Page 21

Chapter 21

MICAH

I might’ve acted blasé about all of this, but my gut was churning. I’d just had to risk having her this morning, and now Ray was clearly pissed about finding out like this. Not that I didn’t have the best intentions toward Josie, but there was definitely a better way of breaking the news to him, one that wasn’t me yelling out Josie’s name as I fucked her.

Shit.

I bit back a chuckle. Hopefully, we’d laugh about it one day. I didn’t love that Josie looked a bit green. And I hated that it made me second-guess her feelings. She was all in; I knew it deep down. But I wanted to hear her say it.

Yeah, I hadn’t told her that I loved her yet, but now, while she was mid-panic, didn’t seem like the right moment.

“Get dressed already,” she muttered, yanking on one of my shirts. Probably wasn’t going to help her brother not lose it, but I did love her in my clothes.

“I can hear her in there,” Ray barked through the door.

“Hold on a second,” I called back, pulling on the rest of my clothes. I turned to look at Josie. “You good?”

She laughed weakly. “No.” Then she ran her hand over her tousled hair. “Do I look a mess?”

“Nope. You look stunning. And we’re doing this together, so come here.” I linked my fingers with hers and drew her close. I brushed a kiss across her forehead. “It’ll be fine.”

Then I opened the door.

Ray looked pissed, his gaze darting between me and Josie. The color in his cheeks was high from agitation.

“What the fuck,” he bit out before focusing on his sister. “Want to tell me why you’re in his bedroom looking like he just fucked you?”

“Whoa, dude. Don’t you dare talk to her like that.” I couldn’t hold my anger back.

“Seriously, Ray,” she said, her body pressed to my side.

“How long has this been going on?” he asked.

“We’re together,” I said, giving her hand a squeeze. Ray’s dickheadedness was pissing me off right now.

“For how long? So, you’ve been lying to me?” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at both of us.

“We are dating and didn’t know how to tell you,” Josie said.

Ray huffed. “Dating, huh? And why aren’t you answering my questions? Why didn’t you just tell me instead of lying to me?”

“Because we’re still figuring stuff out. I’m your sister, and he’s your best friend. It could get messy.”

“And let me guess, you don’t know how long you’ll stay here anyway, right?”

I wanted to punch the asshole’s sneer off his face.

Josie stiffened next to me, and I gritted my teeth. Ray was on thin ice right now, but she answered him before I could say anything.

“I really love it here and have no plans to leave anytime soon.”

“You never stay in one place for long, Josie. We all know that. It’s just who you are. And then what happens? Micah’s steady; his life is in Denver, and he gets invested. You’re the opposite.” Ray’s tone was matter-of-fact, like Josie leaving was a foregone conclusion.

“That’s not fair.” Her tone was measured, and I knew she was trying to stay calm. The urge to hit Ray was overwhelming.

“Maybe, but I don’t want you to hurt my best friend.”

I’d had enough.

“You need to watch what you say. Want to be mad? Direct that shit at me, not her. Josie is an amazing woman, and we’ve fallen for each other. We’re going to figure this out, and you are not going to be a dick about it. I wanted to tell you ages ago, but she wanted to wait, and now I can see why. You’re my best friend, Ray, but Josie is my girlfriend. A woman I’m lucky to call mine.” I heard her gasp my name, but I wasn’t done. “I’m sorry that we lied to you, so fucking sorry; you have to believe that, but you cannot be an asshole to her about it.” I paused and looked at Josie, giving her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

“So, you’re together now?” Ray asked.

“Absolutely. And to just put all of our cards on the table, she’s also been living with me.”

“Wow. Another fucking lie. I’m glad you’re ready to put your cards on the table, friend, but you’ve both been lying to me. And if you’re so serious, and she’s been living here, why come up with such a ruse? Did she even meet Harper before she reconnected with you? How long has she been here? Since she broke up with that idiot? She said she needed a place to stay. How long ago was that, really?”

“Don’t be such an asshole, Ray,” Josie muttered. “I am sorry that we lied to you.”

“Don’t try and tarnish what I have with your sister. I don’t give a fuck how it started. All that matters is where we are right now.”

“Yeah, lying to people.”

It was like he wasn’t even listening to us. To his sister’s apology. And, fucking hell, that pissed me off.

“Again, I’m sorry that we lied to you; I truly am. But our lies do not make how you’re reacting okay. Yeah, I get your shock, but I cannot believe how awful you’re being toward her. This is your fucking sister, man. And she means the world to me.”

Her fingers trembled in mine, and all I wanted to do was kick my best friend out of my home, pull Josie into my lap, and make her never doubt how amazing she was. Never doubt us .

Ray sighed. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Or have Josie feel she has to stay in something she doesn’t want.”

That last part fucking stung. I didn’t want to think about that happening.

