Love on Ice (Manhattan Mavericks #1)

28. Felix

28

FELIX

“ W ould you stop being nervous, you look gorgeous,” I tell Harper as we wait for the driver to arrive to take us to dinner with our friends. She, of course, looks stunning dressed in a silk strapless powder blue evening dress that is covered in tiny golden butterflies all over it. Her golden hair is cascading down her back like silken threads.

“I know, it’s just … these are my friends, and I want them to like you.”

“I think you forget that I know the Dirty Texas guys,” I remind her.

“That’s right, you do. Okay, everything is going to be fine,” she says, relaxing her shoulders. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into me.

“It’s very cute that you are worried about them liking us,” I whisper into her ear.

“They haven’t liked any of the other guys I’ve dated apparently,” she grumbles. “They are going to think it’s weird the two of us are dating, don’t you think?” she asks me.

I shake my head. “No, why would they?”

Harper shrugs her shoulders. “You know, when two of your friends start dating, it’s weird.”

“Never had that before but I’ll take your word for it.”

She lets out a huge sigh. “I’m overthinking this, aren’t I?”

I chuckle. “Yes, but I think it’s kind of endearing, too.” I lean in and kiss her temple. The fact that she wants her friends to like me gives me hope that she might see this as more than a summer fling because I sure as hell know I want to continue after the summer is over.

The driver arrives and picks us up, then makes a stop and picks Sam up from his hotel. Kimberly and her business partner, Camryn, and her sister, Ivy, who is dating Nate’s brother, are staying at their stepfather’s apartment in Paris. I think that is the story Harper explained to me, I wasn’t really listening because she was naked, and I got distracted by her tits.

“Evening team,” Sam says, jumping into the car. We greet him. “Felix, how are you enjoying Paris?”

“Haven’t seen much of it as yet.” My hand squeezes Harper’s.

“What the hell have you been … aah never mind.” He shudders.

“Your sister is taking me out tomorrow for some sightseeing. But the fact you can see the Eiffel Tower from nearly every room of the apartment is amazing,” I explain to him.

“It is a beautiful apartment,” Sam states before turning his attention to his sister. “It’s going to be good seeing Camryn again.”

“I can’t wait. I’ve missed her so much. It’s a shame Nate isn’t in Paris tonight,” she answers.

“He gets in tomorrow, he’s still in Monaco sorting out some things.”

“My stomach is in knots in anticipation. They have to get back together,” Harper says.

“Nate’s worried that it’s not going to happen,” Sam says.

“You know Cam is used to not relying on people, thanks to her mom. Even Kimmy and I have no idea what goes on in her head half the time. But Nate made her so happy.”

“She did the same for Nate. You know he hasn’t slept with anyone since she left. And for Nate that is huge. Don’t think I could,” Sam says. I have no idea what is going on.

“That’s because you’re a dick. Nate is a romantic deep down inside,” Harper teases her brother.

“I can be romantic, too,” Sam argues back.

“Don’t think staying the night is considered romantic.” She huffs at her brother.

“I’m not an asshole, Harper. Jesus.” Sam rolls his eyes at her. “At least I didn’t get busted for getting a blow job at a club.”

“Hey, don’t bring me into this,” I warn him.

“You’re part of the family now, you will be brought into all fights,” Sam says, grinning at me.

“Felix had his heart broken after a long-term relationship. You’ve never even had one,” Harper says, defending me. I give her hand a squeeze.

“And like you have?” Sam pushes back.

“Well, I would have if the men I dated didn’t cheat on me,” she throws back at him. Right. I don’t know if this is going somewhere good.

Thankfully we arrive at the destination before this discussion turns into World War Three, but it does make me miss my sisters. When we step out of the car, there are photographers there, and we pose for a couple of photos before being ushered up in a private elevator to the restaurant.

A beautiful blonde screams and rushes toward Harper and almost barrels her over.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she says, hugging Harper tightly.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“That’s Camryn Starr, Nate’s woman, and Kimmy’s business partner. They are organizing the wedding,” Sam whispers to me. I nod.

“Wait, is this your date?” Camryn asks, turning her attention onto me.

Harper smiles widely. “Yeah, this is Felix St. Pierre, he’s an hockey player.”

Camryn looks surprised as she stares at Harper. “You don’t date athletes.”

“I know. Thought I’d mix it up.” She shrugs with a wide grin.

