Page 9 of Center Ice

Elena swam up next to us. “We volunteered to keep an eye on the guys and keep them in check.”

I laughed. “What a sacrifice.”

She winked. “It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.”

The rest of the guys dropped their stuff on the chairs and came into the water. Reese cheered as he sprinted past them and dove into an oncoming wave.

Elena shook her head. “See? We have to keep them safe.”

Nikolai came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle. She squealed and turned in his arms.

I glanced away when they kissed, and Emma caught my attention. “You know, this is where Lucy and Colin reconnected. You might be this year’s lucky one.”

I cringed. “My money’s on Lance.”

“He and Mikey aren’t ready to slow down.”

“But I am?” I asked.

She just smiled.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m taking baby steps to a normal life. I’m not looking for anything anytime soon.”

She raised her brows and stepped back. “Sure.”

I narrowed my eyes. She was acting strange. Secretive.

“Emma, come here! There’s fish!” Olli shouted, and she swam away without another word.

4

Dani

Maggie swung around the doorframe into my office, panting.

“What?” I scanned her, looking for an injury or explanation.

“They’re here.”

“Who?” I looked back down at my notebook, trying to find the caterer’s phone number for the rehearsal dinner tonight.

“The Wells-Malkin party. The women are here.” Her eyes widened. “There’s a whole group of them.”

This was it. I prepared myself for the worst, imagining a whole pack of bridezillas here to reign terror down on me and the resort. I straightened my back and smoothed my linen pencil skirt. “I’ll meet with them and walk them through the plans. Can you call and confirm tonight’s food, then come find us?”

She nodded once and traded places with me. I picked up my white leather notebook and held my head high as I left the office and met the group of women in the lobby of the front office.

“Hello,” I greeted them with a bright smile. I scanned them, trying to guess who the bride was.

A brunette stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Chloe Murray. We spoke on the phone.”

“Of course. Nice to meet you in person, Chloe.” She wasn’t the bride but the one coordinating everything for the wedding. I wasn’t quite sure of the arrangement, but it wasn’t my place to ask.

“This is Sydney. She’s been helping as well.” Chloe raised her hand, and a tall woman with flowing golden-brown hair and a loose dress stepped forward.

“Nice to meet you as well.” I shook her hand.

“And this is the bride, Colby.” Chloe turned to the smiling woman with light brown hair.