Page 4

Chapter 4

MICAH

I bit back a groan.

“You done yet?” I muttered to Josie an hour later, nudging my shoulder into hers. We were all squeezed in around a table, and she was too close to me, but I wasn’t going to leave her alone with my friends and their girlfriends. If she was going to share stories about me, I needed to know what they were and when to cut her off.

Fuck, she looked good in my jersey and her little pom-pom toque, her purple hair in waves over her shoulders. I kept getting a whiff of the slightly spicy scent of her shampoo that filled my nose every time I stepped into my damn shower. This away trip starting tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough. I needed a breather—stat. The guilt I felt every time I wrapped my hand around my cock and thought about her in the last few days was brutal but not enough to get me to stop.

I should’ve told Ray that Josie was staying with me. We’d never kept secrets from each other. Not that he’d asked me about her when we texted back and forth a few times yesterday after I’d finished eating the delicious dinner Josie had made.

Fuck. I was going to hell. Maybe I was already there.

When had I become so fucking dramatic?

“And then he got stuck for hours in my room.” Josie’s voice cut through my internal wallowing.

“Oh, come on. They don’t need that story.”

Tally laughed. “Yeah, we want all of it.”

“A bunch of clothes and toys, like, a lot, fell in front of the closet door and blocked him in. We didn’t even hear him until Ray heard a faint knocking on the wall and got him out. It wasn’t until the following day that my mom noticed a big-ass spider and a nest of baby spiders in that closet.”

“Oh my god, no.” Harper gasped, and Anna shuddered, putting her hand to her mouth.

“Fuck, that would creep me out,” Santa said.

“Why did you have to share that story? And you were, like, five. How do you even remember it?”

“Spiders, Micah. Freaking spiders. That shit is a core memory. And also, I think that’s why you turned into such a neat freak.” She paused. “Oh, no. Is it my fault you’re so anal?”

Everyone burst out laughing, and I glared at her.

“Dude. How were you not able to escape some clothes and stuffed animals?” Sin asked.

“It wasn’t just that. She had some fucking life-sized giraffe that fell across the damn closet door. It wouldn’t freaking budge,” I said, shooting Josie another glare. She had the audacity to just grin at me.

“I like wild animals.”

Fucking hell. Heat should not be barreling through me at that statement. I would not think about what it would be like to truly be wild with her.

“On that note, we should probably head out,” I said, and I swore Tally choked on a laugh. I ignored him. “We have a big road trip tomorrow, and I need some sleep.”

“Old man needs his rest after we teased him,” Josie taunted.

“I’m not old. I’m only four years older than you,” I grumbled.

“Yeah, we’re finishing this round and heading home, too,” Cora said, setting her empty glass on the table, and Tally polished off his one beer of the night in a second.

“Wait, but we need more stories,” Sin said.

“No, you don’t,” I muttered, setting down my now empty glass.

“Don’t you all need to be well-rested for your long road trip?” Josie asked.

“Nah. I’ll sleep on the plane,” Sin said.

“We have to go too. Gotta get up early to start baking,” Anna said. “Please stop by sometime this week, Josie.”

“Yes,” Harper said with a grin. “For more stories,”

I groaned, and Josie patted me on the chest. “I won’t share the one with Bessie from when you were fourteen,” Josie said.

“Bessie? Please tell me there was a cow involved.” Sin sounded gleeful, but the joke was on him because there was no Bessie. Josie was teasing them like she’d spent a lifetime teasing me.

I played along, loving the twinkle in her hazel eyes. “Please don’t.”

“Oh, it’s getting late. We should go,” she said, giving me a quick wink. “It was really nice to meet all of you.”

My gut tightened, and I ushered her out as soon as I could.

“You’re terrible,” I said as we got into the car.

She laughed. “I couldn’t resist. They wanted dirt on you so freaking badly.”

“They’re ridiculous.”

“So, do you forgive me for telling them your nickname now?”

“Absolutely not. They’ve been tormenting me ever since.”

“Ah. But it’s with love.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, I know. Doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. And if Sin ends up putting fake spiders in my gear bag or something, you are in serious trouble.”

“Oh, shit. He’s totally going to do that, isn’t he?”

I shook my head. “Yup.”

A little smirk played at her lips. “Sorry about that.”

“No, you’re not.”

She chuckled. “No, I’m not. You need to let loose and have a little fun. Don’t be so boring.”

I huffed. “I’m not boring. I’m dependable, stable, and I get the job done.”

“You just described what I look for in a bra, Micah.”

“Seriously?” I barked out, refusing to think about what kind of bra she was currently wearing.

“Come on, that was funny. Now, drive us home so you can get your beauty rest.” She lightly punched my shoulder. “And if I didn’t tell you before, thanks for letting me come to the game. You were awesome out there. I’ve missed watching you play in person. It’s exhilarating.”

