Page 22

Chapter 22

MICAH

“ I t’ll be fine,” Tally said, patting my knee while we sat in the locker room. We were dressed and ready to go, but warm-ups weren’t starting for another fifteen minutes.

“Yeah. She’s coming to the game, and Ray will get his head out of his ass at some point. Sounds like he’s working on it already,” Dom said from the other side of me.

I should have felt slightly bad about laying into Ray earlier this afternoon before I’d left for the arena, but he’d deserved it. Josie should be cherished and loved and respected, especially by her own fucking family. I mean, it wasn’t like his response had totally come out of left field. He’d mentioned her flightiness more than once over the years, but it still pissed me the hell off. Which was exactly what I’d told him.

“I wish I could’ve seen her before the game, at least,” I muttered. I’d filled them in shortly after arriving at the arena this afternoon and fucking hell; they’d laughed their asses off at us getting caught. Neither of them had actually been caught in the act by Cora’s or Ally’s brother, so I guess I was one up on them for that.

“Micah,” Millsy called out as he strode across the locker room toward me.

“Aw, fuck. What’d you do?” Dom asked.

“I have no idea,” I said. Millsy didn’t appear to be glaring at me, so that had to count for something.

“I got Cora texting me that you didn’t get your pregame kiss from Josie, and since we know she’s your good luck charm, head to the dressing room, will ya?” Millsy said with a smirk. “But no fucking. We need to be on the ice soon.”

Dom burst out laughing. Pretty sure a few of the other guys close by did the same.

“He’ll be quick,” Sin called out.

“Fuck off,” I shot back.

“Why’s my girlfriend texting you?” Tally asked.

“Because your phone isn’t in here, idiot,” Millsy said, but I was already on my feet and heading toward the dressing room.

“Go get that kiss,” someone called out.

“I need a good luck charm,” someone else said. I was pretty sure it was Tucks.

I flipped my teammates the bird and walked out without looking at any of them.

Pulling open the door to the dressing room, I spotted Josie next to my stall.

“Hi.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking delectable as always, wearing leggings and my jersey, her purple hair fanning out over her shoulders.

“Why are you nervous right now?” I moved toward her, and she bit her lip.

She sighed, throwing up her hands. “I don’t know. Because today was weird and I didn’t get to see you after I stormed out of your condo, and I’ve felt off all day. And then you told me you loved me in front of my brother.”

I took her hands in mine, dipping my head down because I was extra tall on my skates, and I wanted to make sure she was looking at me. “Stop doubting us. This. If I had my way, it’d be our condo, not mine.”

“Micah,” she whispered.

“I’m in love with you, Josie. My amazing hurricane. And yeah, my timing wasn’t great, but you needed to know how I really felt, and I didn’t want you walking out of that door having any doubts about how much I’ve fallen in love with you. I don’t give a shit what anyone else—including my best friend—thinks. You’re it for me.”

She squeezed my fingers with hers.

“What if I want to leave Denver? If I want to live somewhere else?”

“Is that something you’re considering, or is that your family getting in your head?”

Please be the fucking latter.

A smile played on her lips, and my heart raced.

“I love it here, and I love all my jobs and my new friends.” Then she lifted up on her tiptoes. “But most of all, I’m so totally in love with you, Micahtron.”

“What have I told you about using that nickname right before I kiss you?” I teased, my body on fire for her.

“That’s what you say when I finally tell you I’m in love with you?” The twinkle in her eyes would be my undoing.

Fuck. I loved this woman more than anything in the world.

I chuckled. “You’re amazing. Even when you tease me with that stupid nickname. Now, about that good luck kiss.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m really not a good luck charm, you know.”

“Don’t question a superstitious hockey player. And it’s just my way of guilting you into coming to all my games because I love seeing you in the stands cheering for me. I’m selfish that way.”

“I guess. If I have to,” she said, a bright smile on her lips as she tugged my head down to hers.

I barely brushed my lips against hers, teasing her when all I really wanted to do was strip her down and make her scream my name. But we didn’t have enough time for that.

Her hand trekked up into the back of my hair, scraping her nails along my scalp and applying pressure to get me to deepen the kiss. She wasn’t strong enough to force my head down, so I nibbled at her lips for good measure.

“Micah, kiss me, dammit,” she said, her voice husky with a need that matched my own.

Maybe kissing her was a mistake right now because I didn’t want to have blue balls on the ice, but I’d never give up the chance to put my lips on hers wherever and whenever she let me.

“If you insist.”

“You’re so annoying,” she muttered, but it ended on a gasp as I pressed my lips firmly to hers, my tongue tracing the seam of her lips before licking inside her mouth. Tasting her, devouring her. Her tongue tangled with mine, and her fingers tightened in my hair.

