Page 13

EDEN

Have a good morning, Eden. Text me if you go to the bookstore. Please. See you before the game…And If you want a little something to wear tonight…

T he man melted me without even trying. Living with him was one thing. But when he did things like this, the line he drew blurred for me.

I peeked inside the bag on the island next to the note. A bundle of blue and orange greeted me. I pulled it out. A Triumph sweatshirt. With his number embroidered on the lower right, barely noticeable. A subtle thing that linked me to him. I shook it out and blinked.

It was off the shoulder.

He gave me something I would actually wear. Tears welled in my eyes. I reached for my phone to thank him, but a loud knock at the front door stopped me.

ZOE: Open the door so I can hug you please !

Shirt stuffed back into the bag, I spun and ran to the door and whipped it open. “It’s about time you climbed out of Brett’s bed.”

Zoe snorted and handed me a cup of sweetly tangy pink goodness. “And how did the cafe know I was picking up this particular drink especially for you?”

I shrugged. “The last few weeks, someone’s been picking up everyone’s drinks. Trina probably remembers you coming in with me sometime.”

“Or maybe you have two stalkers. And one isn’t creepy. Which is both insane to think about and somewhat sexy. Kinda like living with your sexy as fuck step brother you never knew you had who you had insanely life altering orgasms in a haunted house while he was masked and-”

Before she could continue, I snatched my happy drink from her, and glared at her. “Or as sexy as sleeping with your best friend’s older brother to get back at the asshole you never told anyone you were dating in the first place and then dealing with all the orgasms on sleepover nights since he’s still living with your best friend.”

She winced. “About that?”

My lips closed around the straw, but I paused. “Yes?”

“One, I think we both have an age gap, grump maybe forbidden kink.”

“Those are tropes.”

She continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “And since you’re living here, and it’s getting semi awkward with the whole living with Noah and then sneaking over to get fulfill all my naughty fantasies thing. ..I asked Brett to move in.”

“With you?”

Zoe nodded.

I sipped, processing. It made sense. In fact, the fact that it hadn’t come up even before was crazy. “I think that’s a great thing, and so serious of you!”

“Well,” she drawled as she hopped up on a stool at one end of the island and propped her chin on her hands, “I figured Brett decking Shaw and trying to get rid of him deserved blow jobs on the regular. Followed by all the dirty texts during the day that he can make reality in a bed we share and he doesn’t have to leave to go back to his baby brother’s place.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” I grinned.

She sobered up. “So. How serious is this stalker shit? Noah, for once, has been tight-lipped and not running off at the texts.”

Admitting that I’d been keeping something serious from my friends, much less the two most important people in my life, wasn’t easy. That I wasn’t strong enough or capable. “I don’t know. But, he knows where I live. Lived,” I amended. “And might have been watching. Cole drove me home after dinner with our parents, and he didn’t want me to worry.” I left a few details, like that the notes had shown up more than once, and the times I was sure I’d been watched. “The police said it would be safer, for now, to make it harder to find where I was.” Insert, Cole decided. “And there’s no way I was going back to my parent’s house.” A shrug. “And since you and Noah weren’t home-”

“And Mr. Chase-And-Bang-”

“This is where I am staying. For now.”

She snorted. “And are you banging?”

“Zoe Miles, I swear, getting laid has turned you-”

“Into a very happy and even hornier mess. Don’t evade.”

I plopped down next to her as she swiveled on her stool. “He pretended he didn’t know it was me, then ‘not’ admitted it, and has been grumpy and reminding me we are ‘family’,” I finger quoted before continuing, “then sweet and I am…so confused and horny! We pretend nothing happened, but then he’s watching me or I’m showering and wishing he was in the damn shower with me.”

“Or,” Zoe said as she tapped her chin thoughtfully, “chasing you around this house. Because dayum, the layout of that haunted house would make all that can’t resist, so I am going to chase and catch and fuck in every room fantasy come to life in so many variations. Choose your sex adventure fantasy activated.”

