Deadlines & Red Lines: Fast Ice Sports Romance

by Stephanie Julian

  Skating always helped RJ clear his head. His brother…not so much.

  “I don’t know what I can do.”

  “What the fuck does that mean?”

  “It means I’m not going to force myself into a situation where I’m not wanted.”

  Brody slapped his stick against RJ’s shin pads. “So you’re just gonna give up and go home with your tail tucked between your legs? Damn, bro. You need a kick in the ass.”

  “She told me she doesn’t want me. If I force her to accept my help, I’m doing exactly what I was accused of doing in L.A.”

  “Situations are totally different, and you know that.”

  “She flat-out told me she didn’t want me there.”

  “Okay, so you left. But she’s gotta be fucking terrified. So what are you gonna do to help?”

  “I offered to help. Whatever she needs. She still told me to leave.”

  “Dude, you’re the nicest fucking guy I know. You’d give the shirt off your back to a random guy on the street. She knows that. She doesn’t want to be just another one of your charity cases. Did you tell her how you feel about her?”

  “We’ve been seeing each other for less than a month. I’m supposed to declare my undying love?”

  “Of course not. Unless, of course, you do. Then I’d get on that. But, seriously, have you shown her you want to help and not just told her?”

  Shit. Why did that actually sound like good advice?

  “Explain.”

  “Dude. Seriously. Send them dinner. Or breakfast. Buy the baby diapers. Don’t buy shit for Sugar. Get presents for the baby and her sister. Send Sugar a gift certificate for a massage or something like that. Hell, be creative.” Brody frowned at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Because those are actually good ideas.”

  “Fuck you. I do have a few occasionally.”

  RJ reached over and grabbed his brother’s head and planted a kiss on his forehead, while Brody laughed.

  “Sugar Donahue, this is Dominque Kieriakis from the Philadelphia Iceplex. We talked last week about the assistant concession manager job. Could you give me a call when you get this?”

  Friday afternoon, Sugar set her phone aside after listening to the voice message, her heart pounding, and hope a furious flutter in her belly.

  “Hey, Shug, I’m gonna take Fox for a— What’s wrong? What happened?”

  “Nothing’s wrong.” Sugar turned to take the baby from her sister, snuggling the swaddled baby and rubbing her nose against his tiny little one, as she did about a hundred times a day. “I got a call back from the iceplex. They said I should call.”

  “What? Seriously? That’s great news! When did they call?”

  “Yesterday afternoon. I can’t believe I missed the notification.”

  “You’ve been a little busy. I mean, what time did you get off work last night? Two a.m.? And you were up with Fox at six. Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “Because you need sleep, too. And I went back to bed for a few hours so I’m fine.”

  Cookie shook her head but didn’t push it. “So call them back now. What are you waiting for? They want to hire you. They’re not going to not offer you the job because you didn’t call back right away.”

  “I know, but I’ve got to be downstairs in five minutes. Maybe I should wait to call Monday.”

  “No way. You need to call now. Give me my baby and make the call. If you get this job, that’s a huge gamechanger for you. You’ll have regular hours and health insurance.”

  “But my schedule won’t be as flexible. I mean, I can still work the diner on the nights and weekends but what if you need to go to a doctor’s appointment? What if we have to take Fox to the pediatrician? Maybe I shouldn’t be making any changes right now. I mean—”

  “Stop.” Her sister’s expression turned serious. “Make the call. Right this minute. You are not going to blame my baby for not taking this job.”

  Sugar wanted to stick her tongue out at Cookie, but she refrained. “I’m not blaming him. Maybe they just want to tell me no.”

  “If they didn’t want you, they wouldn’t have called. Call them back right now.”

  Sugar knew Cookie was right, even as doubts kept swirling through her mind. The only way to find out if she’d gotten the job was to call.

  And if you get it?

  She’d have to thank RJ. Whom she missed more than she could say. Her chest hurt, like someone had punched her in the heart. It’d been hell not seeing him. He hadn’t been into the diner since he’d walked out of her apartment Tuesday.

