Holiday Face-off Read online

  “It’s not you. I’m not making any promises about what we’ll find next. We can’t drive around looking for a house full of people. Even if there’s no one at the next house we’re staying there. Deal?”

  She did not want to be alone with him, but she had little to bargain with. “Deal.”

  The tires spun, but the car didn’t move when Theo put it into drive. He pressed on the gas and Carly heard the engine roar as the tires found traction and lurched forward. She couldn’t make out the driveway, let alone the turn to get onto the road ahead. Theo’s gesture to humor her irrational request would end with them hurt or dead. She couldn’t let that happen.

  “Stop.” They hadn’t made it over ten feet.

  Theo stopped the car. “What’s wrong?”

  “We aren’t going to make it to another house in this. The storm has sealed our fate and whoever lives here; odds are they won’t be coming home until the weather breaks. I was wrong to ask you to drive us out of here. I’m sorry.”

  “Wow, a woman who admits to being wrong. Will you marry me?” He smiled and diffused the somber mood she had created for herself.

  She slapped his arm playfully. “No, and I figured if we can’t make it out of here, then the cops can’t get here to arrest us.”

  Theo laughed, and the sound sent butterflies dancing through her belly. “Can’t disagree with your logic.” He put the car in park and killed the engine. “Wait here a moment, I’ll run around back and come back to get you. There’s no sense in your waiting in the snow.”

  “That’s okay, I can go back with you.” She didn’t want him going out of his way. He’d already done enough by taking her to safety.

  He opened her car door and held onto her hand once she was out. The gesture was caring and didn’t make her uncomfortable. It meant nothing, he was being kind, she told herself. She was thankful for his quick hands when she slipped halfway around the car. His strong arms caught her, pressing her body against his. The snow covered them both and as she looked up into his face her breath seized. He was magnificent. If he leaned down and kissed her, she would have let him.

  His eyes found hers and for a moment, she thought he might. Then he blinked, the blizzard spell broken, and he took a step back. There was no kiss, and she berated herself for even thinking there might be. He was a flirt, nothing more. She attempted to convince herself he wasn’t her type. Although, she would wager Theo Montagne was everyone’s type.

  Once back inside, they returned to the kitchen. That seemed like a safe place to be together.

  “Are you feeling more comfortable about being here now?” He asked as he opened a cabinet containing pots and pans.

  “I’m okay,” she said with a smile. “Think they have any chocolate?” If he could make the best of this situation, then so could she. She walked passed him and opened the pantry. There were plenty of canned and dry goods available. She looked over her shoulder after a moment.

  He raised a brow. “Okay,” he repeated. “Didn’t see any chocolate but I’m hungry. How about you?”

  “I could eat.” Carly looked out the large kitchen window at the endless waterfall of white. “Since you drove us here, it’s only fair I make dinner. We might lose power soon, so we’ll need flashlights and candles.”

  “Good call; I’m on it.” Theo checked the drawers but came up empty.

  “Don’t snoop on these people. Check the hall closets, but the less we disrupt the better. Got it?”

  He nodded and left to search for supplies. Carly gathered what she needed to prepare a quick meal and got busy cooking. Nothing fancy, some fried ham, macaroni and cheese with a side of canned green beans. It should satisfy their hunger and not put out the owners in any way.

  She was plating their meal when Theo returned, holding a handful of candles. Carly prayed they wouldn’t need them. Karma laughed in her face when a moment later, the lights went out.

  CHAPTER SIX

  T heo walked over to the table. “Guess we’ll be eating by candlelight,” he said, lighting the first set of candles.

  The flames licked across his features like a soft caress. Carly had always wanted to have a romantic candlelight dinner, but the occasion had never come up. Until now. This was so not going to help her resolve to stay away from all hockey players, including Theo. “I guess so.”

  The round wooden kitchen table was set for two, with a red linen tablecloth and three small votive candles. Carly sat across from Theo as they ate by candle light. She always dreamed one day she’d meet a man who would love her unconditionally, share romantic dinners and read her poetry. The man of her dreams was fictitious, he didn’t exist.

