by dlady
Panting, Jared buried his face in her neck and rolled onto his side, taking her with him. They were one in a way she’d never imagined or thought humanly possible. She listened to his breathing go from fast and hard to slow and measured and wondered if he’d fallen asleep. From her limited experience, she wouldn’t be surprised. She could stand a nap herself. Being her least romantic part, her stomach growled, and she could feel Jared’s chuckle.
So he was awake.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“Yeah. You?”
“Starved. I worked up an appetite. I could eat a Zamboni if it had ketchup on it.”
Steph extracted herself from his hold and grabbed the bathrobe hanging on a hook near the headboard.
“I’ll make something.” She hated how awkward she felt, not really knowing what to say around him after what they’d shared. She escaped to the kitchen and started putting together the ingredients for a salad and grilled cheese sandwich.
Clad in nothing but his underwear, Jared strolled into the kitchen, his hair tousled and his eyes half-lidded. He sat on one of two barstools near the counter and watched her without uttering a word. She was dying to ask him what he was thinking but was afraid to do so.
“Jared, just because we slept together, I don’t want you to feel you’re stuck with me. If you change your mind or you don’t want to be with me, I’ll understand.”
He frowned at her. “What happened between us wasn’t just sex. It meant something to me.” His voice was low, almost as if he were talking to himself and didn’t realize he’d said anything out loud.
Steph gaped at him, unable to respond, certain she hadn’t heard him correctly. “It meant something to you?”
He nodded, holding her gaze captive with his. “Yes, it did. I don’t sleep around, Steph. I haven’t been with a woman since Candy.”
“You haven’t?”
“I haven’t wanted anyone until I met you.”
He was one hundred percent sincere, and she was blown away. She’d spent so many years being told she was a piece of shit and lucky to have what she had. To hear a guy like Jared say such things sent her spiraling into denial. All the old doubts flooded back. She didn’t deserve Jared. She was a former stripper, and he wanted a good girl with no baggage. She wasn’t that girl.
“I’m not right for you.”
“You’re perfect for me. Even the sisters think so. Didn’t what just happened prove that? We fit together.”
“The sex was good.”
“It was good?” He stared incredulously at her. She’d said the wrong thing again.
“I lied. It was beyond anything I ever imagined.”
He grinned. “There, was that so hard to admit? You’re my match, Steph.”
She wished she could convince herself of that. She didn’t believe he would be with her if he knew everything, yet she couldn’t bring herself to tell him for fear of losing him. She was conflicted and scared.
“You don’t know me.”
“I don’t care who you were and what you did. I care about who you are and how well we fit together.”
She wanted to believe him, but he didn’t know the secrets she was hiding. His teammates had seen her naked. How would he feel about that? Even Candy couldn’t lay claim to such a secret. But Candy had cheated on Jared, lied to him, hurt him, destroyed his trust.
What was Steph doing to him? She’d have to tell him for both their sakes.
Later. There would be plenty of time for true confessions later.
Chapter 14—Missed Block
The next week and a half zipped by, and Christmas was upon them before Steph realized it. She’d not had much reason to celebrate in the past several years, though Christmas in the Clarke household had been a huge production. They didn’t exchange gifts with each other, but they did give gifts to the Lord and the church.
Steph had never been involved with a Christmas quite like the one Ethan and Lauren threw. Since the guys had a game the night before Christmas Eve and started a week-long road trip two days after Christmas, many of them didn’t fly home. Ethan and Lauren took it upon herself to see that every member of the Sockeyes wasn’t alone on Christmas Day. Lauren recruited Izzy to help her plan the day’s festivities, and Izzy dragged along Bella and Steph to help. The other two sisters were spending Christmas with the Wolfe brothers, as they were celebrating their first Christmas together in years.
The Parker home was a stately old mansion in the same area of Seattle as the Blacks’ house. They had a water view to die for. Everyone was gracious and welcoming. Steph felt at home within minutes, not that home had ever been like this.
Jared had flown home to see his family, and Steph declined his invitation to go with him. She had too much going on, including a few party-crashing events. She needed the money, but she missed him horribly. They’d been inseparable since they’d spent their first night together, and Steph had discovered that sex was a wonderful, almost spiritual experience with Jared. In fact, she hated to call it sex; making love was more appropriate, if not a little presumptuous on her part.
Watching everyone celebrate Christmas with their loved ones was bittersweet. Steph missed Jared, and his absence left a big gap in her heart. She kept her phone close at all times, knowing he’d call sometime during the day. He’d texted first thing in the morning to wish her merry Christmas and told her he’d call later in the day. And he did.
The group was finishing up dessert when Steph’s phone vibrated. She excused herself and took the call in another room.
“Hi,” she said, knowing she sounded breathless and eager. She didn’t care. She’d lay her heart on the line and suffer the consequences if she could have Jared, even for a short while.
“Hey.” There was a smile in his voice, and she loved hearing it.
“Merry Christmas.”
