by Jaci Burton
"Hey," he said, muting the television. "Where did everyone go?"
"No idea. Are you all packed?"
"Yeah. Are we flying out together tomorrow?"
"My flight is at ten thirty."
"Mine, too."
She smiled at that. "I figured my mother's social secretary would put us on the same flight since we're going to the same place. Do you have a home game next?"
"Unfortunately, no. We have two road games in a row. Then we come back home."
"That's too bad."
"What about you?" he asked, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Is your staff coming back?"
She shook her head. "I gave them time off until after New Year's."
"That's generous of you. So you'll be toughing it out alone?"
"That's okay. It'll give me some quiet time to do some planning on advertising and take care of some of the myriad minor details I don't have time to mess with when the staff is in."
"A quiet way to settle back in after Christmas."
"Yes."
"Maybe you can even take New Year's Eve off."
She paused and looked at him. "Are you asking me out?"
"Maybe. If I was, would you say yes?"
"Maybe. You know, it's a little late in the game to be making New Year's Eve plans."
He grinned. "I have connections, you know."
"You wouldn't dare drag me out in the middle of Times Square, would you?"
"Where's your sense of adventure, Miss Preston?"
"My sense of adventure wants nothing to do with the middle of Times Square on New Year's Eve."
He shook his head. "So is that a yes?"
She smiled. "Yes."
The door to her father's study opened, and her father was laughing, his arm linked with Evelyn's as the four of them spilled out. Carolina wasn't sure she'd ever seen her mother grin so much. And it looked like she'd been crying.
"What's that about?" Drew asked.
"I think you're about to find out."
"Oh, good, Carolina, you're here," her mother said. "We have news."
"Is that right? What kind of news?"
"I'll let Gray and Evelyn tell you." Her mother and father stood back.
"We're pregnant," Gray blurted out.
"Well, I'm pregnant," Evelyn said with a wide grin. "But Gray helped get me that way."
"What? This is awesome," Drew said, going to Gray and giving him a big hug. "Congratulations, buddy."
"Thanks."
Carolina gave Evelyn a hug. Again. "I'm so thrilled for you both." Then she hugged her brother.
"So it looks like the kids have set a date. The wedding will be in May."
"I'll definitely have a belly by then, but hopefully I won't be grossly pregnant. The baby's due in August."
"And I don't care, because I'm going to be a grandpa," Mitchell said, beaming.
Champagne was uncorked, though Evelyn settled for juice, and toasts were made to the upcoming Preston baby. The family spent the rest of the afternoon celebrating and talking wedding plans. Carolina was shocked and humbled when Evelyn asked her to be her maid of honor. Of course she accepted immediately, and then she was doubly shocked when Evelyn asked if Carolina would make her wedding gown.
"Are you sure, Evelyn?"
"I can't think of a better designer to make my dress."
"Evelyn. There are a million designers who would love to make the wedding gown for the vice president's daughter-in-law."
"Yes, but I want you to do it. And you'll be working with an expanding waistline. No easy task."
Carolina laughed. "I can handle that, but I don't want you to feel like you're under any obligation. My feelings wouldn't be hurt at all if you have a favorite designer you want to use."
"I want you to do it. Unless you're too busy. Then I'd completely understand. You have so much going on right now with Fashion Week and launching your line." Evelyn sat back. "I didn't even think of the imposition."
Carolina took Evelyn's hands in hers. "I'd be honored to make your gown. I already have ideas. In fact, let me go get my sketch pad and we can talk about it if you'd like."
"Are you kidding? I'd love that."
Carolina dashed upstairs and grabbed her sketch pad, then came back and sat with Evelyn. She roughed out a few sketches, allowing for Carolina's expanding belly. With Evelyn's suggestions, they came up with some ideas. It wasn't yet refined but by the time they finished, they had at least a few options.
"I love these. They're unique and beautiful for a spring wedding."
"I'm so glad you like them. I'll work on them some more and send you something more detailed later."
