by Lane Martin
“What do you think you’re doing?” I reached out to take her arm, but she pulled away from me.
“Well, hello to you too, Ford.” Eden scowled, clearly, she wasn’t happy with me acting like a jerk.
I didn’t like her calling me by my nickname one bit, but I was impressed she didn’t shrink away from my misplaced anger. I closed my eyes and counted to ten while I reminded myself Eden didn’t do anything. When I opened my eyes, her smile had returned. I wanted to keep it that way.
“I’m getting a prime spot to watch the happy couple.” Eden pointed over the railing as I joined her. I took note of Barrett standing alone on the lower level of the exhibit waiting for his bride. Adelaide and Barrett had no desire to make a spectacle of their exchange of vows. In fact, they were going to be the only two people on the lower level, choosing to solemnize their own oaths to each other. Soft music began to play as more guests gathered near the railing. Barrett’s family stood in the center holding Levi and Ivy as we watched Adelaide walk toward Barrett in a simple yet elegant white dress.
The smiles on their faces were almost blinding, even at dusk. Barrett kept one hand on the railing at his side in what appeared to be a restrained effort not to go to her. I couldn’t blame him. If that were me waiting for Eden, I don’t know if I would have been able to wait. Whoa. Where did that come from? For one, Eden had done her best to escape me. For two, marriage wasn’t something I ever considered for myself before. I found myself moving closer to Eden. My hand touched hers and without thought, I wrapped my pinkie around hers as we continued to watch the happy couple below.
Barrett took his bride's hand as soon as she was within reach and she placed her bouquet of flowers down on a small table I hadn’t previously noticed beside them. Before she took his other hand, she reached up and swiped a tear from his cheek. Barrett lowered his forehead to Adelaide’s and they spoke to each other as majestic elephants milled about just behind them. It was amazing to be so moved by words we couldn’t even hear. I took Eden’s small hand in mine as Barrett and Adelaide exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. With everyone else focused on the happy couple, we slipped away from the crowd of celebrating guests.
I guided her into a hidden alcove, just out of sight from everyone watching the wedding.
“What are you doing, Rhett?”
“I need to tell you how beautiful you look and to give you this,” I told her just before my lips met hers. The kiss wasn’t soft; it was primal—punishing even. Eden tried to fight it only briefly before giving in. Something about her surrender made me that much hotter for her. She whimpered as I brushed my hardness against her. Her lips were even softer than in my fantasies. I never wanted to stop kissing her. It was the hardest thing I had ever done—pun intended. If I had it my way, this was the first of many more kisses to come. For now, it would need to suffice. I had no doubt that with a little hard work and a whole lot of patience “this” could happen between us. Whatever “this” was.
I’d been distracted since the day of the wedding and that toe-curling kiss. I hadn’t been able to get my mind off a particular hockey player, which was absurd because I barely knew the man. I couldn’t deny we had instant chemistry; I was attracted to him the first time I saw him. I was pretty sure the feeling was mutual based on the way he’d looked at me, but I wasn’t about to screw things up with Adelaide over a hot guy. Even if he was a guy who got me worked up with a single look. A possessive S.O.B. who actually growled when other men dared to look at me. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why Rhett acting like an animal turned me on like no one else ever had before. It was maddening.
Since my advisor had approved my internship with Kassie and her non-profit, The Little Miners, I decided to focus all my energy on it instead of the man who made me loopy. I was happy to have such a worthwhile distraction to keep me busy.
“Am I late?” I checked the time on my watch to be sure I wasn’t. Adelaide and Kassie sat at the large kitchen table, drinking what I hoped was a fresh pot of coffee when I entered the house. I didn’t want them to think I wasn’t taking the opportunity they were both giving me seriously. I was. The support Adelaide gave me meant I didn’t have to work three jobs, which allowed me more free time than I’d had in forever. I was ecstatic to share that time with Kassie to help her build her foundation from the ground up. Not only that, but she seemed to value my opinion.