I wanted to feel every inch of her, but that would have to wait until after we’d won the game tonight. Ray could go somewhere else for all I cared, because Josie was not going to be sleeping at Harper’s if I had any say in it.

My hands trailed down her spine, and I lifted her into the air, her legs going around my waist above my padded shorts. Again, not ideal, but I’d take whatever I could get right now.

“Micah,” she moaned, pressing against me.

“Fuck. This game better not go to OT,” I grumbled when I broke the kiss. Her light laugh made my entire body clench.

“They’re going to come looking for me if I take much longer. Stupid hockey game.”

Her laughter filled the room, and my heart sped up. Fuck, she was beautiful, and she was mine. All fucking mine for as long as she wanted me.

Which would hopefully be forever.

“Are you happy?” I asked.

“Beyond.” Her eyes sparkled with pure joy.

“Then that’s all that matters. The rest we’ll figure out together because I’m serious when I say I’m in love with you. I fell hard, and I will support and cherish you in any way I can.”

She leaned back in my arms, holding my gaze as she raked her fingers through my hair. A shudder wracked my body at her ministrations.

“How did I get so lucky?”

“I’m the lucky one. Why would you want someone so boring and dependable? I believe you compared me to a supportive bra,” I teased.

She wiggled her brows. “Well, you do love holding them up.”

I barked out a laugh. “Take your jersey off, and I’ll show you how extra supportive I am.”

“Definitely not happening. That gleam in your eyes right now is nothing but trouble, and you have to go kick some ass on the ice.”

“Fine. Fine. They’re going to come hunting for me soon, anyway. One more kiss?”

“I guess.”

“Like you don’t crave me as much as I crave you. How wet are you right now? If I slip my fingers just inside…” I kept her up with one hand on her ass while I snaked my other between us, skimming along her waistband.

She grabbed my hand. “Don’t you dare, or we’ll never get out of here before warm-ups.”

I chuckled. “Fuck, I love you.”

“I love you, too. So freaking much. This is going to work, right?”

I released my hold on her ass, and her legs lowered to the ground as I cupped her face, locking my eyes with hers. I never wanted her to have reservations about me. About us.

“Absolutely. You and me. That’s all that matters.”

Then I kissed the hell out of her until the guys started banging on the dressing room door.

Bastards.

JOSIE

“Let’s go, boys,” Harper yelled out later.

They were playing well tonight and were currently up three to two with five minutes left in the second period. Micah had an assist and had almost gotten a goal, which had me on my feet screaming. Whenever there was a close-up of his face on the jumbotron, looking all sweaty and delicious, I swear I drooled a bit more each time.

“Come on, Dom. Go. Go. Go,” Ally chanted next to me as Livi slept peacefully in her arms with her adorable ear protection on.

One of New York’s forwards poked the puck away from Dom and they were now heading toward Tucks, but Micah cut him off, snagging the puck and sending it down the ice to Xan, who cradled it smoothly before passing it to Dom. The New York defenseman closest to Dom tried to catch up, but Dom knocked the puck behind him, and the puck barely touched Haldy’s stick before the kid found the back of the net. The goal horn blared, and the fans erupted with cheers.

“Holy shit, that was a fucking sweet pass. How did Dom even know Haldy was there?” Cora exclaimed as we clapped and cheered along with the boisterous arena.

“Because he’s amazing,” Ally said dreamily.

“Sweet turnover by Micah, too. That man is on fire. Guess the good luck kiss did him good,” Harper teased.

They’d all given me a good-hearted ribbing when I’d returned to the suite during warm-ups. My super-heated cheeks had instantly given me away, and they’d oohed and aahed as I filled them in. And I’d loved every second of the teasing.

I still hadn’t decided what to do about Ray. He’d texted a few times throughout the game, but I was still upset and didn’t want to think about it right now.

“What’s that face? Your brother again?” Cora asked, her hand on my shoulder.

“I’m just upset and annoyed.”

“Brothers are annoying as shit. They claim they mean well, but they’re just idiots. I mean, Christian wasn’t really that bad when he found out,” Cora said.

“But Ethan was,” Ally chimed in.

“Do you want to talk to Ray? Or make him stew for being a dumbass a bit longer?” Cora asked.

“Both sides have their merits. And he’s heading home tomorrow afternoon.”

I took a bite of a cookie Harper had grabbed for me.

“I say stew,” Harper said.

I laughed. “You would.”

“Just saying he deserves to think about the shitty things he said. I do love that Micah ripped into him after you left, too. I knew he was perfect for you.” Harper grinned.

Pulling out my phone, I tapped on Ray’s name.

Ray: He looks good out there. I hate that you’re not sitting next to me so we can enjoy the game together, and I’m sorry for being an ass. I get that you want time, but any chance we can clear the air before I get on that plane tomorrow afternoon?

Ray: We can go somewhere to talk after the game. Maybe your place. I mean yours and Micah’s place.

