Killian
Barb no longer asked if I needed to see Sid when I walked into the office.
“She left ten minutes ago,” Barb said. “But she asked me to give you this.”
I couldn’t help a small smile. How had Sidney had known I’d come by at the end of my training? Maybe she missed me as much as I missed her.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the envelope from Barb. “Have a good night.”
“You too, Killian.”
I took it out to the hallway, just looking at the envelope as I walked to the elevator. The Stahl Enterprises, Inc. logo reminded me that I didn’t just have it bad for a woman, but for a self-made millionaire. There was nothing ordinary about Sidney.
I tore open the envelope and pulled out the piece of Stahl letterhead. She’d handwritten a message.
Killian –
If you’re free, I’d love to see you. My place.
S
She’d written her address beneath the message. A surge of excitement made my blood pump hard. If I was free? As though anything but work would take precedence over her.
I’d already showered, so I decided to go in my jeans, t-shirt and hoodie. My old Jeep Wrangler was cold in the winter, but I didn’t feel it on the drive to Sid’s downtown address. I’d missed her voice, her smell and her skin. And finally, we’d be spending time together like normal people. Not sneaking into a supply closet, or hoping no one would catch us leaving her office together.
When I got to the condo, I decided to park a block away and walk. I was concerned about someone finding out Sidney and I were getting together outside of work. The shit talk from my teammates wasn’t my worry. It was Sidney’s mention of her possibly getting in trouble that had me feeling vigilant.
I pulled my hood up over my head and jogged the block to her door. She answered the bell wearing gray sweats and a t-shirt, her hair back in a ponytail.
“You came,” she said, smiling.
“’Course I did.” I stepped in, glancing around at the dark wood floors and the walls adorned with modern, abstract art.
“It came decorated,” she said, closing the door behind me. “I’m not into abstract art.”
“No, I was just thinking you can’t ever come over to my place. It’s a dump compared to this.”
“Maybe you guys need better housing.”
I reached for her hips and pulled her close to me. “Men don’t give a shit about that stuff.”
She tipped her face up and I kissed her. It wasn’t like the hot, desperate kisses we’d shared before. It was more me telling her I missed her and was happy to see her without saying the words.
“Mmm, you smell good,” she said softly. “But your hands are freezing.”
I pulled my hands away from her waist and blew on them.
“Come on,” she said, taking my hand to lead me toward the open kitchen. “Some wine will warm you up.”
The kitchen was all stainless steel and dark wood, with light pouring in from the pot lighting.
“I’m making a great stir fry for dinner,” she said. “Hopefully you’ll want to eat because I’m making a lot.”
“I’m starving.” I watched her turn a corkscrew and open a bottle of red wine. “And I’m good at chopping if you need help.”
“I do.” She poured wine into two glasses and held one out to me, pulling it back at the last second. “I didn’t even ask if you wanted this. Do you want this?”
“Yeah. I’d have said so if I didn’t.” I reached for the glass and took a sip. “That’s good. I’m guessing you didn’t buy it from a gas station.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I do indulge in good wine. I brought a case of this stuff from my New York place.”
“How was that? Your trip?”
“It was good. Super busy. But I got a big transaction closed for my real estate business.”
“Did you see Lance?” I regretted the words as soon as they came out.
“No. We’re not on speaking terms after that night at the charity event.”
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. “I can’t believe I just asked you that. I’m not that guy.”
“I get it.” She slid onto a bar stool at the island. “When I was gone, I wondered about a hundred times if you were with another woman, and I’m not that girl.”
“Can I be the only guy who sucks on your tits in your office and eats your pussy in storage rooms?” I gave her my best puppy dog eyes.
“Most definitely. I’m not seeing anyone else, if that’s what you mean. I don’t think anyone else could measure up anyway.”
“Damn right. Stand up so I can smack your ass.”
“You are not smacking my ass.” She slid off the stool and fished through the refrigerator, which was about six feet wide.
“You could fit enough food for a dozen people in there,” I said.
“It was like the art – came with the place.” She passed me a bag of broccoli and another of multi-colored peppers. “Can you rinse those, Captain?”
“You got it, boss.”
We rinsed, chopped and drank while talking about the team, her companies and our shared appreciation of Kings of Leon.
Then, out of the blue, she asked, “Are you put off because I’m wearing sweats?”
I glanced over at her as I tossed the stir-fry and laughed. She was refilling both wine glasses, a carefree look on her face.
“Not at all. You look hot in sweats. I’m just really fucking hungry.”
She threw back her head and laughed, the sound warming me.
“That’s only partly true,” I said.
“Only the part about being hungry?” She gave me an admonishing look, a smile playing on her lips. “You were lying about the sweats being hot, weren’t you?”
“No, I meant all of that,” I said. “But it’s also nice to just talk to you since it’s been a few days.”
“I wish we could date.”
Her eyes were soft when I looked over at her. She wasn’t Sidney Stahl, corporate powerhouse, but a woman whose vulnerability was incredibly sexy.