“Nice to meet you,” I say, holding out my hand to her.

“It’s nice to meet the man who has put the smile back on my friend’s face,” she says, taking my hand and shaking it firmly.

“And he’s also seven years younger than her,” Sam adds. Harper rolls her eyes at her brother and Camryn bursts out laughing.

“Harper,” she squeals, “but I get it.” She nudges her friend.

“Stop it.” Harper giggles back.

“Good luck prying those two apart.” Sam chuckles as a waiter brings over a tray of champagne.

“I have to go. We will catch up during dinner, okay,” Camryn says, giving Harper a kiss on the cheek before scurrying away.

“Come on, let’s say hi,” Sam says as we enter the restaurant.

“You ready?” I ask her, holding my hand out for her.

“Sure, let’s do this.” She smiles as we grab a glass of champagne each and head inside. Sam is already inside greeting people.

“Excuse me, what the fuck is happening here?” Derrick Jones, Hollywood stylist, and all-round troublemaker, is the first person to spot us as he stares at our linked hands.

“You think this is blowing your mind? Watch this,” I say, dropping her hand and reaching out to grab her by the neck as I lean in and kiss Harper as passionately as I can. Derrick starts whistling and hollering at it.

“Fuck me, that was hot. Tell me he’s a good kisser. He looks like a good kisser,” Derrick asks Harper.

“It’s not the only thing he’s good at.” Harper winks.

“Fucking Bitch,” Derrick curses as he bursts out laughing.

“It’s good to see you again, Derrick,” I say, walking over and pulling him into a hug. One … two … three … and there it is, his hands are rubbing all over me. Oh, and there’s the ass grab. Derrick is harmless and a huge flirt, he is like this with everyone.

“You’re so hard,” he coos as he continues to rub himself all over me.

“Derrick,” Harper yells at him.

“Hey, I only want five minutes,” he grumbles as he continues to hug me. “So, it’s true you two are dating?” he asks as he slowly lets go of me.

“Yeah, we are,” I say, wrapping my arm around Harper’s shoulder.

“I approve of this one, compared to that other one you were dating. Gosh, she was hideously vapid,” Derrick says, rolling his eyes. “And to think she cheated on you with that downgrade of a man,” he says, shaking his head.

“Harper!” Vanessa Taylor squeals as she hugs Harper, and they start whispering and catching up.

“Felix, so good to see you, man,” an exhausted-looking Christian greets me.

“Fatherhood looks good on you.” I smile. He flips me off because he honestly looks exhausted. He and Vanessa had twin girls a couple of months ago.

“They don’t stop screaming. Thank goodness for Mom and Dad who are at the hotel with them. We need this break.” He moans.

“Those girls are angels, I won’t hear you say anything else,” Derrick states.

“They are my little angels who can be devils, too.” Christian grins. “Sorry to hear about your breakup. It sucks we didn’t get to catch up before you left, but I was in that new dad daze.”

I wave his apology away. “Your girls are more important than what I went through.”

“You know he's dating Harper Rose?” Derrick says.

“Wait, what? You’re dating Harper?” Christian asks.

I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah, I am. It’s kind of just happened.”

“Wow. She’s a cool chick. I’m happy for you,” Christian says, slapping me on the back.

“You two look hot together. Oh, the pretty babies you would make,” Derrick teases.

“Yeah, that’s not happening anytime soon,” I tell him.

“Ignore him he’s got baby fever.” Christian grins.

“True. It’s all your fault for producing freaking gorgeous kids. Uncle Derrick needs to become a daddy.” He pouts.

“He needs a daddy first,” Christian teases.

“True,” Derrick says, bursting out laughing. “Being the only single friend sucks.”

“He’s very picky,” Christian adds.

“No, I’m not. I just like what I like. Are there any gay hockey players you can hook me up with?” he asks.

I shake my head. “None that I know of, sorry.” Derrick huffs dramatically.

“Felix, you made it,” Axel comes over and greets me warmly.

“Congrats, man,” I tell him.

“Can you believe it?” He grins. I can’t actually, he was the biggest player in Hollywood, but I guess the love of a good woman will change you. “Sorry about Cynthia,” he adds.

“Don’t be too sorry, he’s dating Harper Rose,” Derrick adds.

“Wait, what?” Axel asks.

“Yeah, I met her on holidays,” I explain.

“Harper is an awesome woman. I’m happy for you,” Axel says. “You remember my fiancée, Olivia?”

