Playing for Hearts

by Debra Kayn

  The first warning boom went off behind them. She jumped, turning to Crista. “Count me in. I’ll pay you when I get back to the hotel room. I don’t care what square, but Juan needs all the luck he can get.”

  Crista put her arm around Dana’s waist. “I knew I liked you.”

  The discharge shot rocked the area. The time clock started. Juan pushed off the launching pad.

  Dana’s focus centered on her husband. Her whole body shut down. Breathing in air escaped her capabilities. Numbness froze her to any movement and touch. The only thing she absorbed was the growing shhh from the cut of Juan’s skis, as he grew closer to the edge of the ramp.

  Juan crouched, tucking his poles, and lifted. His body horizontal with the ground, he soared. Dana’s eyes burned from the cold, but she refused to blink. As if suspended in air, Juan twisted once, twice, three times.

  Then he was falling. Dana screamed inside, though she wasn’t aware of moving an inch or hearing any noise. The crowd had grown deathly quiet, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Juan to touch ground.

  Then, after what seemed like the longest five seconds of her life, Juan landed. Dana’s throat closed. Cheers deafened her, and she finally recuperated enough to sag against the fence.

  “Sonofabitch, he did it,” Bruce yelled. “Did you see that? Near flawless dismount.”

  She understood perfectly what Juan had accomplished. Adrenaline surged, and she clapped, giving her best that’s-my-man scream. He’d pushed his way into first place going into the second round.

  Ten feet away, Juan skied to the fence. He smiled for the camera, stopping to say a few words to the reporters who held microphones over the barrier. All over the world, viewers would hear what Juan’s first reaction was over his impeccable jump. They’d celebrate with him.

  One woman worked her way to the front. Dana leaned forward, watching her progress. The woman grabbed the front of Juan’s jacket and pulled him closer, until Juan leaned over the fence.

  The woman, head to toe in a red snowsuit, looking fabulous with her puffed out hair and bright red lipstick, then threw her arms around Juan’s neck and kissed him on the mouth. Dana’s heart sank when Juan pulled out of the kiss and raised his arm in victory.

  The crowd ate him up. They loved him, and he obviously appreciated their support.

  Dana’s heart pounded, and the energy from moments ago fled. Heavy hearted and banned from being with him, she couldn’t help feeling like the third wheel.

  She wanted to be the person congratulating him.

  She wanted to share in his excitement.

  She wanted to be the only woman to kiss him in celebration.

  Instead, she turned around and spoke to Crista. She wasn’t aware of what she said to make her excuses, but Crista and Bruce let her leave alone to go back to the hotel. She’d seen enough for the day.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The only thing pushing Juan toward the hotel room after midnight was the thought that he’d see Dana. Weary and exhausted, he couldn’t wait to catch up with her and unwind. He’d barely had five minutes to himself all day, and the adrenaline rush from the event had plummeted an hour ago.

  Every country wanted an interview. There were translators to wait for, autographs to sign, and Coach Lindhurst to deal with. Talk about on the edge. All he wanted to do is collapse in bed and hold Dana to his chest.

  If he heard Coach lecture one more time about his behavior — after being the model athlete — he’d break out a six-pack and chug them all down in front of him. The hell with the baggage of being in front of the public. He wanted to ski.

  That’s all he ever focused on. Skiing came first. He paused outside the hotel door. At one time, he’d flourished under the attention from the fame.

  Dana changed everything for him. It wasn’t the crowd and excitement that had boosted him today; it was winning for Dana. Skiing was a whole other event, knowing he not only wanted to win, but he wanted to impress his wife because she was watching and expecting him to do well.

  He removed the keycard from the pocket of his jacket, slid it through the slot, and opened the door. The Olympics had become about more than just winning the gold the day he’d stripped Dana out of her wedding dress. This year, he wanted to win his wife.

  He flipped on the light, threw his duffle toward the wall, and walked across the room. Halfway to the bedroom, he stopped and turned around. Warmth flooded him. Dana slept curled in the corner of the couch.