  She’d wanted to call him every day since. Had looked for him at the diner but he hadn’t come in. Because of Sugar. Which sucked.

  “Oh, hey, I forgot to tell you. Did you order, like, a month’s supply of diapers?”

  “What? No. Why?”

  “Because we got ten cases of them yesterday.”

  “Ten cases? Was there a card or a receipt or something?”

  “Nope, just ten cases of diapers sitting in the hall. Maybe Sun and Carlos?”

  “They would’ve said something. Maybe Janine and Georgie, but why wouldn’t they have told me?”

  “Don’t know. Don’t care. They’re gonna come in handy, the way this guy goes through them. I had no idea something so small could produce so much poop.”

  Sugar laughed as she handed Fox back to Cookie. “I’ll ask around the diner.”

  “After you make the call.”

  After she made the call.

  “You hungry, Rickie? ’Cause I gotta warn you, I’m not much of a cook, but I do know some great places to eat.”

  “Oh, I don’t expect you to cook for me, Mr. Mitchell. My mom taught me a few basics in the kitchen, and I picked up more from my big sister. She and her husband have their own restaurant back home. And my oldest brother, he’s always running the grill when we have family parties. My dad burns pretty much anything he touches, so my mom don’t let him cook much. My brothers think he does it on purpose so he never has to help, but I think he really just can’t cook, and he doesn’t want to admit there’s something he can’t do.”

  RJ grinned and let Rickie run at the mouth. The kid was good at that. RJ didn’t know if Rickie was nervous or this was just how he was all the time. Not that it mattered. The kid was too damn nice and so stinking funny that RJ let him go.

  It was nice to hear someone’s voice other than his own. Since he’d walked out of Sugar’s apartment last week, he hadn’t been back to The Brig to eat. Hadn’t wanted to run into her or cause her any added stress. Or have her ask if he was the one sending the unexpected supplies.

  As far as he knew, she didn’t know who was sending them, though she had to be suspicious. Whatever she thought, she hadn’t called or texted to confront him so that was good.

  He’d thrown himself into training, with training camp only a couple weeks away. He needed to be in shape for the start of the season in October and the preseason games would be here before he realized.

  That didn’t mean he didn’t think about her. Every day. All the time.

  The owner of the iceplex had called to thank him for pointing Sugar in her direction and told him she’d taken the job and would start next Monday. He’d wanted to call Sugar and congratulate her. He’d told her he’d give her space but, damn it, it was so goddamn hard when all he wanted to do was tell her she and her sister and the baby would be moving in with him.

  “Mr. Mitchell?”

  Damn, he’d totally zoned out on Rickie.

  “Sorry. My mind wandered for a minute. So, you wanna get something to eat?”

  “Sure.”

  “And Rickie, I was serious. Call me RJ. Mr. Mitchell is my dad.”

  The kid grinned wide as RJ pulled into a spot down the street from the diner. “Yes, sir.”

  RJ mock groaned. “Rickie, you’re killing me. I’m not that much older than you.”

  “Of course. I just… I mean, it’s just, I was raised
to respect my—”

  “Say it and you’re walking back to my apartment.”

  RJ turned off the car and sliced a glare at Rickie, whose wide smile made RJ shake his head. It was impossible not to be ensnared in the kid’s enthusiasm. From the moment RJ had picked him up at the airport, Rickie had practically vibrated out of his skin with excitement.

  He got it. He did. He remembered his first rookie camp. He wasn’t sure he’d slept the entire week. Even as he’d been driving to the airport, he hadn’t been sure this was a good idea. He’d managed to keep his foul mood from infecting the kids at camp, but he’d basically become a hermit. He worked out, he skated, he ate dinner, he watched tv, he went to bed. And dreamed of Sugar.

  “Are we eating cheesesteaks?”

  “If that’s what you want, that’s what Georgie’ll make you. Best food in the city.”

  “Great! I’m starving.”

  RJ grabbed the gift bag from the backseat, a tiny little one-piece deal with the Colonials logo on the front and the words “Newest member of the Colony.” This was the first official gift he’d give the baby. The others were his probably-not-so-sneaky attempt at giving her a hand without shoving it in her face.

