Romance Beneath the Ice

Charlotte frowned. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I left work early on Friday, napped a while, picked up Zoe from daycare later, and I was fine. Pretty much. Then we got home and started to watch some show, and I felt nauseous."

"Oh, gross."

"Yeah. It was. I started throwing up, so much."

"Okay, stop. I get it. Nasty. How did Alexei end up in your place the next morning?"

"I guess my puking freaked Zoe out pretty bad and she got Alexei here."

"How?"

"I don't really know. Maybe she went and knocked on his door?" Though Charlotte couldn't really see that, never mind the absolute horror that filled her at the thought of her daughter wandering out of the apartment alone. It was all fine now, Zoe was safe in her bedroom, but still. Shoving the doom and gloom thoughts aside, she rubbed her eyes. "Anyway, he showed up and helped me as I threw up some more."

"Oh. My. God. He saw you like that? All pukey and gross?"

"Yep." Charlotte leaned her head back on the couch and sighed. She hadn't given it much thought earlier when she'd woken but she was pretty sure she wanted to die before she ever faced him again. "He sure did. Then he made me go back to bed and said he'd watch Zoe."

"For two days?"

"I guess so. Yeah. He did. I woke up this morning and they were cooking together." Warmth flooded Charlotte as she recalled the scene when she'd finally crawled out of bed.

Alexei and Zoe. Alexei holding Zoe like she was the most precious creature. It did so many things to her heart.

"Char, oh my God. What kind of guy does that?"

The best guys. Charlotte yawned, still so exhausted. Turning, she stretched out lengthwise on the couch and got comfortable. "He was nice, for sure, but I never thought he was a bad guy, even when he was all grumpy with us."

Sarah let out a light laugh. "Are you sure? You had some choice opinions on his behavior before."

"Well, yeah. He's rude, but I don't think he's all that bad, not really. He was nice to Zoe before all this."

"That's true." Sarah was aware of their previous encounters. "But so lucky that he was around, Char. What if he'd been playing a game? Why didn't you call me if you were feeling so shitty? I'd have come to at least take Zoe off your hands."

"I didn't even think of it, I'm sorry. I didn't have my phone in between bouts of emptying my insides."

"Ew. Don't ever mention that again."

Charlotte smiled. "What did Alexei say when you talked?"

"He was nice, but very abrupt. When I got all shrill, he put Zoe on the phone and I managed to get some more details from her." Sarah sighed. "She was super excited that they were going to walk to the grocery store, and I thought, any guy who promises to let a little girl carry eggs must be all right."

"Sure. Or very clever."

"He's both, yes?"

Sighing, Charlotte threw an arm over her eyes. "Yes." Clever, kind, thoughtful. So sexy it hurt.

"Well, listen, since we're off tomorrow, I can come over tonight and spend the night. Unless your babysitter is still there?"

"No, Alexei is gone." Charlotte yawned. "But you don't have to come over, Sarah. We're fine. Zoe is napping right now, and I can manage something easy for dinner."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, totally. We're fine. Besides, don't think I've forgotten about your grandmother's eightieth birthday tonight. And you promised to take your sister to that thing tomorrow at noon. Something to do with school?"

Sarah made a noise. "Right. I could so get out of all of it, if you really needed me to, honey."

"I know you could, and I appreciate the thought, Sarah. You're the best."

"I am."

Charlotte could hear the smile in her friend's voice as she yawned again. "Look, I'm going to nap now while Zoe is still down. I'll text you later if I need anything, I promise."

"Okay. Yeah, get some rest and if you need Tuesday off still, I can totally manage without you. I'll let Ursula know."

"Thanks, Sarah. Talk to you soon."

"Bye, hon."

The call ended and Charlotte had enough strength left to toss the phone on the coffee table before fading out.

Zoe called for her before she could sleep for too long and they spent a few hours shuffling between the couch and bathroom. Zoe still hadn't thrown up, but she was whiny and lethargic until Charlotte finally put her down shortly after a light dinner of toast and cereal.

As she crawled into her own bed, Charlotte had the brief thought that she should shower, but she wasn't sure she had the energy to stand there and wash. Maybe in the morning. She was reaching to turn off her bedside lamp when there was a light knock from her front door.

Frowning, she threw the covers back, tugged her sweater back on over her pajamas and shuffled to the front door. When she saw Alexei through the peephole, her stomach lurched, and she opened the door with a shy smile.

"Hi."

He looked her up and down once and let out a breath. "You look terrible."

