Deadlines & Red Lines: Fast Ice Sports Romance

by Stephanie Julian

  “I so appreciate everything you’ve done for us—”

  “I’m not talking about me and Janine. Have you called your parents yet?”

  Sugar’s immediate grimace was all the answer Georgie needed.

  “That’s what I thought. Look, I consider you more than an employee, you know that, right? And I truly believe everyone is entitled to their privacy. But some things you just can’t do on your own. Besides, I think if I had children and they didn’t tell me I was a grandparent, I’d feel like I’d been shot through the gut. Everyone needs help sometimes. You’re lucky you’ve got people willing to give you a hand.”

  Georgie’s words followed Sugar all the way back to her apartment. Opening the door as quietly as she could, she found Cookie asleep on the couch with Fox in his carrier on the floor in front of her. The TV was on, but the sound was muted. They’d found he slept better in the carrier. Sometimes. They were still figuring out this whole baby thing. And, so far, they seemed to be doing okay.

  But Georgie’s comment about their parents had struck deep.

  “Sugar?” Cookie pitched her voice low so she didn’t wake the baby. “Everything okay?”

  Sugar shook her head. She couldn’t catch her breath and she couldn’t find the words she needed to use.

  “I think I fucked up.”

  Yawning, Cookie sat up on the couch, shaking her hair out of her face. “About RJ? Yeah. Gotta agree on that one. You need to—”

  “Not just RJ. But yeah. Him too. We need to call Mom and Dad.”

  Cookie’s brows arched. “Do we have to?”

  “Yes. They’re going to be hurt, and that’s my fault. We should’ve—”

  “No. This isn’t all on you.” Cookie’s tone held a hard note. “If I’d wanted to call, I would have. I just…don’t know what to say. Did something happen after I left? Is everything okay? Did RJ tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  Cookie’s nose wrinkled, a sure sign she was about to lie. “Nothing. Not important right now. I know we should call Mom and Dad. I’ve known since the minute we left the hospital. I just don’t know what to say.”

  Sugar sat next to her sister on the couch and grabbed her hand. “We’ll do it together. We’ll figure it out.”

  “I know. But what about RJ? I don’t think you want me to be on that call.”

  “I’m not sure it would matter. He didn’t seem too thrilled to see me earlier.”

  “Well, you did kinda dump him for your pregnant sister. But, seriously, you honestly don’t know where the diapers and the groceries and that case of baby wipes came from?”

  Sugar had had her suspicions, but there’d been so much more to think about. Working eight to ten hours every day while helping Cookie with the baby had been more of a strain than she’d expected. Honestly, she hadn’t known what to expect, and that had frustrated her to the point of tears. But she couldn’t tell Cookie that because her sister had just had the baby and needed her to be strong.

  “Did he tell you he sent them?”

  Cookie rolled her tired eyes. “Of course not. You basically told him you didn’t want anything to do with him and that he should butt out.”

  “I don’t know how to fix that.”

  “You will. I have faith. Now go get some sleep while you can because this little guy is going to be screaming his head off in about two hours. Tomorrow, we’ll suck it up and call Mom and Dad. Love you, Shug.”

  “Love you too.”

  “Cookie, they’re here. And they brought everyone. And I mean everyone.”

  Looking out the window onto the street in front of their house late Friday morning, Sugar watched as her parents’ SUV disgorged people like a clown car. Their parents, three sisters, and, amazingly, two aunts, one from each side of the family.

  Cookie stepped up to the window and huffed. “Damn, forgot Aunt Rose and Aunt Josephine were staying with them this summer. This should be fun.”

  The bell rang, and she and Cookie both sighed at the exact same time. Then they laughed as Sugar pressed the button to let the horde in.

  She wondered if Sun and Carlos thought the building was being invaded, they were so loud. If only they’d be so lucky. This might be worse.

  A deep breath and Sugar opened the door just as her youngest sister, Taffy, hit the top step.

  “Sugar!”

