"Mattie." Brenna sighed. "Please stop shredding the napkins.""I can't. I'm too nervous." He crumpled up the debris and wadded it into a ball. There hadn't been enough time for them to get to either her place or his or even his parents' house in time to watch the noon news so she'd dragged him into y were sitting in a bar down the block from the jewelry shop. The little bag with the box containing the diamond ring he'd just bought was burning a hole in his pockets. He'd take it out and look at it except he didn't want to flash it so the whole bar could see it."You're driving me crazy," she told him. "I think I'm driving myself crazy," he muttered. "What if Dara can't get her to watch the broadcast? What if she thinks it's a dorky idea? Or what if - ""Will you stop with the what ifs? She didn't throw Chad out of her office. And Dara would have called if she'd gotten really angry about it.""I know, I know." He shook his head. "God. I' can't believe I fucked this thing up betwee
Liz liked the fact that instead of one large room for all the clients, Queen For a Day had created individual rooms that held one or two people giving the ultimate in privacy. Now lay in the chair in what one of the spa's "relaxing rooms" and told her body to do what the room was named for. She'd been wound up tight as a drum when they got there, so many conflicting thoughts whirling around in her brain and emotions clashing in her body that she felt like a rubber band pulled too tight. The very last person she had expected to appear in her life out of the blue was Matt Vorchak. In eight years she thought she'd managed to get past all the hurt and bury the emotions he'd left swirling around inside her when he went off to chase his dream. She thought she'd come to terms with it all, made a life for herself without him. Now here he came, with the shiny trophy he'd left her to chase, and doing things like writing bad poems and send Chad Hallowell with his autograph. How was she supposed
"Mattie, stop fidgeting." Brenna reached over and fiddled with his tie.They were seated on a couch in what the young man who'd come to fetch them in the reception are told them was the guest lounge. Matt pushed her hand away. "I can dress myself. I'm not a jerky kid any more."She laughed. "I'm not so sure about that." Then she sobered. "I just want you to look good for the television people. The nice woman who brought us in here said the sports guy would be along in a few.""You might not believe this," he told her with a wry grin, "but I've actually been interviewed for television before.""I know, I know." She shifted in her chair. "Maybe I'm the one who's nervous." She ran the tip of one finger around the edge of The Cup. "I want you to know how proud we all are of your part in this, Mattie.""Thanks. But could I ask a favor? Could you not call me Mattie in front of other people? It makes me sound eight years old.""Sure." She grinned. "Would you prefer Matthew?""I'd pre
"We're going to get those shots printed while you're on the air," Forteza told him. "We'll paper clip everyone's name to their photo. If you could take a few minutes before you leave to sign them that would be great.""Oh, of course. No problem at all. Happy to do it."And then he'd get the hell out of there so he was on time for the next phase of his plan.As soon as everyone was ushered out of the lounge, Rod gestured for Matt and Brenna to sit down again. Matt lowered himself to the couch again as Rod sat down in one of the armchairs across from them. He did his best not to appear nervous, but a lot was riding on this television appearance. More, in fact, than any one but Brenna really knew."Let's take some time to chat a little before we go into the studio, okay?" Rod asked.Matt nodded. "Sure thing. Whatever you need.""I've got all the usual stuff from our library and your agent. I want to know about the real Matt Vorchak. Especially about this big surprise thing you've go
Liz settled herself on the bar stool, carefully arranging her skirt. The dress Dara had insisted she buy was swirl of rose and cream, with a full skirt, tight bodice and spaghetti straps. It was so different than the severely tailored clothes she'd built her wardrobe around for the past few years. But once she tried it on she was sold. It was sexy and outrageous and demure all at the same time. Malone's was just beginning to fill up as people in the area left work. Many of them hit the bar for a quick one, giving the crowded Interstate time for the traffic to thin out. It was a welcoming place, with its dark paneling, it's old-fashioned bar with the high stools, and the etched mirror behind the bar. Dara insisted they sit in the middle of the bar so they had a good view of the television."I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Liz griped for the fifth time. "It's a waste of time. I haven't even heard from Matt since this morning. He's probably off with his buddies by now."
And there he was, tall and muscular, in a navy sport jacket, grey slacks, collared shirt and tie. Liz had to suck in her breath at the sight of him, pure male sex on the hoof."Easy, girl," Dara whispered softly. "And by the way, don't bother ever again trying to tell me he doesn't affect you. I'll point out what a big fat liar you are.""Sshhh," Liz hushed her and took a big swallow of her margarita, staring at the screen."Thanks for joining us today, Matt."Matt smiled at Rod and sat down in the chair next to hm. "Thanks for inviting me.""So let's talk a little bit about Matt Vorchak and his question for success in the world of professional hockey."Liz had her eyes glued to the screen as Matt told the story of seeing the movie Miracle on Ice, how it affected him, how he became obsessed with the game and why winning The Cup became so important. He even answered questions about the early years and his many struggles. As he talked and answered questions, Liz began to understa
Matt stood there, stunned, as he watched Liz catch the traffic light and race across the street to The Menger Hotel. He was still standing there when Brenna, who had offered to park their car, came rushing up to him, carrying The Cup."Was that Liz I just saw run out of here like her tail was on fire?"He nodded, still speechless."What happened? What did you say to her?""I - Hardly anything. She barreled out of here before I could get a word in." He continued to focus on the familiar figure hurrying toward The Menger."But she must have said something," Brenna insisted. "She said..." He scratched his head. "She said she can't do this. Can't do what?"Someone tapped his shoulder. He turned to see Dara standing there."Maybe I can help. But let's get out of he way here before the rest of he cocktail crowd mows us down.""Good idea," Brenna agreed. "Just let me get the rest of my drink. I'll be right with you." Matt, in a daze, let his sister lead him to a booth in the bac
Liz sat in a corner of the dark bar at The Menger sipping her margarita. She had started toward the valet stand in he garage to ask them to whistle up a cab for her, but decided she didn't want to go home by herself. She was trying to decide if she was being stupid or smart here. True, Matt had put himself out there for all the world to see. If he didn't get it right this time, hundreds of thousands of people would know about it. Women would be disillusioned by him and men would be pissed because their women were disappointed. She wanted so badly to give him this chance, but that little thread of fear still wiggled its way through her. Could she really trust him?Through the glass in the outside door she watched the crowd hanging out in front of the Alamo, kids playing, couples walking hand in hand. I want to be one of those couples. But I'm afraid.And there it was. If she moved forward with Matt she was terrified this was just a spur of the moment thing for him, a reaction to t