Chapter 19 A knock on the cabin door pulls me from my edits. I put my laptop on the coffee table and stand. Nick is on the other side of the door wearing jeans and a white T-shirt. His dark hair is wet like he might have showered recently. I just saw him yesterday morning, but wow, every time it's like a shock to my system. "Hi," I say, happy to see him but surprised all the same. "Did I forget about something we had planned?" "No." His rough laughter skates over my skin. My body relaxes and I step back to let him inside. "I just finished writing the first hockey game scene." "Yeah?" His expression morphs to something full of excitement and maybe pride. "Can I read it?" "Soon," I promise. "I need to triple-check all my hockey facts, so you don't think all this research has been for nothing." His grin widens. "In that case, I know just what you need to celebrate." "What?" "To watch a hockey game," he says simply, walking over to my couch and making himself at home. "Wear something warm. The rink gets cold." A small huff leaves my lips. "I..." A dozen excuses are on the tip of my tongue. Nick arches a brow like he's silently daring me to come up with a single good one. "I'm a mess." I glance down at my cut-off shorts and then bring a hand up to smooth over my ponytail. "I'll wait." He kicks his feet up on the table next to my laptop. Twenty very rushed minutes later, we're in the truck. The music is on but turned down low. "Who's playing?" I ask when I realize I didn't get a lot of details beyond him taking me to a hockey game. "Aidan." "Wait. Really?" "Yeah, his club team is playing." He pulls up to a rink smaller than the one in Moonshot, but inside it's filled with people. Nick walks with purpose and I lengthen my stride to keep up with him. As we're going up the bleachers to our seats, I spot Travis, then Conrad, Danny, and Penn. "Do they all have kids that play too?" Nick chuckles. "Nah, they come for Aidan." Somehow it doesn't surprise me. The limited time I've spent with them, I can see how close and supportive they are of each other. "That's so nice." Travis stands as we get close. "Ruby-Doo!" He holds his arms out to his sides, and I step into a hug. "Hey," I say with a laugh. I'm still not used to his easy charm and affection, but he's sort of impossible not to like. "Nick didn't tell me you were coming. I would have dressed up, brought flowers." He tosses a grin at his friend. Impossible not to like and an incorrigible flirt. I sniff the air, the scent of popcorn wafting from a concession stand somewhere. "Popcorn is the way to my heart." "Noted." Travis releases me, then hugs Nick. I move over, smiling and waving at the rest of the guys. "Hey." Danny is the only one that speaks, but the other two men acknowledge me with smiles and Penn lifts a hand. Conrad scoots over and I take a seat next to him. Down on the ice, I look for Aidan. "Number nine," Conrad says, pointing to the right side. It's possible those are the most words I've heard him say. I find Aidan, then grin. He looks so much like Nick. "Thanks." He nods. "Do you all go to all of Aidan's games?" I ask him, but then glance to the others. "We make it when we can," Danny says. "That's really nice." "Ruby," Nick calls my name. He's still standing with Travis a few feet away. When I meet his gaze, he says, "I'll be right back. You good?" I give him a thumbs-up, and he and Travis head down the same stairs we just came up. "So, how's the book coming?" Danny asks, leaning over from the other side of Conrad. "Slow," I admit. "The more I learn about hockey, the more I realize how little I know." His chest lifts and rises with a silent laugh. "I'm sure it's great. You're a fantastic writer." My face heats and my eyes widen. "You've read my books?" It didn't even occur to me, probably because ninety-eight percent of my readers are women, but I'm instantly self-conscious. "I binged you this week." I open my mouth, then close it. I don't quite know what to say to that. "Dude. You made it weird," Conrad says to him. "No," I say quickly. "I'm just surprised." "Danny's a huge book nerd." Conrad has this low, quiet voice and timid expression that I can't quite get over. He's ridiculously good-looking and doesn't seem to realize it. "Me too," I say to him then to Danny, "You really read all of them? Like all?!" He nods and grins wide. He has a small gap between his front teeth that's hot and adorable at the same time. "Thank you." I don't know how else to respond. "I'm excited to read more. Are you going to write a sequel to Love Bites?" "I hadn't planned on it," I say, thinking. No one has ever asked me that before. "I loved Xander. I bet you could write a hell of a story for him." "He dies," I say. "But did he really?" I laugh. I didn't explicitly show it on the page so I guess he's right. "When is the one you're writing