For the Love of Ash (46 page)

"Why would you do this?" I hissed.

"Our community needed a rink with decent programs. Plus, I can use the rink with my students and expand the physical education program. It's great for the school."

"So, I had nothing to do with it."

"You didn't. But Asher factored in."

"Oh my God," I said as recognition dawned on me. "He was in on this, wasn't he?"

"I may have told him my master plan. Listen, I don't expect you to drop everything and take me back. But I think the rink would make your life a hundred times easier. Think of it. You'd only have to drive five minutes to get Ash to practice."
 

I did think about it and I knew how much this would save me—both time and money. But it felt like he was trying to buy me back.
 

"You can't buy your way into my life…" Even as I said it, I knew I sounded unappreciative. I was. I couldn't believe that he would do all of this for me. But it didn't change the fact that he ran out on us.
 

"I'm not trying to, Maggie." He placed his hand on my forearm, sending shivers throughout my entire body. "I just want a second chance. I can be there for you guys. Either way, I'm following through with this. Come June, you should have a brand new ice skating arena at your disposal."

"Can you give me time?"

"Time for what?" he asked back.
 

"I'm just scared, Luke. You hurt me and hurt Asher. I know he's forgiven you, but he's nine. I'm not so naive. My feelings for you haven't changed, but I have to protect myself."

"I understand…" He began to turn away, but I stopped him.
 

"I won't ask you to wait, but I don't think I can handle us right now."

"I'll wait, Maggie. You're it for me. I know this."
 

I smiled and nodded. I had some hope that we could make it work. I had something to look forward to. It just wasn't fair to jump into a relationship and take him back when the wounds were still open from last time.
 

Chapter Forty-Eight

Luke

"I'm surprised she let you stay," I said to Ash. He was sweaty from head to toe, his gray shirt wet near his armpits and lower back. He was waiting for me on the bench as I counted the money and handed out baskets as people picked them up.
 

"Me too." He laughed as he untied his skates and let his feet air out.
 

"Luke, where do you want the long tables?" Lindsay asked as she and Lilly held it sideways. It was taking forever to break down and clean up after the party.

"My car!" I yelled as they maneuvered it through the warming area. Most of the hard work was done, just a few things were left to clean up. Ash leaned back to see Liam as they played on his DS.
 

When I finished counting the cash and checks, I beamed. We made more than I expected, and with my savings, I'd have enough to start construction right away.

"Guys!" I yelled. Lilly and Lindsay had just walked back through the doors, a bag in Lindsay's hand, and they both stopped in front of me as I sat behind the last table. Liam and Ash shot up from behind me and leaned forward. "We made enough to start!"
 

Everyone cheered and shouted their congratulations. Lindsay pulled a bottle out of the bag over her shoulder, raising it in the air.
 

"I knew you could do it!" She unscrewed the top, making it pop, and a little foam dribbled over the side onto the matted floor. She took a sip right from the bottle and then handed it to me. "Love you, brother." She kissed my cheek and then hugged Lil.
 

"You planned this?" I asked as I took a swig.

"Of course. I knew you'd do it." She winked at me as I look another sip of the champagne. I loved them more than words would ever describe.

Six months later…

I stood by myself in front of my arena. The sign had just been put up not more than a few minutes ago. In perfect block writing,
Larken Arena
was hung from the top of the square brick building.
 

I was the first to admit that from the outside, it didn't look like much. I wanted it to have a homey feel instead of a large concrete building, although my contractor made me put in the standard sliding motion-sensored doors. I smiled to myself as I walked inside.
 

There was an information desk to my right and a pro shop to my left. Inside the shop there were skate rentals and new equipment for sale. They had a skate sharpener too. I flicked on the lights in the main area, casting the room in natural white light.

The warming area was created to look like the one I had been in with Maggie. It had fireplaces and large ottomans that were dark brown. Each could fit ten people, so there was plenty of room to get comfortable and drink warm hot chocolate.
 

Off to one side was the cafeteria area with a full kitchen and staff that I planned on having during all games. On the side wall were a bunch of vending machines for off hours. I put six tables with high bar stools and a two-way window so while you sat and ate, you could still see the larger of the rinks.
 