I slid into a seat across from them. “No, we were just talking about the wedding.” The memory of the event made my heart race. Just thinking about Rhett and the kiss we’d shared had me licking my lips and heating in places I shouldn’t have been, considering the company I was in.
Adelaide fanned herself as she admitted, “And the wedding night.” Her statement caused us all to giggle. At least I wasn’t the only one who was flushed.
“It really was a breathtaking night. I loved the way Barrett looked at you when you exchanged your vows,” I shared as Adelaide dreamily stared at her wedding band.
“Hmmm,” Kassie replied, her narrowed eyes on me.
“Hmmm, what?” I asked cautiously. Technically speaking, Kassie was my boss. I needed my internship with her to meet my graduation requirements. Plus, I really liked her and her boyfriend, Devin. By the look on her face, I was worried I’d done something to upset her.
“I’m surprised you even noticed. You were a little preoccupied with a certain goalie,” Kassie teased. I was shocked. I had no idea anyone had seen us together at the wedding. My cheeks heated as her attention turned from my shocked face to an intrigued Adelaide. “You should have seen the way Rhett looked at her. Devin worried they wouldn’t have any members of the starting lineup in one piece if “Mr. Built Tough” had anything to do with it. They were all drooling over this one.” Kassie hitched a thumb in my direction. “Rhett was practically foaming at the mouth.”
I couldn’t believe what she was saying. Here I thought we’d been so careful. Other than the kiss in the alcove, I had spent the remainder of the night trying to keep some distance from Rhett. Had he said something about us to his teammates?
“Speaking of…” Kassie smirked when my mouth dropped open at the sound of a quick knock at the back door. It couldn’t be.
“Come on in,” Adelaide hollered in her adorable twang before the man himself, Rhett Crawford, strolled through the door and joined us.“Good morning, ladies.” Rhett looked around the table, offering us all his sexy smirk. When his gaze stopped on me, he placed a laptop bag down next to me. “Mind if I grab a cup of coffee before we start?” He directed his question at our host. Jesus, did he always look so hot? He was wearing jeans that fit him perfectly and a black t-shirt that stretched across his impressive chest.
“Not at all,” Adelaide answered. Without a moment of hesitation, Rhett made his way over to the coffee maker. What the hell was happening? Why was Rhett there? Did I look okay? For Pete’s sake, why did I care? I was working.
“After our last meeting, I decided you were one hundred percent correct, Eden.” I tore my eyes away from Rhett and tried to focus on what Kassie had said. At our last meeting, we had discussed our mission statement for the program.
“I was?” Both Adelaide and Kassie laughed, amused by my confusion. Rhett returned to the table with two steaming hot cups of coffee and placed one in front of me before sitting in the seat beside me. I took a sip without any thought.
“You were. We need to focus on the whole child, including education.” Kassie affirmed.
I rested my cup back on the table. Staring at it, I realized something. It was made exactly the way I liked it. I looked up at a bemused Rhett, who lifted his cup before winking at me and taking a sip of his own cup. He knew how I took my coffee? When did that happen? It dawned on me I knew how Rhett took his too. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one paying attention while he was staying here recuperating from his spider bite.
“Okaaaaaaay.” I looked at Kassie. Confusion was written on my face. That still didn’t give me any
clue as to why Rhett was there. I tried to give my complete attention to Kassie, but it was impossible to think straight while sitting next to the gorgeous man who smelled like a day at the beach—a little salty with a hint of sunscreen. I wanted to lather in his scent.
“Do you mind if I jump in here, Kassie?” Rhett offered with a smug grin, as I turned my head to look at him.
“Not at all,” Kassie answered warmly. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat and she giggled. She was really enjoying my discomfort.