  Her voice reverberated off the walls of the short hall, but all Sugar saw was the sheer joy on her youngest sister’s face as she ran toward her. Fifteen, tiny, and covered in freckles from head to toe, Taffy threw herself at Sugar and hugged her so tight, Sugar thought she’d crack a few ribs, but she didn’t tell her sister to stop.

  “I missed you! I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever. I’m so glad to see you—Cookie!”

  And for the next ten minutes, Sugar felt like she was inside that clown car as she hustled everyone inside the apartment, praying their neighbors forgave them for the chaos that ensued. Nine people talking over each other and at each other. Her mom, who’d commandeered the baby the second she walked through the door, cooing at Fox, her dad talking to her aunts, who were alternately cross-examining Cookie and trying to get their hands on the baby, and her sisters holding multiple conversations with everyone.

  It was almost enough to make Sugar homesick.

  Almost.

  For fifteen minutes, she watched from the perimeter, not really participating because no one was there to see her. But then her mom handed the baby over to the aunts and began looking around the room until she found Sugar.

  She’d never seen that look on her mom’s face before, and she had no idea what it meant. What she did understand was the head nod toward the door. Mom wanted to talk.

  Sugar and her mom slipped out the door without anyone noticing. Standing in the hall, Sugar expected her mom to be pissed. Hurt. Upset.

  “How are you, Sugar baby?”

  The pet name her parents had used as a child knocked a chink out of the wall she’d built around her heart since the moment she and Cookie had called home. As did the smile on her mom’s face. It was…apologetic.

  “I’m fine. I am sorry we didn’t call soon—”

  “Your dad and I didn’t make it easy for you, did we?”

  The question was so far out of left field that Sugar frowned as her brain tried to formulate a response. Before she could, her mom continued.

  “We’re really very proud of you, you know. I don’t think we’ve ever told you that. You’re strong and smart. You’re also stubborn and headstrong, but I guess that’s what kept you going all this time.”

  “Mom, what—”

  “You never asked for much. But we should’ve known better and I’m sorry. You were always a better parent to your sisters than we were, and we took advantage of that.”

  Since it was true, Sugar shrugged, uncomfortable with the direction her mom was taking the conversation. She didn’t want or need a true confessions moment. Didn’t want to have to tell her mom she forgave her faults and absolved her of all wrongdoing. She’d grown up, moved out, moved on. It didn’t mean anything now.

  “But, sweetheart, you get to have a life, too.”

  “I have a life. Here. And Cookie and I will be fine—”

  “We’re going to take her home with us, if she wants to come.”

  Sugar blinked, feeling like her mom had ripped the floor out from under her feet.

  “You’re twenty-three, Sugar baby. You have your own life to live. We’ll help Cookie get on her feet and figure out what comes next.”

  “But…we don’t need help.”

  “Everybody needs help. I had you.” Her mom’s smile was an exact replica of Cookie’s. And Sugar’s. “It’s time for us to return the favor. Though it’s not really a favor. This is what parents are supposed to do. Take care of their children.”

  “We’re doing fine on our own.”

  “Cookie mentioned that you’ve been seeing someone. Don’t you want more time to—”
<
br />   “We’re not dating anymore.” Sugar’s head started to spin at the left turn the conversation had taken. “It’s not—”

  “Does the fact that you’re working three jobs and taking care of your sister and her newborn have anything to do with that?”

  “No. It just wasn’t going to work out.”

  Her mom didn’t respond right away, but Sugar could tell she was formulating a reply. Probably something Sugar didn’t want to hear.

  “Why don’t we—”

  “Honey, you can’t keep everyone at arms’ distance. Everybody needs somebody.”

  “That’s not what happened.”

  “So you didn’t get along?”

  She shrugged, wanting this conversation to be over. Right now.

  “Or you did get along, but it got too hard?”

  “You don’t know anything about it.”

