Breaking Through The Ice Ch. 03

Thanks to everyone who's been reading and commenting so far. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

I want to take a second to thank PennLady for her help editing. She's brutal but fair. ;) I kid, I kid...

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the story. Hope you're comfortable. It's not going to be a quick romp, in case you hadn't already figured it out. In any case, thanks as always for your support.

Take care and happy reading!

M. ;)

****

Drew was excited to get home after his game against Tampa on Monday night. He was eager to see how Carter had fared without him around and he couldn't wait to call Mina and make plans for the next day. He had another, longer, road trip coming up and he wanted to get in as much time with her as he could. His desire for her company surprised even him.

First things first, he reminded himself.

He drove home late Monday night and when he got to his townhouse, the place was dark. He went upstairs and checked on Carter, who was sprawled out across his bed, snoring like a buzz-saw. With a smile, Drew left him to it and settled into his own room for the night.

In the morning, Drew found a note on the fridge from Carter.

"Good road trip, bro! I'll see you after work. C."

Drew smiled and went about his morning routine. After a jog through the neighborhood, he made himself a light breakfast, then showered and changed. He forced himself to be patient and wait to call Mina but it was a challenge. At last, a few minutes past noon, he relaxed in his office and dialed her number.

"Hello?"

"Mina? It's Drew."

"Hey, welcome home."

"Thanks. Did you watch last night?"

"Watch what?"

Drew rolled his eyes. He could hear the teasing note in her voice. "You cut me real deep just now, Mina. I'm crying over here."

"Oh, you'll get over it." She giggled and Drew straightened up in his seat as heat surged through his veins.

Calm down, man. It's a just a friendly conversation.

"So what are you up to?" he asked.

"I just got back from an interview at Washington Golf and Country Club."

"Oh really? How'd it go?"

"I think it went well. I have a few more interviews lined up this week so I'm hoping something pans out."

"I'm sure it will."

She laughed. "You're nice but you don't even know if I can cook or not."

Drew scoffed. "Please. I don't need to try your cooking to know you're amazing."

"Oh, Drew. That's very sweet." She hesitated before going on. "I'll have to make you dinner sometime."

"I'd love that." He grinned and rocked back in his chair, folding an arm behind his head. "Are you still up for the National Archives today and dinner after?"

"Of course. I've been looking forward to it."

"Great. I'll come pick you up in an hour then."

"Great. See you then."

Drew hung up the phone, feeling better than he had in weeks. Between the drama with his family and his increasing jealousy over his teammates pairing off, he'd been pretty miserable. Now he was making new friends and his brother seemed to be getting his act together.

Life is good.

****

Mina was excited to see Drew again, even though she told herself that they were just hanging out as friends. Nothing more. Still, she took extra care with her appearance, choosing a pair of jeans that she knew made her butt look smaller. Her hair, for once, was behaving and all she had to do was rub some smoothing mousse through it to tame the flyaways. Then she touched up her make-up and dabbed lip gloss on her lips.

She was grateful that Hilary was at work. She loved her friend dearly but her incessant teasing about Drew since Sunday night's phone call had been a lot to handle.

She straightened up the kitchen while she waited for Drew. Out of habit, she contemplated new recipes as she went along. The phone rang as she stood before the pantry with a box of bow-tie pasta in her hand.

"Hello?"

"Hello, sweetheart!"

"Hi, Dad. How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you settling in?"

Mina smiled and set the pasta down. "All right. Hilary and Lena have been good about helping me move and unpack."

"Great. That's just great, Wilhelmina."

He was the only person in her life who insisted on using her full name. He said it reminded him of her mother so who was she to deny him such a simple thing?

"Your sister called me earlier and she wants to plan a dinner for my birthday."

Mina rolled her eyes and moved to sit at the kitchen table. "Of course she does. What does she need me to do?"

Her father chuckled. "The usual, I imagine. Don't stress yourself over it. You know I'm good with whatever you make."

"I know. Well, do you have any special requests this year? Maybe a cream puff tower cake instead of strawberry shortcake?"

"Hmm, I might have to think about that."

Mina laughed. "Sure, Dad. Just let me know."

"Alexis thinks that Sunday the twenty-seventh would work best."