now coming out?" Danny asks. "Early next year." "Cool. I look forward to it." "I'll send you a copy if you want." "Hell yeah." His body rocks back and forth with his excitement. I sit back in my seat, grinning as I stare down at the ice. Molly will be so happy to know I'm garnering more male readers while I'm here. The kids on both teams clear off the ice to their respective benches. When I spot Aidan again, he's heading for the center. Instinctively, I look for Nick. He and Travis are at the bottom of the stairs, staring out at the ice for the puck drop. Nick's mouth moves but I can't make out the words he sends his son. "He's such a good dad." The words, which I absolutely did not intend to say out loud, not only are spoken but also come out dreamily. I've seen how hard it is being a single parent. My sister juggled being a single mom for years before she met Flynn. I respect him a lot for his dedication, especially knowing what Nick gave up so Aidan could have both parents in the same place. My cheeks flush and I wince as I glance at Conrad to confirm...yep, he heard me. His brows lift and then a slow smile curves his lips. He has these bright blue eyes and dirty-blond hair. He's one of those guys that gets cuter the longer you look at him to the point I'm wondering if maybe he ever did modeling as a kid. "That was an inside thought." He huffs a laugh. "It's cool. And yeah, he is. Nick's a good guy all around." I can only nod. All signs do point that way, which is great because I still need to finish my book and there'll be more questions for sure. It has nothing to do with the fluttery feelings I get when he's nearby. Or when I talk to him. Or he looks at me. I focus hard on the puck drop. Aidan wins the face-off and the guys around me cheer. I get lost in the action. These kids are seriously fast and skilled. Travis comes to sit next to me. He's holding a drink in one hand and nachos in the other. I eye the food, stomach grumbling. "I wanted to get you popcorn," he says, then side-eyes the man walking up behind him. Nick stops in front of us, rolls his eyes dramatically and then holds out a bag of popcorn to me. My mouth waters. For more than one reason. There are those fluttery feelings again. Probably hunger pangs. After the game, I'm more amped up than Aidan. "That was incredible. You're so fast!" I tell him. He grins, looking shy and proud all at once. "What'd you say?" Nick prompts him. A hint of annoyance creeps into his expression but he says, "Thanks, Ruby." "You're welcome." A couple approaches us slowly. I know instantly she's Nick's ex, Beth. She's every woman's nightmare ex-girlfriend. Tall and beautiful. She has an effortlessly chic look about her. Simple clothes, hair pulled back in a low ponytail, minimalistic makeup. And still stunning. Nick spots her, smiles, then ruffles Aidan's hair. "See you tomorrow." "All right." Aidan nods and hefts the giant duffle bag onto his shoulder. The amount of gear these kids carry around is impressive. Beth and the man I assume is her husband hang back, giving Aidan time to say goodbye to his dad. Nick waves when Aidan turns to go to them. I'm still staring at her when Nick says, "Ready?" I tear my gaze from her to him. He's wearing a cheeky smile. "For what?" He tips his head. "The guys want to hang out with you." I glance over at where Travis, Conrad, and Danny are standing waiting for us. Penn must have left. "If you don't want to go, I'll make some excuse," he says. "No," I say quickly. "I do. Are you sure you don't mind me tagging along?" His mouth pulls up on one side. "I'm sure." We go back to Moonshot and to a bar that has a view of the lake and an outdoor patio. It's packed. I stick close to Nick as we navigate through the place. Nick glances back to make sure I'm still with him. I shuffle closer and loop a finger through the belt loop of his jeans. He grins as he glances down to see me holding on to him, then continues guiding us to the bar. Once we're there, he places an arm around my back, placing me in front of him and boxed into the space. "What do you want to drink?" he asks, leaning next to my ear and sending a shiver down my spine. I open my mouth to order a vodka tonic. Sometime over the past few years it became my very boring, go-to order. I want to try something new. "What's your usual order?" I ask Nick. "Corona." I wrinkle up my nose. "Get whatever you want, Red." "That's the problem. I don't know what I want." He thinks for a second. "Anything you don't like?" The bartender is getting antsy in front of us. I flash her an apologetic smile. "Scotch. Red wine. Beer. Ooh, no tequila." I shiver at the memory of the last time I had it. It was post-Matt. Olivia invited me out with her and Flynn and a bunch of his teammates. The night got blurry after the third round of tequila shots. Nick nods, patient and