She pressed her fingers to her lips to keep from bursting into laughter. This man had no filter whatsoever. "Thank you." She eyed him up and down as well and shrugged. "You're no treat yourself."

He glanced down at his outfit of track pants and long-sleeved shirt. "What's wrong with me?"

Nothing. Not a damn thing. Charlotte leaned on the door and took a step back. "Are you coming in?"

He hesitated before nodding once and stepping inside. He closed and locked the door before following her to the couch, even though she'd been in bed when he'd knocked.

"How was your day?" she asked as she tucked her legs under her on one end of the couch.

"It was fine. I have to leave tomorrow."

"Okay." She frowned until she realized what he meant. "Oh, road trip. Where to this time?"

"St. Louis and Nashville." He sat beside her and turned his body to face her. "I'll be back Friday."

"Okay. Did you need me to do something while you're gone?"

He blinked and shook his head. "Why would you ask that?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. You've never come to tell me you're leaving before." Granted, he'd only been on a few road trips since they'd met, and they'd hardly been bosom companions. "Maybe you want me to water your plants?"

"No. I wanted to make sure you'd be okay while I'm gone."

Charlotte's breath caught and she looked away. What in the hell was going on? "I think so."

He said nothing for a long moment and when she finally lifted her eyes, he was watching her.

"You look tired."

She stifled another laugh, not wanting to wake Zoe. "You've already mentioned that I look awful."

"Not awful." He sighed and stood up, holding a hand down in front of her face. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" She was too tired to argue or even question what he was doing here. Again.

"You need to shower."

At that, she did laugh, even as she tottered after him to the bathroom in her bedroom. "And you're going to help me with that?"

He turned to her as he flicked the light on in the bathroom and the look he gave her warmed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, with so much of it pooling low in her belly. It had been a long time since anyone had looked at her like that. Years. Almost five, considering that Zoe's fourth birthday was in a few weeks.

"I would if you asked." Alexei's voice was low, his accent growing thicker. "But you aren't in any shape for that."

Something had happened over the past few days, something beyond the nature of their interactions up to this point. She knew it and apparently he knew it too, she was just too chickenshit to say anything about it.

Instead, she propped herself against her vanity and watched as he pulled the shower curtain and leaned in to turn on the water. He tested the temperature for a few seconds before backing up and turning to her. Again, those eyes of his swept over her.

"You can undress?"

God, how badly she wanted to say no, that she needed help. She shivered and nodded.

With that, Alexei left her alone in the bathroom, closing the door behind him. She stared at the water, watching as steam started to curl out around the shower curtain. With slow movements, she took everything off and stepped into the tub.

As soon as the water hit her skin, she let out a sigh. Tired or not, it already felt incredible. She took her time, working shampoo through her hair, rinsing, and doing it again. Then she worked up a good lather with her body wash and the loofah, making sure she scrubbed every inch of her skin. By the time she stepped out and dried off, she was pink all over. She pulled out fresh clothes and combed her hair before walking out to find Alexei, wondering if he'd stayed.

He was there all right. Apparently Zoe had woken while she'd been in the shower and Charlotte found them together on the couch.

Alexei was stretched out on his back, his head tilted towards the TV for whatever show he'd put on. Sprawled out over his chest, tucked halfway between him and the back of the couch, was Zoe, her cheek pressed right over Alexei's heart. Alexei had one arm around Zoe's waist, holding her in place, the other was rubbing in slow circles around her upper back.

Charlotte must have made some noise because Alexei looked up at her. They didn't speak. He stared at her, and she stared back, her heart speeding up with every moment that passed. Alexei gave a slow blink, those golden eyes dipping over her face, snagging on her lips, then traveling down. By the time he made it back to her eyes, she was flushed all over, from more than her recent shower.

With slow movements, so he didn't disturb the child he held, Alexei turned the TV off, sat up and rose to his feet. He carried Zoe back to her bedroom and returned to Charlotte after, who remained rooted to the spot. Taking her hand in his, he led her to her own bedroom and pulled back the covers on her bed.

"In."

She hesitated but nodded once, climbing in. Alexei followed and she shimmied over to allow him more room. He dragged the covers back up over them both and Charlotte rested her head on the pillow, watching him with wide eyes.

"Here, Charlotte."

His strong arm reached for her and she went. Even without being as weak as she was, she would have gone willingly. In all honesty, she'd had to fight off some intense jealousy each time she'd found Zoe snuggled in Alexei's arms. She just hadn't wanted to admit it.