Then she did a little shimmy, and my cock took notice.

Fucking hell, I wanted to kiss her.

***

“These fuckers are pissing me off,” Fishy said two nights later as we sat on the edge of the bench, ready to take our next shift against DC.

“Lisbon should’ve been ejected at the end of the last period,” I grumbled. The refs had their thumbs up their asses tonight, and Lisbon was a known dirty player. This time, he’d knocked Sweets into the boards at a dangerous angle, sending Sweets back to the locker room with a banged-up shoulder and a split lip. Sweets wasn’t coming back for this game, and I was waiting for my moment to face off with Lisbon. I had a slight edge on his height and weight, and I was pissed.

“Stay out of the penalty box unless necessary,” Millsy said behind us, and I nodded, reading him loud and clear.

As Timmy and Batesy, the second D pair, made their way to get off the ice, Fishy and I already had a leg over to quickly replace them. Fishy tapped his stick against mine, and then we hit the ice, moving seamlessly into position with our forwards. Dom had the puck on his stick and was tracking toward DC’s goalie with Lisbon trying to poke the puck away. Dom sent it over to Haldy, who caught it perfectly in the center of his blade, and Lisbon crowded Haldy toward the boards. I moved in closer, knocking into the asshole before he could make a hit on Haldy.

“Fucker,” Lisbon bit out, jostling against me as I sent him into the boards, the hit clean and perfect. “Hope little Sweets is okay?”

“You want to fucking go that bad?” I fired back, pushing away from him to help out my teammates.

Fishy had the puck and knocked it back to Dom, who didn’t have a shot lined up, so he sent it to Haldy. That line was getting tired since they’d been out here for longer than the normal shift. Haldy hesitated to take his shot, and Lisbon skated in front of him just as Haldy took his shot. The puck banged off the pipes, but Haldy managed to catch the rebound and started skating around the back of the net to find his shot.

Just as he sent it to Dom, Lisbon checked him high into the boards, his elbow coming up under Haldy’s chin and sending his head back.

Then the whistle blew—but not for a penalty. Instead, it was for DC’s goalie covering Dom’s shot and ending the play.

Haldy shook his head. “I’m fine,” he muttered to me when Lisbon skated to the nearby face-off dot to start the next play.

The crowd was loud and obnoxious as Dom and one of the other DC forwards leaned over the face-off dot. We were down four to two, and I was fuming.

“What the fuck,” I barked at Lisbon as I stopped in front of him. He poked me with his stick.

“Back off, Micah. You’re on top of me,” he griped.

“That was a shit hit, asshole.”

He shrugged. “Looks like the linesmen didn’t agree. Seemed clean to me. And the kid’s still standing just fine. Guess he can take a harder hit.”

I glanced up to see Dom win the puck and send it back to Haldy.

“Shall we see?” Lisbon taunted, skating toward Haldy.

I picked up speed and got in front of him, giving him a shove, my stick falling to the ice.

“You sure about this?” he asked, a grin on his face.

“I’m going to knock that smug smile off you,” I replied.

“Let’s see you try,” he said, dropping his stick and his gloves.

I dropped my gloves too, and we skated in a circle, both of us waiting for the other to make the first move. I pretended to go for a punch, and Lisbon hit first; his fist skimmed my shoulder as I ducked away. The sounds of the arena dulled, but I could hear the banging of sticks on the board as I took my first shot and hit his jaw.

I hooked my hand into his jersey before he could grab mine and got in another punch before the linesmen broke up our fun, sending me to the penalty box. Lisbon no longer had that smirk on his face when they ejected him from the game for starting the fight. I took my five minutes in the box as the guys played four on four and Sin pocketed a goal. Three to four with five minutes left. Maybe we would end the night with the W after all.

JOSIE

Holy crap.

Watching Micah drop his gloves and fight shouldn’t have been so hot, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it as I slid under the sheets in his bed. The game had ended a few hours ago, and I was still keyed up. And now I was in his bed again. But he was away, and that was the deal we’d made, and freaking hell, why were his pillows, like, the most comfortable pillows ever?

They’d ended up losing by one stupid point. I’d been really hopeful after the fight and Sin’s goal mere minutes later. I shuddered a little, remembering the intensity in Micah’s eyes when they’d replayed the fight. He’d glowered, even while looking smug, during his sin bin stint.

So. Hot.

Phew .

I’d texted him my condolences for the loss and to make sure he was okay. He’d said he was fine and wished me a good night.

A better night would have been him here in this bed with me.

Dammit.

I needed to get control of my hormones over that man, and his glorious bed, with his scent still on the sheets, was not helping, but there was no way I was sleeping on the couch when his bed was even comfier.

It’s not like I was sniffing his pillow while I got myself off or anything. That would be a smidge too far.

I snorted.

Nope. Wasn’t going to do that.