On the other side was a line of locker rooms. I made four against this rink's wall, hoping that eventually there would be back to back games, and that way teams didn't have to wait to go in.
 

I tried so hard to make bleachers that would be more comfortable, but it just wasn't possible. Instead of wood, I used a form of plastic. But to make it warmer for guests, I put two heaters hanging from the ceiling, one for the away and home. They were quiet, so they didn't detract from the game either.
 

The other rink was a bit smaller. In the middle of construction I realized that there really wasn't a lot of room. But I made do. The other rink also had four locker rooms attached.
 

My family was probably almost here, so I walked through the rinks to the lobby to greet them. Hopefully tomorrow this place would be packed. There was a charity hockey game that I had arranged for my grand opening, and celebrities like four of the guys from the US Olympic team were coming and some professionals, too.
 

I had to thank my buddy, Finn, for arranging everything. He was on the Rangers with connections to a whole slew of professional players. He owed me since he didn't come visit my students. Most of them were willing to come for free, and others I had to bargain with.
 

"Lukey Pukey!" Lilly skipped into the room. "Holy shit. This place is amazing and monstrous. It makes me actually want to skate!" She ran over and swung her arms around my neck.
 

"Take a look around," I said, laughing as she released me.
 

"Hey, brother o' mine. I brought some drinks."

"You know you're making me think you're turning into an alcoholic."

"I'm twenty-six, single, and live by myself. What else am I supposed to do?" She rolled her eyes as she placed the bottle on one of the tables in the cafe area. "Drink with me or not. This is celebration time."

"You have all the arrangements for tomorrow, right?"

"It's not that hard to figure out. I'm picking up Maggie and Asher and dragging them here at all costs."

"I think this will be the time she takes me back."

"Luke—"

"Stop. I know it. We've been getting back to friends, and I think she's ready. She's done with spring semester. Asher is out of school. This is the perfect time to try again. I can feel it."

"Okay, Luke."

"I'm going to show Lilly around. Don't forget tomorrow."

I actually felt like Lukey Pukey. Finally, I was living up to my name. My stomach was revolting against me as the seconds ticked by. The Zamboni man was cleaning the ice, classic rock music playing through the speakers of the entire arena.
 

I walked by the cafe area, and Liam's friend, Carl, was working. He was sixteen and could drive. The job was easy, but I was glad it was someone we knew. The cook was recommended by Jet, Maggie's boss. Everything was coming together, but it didn't stop my nerves from shooting off in every direction.
 

"Relax, brother. A bus just got here." Liam pointed towards the lobby, and we hurriedly walked over.

"A bus?" I questioned.

"I think it's the Olympic group."

"This isn't real." Liam pinched my upper arm, making me jump back. "Damn, that hurt." I rubbed my hand up and down where he squeezed.

"I had to show you it was real." He laughed at me, and I had to admit, it made me calm down for one second total. A large coach bus was pulled in front of the main entrance. I walked out with Liam beside me to greet them. We both waved.
 

"Welcome. Thank you all so much for coming," I said as the guys stepped out of the bus. They were huge, jacked with muscles, double my size. Most had headphones in, but they nodded in my direction.
 

When I got all the players situated in the larger locker rooms, another bus showed up with Finn and his buddies from the Rangers. I smiled as I walked over to greet them.
 

"What's up?" I asked as I hugged Finn.
 

"Dude, it's been too long. This place looks awesome."
 

"Get your bag, and I can show you around." He reached into the back of the bus and opened the emergency back door. A stack of bags fell out. He grabbed his, and a few other guys grabbed theirs.

I gave them the grand tour and told them that they could use the place whenever they wanted to. Of course, they laughed, but I knew Finn would get us a game eventually. I couldn't even imagine the publicity that would bring to us. Plus, I was going to milk the fact that he still hadn't come to visit my students.

As I walked back to the lobby, my insides shaking, I felt her walk in the door. She was radiant, her hair a little curly and glowing from the setting sun behind her. Asher was by her side.
 

Chapter Forty-Nine

Maggie

Over the past few months, I had many days like today. I was tired for no reason, grumpy, and just felt like lying in bed and wasting time. Asher wasn't letting me relax though. He was on some sugar high, bouncing off the walls with energy. It was driving me nuts.