“Me too. I’d date the fuck out of you, baby.”
She laughed and I gave her a serious look.
“No, I mean it. I’d be faithful and take you on dates. All that shit.”
She opened a cabinet and took out two plates. “Well, you’re here right now. And that’s more of you that I got yesterday, so I’m happy.”
I turned the heat off on the stove and moved the deep skillet to a back burner. I was happy, too, but I knew this wasn’t something we could do all the time. There was no way I was letting her get in trouble over me.
We ate, washed the dishes and settled in on the couch to watch a movie. It wasn’t even half over when I felt her breathing evening out against my chest. She’d curled up against me when we started the movie and hadn’t moved a muscle since.
It was only eight-thirty, but she must’ve been exhausted from the travel. When I eased my arm out from around her, got up and picked her up to carry her to bed, she hardly even acknowledged me.
“Killian,” she murmured, her eyes still closed.
“I’m taking you to bed.”
“Damn, I think I’m gonna sleep through it.”
“Just to sleep, Sid. I’ll lock up on my way out.”
“Stay if you want.”
“You want me to?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, I will.”
I laid her down on the king-size mattress and grabbed a blanket from the foot of the bed, unfolding it and spreading it over her. Then I took off my shoes and jeans and laid down, wrapping myself around her.
The first time we had guaranteed privacy and a bed, and we were asleep before nine. But somehow, I didn’t mind.
Chapter 7
Killian
Orion’s expression was grim. I’d known something was wrong when he didn’t bitch much at practice.
“You okay?” I asked him. Practice had ended half an hour
ago and the locker room was almost empty.
“Let’s talk in my office,” he said.
I followed him to the small room and he closed the door behind me. Plays scrawled on paper littered his desk, which also held a few pucks from his pro playing days along with a photo of his wife.
He sat down behind the desk, looking like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
“I just cut Shuck,” he said.
As the words sank in, I realized Shuck had disappeared as soon as practice ended, not even showering afterwards.
“Shit,” I said, sighing deeply. “Can’t say I blame you.”
“I normally would’ve told you before since that’s something a captain should know. But, to be honest, I had a hard time finding the balls to do it. I meant to do it yesterday, but I just couldn’t. And before practice today, but … yeah. So when I was able to, I wanted to get it over with.”
I nodded my understanding.
“He’ll never play pro hockey again,” Orion said, his expression drawn and tense. “I know that for a fact. I thought we could work with him, but he’s killing us. And it fucking sucks to cut someone who loves this team as much as Shuck.”
“Yeah, he was loyal to the core,” I said, remembering all the times Shuck had stood up for one of the guys with no concern for himself.
“And he cried, so now I feel like a complete asshole.” Orion blew out a breath. “Sorry. I should’ve just said I cut him and left it at that.”
“Actually, it’s really good to know shit gets to you. I respect your decision. It was the right one. I love Shuck, too. If that’d been easy for you, I would’ve been fucking pissed.”
The corners of his lips edged up in a sad smile. “Thanks, Killian.”
“Was Bruce any help?”
Killian shrugged. “Bruce has a hard time with that stuff. He just sat there the whole time looking sad.”
“I’m sorry, man. That’s not a job anyone would’ve wanted to do. Shuck’s been a big part of this team.”
He nodded and rubbed his forehead.
“But we don’t work our asses off to lose,” I continued. “We’ve got to have a solid goaltender. So let’s move forward. I’ll let the other guys know about Shuck.”
Orion’s expression was grateful.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something else, too,” he said. “Sidney.”
The back of my neck tingled with awareness. “What about her?”
“You tell me.”
“What’ve you heard?” I asked.
“Nothing. I can just tell there’s something happening with the two of you.”
“What do you wanna know?” I asked defensively. “I haven’t slept with her.”
He put up a hand to stop me. “Hey. Relax. I’m mostly asking because I wondered if you needed someone to talk to about it.”
“Mostly?”
“We all know relationships with staff, or in this case, an owner, can be problematic. But one of my best friends ended up marrying our team trainer. It was right for them. So I’m not judging.”
My shoulders dropped with relief. “I don’t want any problems for her. She’s worked hard to get where she is.”
“She has,” he said, nodding. “But I imagine her intelligence and tenacity are part of her appeal.”
I nodded my agreement. “There’s not really anything about her I don’t find appealing. But … I don’t know. We both know it’s not the best idea.”
“Do what you think is right. Sometimes these things aren’t crystal clear. But don’t talk about her to the other boys.”
“No, never.”
“I’ve noticed changes in you since she came, and they’re all good, Killian. I like you a hell of a lot more than I used to.”
I laughed a single note as I remembered some of the shitty things I’d said to Orion when he first arrived.
“So I’m pussy-whipped now?” I shook my head with disgust at the thought. I’d hardly even had any of the pussy in question, so it seemed pretty unfair.
