Thin Ice Page 5

  Peter sighed, watching as a couple of girls strode over in their direction. Big sloppy smiles on their overly made up faces. It was too much. So he turned back towards the bar, ignoring them completely once they had fully advanced upon his little group. Their loud giggles permeating his thoughts even though he tried his damnedest to ignore them.

  Andre nudged him, “hey Pete.” he said, trying to grab his attention. “You mind if I take off? I've got a couple of ladies to entertain.”

  Peter nodded, he didn't care one way or the other. Throwing a couple of bills down on the counter to pay for his tab, he got up and left, leaving Andre and Viktor alone with their spoils. Snorting to himself, as he looked back over his shoulder, he thought again of Harmony, those girls had nothing on her.

  Amanda Orsini watched as Peter Petrovic got up and left the bar. Mere seconds after she and her friend Cassie had walked over to his pint-sized group and introduced themselves. He hadn't even acknowledged her! That bastard! She wondered just who he thought he was! Was this any way to treat a fan? Oh well, Andre would suit her needs for now.

  Andre put his arm around her shoulder then, drawing her attention away from the door Peter had just exited and back to their little group. “Oh don't worry about Pete. He's just sore right now.” Andre drawled, pulling her closer. “You just let ole Andre take care of you tonight.”

  Amanda smiled, turning the wattage up fully and then pouting her lips a little. “That sounds like a fine idea to me.” she purred with a wink at her friend.

  Cassie wasn't sold on the idea however. She wasn't interested in Viktor Bortnik, no matter how rich or famous the man was, he just wasn't attractive. She wanted Andre, but with Peter gone, that wasn't likely to happen. Amanda always got the good looking guys. Something about her perkiness and that bottle blonde hair that made the men turn a blind eye to Cassie.

  It wasn't that she was ugly or anything, she was just slightly plump for her small frame, and her features a little plainer than those of her petite friend. Whatever. She wasn't into hooking up with random strangers anyways.

  “I think I'm going to call it a night Mandy, sorry.” She said, slipping from between her friend and the big Russian to her right.

  “Suit yourself,” Andre said, dismissing her as he focused all his attention on Amanda, who after giving her friend a shrug of one delicate shoulder, leaned into him and whispered something into his ear that caused him to laugh.

  Viktor excused himself as well, heading towards the bathroom as Andre paid his tab and escorted his latest conquest from the bar.

  Peter waited almost a week before calling Harmony. For a little while there, he wasn't sure he was going to call her at all, though what possessed him to think like that was beyond him. Why shouldn't he call her? He was attracted to her, and she was clearly attracted to him as well, or she wouldn't have given him her phone number to begin with.

  But he'd waited nearly the week just the same. Give her time to wonder, that had been Andre's advice and Viktor agreed. So he waited.

  “I almost gave up on you.” Harmony said, once the pleasantries were out of the way.

  “Sorry, I took some bad advice.” He admitted, cursing Andre and Viktor and their stupid tactics.

  But Harmony just laughed. “So when did you want to get together?” she asked.

  “I was thinking tomorrow night. Dinner?”

  “That sounds great. Have you ever been to Molly MacPherson's? I love the food there.” Harmony exclaimed, before catching herself and trying to tamp down her excitement. She didn't want to seem too eager, though she was nearly bubbling over at this point.

  “Da. I go there all the time. How is 7? Is good for you?”

  “7 is perfect Peter. I can't wait to see you.” She said before hanging up.

  All week Peter had tried to keep himself busy. He worked out, went to the rink and got in some skating practice, then worked out again. Whatever he could think to do to keep his mind from wandering to thoughts of Harmony.

  Being the offseason, most of the guys went back to their hometowns at one point or another. Dean, the captain of his team and his new wife Abby had gone to Connecticut to visit his family for a few weeks, and Donovan, the co-captain, had just come back from Canada a couple of days ago. He and his girlfriend Lacy had just bought a house, and were fighting over how to decorate it, along with having gone to the pound and adopting a large mutt that Donovan said was part Great Dane, part lab, and part God only knew what else.