“Same to you. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, it’s quite a celebration. I’ve never experienced Christmas quite like this.”
Jared chuckled. “I attended last year, so I know what you mean. Ethan and Lauren spare no expense and are awesome hosts.”
“They are at that. How is your family?”
“Same as usual. Prying into my business, being overprotective, and it’s utter chaos. They say hi.”
“Tell them hello and merry Christmas from me.”
“I will.” Jared hesitated, as if he had more to say and wasn’t sure how to say it. “I miss you.”
Steph’s heart soared and sang with those words. She closed her eyes for a moment and savored them as a smile lifted up the corners of her mouth. “I miss you too.”
“Of course you do. I’m an awesome guy.”
Steph laughed. “Someone’s head is swelling.”
“Not as much as another part of me every time I think of you.”
“We’re not doing phone sex on Christmas with your family nearby.”
“We aren’t? You know how to ruin my fun.”
Steph imagined his wicked grin and sparkling eyes. She pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. This man was too good to be true. Good stuff like this never happened to her, but perhaps it was long past time for her to change her expectations.
“Steph?” The huskiness in his voice almost stopped her heart.
“Yeah?”
“I’m falling for you. Hard.”
Steph held her breath. Her hands shook, and she gripped her phone. Before her knees gave out, she lowered herself onto the couch.
He was falling for her? He’d said he was crazy about her, but falling was a whole different level.
“Steph? You still there?”
“I—I am. I—” She struggled for the right words. Finally, she decided on the honest, direct route. “I’ve already fallen for you.”
“Good,” he said smugly, which made her laugh.
“You’re full of yourself today.”
“Yeah, well, I’m having a good day. The only thing which could make it better w
ould be having you here with me.”
“Same here.”
“I’ll drop by as soon as my plane lands tomorrow morning. I won’t have more than a few hours before we take off on another road trip.”
“I know, but I’d love to see you, if only for a short while.”
“I’ll do my best. Let’s hope my flight isn’t late arriving.”
“I guess we’d better get back to our respective groups.”
“Yeah, I guess.” His reluctance made her warm inside, even on this chilly day.
“Bye. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye. Think of me tonight. I’ll be thinking of you.”
The connection terminated before she could respond. She knew what he meant.
* * * *
The next morning, Jared sat in the plane, glancing at his watch every few minutes. His flight had been delayed by hours. The team plane was scheduled to take off in an hour. He wouldn’t have time to go home or see Steph.
Not seeing Steph upset him the most. He’d been looking forward to a few hours with her. Instead, he’d be running to the next terminal to board the team’s private plane. This was turning into a shitty twenty-four hours, starting with last evening. He’d had a call on his cell from a Seattle number he hadn’t recognized. He’d answered it, fearing something might have happened to Steph.
The call had been from Candy. She’d been drunk and borderline hysterical, begging his forgiveness, and wanting him to take her back. She caught him off guard. He hadn’t heard from her except via lawyers in a long time, and now, out of the blue, she wanted a second chance? She’d learned a lot. Realized what was important in life. She’d given up the best thing that ever happened to her.
He called her on her bullshit, causing a crying fit, threats that he’d be sorry, and then abusive shouting. He’d ended the call and blocked her number.
The whole ordeal left him reeling. Her call affected him more than it should’ve, especially as he recalled her last words: You’re going to regret this, and so is your new girlfriend.
If she so much as harmed a hair on Steph’s head, he’d—he’d— Okay, he didn’t know what he’d do, but he’d do something. Candy was bluffing. She had no power over him, and no way to damage his relationship with Steph. At least not any he could come up with, but he’d fallen prey to her deviousness before. The woman didn’t have any boundaries or scruples, though he was certain she would never physically harm Steph. Once Candy found a new guy, she’d forget about him and Steph. She was just between boyfriends and starting to panic. He felt nothing for her but disgust and pity. He’d moved on. She should too.
He’d lied to Steph. He wasn’t falling for her. He’d already fallen for her. Hard and fast.
They’d only known each other less than two months, but everything felt so right. Sure, he wanted Steph’s body, but his feelings went so much deeper than that. He loved to talk to her, hang out with her, just be with her. If that wasn’t love, he didn’t know what was.
Candy would never come between them. Jared wouldn’t allow it. As long as they were honest and open with each other, his ex could do no harm.
As soon as they landed, Jared pulled out his phone and texted Steph.
Plane was late. Running for team plane now. Will call you when we reach Denver.
Okay, I understand.
I’m sorry.
It’s fine. I miss you.
Dittos.
He shoved the phone in his pocket, grabbed his carry-on, and sprinted for the tram that’d take him to the correct terminal. He’d have to buy a suit when they landed. Fuck. He didn’t have any money for a good suit. He’d have to settle for what he could afford.
The team plane waited a half-hour for him, and he was forced to endure the razzing and harassment by his teammates and the dirty looks of the coaches. He settled into a seat next to Matt and let out a frustrated breath.
“See if I try to fly home for Christmas again when the scheduling has to be so tight.”