  “But I know you, Sugar, better than you think I do. Not every man is going to break your heart like Bobby did. And taking on more responsibility isn’t a substitute for a relationship.”

  Every word her mom said knocked another stone out of that wall, each stone landing like a blow.

  Her mom laughed ruefully, shaking her head. “You forget I have a master’s degree in psychology.” Her mom wrapped her in a hug, which melted a little more of that wall. “You’re only twenty-three. You deserve to have a life. Just something to think about. Now, we should go back in before your dad realizes we’re gone and wants to add his two cents. The man is much better with engines than he is with people.”

  “Wasn’t sure you’d come.” Brody raised an eyebrow at him as he watched RJ slide into their usual booth at The Brig. “Thought about suggesting we meet somewhere else, but I figured you’re an adult. You can handle it.”

  Yep, that was him. “It’s fine. We’re good. I saw her a couple days ago. No fireworks. Besides, she started that new job at the ice complex today. Doubt she’s working here tonight.”

  At least, he hoped she wasn’t. He didn’t want her to think he was stalking her. Even though he might be.

  “You would be right. She’s not here. So how’ve you been?”

  Honestly, he sucked. He missed Sugar. Missed talking to her, missed seeing her. Missed kissing her and having her in his bed.

  “I’m good.”

  “No, you’re not. You look like shit and you’re grumpy.”

  “Says the King of Bad Moods. I’m fine, Brody. Let it go.”

  Picking up the menu he didn’t need, RJ let his gaze drift over it, because if he didn’t, he’d bite Brody’s head off. And that wouldn’t be fair. This was just Brody being Brody. He should be used to it after twenty-eight years.

  “Yeah, right. If it was me running around looking like I’d run over my best friend and killed him a few times, you’d be all over my ass. So you can thank me later.”

  RJ didn’t even bother to look up. “Thank you for what?”

  “For lying to get you here. Don’t take it all out on me, though. Tara was in on it too.”

  Brody slid out of the booth, making RJ scowl up at him. But the scowl dismantled in seconds when he saw Sugar walking through the door. She spotted him immediately, her lips parted in surprise. Then she blinked and flashed a look at Brody that promised retribution.

  Still, she didn’t look pissed. So that was a good start.

  Whatever Brody had done to get her here, RJ would definitely thank him later.

  His heart started to pound as she crossed the room, giving Brody an elbow in the side as he passed her. Brody just laughed and walked out the door. At eight o’clock on a Monday night, the diner set to close in an hour, there were only two other couples in the place.

  He wouldn’t have cared if it’d been standing room and everyone was staring at them. He only had eyes for Sugar.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi.”

  He was so damn happy to see her, he just stood there, staring down at her for several seconds before he realized how ridiculous they probably looked.

  “You wanna sit?”

  Surprisingly, she smiled, a slow, kind of shy curve of her lips. And that tiny kernel of hope in his heart began to explode.

  “Sure. If you don’t mind.”

  “Apparently I’m not meeting my brother for food, so no, I don’t mind.”

  “Isn’t Rickie with you?”

  “No. He’s going out with a few of the other guys for dinner and to hang out and do whatever eighteen-year-olds do nowadays. He’ll be back at my place by eleven.”

  As she slid into the booth opposite him, he let his gaze rake over her. She wore blue pants and a plain white shirt, a little makeup that made her eyes bigger and greener than they already were, a thin gold chain around her neck and gold hoops in her ears. He didn’t know that he’d ever seen her wear jewelry before, which was a strange observation to make now.

  “You started at the ice complex today, right?”

  Nodding, she began to twist her hands together on the tabletop before making a conscious effort to stop. “Yeah. I want to thank—”

  “No. You don’t have to. I told you before, I wouldn’t have recommended you if I didn’t think you were right for the job.”

  Her lips curved in a quick smile before it disappeared. “I know that now. I’m sorry I didn’t believe in you before. I just…had some issues to work through.”

  The tone of her voice made his lungs tighten a little more with anticipation. Even though he knew he shouldn’t get his hopes up.