  Still clothed, with her jacket covering her shoulders, she had her hand tucked under her cheek. He strolled over and squatted beside her, noticing she’d kicked off her boots at least. She’d had a busy day.

  From the rumors circulating, Reese Company was the showcased skiwear company this year. Although he’d had no doubt she’d succeed in landing new contracts, he also knew how hard she worked for her father. But he hoped her stint working in her family’s business would come to an end tomorrow.

  He wanted her to have everything she desired, and working for Colton Reese put a weight on her shoulders, holding her back from achieving her dream.

  “Babe?” he whispered.

  She wiggled deeper into the couch. He brushed the piece of soft hair out of the corner of her mouth. She was exhausted. Tomorrow would be an even bigger day, and she needed her rest.

  The toll of doing business and trying to keep up with his schedule had caught up with her. He leaned closer and kissed the end of her nose. She’d supported him, not only emotionally, but would rub his back and pamper him when he dragged himself inside the hotel every evening.

  He picked her up, groaning when his shoulder protested the movement. Today’s runs had gone smoothly, and the only thing he could think of that would be causing his shoulder to act up was the stress he was under, the constant tension. Nothing that a little ice wouldn’t help, but it gave him one more thing to worry about.

  Dana snuggled her face against the crook of his neck. His whole body calmed and today slipped away. This was where he wanted to be. Right here. Holding his wife.

  He laid her in the bed, kissed her nose, and walked back out into the kitchen. He put some ice in a Ziploc bag, and returned to the bedroom. Too tired to strip out of his clothes, he kicked off his shoes and collapsed on the bed, laying the cold pack on his shoulder.

  Dana rolled over and threw her arm across his middle. He stroked her hair as he closed his eyes. His life had changed directions when she told him she was leaving. He’d panicked, thinking she’d walk away from him and he’d never see her again.

  He’d used the only excuse he had to make sure she came to Germany. Her commitment to her father and the Reese Company never wavered during their time together. Her own life in turmoil, she always put her commitments and responsibilities first. He relied on that redeeming quality of Dana’s to buy himself more time with her.

  A month spent together wasn’t enough time to fall in love. That was what he’d told himself whenever he started to let himself think of her more than a temporary wife. He even had himself convinced that what they were experiencing was a flirtationship.

  But the threat of losing her scared him to death. He was no longer fooling around. He’d fallen in love somewhere between her wearing his sweatshirt and her failed attempt to seduce him with the worst toddies he’d ever had. And, because Dana had made them, he’d drunk the whole thing just so she’d smile.

  Tomorrow, he’d let her know that he was in love with her.

  He yawned. Tomorrow, he’d do things the right way. The way Dana deserved, and needed. Then when the Olympics ended and he stood upon the gold medalist platform, Dana would be his wife in the true sense of the matter. And only then would he achieve his dream.

  Chapter Twenty

  The phone rang. Juan jolted awake and looked at the clock. Shit.

  He’d slept the whole night.

  Dana removed her leg from over his. He hardened, wanting the time to make love to her and knowing he couldn’t. His second event
was today. If he nailed his scores, he’d seal his spot on a platform. If he screwed up, he’d have to fight for his life in the final event and there was always a chance that one of the other guys would have three average runs, pushing him out of his position.

  “What time is it?” Dana snuggled down into the covers.

  “Five in the morning.” He rolled out of bed and stood. “I feel like I could sleep all day.”

  “Jet lag.” She lifted her head. “And maybe that whole thing about you kicking ass on the slopes in the freaking Olympics.”

  He laughed. “Yeah, that might have something to do with being tired.”

  “Smart and sexy.” She stretched and rolled onto her back. “No wonder women throw themselves at you. They see the perfect man who can charm, ski like a boss, and can bring them a secure life if they rope the Olympian. You’re the whole package and you come with your own poles … and goggles.”

  He stilled. “Goggles are important?”

  “They are when they come from the Reese Company,” she said, pulling the blanket up. “God, it’s cold in here.”