He was so grumpy, with his demands for quiet, and his hard stare. But as she pressed her cheek to the warm curve of his chest, she thought about how thoughtful he was. How gentle he was with Zoe, and how sweet.

"Sleep."

His single word demands were doing something else to her. As she closed her eyes and let her mind wander, Charlotte imagined him saying other words.

Undress. Kiss.

More.

Come...

Alexei hadn't intended to spend the night in Charlotte's bed. He'd only meant to see how they were doing, and make sure Charlotte did go to bed early. Instead, he'd taken one look at her flushed post-shower face and hadn't been able to make himself leave.

Conclusion: he'd lost his damn mind over Charlotte and Zoe and the way Charlotte's curves fit against him was pretty much the best memory he carried with him now.

Getting on the flight to St. Louis was hard. Harder than he'd been when he'd crawled out of Charlotte's bed before dawn on Monday morning.

"What's with the face, Alexei?" Olle elbowed him as they took their customary seats on the plane.

"What face?" Alexei scowled at his team captain. "It's my face."

"It's this face." Olle proceeded to demonstrate, hanging his chin down, his lips pulling down on either side, like an exaggerated sad clown. "Is it because of your girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend."

Olle snickered and tugged out his headphones. "Sure. Your noisy upstairs neighbor who seems to have snagged enough of your interest that we didn't see you for three days."

Alexei scowled at the man and then proceeded to ignore him. His phone chimed a moment later and he looked down to see a message from Joelle, Olle's wife. She was on her way to the building now, which relieved some of the pressure that was building up in his chest.

"Is that Joelle?" Olle nudged him with his elbow. "I knew it was a mistake letting you two exchange numbers."

Alexei rolled his eyes. He knew Olle didn't mean it. Olle and Joelle were just about the poster-children for the perfect marriage, no real jealousy at all. When Alexei had asked for Joelle's number, and explained why, Olle hadn't hesitated, nor had Joelle. It was simply that teammates couldn't go a day without ribbing each other.

And Alexei could give it back just as good. He shot Olle a narrow look. "It was a mistake. I'm ten times the man you are."

Charlotte was pretty sure neither of them were ever going to move from their nest on the couch. Zoe was snuggled up to her side, a flannel blanket wrapped around her slender form. Charlotte got up now and again to grab snacks or drinks but other than that or bathroom breaks, they spent the whole of their Monday binge-watching a couple of anime shows on Netflix. Charlotte had decided now was the time for the streaming service's free trial and she was glad she'd done it.

"You want some more crackers, sweetie?" She brushed her palm over Zoe's forehead as she asked, testing the girl's temperature. She wasn't nearly as warm as she'd been the night before and while she remained mainly lethargic, she was a little more animated as well.

Zoe nodded and Charlotte got up to dig around in the pantry for another sleeve of the saltines she always kept on hand. As she did that, and refilled her water glass, there was a knock on the door.

Frowning, Charlotte turned to walk over and look through the peephole. She wasn't expecting anyone and Alexei wasn't back until Friday, or so he'd said.

There was a woman standing there, tall with ash-blond hair up in a messy bun, and blue-framed glasses on her pert nose.

Charlotte unlocked the door and peered out with a neutral smile on her face. "Yes?"

The woman grinned. "Are you Charlotte?"

Blinking, Charlotte opened the door wider. "Um, yeah. Do I know you?"

"I'm Joelle Norberg, Olle's wife."

"Olle?"

Joelle tilted her head to the left, her already wide grin growing bigger, her blue eyes dancing. "Ah, haven't got around to talking about anyone else, have you?"

Charlotte was lost. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."

Joelle laughed and nodded. "No, I'm sorry, I'm talking in circles. Olle is Alexei's teammate on the Blackhawks, and a good friend of ours."

"Oh." That explained some, but not everything.

"He told me about how you and your little one have been sick for a few days. With them heading out of town, he asked if I could drop by and see if you needed anything."

Warmth swamped Charlotte and her throat closed up with some unnamed emotion. Her eyes watered and she blinked hard a few times, jerking her gaze away from Joelle's friendly and far-too-knowing smile.

"That's so kind of you."

"It was all Alexei's doing." Joelle clasped her hands in front of her. "Now. Are you going to let me in? I totally understand if you'd like me to go, but I really only want to help. I know what it's like to be sick and not have someone helping out."

Cue more waterworks. Charlotte was seconds away from sobbing altogether. She couldn't remember being on the receiving end of so much well-meaning kindness. She swallowed hard a few times, staving off the tears as she backed up a couple steps. "Come in, please."