  Andre was supposed to be going home to Toronto himself, but as he had just finished moving into Donovan's former home, he was putting it off for another couple of weeks, said he'd be going back sometime in August. And Viktor, well, Viktor was next in line to get the cup for a week, and would be heading back to Russia by Friday.

  Once he had his week, it was Peter's turn, of course, now he was quite torn about going home himself. Having met Harmony, he didn't know if he would go home this time around, or if he did, maybe he'd only stay for that one week. Surely everyone in his hometown would love to see the Stanley Cup after all, but he didn't like the idea of leaving Harmony. They barely knew each other at this point, so what was to stop her from meeting someone else in the interim and forgetting all about him?

  One day at a time Peter. He told himself. He didn't want to get too far ahead of himself here. He and Harmony had chemistry yes, and shared a love of animals clearly, but that didn't mean they were compatible. Peter just needed to play it by ear, take things slow. No need to rush.

  After dinner the next night, Peter and Harmony sat outside on one of two benches that flanked the doors to Molly's, a lovely little pub in downtown Savannah that served up hot food, cold beer and outrageous folk music, all in an atmosphere surrounded by Scottish heritage. It was a favorite among the Slashers players, they often went there to celebrate after each and every home win of the season.

  And tonight, it was their place.

  As a regular, Peter had been treated like the royalty he was, and they were even given a desert on the house to share. They talked lightly during the meal, telling each other stories. Peter learned that Harmony's mother, though she loved both her children and her husband, had had a hard time showing such emotions, often times she was more affectionate with the family dog than her own family.

  It sounded like such a lonely way to grow up. But apparently, both kids had turned out alright. Her older brother, Craig, lived and worked near Miami, she said he built boats, working as the lead manufacturer for his father in-law's company, and he had been married for four years now with two children, a boy age 3 and a girl who was almost 1. As for Harmony, well, he couldn't imagine her having turned out any better than she was.

  She was a talkative sort, there wasn't a bit of silence between them the entire meal, and at times one might have considered her to be boisterous as well, animated and loud, but it just reminded him of home. Russian's were a loud bunch, so he was used to it. He enjoyed her openness and honest nature. She didn't hold back, and that was something special in and of itself.

  Peter had talked about family as well. About his father and the work that he and his sister did together. Though it was much too complex to explain in detail, especially with his limited ability to articulate in English, he figured she understood the gist of it. Then he told her about growing up and traveling the world with his mother at times while she was a part of figure skating circuit, once she retired from performing herself after the birth of her youngest daughter, she still coached, and took several men and women to the worlds and Olympics.

  It was all fascinating stuff, and Harmony was even truly surprised when Peter told her all about his little sister and her quest to become a hockey player for the WNHL, that was only recently brought into existence. She would have thought the young girl would want to follow in her mother's footsteps, not those of her older brother. But it was sweet just the same.

  So here they sat afterward, having finished their meals, their beers, and their delightful c
onversation. Harmony didn't want the night to end. She'd had such a good time with Peter. Despite the language barrier he was quite the conversationalist, and a damn good listener! Even now, with the silence of the quiet night surrounding them, nothing about it felt awkward. Everything was right in the world. Their world.

  Peter placed a finger under her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his own. “What is on your mind Miss Harmony?” he asked, as he ran his thumb softly back and forth across her chin.

  She smiled, his touch warming her in a way the humidity of the night could not. “I was thinking about how much fun I've had tonight. I like you Peter.”

  “I like you too.” he chuckled, his accent tinting even the sound of his laughter, melting her insides a little more. “May I walk you to your car?”

  Nodding, Harmony waited until he stood up, holding a hand out to her before rising off the bench herself. Hand in hand they strolled along the sidewalk to the lot down the way where Harmony had parked. Peter only lived a couple of blocks away, so he'd just walk, like he had on the way over. But as he wasn't ready to leave the company of such an amazing woman just yet, he slowed his pace, pulling Harmony around to face him.