“Okay, we all need to cool down,” I said, hating how mute Josie had become. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at her for fear of what I might see. I didn’t want to put any stock in Ray’s words, but he had known her longer.

No . I knew her better, and I trusted what we had.

“I need to go walk some dogs.” Josie pulled her fingers from mine.

My empty hand felt like a heavy brick was sitting on it.

“Josie,” Ray started, but she was already walking toward the door.

“I’m sorry, I just need to get some air,” she murmured. I met her gaze.

Fuck that.

I strode toward her and tugged her back into my arms.

“It doesn’t matter what he thinks. And I know this isn’t the right time to tell you this, but I love you, Josie. I love you so fucking much, and I’m all in.”

“Micah,” she gasped.

There were tears in her eyes, and I wanted to throat punch Ray.

“I can’t deal with this—with him—right now. Please. I just need some air.”

“Please, don’t freak out right now. I know you have dogs to walk, so go do that, but don’t let his words get to you. I love you.”

Then I leaned down, not giving a fuck about Ray, and poured everything I had into kissing her.

My heart started back up again when she kissed me right back.

But all too soon, she ended it and opened the front door, slipping out of my condo.

Our condo, if I had my way.

And I would. She meant way too much for me to let her go so easily. I’d give her some time, but not a lot.

Then I spun on my friend. “You are an asshole.”

“And you’ve been lying to me,” he fired back.

“You’re my best friend, man, but you’re on a thin fucking rope right now. I’m in love with your sister. Yeah, we should have told you she was living here before you arrived. But she wanted to wait, and it made sense. For us to all hang out and maybe you would see how great we are together. I don’t fucking know, but this is now a mess.” I glanced back at my door, wishing she would walk back through it. I hated leaving her that way, especially because I had to get ready for a game, but I didn’t have much of a choice.

“And you’re my best friend too. Let’s face it: Josie has a history of love ’em and leave ’em. You don’t really do casual, and I don’t want to see her break your heart.”

“How about you have some thought for your sister? You immediately jumped down her throat and basically attacked her. And she wasn’t the only one who lied. I did, too.” I raked my hands through my hair. “You know, between your reaction and your parents never being happy with Josie’s life choices, it’s a lot of shit she shouldn’t have to deal with. Fuck. I shouldn’t even be the one talking to you about this, and hopefully, she won’t be mad at me, but you have to see how amazing that woman is.” I was fired up and didn’t care if I was gushing about her. She deserved to be gushed about.

His shoulders slumped as I glared at him.

“Okay, yes, I was a dick.” He sighed. “Fuck, I know that. It was just a shock walking in here.”

“That doesn’t justify your response. You still overreacted. And I am sorry that you had to hear that.” I tried to sound slightly sheepish. The last thing any sibling wants is to hear their sibling having sex. Even as an only child, I got that.

“I know. And I’ll talk to her. But are you sure? My sister?”

“Yeah, your sister. I’m in love with her. She’s amazing and funny and smart as fuck. She goes after what she wants, and I’m lucky as hell that I’m one of those things she wants.”

“Don’t hate me, but what happens when she wants to pick up and move?” He held his hands up when I grumbled. “Hey, it’s a valid question. She’s not known for sticking in one place for long. And I know she’s amazing, but I also don’t want her to stay here if she doesn’t want to, just for a guy, even when you’re the guy.”

“And Josie and I will discuss that if we need to,” I said, not willing to give too much weight to Ray being right. “And I’d never force her to stay here. We’re in this together, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure she knows that.”

“You’re really serious about this? About her?” He tilted his head to really look at me, and at least he was no longer frowning.

I grinned. “Yeah. Yeah, I fucking am.”

He smiled back at me. “Okay, yeah, I’ll talk to her. I’ll make this right. Just can you not hook up with her when I’m around?”

I laughed as he shuddered.

“I make no promises. She’s very irresistible.”

“Oh, fuck off, man. That’s my sister.”

“And she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

JOSIE

What the hell just happened?

I paced Harper’s condo, grateful that Connor wasn’t home and Harper was at work. If I told her how Ray had reacted, she probably would’ve marched downstairs and kicked my brother’s ass.

Not that my brother didn’t deserve any violence coming his way.

He’d been so awful. So freaking icy that my entire body was still tense twenty minutes after I’d escaped.

And then Micah had stood up for me so perfectly—not that I’d needed it. I was used to how my family viewed me, but I loved having someone on my side for once. He’d never agreed with any doubts Ray had put forth. Of course, following all of that up with telling me that he loved me had sent me into a tailspin that I was not happy about.

Not that I didn’t love him. Holy crap, did I love that man more than anything. But what would happen if I wanted to leave Denver someday? I couldn’t truly hate my brother for voicing something that might’ve been on-brand with me before.