“Don’t I know it, but it’s not happening.”

She shrugged a shoulder. “So, push things. Remind him step is not blood, and you’ve already fucked.”

I rolled my eyes. “Have you met him? He’s stubborn. Plus, can you imagine Randall’s reaction? At dinner, he kept calling me Cole and Izzy’s sister. Add in that they seem to still have issues with each other, and the whole anything but siblings rooming together seems way out of reach.”

“Step siblings. And he’s a hockey player. They never play by the rules. Especially these hockey boys,” Zoe added in a dry tone. “And they must all have a mask kink.”

“Yeah, the whole #ghosthockeydaddies thing is blowing up.”

“If Noah ever wants to get a side gig, I think Lanie would hire him in a millisecond. But, it also means I’ve had people sliding into the team’s DMs on every account, and it's not all pretty. I needed to bleach yesterday after one! Like, no one needs to see your kitty! And, wax if you’re going to do a home photo shoot. And ring light.” She shuddered and plastered on a bright smile. “But, we’re wondering if Book Boyfriends wants to do a Christmas book boyfriend blind date dinner night with the #ghosthockeydaddies?”

“We’re?” I asked, knowing the answer. Nia might swoon like some poor girl in the Ton from Bridgerton when she found out. Or, she could pull a badass get the Viscount move.

“Yes. I’m not saying it, because you know Lanie is already planning and will be calling you this weekend.” Lanie was Zoe's boss at the Triumph and the head of PR and Player Interactions.

If Book Boyfriends kept gaining a reputation for doing good in the community and had the added benefit of the Triumph partnering it all, then she could put money into the event instead of shouldering all the marketing. “Zoe, this is…amazing.”

“And so fun. Plus, added bonus of torturing the ‘daddies’ with this. Oh, and she’s going to ask about a calendar to coincide with it all. Like, each player is a different book boyfriend.”

Excitement bubbled up, because ideas were zooming around in my brain like a kitten at 3:54 am. “Noah has to be #HockeyBoy.”

She nodded. “He’ll probably organize the entire shoot,” she added with a giggle.

We spent the rest of the afternoon ordering takeout, catching up, and finalizing the media and marketing the Triumph would do for their players for the Book Boyfriend Auction for the signing in three weeks.

“So, Noah, Jaxon, Theo, and Cole.”

I froze, my hand in mid update email type mode to Nia and Indie. “Cole?”

“Noah said he said yes the night of the haunted house. ”

Someone is going to bid on Cole and he’s going to take them out on date.

Great. My stomach churned, and a little green settled over me like a wet blanket. Not with envy. But with jealousy.

“Woah there, Eden. Maybe somebody’s crazy drunk aunt will bid on him.”

I steeled my expression. “Why should it matter to me who bids on him? It’s all for a good cause, and great for the bookstore. Theo, however, is going to draw all the attention. Especially with the newly single dad thing going on.”

“He’s being such a pain in the ass. I understand, but he’s trying to do it all himself, and it’s going to affect his time on the ice if he keeps it up. But, he did add Delena Bennett’s last book on his last post and Noah played along.”

I chuckled. “It was pretty hilarious, and she messaged me because her boyfriend is a football player and got a little hot about it. She said thank you for an awesome night. I have a feeling she’d help with the masked daddies event if we asked, since her last book hit the bestseller list.”

“Ooh, yes! But, as much as I’ve missed living with you-”

“Aw, bestie!”

“Thank you for being understanding about Brett moving in.”

“Just let me move my things out before you defile them.”

She kept going as if I hadn't spoken once again. “And I will see you tonight? Do you need a ride? Or something to wear? It’s the first game, and I know you hate a hoodie or crew neck, maybe I could find something?”

I ticked off my fingers. “Yes, I’m not sure, and got it covered.”

“Perfect, road head after the game,” she chuckled at my squeak, “and really?”

“Cole picked up something for his sibling.” My finger flicked at the bag I had moved to the couch after she arrived.