“Might be a good idea to invite your family here next time.”
“Yeah.” Jared laid his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. He’d been up since four a.m. and was exhausted. Steph’s face was the last thing he envisioned before he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 15—On Ice
On Friday, Steph hurried home from the sisters’ mansion. She didn’t usually work afternoons, but Agnes had left her a note that afternoon to interview a special client who was only available at five. When she got to their house, no one was home, not even Giles.
Steph shivered as she stood on the porch and called Agnes. The gathering storm clouds seem ominous. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Not having Otto with her was unnerving, even though she doubted the Newfie would offer any serious protection.
“Hello?”
“Agnes, I’m at the house, where are you?”
“We’re playing pinochle at the country club. Why are you at the house?”
“You left me a note to interview a client at five tonight.”
“No, I didn’t.” Steph could hear her talking to someone in the background. “Neither did Iona.”
“Oh, no.” Cold, hard fear stabbed into Steph, as she tried to think rationally about what to do next. “Where is Giles?”
“It’s his night off. He dropped us off. Steph?” Agnes’s worried tone didn’t make Steph feel any better. She sounded alarmed. “Get out of there now. Get home. As soon as you can. Is there someone you can call?”
“I—” There wasn’t anyone who could get here quickly. Jared was on a road trip. Izzy and Riley were at Avery’s house half an hour away. Bella was a possibility.
“Leave now. Call us when you get home. If we don’t hear from you in ten minutes, we’re calling the police.” Agnes knew. Just like Steph knew, and she wasn’t psychic.
She shoved the phone in her pocket and searched the darkness. Her heart slammed against her rib cage as if trying to escape her chest. For some reason, the porch lights on the old house were off.
Steph wasn’t stupid. She shoved her hands in the pockets of her raincoat and gripped the mace she’d brought with her. Just in case.
Gino had gone to ground again. She’d heard nothing for over a week. Even as she tried to pacify herself with his disappearance, she feared his absence was one other way he was toying with her, by making her feel comfortable then popping up when she least expected it.
She hurried from the secluded house, looming ominously without any of the usual lights on. The winding driveway she’d once considered lovely didn’t seem so nice now. The thick native growth on either side of the pavement could conceal an elephant. She was about to round the last of three corners and step from the gloom to the relative safety of the streetlights when she heard a rustle in the nearby bushes. She swallowed a scream.
“Where are you going so fast?” Gino stepped out from the bushes and blocked her path.
“Gino, what are you doing here?” She fumbled for the safety cap on the mace in her pocket.
“Just came to say hi. Thought you might have finally come to your senses and started missing me.”
Steph couldn’t outrun him even if she maneuvered past him. He was faster than her and nimble on his feet. She’d seen him in action before. He was pretty good in a fight, having trained as a boxer.
He took a menacing step toward her. She pulled out the mace and held it up.
He stopped. One dark brow quirked with amusement. “You’re going to use that on me? Is that any way to treat an old friend? In fact, a former lover?”
“Leave me alone.” Steph resisted the urge to hunch down and make herself smaller. She stood straighter and challenged him by looking him directly in the eyes, an action that would’ve gotten her a fist to the stomach in the past. Gino’s eyes narrowed to dark, evil slits. He didn’t appreciate her challenging him. She never had before.
“No,” he said. “You’re mine. You belong to me.”
“I don’t belong to
anyone.” The hand holding the mace was shaking, drawing a chuckle from him.
“Ah, Steph, you are mine. You know it. You can’t get away from me. You’ll always be bound to me.” He took a step forward.
“Stay away from me.” She jerked the mace toward him.
He laughed, not the least bit worried by her threat. “You won’t use that on me.”
“Don’t push me.”
“I was your first.” He lowered his voice to that gravelly tone she’d once found sexy. He’d been able to get her to do his bidding so easily by preying on her propensity to forgive all his transgressions, even the kind leaving visible bruises.
This time his cajoling tone and big brown eyes made her feel nothing but contempt and disgust. She’d been so easily duped and sucked in by this man, not understanding what a giving relationship formed of equals could be like—until Jared.
“That doesn’t work on me anymore.”
His charm turned to menace like the flip of a light switch. “Because you’re fucking that rich hockey player.”
She didn’t flinch—outwardly. “Yes, and he’d be ten times the man you are even if he was poor.”
Gino’s gaze turned calculating. “Does he know about your former career choices?”
“You won’t tell him.” Fear sliced through her, followed by near panic. Telling Jared was exactly what Gino would do.
The dawning realization on his face struck home. She’d screwed up. Big time. “You haven’t told him, have you?”
“None of your business.”
He chuckled, relishing her discomfort and reading the panic on her face. “He doesn’t know. What’s in it for me to keep my mouth shut? This asshole is fucking my property, and I’m not getting a penny for it. Doesn’t seem right, does it?” He took a few more steps toward her, moving so quickly that he caught her off guard. He ripped the mace out of her hand and tossed it in the brush.