  Gift in hand, he led Rickie to the door of The Brig. And of course, the first person he saw was Sugar.

  She literally stood two feet from the door. Her eyes widened and she froze, staring up at him with her lips parted.

  She looked tired. He wanted to reach across the divide and stroke his hand down her cheek, steal a kiss, and wrap his arms around her.

  Instead, he said, “Hello, Sugar. Can we get a table?”

  She blinked. “Sure. Of course. Take your pick. I’ll, uh, send someone over to wait on you.”

  He thought about sitting at one of her tables but figured she’d send another waitress anyway. So he led Rickie across the room from his normal table. It felt weird. Hell, not getting a smile from Sugar felt weird but, damn it, he needed to take this slow and not screw it up.

  “I thought you were gonna take me to some fancy restaurant.” Rickie grinned as they slid into opposite sides of the booth. “This is so much better.”

  “Not really into that kind of food. Besides, Georgie makes the best meatloaf in the world.”

  “Now that’s the kind of compliment I like to hear. Been a while.”

  “Hey, Georgie.” RJ nodded to the owner, who’d appeared at their table. “I’ve been busy.” He couldn’t help but slide a glance at Sugar. “I want you to meet Rickie. Rickie Prescott, Georgie Miller. This is her place.”

  Rickie stood and held out his hand. “Ma’am. Nice to meet you.”

  George took his outstretched hand, her expression serious as a heart attack. “You too, Rickie. You’re the new draft pick, right?” Then she rattled off his stats, making Rickie’s eyes widen. “Impressive numbers. You’re gonna be a great addition to the team.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Are you a fan?”

  “Some of our favorite customers happen to play hockey, so yeah, we’re fans. Now, you sit down, and I’ll send a waitress over. Nice to meet you. And it’s good to see you again, RJ.”

  While he tried not to follow Sugar’s every move, he talked to Rickie, learned more about the kid’s family and friends, and talked about their shared love of hockey. It was close to eight at night and the crowd was light. Their food had just been delivered when Rickie popped off his seat and headed for the front door.

  “Thank you so much. I’m still getting the hang of maneuvering the stroller. I swear it’s worse than driving a car.”

  “No problem. You want me to fold that up for you? My sister has one of those.”

  Sugar’s sister reached down and picked up the baby. “You would be my hero.”

  While Rickie folded up the stroller, Cookie looked around the room and stopped when she spied RJ. With a grin on her face, she made her way over to the table, after looking around the diner, probably for Sugar, who was nowhere to be seen.

  RJ stood before she got there. “Cookie, right? How are you?”

  “A lot better than the last time you saw me.” She turned so RJ could see the baby in her arms. Yep, looked like a baby, with dark hair and perfect skin and tiny nose and lips. “This is Fox. I really want to thank you for taking us to the hospital that night. I don’t know what we would’ve done without your help.”

  “Not a problem. Can you sit for a few minutes? I have something for the baby.”

  Cookie’s grin, an exact replica of her sister’s, made him long for Sugar to smile at him again.

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “It’s just a little something.”

  He grabbed the bag from the bench and handed it to her. Then shook his head. “Can I hold him for you?”

  Another smile, this one a little softer. “Sure. Thanks.”

  She put the baby in his arms and everything around him disappeared. So much responsibility in such a tiny package. It made him instantly want to shield the baby from any harm.

  “I think he’s pretty special, too.”

  RJ smiled at Cookie as she slid into the booth, the little bag in her hand, leaving RJ to sit on the end with the sleeping baby.

  “He’s beautiful. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you. And, oh my god, this is adorable!”

  “Glad you like it.”

  “And it should fit him just in time for the season to start.” Cookie looked over his shoulder before she looked back at him.

  “She misses you and I’m worried she’s giving up on your relationship. What are you going to do about it?”

  He didn’t pretend to misunderstand her. “I’m not sure yet. Got any suggestions?”

