by Kristen Echo
“They do excellent work at the drop-in center and it’s much needed in the area. Based on our previous conversations, I could see you being a good addition to their team. For selfish reasons, I hope you get the job because it means you’ll be staying here.”
“It’s a strong possibility.” She looked around the small room, hoping a paycheck in the near future would pave the way to something better. “I’m extremely grateful to you.”
“Perfect. That means you’ll say yes to my invitation for lunch. I’d love to have you and Westlyn over again.”
Gwen hesitated. She’d turned down his last invitation. It was one thing to chat over the phone but being up close and personal was different. She wasn’t sure seeing him would be a wise move. “I’d have to ask Wes since we already made plans.”
“You can’t avoid me forever. I’ll send a car to pick you up, and I’ll hold on the line while you discuss it with her.”
She muted the phone and turned to face her daughter. “Spencer invited us over for lunch. It’s okay if you don’t—”
“Yes! I’m starving. Ask him if it’s okay if I bring my bathing suit.” She batted her lashes and pulled her bikini from the top of her bag.
Reluctantly, Gwen unmuted the phone and exhaled. “Sounds good. You don’t have to pick us up. We can take the bus.” She didn’t want to tell him they were living in the motel. “We’re still downtown,” she added.
He insisted on giving them a ride. They argued for several minutes before she caved. Gwen rattled off the address of the motel and said they’d meet him out front.
To her surprise, he wasn’t traveling in the limo. He stepped out of an electric powered SUV, looking polished and every bit like a business mogul should. The light gray suit fit him like a second skin. He loosened the blue tie that matched his eyes as he opened her door.
“You look beautiful,” he said and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you said yes.”
“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she replied, sinking onto the smooth leather. “I said no. Westlyn said yes.”
He opened the back door for Wes and they hugged briefly. “I owe you one, kiddo.” Once he settled into the driver’s seat, he smiled. “Did the interview just finish? I expected you’d be back at Cherie’s.”
“We live here now,” Wes answered, making Gwen cringe. She’d hoped to keep their living situation under wraps.
His brows furrowed. “As in you found a place downtown or you’re staying at this hole in the wall? Why aren’t you at your sister’s anymore?”
“It’s complicated, and I don’t want to talk about it.” Gwen twisted her fingers on her lap. Telling a billionaire she was penniless and living on credit was the epitome of embarrassment.
Silence descended. No one said a word as he drove the car, merging into traffic. As the motel disappeared in the mirror, she breathed easier. Crossing her arms over her chest, she turned towards him.
“How come you were so close?” she asked.
“That isn’t a good neighborhood,” he said, avoiding her question. “By day it seems okay but at night it’s not safe. A motel is no place for the two of you.”
“It’s not that bad,” Wes said, and Spencer’s jaw clenched.
Gwen closed her eyes and listened to his teeth grinding. “The motel is temporary. Cherie and I had a falling out. It was a lot to ask of her and unfair of me to assume we could stay with her. As soon as I get a paycheck, we’ll move somewhere better,” she added.
“I’m turning the car around. Pack your bags and I’ll pay for someplace better,” he offered.
“Don’t you dare turn this car around or we won’t be getting back in,” Gwen snapped. She refused to be his next charity case and wouldn’t take his money. Not a single penny.
“Be reasonable, Gwen.” He pulled the car into the next parking lot and stopped. “Wes shouldn’t be surrounded by drug dealers and gang bangers. Let me help.” His hand landed above her knee. Lines creased his forehead.
“No.”
“Yes,” he countered. “If you won’t let me pay for a hotel, then come stay with me. I’ve got plenty of room. Do it for Wes.”
Her pride was one thing, but her daughter’s safety came first. He knew which string to pull. Damn him. “I can’t and won’t take your money.”
“Then you’ll be staying with me. I won’t let you go back there,” he said, squeezing her leg. “This will be good.”