I shimmied myself down and got comfortable, trying not to think about all the things I would love to do to that man. What would it be like if he finally let loose for once? He had a fire on the ice, and I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to experience that heat.

My fingers skated down my body, slipping into my panties, and I gasped as I found my clit.

A girl had needs, and I’d wash his sheets before he got home.

***

“Willow, stop sniffing Arthur’s butt,” I said two days later while I adjusted the two leashes I was holding. The wind was harsh today, so I limited the walks to thirty minutes for my clients, and even that seemed to be a struggle. Willow, a hound mix, kept putting her nose in Arthur’s business, and Arthur, a boxer rescue, kept tugging on his leash, wanting to jump in all the piles of snow. I was definitely getting my cardio in. Luckily, this family lived in a building a short distance from Micah’s, so it was a quick stroll to get the dogs, and the park across the street was the perfect walking spot. I had three more walks like this before the day was over, and then I was going to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and defrost.

But I loved being outside and hanging out with a bunch of cute dogs. There was nothing better. If I couldn’t have one of my own, I was going to play with all the dogs I could find.

After dropping off Arthur and Miss “I don’t understand personal space” Willow, and getting through two easier walks, I headed to my last client’s to grab Buster, a beautiful chocolate lab who just wanted to snooze in the snow.

“Come on, buddy. I have treats for after you do your business.” His ears perked up at the word treats. Being motivated by snacks was something I fully understood, which is why I also had mini dog bones in all my pockets.

“Josie?” a voice asked, and I looked up to see a bundled-up Cora stepping out of a cab.

“Hi. Cora, right? Sorry, I met so many people at Tipsy the other night.”

She smiled. “Yes, Cora. Great to see you again. You have a dog?”

“What? Oh no. Buster is one of my clients. I walk dogs,” I offered. “One of my many random jobs, but it makes the days go by fast.”

“Sounds fun, but how are you not freezing? I’ve lived here forever, and winter is still not my favorite.”

“Multiple layers. And thirty-minute walks, so I’m not out here forever.”

“I’m just stopping at Anna’s for a treat before I have to get back to work,” she said, motioning to the bakery in front of her. I remembered Anna mentioning that she owned a bakery, but I’d forgotten the name.

“Ooh, I’ll have to swing by when I’m dog-free,” I said. “I hate baking. Too much science involved. Too many rules.”

Cora laughed. “I’m terrible at it, too. But Anna is amazing. You’ll love everything you try. I promise.”

“Maybe I’ll swing in after I drop this guy off. He’s my last walk of the day.”

“I’ll probably still be here. Hopefully, I’ll see you soon,” she said, giving me a big smile before she turned to walk into the bakery.

***

Forty minutes later, with Buster back on the warm couch in his home, I grabbed an Uber to head to the bakery. I settled back against my seat and pulled out my phone, which had just beeped with a text message.

Mom: Hi, honey. How’s everything going in Denver?

I sighed. Here we go.

Josie: Great. It’s so great.

Mom: Are you still not working? How’s Blaine?

I grimaced at her message. It was always the same. At least she didn’t call this time.

Josie: I am working, Mom. I have my Etsy shop that is doing well and I’m walking dogs.

I didn’t answer her about Blaine. She didn’t actually care.

Mom: Those aren’t real jobs, honey. Have you thought about going back to school? I was just talking to Mr. Harold at the bank, and he has an opening as a teller. Get your foot in the door. It’s a good job.

This time, I groaned. My mother had worked in some form of finance since she was eighteen and had built her career at our local bank. The idea of doing anything remotely like that made my skin itch.

Mom: It’s really snowy out there, too. You should come home.

Josie: I love Denver.

Mom: You didn’t mention Blaine.

I had no choice but to lie.

Josie: He’s great. We’re great. I’ve made some great friends, and I’m staying here.

Mom: Josie. You can’t do random jobs forever.

I glanced out of the window as the car started to slow. The bakery was just up ahead, thank god.

Josie: I have to go. I’m meeting some friends.

Mom: Call me later. We haven’t chatted in a while. And think about the bank.

I pocketed my phone, not in the mood to respond.

I hated that she just didn’t get me. There was nothing wrong with random jobs that I loved, especially when they covered my bills, and I got to live the life I wanted. If I told her that Blaine and I were done, she would be on my ass even harder about moving back, and I had zero plans to do that. I felt freer than I had in a long time, and I wasn’t giving that up to have some stable, boring career and turn into my mother.

I shuddered at the thought.

The car came to a stop, and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Saying thanks to the driver, I shut the door behind me and headed into Sugar on Top.

“You made it,” Cora said when I stepped inside. She was seated at a small table with Anna, a drink in hand and what looked like a scone in front of her.

“I needed something sugary and warm after being outside.” I shoved aside my conversation with my mother. I wouldn’t let it put a damper on my mood anymore.