warm, not at all bothered by holding up the line. "How do you feel about rum?" I shrug. "I'm not sure." He finally looks to the bartender. "Can we get a cable car and a mai tai?" She bobs her head once and gets to work. I turn to face Nick, putting my back to the bar. His gaze drops to my lips and then slowly roams over my face. I'm ninety-nine percent sure he's as attracted to me as I am him, but I'm not confident enough to make the first move. I'm not even sure if I want to make a move. Okay, that's a lie. I do, but I'm a smidge worried it'll make things awkward for the rest of the summer. "What's in a cable car?" I ask him. "Rum." "I figured that," I say with all the sass I'm feeling. He grins, unphased. "Thanks for inviting me out tonight." "Don't thank me yet. The guys are playing it cool but they're about to bombard you. Travis is probably planning out how to get you to go home with him." A laugh slips from my lips. "He's not really my type." "Really?" Nick cocks a brow. "That surprises you?" "Pretty much everyone has said the opposite since you arrived." "Who?" The idea of anyone talking about me...let alone me and Travis together boggles my mind. "Trav for one." "I should have guessed." Another laugh bubbles up in my chest and spills out. Nick leans forward until his chest brushes mine. He reaches past me and then holds out a drink to me. It's a yellowish orange color in a coupe glass with what smells like sugar and maybe cinnamon around the rim. He watches as I bring it to my lips and take a sip. "Ooh." The taste surprises me. "I was expecting it to be sweet." "Little sweet. Little sour." I take another sip. "It's good." He leans forward again to get the other drink. This one is in a short glass. The pinkish hue and pineapple wedge give it a fun, fruity feel. I'm certain at some point in my life I've had one before, but it's been too long to remember what it tastes like. We switch off. Nick holds the cable car as I take the mai tai. The same way I had the last glass, I slowly bring it to my mouth. The coconut and pineapple scent is strong, and it tastes exactly like I imagined. Sweet and fruity and fun. "Do we have a winner?" Nick asks. I nod. "It tastes like summer." "It smells like you." "I smell like summer?" "Coconut," he says. I take another sip. "I'm not sure I could drink more than one of these." "What else do you want to try?" "Are you going to make that poor bartender make every drink they have?" "No," he says, then grins. "Just the ones without scotch, red wine, beer, and tequila." I laugh, mostly because I think he might be serious. "What's your typical type?" He takes the mai tai from me and sips it. "I'm partial to coconut, but it's a little sweet." "I meant in women." He absolutely knew what I meant, judging by the cocky smirk he aims at me. "Let me guess. Tall, graceful, willowy, gorgeous." "According to Travis, my type is the nice and wholesome girl next door." "Really? I did not get that vibe from your ex. I mean, I'm sure she's nice but she's far too beautiful to be the girl next door." "You're beautiful and literally live next door." "You know what I mean." He laughs again. I let the quiet fall between us, hoping he'll tell me more. I don't want him to tell me just because I'm asking. I want him to share because maybe this could be more than a business arrangement. "Is convenient a type?" he asks, looking sheepish or maybe regretful. He shrugs those big shoulders. "Since Aidan was born, I've kept things casual." "Like hookups?" He gives a reluctant nod. "It isn't that I set out to be a guy whose sex life revolves around one-night stands and hooks up with women on the road, but it's simpler." "No judgment here. I get it." "What about you?" "I went through a phase in my early twenties where I kissed a lot of guys at bars or clubs, parties. Olivia called me the make-out queen. I really like making out." Amusement creeps into his features and his smile is crooked. His gaze drops again to my mouth. I'd like to make out with him. I bet he'd be great at it. "Sex with strangers always feels too scary. And with no guarantee that he'll be able to get me off." I shake my head. "Too risky." "Fair," he says. "I did have a one-night stand once." He moves beside me, standing close as he rests one hip against the bar. I have his full attention and it's heady. "It was a cousin of a friend, so I wasn't worried about him murdering me." "And did he get you off?" "Yes. Although I wish he hadn't." Nick's brows lift. "He lived with his parents." He laughs, the movement bringing his chest closer to mine. My skin buzzes with the contact. "A tidbit he failed to tell me. The next morning, I got up to leave and stumbled right into his parents, who were excited to talk to me about my relationship with their son." They must have assumed that if he was bringing me home, we were