by Alley Ciz
Carlee waved from her yellow inner tube. “Jake! Jake! You have to watch me, Jordan taught me how to do a front flick.”
“It’s front flip sweetie but don’t do anything until I’m there,” Jordan called from the pool.
Jake’s heart skipped a beat and his breath caught as he watched her dunk her head in the pool to fix her hair, before she pulled herself up over the ledge of the pool. He couldn’t look away from the sight in front of him. Her body was impeccable, all toned muscles and curves. With her bright pink string bikini wet from the pool it clung to her body in all the right places making him think all the wrong things. Stop it, Jake. She’s your best friends’ sister. They would kill you if they knew you were picturing their sister naked.
He watched her help Carlee out of the pool. The bond the two already had made his heart warm. Carlee had never taken to anyone so quickly, if he wasn’t there to witness it himself, he would have never believed it.
“Ok, sweetie, watch Sean do it first and just remember what I told you and you’ll be great.”
Carlee hugged Jordan and ran to join Sean by the diving board.
He watched Jordan flip her head over to shake out her hair, then pull a towel across her shoulders. “Hey Jake.” Jordan said as she sat on the lounge chair next to him.
With his mind in the gutter, he was slow to respond to Jordan’s greeting. It wasn’t until she bumped her shoulder into his, the sudden contact sending a shock through his body and out his toes, did his brain catch up.
“Jake, are you ok?”
When he looked up he could see concern on her face.
“Huh? Oh yeah I’m fine just spaced out. You know how it is when you only get five hours of sleep.”
She smiled. “Wow five hours you’re lucky. I only got two.” She turned her attention back to the pool.
“Why? You and Skye left at least an hour and half before we did.”
“Yeah but that’s when all the fun began. We hadn’t seen each other in over a month and we’ve never gone that long without seeing each other, that’s a lot of time to make up for. Plus our friend Maddey came up to bring me Navy. With our foursome complete we didn’t go to bed until around seven and then I was up at nine so I could come here. We’re totally insane,” she said with a laugh.
Carlee was getting impatient. “Jake you’re not watching!”
He looked over at his sister and saw her standing with her hands on her hips and tapping her foot. “Sorry honey. Ok I’m all set show me your stuff.”
The excitement radiated off Carlee. When she wanted someone’s attention, she always got it. She surely was going to be a heartbreaker.
“Ok but first Sean has to go and then me.”
Jake watched the kids do front flips off the diving board, then turned to face Jordan again. “That’s amazing,” his voice was filled with pride. “How did you get her to learn that so fast?”
She smiled at his compliment. “It was easy. She’s a fast learner. Kids their age have no fear and that’s usually the biggest obstacle.”
Navy raced into the backyard and jumped on Jake. He pushed him onto his back with his front paws and started licking his face.
Jordan tried to push the big dog down without much luck. “Navy, stop that. Get down you big lug.”
Jake sat up and used Jordan’s towel to wipe the dog drool off his face. “Why is his name Navy?”
Jordan turned her attention back to the kids in the pool. “It’s short for Navy SEAL.”
His brows went up in confusion. “What? Why Navy SEAL?”
“Because he protects me and nothing’s tougher than a Navy SEAL.” The dog wagged his tail as she scratched behind his ears.
“It sure is unique.”
“Yeah. Maddey had the idea. Her brothers are SEALs and I thought it was perfect.”
Their conversation came to an abrupt end when the two were drenched by Navy jumping into the pool. Following his lead, the two joined in.
Jordan spent the morning playing with her younger brother and Carlee. The two reminded her of how she and Skye were at that age. Being a twin, she always had a built in best friend with Jase, but when she met Skye they took an instant liking to each other, much the same way.
After teaching the kids how to flip off the diving board she took a break for another cup of coffee. The tikes had energy to spare, making her grateful for her second wind. A nap would have been in order if she hadn’t missed her brother so much.
The lack of sleep was a small price to pay for a night with her three besties. While in Florida, they kept in touch by group text and video chats, but it wasn’t the same as hearing their stories in person. The biggest adjustment to the move home was going to be not having her three best friends for roommates anymore.
She spent the night listening to their stories about all the “Mr. Right Nows” they had gone after. She was happy to note her suspicions about Skye and Tucker were spot on. Surprisingly, Sammy was the first of them to find someone more permanent, since he was the biggest flirt of them all.
Coffee finished, she placed her cup on the table, jumped in the pool, and snagged the pizza slice float to lay on.
“So did you guys know I’m going to be your new swim instructor?”
“Really?” Sean asked.
“Yup. Skye gave me our work schedule yesterday and I get your class.”
“Awesome!”
“You teach swimming?” Carlee spun in her yellow inner tube.
“Yup. For a long time, too.”
“Are you fast?”
“She’s the best. She beats Ry and Jase all the time when they race,” Sean boasted.
“Really? How? They are so much bigger than you.” Carlee asked with wide eyed amazement.
Jordan laughed. “You know how my brothers and Jake are so good at hockey they play for school?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I swim for the school.”
“Whoa,” Carlee’s eyes went wide, “you must be really fast. Are you a mermaid?”