I mean, I didn’t have any plans to leave. I truly loved it here; my jobs were awesome, and Micah was amazing. I felt valued and respected and loved and cherished.

“Ugh,” I grumbled, pushing my hair behind one ear. It was probably a sex-tousled mess. I never should’ve gone down to Micah’s condo. We shouldn’t have gotten carried away when Ray could’ve—and obviously did—come back at any wrong moment.

I paced another length of the living room, and my phone beeped.

It was just a calendar alert that I was due to go pick up Lola, Oscar, and Sheldon. I went to put my phone in my coat pocket, and it beeped again. This time, it was a text.

Micah: I’m so fucking sorry about your brother being a first-class dick.

Micah: I know you have work to do and dogs to walk today.

Micah: Just know that I meant everything I said, and when you’re ready to talk to me, you know where I’ll be.

Micah: I love you, Josie.

My heart sped up, and three dots popped up again.

Micah: Okay, last one. You’re amazing.

Micah: Fuck. You’ve turned me into a sap. It’s going to be okay. I promise.

I hugged my phone to my chest. He was too much sometimes, and I loved it. I never expected this from him.

Josie: Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone how smitten you are.

Josie: I just needed to take a breath, but I’m not going anywhere.

Micah: Good. Hopefully, I’ll see you tonight at the game.

***

My phone pinged again, and I expected it to be Micah, but it was my brother.

Ray: I know you’re probably pissed as hell at me right now.

Ray: Can we talk?

I sucked in a breath. I wasn’t ready to talk to him at all. I didn’t even want to see him.

Josie: Not right now.

Ray: It was a shock, and I reacted about as badly as possible.

Josie: No shit. I just need some time after that. I can’t believe you said all that shit to him.

Ray: Josie. Please. I care about you, and I want you to be happy.

Josie: Could’ve fooled me.

Josie: I’m not doing this right now. I have to do one of my jobs. A job that I love, by the way.

Then I pocketed my phone, grabbed my bag, and headed out. Was my response childish? Yes. Did I care? Not at all.

He deserved to stew a bit for being such an asshole.

***

The brisk air felt good on my face as I turned the corner to head back to drop off the pups an hour later. Lola had spent most of the walk jumping in and out of snowbanks, the snow and ice just falling off of her back while she trotted along.

“Glad you’re finally liking your boots, Oscar. So stylish.” I laughed when Oscar lifted one paw and then the next as he tried to keep up with his sister. At least he wasn’t hopping along like he had the first time I walked him in those boots.

“Come on, Sheldon. Almost home, and then you get treats.” All three dogs perked up at that, but Sheldon picked up his pace the most. He was very motivated by food.

I hadn’t looked at my phone once since I’d picked them up. This was exactly what I’d needed after my shit show of a morning.

Not that the entire morning had been bad. Those three orgasms before everything had gone sideways had been pretty sweet.

Ugh. Stupid Ray and my family’s opinions of me clutching at my brain. The doubt that had crept in at my brother’s words was upsetting as hell. I hated that they still had any power over me. I was embarrassed that they did.

And then Micah had to go and tell me he loved me. Had to go and stick up for me against his best friend. As awful as that moment had been, his words had squeezed my heart.

I was definitely going to the game tonight. But I was not going to sit with my brother. He had major groveling to do.

I refused to let him ruin the rest of my day. I had work to do. Work I loved. And as soon as these pups were home, I was going right back to Harper’s place and working on my spicy images for Elaine. And for a new author, Jade. She wrote romantasy and loved the sample illustrations I’d sent her last week.

And tonight, I was going to watch my boyfriend—my loving, supportive boyfriend—kick ass on the ice.

Yup. The rest of the day was going to be great.

***

My phone buzzed as I walked toward the WAG suite later that night. I hadn’t seen Micah or Ray since the blowup this morning. I’d wanted time to myself, and thankfully, they’d both given it to me. Micah, of course, had texted that his pregame nap sucked without me and said he’d steer me right past my brother if I wanted to join him. But I’d declined. One, I didn’t want to see Ray and his judgy eyes right now, and two, Wally needed some rooftop playtime.

I pulled the phone out of my pocket and saw that my brother had just texted.

Ray: I feel like a dick.

Ray: Micah lit into me again before he headed to the arena.

I leaned against the wall outside the suite. I wasn’t ready to talk to him, but part of me wondered if he only felt like a dick because he’d pissed off his best friend. I’d never needed to come first with my brother, but I could do without the disdain.

Ray: I deserved it. Just talk to me, Josie.

Ray: I’m at the game tonight if you want to join me down here. Or we could grab a beer or something after the game? At intermission? Let me know.

“What did he do?”

Harper’s voice startled a squeak out of me, and my head darted up.

“Am I kicking him in the balls? Connor says they need him to play well tonight, but I’ll march down there right now.”

