(Love on Thin Ice, #1)
Publication date: August 29th 2024
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
Synopsis:
What do an entitled billionaire and small-town ice-skating coach have in common?
Ellie
My life is not turning out like I thought it would.
My mom’s arthritis has gotten so bad that I had to move in with her. I’m making ends meet by giving ice skating lessons at the arena in Maple Falls. I’d be in serious trouble had the Harts not given me that job.
Which makes it impossible to say no when they ask me to let Troy’s obnoxious billionaire brother stay in the cabin on my mom’s property during the charity hockey event they’re running.
Zach
First the tabloids call me out for being a cheapskate and then Yolanda Simms takes to national television to tell everyone what a vicious heartbreaker I am?
Yeah, my life has been better.
My brother thinks I can fix my bad press by coming to Maple Falls and donating big to his new charity endeavor. Too bad he didn’t mention the woman who owns the cottage I’ll be staying at hates me with a passion.
He also didn’t mention she’s everything I’ve ever looked for in a woman…
Excerpt
Ellie
Kelly Hart, who’s been watching from behind the boards, steps over a break in the barrier and hurries to Brooklyn’s side. “You did a fantastic job, kiddo!” She brushes her hand over Brookie’s box braids. Lifting her phone, she announces, “I got it all on video. Your mom’s going to flip when she sees this.”
The little girl’s look of pride makes my heart clench. Like many of my students, Brooklyn doesn’t come from a well-to-do family and her lessons are being funded by Kelly and her husband Troy. “You’re the best, Mrs. Hart!”
Kelly shoots her a double thumbs up before pulling me off to the side. While Brooklyn takes off her skates, my boss says, “I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything for you.” The Harts have singlehandedly kept me in work for the last year since my flower shop closed. They’ve been super flexible with my schedule too, which means the world to me as I’m my mom’s primary caregiver.
Both my mom’s health and her income have dwindled significantly since my dad died. As such, I try to stay on top of the upkeep and maintenance at her house. I also make sure she has food in her cupboards and drive her to her various doctor’s appointments. Osteoarthritis is no joke and I’m afraid that one of these days, I’m going to have to liquidate her assets so I can afford to put her into an assisted living situation. That day appears to be coming much sooner than I would have ever thought.
Kelly interrupts my thoughts. “My brother-in-law is coming to town, and I was hoping he could stay in the cabin on your mom’s property.” My parents have a small cottage behind their house that they used to rent out during the summer months. Unfortunately, there have been no takers for five years. While Maple Creek is a fabulous vacation destination, these days most people want more excitement for their money. Therefore, they either stay at the Hawk River Lodge or the Regent Hotel.
“Which brother-in-law?” I demand like I’m questioning her in an espionage case. I’d be fine with any of them except for Zachary. That arrogant man makes me mad just looking at him. All six foot two, wide shouldered, chiseled jaw, and grey-green eyes that resemble a mossy pond … Where was I going with this?
Brushing a wisp of light brown hair aside, Kelly answers, “Zach. I know your mom wants a long-term renter, but I figure while she’s waiting, she might as well make a few bucks.”
“Zachary Hart?” I spit like I’ve just taken a bite out of a rotten apple. My expression contorts into a look of pure disgust. My inability to control my facial features is the main reason I’m such a horrible poker player. Everyone knows what kind of hand I have just by looking at me.
“You can’t possibly hate him so much you’d cut off your nose to spite your face.” She gives me one of her famous “talk your way out of that” looks.
I ram my hands into my pockets and turn her logic back on her. “How can I hate him when I don’t even know him?”
“I know you think Zach is a stuck-up playboy with too much money and too little compassion.” She knows this because I recently told her as much after watching an interview with Yolanda Simms.
“Well, isn’t he?” As far as I’m concerned, people like Troy’s stinky little stuck-up brat of a brother are the reason we have so many poor people in this country. Zach is a Mr. Moneybags always looking to build his own worth instead of helping others. How much money does one person need anyway?
Narrowing her eyes to half-mast, Kelly says, “He’s nothing like you think he is.”
“That’s not what’s being said on the news.”
My boss’s spine straightens. “Yes, well, they’ve got it wrong. Why would you ever believe those yellow journalists over me?”
She’s got me there. Not only do I run errands for Kelly and Troy, but I’ve also taken on the job of their housecleaner, pet sitter, and I occasionally stay with their kids when they’re out of town.
Kelly takes my silence for capitulation. “So, you’ll talk to your mom about renting him the cottage?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch Brooklyn tie her shoes. “I guess so, but you should know the cabin is pretty basic. I’m sure Mr. Fancy Pants will hate it.”
“Zach isn’t fancy.”
I don’t believe her for a minute and my left eyebrow arches accordingly. “How long will he be staying there?”
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