"Take your time. You have other things to do--and now, so do I. In fact, I need to call my parents." Evelyn grinned. "They're going to be so thrilled."
They hugged, and Evelyn went off to find Gray so they could do a video call with her parents.
Carolina wandered off and found Drew in the living room with her father, talking politics of all things. She leaned against the doorway listening to them argue current events. It was fascinating to hear him hold his own. He didn't agree with everything her father stood for, in fact he deeply opposed some points. She knew her father would respect Drew's viewpoint. And to Drew's credit, he didn't get angry, just listened to her father speak about the things he believed in and why. It was a very civil discussion and Drew was polite, but passionate, just as her father was.
She was impressed. When her father looked up and saw her, he smiled.
"Care to jump into the fray?" he asked.
Carolina grinned. "Not on your life. I've had way too many political arguments with you over the years. I know how many hours those can last."
Her father laughed and stood. "Oh, come on. It was good practice in standing up for yourself and what you believe in. Unfortunately, I have a few calls to make, so I'll have to leave the two of you."
Her dad shook Drew's hand. "If you ever decide to leave hockey and join politics, I'd say you have a good future ahead of you."
Drew laughed. "I think I'm fine right where I am, sir, but I enjoyed the discussion."
Her dad walked by and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then left and headed down the hall to his office, leaving her with Drew.
"Eventful Christmas Day," he said.
"I'll say."
"So, it's a pretty big deal for you to design Evelyn's wedding dress, isn't it?"
"It is."
"Which means a lot for you to do with everything else you have going on. Can you handle it?"
"For family, I can handle it."
He slung an arm around her shoulder. "Well, aren't you just a superhero?"
She laughed. "Not quite. But I'm used to multitasking. And I work very well under pressure."
"Do you? You mean like the pressure of one of your family members possibly walking in at any moment and catching me running my fingers up your leg?" He laid his hand on her thigh. It had been such a busy day, and she'd missed his touch. Part of her wanted to move away, but she was enjoying it too much.
"I should finish packing, see what my Mom is up to." But she didn't move.
"Or . . . you could kiss me."
She leveled a warning glance at him. "Drew. We're hardly seventeen."
"I know. That's what makes this so much fun."
"And I think my parents have had enough shocks today."
He leaned back. "Would it be so shocking to find out you and I are seeing each other?"
"Is that what we're doing? Seeing each other?"
He tunneled his fingers in her hair and gave her that wickedly devastating smile that never failed to curl her toes. "I definitely see you. Do you see me?"
Her gaze darted down the hall, but she knew it would be a couple hours before her father resurfaced. She had no idea where her mother had disappeared to.
"Carolina." Drew cupped her chin and turned her to face him. "What are you so afraid of?"
She had no idea. But when he
leaned in and brushed his lips across hers, she forgot all about everyone else in the house. He tugged her against him and, though he kept the kiss light and easy, she wanted more. She laid her hand on his chest and clutched his shirt, taking in his breath, the hard plane of his body, and how safe she always felt in his arms.
He pulled away before she did, leaving her dizzy and wanting more. His eyes had gone dark, filled with desire.
"I want so much more than that, you know," he said.
She swallowed, hard, and wondered if he meant the kiss, or something more.
EIGHTEEN
DREW'S TEAM HAD THREE GAMES IN BETWEEN CHRISTMAS and New Year's Eve. The break had been great, but his head was fully in game mode again. Winning at least one game on the road had helped. Maybe the break had been good for them, because he felt fired up and ready to kick some ass.
Tonight they were playing Colorado, they were back in the Garden, and they were all confident this would be the push they needed to start on a winning streak.
He loved being out on the home ice. Loved the smell of it, the way he knew every corner of it, and the way the home crowd fans got into the game with their noise.
When they took the ice for introductions, the home crowd went crazy. Drew soaked in all the energy. It fueled him for game time. He wished Carolina could be here, but he knew she was deep in her work, just like him. He hadn't even asked her because he didn't want to put her on the spot.