serious, and I guess I was too embarrassed to correct them. "I went along with it, smiling and trying to find my shoes so I could leave." Nick laughs harder. "I was mortified. Especially when his mom said how happy she was to know her son was pleasing me so well in the bedroom." The man in front of me full on cackles. It's such a good look for him, I continue, despite my humiliation. "That's when I swore off one-night stands forever and ever. I'm too much of a hazard risk to put myself in potentially dangerous or embarrassing situations. The pancakes were good though." "You had breakfast with them?" He barks out another laugh before I've defended myself. "His dad asked me, and I didn't want to be rude!" I join in, laughing at the memory and the happiness bubbling up in my chest now. "You're something, Red." The taunting nickname sounds more like an endearment from him now. "Galaxy! Ruby-Doo!" Nick's gaze lifts slowly from me and then he opens up his stance. Travis stands on a chair across the bar. Nick tips his chin up and then looks back at me. "You good? Want anything else from the bar." I hold up both hands, a drink in each. "I think I'm set." Nick leads me over to the guys. Travis jumps down from the chair, grinning. "Double-fisting it. See?" he asks Nick. "My type." Nick looks at me as if to say, See, told you everyone thinks you're Trav's type. "I might be your type, but you're not mine," I say, taking a sip of the mai tai. His smile falls. The other guys go quiet. It feels like the entire bar is one big record scratch. The usual smirking, happy Travis looks downright crestfallen. Oops. "Oh my god. I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." I get flustered as the guys all explode with laughter. Danny is doubled over and Conrad's whole body shakes with silent laughter. Travis hangs his head, a small grin finally pulling at his mouth. "I thought we had something special, Ruby." "You're superhot and very charming." "So you're into ugly, boring guys?" He nods definitively. "Got it. You're up, Nicky boy." My face is on fire. "Oh man. That made my entire night," Danny says, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. "Thanks, Ruby." I sneak a glance at Nick as the heat continues to bloom in my cheeks. Still laughing, Conrad and Danny move to a tabletop shuffleboard game on the patio. Travis follows them. "Did I crush his ego?" I ask when they're gone. "Travis?!" He shakes his head. "Not possible." "I feel bad," I admit. "Don't even sweat it. He's just busting my chops. Since the minute you showed up, he's been taking every opportunity to give me shit." We spend two hours talking and laughing, playing shuffleboard (them), and drinking (me). Travis forgives me after making me tell him again how hot and charming he is, then he and Danny spot some girls they know and disappear. Conrad sits across from me and Nick as the three of us drink and chat. Though it's mostly been me and Nick holding the conversation. Conrad's been staring at the same girl for thirty minutes. It's so obvious he's into her, but when I suggested he go talk to her, he shook his head adamantly and said he was good. "Does he know he's the most attractive man in this bar?" I ask Nick, tipping my head toward his friend. "He's shy around women." "Yeah, I'm getting that, but why? Has he looked in the mirror lately?" Nick smirks. "We've tried telling him that, but he says it doesn't matter because as soon as he opens his mouth, he says something dumb." "I'm familiar with that," I mumble, then finish off the last of my second mai tai. The cable car was good, but I decided tonight needed a happy, celebratory drink. "Another?" Nick asks, eyeing the empty glass. "God no." I giggle. I'm in that happy, tipsy state. I like to linger there. I'm clumsy enough without adding inebriation. Then I cover a sleepy yawn. Chuckling, Nick stands then offers me his hand. It isn't that late so I'm afraid to ask what we're doing. I'm not sure I have it in me to do anything but sit here like a lump. "It's been a long day. You must be tired." "I am." I get to my feet eagerly, but I guess the last drink hit me harder than I thought because I wobble and then catch myself by placing both hands on his very nice, very hard, muscular chest. Nick's hands settle on either hip in a firm, steadying grip. "Thanks," I say, staring up at him, maybe leaning into him a bit more. "You're so strong. I bet you could throw me over your shoulder without a lot of effort." One side of his mouth quirks up. "Inside thought," I whisper. "I think I'm going to head out too." Conrad's voice reminds me we aren't alone. I step away from Nick and smile at his friend. If Conrad heard my ramblings, I can't tell. "It was nice to see you again," I say. I really like Nick's friends, but since our interview sessions are almost over, I'm not sure how