Ray: Fuck, that’s weird. Sorry. I’ll get used to it.

Ray: I just want you both to be happy. That’s all I care about.

“He’s doing a decent job groveling over text,” Harper said, peering over my shoulder.

“Hey. What if I was getting a dirty text from Micah?”

She waved her hand. “Please. He’s on the ice right now. And if he was sending you dirty texts, your face would look a lot happier.”

I snickered. “True. Oh, so true.”

“I still can’t believe he’s a dirty talker. Those quiet ones, man,” Harper said.

“What’s this?” Cora asked. I looked up to see her and Ally with curious expressions on their faces.

“Dammit, Harper.”

She just shrugged. “Yeah, yeah. I’m the worst.”

I darted my gaze around the room and luckily, no one was super close by. Sighing, I gave each of them a stern glare. “You cannot repeat this. I shouldn’t even share this, but Harper’s got a big mouth.” I flashed her a quick smile. I wasn’t actually mad at her. “Micah’s a dirty talker. It’s amazing. Please don’t share this. He’d be super embarrassed if the team found out.”

“I promise not to share,” Ally said.

Cora nodded. “Same. And I love this for you.”

I grinned. “Me too.”

“So, are you going to talk to your brother?” Ally asked.

“What?” I shook my head.

Harper laughed. “Her brain is still focused on Micah’s mouth.”

I glared at her. “It’s your fault because you brought it up.”

“I was trying to distract you with happier thoughts. It’s what friends do.”

“Thank you. But I don’t know. I’m still thinking about it. Let’s just enjoy the game and focus on them beating New York,” I said, turning my attention back to the ice and trying not to think about my brother sitting near the glass by himself.

***

I could not take my eyes off Micah every time he stepped on the ice for the rest of the game. He looked so graceful skating up and down the rink and hot as hell every time they did a close-up of his face. I didn’t even want to delve too deep into the desire swirling through my body when I got a look of the pure determination in his eyes when the camera caught him knocking someone into the boards. That was an intensity that I was very familiar with, and—

I paused in my mental monologue as a shudder rolled through me.

They were up five to two, with only three minutes left in the third period. New York had pulled their goalie a minute ago to get an extra attacker, which had backfired when Tally sent the puck down the ice and into New York’s empty net. Now the goalie was back in, and both teams were fighting for the puck at New York’s end. Dom was battling in the corner with two of New York’s guys, and Haldy was just on the edge of the scrum.

Micah hovered near the closest face-off dot, waiting to steal the puck if New York got it. One of New York’s forwards managed to get the puck away from Dom, and when he turned to pass the puck up the ice, Micah snagged it and skated toward the center, no doubt trying to see who was clear.

I was on my feet.

“Come on,” I yelled. He’d been on the ice for a long shift, and his legs were probably dead, but somehow he managed to find an opening and slipped the puck right under the goalie’s left pad before he could fully drop down.

The goal horn blared and the guys on the ice all crashed into Micah in a huge hug. I stared up at the jumbotron as they replayed that sweet goal. They flashed to Micah, smiling on the ice as he received helmet taps and back slaps from his linemates, and then the camera caught him glancing up toward the suite. His grin widened as I swore he mouthed, Hey, Hurricane.

My heart just about exploded in my chest.

“What did he say?” Cora asked.

“That man is on fire for you, and you cannot say you don’t bring out the best in him on and off the ice.” Harper whooped again as the arena continued to cheer.

“Hurricane. He calls me Hurricane. Always has.” My smile was starting to hurt my cheeks.

“That’s perfect,” Ally said.

“I’m going to talk to my brother tonight.”

“What? Where’d that come from?” Harper asked. “I thought we were letting him stew longer.”

I chuckled. “I love Micah, and Micah loves me. I’m happy here, and I don’t want my brother leaving until I’ve told him how I feel. I’m done feeling embarrassed because of how my family views me.”

Harper did a little fist bump. “Damn right you are. Clear the air and then send that man to a hotel so you can celebrate wholeheartedly with your man. I know I will be tonight, so, sorry, I’m kicking you out.”

She wiggled her brows, and I burst out laughing. “I wasn’t going back to your place anyway. I love you, Harps, but earplugs only mute so much.”

She shrugged as Ally and Cora laughed. “I feel no shame about that. But don’t tell Con. He’ll turn bright red.”

“And you shouldn’t. Okay, I’m texting him.”

“Connor?” Harper asked.

“Micah?” Cora asked.

“Nope. My idiot brother.” Pure contentment washed over me. This was exactly where I was supposed to be.

***

Josie: Hey. I’m skipping Tipsy tonight. I’m going to talk to Ray and clear the air.

Micah: Do you want me to be there, too?

Micah: Are you okay about it? Because I don’t care what he thinks. You’re mine forever, and I don’t care if that sounds creepy or possessive or something.