Besides, he had a date with her tomorrow night. He smiled as he skated around the ice for warm-ups. Tomorrow was his night with Carolina.
Tonight was his night to beat up on Colorado.
Trick took the face-off, and Drew waited, his body poised to go after the puck as soon as it dropped. Trick flipped it toward Colorado's side, and Drew skated after it, Colorado's defender shoving into him before he could get to the net. On the defensive, Drew hustled after him. Fortunately, the Travelers defense was right there to protect the net and Kozlow fought for the puck.
Drew had every confidence in Avery Mangino, the Travelers goalie, but he much preferred to be at the other end of the Garden, trying to shove the puck in Colorado's net. So when Kozlow slid the puck their way, he and Trick volleyed it back and forth, then Trick passed it to Litman while Drew skated down the ice, beating Colorado's defenders to get in position.
He took the pass from Litman and launched a shot at the net, deflected by the goalie.
Damn.
By the end of the first period, they were scoreless.
Unacceptable.
Colorado was good. But they were better.
In the second period, it was just as intense, with a lot of shots on goal by both teams and nothing to show for it. Time was ticking down and when Colorado got called for high-sticking, that gave the Travelers a power play.
This was their chance to make a charge at the goal. With Trick just past center, Drew and Litman drove down the ice with the puck, passing it to Trick, who volleyed it to Sayers. Drew got into position, shoving the defender out of the way just in time to receive the pass. He took a shot and swung it into the net.
They'd scored! Elated, they gathered to celebrate for a few seconds, and then it was back to work.
By the third period, they were up two to nothing, but Colorado was driving, holding them deep in their own end. Trick got a two-minute penalty, so that left them short on a power play.
It was time to dig deep and hold Colorado scoreless.
Sweat dripping down his face and back, Drew was determined to keep his focus on two of Colorado's players. He dug in his skates and worked them, moving double time as they worked the net trying to score. He slung the puck down to Colorado's side, but they quickly doubled up on him and forced it back down the ice. Kozlow pushed into the defender and wrestled for the puck. Kozlow won that battle, and shucked it to Drew. He skated away with the puck like he'd stolen it.
Fighting for breath, he moved as fast as he could to stay ahead of the Colorado players who were just as desperate to get hold of the puck as he was to keep it. At Colorado's net, they jumbled up, a tangle of bodies and sticks wrestling for the prize. Drew took a shot and Colorado's goalie swept it into his glove.
Damn. They went back toward the Travelers net. Drew took a quick look at the clock. Still too damn much time left on Trick's penalty and Colorado was hungry.
They surrounded the Travelers net and then it was a free-for-all, a mass of players shoving in sticks to grab the puck. Drew saw a shot on goal, and when Avery came up with the puck in his hand, Drew expelled a giant sigh of relief.
By then the power play was over, and time was ticking down to end the third period. Normal play resumed, and though Colorado fought hard to score, they ended the game without getting the puck in the net. The Travelers won, and the team celebrated by high-fiving at center ice.
Drew was exhilarated, exhausted, and ready to eat a twelve-ounce steak. So were the rest of the guys. They planned to shower, do their media interviews, and they were all going to meet at the steakhouse for dinner.
He dressed and grabbed his phone, surprised to find a text message from Carolina.
Amazing game. You kicked butt. Congratulations!
He dialed her number. She answered on the second ring.
"I thought you'd be out celebrating."
He grinned. "On my way. You saw the game?"
"Yes. I was doing some minor beadwork at home, so I had the game on while I worked. Though I have to admit for a while there, I was riveted to the television. Nice goal, by the way."
"Thanks. I would have invited you to the game. I wanted you to come, but I figured you were going to be busy."
"I am busy. Which doesn't mean I can't catch your games on TV. I just wanted to let you know I was cheering you on."
He took in a deep breath. "Thanks for that."
