Page 20

"I've never seen a kitchen make a girl blush that hard before."

Beth Bowen

When I push open the door to Rise & Grind, I find Marissa leaning over the counter, wearing a full grin—Cheshire cat style. “Look who has a personal bodyguard now.”

“I think the word you're looking for is friend ,” I say, unable to suppress my smile as I think about the talk I just had with James.

“Suurrre. If that’s what you’re going with.”

“I mean it , Marissa. There’s nothing else going on between us. I’m not ready for a relationship. Definitely not with a hockey player. And especially not with James Adler. ”

She arches an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with James Adler?”

I avoid her gaze as I walk behind the counter. “Well, James Adler is just—he’s just too— hot .” And so are my cheeks as the confession spills from my lips.

She lets out a loud snort. “Yeah, ‘cause that’s a huge problem. Also, why are we using his full name?”

The bell on the door jingles, and the expression “saved by the bell” never made so much sense.

“ Bonjour! ” Alice gushes, marching in with Emma.

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” I ask, tying my apron on.

“Nothing much,” Alice says, walking in. “We just had a spicy lunch, so now we need some sweet treats.”

Emma nods, her black fringe bouncing with the movement. “And coffee.”

Marissa and I both chuckle. “Of course,” she says. “I’ll get right on it.”

“What about you?” Emma asks, leaning her elbow on the counter while Alice perches on the stool. “What’s got you so worked up, Beth? Oh, by the way, how’s James?”

I really wish I could control the blush that’s spreading over my cheeks right now.

“James Adler is too hot ,” Marissa says, turning around as she grabs a cup. “That’s what’s up.”

“Marissa!” I scold.

“What! It’s true, isn’t it?” she says with a smirk.

Emma nods, lacing her fingers. “I mean, I'm very happy with Auston . . .”

“And me with Deacon,” Alice continues, her brown eyes sparkling like they do every time we discuss relationships—or Deacon. “But yeah, James Adler is particularly handsome.”

“Why is that a problem?” Emma asks.

Alice brings her brown hair into a ponytail. “Or in any way related to his well-being?”

“It’s not,” I blurt out. “James is okay.”

“And Beth spent the night at his place,” Marissa sings, her pitch matching the ambiance music.

“Ohhh!” Alice and Emma both say. “I approve!” Alice adds.

I groan. “It’s not like that. I only offered to watch him so he could be released from the hospital,” I say before turning the faucet on to wash my hands.

“That's nice of you,” Emma says. With a smirk, she adds, “I’m sure it was a real sacrifice.”

I just roll my eyes. “What kind of pastries do you guys want?” I swing around to face them. “We have—”

“And he walked her here,” Marissa continues.

I give her a pointed look. “He just wanted to be nice and get some fresh air.”

“She argues they’re just friends,” Marissa sighs, looking at the girls and shaking her head dramatically.

“Yeah, we’ve heard that one before, right Marissa?” Emma puffs out a laugh, and everyone follows—including me, although I recover quickly, realizing it’s not helping my case.

I clear my throat. “Anyway, it’s not the same with me and James. He and I haven’t been friends for years with all that pent-up tension boiling between us. So anyway, the pastries?” I ask again, tapping the pastry tong against the display window.

“Touché,” Marissa says, her eyes on me. “But when are we going to talk about the fact that you're moving in with him?”

“What!” Emma and Alice both practically shout while Marissa turns to grab Emma’s cup.

I guess the pastries are a no-go. I turn to Marissa with a wince, setting the tongs down on the counter. “Aaron told you?”

She grins. “He texted the moment you left.”

I let out a sigh, bracing myself on the counter behind me. “It just makes more sense, that’s all. You and Aaron are still in your honeymoon phase, and James appreciates the company. And his kitchen is amazing.”

“Oh, so that’s why you moved in?” Emma says with a smirk. “The kitchen.”

“Not the abs?” Alice teases, twirling the end of her ponytail.

“Guys, come on,” I growl, my voice loud enough to cover their laughter. “Stop it.”

Emma nods, staring at me with a sweet smile. “Fine, but just FYI, I've never seen a kitchen make a girl blush that hard before.”

“Okay, switching the subject,” Alice says. “He is really okay, right? How long is he out for?”

“A few weeks, and yeah, he’s doing well. Some swelling, but he’ll be all right.”

“Good.” She nods. “Give him our best.”

“What was that all about, anyway?” Emma asks, wrapping her hands around her cup of coffee. “We saw the replay. It was brutal.”

A shiver courses through me. “Yeah, it was.”

“Those guys were at each other’s throat all night,” Alice continues.

My blush betrays me again.

“Ohhhhh!” they both blurt, re alization seeming to dawn on them.

Yep, here we go.

“Wait,” Marissa says, her blue eyes studying me. “Is this really because of what happened between you and Lucas? Was James, like, retaliating because Lucas cheated on you?”

I wring my hands in front of me. Might as well come clean now.

It’s not like it can get any worse. “Not exactly. Lucas came here the night before the game, when I was closing. He was insistent and grabbed my wrist,” I say, showing them the remnant of the pink mark lacing my wrist. “James saw it the next morning, put two and two together, and used the game as a chance to go after him.”

“Whoa,” Alice breathes out.

“See?” Marissa says, shaking her head. “The whole friends thing isn’t going to cut it.”

