plenty clear on numerous occasions that Lauren didn’t really turn him on. She was just there, and convenient, and she’d stayed, for far too long, because it was all she knew.

  “Is that better?” Trent asked, jolting her from her memories. “Are you convinced now?”

  Lauren nodded. “Yes, I am. And I think I’m ready to give the whole skating thing another try now.”

  Perhaps the kiss boosted her confidence, because it was easier this time. Lauren was steadier on her feet as they skated around the rink. She wasn’t particularly fast, nor was she ready to skate backward or attempt any moves that required skill beyond basic movement, but Lauren stayed upright, and as they completed a few more laps, she had a huge smile on her face, even if she was a little out of breath. “I have new found respect for what you do,” she said. “This is hard work.”

  “Yes, but you’re a natural,” Trent said. “Just like I figured you’d be.”

  Lauren laughed. “Naturally tired now, maybe,” she said as they left the ice. “But I had a great time.” Her feet hurt, and she was anxious to get the rented skates off of them, but it had been a lot of fun.

  “Are you up for dinner?” Trent sat down to remove his own skates. “We can go grab some food somewhere,” he suggested, “or if you’re too tired, I can just take you home.”

  “I’ve got a better idea,” Lauren said. “You take me home, and I’ll fix us something for dinner. If you hadn’t already guessed from looking at me, I’m a heck of a cook.”

  “In that case,” Trent grinned, “invitation accepted.”

  ***

  Trent sipped a glass of lemonade mixed with club soda while watching Lauren at work in her kitchen. It was a small room, but she’d obviously figured out how to make it functional for her. It also didn’t hurt that whatever she was fixing for dinner smelled divine.

  “I’m sorry I don’t have beer or wine to offer you, but I don’t drink much. Too many empty calories,” Lauren said. “I enjoy cooking and prefer to eat my calories.”

  “Fair enough.” Trent took another swallow of the lemonade concoction. “This is fine.” Sure, a good craft brew would be more to his liking, but this would do. Besides, he liked watching her. Lauren moved with grace and ease, especially for a larger woman. Damn it. There he went. No wonder it was hard for her and his sister, and others like them in a society that loved to body shame. Even as he tried to keep Lauren from dwelling on her weight, Trent couldn’t stop his mind from going there, too. She was so different from anyone he’d ever dated, but in a good way. He recognized that once he landed on top of her on the ice. Her body was soft and curvy, with ample breasts, and he liked the way it felt beneath him.

  “What are you making, anyway?” Trent asked.

  Lauren didn’t turn around to look at him. “Strip steak with creamed corn and poblano peppers.”

  Being new to Texas and spicy food, Trent wasn’t familiar with poblano peppers, but he looked forward to the meal, nonetheless. “It smells incredible.”

  “That’s the idea.” She turned to face him for a minute, smiling, before her attention went back to the stove. “Just so you know, dating a fat girl means you eat well.”

  “That works out good, then,” Trent said, “because dating a professional athlete means we’re always hungry.”

  “Is that what we’re doing? Dating?”

  “I think so. I hope so.” Trent moved behind her, placing one hand on her hip as he lowered his head and kissed her neck. “Would you call it something else?”

  “I don’t know. Usually by this point, after I meet a guy, I’ve been friend zoned.”

  Then those guys are idiots who don’t know what they’re missing. “Hmm.” Trent kept his lips on her neck as his hand moved around to her front, finding the intended target. He cupped Lauren’s breast, finding it large and supple, and the blood rushed to his groin. The reaction was immediate, and he knew. Yes, he was attracted to her.

  “What are you doing?” Lauren asked, but made no move to push his hand away. If anything, her body melded into his.

  “I thought that was obvious. Trying to cop a feel.” Trent stifled a chuckle. Maybe he’d have to work on his technique. He ground his hips against her buttocks, making sure she became aware he had the start of a hard on. “Does this feel like the friend zone to you?”

  “No, not so much.” Lauren’s words came out in a semi-breathless pant, and Trent knew the attraction was mutual. “Dinner’s ready, if you want to, you know... eat.”

  Eat. Right. Trent backed away from her, but not before giving her breast another squeeze. “Yes. I think that’s a good idea.”

  ***

  Lauren’s heart rate accelerated, and she felt her cheeks flush as Trent’s hand massaged her breast. Was this happening? Was it real? Was he attracted to her? His movements were deliberate enough, and besides, how did one accidentally caress someone’s boob from behind? Then Trent pressed his hardness against her behind, and she sucked in a breath.

  It was real, all right.

  Lauren closed her eyes as a million thoughts raced through her head. If it was sex she wanted, it appeared to be there for the taking. Oh, who was she kidding? Of course she wanted sex. She hadn’t gotten any in a very long time, and even then it hadn’t been very good sex. This, on the other hand, would be with a professional athlete. In the kitchen, of all places. It was the stuff fantasies were made of, and Lauren had her share of fantasies. Ones she never expected to be able to fulfill. Maybe this was her chance.

  If it was, Lauren hoped it wouldn’t be the last chance. The decision was made in an instant. She wanted sex, yes, but she wanted so much more than that. She’d had sex before. But love? She’d never experienced that. Never felt cherished or desired, or beautiful. That was what she truly wanted, and if there was one thi
ng Lauren had learned post-Dirk and after thousands of dollars in therapy costs, it was that she wouldn’t get there by spreading her legs on the kitchen table for a guy she’d just met. So she suggested they eat.

  Trent’s hand lingered for another second before he backed away, and when Lauren turned around, she could make out the bulge in his jeans. No, she hadn’t imagined it. “Sorry, I...”

  He held up a hand. “I understand. It’s too soon. You’ve barely known me a day,” Trent said. “I intend to change that, though, so let’s eat and get to know each other better.”

  “I’d like that,” she said. “Have a seat, I’ll bring the food over.” When she carried it to the table and set it down, Trent’s eyes widened.

  “Wow. This looks amazing.”

  Lauren smiled as she sat down. “Maybe you should reserve judgment until you taste it,” she suggested, but when he did, his praise was just as effusive.

  “Where’d you learn to cook like this?”

  “I didn’t. I just sort of taught myself,” Lauren said. “I like to eat food, and I like to cook food.” She shrugged. “Do you cook?”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Trent laughed. “Don’t know if you heard, but myself and the other guys on the team, we put this cookbook together for the charity foundation. Everyone submitted their favorite recipe. Burgers, soups, pasta, Noah’s is breakfast tacos.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “Mine’s popcorn. Chocolate popcorn. And that’s the extent of my cooking.”

  Lauren joined him in laughing. “Hey, I love popcorn.”

  “Great, I’ll make you some sometime,” he said. “If you’ll cook me another meal like this.”

  “Deal,” Lauren said. “Just tell me when. I have lots of great recipes at my disposal.”

  “Oh, man... and I’m going to Columbus tomorrow.” He sounded disappointed.

  “What’s the matter? You don’t like Columbus?”

  “No, I do,” Trent said. “It’s a nice city, good hockey town. I always enjoy playing there, and I’m actually playing tomorrow, which is even better... but I want another home cooked meal.”

  Maybe it was true that the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. In that case, Lauren liked her chances. “Tuesday?” she suggested. “I work seven to seven, but if you don’t mind eating late, we can do something.”