Josie: LOL. I’m pretty possessive over you, too.

Micah: Good. Should I get him a hotel room?

I grinned as I headed down the hall to our condo. Our. I’d sent Micah that first text as soon as the game had ended, but it’d taken him a bit to respond since he had post-game stuff to deal with. Ray had texted to say he’d meet me at the condo. If I was going to get upset—not that I planned to—I didn’t feel like doing it in public. And I wanted my brother to see that I was comfortable at our place. I had been living there for two months now, after all.

Once inside, I settled on the sofa with a glass of water and my tablet and waited for my brother. Twenty minutes later, he walked in.

“Hey. Should I have knocked?” he asked, looking a bit worse for wear.

As he should.

“What? You have a key.” I stayed put on the couch and took a sip of my water.

“Yeah, but after this morning, I feel like a total dick and maybe a bit unwelcome.”

“Which is justified,” I replied.

His laugh was strained. “Harsh, Josie. But I deserve that. Thanks for texting me. I didn’t want to leave tomorrow without making sure we’re okay.”

He rolled back his shoulders. I’d never seen my brother look so out of sorts, especially directed at me, and maybe there was a touch of serves you right going through me.

“Can I sit? Actually, can I grab some water first?” he asked.

“Sure,” I said, keeping my expression neutral. I felt a touch bad for him. A small touch.

He sighed and walked into the kitchen, filling a glass, before coming in to sit at the opposite end of the couch from me.

I turned toward him.

“He looked really good out there tonight. Even got a fucking goal. And I saw him looking up toward the suite you were in more than once. You looked really happy too, when I spotted you a few times.” He took a sip of his water and swallowed audibly, then set his glass down.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Josie. I hate that I reacted that way. You don’t deserve that. I’ve watched Mom and Dad, especially Mom, be so hard on you. You don’t need that shit from your brother, too. Micah’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and I never expected you two to be a thing. But I can tell he’s happy, and you seem really happy.”

“I am,” I replied, keeping my emotions in check. I didn’t want him to think all was forgiven that easily.

He picked up his glass and tapped his thumb against the side. “But you have to admit that you don’t really settle down and stay put, and Micah is going to be in Denver for a while if he doesn’t get traded. His contract is pretty tight for at least the next six years. I don’t want either of you to get hurt.”

“You didn’t seem to be thinking about my feelings when you reacted to catching us this morning.”

He set the glass down again and shifted toward me.

“I didn’t, and I’m so fucking sorry. I was in shock, and I reacted badly. Like, as bad as possible. It was very unexpected. You two are complete opposites. But the way he stood up to me, how he supported you without thought.” He paused, a small smile on his lips. “Man, he loves you, and I’m so happy that you found that.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, warmth filling my chest at Ray’s words. I would never get over how easily Micah jumped to defend me. Defend us.

“Can you forgive me for being a grade A dick?”

“Maybe. Look, I know that Micah and I couldn’t be more different, but we fit. I’m in love with him, and we are making it work. I love living here and don’t want to leave, and not just because of him. I’ve built a life that I love, and I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. Problems and issues may pop up, but we’re both invested in us, and that’s all that matters right now. I just need you to accept that your best friend fell for your sister and she fell right back.”

“Fuck, Josie. I really am an asshole.” He dropped his head, shaking it slightly, before meeting my gaze again. He looked sincerely remorseful. “You know, I just don’t want you to feel trapped here.”

I smiled. He did care about me and always had, but he sucked at showing it. “I get that, but I can figure it out if that happens. Micah and I will figure it out. I love him, Ray. I really do.”

He nodded. “I get it, and I really am sorry for being a dick.”

“As you should be.”

“So, are we good?”

“We’re getting there.”

“Can I hug you now?” He looked nervous.

“Yeah.” My throat was tight, and I was glad that we talked this out before he left tomorrow.

He tugged me across the couch and into a hug. “I just want you to be happy, and I’ll get used to my best friend giving you moony eyes.”

I pulled back. “Thank you, Ray.”

Chuckling, he tapped me on the nose. “It’s weird but kind of amusing seeing how smitten he is over you. I’ve never seen him like that. And you deserve all of it.”

I grinned. “Yeah, he’s pretty amazing.”

He grimaced. “Should I get a hotel room for the night?”

I laughed. “Maybe. No. I’m kidding. It’s one more night, and we want to hang out with you. But I’m not going back to Harper’s tonight.”

“I get it. But maybe just don’t scar me or anything. Walls are thin.” He shuddered. “Oh, this is gross.”

“We’ll be good. So, how about a beer, and I’ll text Micah to say you’re still my brother.”

He gave me another quick hug. “I’d love that.”

I squeezed him back and then went to grab beers for both of us. The heaviness of carrying that secret was gone, and pure happiness flowed over me.

I couldn’t wait for Micah to get home.