Page 32 of Breaking the Ice (Denver Stampede #6)

“No, I mean, I also should probably go. I have that meeting with Meredith later today.” I started to twist from him.

“Right. But I did promise you breakfast.” He dropped a kiss on my shoulder but let me scoot away.

I instantly missed him as soon as my feet were on the floor.

I wanted to ignore my stupid doubts and turn off my phone and then climb right back into bed with him.

My meeting wasn’t for at least a few hours.

No. This was the smart thing. Falling for him would just lead to heartache and I’d had more than enough of that to last a lifetime.

TUCKS

It wasn’t lost on me that she’d pulled away the other morning in bed. I’d let it go because I didn’t want to further mess up that moment. Fuck, she’d looked so damn happy. My chest squeezed just thinking about it two days later.

At least she’d let me make her breakfast and let Pucks love up on her before I’d driven her home so she could get ready for her meeting with Meredith.

We’d even texted that night for a bit so she could tell me how everything went.

I knew Meredith would totally be on board with getting us over to Dani’s center.

It was a great cause. And she’d acted like a supportive and happy girlfriend last night when we’d kicked Florida’s ass with a sweet four to one win.

But she’d skipped going to Tipsy to celebrate, saying she’d had a long day.

Tomorrow, we headed out on our first road trip.

Seven days away, so I was taking Dani hiking today and bringing Pucks along.

I hated the inkling of uncertainty about where Dani and I stood settling in my veins, but I didn’t want to rattle her and then bail for a week, so I decided to act like everything was fine and perfectly normal and try to get a better read on her.

I wanted to be so much more than just her fake boyfriend.

Hell, part of me wanted to incite Roger to some drama just so Dani would want to be extra convincing and love up on me.

Fucking hell, that was pathetic. Also, creepy as hell.

Pucks whined at my feet and I glanced down.

“I know. I need serious help with Dani. She’s so stubborn. Doesn’t she understand that we’re perfect for her?”

He perked up at Dani’s name. He was just as smitten with my prickly, perfect, fake girlfriend as I was.

“We’ll convince her, okay? You’ll be on your best behavior, looking all cute and sweet, won’t you?”

He sat up straight and barked.

“Glad we’re in agreement. We can accomplish anything, right, buddy?” I ruffled the top of his head and he squirmed around, obviously needing a specific spot scratched.

“Ready to go get our girl?” I asked.

He barked again.

I grabbed our gear and the backpack with water and extra snacks for all of us, and we were on our way to Dani’s.

I hadn’t told her where we are going, so hopefully she would like the surprise.

The weather was still decent for hiking, but it wouldn’t be long before Denver got the first snow of the season.

At least today was warm. I loaded Pucks into my SUV and we made the short drive to Dani’s house.

“Stay here and we’ll be right back,” I told him once I parked the car.

He gave me a bark of agreement and I scratched his jaw, getting rewarded with a lick and doggy smile.

“Save that cuteness for Dani.”

I headed up the walkway and knocked on her door.

“One second,” she called out, then she was opening the door.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I said, leaning in to kiss her.

She hesitated for a second, but then her lips met mine for a way too-brief kiss. I wanted to walk her backward into the house and slam the door behind us, show her just how much I missed waking up in bed with her this morning.

Her fingers curled into my shirt as my tongue swiped against her lips, and she parted her lips, her tongue tangling with mine.

Fuck, I loved kissing this woman. I fitted my body against hers and tilted my head, deepening the kiss.

And she went right along with me, her soft moan sending sparks of heat through my body and straight to my cock.

Then Pucks barked, and Dani broke the kiss with a laugh.

“Cockblocking dog. I swear he’s no longer my favorite family member,” I grumbled, which only made her laugh harder.

“Harsh words for your best friend,” she said.

“Looks like I have an opening for a new bestie.”

She snorted softly. I loved seeing this lighter side of her, a side I strove to bring out in her any chance I got. Her smile was breathtaking.

“Yeah, right. Even if he has terrible timing, he’s still your bestie.”

I shrugged. “I guess. Those puppy-dog eyes get me every time.”

She chuckled. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“Yup. So, you ready to go on an adventure with us?” Pucks was only going to give us so much more time before he started barking again, and as much as I joked, I would never leave him alone in my car.