  “Thanks for making dinner,” he said between bites.

  Carly couldn’t help but compare him to the men of her past. In the looks department, he outshone the others by a landslide. Her exes were similar in build and attractive in their own ways, but not drool worthy like Mr. Montagne.

  Her two high school boyfriends had been jocks. They didn’t understand the first thing about romance. Too young, selfish and self-centered to think of putting in any effort. It took Carly way too long to realize she deserved better. To an athlete, the sport always came first. A lesson she wouldn’t forget.

  “You’re welcome.” Her gaze followed the light as it flickered against Theo.

  The soft glow of the flames sent shadows dancing across the room. Somehow it softened the hard lines of Theo’s face, making him appear even more handsome and flawless. The entire time they were eating, Theo’s eyes stayed locked on hers. A battle of blue versus brown.

  She wondered what he saw when he looked at her? Did he see the wholesome country girl Miranda claimed she was, or did he see the tomboy her father saw? Whatever it was, he seemed to like looking.

  Watching him devour his meal was highly erotic. He licked his fork, and the tines slid across the small scar on his lip, making her clench her thighs. She couldn’t stop memorizing every one of his features and imagining what they felt like.

  They ate in relative silence, each of them wrapped up in their own world. Theo checked off all of her attraction boxes. Tall, solid build and a smile that could make her do just about anything. She had to watch out for smiles like his. They had gotten her into trouble before, and she vowed never to repeat her past mistakes. Yet, when he hummed his satisfaction at the end of their meal, and gifted her with a genuinely satisfied smile, she nearly came undone.

  Carly would never look at mac and cheese the same way again.

  Theo offered to clear their plates and clean up. She didn’t protest because she had to get away. The room was far too sexually charged. She feared if she helped him wash up, she might throw him against the wall and bite the scar she’d stared at all throughout dinner.

  Carly retreated to the couch next to the Christmas tree to take stock of her situation. These feelings were all wrong. Theo Montagne was Mr. Hockey-Player. A player. She got the distinct impression he liked her as in wanted to sleep with her. The bedroom eyes he sent her way weren’t in her imagination.

  Her roommate would hate her if she hooked up with someone from the potential husband list. The kind of men Carly deemed as inappropriate dating material. She wasn’t wrong, but none of those reasons could stop the overwhelming urge to kiss him. Those indecent thoughts had to go. She would not kiss Theo. The storm cut the power to the house and her brain. Her libido was on the verge of short circuiting.

  The brown upholstered couch was more comfortable than Carly expected. After lighting two candles on the coffee table, she curled into a ball and sank further into the cushions. She tried not to think about Theo and the sweet way he pulled out her chair at dinner, or how he anticipated her needs. The way he was taking care of her, not because he had to, but because he chose to.

  “All clean,” Theo said as he plopped down next to her. His leg touched hers and she shivered. “Are you cold? I found some blankets earlier in the closet where I grabbed the candles and flashlights. I brought them
out here.”

  The arrogance from inside the diner, and the bravado he displayed in the parking lot, was replaced with an allure she found difficult to ignore. She wondered if this charming Theo was the real him, or if the usual too-cool jock personality, she knew all too well would make an ugly appearance.

  Carly shook her head, knowing the gooseflesh had nothing to do with the temperature. “I’m fine.” She avoided eye contact and stared out the large picture window. There wasn’t much to see outside besides a white horizontal wave of snow against the darkness of night.

  “Is that code for you are ticked off at me? My ex used to say fine all the time whenever I did something she didn’t like.” Theo stretched his long legs and planted them between the candles on the table. His green socks had tiny candy canes all over them. They matched her red socks with the same design.

  Carly laughed. “Nice socks.” She kicked out one foot from under her and wiggled her toes in his direction.

  Theo grabbed her ankle and inspected the Christmas sock. “Did you pick yours out or were they a gift?” He didn’t release her foot, instead he settled it on his lap and kneaded her insole.