"Did she check with Adam to see if he could make it home from school?" And she might have asked me first. I could be working! Mina tried not to let her frustration with her older sister seep into the conversation.

"I talked to him last night and he's fine with it. Can you make it?"

"I think so, Dad. I don't have a job yet but I'm sure one night won't be a problem, especially if it's a Sunday."

"That's what I told Alexis."

Mina smiled. In spite of their difference of opinion when she'd left the University of Maryland, he wholeheartedly supported her career now. She suspected that her ability to cook and bake was another strong reminder for him of her mother.

She chatted with her father a little longer about what was going on in his life. She told him about helping Hilary and the others at the Capitals benefit and he was impressed that she'd got to meet some of the players.

"You know I've always been a Redskins fan, but those hockey guys, they're not bad either."

Mina laughed. "Nice, Dad. I'll be sure to mention it to Drew when I see him later."

"See who? You're dating?"

Mina could have smacked herself. Before she could say anything else, her father went off again.

"Oh, Wilhelmina, how wonderful! You have to bring him to dinner. Will his schedule allow it? I think it's fantastic that you're dating. It's about time you moved on from that rat bastard."

Mina stifled her laugh with one hand and let her father go on for a while. The apartment buzzer went off, saving her, and she said her good-bye in a hurry.

"I love you, Dad. I'll call you later!"

"Have a nice time, sweetheart. And don't forget to tell him about my birthday dinner!"

Mina ignored that last comment as she hung up and walked over to buzz Drew into the building. She opened the door to his knock and flushed when he gave her a dazzling grin.

"Hi." He stepped into the apartment and wrapped her in his arms for a warm hug before she could even catch her breath. "I'm so happy to see you."

Mina laughed and disentangled from his grasp. "Why?"

He smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets. "Because I like spending time with you. Is that all right?"

Mina nodded. What else could she do? She might have preferred an answer along the lines of 'I can't stop thinking of you naked,' or 'because I need to make love to you now.' She couldn't admit those thoughts to herself, let alone Drew.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah. I just have to grab my purse. One second." She hurried down the hall and Drew whistled as he looked around.

"Nice to see you got most of the boxes cleared up."

Mina laughed as she came back down the hall. "I know. It's been easier since we moved the last of Lena's stuff out."

"Right. I'll have to ask Obie about that tomorrow."

Mina raised her eyebrows as she slipped her shoes and jacket on. "Do guys really talk about stuff like that?"

Drew shrugged and held the door open for her. "Sometimes. We're not like chicks, that's for sure."

Mina laughed and gave him a friendly push before they left the apartment. They walked downstairs and out to his car, where Drew held the passenger door open for her as well. If he kept up with this gallant act, Mina thought, she would be a long way towards being smitten with him.

Oh, who am I kidding? Mina settled into the car for the ride.

The National Archives were interesting but spending time with Drew was more fun. He told her about the road trip, lamenting their loss to the Florida Panthers and almost glossing over their success in Tampa.

She bumped him with her elbow as they walked. "You'll get the next one."

He grinned and threw an arm around her shoulders. Mina's breath left her in a rush but she didn't pull away.

"Thanks, Mina. You're very supportive."

She laughed to cover her nervousness. "I try."

They continued to move around, checking everything out and Drew kept his arm around her. When a spot opened up in front of the Declaration of Independence, Drew grabbed her hand and tugged her over.

Mina went along with him but she might have been staring at porn for all she knew. Drew's fingers were warm around her hand and he didn't let her go, even as they moved on to look at something else.

By the time Drew suggested dinner, she was feeling light-headed.

"What do you feel like eating?" he asked, his hand still wrapped around her fingers.

"I don't know. What's around here?"

They couldn't agree on anything nearby, so they decided to drive back to Arlington to an Italian restaurant that Drew said he liked. Drew didn't let go of her hand until they were back in his car.

"How's Carter doing?" she asked in an effort to take her mind off what was happening.

"I think he's doing really well." Drew sounded pleased and Mina smiled. "He's been keeping my place cleaner than I ever did and going to work nearly every day."

"That's great."

"It is. I was so worried about leaving him alone so much, and sure, it's only been a week, but I think it's a good start."

"I think so too."

He smiled at her and she returned it in kind.

"How was your day? What else have you done?"