  He groaned and looked at her. Rumpled, her hair spread over the surface of the pillow, she presented a temptation he wasn’t sure if he could walk away from, even when the gold was at stake. He wanted to crawl under the covers with her, and warm her up.

  He ran his hands over his face. “I need to get downstairs for a press conference, but it shouldn’t last very long. Then I’ll be able to come back and spend an hour or so with you before I have to prep for today’s event.”

  “Don’t worry about that, I’m going to be busy myself.” Dana slid out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her body, despite being fully clothed. “I’m going to grab a hot shower. I have two meetings this morning. You can come back and have the suite to yourself and rest. It’s important that you catch as many catnaps as you can to gather your energy. You wouldn’t want to wear yourself out.”

  “Hey.” He tagged her waist and dragged her back against him. “Everything okay?”

  “Sure.” She pulled away from him. “Just trying to get business done before I go watch your second event.”

  “You’re sure?” He studied her. “You seem kind of distant.”

  She shrugged. “I told you, we’re suffering from jet lag. I crashed last night. It makes me feel disconnected and groggy.”

  He cupped her face. “I don’t like you not feeling well. Can I get you a couple Tylenol or a coffee?”

  “No, but thanks.” Her smile never reached her eyes and she patted his chest. “I better get ready.”

  She’d snubbed him. He walked around the bedroom, not understanding what had happened. It was as if Germany had invaded their lives, and Dana now avoided any form of intimacy with him. Hell, she hadn’t even spoken to him about how he’d done yesterday or pointed out anything that would help him in the next event like she usually did. When he’d finally worked his way over to where he knew Bruce and Crista were standing with her yesterday, Dana had left.

  Yet she told him how perfect and smart and sexy he was? He shook his head. Now that he thought about it, she wasn’t teasing him the way she usually did. She was serious. He let his chin drop to his chest and he stared at the bedspread falling off the bed. She’d turned his talent into an insult. He wasn’t a sex object.

  Dana came back out of the bathroom. “I forgot, but your mom wanted me to tell you she loves you and she’s crossing her fingers and toes for you.”

  He scratched his chest. “I was busy yesterday and meant to find her and Maria. I told them they’d be better to watch from home, but Mom was determined to come and support me.”

  Dana frowned. “She’s proud of you. It’s important to her to be here and show the world her support. You can’t deny her that.”

  He nodded. “I know. I wish I had more time to connect with them while I’m here, but I can’t even find time to have breakfast with them or you. I feel bad. I’ve neglected you and I really want — ”

  “Juan?” Dana stared at the floor beside the bed. “Why is there an ice bag on the floor?”

  Her whole body stiff, she swung her gaze in his direction. He moved to the bed, and swept the bag up.

  “It’s nothing,” he said, walking out of the room and tossing the bag in the sink.

  When he returned, Dana hadn’t moved from her position in the room. She raked her teeth over her bottom lip. “Did you hurt your shoulder again?”

  “No.” He grabbed his shoulder and swung his arm, showing her he was perfectly fine. “I iced it last night as a precaution.”

  She stepped closer, frowning. “You’re worried.”

  To distract her, he changed the subject. “I’m worried about us.”

  She flinched. He took in her reaction and knew he wasn’t misunderstanding her attitude toward him. Something was definitely wrong, and he couldn’t figure it out. They’d gotten along fabulously back in the States.

  He hooked her finger and tugged her closer. “I think we need to talk.”

  “I need to go get ready,” she muttered, pulling away from him.

  “Wait.” He gazed up at the ceiling, hoping he would say the right thing. “Just … hang in there with me, babe.”

  She tilted her head. The little line between her brows deepened. He approached her and lifted her chin. “I know with everything going on it can get crazy, and the weird hours with us coming and going, not really having time to connect is taking its toll on you, me, and everyone.”

  “You have to concentrate — ”

  “I know, dammit.” He inhaled deeply. “Please, give me time. I just need more time.”

