The Definition of Icing: A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance (Dallas Demons Series) by Aven Ellis Read Free Book Online Page B

and load up my supplies. Nate picks up the box for me. We say thank you and goodbye, and all of us agree we have to do it again soon. Then I head outside into the Dallas night, with Nate following behind me.
    The air is still hot and sticky, and the sounds of crickets and cicadas surround us.
    “That was fun,” I say as we walk down the sidewalk. I make sure to hold a portion of my long dress up, so I don’t step on it.
    “I’m glad you stayed, Kenley,” Nate says as we walk.
    My heart pauses for a moment. “You are?”
    We stop at my car. Nate puts the box on the top of my trunk and gazes down at me.
    “Yeah,” he says. “It’s the best night I’ve had since I’ve been in Texas. Thank you for giving me that.”
    Nate’s thanking me for being me.
    “That’s a beautiful compliment,” I say, meaning the words with all my heart. “Thank you.”
    He’s silent for a moment, and all I hear is a lone cicada singing his song.
    “And thank you for not making me eat curry-flavored chocolate,” Nate adds, lifting an eyebrow.
    I can’t help it. I burst out laughing, and he does, too.
    “Okay, I should probably go so you can back out,” he says.
    I turn and my eyes nearly pop out of my head. Only Nate could completely distract me from the fact that a gorgeous silver Bentley is parked right behind me.
    “You drive a Bentley? ” I say aloud.
    Nate rakes a hand through his hair. “That was my latest contract gift to myself,” he explains. “A Bentley Continental GT.”
    I know I shouldn’t be surprised. Nate is a freaking multimillionaire. These are the kind of cars professional athletes can easily afford.
    Yet when I talk to Nate, all of that falls away. I just see him as Nate. Not Nate Johansson, the wealthy superstar athlete.
    Just like he sees me as more than a beautiful blond.
    “Well, you have yourself a very nice set of wheels,” I say smartly. Then I smile at him. “When Confection Consultations takes off, I’ll be sure to ask for your input on selecting one.”
    A huge grin spreads across his handsome face. “So that should be in six months?”
    “Ha!” I snort, opening the passenger door to my car. “More like sixty years.”
    Nate retrieves my box and sets it on the passenger seat for me.
    “I have no doubt you’ll make enough for any car you want,” he says.
    “Well, I’ll keep my sights realistic,” I say. “Like a used Vespa.”
    Nate laughs. “Aim higher. At least a used Fiat.”
    We both laugh. I shut the car door and turn to face Nate.
    He’s staring at me, and I wish he would ask for my number. I know it’s stupid. Emotional roulette, if you will. But I’ve never met anyone like Nate, and I want to continue learning more about who he is. His identity outside of being a Dallas Demon.
    “Are you okay to drive home?” Nate asks, interrupting my thoughts.
    “Yes, I only had one glass of wine. I’m good.”
    “I just wanted to make sure,” he says.
    My heart melts at how aware and protective Nate is.
    “I’m good,” I say. “Thank you for asking.”
    “Don’t mention it.”
    There’s another pause for a moment. Then Nate clears his throat and removes his keys.
    “Be careful going home,” he says.
    “You too,” I say, my chest tightening.
    Nate nods and goes to his Bentley. I walk around to the driver’s side of my car, disappointment filling me. Which is ridiculous. Nate isn’t interested in me. He made that clear. We’ll be friends—when we see each other. And with regret I realize that won’t be often unless we happen to be doing something with Harrison and Kylie.
    I slide behind the driver’s seat and bite my lip. Then I rest my head on my steering wheel in frustration as I hear Nate start his car.
    Damn it. I finally meet a man who is interesting, mature, and who sees everything about me that I want him to see. A man who is aware and protective of those around him. A good man. A really good man.
    Someone who would be worth breaking my man sabbatical