  It felt like heaven, transporting her to a place of coveted bliss. “I bought them, and you don’t have to massage my feet.” He pressed hard against a tight spot and Carly moaned. “On second thought, don’t stop.” She changed positions, placing her other foot on his lap.

  “Appears we have something in common.”

  Carly reached over, grabbed a throw cushion and smacked him with it. “Is that a dig because I’m not a popular superstar athlete like you?”

  Theo laughed as he stole the pillow and placed it under his head. “Not everyone loves Christmas, but it is my favorite time of year. Before you say anything, it’s not about the presents. Don’t get me wrong, I like gifts, but it’s all about family and giving. My mom always made a big production. Does your family go overboard?” He went back to massaging her foot, applying the perfect amount of pressure to make her swoon.

  “I’m an only child, so my parents spoiled me. This is our first Christmas apart and I don’t think they will handle it well. They kind of hate me going to school so far away. How about you, I bet your family will miss having you home?”

  Theo got quiet, and she thought he hadn’t heard her. He continued to massage her feet and she soaked in the soothing sensations. A few minutes passed, Carly almost fell asleep before he answered. “My mom passed away a few years back.”

  He said nothing more for a while. Carly didn’t know what to say, so she stayed quiet.

  “It’s just my dad and my two older brothers now. Hockey comes first, so they weren’t expecting me home for the holidays.” He sighed heavily. “To be honest with you, we haven’t celebrated since she died. It’s a shame because she would be pissed to see what our family has become without her.” A wistful look ghosted across his features but was soon replaced with a sad smile. “This tree over here is nice, don’t you think?”

  “Kind of manly, but it is nice.” Carly wasn’t expecting him to have a less than perfect home life. He acted larger than life and always had a smile for the cameras.

  “I’m sorry about your mom.” She leaned over and covered his hand with hers. His hands stilled. “I can tell you miss her. I’m not sure what I would do if my mom wasn’t around when I needed her.” Carly dreaded even the thought of her parents not being a phone call away. They were close. The urge to reach out to them and tell them she was okay gnawed at her. They must be worried sick by now.

  “I do, miss her I mean. She was so full of life and smiles. She never got too serious, about hockey or anything in life, which is something I try to copy. It’s hard, because she made it seem easy.” He rubbed her feet again.

  Carly leaned back into the couch. “You’re succeeding then, because I’ve only ever seen you with a smile, except for today. On the ice you’re a fierce competitor, but off it, you seem like a happy guy. I figured you for a guy who didn’t have a care in the world.”

  Theo shrugged his shoulders. “You said something earlier too, so, you know who I am. Does that mean you’re a hockey enthusiast or are you a Theo Montagne admirer?” His smile broadened, and a dimple emerged to torment her.

  “I may be a fan of your team,” she answered.

  He tickled instead of rubbing and Carly squealed. “Did you hit my car on purpose to get my attention? You wouldn’t be the first you know.”

  Again, with the arrogance. Carly rolled her eyes as she tried to pull her tortured tootsies away from his strong hold but it was in vain. She thought back to the two men from the diner, and the one with the gross-looking scratches in particular. It gave her the creeps all over again. “No, I wasn’t trying to get your attention. Get over yourself, hockey star.”

  “You’ve called me that a few times now, what’s with that?”

  Her roommate wasn’t the only one who enjoyed watching hockey. Unlike her friend, Carly enjoyed the sport not the men. She rebuffed all men, but provided an extra cold shoulder to the hockey players. That didn’t mean she didn’t love watching the games. “I may have caught more than a few of your games,” she admitted.

  In that moment, she was afraid what else she might admit. Like the fact that she liked Theo, way more than she intended to. She knew if she didn’t move away from him soon, her feet wouldn’t be the only thing in his lap.

  She wasn’t ready to go there. No matter how much of a good guy he seemed, he was still a player. She pulled her feet off his legs, planted them on the floor, and walked over to the window. The storm had to end and it couldn’t come soon enough for Carly.