The offer, his hand on her bare skin and his masculine scent was all too much. Way too much. She couldn’t live with him and not want to rip his clothes off and kiss him everywhere. She looked back at her daughter who nodded for her to accept the accommodations.
“I vote yes,” Wes chimed in.
“We couldn’t impose,” she breathed, glancing back at Spencer.
His blue eyes implored her to accept. “No imposition at all.”
How could she refuse?
“Let me think about it. I’ll give you my answer after we eat.” No matter how much she wanted to say yes, she couldn’t make a rash decision about moving in with her ex. “Where are we going for lunch?”
He smiled, and the lines smoothed on his forehead, making him look years younger. “Caroline and Nicolas are at my place waiting for us. They can’t wait to meet you both.”
“Sounds fun,” she replied as dread sank to the bottom of her stomach.
When they arrived, his offer loomed over her. Like the weight of the world sat on her shoulders. They made their way to the backyard. Introductions went well until he mentioned they would be moving in. He neglected to add temporarily. His announcement surprised her.
His daughter, Caroline, bumped his shoulder. “Moving fast,” she said with a teasing smirk.
Gwen’s mouth fell open, but she couldn’t breathe. “We haven’t finalized anything,” she added quickly. “It would only be until I find an apartment.”
The hockey player, Nico, raised an eyebrow and rubbed his beard. “The rental market is rough. Not many vacancies. You might be here a while.” His stature was intimidating, but his smile and stance were welcoming.
Caroline hugged her husband. “So true,” she added. “But I’m sure dad can pull strings and get you into one of his buildings.”
Gwen shuffled her feet. “I would never ask him to pull strings or—”
Spencer draped an arm over Gwen’s shoulder, pulling her next to him. “Or nothing. You’re here and we’ll talk about what comes next later. We’ve got time to explore the options.”
Everyone seemed pleased about them staying there, except Gwen.
“Can Wes take the room next to mine,” Connie asked?
“That used to be Meagan’s room, but it could work,” Spencer replied. He explained they reserved that room for the full-time caregiver. A position he hadn’t yet filled.
“I love your shirt,” Caroline said to Wes.
The Altered Chords tank top was one of Westlyn’s favorites. “Thank you. I am in love with your music.” She beamed.
Caroline flipped her blonde hair to the side and smiled brightly. She was a beautiful young woman. For the next ten minutes, Wes bombarded her with questions about the band. Caroline offered them backstage passes to their next performance.
“I’d love your autograph too. I don’t have a Nicolas Ivarsson hockey card, but I am a big fan.”
“I’ll get you something from the team,” he offered.
“OMG! I love Winnipeg,” Wes announced.
Gwen couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Wes so vibrant. These people and this place brought her daughter back out of her shell. If she hadn’t wanted to smack Spencer for overstepping his friend role, she could have kissed him. Once again, she pushed those thoughts away.
Lunch with the kids provided a lot of insight into the man behind the Stanley Cup win. They talked about his wife and her mental health problems. How owning the hockey team had saved him. Wes revealed her new struggles with depression. Gwen felt like it was a minor b
reakthrough for her daughter. The open conversation was great until the topic moved to relationships.
“You’re the first woman he’s brought home. Gwen, my dad’s been solo for way too long,” Caroline explained.
“I’ve been focused on work and my kids. It wasn’t a hardship.” Spencer crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m glad to see you moving on.” It was obvious Caroline wanted her father to date again.
All eyes landed on Gwen, including Spencer’s. Apparently, he wasn’t the playboy Gwen assumed him to be. That didn’t mean they should date.
“This isn’t… we’re not.” Gwen cleared her throat and fanned her face. She told everyone she was coming out of a bad breakup and dating was off the table. “Nico, tell me more about what comes after the big win.” The group let her change the subject without protest.
After the meal, they sat by the pool. Gwen dangled her legs over the side, dipping her feet in the lukewarm water. She slid over, finding a sliver of shade. It was a hot day.
“Mom, have you given Spencer your answer?” Wes swam next to her.
