Page 20 of Pucking Tangled

TWENTY

Mia

One week later…

Hockey gear and duffle bags were piled near the door where the guys left them since they returned from Charleston a day ago. The weight of the season’s heartbreaking end still lingered heavily in the air, along with a tension that Mia was becoming all too familiar with.

Things had been shifting since she moved in, that part wasn’t new. But there were major changes in the atmosphere ever since she sat in the stands during Game 4. Changes that had nothing to do with winning or losing.

Waylon was far more reserved with her than ever.

Owen went back to the quiet observer she’d long since known him for.

And Casey? He was so damn closed off that Mia was beginning to wonder if Brooke had said something to him that had her best friend retreating and treating her like a stranger .

Then there was Luca.

The biggest change was the way Luca had started pursuing her. Making his intentions very clear, while somehow still maintaining his genuine and gentle sweetness.

Tender kisses that left her breathless. Late-night conversations. And a relaxing date or two squeezed in there between games and practices.

Luca was playing the long game. And Mia was here for it.

At least someone had taken the new rule she added to the list to heart.

Mia stepped over the hockey bags and dropped her backpack right beside them.

Silence seemed to echo around her.

“Anyone home?” she called out, surprised that even Skeeter hadn’t run to greet her.

No one answered.

Maybe there was a team meeting or something scheduled that she didn’t know about.

She made her way through the foyer and into the kitchen before she spotted Luca in the backyard.

Their outdoor space was already pretty perfect as far as Mia was concerned, but now it looked a lot more like a romantic oasis. Fairy lights lit up the patio area where the table was set for dinner for two, complete with candles and flowers. Cute little water lilies with lights floated in the pool.

And standing in the middle of it all was Luca, who finally noticed her arrival.

The smile on his face as he walked toward her nearly knocked Mia off her feet.

“Hi,” he whispered, kissing her on the cheek.

“Luca.” Her own voice came out breathlessly. “Where is everyone?”

He bristled for half a second before shaking his head. “Casey and Owen took Skeeter to doggy daycare to hang out with some of his puppy friends, then they were going out on a date together. Waylon’s at Dalton’s house, blowing off steam.”

“So, it’s just us?” She felt her face light up with excitement and promise.

“Just us, MiaMoo,” he grinned back at her with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

Luca placed a hand on her back and led her over to the table. “I thought you might be hungry when you got home.”

“Is that…Pasta alla Vodka?”

“It is.”

“Wow. How’d…”

He smirked. “Casey might have given me a copy of your favorite recipe.”

“Wait, you made this?”

“Guilty,” he grinned like he just won the grand prize.

“Luca Blackford, you did not have to go through all this trouble for me.”

He pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. “One day, Mia, you’re going to realize you’re worth it,” he said, kissing her cheek again before circling the table and taking a seat across from her.

Conversation flowed between them with a practiced ease while they ate.

After Mia cleared her plate, she sat back in her chair and wiped the corners of her mouth. “Luca, that’s the best Pasta alla Vodka I think I’ve ever had. ”

“Good. I’m glad. I hope you saved room for dessert.”

“Dessert?” Mia let out a tiny laugh. “Luca, you do realize I am a sure thing, right?”

Luca’s cheeks flushed. “Let me get this cleaned up, and I’ll bring out the crème br?lée.”

“Tell me you didn’t make that yourself, too.”

“I can’t take credit for that, MiaMoo. I did pick it up from your favorite place, though.”

Mia’s heart did a little backflip as she stood and picked up her plate.

He shook his head and took the dishes from her. “I’ve got this. Tonight’s about you. You do so much for everyone else. I want you to relax and let me take care of you for once.”

“Luca,” she put her hand on his arm. “I think we both know where this is going to lead tonight.”

His breath hitched, and he quickly sat things back on the table so he could take her hands in his. “I sure hope so.” He flashed that shy smile that burned a spot right into Mia’s soul.

“Remember when you told me that you wanted your first time to be special? For it to be with the right person. To mean something.”

“Haven’t stopped thinking about that night,” he confessed.

“I want that moment with you, Luca. If you’ll have me. That’s what I want. But, there’s something I need to say first. Before this goes any further.”

“Sounds ominous,” he joked, though she could tell he was nervous. He moved his hands to her waist and pulled her closer. “Whatever you need to say, I’m listening.”

Mia sighed. This man was really too good to be true .

She hoped when she told him the truth that he wouldn’t change his mind or end up hating her.

“I want you to know that when I tell you this, it’s because I care about you. Because I want you to make an informed decision about what happens next. Okay?”

Luca nodded. “Okay.”

“I can’t promise you that this thing between us will only ever be just you and me, Luca. I feel something for the others, too. I don’t ever want to lie to you about that.”

His jaw clenched for a beat, something she couldn’t ever recall seeing him do before. “I know,” his voice cracked.

“You know?” she whispered.

“I’ve known from the very beginning. How could I not? I see the way they all look at you. The way you look at each of them.” He swallowed. “I never expected to be the only one you wanted. I just wanted a fair chance.”

Mia wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him, resting her head on his chest. He was so…so much more than she ever expected. It would be so easy to give her heart to him, completely.

“I’ve never done anything like this. The whole sharing part, I mean. I don’t know what that looks like or how that plays out. For all I know, they’re not interested anymore. Who can tell at this point?”

Luca smirked. “MiaMoo, they’re interested.”

“They are?” Her brows scrunched in confusion. “Could have fooled me. They’ve all been acting so weird lately. Well, weirder than usual.”

They both laughed, then he gave her a crooked smile.

“I’ve obviously never shared anyone like that before either.

You’d be the first for me in so many ways.

But, Mia, I’m not willing to lose any chance to be with you.

If that means that one day I have to share you with them…

then I’ll deal with it wh en it happens.

This moment right here,” he motioned between them, “this is ours. Mine.”

Emotions swelled in her chest, and tears threatened to fall. The way he looked at her right now, so vulnerable. Terrified and willing. Mia felt like a piece of her was about to shatter.

“Then I think it’s time you took me to bed, Luca.”

He quickly glanced at the mess left over from dinner.

“That will still be here in the morning,” Mia assured him.

“The morning, huh?” He raised a brow, his confidence seeming to rise.

“I plan on keeping you to myself for as long as I can.”

“I think that’s supposed to be my line,” Luca chuckled before he cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her lips.

This kiss started slow. Sweet. Tender. Filled with promise and hope. But when Mia fisted his shirt and pulled him in even closer, their kisses turned feral.

He scooped Mia up like she weighed nothing and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Luca,” Mia squealed and buried her face in the crook of his neck. “Put me down.”

“Not a chance, MiaMoo,” he replied, carrying her through the house.

When they reached the steps, Mia smacked his shoulder. “Okay. Seriously. Put me down, Luca. You can’t carry me up the steps, and now is not the time to try and prove otherwise. If we tumble and get hurt, and I can’t have my wicked way with you? I’m going to be so sad.”

Luca paused before he relented. “Only because I’m dying to—” he swallowed hard “—be inside you.”

Mia’s pussy throbbed at the thought.

When her feet hit the floor, she took the steps two at a time, quickly calling over her shoulder, “Catch me if you can.”

Luca was hot on her heels, capturing her at the very top of the stairs. “I’ve got you.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. “Your room or mine?”

She thought for a moment. “Yours. It’s closer.”