  She gazed at his chest and nodded. “You better go, or you’ll be late.”

  “I promise you. When I have time, we’ll talk.” He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll hurry through this morning’s events, so try to take a break and meet me here in a couple of hours, okay?”

  “I don’t — ”

  “Babe … ” he whispered. “It’s important. Meet me in the room in two hours.”

  “I’ll try,” she said.

  Dana slipped away and closed the bathroom door. He sighed. How could he be on the top of his game competition wise, and have his life in the shitter?

  He glanced at the clock, and hustled to change his clothes. He ran his hands through his hair and hurried out of the suite. Whatever the reporters asked him, he’d give short yes and no answers. Then he’d tell them what they wanted to hear when they asked what he was going to do first chance he got when the Olympics were over. Maybe he’d shock them all by skipping Disneyland and letting them know he was going straight to bed with his wife, because that’s what he really wanted to do.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “You’re very welcome.” Dana shook Mr. Kamachu’s hand. “I’ll be sure to send a sample of our newest style of jacket that Mr. Santiago wore yesterday to your main office. Also, because we at Reese Company stand behind our loyal customers, I’ll throw in the female version as a gift.”

  She smiled as the biggest leader in outdoor wear in China walked away. Shutting her laptop, she slipped the computer into her bag. She was done with business for the duration of the Olympics. With half the winter events over, and only the skiing events left, she’d stopped taking appointments for her remaining time in Germany to be there to support Juan.

  Ana, bundled from head to toe in the baby blue with winter white trim Reese outfit Dana had given her before reaching Germany as a thank you gift for welcoming her into the family, approached her. “There you are. I tried calling your room, but you’d already left. I wanted to invite you to breakfast.”

  “I’m sorry.” Dana rubbed Ana’s arm. “I had early appointments, and grabbed a pastry from downstairs. How are you enjoying Germany?”

  “It’s lovely. There is so much snow, but I’m warm and everyone is being so nice. I met T.T.’s mother and father, and they’ve invited me to dinner tonight. Do you think you and Juan will have time to
join us too?” Ana asked.

  “I’ll ask, but his event time is later today. He’s one of the last to go, so he probably won’t have time with all the prep it takes before the he’s called out on the slope.” Dana clutched her bag, wanting to change the subject. “Where’s Maria?”

  “Denmark.” Ana rolled her eyes.

  Dana grinned, trying not to laugh. “She better watch out, or those boys from Denmark are going to pack her in one of their suitcases and take her home when the games are over.”

  Ana made the sign of the cross, and shook her head. “She needs to settle down, find a good man the way you did with my Juan. She’s too wild.”

  Dana squeezed Ana’s hand. “Your daughter is perfect. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Some lucky man will fall madly in love with her. She’s wonderful.”

  “I hope so.” Ana hugged her. “I’m going to go upstairs and take a nap, so I’ll be ready for Juan’s event.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you later.” Dana kissed her cheek.

  Ana walked away, stopped, and turned back around. “Is everything okay?”

  “Sure.” She smiled. “Why?”

  Ana’s eyes softened. “I don’t know. Call it mother’s intuition, but you have a sadness to you.”

  She shook her head. “Just tired. All the excitement and dealing with Reese Company is harder than I thought. Plus, I’m nervous. I want Juan to achieve his dream.”

  “You and me both, sweetheart,” Ana said. “You should rest too.”

  “I will.” Dana picked up her other bag and waited until Ana disappeared into the elevator.

  She had no idea how she’d face Ana when the truth came out about her faux marriage to her son. She’d grown to love the woman in the short time they’d spent together, and knew she’d hurt everyone she’d come to love when they arrived back in the States. She didn’t want to lose Ana and Maria from her life.

  Dana inhaled deeply, tossed her hair over her shoulder, and made her way to the elevator. Suddenly, an annulment was starting to feel too much like a divorce for her to be able to walk away without feeling a load of guilt. She and Juan were not the only ones involved anymore — they had family and mutual friends that were also going to be hurt.