“ Step sibling. And really!”

I jumped off the stool while Zoe eyed the bag. “I’ll call you if I need a ride. But, I will sit and cheer and do all the things. And, Izzy and my parents are coming. No stalker talk. As far as they know, there was a water leak that is being fixed.”

“And you’re staying with your sexy step brother that you fu-”

“OUT!”

A shower and yoga session later, I wrapped my hair in a towel, and slipped on a short black silk robe and went down the backstairs to make a cup of tea before I got dressed. Cole should’ve come home, but if he was anything like Noah, he had some crazy pre-game day routine he’d follow.

Noah liked to dance around and sing instead of running or whatever the other players did to keep loose, nap, then eat before he did a hot yoga routine. Not being down the street meant I missed out on the hot yoga session with him.

Shit, did that mean I was fucking up his routine?

I frantically looked for my phone as I hopped off the last step and spied it on the island. A relieved sigh left my lips and I flew because I wasn’t a puck girl, but Noah had patiently explained all the superstitions to me over Junior Mints one night. While Zoe cackled in the background.

EDEN: Did I mess up your routine?

The dots jumped as he typed. Zoe beat him to the punch.

ZOE: Brett and I haven't figured out our pre-game yet!

NOAH: And I didn’t need to know that.

ZOE: SHIT! Sorry!

NOAH: Don’t start lying to me now.

ZOE: I am kinda sorry.

NOAH: And nope. You only did hot yoga with me for one division’s home games.

EDEN: Did I miss the other one’s?

NOAH: Well, there’s four, and I didn’t want you to make me watch more Halloween movies than we negotiated. Plus, it was our division. No big deal, E.

“You...didn’t like it?”

I dropped my phone and squeaked and spun around. The robe flew around me, and I was suddenly and very acutely aware of my not wearing anything underneath. He held up the bag with the Triumph-wear he left for me this morning. I gathered the neckline with one hand, smoothing the bottom with the other. “You scared me! And,” I licked my lips. “I love…it.”

His blue eyes bore into mine, heated. Pupils dilated. Darted to wear the neckline of the robe, still clenched in my hand, closed. Trailed from my neck and lower. My body heated under his scrutiny. Heat pooled between my legs. A spark jumped between us, and I closed the distance between us, chin held high.

I wanted him to admit that there was this…thing…sparks…flying between us. Or something. Anything to show me I wasn’t crazy. With each step, his eyes heated, darkening. Until we were close enough for me to take the bag if he handed it to me. I waited, hoping he’d make me come even closer.

A second passed, then another.Just as I was about to take a step, he cleared his throat and held the bag out to me. “I’m going for a run. Be ready at 6, so Zoe can pick you up.”

“I’m not going with you?” My heart sank. I clutched the bag to my chest.

“Unless you want to spend three hours at the arena, Eden, no.”

I lifted my chin. “I don’t mind.”

He shifted, and roughed a hand through his hair, which I was starting to realize was his way of battling an internal struggle. “Three hours, Eden. Alone.”

“But I’d be there. With you. In the building, at least.”

He went so still that I was afraid he was going to say no. “You want to be…with me.”

It wasn’t a question, and I didn’t answer. Let him figure out the answer, if he wanted one. If things were going to get complicated and he wanted to blur lines, confuse me, and have me live here with him…then he needed to acknowledge this thing between us.

“Fine. Be ready at 4 and I’ll see if you can get into the suite early and wait for Zoe.”

“I can work on my phone, and I actually need to talk to Lanie about a few things.”

Cole opened his mouth then shut it, and we stood there a heartbeat longer, then turned and went out the front door.

The bravado I’d been pretending to own deflated. I sank down on the couch, hugging the bag to my chest as what Zoe said played over and over in my mind.

Push things. I let out a long breath, stood, and prepared for battle. Or a chase.

Promptly at four, Cole came down the stairs.

Hanging a suit, and looking devastatingly handsome.

