He’s known as Father Anton to his teammates—the brooding, sexy captain of the NHL’s Chicago Blaze has a reputation for…not having a reputation. Just like his diet and sleep routines, celibacy is part of Anton Petrov’s on-ice mojo. Or so they say. Anton stays mum on the subject. If the world thinks he chooses to abstain from sex, so be it. Better that than the truth getting out: there is a woman he burns for, but he can never have her. She’s his teammate’s wife, after all.
Mia Marceau is finally on her own. Now that she and her husband are living apart, she’s finding the peace she was desperate for. She spends her days in classes and late nights bartending, making her own way in the world at last. After what she’s been through, as long as her husband leaves her alone, she doesn’t plan to rock the boat. He still has the power to hurt those dearest to her, and she can’t demand a divorce with such a high cost.
A chance encounter with Mia has Anton hoping for a shot he never thought he’d get. And while she’s drawn to the intense, serious hockey center, Mia’s leery about playing with fire. That’s all Anton has ever known for Mia, though—a living, burning desire that won’t be denied—no matter the cost.
Anton is so freaking amazing – I love his note!
Keep reading to see the full Love Note!
Dear Mia,
For a long time, I never thought I’d have a shot with you. I didn’t know what that meant, though. And on our first Valentine’s Day together, I want you to know that I get it now. If I’d never seen you that night at Lucky Seven, I wouldn’t know we have a mutual love for bar nachos. I wouldn’t know how completely kickass it feels to watch you hustle my teammates on poker night. I wouldn’t know you’re a terrible cook, but you keep trying anyway. I wouldn’t know you like to sing old school rap in the shower, or that when you say you’ll be ready in 10 minutes, you mean at least 20. I wouldn’t know you’ve got a gift for helping women get back on their feet when they need it.
Mostly, I just wouldn’t know what it’s like to love you and be loved by you. And Mia, that’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever known. You’re more than my valentine, you’re my everything. I love you more than I did yesterday, but not as much as I will tomorrow.
Yours,
Anton
Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres.