  “How are Cookie and the baby?”

  “Good. They left Saturday to go home with my parents.” His arched eyebrows made her nose wrinkle. “It’s the best thing for Cookie and the baby right now. And for me. Especially starting this new job and taking a couple of credits toward my degree this fall.”

  “Sounds like you’re going to be busy.”

  He needed to bring his expectations back under control. Even if he’d already started planning how he was going to win her back eventually. He may be fast on ice, but if she needed him to take it slow, he’d put on the brakes.

  “I am. But this is a good kind of busy.”

  She looked happy, happier than the last time he’d seen her. Which was great. That’s what he wanted for her, right?

  Then take a step back and let her be happy.

  “Good.” What the hell else should he say? She looked like she was waiting for something, though. Or maybe she was just looking for an opening to leave.

  “You start training camp next week, right?”

  She wanted to do small talk? Okay, as long as she sat across from him and let him stare at her, he could do small talk.

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you looking forward to it?”

  “Yeah.” Do you want her to leave? Jesus, you’re not normally this much of an asshole. “I’m always excited for a new season to start. I’m ready to get on the ice and play.”

  “I guess you’ll be pretty busy.”

  “Yeah.” Fuck it. “Would you like to come to the first game? I’ll get you tickets. You can sit in the arena or in the family box.”

  When she didn’t decline right away, he studied her closer. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes a little wide, and she was constantly worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. Nervous? Or anxious to get away? Damn it, he was gonna smack Brody for putting her in this position.

  He shook his head, gaze slicing away. “Hey, sorry, I don’t—”

  “Yes. I would love to come to the game.”

  His gaze arrowed back to hers. The blush on her cheeks had gotten a little deeper, but the look in her eyes was…encouraging. Hopeful.

  “Great. That’s great.”

  “Great.”

  Hell. Just ask. “Would you like to go to dinner after the game?”

  Her lips curved in a quick smile. “Sure.”

  Don’t push.

  “Would you like to go to dinner tomorrow?”

  Her gaze dropped for a second. “I can’t tomorrow
. I’m still picking up a few shifts here and at Breyers, just until I’m sure this job is working out. I need to do this on my own.”

  No, she didn’t. He wanted to tell her that, to make her understand that he wouldn’t let her hand out to dry on her own. That he’d be here for her. But he also knew he couldn’t push her. IF he pushed, she’d run. She’d done it already.

  “I’m sure you’re going to be great at it. But I understand.”

  Guess he’d be eating here for the foreseeable future.

  He’d give her as much time and space as she needed, even if it took all freaking season.

  “Sugar, when are you going to put that poor guy out of his misery? He’s been here every night, just waiting to get a glimpse of you.”

  Sugar tied her apron around her waist Monday night as she raised an eyebrow at Anika.

  “He comes here to eat after training camp. Not to talk to me.”

  Anika gave her a look. “Uh huh. You just keep thinking that.”

  Sugar was beginning to think maybe RJ was getting over her. She’d been running herself into the ground all last week, working all day learning the ropes at the ice complex then putting in a few hours every night either here at The Brig or at Breyers. She hadn’t wanted to leave anyone short-handed. Her boss at Breyers had hired a new waitress, so Sugar’s final night there had been last week.

  She’d thought about calling RJ Saturday, asking if he wanted to get together, but she’d been behind on schoolwork and had needed to catch up on that during the hours she wasn’t working here.

  And of course, the Colonials training camp had started last week, so RJ had been just as busy.

  But Anika was right. He’d been here every night. And he always had a smile for her. Never overtly sexy but still hot enough to make her thighs clench.

  She missed him. Missed knowing she could kiss him or touch him whenever she wanted. She didn’t have that right anymore. But every night alone in bed, she realized she wanted to be able to touch his hand or pull him down to kiss him.

  As if he was truly hers.

  And yet…

  Looking out the passthrough to the dining room, she could just barely see his shoulder.