Page 42 of Breaking the Ice (Denver Stampede #6)

Pucks sprawled out on the floor, staring up at me. He didn’t mind all the wardrobe changes, but I’d promised him an afternoon movie date after we finished filming content.

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s not my fault you’re a hot commodity.

” We’d started the day with a quick hike nearby so he could try out his new winter booties.

He’d loved them last year and now we had a sponsorship with the company.

Their winter pet gear was top-notch, so I was happy to endorse them in our content.

But after a dozen costumes and the booties, Pucks was done being told what to do.

I chuckled at the idea of having any control over my best friend.

“One more, then cozy blankets, snacks, and Judy Hopps.”

Pucks barked his approval and sat up as I grabbed my phone. I hit record and tossed the costume at him before hitting pause. Then I set down my phone and pulled the costume on Pucks before turning the video back on to show him in the costume.

“I think that’s the winner,” I said, after turning off the video. I’d splice everything together while we watched our movie and upload it for his followers to pick their favorite. Maybe he’d be Bumblebee for the hospital visit and the fan favorite for our team party.

Pucks hopped up on the couch and stretched out.

I swore he sighed. “I know. Celebrity life is so hard. Would you like sparkling water with your snack plate?” I laughed and ruffled his ears before heading into the kitchen to prepare our plates.

Popcorn for me and a collection of new organic dog treats we’d just received and a fine selection of fruits for him.

Pucks was partial to apple slices and blueberries.

And pretty much anything else I put in front of him.

“Too bad Dani has to work today. She could’ve joined us,” I called out.

Pucks barked in agreement. I’d slipped out of bed early this morning to make us breakfast before she had to leave for work, and when I’d returned, Pucks had wedged himself against Dani’s front so they were spooning.

It was adorable so I’d snapped a pic. She’d probably kill me if I’d posted it online, so I kept it for myself.

Hopefully she’d want to spend the night again tonight after we talked. I hadn’t texted her that we needed to talk, because those words never went well together, but I wanted to put my cards on the table once and for all.

I was tired to fake dating. It would have been easy to just keep going with the flow and having our fun, but I needed to see where we really stood.

I already felt the nerves creeping up my throat.

The odds were stacked against me. I was a goalie.

She didn’t want to be in a real relationship right now.

I was a goalie.

But I was also super fun, great in bed if her noises were anything to go by, and Pucks was part of the deal. I should have been a shoo-in for everlasting boyfriend material.

I didn’t want her to question my motives for being with her. I wanted her to know that I was in love with her. She was probably going to freak out, but hopefully she wouldn’t walk out on me in a public setting.

Was that a douche move?

Pucks barked.

“It is, isn’t it? I should just make us dinner at home and we could talk.” We’d been having sleepovers every night I was in town and I didn’t want them to ever end.

Pucks barked again.

“You know, words would be way more helpful. Should we get those command buttons that you can just push to answer? No, you’d probably just end up constantly telling me to get you food.”

Pucks barked again and I chuckled. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

Tonight would be fine.

I hated that word.

***

“How do I look?” I asked Pucks later that night as I sat on the bed, pulling on my socks.

He swiped my face with his tongue. “Oh, come on, man.” I went into the bathroom and wiped my face. Pucks gave me a goofy grin, his tongue partially hanging out when I walked back into my bedroom.

“There’s a time and place for face licks.” I laughed and stopped in front of him. “Okay, it’s all the time.” Then I kissed his snout.

“No parties while I’m gone,” I said, tossing him a treat before I headed out the door to pick up Dani.

I had a mental list of costume ideas for us and all the reasons we were awesome together.

I did a fist pump, so ready for tonight.

Fucking hell, I was a dork.

***

A short while later, my hand grazed the small of Dani’s back as we followed the host to our table. Dani shuddered gently, and when I leaned in to whisper my lips against her nape, her gasp went straight to my cock.

“This place is another one of my favorites.” Her words were stilted, and I grinned. Fuck, I loved riling this woman up.

“Here you go,” the host said and I thanked her as Dani and I slid into the booth. I reluctantly sat on the opposite side of her. Small booths that only fit two people were stupid.

“So, how was your day?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation normal even though I wanted to dive right in.

She fiddled with the water glass I’d just filled for her from the bottle on the table, running her fingers along the top and then tapping down the side. Why did she look slightly off?

Or maybe I was imagining it.

I wanted to reach out and grab Dani’s hand, soothe her and still her fidgeting since I was nervous enough for both of us.

“What? Oh, it was good. Just long. I barely had time for lunch. I think I overbooked myself, which is the absolute worst thing, especially on a Monday. So, yeah, nothing to report. I mean, not that I could, of course.”

She was rambling.

“You okay?” I asked.

She glanced up, almost startled, and met my gaze, a wry smile on her lips.

What the hell was going on with her?

“Yep. Great. Just a long Monday. I’m a bit tired.”

I smirked. “Didn’t get a good night’s sleep?”

Her cheeks pinked and she laughed softly. “It was okay.”

Fuck it. I reached over and twined my fingers with her hand that wasn’t on her glass. “Pretty sure it was better than okay.”

“Gabe.” Her saying my name all breathy made all my parts stand up at attention. But I wanted to tease her, put her at ease, because clearly something was on her mind.

“Pucks is awesome at spooning.”

She giggled and my heart squeezed.

“You thought I was going somewhere else with that, didn’t you? Dirty, dirty girl.”

She sucked in a breath and my cock was rock hard. At least the booth hid me.

“You come across as such a nice guy, but you’re actually total trouble,” she said, snagging a breadstick from the basket in front of us.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. But I’m sorry for the long day. I wish you could’ve spent it with us.”

“Me too. Those pics were hysterical. He should be Bumblebee for sure. Who are you going to be? Obviously an Autobot. Decepticons are completely against your nature.” She chuckled. “Am I actually debating good and evil Transformers?”

At least she was smiling again.

“I’m debating between a few, and we have to figure out our couples costume, too.”

“I am not dressing up as a Transformer.”

I chuckled. “There aren’t any couples really but imagine if an Autobot fell in love with a Decepticon. The drama.”

She grinned and shook her head. I was glad that I’d been able to lighten the mood.

Just then the waitress came over to grab our order.

***

We were halfway through our meal, having a lovely debate over what literary or movie couple we could be to fit the theme Cora had chosen, when an obnoxious voice I wish I never had to hear again interrupted us.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here.”

No fucking way.

“You can’t be serious,” Dani muttered, irritation flashing in her eyes as we both turned to see Jenzy standing by our table.

“Fancy seeing both of you here,” Jenzy said.

“Are you stalking me now? You know this is one of my favorite restaurants. Funny how Gabe just posted a picture of us having dinner and here you are.”

“Taking him to our place?”

“It’s not ours, you idiot.”

“Are we still going to play this game? I know this is all fake.” He waved his hand over us and I reached for Dani’s fingers, squeezing them.