“I wish.” She sighed.
“Can you teach me to beat Jake?”
“I’ll do my best sweetie.”
As much fun as she had earlier playing with the kids, it was infinitely more enjoyable now Jake had joined them. When he first walked into the backyard she damn near swallowed her tongue. The way his damp t-shirt clung to his muscles earlier did not do justice to the masterpiece that lay beneath. Her eyes devoured the width of his shoulders and strong pecs, tracing each bump of his defined six pack. His orange and black hibiscus flower board shorts hung off his hips to reveal deep V-cuts. Her fingers itched to trace each bump and groove. Luckily she was able to fight back the urge.
She was grateful for the distraction the kids provided from her lust filled thoughts. I seriously need to find myself a date.
She sat on the steps in the shallow end of the pool as she watched Jake toss Sean and Carlee in the air. She was impressed by the stamina he displayed with their repetitive requests for again and again. She guessed he finally needed a break when he swam over to join her on the steps.
“That was more of a workout than earlier. Damn those kids are relentless.” She watched his gorgeous chest expand as he took a deep breath.
“You’re telling me. I’m kind of jealous actually,” she leaned back to rest on her elbows. “So what did my slave driver of a brother have you guys working on today? I know you guys don’t officially start practice until school starts.”
“He’s not that bad,” he said with a laugh. “All workouts and drills are optional. Your brother has some serious skills. He’s got a ton of pro scouts coming to see him play.”
Jordan smiled. She was immensely proud of Ryan. For most of his life he possessed a natural ability on ice. By the time he was in high school, there was no doubt he would play professionally. At the collegiate level he shined but she knew he worked extremely hard.
“Yeah he’s had people watching him play since high school. Let me guess�
� he works in the off season with those he thinks can also go pro.”
“How’d you know?” Jake mirrored her posture.
“He did the same thing in high school. His entire line and Jase’s line the following year all received full rides to D1 schools. He used to say, just because he was the reason for them coming to the games didn’t mean they couldn’t also appreciate anyone else who deserved recognition.”
“Yup that’s the party line,” he nodded in agreement.
“What’s the focus for you?”
“Glove saves mostly.”
Jordan took a moment to think. She knew her older brother’s coaching style but goalie training was not his specialty. Jake wasn’t aware that she could help, thanks to her godfather. “Have you ever tried playing ping pong or tennis?”
“Huh?” It was clear he couldn’t see how they connected.
“Tennis is good because the quickness and movement from side to side is similar to how you move on the ice. Ping pong is good to focus training on your non-dominate hand.”
“That’s brilliant. How do you know that?”
Before she could answer, her cell phone rang. Based on the ring tone so knew it was one of her besties. She made her way out of the pool to answer.
“Hey, Skye.”
“Hey girl. Want any help unpacking?”
“Oh my god, I love you so much.”
“I know. I’ll be there in a few with a large iced coffee, I just left Dunkin.”
“Seriously, I love you. I would turn gay for you.”
Skye’s laughter was so loud she had to pull the phone away from her ear. “Ditto. Too bad we like guys too much.”
In typical Skye fashion she hung up without saying goodbye.
Jordan grabbed a towel, wrapped it around her body, and sat on a lounge chair. She smiled when Jake climbed out of the pool to join her.
“Was your ringtone “Let’s Go to the Mall” from How I Met Your Mother?”
“You like How I Met Your Mother?”
“Love it.”
She smiled. It was one of her favorite shows and she could quote most episodes. Knowing her ringtone meant he was equally familiar with the show.
“Hey girl, this house is amazing.” Skye said walking into the backyard.
“Wait until you see my new room. I swear half our old apartment could fit in it.” She reached to take the iced coffee Skye handed her.
“Nice. Hey Jake, fancy seeing you here.”
“Hey Skye.”
“Skye!” Sean yelled from the pool.
“Hey squirt.”
Mrs. Donnelly came out shortly after to watch the kids, allowing Jordan and Skye to head inside and Jake to go home. Jordan looked around her room. The furniture was already setup but tons of boxes waited to be unpacked.
“Give me five minutes to rinse off,” she said grabbing clean clothes out of her duffel.
“No worries. I’ll start hanging stuff for you.” Skye searched for the correct boxes.
Bruno Mars blared through the speakers when Jordan emerged from the bathroom. Skye hung three boxes worth of clothes by the time she finished.
“You are the most efficient person I know. It’s one of the things I love about you.” Jordan pointed to the clothes stacked on her bed.
“You know I don’t like wasting time.”
“You mean like you didn’t waste any time lining up Tucker as your booty call?” She countered, lifting a shapely brow in question.
“Oh, you mean like you already hanging out with Jake?” Skye tossed back.
“Point taken. However, that wasn’t my doing.”
“Maybe not but you can’t deny the perk. And he’s hot.”
“Doesn’t matter how hot he is. You know I can’t be more than friends with him.”
“Do you honestly think your brothers will hold you to the promise you made two years ago?”