  “I do not want you to go.” He admitted, holding both of her hands in his, his calloused thumbs brushing the insides of her palms.

  “I know what you mean,” she admitted.

  His touch, the feel of his skin on hers, it was almost too much. She wanted to mold herself against his hard body, here and now, lose herself in what was sure to be a passionate kiss! What was wrong with her? Harmony had never thought such foolish things before! Maybe she'd had one beer too many. Yeah, that had to be it.

  But as Peter's fingers snaked up her wrists, as his gaze darkened, that icy glare looking as dark as the depths of the ocean, her heart started to beat faster, her pulse rocketing out of control. Could he feel it? Could he feel the veins in her wrist rushing blood back to her heart? Could he hear the bass as it beat wildly in her chest?

  He smiled, then all at once, he leaned forward, his mouth seeking hers, his breath hot and spicy on her face. Without thinking, Harmony stood on her tippy toes, and felt the shock as soon as their lips met. A fierce bolt of lightning, it struck her hard, sending her head reeling as his tongue delved into her mouth. Harmony whimpered as he pulled her into his arms, the breath nearly knocked out of her when she came up against the hard length of his body.

  The night sounds, the scent of the air as it mixed with the smell of his cologne, the heat of his mouth, and the tangy taste of him, it was an erotically intoxicating mixture, drugging her with each parting of his lips against hers. Her head swam, her vision blurred beneath her eyelids, the colors exploding like fireworks in her head.

  After what felt like an eternity, Harmony broke off the kiss abruptly, pulling back from Peter and taking in a gulp of air. His smile faded as he saw the shock and fear in her eyes.

  Had he been too rough?

  “Harmony?” he questioned, reaching out for her as she continued to back away from him.

  “I uh, I need to go,” she said hastily. Making a quick retreat for her car “I'll see you later. Thanks for dinner Peter.” She gave him one final pained look as she got behind the wheel of her car and watched him watching her. Then she started the engine and left as quickly as she could without actually peeling out.

  What had just happened? She asked herself, more than just a little confused. One minute they were standing there talking, and the next he was making love to her mouth! Not that she hadn't enjoyed the kiss, it was more than she could have ever imagined it would be. And hadn't she thought often about kissing Peter? It was more than that though. She had felt almost as though she were floating away from herself, merging into Peter. But how was that possible?

  It was just a kiss, right?

  Peter wasn't sure what to think as he watched her drive away. He was lost, and maybe a little hurt. He'd never felt such things before when kissing a woman. It was like their souls had combined. Harmony was his equal though in almost every way, so why shouldn't it have felt natural to kiss her that way?

  Then why had she left? Why had she seemed so afraid of him? He just couldn't understand it. He realized he didn't understand women for that matter. And turning, he headed home. Lest he go lick his wounds in private.

  “I do not understand what happened,” Peter said the next evening as he sat in his usual spot at his usual bar alongside Andre.

  “Maybe the kiss sucked?” Andre teased, gulping down his beer and signaling to the bartender that he was ready for another one. “Hell, Pete, don't take it so seriously, women can be pretty damn hard to figure out sometimes.”

  “You are probably right.” he agreed, slapping a couple of bills down on the bar top and draining the rest of his bottle.

  “You're not going to stay and have another one with me?”

  “Net. No, I think I will go home and see if Viktor needs any help.”

  Andre shook his head, lowering his beer after taking another swig. “I think he said he was going to be at Sandra's tonight, he's leaving Friday and something about wanting to spend some time with her before he takes off.” He finished his beer, making a loud thunk as it hit the wood of the bar top, and winking to the bartender as she handed him another one, he grabbed it, turning to Peter once more. “Besides, I need my wingman Pete.”

  “Maybe just one more.” He replied, nodding to the barkeep.