  “I don’t like hockey players.” The statement burst from her lips before she could take it back. “Let me rephrase; I don’t like hockey players as boyfriends.”

  He stood beside her and pulled her chin towards him. “I can understand that, we’re a difficult group to love.” His eyes moved from hers and he looked out the window.

  Whoa, she never mentioned love. “I’m sure you’re a great person and any woman would be lucky to fall in love with you.”

  His eyes were so blue, she was drowning within their waters while he peeked into her soul. As though he knew her defenses were weakening with every moment she was with him. She wasn’t aware of her movement, but she leaned towards him. He leaned in close as well and this was the moment she’d been dreading and hoping for, since she noticed him walk into the diner. This kiss would change everything.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  H is breath fluttered against her lips. The warm wet invitation was almost too appealing to turn down, but she pulled away.

  All of her previous mistakes flashed before her. She wasn’t interested in being a hockey player’s hookup or anything else. Theo more than likely had millions of girls throwing themselves at him, and she would not be one of them.

  “What’s wrong?” Theo asked as she put some distance between them.

  She walked only a few feet away to stand by the tree. The glass ornaments cast an eerie vibe to the branches, and the room felt like it was closing in on her. There was no misinterpretation. Theo was going to kiss her. Another second and their mouths would have connected. A kiss that wouldn’t have ended there.

  So many possibilities.

  That was the problem because there was only one possible outcome from that kiss. Sex complicated everything and Carly wasn’t looking for another notch on her bedpost. Another man to skate over her, leaving his marks behind.

  The mixed signals were her fault. As much as she didn’t want to open herself to him, she owed him an explanation. Rip off the Band-Aid, she told herself. The sooner she laid the ground rules the better off they would both be. So why was she hesitating?

  “I told you I don’t kiss hockey players, and you are most definitely a hockey player.”

  He laughed and walked in the opposite direction shielding his face. “I’ve never been turned down because of my job before. That’s a new one, and pretty shallow.�
�� He called her shallow.

  “Pardon me?”

  “You heard me. I think that it’s extremely judgmental to stereotype me based on my job. My work doesn’t define who I am, any more than your choice of schools defines you.”

  Exhausted from the barrage of emotions, she wasn’t sure what to say. Carly slid her fingertips over the silk ribbon on the tree, admiring the way it contrasted against the fake bristles of the evergreen.

  Theo had some valid points. She never thought of it along those lines, but she wasn’t superficial. Athletes, regardless of their sport, were bad news, and she had her reasons to stay away.

  “Doesn’t matter what you think. I won’t get involved with anyone who plays sports. No offense to you, it’s not personal, it’s my choice.”

  He came up behind her. His heat radiated against her back. “I do take offense. Won’t you give me a chance?”

  “No.” She turned, and he stood inches from her, holding a piece of mistletoe above her head. “What are you doing?”

  “Making sure I get a chance.”

  His lips covered hers with the right amount of pressure to make her pulse race. She opened her mouth to him and he took full advantage. Their tongues wrapped around one another in a blissful encounter. All the joy of being a kid opening a present, tearing through the wrapping paper to find your new favorite toy, that’s what it was like kissing Theo. Carly’s head spun and her toes curled. Theo kissed with purpose and with the same skill she’d seen him display on the ice.

  The softest pillow-like lips molded against hers. The velvet smoothness of his tongue encircled around hers. She was making out with Theo Montagne. She’d kissed others before, but none displayed the amount of skill Theo possessed.

  His hand moved to her hip, and the cold of his fingertips brushed against her stomach.

  “We should stop,” she said as he licked down the column of her throat.

  “I couldn’t disagree more.”

  He kissed her again, with renewed vigor. She could feel his determination to change her mind. As if a kiss could prove they were perfect for one another. As though this one moment could erase years of pain. When their lips were sealed together, nothing else mattered, she got lost in the sensations. He growled when she latched onto the scar on his lip and sucked it into her mouth. He tasted better than she imagined.