“You know it’s not that simple.” She stopped unpacking to focus her undivided attention on her best friend. “The whole Tommy situation almost broke the team. They were terrible that following year. It pulled their focus. Ry and Jase have a serious chance to play in the NHL. I can’t be the reason that doesn’t happen.”
“I get it. I really do.” Skye reached out a hand in comfort.
“Do you want to know the worst part of it all?”
“You mean other than what he looks like in a bathing suit?”
She gave Skye her best don’t be stupid look. “I’m serious.”
“Ok, tell me.”
“He likes How I Met Your Mother, like ‘knew your ringtone was from it’ likes it.”
“Impressive.”
“And he told me his hockey mask has Optimus Prime on it.”
“Wow, he sounds perfect for you.”
“I know.”
Chapter Five
Cold.
Petrified and shaking.
She was hidden but for how long? She had no idea. The sound of breaking glass could be heard along with his psychotic ranting. She was all alone.
“Jordan, sweetness, where are you? Come out come out wherever you are. I’m gonna find you.”
She looked around the closet for anything she could use as a weapon but she didn’t have much to work with. She was trying to think of different ways she could escape but just then the closet door swung open and he grabbed her.
Jordan woke with a jolt. Her scream and heavy breathing had Navy lifting his head from his side of her king size bed. Okay, good, it was just a dream. She scratched Navy behind the ears. “Good boy. It’s okay.”
She wasn’t sure why the nightmares were back. Months had passed since the last time she’d had one.
Glancing around her new room she smiled to herself. It was perfect and she absolutely loved it. She’d fallen asleep with her balcony doors open. That was her favorite part, the balcony with French doors that opened all the way. She noticed Jake had done the same. Not surprising with the warm summer air.
Of course his room would be across from hers. Their houses weren’t on top of each other. But were close enough to have a conversation across the space if you raised your voice slightly, as she discovered earlier.
More thoughts flooded her mind. She loved how good he was with Carlee and Sean. He was so good looking that is was almost unfair for any one human being to look that good. Whenever he was around, her stomach had butterflies. She could immediately feel his presence all around her. But most of all she loved how his eyes made her feel, they had such compassion in them.
“Ugh this is so unfair.” Dear God, why are you doing this to me? It’s not funny to dangle him in front of me like this when you know I can’t do anything about it.
With a punch to her pillow and a confused look from Navy she decided to take another shot at sleep.
Chapter Six
The alarm rang, waking Jake from his peaceful slumber. It was eight in the morning and time for his morning workout. Not today, maybe I’ll just skip it. Oh what a lovely thought but that’s all it was, a thought. Grudgingly he got up, he knew the early morning was the best part of his day.
Almost a week had gone by since he had spent time with Jordan. He was a little disappointed she didn’t come by the hockey house as much as he thought she would.
The only time he even had a chance to talk to her was when he picked Carlee up from her swim lessons at the community pool. He learned from Carlee that Jordan was her new swim instructor and was impressed with how quickly his sister’s technique was improving. But every morning he knew where to find her—in the pool behind her house for her morning swim.
Jordan would swim for an hour and a half but Jake knew before each swim she would warm up and stretch on the patio. He loved watching that particular scene unfold.
Shortly after they finished their respective workouts, Skye would show up and whisk Jordan away for most of the day, giving him no opportunity to spend time with her. All he needed was ten minutes alone with her to see if she felt anything r
emotely close to how he felt when they were together. With the slightest bit of hope, he would figure a way around the fact she was his friends’ sister. Nothing mattered except the connection he felt and he would be damned if anyone tried to break it.
He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Luckily it was Friday and movie night at the hockey house. Since he was staying over, there would be no blonde distractions for the night.
Or so he thought.
When Jake pulled up to the hockey house he was relieved to be there. He figured a night with the guys would help take his mind off Jordan.
It wasn’t long until that idea was blown to hell. As he got out of his car he saw it, a familiar white Corvette parked across the street. “Shit I can’t win, can I?”
“Talking to yourself dude? That’s not a good sign.” Distracted by the Corvette Jake didn’t see Tucker had pulled up behind him.
He regained control of his emotions, he couldn’t let anyone know how she affected him. “Just thought I forgot my stuff but it’s right here.”
For the past week his usual composed demeanor was nowhere to be found and he knew Tucker could tell something was off.
“Come on, dude,” Tucker slung an arm around Jake’s shoulders. “Let’s get inside. We need to get you out of this funk you’ve been in.”
The guys made their way into the hockey house, breathing deeply as they went. The house smelled delicious. The aroma of garlic and spices filled the air. Jake wondered who was cooking. No one on the team cooked for movie night. Strange. “Hey guys who’s wearing an apron tonight?”
Jake got no response. As he made his way to the breakfast bar in the middle of the kitchen, he saw the seniors and Jase were all crowded around the kitchen.
In the center of all the commotion, giving directions to all the guys, was Jordan.
What is she doing at the hockey house? And cooking dinner?
Jake took in the scene in front of him. The guys each had a station in the kitchen. Ryan handled the pasta, Nick sautéed vegetables, Chris fried chicken, Billy stirred the sauce, Wade cleaned up, Jase set the table, with Jordan giving directions while she moved around to each station.