  Chapter 5

  Crying Wolf

  Amanda Orsini sat at the end of the bar, her faithful companion Cassie at her side, and counted her good fortune. How lucky could she be? For the second time in a month, hell, less than two weeks at that! She found herself in the same bar as Peter Petrovic. She'd need to be careful this time though, he was with Andre again, and surely he'd recognize her after having spent the night with him early last week.

  And what a night that had been! Too bad he so dense, he was an animal in bed! Andre was kinda cute too, but nothing like Peter Petrovic. If only Peter hadn't been so rude to her before. She wouldn't even be considering the evil plans that swirled around in her mind right now had he actually paid attention to her. But no, he was one of those high and mighty types of guys. He obviously went for a different kind of woman, and Amanda didn't seem to fit the standard. The nerve of that guy! What a tool! Couldn't he see what a catch she was?

  Sure, Amanda was on the shorter side, and she hadn't been a cheerleader in college, but she did have a degree in fashion, and she had a damn good job as an assistant buyer at one of the local boutiques in town. Not to mention the fact that she had a pretty face, or at least she was passably pretty.

  When she did her makeup just right though she was more than just average looking, she was downright sexy! What guy wouldn't be lucky to stroll around town with her on his arm? Andre had surely seemed interested enough, hell they'd had sex twice before she left him to sleep it off! Okay, so maybe he'd pretty much showed her the door after the second time, but like she said, he was dense. And too young.

  It didn't matter that Amanda herself was only a year younger than Andre, she liked a more mature man, like Peter, who she knew to be what was it, 26? Yeah, Peter was definitely more her style. If only he had realized it before it was too late.

  But now it was just that. Too late.

  Much to his chagrin, Amanda had pumped Andre for information before they'd gone off and done the deed, so she knew Peter wasn't seeing anyone, and she also knew that while he shared a townhouse with Viktor, he was loaded. Had in fact just signed an eight-year contract worth somewhere in the neighborhood of forty-two million! So if she couldn't have Peter, well, she'd have to settle for some his money instead.

  Maybe she would have considered giving him a second chance, but after seeing him last night, kissing that big boobed bimbo outside of Molly's, no he didn't deserve a second chance. Hell, she would have done this whole thing then, the way that girl had raced off after kissing him, she probably could have convinced him to sleep w
ith her then with how vulnerable he'd looked. But that wasn't part of the plan, and she needed Cassie to make it all work. And tonight, well, tonight she would make it work. She would make her move when the timing was just right.

  So Amanda waited for the right moment, careful to avoid Andre at all times, and when Peter waved goodbye to his friend, she followed him out. As soon as the coast was clear, dragging Cassie along with her, she approached him.

  “Oh my god! You're Peter Petrovic!” she gushed, really laying it on thick and moving into his path, forcing him to either stop or run into her. “Can we have your autograph?” she begged, a big smile on her face.

  Though a slight look of annoyance crossed his features, Peter nodded and smiled, taking the pen from her hand and scribbling on the pieces of paper she and Cassie provided. “Is nice to meet fans,” he said, his thick accent barely discernible over the noise of the bar behind them.

  “Oh thank you so much!” Amanda chirped, still not allowing him to pass, “one more thing.” She said, holding up a finger.

  “Da?” Peter asked, “anything for fan.”

  Amanda held up her phone, “can I get a couple of pictures? My friends will never believe I met you otherwise!”

  Sighing visibly, Peter shook his head, lifting his hand and motioning her towards him, “da, of course.”

  “Here,” she said, handing the phone to Cassie as she wrapped herself in Peter's arms, trying to make the hug look as intimate as possible. She smiled wide for the camera, and wiggled against Peter, his scent rubbing off on her clothes as she did so.

  He was so nice, and god, he smelled so good. Too bad. Amanda thought to herself once the moment was over and Peter left the two girls, heading around the back of the building, towards home no doubt.