Page 33 of Put a Rink on It

Fiancé.

“What’s on our agenda for the rest of the day?”

He was very clear about not telling me what else we were doing, but no way he doesn’t have at least one meal accounted for, if not lunch and dinner.

Nero peeks at the time on his watch. “We have a couple of hours to kill. The Public Garden? Quincy Market? The Freedom Trail?”

“I’ve always wanted to see Fenway. For shits and giggles.”

He peers at me as if I’ve grown another head. “Yeah?”

“Yep,” I concur with a nod of my head.

“Fenway it is.”

CHAPTER 11

nero

The stadium is closed, so our stop at Fenway is long enough to look around and take a few pictures. Mostly selfies. I sneak in one with my lips pressed to her cheek. It’s chaste, but it gives me the hit I crave.

“I didn’t realize you were such a huge baseball fan.”

“Couldn’t tell you much about the game, but a friend from college was obsessed with Fenway. Had to see it for myself once in my life. I’ll stick to hockey rinks.”

She makes me laugh, and when she joins in, it allows me to curl her into my side. I’m glad I have the chance to touch her whenever I want. She’s never bashful about being close to me—my hand on her back, a celebratory hug, cozying up on the couch—but now it can be more intimate, I suppose.

At least in public.

She stays tucked into my side but wonders, “Where to next, Champ?”

“Let’s grab a bite to eat at Quincy Market before we hit the road to the next stop.”

“Where will that be?”

“All will be revealed in due time. Don’t you worry.” I zip my lips before I give up the next surprise. This is one I don’t want to ruin.

“I’m not worried. Curious. Intrigued by what else is up your sleeve.”

“You’re gonna be so impressed with me,” I boast.

Once she stops freaking out.

I told her she might not be home until super late tonight, and she seemed okay with the schedule. Our practice tomorrow is later than our usual time, which gave me the perfect opportunity to execute the cockamamie plan I put into action.

It’s gonna be a long night, but it’ll be worth it.

“Nero, uh, this is an airstrip." Marina’s wide eyes take in our surroundings.

“Why yes, yes it is. Gold star for you.”

She swats at my chest, but I catch her wrist before she can make contact. “Don’t be a wiseass,” she orders with little conviction in her voice. “Let me rephrase.” She clears her throat, but her gaze never leaves mine. “Nero, why are we at an airstrip? Pulling up to what looks like a private plane.”

“Because our next stop isn’t in the Northeast. And because we don’t have unlimited time, the plane will get us there faster.” In four hours, give or take.

“Right. Obvious answer,” she razzes.

Beneath her bewilderment is a level of curiosity. The more I can keep her on her toes, the less likely she’ll be to figure out what I’ve got planned. Not that I think she’ll put it together—it’s not high on her radar—but in case the wheels are really turning in her head, I don’t want to give anything away. The element of surprise is my best friend tonight.