“Are you planning to tell me where we’re headed? There’s lots of hiking spots around.”

“Nope, it’s a surprise. And you’re dressed perfectly for it. Do you need help grabbing anything?”

“No, I think I have all I need.” She grabbed a backpack and slung it over her shoulder before she shut and locked her door behind her.

“I apologize in advance if he tries to lick you in the car. I mean, to his credit, you are delectable.”

Her cheeks tinged pink, and I regretted bringing Pucks. An indoor adventure with just the two of us was sounding more ideal by the second.

I held open her door and she slipped in, greeting Pucks. Then I was in the driver’s seat and we were heading out.

“How long is the drive?”

“An hour.”

“East? West?”

“So how was your day yesterday?”

“You’re really not going to give me more details, are you? I should tell you, I’m actually not a fan of surprises.”

“Never would’ve guessed that,” I teased, earning me a glare. “Just know that it’s a dog-friendly hike with great views and I packed plenty of snacks.”

“Fine,” she muttered, crossing her arms across her chest like she was put out.

Which only drew attention to her breasts. I wanted to reach over and cup them in my hands, maybe tweak her nipples until they pebbled against my palm. Shifting in my seat, I willed my cock to calm down.

“I’ll let you pick the music,” I said.

“As you should.” She took my phone out of the cup holder and tapped on the streaming service.

“These playlists are decent.” She picked one that was more rock but not as hard as my game day playlist. “Ooh, Steelwolf. Perfect. I was worried when they announced they were finding someone to take Jamie’s place, but Charlie kicks ass on drums.”

We spent the rest of the ride discussing our favorite bands and talked about my upcoming road trip. She also figured out where we were going about thirty minutes into the drive, but I refused to confirm.

“I knew it,” she said when we passed through St. Mary’s and headed past Hilltop Lookout. “I haven’t hiked Loch Lomond in ages and never this late in the year.”

I loved the excitement in her voice. This trip was exactly what we both needed, getting out of the city and away from everything, even if it was just for an afternoon.

Yes, we were going to record a video with Pucks and post on social media about our relationship, but that was secondary to hopefully having a fun day.

I knew her father was heading back to Montreal today and she hadn’t ended up seeing him, but I could tell it still frustrated her.

I wasn’t going to ask her about it though.

Keeping today light and easy was just what she needed, but if she brought anything heavier up, I was ready to listen.

I hated that he wasn’t an amazing father. Every kid deserved parents like mine. Not that they were perfect, because no one was, but as parents, I couldn’t have asked for more love and support.

Soon after, we were parking near the trailhead.

“At least there’s no snow.”

“No kidding. And I’m so not ready for snow, but October can be hit or miss, especially later in the month.” She twisted around in her seat. “Pucks, you ready to go hiking?”

As soon as I released his seat belt hook, Pucks climbed between our seats. His tongue lolled out and he had his trademark puppy grin on in full force. She laughed.

“I guess that’s a yes.”

“Pucks loves hiking. I’ve been taking him since he was six months old.

” I grabbed my phone and flipped it to selfie, making sure to get all three of us in the shot.

“Okay, who’s going hiking today?” Pucks barked.

“And who’s going to be a good pup and not swim to the middle of the lake?

” He barked again and I grinned into the screen.

“Is he going to make a liar out of me, Dani?”

She laughed. “I’d say yes.”

“I’d like to say I have control, but we all know Pucks does whatever he wants. Good thing he’s cute, right?”

“Very cute.”

“Pucks, selfie,” I said, and he plopped his head on my shoulder, staring at the phone.

“Seriously, did you train him to do that?” she asked after I turned off the recording.

“Maybe,” I said sheepishly.

She shook her head, laughing. “All for views, huh?”

“Hey, he has way more followers than me, remember? We’re even in talks to do some sponsored dog treat posts, so it’s not like it’s just for me. He’s definitely getting benefits.”

“As he should, he’s so cute.” She reached over and ruffled his ears. He nudged his head against her fingers when she stopped. “Don’t turn those eyes on me, mister. It won’t work.”

“Okay, fine. Do you have any treats?” she asked two seconds later. I laughed and handed her one before I got out of the car. I loved how much she loved Pucks already.

“If you’re done, we do have a hike to do,” I teased.

Today was exactly what both of us needed.