Tall, dark, and glowering at me like he wanted to eat me alive.

Once he caught me, that is.

Dark blue, tailored to fit, because there was no way he bought that off the hanger. Or anything ever. Because the man’s thighs were almost the size of my waist, and I was not exactly sucking it in. The air had grown chilly outside, and without saying a word about the shirt he gave me or the white strategically ripped jeans and white heels I wore. But his gaze lingered for a beat or three longer than was necessary.

Cole led me to the garage, opened the passenger door for me but instead of letting me climb in, he took my hand and helped me in and didn’t wait for me to buckle myself in. As he leaned over my body, the scent of aftershave tickled my nose. I didn’t want to move, and I did. I wanted him to touch me, kiss me again. Do anything. But, I just watched him, his blue eyes hooded as he pulled away and closed my door.

The drive to the arena, he did his usual check the temperature and play music routine. Gripped the steering wheel. His eyes, however, didn't stay glued to the road, but strayed to my side every few moments. We parked in the player’s section, and again, he didn’t let me climb out, but took my hand.

Every touch, look…it was intoxicating and I couldn’t get enough. We walked to the door, but when we got inside, there was a security guard waiting for us.

“Hey, Gus, Thanks for helping out.”

Gus, a friendly looking, if not slightly imposing man, grinned. “My pleasure, Mr. Sunders. Lanie said to tell you she was bribing me with cookies and maybe one of those Oreo brownies she is going to steal from the player’s room for me, even though I told her it would be my pleasure to help out..” He chuckled and turned to me.

Before either of us could say a word, Cole stepped between us. “Eden, Gus is the head of security for the player’s families during games, but he’s going to make sure no one bothers you until Zoe and the rest of our family joins you. Gus, this is my sister, Eden.”

“ Step sister,” I corrected, my tone light while the pit in my stomach made an appearance. “So nice to meet you, Gus.”

“Same, Eden. Mr. LeCavalier also told me he’d sneak an extra brownie through mysterious channels for you, too.” Gus winked, then his expression turned sober. “I also will make sure no one bothers you or makes you uncomfortable.”

My smile slipped a little.

“I’ll keep you safe, Eden. You’re a part of the Triumph family, and no messes with my families.” His smile was kind, and even though I hated that one more person knew about my stalker, part of me breathed a little easier because Gus just had that way about him.

“Thank you.” Behind me, Cole grunted.

The sound as familiar as the way he glared whenever I challenged him. Pushed him. I swept my hair behind my ear and turned to him. His eyes darted up.

Caught you, brother, I thought. “Anything you’d like to add?”

My breath caught as he leaned in.

“Be. Good,’” he said, too low for anyone to hear. A flush creeped up my cheeks. He straightened up and added, “Gus or Zoe will bring you down to where the families wait after the game. Don’t get in too much trouble, Bunny.”

Who was pushing who here?

NOAH: Going radio silent. But, Gus has contraband coming. Enjoy the show, BESTIES!

ZOE: Filming the walk in. I’m so proud. Love you!

EDEN: Do you say anything for luck?

ZOE: I go with have a great game. I mean, I do things for good luck, but, Goalie here won’t want to hear.

EDEN: HAVE THE BEST OPENING NIGHT!

NOAH: Thanks. On both things!

Gus and I walked in a quiet arena that would be soon filled with fans buzzing over with excitement of what a new season would bring. We passed staff in concessions and other kiosk prepping as well as a few other security personnel who nodded at Gus as we walked by.

“Lanie also said she’d stop by once she had a chance. Home openers can get a little crazy.” He chuckled and led me to a door. One swipe of a card, and he ushered me into the suite. “Now, if you want to go down to the seats once Zoe arrives, let me know. And I’ve told the ushers to let me know when your and Mr. Sunders’ family arrives.”

“Thank you again. You don’t have to stay, Gus.”