"Great."

Closing the door behind Joelle, Charlotte looked over to see Zoe had sacked out on the couch, her eyes closed. Clearly, she wasn't back to her usual self, or she'd have been right up at the door with her.

"Is that Zoe?" Joelle asked in a soft voice after she'd pulled her coat off.

Charlotte didn't know what to think that this friend of Alexei's already knew who she and Zoe were. What else had he told Joelle? How had he explained who they were to him? Charlotte didn't even know what they were.

"Yeah. She's been sleeping a lot and thankfully not throwing up like I did."

Joelle winced, her expression turning sympathetic. "Thank goodness for that."

"Let me put her to bed and I'll make some coffee for us." Charlotte crossed to slide her arms around Zoe. She didn't have all her own energy and strength back but she managed to carry her daughter to bed and closed the door behind her as she rejoined Joelle in the kitchen.

"Oh, I would have done that." Charlotte watched as Joelle poured water into the coffee maker, having already discovered her coffee stash.

"Hey, I said I'm here to help, I'm helping." Joelle threw a wink over her shoulder. "Now, you sit down and wait for this to brew, and I'll attack these dishes." She waved a hand at the full sink.

"No, I can't let you do that." Charlotte tried to move around Joelle to the sink but the other woman wasn't having it.

"Charlotte, Alexei specifically asked me to come help you, not stand by while you clean up around me." Joelle's voice took on a stern edge that almost made Charlotte laugh. If this Joelle wasn't a mother yet, she was already halfway to being one. "So park it on the couch and I will tidy up in here. After coffee, you will go have a shower, and we'll talk laundry. Am I clear?"

Charlotte covered her smile with her fingers and nodded. Joelle winked again and turned back to her task.

True to her word, the other woman made quick work of the dishes and kitchen counters while the coffee brewed. Then she did join Charlotte on the couch with two mugs of coffee, after asking if Charlotte took cream and sugar.

"I'm not sure how I'll ever let you go after today."

Joelle grinned and saluted her with her own mug before taking a sip. She lounged back on the couch cushions and eyed Charlotte, her expression becoming more pointed.

"So, let's talk, shall we?"

Charlotte didn't know why, but she turned nervous in an instant at Joelle's words. "Okay."

"How did you and Alexei meet?"

"Oh, well, that's not very interesting. He lives downstairs, in the apartment below us and came to complain when Zoe got really loud one day."

"And the rest is history?"

Charlotte smiled and shrugged. "I suppose. We had a few more encounters, and he happened to be here when I got really sick the other day."

"He told me that Zoe stomped around until he showed up at the door."

"Was that it?" Charlotte sighed. "All this time, I haven't been sure on that. He said Zoe called him but I was throwing up too much to look into it any further."

Joelle nodded. "Understandable. You couldn't have found a better babysitter. Alexei would never say it himself, because he thinks he's anti-social, sweet man."

"I could kind of see that." Charlotte sipped her coffee as she considered. "He never smiles. Well, almost never."

"You've seen him smile? What a treat. What's it like? I've known him three years and I don't think I've ever seen it."

"Really? He smiles at Zoe all the time."

Joelle clutched a hand to her chest. "Of course he does. Big ol' softie."

Charlotte giggled. "Maybe he is, under all the bluster."

"Oh, of course he is." Joelle nodded, adamant. "Would a real jerk have spent all that time taking care of you guys?"

"No." Charlotte could barely wrap her head around the fact that Alexei had done anything at all for them, never mind the length of time he cared for her and Zoe. "He's really bonded with Zoe, I think."

Joelle's smile softened. "That's so sweet."

"It really is." Charlotte could admit that. "It's been just me and Zoe since she was born. Since before that, really."

"Before?"

"Well, I got pregnant when I was nineteen. My parents didn't like it." Charlotte looked down into her coffee, swirling it around a bit. "They said since I got myself into the mess, I could get myself out of it."

"Wow. I'm sorry you had no support from them. Not even now?"

"I call them at Christmas every year, but they don't seem to have any interest in me, or in getting to know Zoe."

Joelle frowned and leaned over to squeeze her hand. "That's shitty."

Charlotte agreed but she shrugged. "They're pretty old-fashioned and all, so I get it, but I have Zoe, and she's family enough for me. We make it work."

The other woman got a funny look on her face, as if she wanted to say something. She gave her head a shake and pushed her glasses up her nose. "So, Alexei and Zoe are friends now?"

"Yes, so it would seem."