She shook her head from side to side, but she knew there was only one suitable outcome. It would only be for a short while. Her daughter splashed water at her and took off towards Connie. She looked so happy playing with her. Gwen hadn’t seen that big toothy smile in a long time. For that reason alone, she would most likely agree.
Spencer sat next to her. “I can see you’re still warring about staying with me. Talk me through your reasons for saying no.”
Their feet touched under the water and sparks shot up her leg. She huffed and shook her head again. There’s no way she could tell him her true reasons. Being near him confused the hell out of her. On one hand, the ache in her chest screamed for her to keep away. But then, she was drawn to him like no one else.
“You know why it’s a bad idea.”
His hand brushed hers as he leaned back. “We’re friends. Right?”
She shifted over, so they were no longer touching. “Maybe we are. Maybe we aren’t. Why do you care where we stay? It’s not like you cared back… we’re not a charity case or a problem for you to fix. I don’t need—”
“As your friend, I’m not trying to be overbearing, but I need you to understand a few things.” He moved closer until their sides were connected. “I’m a problem solver. You need a safe place to sleep and I have available rooms. I want to see you. If you’re here, I have access anytime I want. It’s a win win.”
“Spencer,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Your reasons to stay far outweigh any reason not to. You may as well tell me what I want to hear, otherwise I’ll become a thorn in your side,” he said, poking her rib and making her squeal.
She shifted away again, but he moved with her. “I don’t want to fight with you,” she huffed. “I can see you won’t take no for an answer. So, we’ll accept your very kind offer.” Gwen swallowed her pride for her daughter’s well-being.
“Nico and I have to kick it,” Caroline interrupted. “It was awesome meeting you and Wes.”
Gwen smiled and climbed to her feet. She walked with Caroline and Nico to the back gate. Father and daughter shared a whispered conversation. Nico wasn’t much of a talker, but it was a comfortable silence. Once the kids left, Spencer wrapped her in his arms.
The gesture caught her by surprise and she shifted back, almost falling over. Spencer bent her over and his lips hovered above hers. “I’m glad you’re here and that you’re moving in.”
When he closed his eyes, her pulse accelerated. As his lips neared, a knot twisted in her belly. Like a kiss would be payment for his generosity. Just like the past. She swallowed the lump and turned her face. His mouth grazed her cheek.
“I’ll move in on one condition.”
“What’s that?” His breath tickled her ear.
“No funny business. No kissing or anything other than friendship.” She refused to get involved with him romantically. Never again.
He raised his eyebrow and smiled. Those eyes and that smirk would be her downfall. She inhaled a jagged breath. Damn him.
“I’ll send someone to collect your bags and check out for you.” He lifted her into an upright position and dropped his arms. He never agreed to her terms, but he hadn’t kissed her.
“Thank you.” Her voice was husky and laced with desire. “What do I owe you?”
“Helping an old friend requires no payment,” he replied.
Bullshit. Everything in life had a price. She knew that and wondered what he was getting out of this. Maybe it was better not to know and not press the issue. Instead of calling him out, she walked away.
Gwen returned to the girls in the pool. She sat on the lounger and almost fell asleep until a shadow loomed over her. When she opened her eyes, Spencer stood before her half naked. He’d removed his shirt and her mouth watered. His body was chiseled like the athletes on his hockey team. Her mouth may have hung open far longer than it should.
That sinful smirk showed up again. She adjusted the swimsuit cover-up with her shaking hands. He lifted her leg and sat between her spread thighs. She hadn’t had a man between her legs in months. By choice after that asshole stole the last of her inheritance.
She realized he was talking, only she missed the first part because she’d been distracted by his chest. “What did you say?”
His lips moved, and her focus shifted downward. Her eyes feasted on his muscles. The man still had washboard abs and arms cut from granite. He was drop dead sexy and sitting way too close.
Fuck. She missed his words again. She nodded. “Sure,” she answered the unknown question. Had he even asked a question?
