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
Liz stood in the living room of Matt's condo, looking around while he turned on some lamps. It was totally masculine, a wide open design where living room, dining room and kitchen all flowed into each other. The colors were basic blue and white. She was sure he hadn't given a lot of thought to decorating and wondered if Brenna had helped him with the furniture.Matt saw her taking it all in and gave a slight sound of self-deprecation. "I haven't spent a lot of time fixing the place up. Sorry.""Oh, no. It looks..."She searched for a word..."nice."He gave a rough laugh. "I guess I've paid as little attention to this as to everything else personal in my life." He took her hands in his. "But I plan to do a lot better job from here on in.""I know you will.""In fact." He stopped, and locked his gaze with hers. "In fact, I'm hoping maybe this is something you can help me with. Hell, if you don't like it, I'll sell it and buy something else. This should be our choice together, Liz.
"It will fade," Matt told her, his body suddenly tense. "They assured me of that. It just takes time.""It's just a scar," she told him. "It's not who you are." She reached up and touched his chest where his heart was. "This is who you are. Do not forget it."He blew out a breath and the tension eased from him. Then he knelt before her again, lifted one foot and undid the straps of the sandal. He eased it off, dropping it to the floor, then bent his head to lick her arch and drop a kiss on her toes. By the time he repeated it with the other foot she was shaking again with need.And they'd hardly done anything yet!Leaving trails of tiny kisses, he divested her of her bra and panties before moving her up on the bed so her head was on the pillows. Placing himself between her legs, his powerful thighs spreading her toned ones, he supped her face in his big palms and looked her in the eye, a deep, searching look."I meant everything tonight, Lizzie. I love you. I'm sorry I was such a
"Jeff is my agent. I hope he's not calling just to chat about the television spot today.""You think he's upset because you turned it into a marriage proposal?""He'd better not be." He pressed the screen to call back. "Yeah, Jeff? What's so important it can't wait until morning?" he listened, his forehead scrunched up. Then a stunned look swept over his face. "What? What did you say? Can you repeat that?" His eyes widened. "Holy shit. Yeah, yeah, I can do that. But give me a couple of days to make arrangements. I'm bringing someone with me. Uh huh. Yes." He grinned. "Yes, I finally got my head out of my ass. Okay. I'll call you in the morning. What? Oh, right. Thanks. That's a help."He disconnected the call and sat there just sating at Liz, the phone in his hand."Well? Are you going to tell me? I'm dying of curiosity.""You won't believe this."She sat upright and grabbed his arm. "Tell me already, before I slug you.""Okay, okay." He swallowed. "Jeff says there's a foundatio
Part Two: Love on TrackThe Story EndsJosh Nelson swallowed the last of his coffee, crumpled the cardboard cup, and tossed it in the trash bag sitting on the floor of his truck. The asphalt ribbon of the interstate highway stretched endlessly before him, a reminder that for the moment he had no place to go and nothing to do.And whose fault is that, asshole?Okay, okay. So it was his. Sort of. But cut him a break, okay? It wasn't as if he'd picked up for no good reason and hauled ass out of Darlington, SC, leaving Andy Grant, his manager, standing there with his jaw dropped. He had a reason. And, as far as he was concerned, it was a fucking good one. He'd nearly killed himself, and what was it they said about near death experiences? He sure didn't want another one.Melanie hadn't been any damn help. How had he ever thought she was sensitive, caring and loving? She'd cared about his fame and wanted the money that came with it. Apparently she was willing to put up with him to get