My laugh was watery. “He told me he loved me today.”

Harper put her hand on her chest. “That bastard.” Then her eyes narrowed. “No. That’s not all of it because you wouldn’t be looking so dejected right now. I know you’re as madly in love with him as he clearly is with you.”

“He might’ve said it after my brother heard us having sex and then gave me shit about hurting Micah and maybe not sticking around. Oh, and that we lied to him. That last part is obviously true, of course.”

Her eyes widened, and she grabbed my arm, guiding me into the suite. “Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. That’s a lot to unpack.”

“What’s going on?” Ally asked, walking toward us with Livi strapped to her chest. “Micah being a dumbass? They’re really good at that.” She looked down at her wide-eyed daughter. “Boys are the worst, Livi. Remember that.”

“Not always,” Harper said. “How are those earplugs holding up, Josie?”

Ally chuckled as I laughed. “Oh my god. Timmy would be bright red if he heard you say that.”

“Just trying to make you smile,” Harper said.

“Why are we making her smile? What’s going on?” Cora asked when she stopped in front of me.

I glanced around the suite. There were a handful of women and kids scattered around, but warm-ups hadn’t started yet, and the suite was relatively empty.

Then Cora handed me my favorite beer from behind the bar set up in the corner. “Need something stronger?”

Did I want to spill my guts to all of them right now? Honestly, yes. I’d never had this kind of friendship in my life, and I had grown to love it. Not only were they truly supportive of each other, but we were all in relationships with professional athletes, and that commonality was beyond helpful. We understood where each other was coming from.

I took a sip of my beer and guided them all to a quiet corner. While there weren’t a lot of people in here yet, I didn’t need my day broadcasted or shared with anyone else.

“So, uh. Ray heard Micah and me having sex this morning, so then we obviously had to tell him we were together, and he freaked out.”

“Yikes. Because you’re his sister? Yeah, been there,” Ally said. “I mean, Ethan never heard us having sex, but obviously that happened,” she said, gesturing to Livi.

“Uh, not exactly. He was pissed that we lied to him, and then he was mad at me because he’s afraid I’ll break Micah’s heart or something. That I’m going to leave him and Denver if something better comes along because I never like to stay put.”

I took another sip. I really wanted either nachos or something sweet.

Cora gasped. “He what? No, he did not. Yeah, Micah’s his best friend, but you’re his damn sister. Also, you better not leave Denver. We like having you here.”

“Is he here tonight? I could just give him a little punch. Maybe purple nurple him or something.” Harper’s eyes gleamed with anger. “Also, yes, to you not leaving us.”

Ally barked out a laugh. “Purple nurple him? Who even says that?”

Harper shrugged. “I grew up playing hockey. I’ve got all sorts of insults and threats at the ready.” She met my gaze again. “Just say the word.”

“Okay, okay. Can we get back to Josie’s morning? So, what did Micah say to Ray?” Cora asked.

This time, warmth filled my chest, and I couldn’t help smiling. “He immediately stood up for me and called Ray out. It was awkward and messy and really freaking hurt, and it was also amazing. Ugh. I got overwhelmed and left. But not before Micah pulled me into his arms and told me he loved me for the first time.”

Ally sighed. “Good. About damn time.”

I laughed softly. “We’ve only been dating or whatever for two months, if that.”

“Doesn’t matter. And I’m glad he put his foot down with Ray. Your brother deserves a kick in the ass.”

“Is he here? I’ll do it now,” Harper said, stepping forward.

“Okay, calm down, Feisty,” Cora said to Harper. “So, are you okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, I guess. I just had to get out of there, you know?”

They all nodded.

“And I have no plans to move away or anything. It just hurt to hear my brother voice those thoughts out loud, even if maybe in the past they were justified.”

“Nope. Absolutely not. We’ve talked about this. You are successful in your own right doing what you love. People would kill for that.” Cora’s tone brooked no argument.

“One hundred percent. And you’ll talk to your brother when you’re ready. He needs to stew a bit in his shitty attitude,” Ally said.

“Now, how about we finish our drinks and go downstairs to blow kisses to our men so they win tonight?” Cora said.

“Actually, I want to see him,” I said.

“Ray?” Cora asked.

“No. Micah. I know warm-ups start in like twenty minutes. But I never gave him a good luck kiss.”

“Don’t worry. I got you.” Cora grabbed her phone and texted someone. “Can’t have Micah missing part of his home-game routine.”

A few seconds later, her phone dinged.

“Millsy’s sending Micah to the dressing room since the rest of the guys are in the locker room. You can head down now,” Cora said.

I grinned. “You ladies are the best.”

“And don’t you forget it if you ever think of leaving Denver,” Harper called out as I headed for the door.

I was going to kiss that man within an inch of his life so he had no doubts about my feelings.

My brother would wait.