  “Well, I think you’re doing okay with the gifts so far. And I don’t mean this.” She shook the little outfit. “I don’t think she figured it out until, like, a day ago. The diapers were good. Anybody could’ve sent those. And the grocery delivery. Don’t know how you manage to get them all delivered without a receipt but, man, you’re good.”

  He didn’t nod, didn’t smile, didn’t acknowledge that she’d figured out that he was sending the deliveries. He considered it a win that Sugar hadn’t called him out on it yet.

  “So what are you going to do for an encore?”

  Honestly, he didn’t know. He’d been thinking it over but hadn’t come up with anything that didn’t end up with Sugar pushing him farther away.

  As if she could read his mind, Cookie leaned forward a little.

  “The baby stuff’s great but don’t let her forget you’re hot for her.”

  It was a good thing Sugar didn’t have a tray in her hands as she stepped out of the kitchen.

  Seeing RJ hold Fox might’ve made her drop it.

  As it was, her lungs seized and her heart leaped into her throat. And every reason she’d had for telling this man she didn’t need him drowned under a flood of hormones telling her to drag him back to her apartment and tie him to her bed.

  Luckily, that little sarcastic voice in her head was there to set her straight.

  Sure, show everyone how responsible you are. Just let him take over. Let him spend his money. Then you’ll be just like his old girlfriend. That’s what he wants, right?

  Ugh.

  “Sugar, come look what RJ brought. Isn’t it adorable? Fox is gonna look so cute watching the games.”

  Since it was slow, and it’d be rude to outright ignore her sister, Sugar walked over to the table. Her traitorous heart flipped, but she attributed that to being tired.

  As Cookie waved the cutest little pair of pajamas in Colonial colors at her, Sugar couldn’t help but smile.

  She had to swallow before she could say, “That’s sweet of you, RJ. Thank you.”

  “Gotta grow fans young, right, Rickie?”

  “Uh, yeah?”

  The young guy with RJ was obviously another hockey player. Big and muscled but still young enough to be considered a kid.

  “Rickie, this is my
sister, Sugar.” Cookie covered a yawn. “Ugh. Sorry. Existing on a few hours of sleep every night is starting to catch up with me. So I’m gonna take the little guy here and head up to bed. Thanks again for the gift, RJ. It’s very cool.”

  RJ slid out of the booth and handed over the baby when Cookie stood and reached for him. Then her sister gave her the look. “Don’t let me sleep tonight, Sugar. You need to get some rest, too.”

  Then Cookie left, and Sugar and RJ stood looking at each other, only a couple of inches separating them. She was exhausted, and she knew it showed on her face in the dark circles under her eyes that not even makeup could hide completely.

  He probably figured he was glad to have dodged a bullet when she told him she couldn’t see him anymore. And since he hadn’t even attempted to contact her in the past week, she assumed it really was over between them. And now here he stood, staring at her like they’d never shared a bed and he’d made her cry out his name as she came.

  “You okay, Sugar?”

  Shaking her head, mainly to stop her brain from telling her how stupid she was to still be lusting over him, she took a step back. “Sure. I’m fine. Thank you for the gift.”

  He nodded, his gaze taking her in from head to toe and back again. “Not a problem. How are you and Cookie getting along with the baby?”

  “It’s been great. An adjustment, but he’s amazing.” Absolutely true. “We’re both just a little tired. I’ve got to get back to work. Your food’ll be up soon. Have a good night.”

  She certainly wouldn’t. Which proved to be true an hour later, when she dropped a full tray of dirty dishes. Luckily, RJ and Rickie had left by then and there was only one customer in the diner, and he was in the midst of paying.

  Georgie walked out of the kitchen, just as she picked up the tray.

  “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what happened. I’ll pay—”

  “Stop right there.” Georgie took the tray out of her hands and set it on the counter then led her to a seat at the counter. “We need to talk.”

  Sugar’s eyes widened at the tone in Georgie’s voice.

  “Now, don’t look at me like that. I’m not firing you. But you need to make some changes or you’re going to burn out and not be any help to anyone. Sometimes, you need to ask for help.”