"Not much." She shrugged. "My dad called about his birthday dinner."

"When's his birthday?"

"It's March twenty-ninth but my sister is planning a dinner for all of us together on the twenty-seventh. It's easier for us to get together on weekends." Mina flushed as she recalled her father's parting comment.

"What?"

Mina glanced over to see Drew giving her a strange look. "What, what?"

He laughed. "You have a funny look on your face and your cheeks are pink." As he spoke, he reached over and brushed a finger down said cheek.

Mina drew in her breath and stared at him. "I was...uh, my dad, he..." She stopped and shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. "He said I should invite you."

Drew's eyebrows lifted and he smiled. "Why? I mean, don't get me wrong, that's very nice and I'd love to meet your family."

Mina laughed. "I mentioned how we met at the benefit and he was pretty impressed that I got to meet some professional athletes."

"Ah. So he wants one to come to his birthday?"

Mina shrugged. "I think he was glad I was making new friends and suggested I invite you." That wasn't exactly how it had played out but she didn't expect Drew to want to go. It's not like we really are dating, anyway.

They chatted about other topics until they arrived at a small Italian restaurant near Drew's place. It was busy inside but they only had to wait five minutes before they were seated. The waitress was prompt, taking their drink orders and returning in minutes for their meal requests.

After she'd gone again, Drew smiled at Mina across the candlelit table. "You never did tell me what your specialty is."

"Specialty?" Mina grinned and sipped her wine. "I don't really have one. I guess I love baking more than anything but I never concentrated in one specific area."

"No? That must be why you don't mind eating out with me so much." Drew winked as she laughed. "Either that or you're like a lot of people. Once you're done at work, you don't want to come home and do the same thing all over again."

"Sometimes. I wouldn't have turned to cooking school if I didn't love it though." Then she smiled. "It'd be hard to get away from cooking outside work, unless I end up marrying someone who cooks."

Drew leaned forward on the table with a mischievous grin. Mina felt her breath catch. "I know someone who can cook."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"One of the guys on the team, Brody. Did you meet him at the benefit?"

Mina blinked, not prepared for him to name a real person. She'd been expecting more teasing. "Brody? No, I don't think I did."

"He's a nice guy. I could introduce you two."

"Because he can cook?" Mina had to laugh at that. "Thanks, Mr. Matchmaker, but I'm looking for more in a guy than his kitchen prowess."

Drew raised his eyebrows and his grin turned wicked. "Such as?"

Mina drank some more wine, her mouth feeling parched all of a sudden. "Oh, well, you know...the usual things. Sense of humor, romance, good looks, fast car, fat wallet."

Drew laughed. "High standards, indeed."

Mina looked down and shrugged, the picture of innocence. Their meals arrived in another few minutes and they chatted in between mouthfuls. After dessert, Drew asked if she wanted to come over and meet Carter.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yeah, why not?" Drew smiled and helped her with her coat as they got ready to leave. Then he took her hand in his as they walked around the block to where he'd parked.

It took about ten minutes to get to his townhouse and the main floor was lit up, revealing that Carter was at home.

"Hello?" Drew called out as they walked inside.

"Hey!" Carter called back from somewhere out of sight.

Drew gave Mina a rueful smile and took her coat from her. They walked into the living room where Carter was sprawled out on the couch, wearing nothing but some ratty sweatpants while he watched TV.

"Jesus, Carter. Can't you put a shirt on?" Drew asked.

Carter snorted with laughter. "What for? It's just you." He looked up and leapt to his feet when he saw Mina standing beside Drew. He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled at Drew. "You couldn't warn me?"

Drew laughed and Mina grinned at the younger man as his face turned red. Mina could see the resemblance between them. Drew still had several inches on his little brother but their faces were almost identical.

"Carter, this is Mina." Drew put an arm around her shoulders. "Mina, this is my brother, Carter."

"Nice to meet you, Carter. Drew's told me all about you."

Carter managed a weak smile for her before he turned a glare on his brother. "Really? He's told me nothing about you."

Mina glanced up at Drew who smirked at Carter. "I don't think you need to worry about who I'm spending my time with."

Carter sniffed and looked around, presumably for something cover up with. He settled on a throw pillow from the couch and faced them again.