“You came to the right place. Nice to see you again, Josie,” Anna said. “Cora will always recommend the cinnamon chip scones and hot chocolate.”

“But everything is amazing,” Cora added.

I perused the bakery case, settling on a loaded hot chocolate that came with a mound of mini marshmallows and caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled over the top and a salted caramel chocolate cupcake. I might go into a sugar coma before I even made it back to Micah’s place, but it would be worth it.

“Excellent choices,” Cora said, breaking off another piece of her scone and popping it into her mouth as I sat down. “I was telling Anna that I ran into you outside with Buster.”

“I want to get a dog, even just a small one, but I’m either at the bakery or at Nick’s, so it doesn’t make sense,” Anna said.

“Yeah, one day I want one, too. Micah totally needs a dog to cuddle and chill him out. But I don’t know if the building allows them,” I said.

“It does. My brother loves animals,” Cora said.

I tilted my head.

“Oh, my brother.” She fiddled with her napkin. “He’s one of the team owners, and his company developed the condo building.”

“What? Hold it. And you’re dating the team captain?” I asked, then took my first sip. “Oh my god, this is amazing.”

Anna smiled. “Thanks. Can’t have too much sugar.”

“Tell that to your boyfriend,” Cora said with a grin.

Anna laughed. “Hey, he’s getting better.”

“Wait. Nick doesn’t like sugar, and he ended up with a baker?” I asked.

“It’s a long story.”

Cora snorted. “Not that long of a story. It started with a charity auction.”

“Come on. You both know about Micah and me. I mean, not that there’s a Micah and me because we’re just friends,” I rushed out, ignoring Cora’s quirked brow. “So, tell me your stories.”

Anna nodded. “Uh-huh, okay.”

“Just friends?” Cora asked.

“If that.” I laughed. “It’s been a few years since I ran into him last, but I knew he’d help me when I was in a bind. Micah’s a great guy like that, but he’s like a brother to me. Always has been.” And maybe if I said that often enough, I would stop having dirty thoughts about him. That freaking fight the other night was still playing a role in my fantasies. “So, charity auction?”

Cora chuckled. “We’ll let it go for now.” She took one more bite of her scone and settled back. “So, it was a team holiday auction,” she started.

Anna rolled her eyes.

***

I took a final sip of my hot chocolate as Cora finished up the story of how she met Nate. I’d demanded that one after she gave me the details of Anna’s romance with Nick. Cora was animated as she talked, clearly a natural storyteller, and Anna had laughed a lot, obviously used to Cora sharing each of their meet-cutes. Although Anna’s sounded anything but cute with her grumpy grinch. I refused to think about him as Santa because how could there be a Santa who didn’t like sugar? It was a travesty.

“Crap, it’s late. I should get back,” Cora said. “I should at least get some writing done today.”

“Me too. Not the writing part, of course. No, thank you,” Anna said. Not that she’d spent the entire time sitting with us. She’d gone back into the kitchen to bake more cupcakes and had worked the counter while her employee took a break before she sat down with us for another cup of coffee.

“It’s not that bad when they actually listen to you,” Cora said, almost pouting.

“But don’t you make them up?” I asked.

Cora patted my hand. “So you’d think they’d work with you, right? So ungrateful.” She laughed. “I swear I’m not crazy.”

“I think it’s amazing. I could never come up with a story and characters. And you illustrate them, too.”

“Well, I did the kids’ books, but I’m working on my first historical romance right now. I swear I’ve written it over and over again at this point. I even took a break from it to write another Funny Bunny book just to switch my brain up. Surprisingly, it helped.”

“I’ve actually done some work with authors over the last year with illustrations. More avatars for their social media and branding, some covers.” I paused, shaking my head. “I promise this isn’t me trying to drum up business.”

“Don’t even worry about that. I would love to see what you’ve done some time.” The genuine smile on Cora’s face told me I hadn’t stepped too far. From what I’d learned today, she was a well-established children’s author, and I was definitely going to look her stuff up as soon as I got home.

“And make sure you stop by the family suite at the next home game. Micah got you a pass, right? I can get you one if not,” she said.

“Yes, he did. And really, thank you. This was fun.”

She gave me a hug. “It was. Micah is so intense and quiet. I love that he has a spitfire like you to keep him on his toes. You know, as friends, of course.”

“Just friends,” I echoed.

Anna laughed. “Ignore her. She wants everyone to hook up like they’re in their own romance novels.”

“Oh, hush. You did, and you love it. HEA all day,” Cora said, her eyes twinkling.

“Go write and stop stalling,” Anna replied.

“Fine, fine. Josie, you want to catch a cab back together?” Cora asked.

“Definitely. I’m done with the cold for the day.”

“I have a to-go bag for both of you,” Anna said, giving us both hugs and more treats.

Damn, I was so happy that idiot Blaine left me in Denver.