Free Breaking the Ice by T. Torrest Page A

“Yes. I am. Are you?” he asked, most likely aware that I hadn’t yet agreed to the “you’ll be” portion of his statement, this future he had planned for us. It was always incredible to see a bit of his serious side, catch a glimpse behind the cocky, ego-driven façade that he presented to the rest of the world. But seeing him so vulnerable? My God. It almost had my heart busting out of my ribcage.
       And he wanted to know if I was happy.
       How could he even ask? I was happier at that moment than I’d ever been in my entire life. Not just because I was curled up in his arms right then, but because I was the one who made this happen . Sure, maybe I had a little help from a bit of alcohol, but the fact is, I had come out alone tonight when it would have been easier to stay home. I’d worn a gold dress as a superhero cape, giving me the strength necessary to assert myself. After years of pushing him away, I finally let myself go for it… and the payoff had turned out to be totally worth the risk.
       Until this moment, the only intention I was shooting for was to get my hands on him. I didn’t back down and I didn’t relent until it happened, and I never thought to expect anything more. But the fallout was that I’d achieved a goal I never in a million years ever allowed myself to hope for.
       I’d made Zachary McAllister mine.
       “I don’t know if ‘happy’ even covers it,” I answered, smiling into his eyes.
       He was smiling back when he kissed me.
     
     

Chapter Seven
    JANUARY 1999
     
     
       I woke up with a slight hangover the next morning, but even still, I was singing to myself and bouncing around the house.
       I went downstairs to slam back a huge glass of water and to call a cab. I’d abandoned my poor car in the lot the night before and supposed I’d better get it back before it was stripped completely bare. But when I passed by the front door… my car was already sitting right there out in the driveway. I was only wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, but I ran out into the freezing morning to grab my keys. They were sitting on the driver’s seat along with a note from Zac, explaining that he’d taken care of it. He wished me a good day, and suggested that I meet him at Johnny’s again after practice that night.
       Actually, he didn’t suggest it. He demanded it.
       Sure, buddy. Twist my arm.
       I spent my day counting down the hours until I could see Zac and waiting to hear from Casey. I was confident about the former and not so much about the latter. The wedding was happening today, for godsakes. I figured my friend would be a little too busy to check in.
       I tried to wait until a reasonable time to head to Johnny’s, but I must have been too excited, because I ended up getting there before the team. So, I sidled up to the bar and ordered a beer, figuring they were due any minute.
       But no one showed.
       It was kind of awkward sitting there all by myself, but I did it, thinking maybe practice had just run long. Once I finished my drink, however, I figured something must have come up, and decided to go back home to check my machine… but there was no message. I had Zac’s number and I could have called him but it was already late and I figured it’d just have to wait until tomorrow.
       Dammit.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
       The next morning, Casey woke me out of a sound sleep to tell me all about the wedding.
       “We got the Elvis package. It was hysterical!” she reported. “Simon and I were laughing so hard, I can’t believe we made it through our vows.”
       “That’s so funny! It sounds awesome, Case. Congratulations!”
       “Thanks.”
       “What did you wear?”
       “Well, you might laugh, but I went pretty traditional with my dress. Simon bought me this gorgeous white sheath of a thing. I looked just like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Only, you know, short and brunette.”
       “Aww. I’m sure you looked