Drew shook his head and turned, Mina still tucked against his side. "I'm taking Mina on a tour of the house. You can use the time to get dressed."

Carter stuck his tongue out and Mina had to laugh at the gesture.

"He seems like a nice guy," Mina commented as they walked upstairs.

Drew smiled and let his arm fall from her shoulders. "He is a good kid. He just managed to get into all kinds of trouble this year."

"I'm sure the worst is over now." Mina patted his arm in comfort.

"I hope so."

Drew led her down the hall, showing her glimpses of his room and his brother's. There was another room, empty of anything except some boxes and athletic gear. Downstairs was the large living room and kitchen, where Carter – now dressed – was making popcorn. Down a back hall was Drew's office and he flicked the light on as they walked inside.

"I actually spend most of my time in here." Drew walked around to sit behind the desk. "I'm always emailing my friends and family or checking out my fantasy pool stats."

"Fantasy pools? Not for hockey." Mina affected a scandalized look.

He laughed and shook his head. "Naw. Football and baseball."

Mina nodded and wandered around, checking out the pictures on the walls. There were photos of him from Little League and older as a hockey player in college.

"You have a very nice house."

Drew beamed at her. "Thanks. I'm glad you like it."

She walked over and leaned a hip against the desk. "Where do you spend your summers?"

"I usually head back to Boston to spend time with my parents and Carter. With Carter here now, I might see if my mom and dad will visit us instead."

"That's a good idea. I'm sure they'd love that."

"You think so?"

He didn't sound sure. Mina moved closer and pressed a hand to his shoulder as she nodded. "I do think so. Parents just want what's best for their kids."

Drew sighed and let his head fall back on the chair. He reached up and clasped her hand in his before she could pull away. "It's gotta be hard for them when one basically runs away."

Mina nodded and gave her hand a little tug. Drew wouldn't release her. He held her hand and drew it down from his shoulder as he stroked his thumb over her knuckles. Mina moved closer and perched on the edge of the desk in front of him. She told herself to remain calm and that Drew was only reaching out for comfort.

He's just going through a tough time right now. He wants a friend and he's not thinking any different.

"Well, at least he didn't just take off across the country like he threatened to." Mina offered Drew a small smile. "He came here because he knew you'd be able to help him. And probably because he knew you'd be a safe haven until he could figure out what he wants."

"You think so?"

Mina laughed at his confused expression. "Don't be so hard on yourself. You're not the father, you're just the big brother."

He laughed and lifted his eyes to hers. "Carter's almost ten years younger than me."

Mina raised an eyebrow and gave him a wry smile. "That still doesn't make you his father."

"Touché." He grinned and squeezed her fingers, sending a frisson of sensation up her arm. "I have to be careful around women like you."

"Women like me?"

"Yeah. Smart women, they intimidate me."

Mina had to laugh at that. Six-and-a-half feet of pure athleticism and he was intimidated by brains?

"Don't mock me!" He tugged her hand and she gasped out a laugh before bracing herself on his shoulder. "I might not be as smart, but I know some things."

"Like what?" Mina tried to sound nonchalant and straighten up but Drew's other arm came around her waist and tugged her down onto his lap. "What are you doing?"

"Overpowering you." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She blushed and tried to pull out of his arms. This was not going how she'd thought it would. His actions right now were decidedly more than friendly.

"Show off your brains now, smarty pants," he teased, his grasp ironclad.

Mina laughed and struggled against his hold but to little avail. Flushed, flustered and unsure of what was happening, she sagged against his chest. "Fine!"

Drew chuckled as he held her close, his grip loosening at her apparent surrender. A thought occurred to Mina and she pushed her hand between them to tickle his sides. He gave a surprised yelp and all but pushed her off his lap.

She laughed and went after him again. He dodged her outstretched hands, almost upsetting his chair in his efforts to get away from her. She chased him out of the office and down the hall where Carter eyed them suspiciously. Drew fended off Mina by grabbing her wrists and holding her away from him.

"How old are you two?" Carter asked and rolled his eyes.

Drew and Mina exchanged a look before dissolving into laughter. They agreed to a truce and joined Carter in the living room.

Mina's heart was a long time in settling down following all that. After a few minutes, the conversation turned to Carter's work and Drew's season.