Page 16 of Daddies on Ice

When he says nothing more for a long moment, I growl, “Then what is it?” My frustration and impatience are clear. He knows the longer I’m made to wait for answers, the worse my mood will become.

“It’s the guys,” he blurts then winces as I raise an astonished eyebrow. “I mean, the idea of you traveling around the state with those guys worries me.”

My expression softens—a little. “I’m a big girl, Trent. And this is a job, a professional job. It’s not like I’m going off to a private cabin to go skiing with them or something.”

He takes another gulp of beer. “I know, but still… I mean, their reputations are enough to make any brother cringe. Especially Boomer.” He narrows his eyes and leans forward, his body language clearly expressing his concern and intent to make me understand. “You really need to stay away from him, Tish.”

If only he knew that I’d already met Jake Sorenson and the instant flooding of lust that followed!

“I mean it,” Trent emphasizes. “He’s bad news for women.”

“And you think so little of me that I’ll just fall into his lap?” My tone is chastising, but a slight blush crawls its way up my neck. That’s exactly what I wanted to do…and much more.

Trent’s lips firm into a grim line.

I know that look.

My brother feels he’s digging himself into a hole and can’t figure out how to climb back out of it. “No, of course not. It’s just that…well, he has this way about him. Women fall at his feet with little to no effort from him.”

“Well, I’m not most women,” I argue, feeling guilty for the lie, since obviously I’m just as susceptible to Jake’s charms as the rest of the female population.

“Well, it’s not just Boomer,” Trent continues. “Most of those guys are used to getting any woman they want because of their fame. They’ll charm you then leave you once you give them what they want.”

I can’t help myself and ask, “Does this include the coach?”

Trent’s eyes widen, then he shakes his head and laughs. “No, he’s probably one of the safest guys there.” When I just stare at him, he continues. “He’s too old for you, and unless you’ve changed, you’re not the daddy type.”

If only he knew.

“I just worry about you, Tish. I don’t want you hurt. Hell, if any of those guys dares to lay a finger on you, I’ll beat them with their own hockey stick!”

I chuckle and set my iced tea on the end table next to me. “Well, at least I know you’ve got my back.”

Trent nods. “And at least I know Ash will be there. You can always go to him if there’s any trouble.”

Too bad he doesn’t know just how badly I want to jump Ash’s bones.

“I’m taking this job, Trent.” My voice is softer but still firm. “You, of all of people, know how badly I need this job.”

He sighs in resignation but still asks, “There’s nothing I can do to change your mind? You won’t reconsider working at my company?”

I shake my head with a small smile. “Nothing, sorry, big brother. I am actually pretty excited to dive in and get to work.”

He stands, takes his empty beer bottle to the kitchen, then returns. “Well, I know when to quit with you. You and your stubbornness.” He shakes his head.

I stand as he walks over to me and gives me a hug. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Nodding, I reach up and kiss him on the cheek. “I promise. Now stop worrying about me.”

“Never,” he laughs.

I watch him walk to the door and leave. My shoulders sag. He doesn’t know how right he is to be worried about me. Forget worrying about what the other guys will do to me, he should be concerned about what I’ll do to them. At least three of them.

Shaking my head I look up at the star-shaped clock on the wall. Time to go pick Becky up.

“That’s a silly reindeer,” Becky chuckles.

I pretend to frown as if offended while I look down at my reindeer cookie. Becky and I made a batch of Christmas cookies earlier and now we’re decorating them.