much more I'll see them. "You too." He smiles then gives Nick a salute as he heads out. Nick and I stare at each other again. The air buzzes around us and my face flushes, possibly from the alcohol, probably from the thoughts of him running through my mind. I can't get the idea of him hoisting me up with those big hands out of my head. Is it weird that I want him to manhandle me? Maybe. Probably. Oh well. I wasn't lying earlier. Travis isn't my type. Matt was more like him than Nick, but he was an outlier. I had lots of guy friends in college that were fun, life of the party types, but I always fell hardest for the quiet, brooding types. "I should probably say goodbye to Travis and Danny too in case I don't see them again," I say to Nick, looking around the bar for them. I spot Danny first. He's got a girl in his lap and they're kissing so intensely it makes my body light up. "Or not," I say, a little breathy. Note to self: No more going out and drinking without a quality masturbation session first. My pheromones are standing at attention, waving green flags in every direction. "Don't worry, Red. You'll see them again. Travis will want to hear you tell him he's hot again at least a dozen more times." He places his hand on my back, and I melt into the contact. Outside the bar, it's quiet as Nick leads me to his truck. Correction: I'm quiet. I can't think of a single thing to say that isn't something that should be kept as an inside thought. Maybe I should tell him? No. Too much room for error. The ride home will be torture if I've misread the signs. He steps ahead of me to open the passenger side door for me. Very date-like behavior. Or maybe he's just being nice? His brows furrow when I hesitate to get in. "Everything okay?" "Mhmm." I squeak and then avert my gaze as I try to brush past him. He cuts me off, moving in front of me. "What's wrong?" "Nothing," I insist and flash him my most convincing smile. He doesn't budge. I fake a yawn. "Oh man, I'm so tired." He crosses his arms over his chest. Okay, not buying it and I guess he's prepared to wait me out. I sigh. "Inside thoughts, Galaxy." His brows lift and an amused smirk dances across his face. "I like your inside thoughts." "I'm not so sure you'd like these," I murmur. "Try me." "I..." Ugh. I feel so junior high right now. Exasperated, I say, "I like you." His smile lifts higher. "I like you too." "No, I like you." "I like you too, Ruby." "Yeah, but do you like me in a 'she's not as annoying as I originally thought' sort of way or are you also wondering..." Instead of letting me finish the question, he steps to me, places a hand at the nape of my neck and drops his lips to mine. Sparks crackle between us. I lean up on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck. The movement closes the last stretch of distance between us. My body shivers as his warmth envelops me. "Sorry." His voice is gruff as he speaks against my lips and the word rumbles from his chest. "I didn't mean to cut you off mid-sentence." "It wasn't important. They were inside thoughts." He leans back to meet my eyes. "I want to know every one of your thoughts, Red. Haven't you figured that out yet?" My answer is to slam my mouth back to his. He doesn't miss a beat. His mouth slants over mine and we're one big, tangled heap as our hands roam and bodies press together. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and he lets out a groan. Nick leans down, strong arms drop to my upper thighs, and he lifts me into his arms. "That answers one question," I say, breathless and giddy. "What's that?" "Whether or not you can toss me over your shoulder." Another soft chuckle whispers across my lips. "Definitely. I'll prove it later." He kisses me as he places me in the passenger seat of his truck. He stands between my legs, and I wrap myself around him. The man is a very good kisser, and his hands are magic. They roam up and down my back, tangle in my hair, then around the sides of my neck, to my face, a thumb brushing across my bottom lip and his fingertips gliding across my cheeks. I'm putty in his big, sporty hands. They drop back to my sides, and one holds my hip in place as his mouth travels down my neck to nip at my collarbone. I'm vaguely aware of the seat belt moving around me and clicking into place, but it isn't until Nick steps away and the air cools around me that my foggy brain makes sense of it. My eyes open and my lips tingle. "What's happening?" "Taking you home, Red, before we end up naked in a bar parking lot." "Doesn't sound so bad." In fact, it sounds near perfect. The cab of the truck is a little small and confining for any sexual gymnastics but I'm so amped up on him it will take very little to do the job tonight. He grins, winks, then shuts the door, closing me inside his truck. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!