"Because he had an awful lot to say about you as well."

Charlotte squirmed on the couch and looked away, her cheeks burning. "I bet he did. Did the words he use rhyme with itchy witch? But with Bs?"

Joelle snickered and shook her head. "Not at all. He was very concerned about leaving you on your own but he couldn't get out of the road trip."

"Of course not. I don't imagine they could just not show up for games." Charlotte took another long sip of her coffee then paused when she saw Joelle's expression. "What is it?"

"You don't know? He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

Joelle looked away and bit her lip. "Oh, um, well, he did miss a game. Saturday night."

Saturday night. When Charlotte had been so out of it, she hadn't realized it was Saturday. When Alexei had watched Zoe all day and night, taking her grocery shopping and letting her carry eggs.

Swallowing with some difficulty, Charlotte stared at Joelle. "He didn't play in a game?"

"Yeah. It was all anyone talked about during the commentary. They were speculating that he'd been injured somehow." Joelle let out a light laugh. "But that's only because Alexei is one of the league's iron men."

"Iron men?"

"Yeah. Iron man is what they call the guy who play the most consecutive games in a row, no injuries, illness, or whatever. Alexei was one of the top five, with five hundred-something games. I can't remember exactly."

"And he missed a game." Charlotte's hands started to shake and she leaned forward to set her mug down on the table. "Oh my God, he must hate me."

"Of course he doesn't." Joelle touched her arm, her blond brows pulling together. "I'm sure he doesn't regret it at all."

"Why would he risk that for us?"

"Risk what? Oh, sweetie, his career is in no danger for missing one game. They're allowed sick days, like anyone else. Alexei just happens to be someone who's never had to use one. Or at least, not for some time."

Charlotte shook her head. "I don't know why he'd do that."

"Don't you?" Joelle grinned and gave her shoulder a last squeeze before sitting back. "Now, let's change the subject so you don't keep swimming in your misplaced guilt. Where's your washing machine? And dirty laundry? Give me all of it and I'll take care of that while you shower."

"You really don't need to do that. I can manage."

"The thing is, Charlotte, you don't have to. I'm volunteering and I'm not going anywhere." Joelle stood up. "So you can tell me where everything is, or I can find it myself. It's up to you."

Seeing that Joelle was serious, and with tears clogging her throat again, Charlotte stood and gave the woman a quick tour. Leaving Joelle sorting Zoe's many shirts and leggings, Charlotte did go have a shower.

The whole time, she thought about what Joelle had told her.

Alexei missing a game. Choosing to miss it, for her and Zoe. Who does that? They were nothing to him except a source of annoyance. Still, she recalled the way he'd been so sweet and gentle with Zoe, and how he'd tucked Charlotte into bed. With him.

No. Don't get carried away. Last time she'd had her head spun by a man, she'd ended up pregnant and on her own in the city.

Somehow though, she couldn't see Alexei being able to walk away from her like Zoe's absent biological father.

It took her a couple days, but Charlotte eventually texted Alexei at the number he'd left for her. She wasn't sure if he was a texter, but she had to thank him for sending Joelle to her place and didn't want to wait until he was home. Lucky for her, he didn't leave her hanging.

Charlotte: Alexei?

Alexei: Yes. This is Alexei. Is this Charlotte?

Charlotte: Yes.

Alexei: Is everything all right?

Charlotte: Yes. Thank you for sending Joelle over. She's the best.

Alexei: She really is. I'm glad you didn't turn her away.

Charlotte: Couldn't if I'd wanted to. She's got more energy than Zoe.

Alexei: Not sure I believe that.

Charlotte: It's a close call, I'll leave it at that.

Alexei: How are you feeling? Both of you?

Charlotte: Much better. I went back to work on Tuesday and Joelle volunteered to watch Zoe for an extra day before I sent her back to daycare on Wednesday.

Alexei: Zoe was still sick then?

Charlotte: She was mostly better but I thought it was better to be safe than sorry. And Joelle offered, so I figured why not.

Alexei: I'm glad someone was there to help while I'm gone.

Charlotte: It was very thoughtful of you to ask Joelle.

Alexei: I was worried about leaving you.

Charlotte:...

Charlotte: Why?

Alexei: ...

Alexei: We'll talk when I get home.

Charlotte: Talk about what?

Alexei: Many things. Go to bed, Charlotte. It's late.

Charlotte: I'm fine for a little while.

Alexei: Bed. Now.

Charlotte: ...

Charlotte: Good night, Alexei.

Alexei: Good night, krasotka.​