Chapter 17

Pixie

Everyday for a week flowers have arrived at the rink. When they first came I was joking and saying they were for Rocket because the only time I get flowers is after a competition. That was until the delivery guy handed a bouquet of wildflowers so big I couldn’t get my arms around it. Then there was a smaller bouquet of purple carnations. I didn’t understand why I was getting flowers until Rocket pulled a card out of the carnations. All the flowers all week have been from Viper. The front entryway is full of flowers now because we had no place to put them. It looks like a flower shop blew up and landed at the rink.

Well, except for the first two. I took those home. But I will have to replace them soon. But I do have plenty to choose from. I broke apart one of the carnation bouquets and gave them to the children’s group to give to their moms.To show the mom’s how much we appreciate them taking the time to bring the kids to practice and cheering them on. They loved it. But after a week of this I knew I needed to talk to Viper so I had Casper call him since I didn’t have his number. I found that out from Ace when he came to hear my side of the story. Viper changed the last number when he put it in my phone. Now that I know he was drunk I’m thinking it may have been an accident.

That is what I’m doing now. In the entryway waiting on Viper. I have practice with Isacc in thirty minutes. So Viper needs to get here soon. I’m walking around. Ok I’m pacing. I’m a little nervous about seeing him again. What Viper said in the gym has stuck with me. He said he was going to win me over. Part of me didn’t believe him even though I could see he was serious. But I figured he would give up quickly. But then the flowers started. And each card had a different message that basically said he wasn’t giving up.

Just looking at the flowers makes me smile. I can't help it. I’m looking at the latest batch of wildflowers. Bright oranges, yellows, purple and blues. The card that came with it said he picked the blues and purples reminded him of my hair. I was still smiling when I heard “ Now that is a sight I want to see everyday.” I turn and see Viper standing just behind me. “ What me smelling flowers?” I asked. Viper shakes his head “ No, baby. You smiling.” I know I’m blushing. I clear my throat “ Thanks for coming.”

Viper comes over to me and places his hands on my shoulders. He uses his thumbs to rub my neck. I don’t want to admit it but it feels good. I doubt he remembers it but he did the same thing on our second night together. We had just left a diner after having dinner. Viper had pulled me to him in the parking lot. I looked up at him and asked what was wrong. He said nothing as he placed his hands like he is doing now. Then he kissed me. It is a memory I have cherished because of how sweet it was.

I’m pulled from my thoughts when Viper said “ Of course I came. Casper said you wanted to talk to me. I came right over. Although I wished you had called me instead.” “ Apparently, I don’t have the right number.” I told him. “ I’ll fix that today.” he said.

“ I didn’t interrupt something did I? At the club?” I asked. I didn’t want to take him away from club business. “ It doesn’t matter if you did. I would drop everything for you. You are more important than anything.” he said. I wave my hand around at all the flowers “ And what is this for?” “ Do you not like them?” Viper asked. I could detect a hint of disappointment in his voice. “ No, they are wonderful. I was just curious what this was all about.” I said.

I see Viper sigh “ Step one in winning my wife back.” “ Step one?” I asked. “ Yep.” he said. I walk towards the rink doors not ready to look at him just yet. If I do I will cave and let him back in my life like nothing happened. I can't do that. Not this time. I take a deep breath before turning around to face Viper.

I face him and look up at that handsome face I fell for. He has a five o’clock shadow on his chiseled jaw. Just like the night we met. He black hair is a little longer now. It was trimmed on the top and shaved at the sides. His hazel eyes still suck me in. And his body. It should be on the cover of a muscle magazine. Preferable topless. I have felt every muscle and ridge on him. Both with clothes and without. I like without better. But today I can’t let him suck me in. I need to be stronger.

“ Listen Viper.” I start. “ Ethan.” he said. “ What?” I asked, not understanding what he is getting at. “ I want you to call me Ethan. Viper is for the club. Not when it is just you and me.” he said. I gulp “ Ethan, all of this is sweet. But I can’t let you in my life that easily. Not like before. I jumped with both feet before and it didn’t end well. I got hurt. Badly. I can’t and won’t do it again. I hope you understand it is going to take more than flowers and sweet words for me to let you back in my life.” I said.

Viper grabs my hands “ Baby, I can respect that. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. But you are worth fighting for. The flowers are just the start. I know I need to earn your trust. And I know I need to show you by my actions. If you thought by telling me you needed time or more proof was going to stop me. It isn’t.”

I want to believe him but I’m scared. I guess I’m going to have to let him show me. He may screw up somewhere down the line and I won’t get hurt. And I might be free. But if I’m being honest with myself even if we do divorece I won’t ever be truly free of Ethan. He was my first love. He will always have a place in my heart.