He smiled and waved me off. “I’m going to step outside and check with my team, and then I’ll be right outside so you can take care of whatever you need. And I’ll keep an eye out for those cookies.” He winked and left me alone in the huge suite. I walked around, looking at the pictures on the wall then over to the area that overlooked the ice. Zoe had asked if my, or I should say our, family would want to stay in the suite or go down and get closer to the ice. Since this would be Izzy’s first time seeing her brother play, I opted for seats versus the suite.

Plus, if I was going to push Cole, he couldn’t think about me if he couldn’t see me. But, then I worried I’d distract him and mess up his game. When I said as much to Zoe while I was getting ready, she laughed through the phone.

“Look, I grew up with a hockey player. Kinda. It’s motivating. Trust me. Ask Ollie.”

Close to the ice it was.

I scrolled through the checklist for the signing, and followed up on a few emails. Forty-five minutes later, Lanie peeked her head in the door. “Eden!”

I stood, and grinned. “It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

The tall, willowy brunette opened the door all the way and breezed in with a little boy in tow. “I hope you don’t mind. This is my friend Travis and he’s super excited to see his dad play tonight. Aren’t you, buddy?”

The little boy peered up at her, then turned to me with solemn eyes and nodded.

“Theo’s nanny quit right before the game because she had to go back home for a family emergency, so I get to have a friend with me until his back up arrives. But we’re good friends, right buddy?”

My heart melted as the little blond haired boy nodded and fidgeted with the Triumph Jersey he wore with his father’s number on the back. So this was Theo Gerard’s little boy. Indie had mentioned her brother had been his best friend growing up a few days ago on FaceTime. Which was a total surprise, because she never once mentioned his name before then.

“Hi. Travis. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Lanie kneeled down in front of the little boy. “Remember Mr. Gus? He’s waiting for some really special cookies for you and my friend here. I bet if you wait with him, he might give you a few extra for keeping him company for a few minutes. Plus,” she whispered loudly, “ he plays Pokemon Go and is looking for new friends.” His eyes lit up. Lanie took a phone out of her pocket. “And your dad gave me this so you can play with him, or take pictures if you want.”

Travis looked to be five or six, smiled and took it from her. “Thank you. Miss Lanie.”

Gus peeked in. “Travis, my man, let's scan and catch 'em all. And the cookies are on the way up, but don’t tell anyone yet.”

We watched Travis, who turned and waved, and then, once the door closed, Lanie smiled, sad and sighed. “That poor kid has been through so much. And Theo’s trying, but some men are just too stubborn sometimes. But,” she clasped her hands together, “I have fifteen minutes, not just because of that adorable mini Theo out there. It seems there’s a few girls who tried to sneak into the locker room, and one of them is…never mind. Let’s just concentrate on the good things for now!”

We spent the next few minutes covering the players who would be in the auction for this signing, and then we hashed out a few ideas for the holiday book boyfriend blind date dinner. By the time Gus knocked, holding a bag of Crumbl cookies, we were both grinning and I had a plan typed out and emailed to Nia and Indie.

“Zoe or I will follow up with you next week. And of course, the team’s PR accounts will help cover the event and promote it like we promised. I can’t wait. I do need a few new books,” she grinned. Travis hid behind Gus, eating a cookie, his own bag held tightly in his little fist. Lanie glanced at her phone. “Guess what? I have someone who can’t wait to see you , buddy! Let’s leave Miss Eden to eat her cookies and go meet her friends.” Hand in hand, the two started to leave, when he turned and waved .

“Goodbye, Miss Eden. Nice to meet you.”

Heart. Melt. “Nice to meet you, too, Travis. Have fun watching your dad play.”

“Ready to see your seats, Eden? Zoe is heading down, and your family just arrived in the guest lot.”

I was as ready as I was going to get. At least Izzy would be there to run interference. I hated that she knew me better than the woman who raised me. They meant well, but sometimes I wish they’d just let me be...me.

Gus held out his arm and gently shook the cookie bag. “And I have cookies.”