He frowns. “I’m good.”
“And once you arrived in the States, your modeling career also took off, didn’t it?” Lily asks before I can respond to Danny.
“Julian made me go to different castings, and I found my niche.” Wioletta gives me a quick kiss.
“And he bought you Fortuna.” She winks.
“I would have bought her more horses, but she wouldn’t let me,” I add.
“To love then,” Matt says and lifts an imaginary glass.
“To love and the crazy things it makes us do,” I say.
Just then a horn blows outside. History is repeating itself. Our time has run out. But this time we’ll face the new challenge ahead of us together, right from the beginning.
“Time to go,” I say. “Come here, Matty.” I push up in a standing position and pull Wioletta to her feet before I turn to my linemate. “I’ll miss your incomplete passes.”
“You moron. I’ll miss you too. Thank you for always having my back.” He slaps me on the shoulder.
“Smithy, I’ll miss you.” Emilia is the next one to hug me close. “And, I swear this is the last time, but I have to say it again. I’m so sorry. I wish there had been another way. I—”
“I understand. I’m sad to leave the Ice Tigers. But… I like a good challenge and I can’t wait to get to know the boys in New Jersey. Who knows? I might be able to teach the young guns over there a thing or two.”
“You certainly will. I’ll miss you.” Emilia hugs me one last time and follows her husband outside.
“Lily. How can I ever thank you? You turned Tyler into a human being after all.”
She chuckles. “He just needed a little push in the right direction. I’ll miss you and Wioletta.” Then she turns to my wife.
“I’ll miss you too, Lily. Please take care of Fortuna for me.”
“I promise. And once you can ride again, we’ll find the perfect place for her in New Jersey.”
While they talk horse stuff, I say goodbye to Danny. “I’ll miss your magic hands. What will I do when the muscles in my thighs refuse to cooperate again?”
He laughs. “You book an appointment. It isn’t that long of a drive, is it?” He gives me a quick hug. Then there’s only one person left.
“I still can’t believe that soon I’ll be your enemy on the ice.” Tyler steps in front of me.
“But only on the ice.” I blink away a tear.
He nods. “Absolutely. Friends?”
“Friends.” I hug Tyler. We might not have had the best start. But deep down, I know I’ll never connect with anyone on the ice as I did with him. We didn’t use words when we played hockey. I always knew where he would wait for me to pass without even looking up. And he would know where to find me at any second of the game. You’ll only find such a linemate once in a lifetime. If ever. While I’m sad that our time is over, I’ll forever cherish the memories. And I’ll never forget my hockey family here.
I understand that Emilia needs to plan the Ice Tigers’ future. I loathe thinking about it. But deep down I know I only have a few years left to play at top level. But there’s one last challenge ahead of me in New Jersey. And I’ll give my new team all that’s left inside me hockey-wise.
“Thank you for everything.” I slap him on the shoulder. He winces. Poor guy truly took a nasty hit last night. But he’ll be fine. It wasn’t the first one and it certainly won’t be the last one.
“See you soon.” He waves goodbye and joins Lily and Danny outside.
“Are you ready for a new adventure, Mrs. Smith?” I place one hand on Wioletta’s bump and hold the other out for her to take.
“Always.” She places her small hand in mine.
“I’m so glad I found you. Thank you for taking a chance on me.” I pull her closer.
“Thank you for sharing your life with me. And with our little one.” She puts her other hand over mine. The baby chooses that moment to kick.
“He or she is excited too.” I chuckle.
“I love you.” Her eyes tell me how much more than words ever could.
“Love you more.” I tap her nose with my index finger.
“Debatable.” She giggles.
I take in her beautiful smile. The day I met her, I fell for it. And for her.
Yesterday I fell for her. Today I fell for her. And I will keep falling for her.
Over and over again.
No matter the place. No matter the time zone.
Gravity will pull me right toward her.
The End
Can’t get enough of the Ice Tigers’ world?
Click here for Tyler’s story (Ice Tigers 1) and read more about Wioletta’s love for horses
Click here for Matt’s story (Ice Tigers 2) and attend Wioletta and Julian’s wedding
Click here for Michael’s story (Ice Tigers 3)
Author’s note
If you have enjoyed this book, it would be tremendous if you were able to leave a review. Reviews help indie authors so much!
* * *
To leave a review, click below.
* * *
Falling for Gravity
* * *
Thank you!
Also by Isabella Cassazza
Ice Tigers Hockey:
Falling for Gravity - An Ice Tigers Novella
Defying Gravity – Ice Tigers Book 1
Center of Gravity – Ice Tigers Book 2
Fighting against Gravity - Ice Tigers Book 3
Counteracting Gravity – Ice Tigers Book 4 (Coming 2020)
* * *
Marini Family:
Gianluca, Coming October 20th, 2020
About the Author
Isabella Cassazza lives in Europe. She has been an avid reader from an early age, and when she’s not writing, she usually has a book in her hands. Other than that, she enjoys a good hockey game, equestrian sport and chocolate—lots of chocolate.
* * *
For more books and updates:
www.isabellacassazza.com
Acknowledgments
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Wioletta and Julian’s story. I hope you enjoyed reading about their meet cute.
* * *
Thank you to everyone who helped me to get the word out about my books. You’ll never know how much I appreciate your help.
* * *
Thank you Ellie and Rosa from My Brother’s Editor. I couldn’t have done it without you.
* * *
Thank you to my family. Your support means the world to me.
Falling for Gravity Page 4