Rhett turned in his seat to face me fully. “I have a degree in early childhood education and I’m in the process of finishing my teaching certificate. When Kassie told me about your desire to include education in The Little Miners program, I volunteered. I hope we’ll be spending a lot of time together helping her get this off the ground, Eden.” God, the way he said my name made me tingle all over. The bastard turned back in his seat, lifted his coffee, and began to drink it as I attempted to pick my jaw up off of the table. Rhett Crawford was a distraction I just couldn’t get away from. Being this close to him again just reminded me of the last time we were together and those lips. I couldn’t get my mind off the damn kiss and it had been a week. What would spending more time with him do to me?
“Hello, Earth to Eden.” Kassie snapped her fingers in front of my face. Shit, I did it again; I completely zoned out. My mind could focus on only one thing: the stupid—but apparently smart—man beside me. Adelaide giggled as I startled and nearly knocked my cup over.
“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about all the kids we are going to help.” I tried to cover up my daydream. Rhett made a noise next to me that made my already parched mouth go completely dry.
“Yeah, right.” Kassie wasn’t buying my excuse for a minute, but she saved me by continuing our meeting. Crap. Now time working would mean time spent with Rhett. There was no way to avoid it. Did Kassie take up Rhett’s offer to help because of me? Kassie was a shark when it came to going after potential donors for her organization, but when it came to matters of the heart; she was soft and gooey like the perfect cookie.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go tonight?” Adelaide held her clasped hands in front of her chest in a pleading motion for what had to be the sixth time as she hesitated to leave for the arena to watch the Miners’ regular-season home opener. The woman had become something I hadn’t had in a very long time: a friend. And as much as I wanted to support her the way she did me, I couldn’t do it. The arena wasn’t a place I could go. Not anymore. Just being near the ice brought out too many old feelings. It was going to be difficult to come up with excuses all season. One could only study so much. Adelaide knew my history. I knew she would understand if I just talked to her about it.
Shaking my head, all I could say to her was, “I can’t.” Knowing Adelaide would be surrounded by Kassie and the other members of the Miners’ Mob—what the team called the players’ wives, children and significant others—helped to relieve some of my feelings of guilt. I knew the Mob would shield her against the press and any crazy fans. Plus, if I knew Barrett, and I did, he would have a protection team rivaling the president’s Secret Service team watching over his bride and kids in his absence. He would never let anything bad happen to his family.
I wasn’t accustomed to being around couples like Addie and Barrett. While mom never lacked for male companionship, her choices were never what I would call “relationship goals.” Once I landed in the system, my only real example of a loving couple was Robin and her husband Silas. But they were older and didn’t often show public displays of affection. Now I was surrounded by couples my age who were like a Hallmark movie of the week come to life. They could be so sweet, it was sickening. I had no desire to be in a relationship but having seen what good ones looked like up close and personal, I knew I would never be willing to accept anything less for myself. Just thinking about being in a relationship brought up the image of me with Rhett, which made me question myself. I didn’t want a relationship with him or anyone else. Did I?
“Next time,” she frowned.
She hugged me before gathering the kids and walking out the door. How could I tell her there would never be a “next time” for me? She didn’t push the subject further. I knew we needed to talk about it, but honestly, it was the last thing I wanted to do. Some counselor you’re going to be.
After she left, I tried to think of anything but the game. Oh, who was I kidding? I tried to think of anything but Rhett Crawford.
My phone vibrated with a text.
Unknown: Where are you?
I looked at my phone for several minutes before replying, wondering if I had forgotten a study group or something.
Me: Who is this?
Unknown: This is Rhett
My heart began beating a little faster the second I saw his name, just like it did whenever I saw him. Damn heart. I really needed to take a chill pill. As much as I liked him, he wasn’t the guy for me. Rhett Crawford lived for October and the start of the season. He loved the ice. I never wanted to see it again. So why was he texting me now? I looked at the time and noticed it was just minutes before the puck was scheduled to drop, moments before his first game in the NHL, and he was texting me. It was too much to think about, so I decided to make light of the situation.
Me: Rhett who? How did you get this #?
I giggled while hitting send and updating his contact information in my phone.