The cute, prim and proper woman, the opposite of Axel Taylor, walks over and hugs me, much to Axel’s annoyance. “It’s so nice to see you again. Thanks for flying halfway across the world for our wedding.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it,” I tell her.

“Harper!” Olivia smiles and greets her warmly. “I heard about Josh, what a dick.”

“He was. I’m actually here with Felix,” she says, placing her hand in mine.

“Really?” Olivia gasps, looking between the two of us.

“They met on holidays. It’s new,” Axel tells her.

“I love it.” Olivia grins before someone grabs her and pulls her and Axel away.

“I’m starved, I’m going to find some food,” Derrick states.

“Me too,” Christian says as they disappear together.

“Did you want to go for a walk?” Harper asks. I nod and follow her. We walk outside and that’s when I realize we are on top of the fricken Eiffel Tower. “I wanted to show you this view.”

“It’s beautiful,” I say, but I’m not looking at the rooftops of Paris, I’m staring at her. She turns and notices. “I’m the luckiest man to be standing here on top of the Eiffel Tower with you,” I tell her.

“I’m feeling pretty lucky, too,” she says, nudging me. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”

“You’ve done a lot for me, too,” I say.

“Let’s enjoy this summer and I hope we can stay friends after it’s all over.”

Oh. My stomach sinks. “Of course,” I say, putting a smile on my face.

“Guess we better get inside,” she says.

“I might just take a moment out here if that’s okay?” I ask.

Her brows pull together, but she nods and walks back inside. I stare out across the rooftops, the lights twinkling before me, and it’s spectacular.

“Hey, what are you doing out here by yourself?” Christian asks.

“Just taking in the view,” I tell him.

“It’s pretty spectacular.” He grins, joining me. “Everything all good? You looked lost in your thoughts.”

“Was it that noticeable?”

“Only to a guy who’s been in that same position before.” Christian smiles, nudging me. “It’s about Harper?” he asks. I nod. “Are you thinking it’s all too soon after your ex to be dating again?”

I shake my head. “What I felt for Cynthia is nothing at all like the way I feel about Harper.”

“Oh,” Christian answers in surprise. “You’ve fallen for her, but she’s not there and you’re freaking out?”

“Kind of. Please don’t say anything,” I ask him.

He shakes his head and pretends to zip his lips. “Been there before, brother, I get it.”

“She only wants to date for the summer. Her ex was harassing her, and I offered to help keep him off her back and …”

“You fell for her.”

“Yeah. But she only sees this as a fling,” I confess to him.

“And you see it as more?” he asks.

“Yeah. But I know if I say anything she’s going to run,” I explain.

“Vanessa was my best friend, and she never wanted to risk losing that friendship by us dating, but in the end, it ripped us apart until the universe had other plans. I wouldn’t change our story for anything, but I wish I had fought for her more and showed her earlier that I was the right man for her instead of wasting all those years with my ego and chasing skirt. Harper has had a bad run with men. She’s going to be wary like Ness was. If she is what you want then you’re going to have to have patience, show her she can trust you, be the man that none of the others could be.”

That’s pretty sound advice. “Thanks, man. I appreciate the advice. My worry is because she keeps mentioning our age difference.”

Christian nods. “I understand that. I’m going to assume she doesn’t think you’re ready for babies and shit. Because we men have all the time in the world, but unfortunately, our ladies don’t. This is where you must think is this the woman you want to be the mother of your children? Then decide if you’re in or out because it’s not fair to waste her time.”

“We haven’t been together long but … shit …” I say, stumbling over my words.

“Man, been there. Look, my little girls are driving me crazy. Having kids is a lot, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. When those two little devils look up at me with giant smiles on their faces I’m done for. I would die for them. Best thing I’ve ever done.”

“I want kids but …”

“You’re young,” Christian finishes for me.

“Yeah.”

“And that’s probably what Harper is thinking, too.” Shit. He’s right. “Look, maybe don’t put too much pressure on yourself, you don’t need to make any decisions just yet. Enjoy the summer together, then see where things go after that.”

“I don’t know if I can give her up at the end.”

Christian claps me on the back. “I get it. I had to let Ness go as it wasn’t the right time. Maybe you might have to do the same and hope the universe brings her back to you.” I nod solemnly. “Come on, let’s get back inside and have some fun. You need to loosen up and get out of your head.”