“Nah. You just stopped acting like a pissed-off teenager. Having someone around to impress will have that effect on a guy.”
“Yeah.”
“Do Bennett and Liam know? You three are pretty close.”
“Liam suspects. But things between me and Sid are between me and her, so I won’t be talking to anyone about it.”
Orion nodded. “Good. If you ever need a friend, I’m here. Not just for this – for anything.”
“Thanks,” I said, standing. “I appreciate it.”
I left the office, wanting to stop by Sidney’s office and see her. But I had to stop doing that. It would create talk, if there wasn’t talk already.
Instead, I lifted weights. When I finished, I texted all the guys on the team that we were meeting for dinner at a bar. I wanted to tell them about Shuck in person.
It was mid-afternoon when I decided to put my skates back on and practice shooting. I brought out a bucket of pucks, shooting all of them and gathering them up to do it again several times over.
I needed the shooting practice, but I was also thinking about Sid. She was always the last one in the office. If I waited long enough, I could go up and see her without anyone knowing.
At six, I decided it was late enough. I took a quick shower, dressed in a clean t-shirt and sweats and headed upstairs.
The main office area was empty when I walked in, but her door was closed, which meant she was still here. I knocked softly and pushed it open.
“Hey,” she said, standing up from her chair behind the desk. Her hair was wound into a bun today and she was wearing glasses. And, as always, she looked sexy as hell.
“Hey.” I walked in and closed the door. “You feel like getting some dinner? We can go into Indy if you want.”
In the big city an hour away, we could get lost in the crowd and maintain our privacy.
“That sounds great. But first, come in. I have great news.”
Her green eyes were bright with excitement. I sat down in a chair in front of her desk, my legs spread out casually.
“I have a friend who’s a retired scout,” she said.
She had eyes on a new goalie. I loved her enthusiasm for the team.
“Oh yeah?” I said.
“And I talked to him about you. He came to the last home game. And he—”
I cut her off. “Hold on. What?”
“He talked to his friend with Indy, and they have a center who’ll be out for six weeks for surgery. They want you to fill the roster spot.”
My mind was swimming with confusion. “Me? Why would they…but first, you did what? You talked to a scouting guy about me without even asking me first?”
Her face fell with disappointment. “Why would I ask you? You’re a great player on my team and I put in a good word for you. I need your permission for that now?”
“The fuck, Sidney?” My voice rose with anger. “I eat your pussy and you repay me by trying to get me a promotion?”
“Are you kidding me?” She glared at me, her cheeks darkening with anger. “One has nothing to do with the other.”
I jumped up from my chair and ran a hand through my hair. “So it’s just a coincidence, then?” I said sarcastically. “The guy whose face you shoved into your cunt also happens to be the guy you want to get a better job for?”
“You’ve gone temporarily insane,” she said sharply, jumping up from her chair and leaning toward me, her hands braced on the desk. “I didn’t even come, as you will recall. And you think you earned my eternal gratitude or something? I think you’re a great center. And you aren’t the liability you used to be. You deserve another shot.”
“I don’t want another shot!” I yelled. For the first time, our eyes locked in mutual anger. “Don’t try to run my goddamned life, Sidney. You hardly even know me.”
“Now I’m running your life? I was trying to help you.”
I moved away from the desk and put my hands on my hips
, letting out a deep breath.
“The decision not to go all the way was mine. I’m a Flyer. The only way I’m leaving this team is if I get fired.”
“Any guy on our team would give anything to have your talent!” Sidney left her position behind the desk and rounded on me, her face inches from mine. “Making it to the top is the dream. Most players never do. And you’re disdainful of it? Where do you get off having that attitude?”
I leaned over her. “You don’t fucking know me, Sidney. Money isn’t the driving force for some of us.”
“It’s not just the money. It’s playing at the highest level of the game. You’re such a competitive player, and you don’t want this? What are you so afraid of?”
My anger was about to boil over. I had to get out of here.
“Don’t meddle in my life again,” I said in a measured tone. When I turned to leave, she grabbed my arm.
“Don’t walk away from me, Killian.”
I pulled my arm away and turned back to her, leaning over her in hopes she’d feel my anger.
“Don’t fucking order me around. I’m not one of your minions. I’m leaving right now whether you like it or not.”
I walked out, slamming the door behind me. My chest was tight with tension. I’d made the right decision four years ago. My visceral reaction to Sidney’s news was proof of that.
Sidney
I’d been staring at the text I’d written to Killian off and on for the last twenty four hours, never working up the nerve to hit send.
Me: Can you come by my place tonight to talk?
I had been about to send it when I stopped. Damn him. He’d thrown a childish fit and stormed out of my office. He was the one who should be texting me.
Just then Nicole walked into my office, a greeting card in her hand.
“Sympathy card for Lenny Marino. He lost his mother a few days ago.”
I knitted my brows together and waved her over. “I didn’t know that.”
“I’m sorry, I should’ve told you.”
Killian Page 9