A second later, he lifted her into his arms and jumped into the pool. She pushed him under the water and rose to the surface. She sputtered for air and caught him laughing at her. Jerk. They splashed and laughed.
“Can I show Wes her room?” Connie asked.
“Go for it,” he said as he pulled himself out of the water. His body glistened like a God’s.
“Am I in the one next to Connie?” Wes asked.
“That depends. Would you consider working a few hours here and there?” He helped his daughter from the water and offered a hand to Wes. “If things go well, I’ll consider something more permanent. If you’re interested?”
She took his hand. “I’d love to. Thank you, Mr. Northcote.”
The girls grabbed towels and entered the house. Gwen smiled at the pair. She climbed out of the pool and pulled the soaking wet cover-up off. Water dripped from her hair and she shook it like a dog, making Spencer laugh. She crossed her arms over her chest as something warm pressed behind her.
“Ready to get wet again?” Spencer seemed determined to tease her and keep her wet.
If he only knew how soaked she already was. She shifted and shoved him into the water. Only he moved faster and pulled her along with him.
For the next few hours, they swam and relaxed by the pool. Getting to know him was fascinating. Several times during their swim they almost kissed. His lips were so tempting and so close, too many times. A kiss seemed inevitable, but she held back. However, each time it got tougher to resist the urge. It was only a matter of time before she caved and they both knew it.
His phone rang, and he had to leave. An urgent business matter required his attention. Once he left, she exhaled and buried her face in her hands. She was so screwed.
CHAPTER SEVEN
S omething buzzed near her ear, waking her from a peaceful slumber. Gwen rolled over in the plush king-sized bed. The sheets felt smooth like butter. She reached under her pillow for the phone. Expecting it to be Reba, she answered in a professional manner. “Hello, this is Gwen Eastman.”
“Good morning, Ms. Eastman,” Spencer drawled. “I trust you slept well.”
She smiled. “Like a teenager.”
He laughed. “Isn’t the saying—like a baby?”
“Yeah, but babies don’t sleep well.
They wake up frequently and cry. Teenagers sleep soundly and for many hours. I went to bed early, and you woke me. What time is it?” she asked, searching the room for a clock, but found none.
The guest bedroom was decorated with dark wood furnishings and a bright and cheery palette of colors. It was modern elegance and welcoming at the same time. His designer was smart, adding pops of bold and rich hues of blue. The shade reminded her of his eyes. She hugged one of the throw pillows to her chest.
“It’s after ten,” he answered. “I figured you’d have been up hours ago. Sorry to wake you, but I don’t mind picturing you in bed.”
She stretched and groaned as her muscles contracted. “No apologies needed,” she said, opting to ignore his last statement. “I should get up and apply for more jobs. I was so sure about the drop-in center, I neglected my hunt. That was foolish.”
“You know how tricky it can be to get boards to approve things. Don’t fret. I’m sure you have impressed them, just like you do me,” he added.
Her cheeks heated as a blush spread across her face. She was glad he couldn’t see her. “Spencer,” she said his name, not really knowing what to say next. He shouldn’t say things like that.
“I don’t have much time to chat as I’m in between meetings, but I wanted to apologize for bailing on your first night and not being there to greet you this morning. This deal required my personal attention. Otherwise, I’d have been with you. I didn’t intend to lure you over and then abandon you and Westlyn. I feel bad and—”
Gwen chuckled. “You have an empire to run. I get it. We’re adults who can fend for ourselves.”
“I’ll make it up to you,” he said.
“I appreciate you inviting us into your home like this.” She rolled over onto the mountain of pillows. They were shaped like a person and she imagined it was him as she straddled them. “Please don’t feel bad or apologize. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done.”
“I’m not sure when I’ll make it home. Most likely tomorrow. I have plans to see your sister and… my schedule is insane at the moment.” He paused. “I’m sure Connie gave you the lay of the land and I would like you and Wes to make yourselves at home. Gwen, I meant what I said.”