Rhett: Very funny, beautiful. I was hoping to see you tonight. :( I told Kassie I had a foundation question, so she gave me your number.
I couldn’t even tease him about using an emoji; the idea of him thinking about me at that second was overwhelming. His team was about to hit the ice. I tried not to smile at the thought of him calling me beautiful. Had the man looked in the mirror recently? No way was I planning on telling Addie or Kassie that he contacted me, even if it was about The Little Miners. The two of them were so happy in love, and they made it abundantly clear they wanted the same for me. The little matchmakers deserved to be kept in the dark as payback. Plus, this was business, not pleasure. Keep telling yourself that, Eden. I swallowed the lump in my throat and texted him back.
Me: Shouldn’t I be wishing you to go break a stick or something right now?
Bubbles immediately appeared on my screen. How in this moment did I have all of his attention?
Rhett: I’m the backup to the backup, Eden. My job is to be in the stands at every home game. I’m on call when or if they ever need me. I might never even suit up this season.
The thought of Rhett sitting in the stands while the rest of his team was on the ice made me sad. I couldn’t imagine being so close to achieving a dream and it being just out of reach. On second thought, I certainly could.
Me: That must suck
What else could I say? His text response warmed my heart. It was a video clip of him holding Levi and cheering for the Miners as they took the ice.
Rhett: What sucks is you not being here <3
Jesus. I needed to stop texting him, and I needed to talk to Robin as soon as possible. If anyone could set me straight, it was her. I dialed her number and was thankful when she picked up on the first ring.
“What’s up, Sugar Plum?” She always had a different endearment for me. Robin knew me so well. Technically, since the day I turned eighteen, I was no longer her “problem,” but somewhere along the way, Robin and her bunch of misfits had become my family. I needed to see them.
I smiled at her latest endearment before asking, “Would it be alright if I came over?”
I didn’t bother to knock. I was already in trouble for asking if I could come over in the first place. I knew her door was always open for me. I drove the car Barrett had been adamant I drive. He insisted I needed reliable transportation in case I needed to take the kids somewhere or if he or Addie needed me to run an errand for them. It was total bullshit and we all knew it. They’d never asked me for anything. I always had to remind them that helping with the kids was
what we had agreed to when I came to live with them. I also knew that arguing with Barrett McGill was pointless. The man was as stubborn as he was large. His nickname should have been Ox instead of Bear.
“Eden!” Multiple voices rang out excitedly as several arms encircled me the second I passed the threshold. The house smelled delicious, as always. The television hummed in the background with the sounds of the game and questions came flying at me from all sides, which was the norm around here. It was pure chaos and I loved it. I reminded myself I needed to come over more often. Especially now since I wasn’t working three jobs and had a reliable car at my disposal.
“Let her in the door before you bombard her,” Robin ordered as she walked into the room, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel before holding her arms out for me. Without hesitating, I stepped into her arms, which was a massive change from the first time I had allowed her to hug me. Ten years ago, I was a broken shell of a girl. When she promised me she was “here to stay” and that I was just going to have to “learn to like it,” I didn’t believe her. My own mother was gone. People who “loved you like a daughter” were supposed to always be by your side. It was funny how fickle those same people could be. But Robin, she proved me wrong time and time again. She stayed even when I pushed her away. The whole family did.
I remained in her embrace as I tried to calm myself. She knew exactly what I needed without me saying a word. It was one of the things I loved most about her.
“Let’s go into the kitchen and chat.” The kids didn’t follow us. They were excited to see me, but everybody in the house knew what a “chat” in the kitchen really meant.
I sat at the kitchen table while Robin made us both a cup of coffee. I sat facing the wall that had been dubbed the “wall of fame” years ago. Like the family who called this place home, it was a hodgepodge: a spelling test with a giant “A” in red pen, a diploma, a photo of Kyle in his uniform, a wedding invitation for Angela and Greg, my acceptance letter to DU, and countless pieces of artwork. Most of the art depicted our unique family in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Even though I never lived in this house, it was my home.