“Exactly. The guy ended up in the hospital for you,” Alice says, probably swooning over his grand gesture or whatever. This girl is way too romantic.

I cross my arms in front of me. “Well, I didn't ask him to.”

“I mean,” she continues, “we always knew he had a thing for you. It's not like it’s a secret. But this is definitely next level, right?”

“Definitely,” Emma and Mariss a agree.

“Touch Her and Die vibes, for sure,” Emma adds.

I arch an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a little dramatic?”

She flicks her hair. “You know me. Queen of Drama. I am a dark romance gal, after all.”

Marissa and Alice both chuckle, and I let my gaze drift, trying to make sense of all the emotions whirling in my head. Is it really that different from his usual playful flirting? I guess it is a step up. But if that’s the case, could it be more than just a little crush for him?

His words from earlier echo in my head. “ I’m a patient man .”

Part of me wishes I could just see where this leads us.

Let myself fall for another man. Another hockey player.

But I can’t. I’d never feel secure with James.

He’s ten times the flirt Lucas is, and look where that got me.

He hugs every fan who asks, and even if it’s a sweet gesture, and I love that about him, I’d never be able to fully trust him.

I wasn’t exaggerating earlier. I don't know if I'll ever be ready for another relationship, and that scares me.

And if I do ever get there, will he still be waiting?

I’m sweeping the floor when a k nock raps at the door. The noise startles me, despite the loud music I have blasting on the speakers. When I turn around, I see James with a bright smile on his face. I pause the music and unlock the door.

“Hey. I’m not done yet.”

“No worries,” he says, squeezing through the doorframe. “I know I’m early. Walked as slowly as I could,” he jokes.

“How was your day?” I ask, locking the door behind him. I’ve learned my lesson.

“Meh. Saw my housekeeper for the third time in five years. Played video games with the guys. Ran some errands.”

“Slow day?” I say with a smile.

He nods. “Slow day. Can I help you? I could use the cardio.”

“You’re supposed to be resting.”

“I can sweep a floor, Elizabeth. When they say ‘no exercise,’ they’re talking to regular people, not athletes. This is peanuts to me.”

I chew my bottom lip, then nod. “Okay. You take the broom. I’ll clean the espresso machine.”

“Perfect. And feel free to turn that music back on.”

I grin, pressing play on my phone before getting started on the machine.

After a few minutes, I hear James singing, his voice getting louder and louder.

I turn around, and there he is, singing with the broom as a microphone.

He’s swaying to the music with all his heart, not caring if anyone outside witnesses his impromptu concert.

Actually, bystanders would probably be into it, screaming his name at the top of their lungs as if he were a rockstar.

That’s the James effect for you. An instant magnet with the ultimate charisma.

“Come on,” he shouts, a smile lighting up his face. “This would be even better as a duet.”

Chuckling, I turn back to the machine, continuing my task. “You’re insane.”

He keeps going, singing at the top of his lungs and changing the lyrics to “She’s so mean, letting me sing on my own. She doesn’t want to have fun, doesn’t want to release the pressure.”

I do my best to withhold my laughter, but he keeps going, and I eventually crack. Finally, I sing, matching his volume, and he stops. I wheel around, grabbing a bottle of water from the counter to act as my microphone.

James chuckles, his eyes sparkling as he points at me and continues to belt out the lyrics like we’re singing a duet.

I go along, because frankly, he ’s right. It’s super fun, and it’s been a while since I’ve let loose like this, or even danced at all.

The song ends, and the next one begins. It’s one of my favorites, so I up my moves, making him laugh even harder. He matches my energy, and we just keep dancing and singing until the end of the song. By now, I’m out of breath, catching the counter for support.

“Man, you weren’t kidding about the cardio,” I joke. “It’s been a while.”

Of course, James isn’t out of breath or dripping with sweat like I am. “Got to keep in shape. I’m thinking we do this every day, and my training will be complete.”

I laugh. “Who knew pro-athlete training was that easy?”

“Well, if everyone was in on the secret . . .” he trails off, leaning against the wall.

“Good point. Well, let’s finish up, because I do need a shower now,” I joke, walking back behind the counter to finish cleaning the machine.

“Another shower! My water bill will be through the roof. This girl is going to ruin me,” he teases.

I turn to give him a pointed look. “Too late. You can’t take it back. I’m staying.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says, and I’m suddenly relieved I have my back to him, because I’m blushing hard. And not because of the exercise.

We finish cleaning, sans the cardio workout, then walk back to the apartment.

“Oh, by the way,” he says as we’re turning off Warlington Lane. “The guys just texted. They want to go out for dinner tonight before they hit the road. The girls are going, and you’re invited too.”

“Oh,” I say, surprised to be invited. I know they go out to dinner sometimes with Marissa and Hayley, but I usually don’t tag along. Well, I was mostly with Lucas or at home watching his games.

“But obviously,” he continues, “you don’t have to come. Just because we live together doesn’t mean we need to have the same plans.” He scratches his temple. “You’re free to do whatever, but I just thought I’d ask.”

A warmth spreads through my chest. For the first time ever, James Adler isn't full of confidence and hotter than the sun itself. He’s awkward and cute. And for some reason, that’s even more intimidating—and charming.

With a smile, I glance up at him. “Eating out sounds fun.”