"You're welcome. Now go enjoy your celebration."
"Okay. I'll call you tomorrow. Don't work too hard."
"I'll try not to. Good night, Drew."
"Night, Lina."
He hung up, and grinned.
"What the hell, man? Get up and let's get going. I'm starving here."
"Yeah, yeah." He put on his shoes and followed Trick out the door.
NINETEEN
CAROLINA HATED NEW YEAR'S EVE IN NEW YORK CITY. Typically, she either hightailed it out of town, or hid in her apartment, content to let everyone else crowd the streets and celebrate.
She anticipated with dread whatever Drew had in store for her for tonight. Knowing him, he'd thrust some hideous party hat on her and drag her out to Times Square.
She was sipping her tea when her phone rang. Frowning, she looked at the time. It was only eight in the morning, and it was Drew calling.
"A little early for our date, don't you think?"
"Not really. Pack a bag. We're heading out."
"Staking out our place in Times Square already?"
He laughed. "Do you really think I'd do that to you?"
"I have no idea."
"Pack a bag. We're getting the hell out of here."
"Okay. And what should I pack?"
"Pack for the beach. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up. Can you be ready?"
What did he think she was, some diva who needed three hours to prep? "Yes. I'll see you in an hour."
Pack for the beach? Where were they going? As long as it was out of here, she was game.
She headed into her bedroom and grabbed her bag, threw in some capris, a sundress, and, though it was a ridiculous notion, her swimsuit. It was winter. Even if they hopped over to the Hamptons, which sounded like a delightful idea, it was still winter. She added a sweater and her yoga pants, too, just in case.
She took a shower and got dressed, then grabbed a bagel to eat while she waited.
Drew showed up exactly at the time he said he would. She liked that about him. He rang the bell, so she grabbed her bag and went downstairs.
When she opened the door, he smiled. "I love a w
oman who's on time."
"Hey, I even had time to eat breakfast."
"Well, aren't you efficient. Is this it?" he asked, grabbing her bag.
"You're not kidnapping me for a week, are you?"
He led her down the stairs toward the waiting taxi. "Nice thought, but we both have to work, so no. Just overnight."
They climbed into the taxi.
"Are you going to tell me where we're going?" she asked.
"It's a surprise."
"Seriously? You're not going to tell me?"
"We'll be there before you know it. Just sit back and enjoy the ride."
The ride ended up being to one of the smaller airports, where she was surprised to see the Preston jet.
They boarded, and buckled in.
"How did you arrange this?"
Drew settled in next to her. "I talked to Gray, who talked to your dad."
"Good morning, Miss Preston. Mr. Hogan."
Carolina smiled at Oren, the captain of the flight crew. "Good morning, Oren."
"We'll be taking off shortly. We'll have you into Daytona Beach in no time. Enjoy the flight."
After the captain went into the cockpit, Carolina turned to face Drew. "We're spending New Year's Eve with Gray and Evelyn?"
"Not exactly. They had a change in plans and decided to go to Virginia to be with Evelyn's parents. With the baby news, they wanted to spend some time with her parents and talk wedding plans. So I talked to Gray, and he's letting us use his house."
"Oh. This is fantastic." An overnight in Florida trumped a cold New Year's Eve in Times Square every time.
"I knew you didn't want to be in the city for New Year's Eve. I thought you might like to go someplace warmer. I actually was going to get us a hotel room there and asked Gray about the plane, but then he told me they were heading to Virginia and offered up the house. I didn't refuse."
"It's a great house on the beach. And someplace warmer is a wonderful idea. Thank you."
They took off, and Carolina busied herself with working on her line. She had models in place, and had pretty much decided on which clothes each of them would wear. There might be a few switches, but other than completing production, she was mostly finished. Now she just had to get advertising going, and she had to get Drew on board for that, along with one of her female models for the women's line. She'd already talked to the agency and had selected one of the female models to do the advertising shoot for the women's line.