I finally turned to her to see her smile. “You can call me Madi. We’re friends now.”
I nodded.
“I just think there’s something more to this than a nice gesture for a PA.”
“She’s also my friend.”
“And your girlfriend I hear.”
I rolled my eyes. Most of the guys knew it was Bryce’s idea. It had been Colby’s idea to let the team know the truth, in case we slipped. I could trust them not to go to the press about it.
“You know that’s fake.”
She smirked. “Is it?” She held up her phone. A picture of me and Colby walking through the park was on the screen. We were holding hands and looking at each other like we were completely in love.
“Trick of the camera.”
Her smirk turned into a full-blown grin. “Oh Noah. Don’t be an idiot. There’s photographic evidence that there’s more between you two than business or even friendship.”
“A single picture doesn’t prove that.”
“Oh really?” She scrolled through the page, revealing more and more images of us together. Us drinking our hot chocolate. Us sitting on the bench, arms wrapped around each other. Me standing in front of her when she was freaking out about going to the aviary. It was obvious. I could see my feelings clearly, but how did she feel about me?
I sighed and leaned back against the bar. “What do you want me to say, Madi?”
“I want you to admit there’s more to these than a fake relationship.”
“I can’t do that. Things are new. We’re still getting to know each other. I think I know how I feel, but I’m not sure about Colby.”
She clapped and threw her fist in the air like she’d just won a game. “I knew it.”
I began to panic. Was this a set up? Did she have a mic on?
“You and Colby are our new mission.”
“What? What do you mean ‘our’?”
She waved and suddenly Chloe appeared. Oh crap. They’re in on this together.
“Did he admit it?”
Madi nodded. “Now we just need her to.”
I held up my hands. The evil twins needed to be stopped. Where were Reese and Erik when I needed them?
“What are you guys doing? Leave it alone. I’ll be the one to figure out if she feels the same about me. I don’t need you two running around trying to play matchmaker.”
Chloe scoffed. “I can’t believe you think so lowly of us. We’re not matchmaking.”
Madi giggled. “Yeah, we’ll keep to ourselves.”
They looked at each other and laughed as they hurried away. Those two were trouble. I had a bad feeling about whatever they were going to do.
I tried to forget about them and made my way through the crowd to Colby. When I got close she noticed me and reached out her arm. I took her hand and pulled her close to me. “Are you having fun?”
She nodded. “Thank you so much for this.”
I thought she might let my hand go and find another group to talk to, but she moved closer. She rested her head on my arm, not quite tall enough to reach my shoulder, and chatted with the people around us.
Brassard walked up to us and raised an eyebrow when he saw her leaning on me. “Happy Birthday, Colby.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him but made no move. I was a little relieved. I knew I shouldn’t be self-conscious, but it was hard around these guys. They were all older, more experienced, better players, richer, and probably more attractive. It was hard being around them, especially when Colby looked as amazing as she did. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the single guys swept her off her feet right out from under me.
“I’m heading out, but you guys have fun.” He winked and disappeared in the crowd.
“Is it late?” Colby looked up at me.
I checked my watched and answered her. “It’s eleven.”
Erik and Madi took his spot and I shot a warning look to her. She just smiled back at me.
“Brassard has been mopey for years. I’m surprised he even came.” Erik put his arm around Madi. “Hasn’t been the same since Lucy.”
“Who’s Lucy?” I was wondering the same thing, but grateful Colby had been the one to say it.
“An old ghost.” Erik brushed off the question. “We’re heading out. Got to rest up for the game.”
We said our goodbyes and I realized that was probably a good idea for me too. I didn't want to end Colby’s night early though. Maybe I could make sure she had a ride with someone else.
I looked over when she leaned her head on me again, yawning.
“Are you tired?”
She looked up at me, lazily. “A bit.”
“Do you want to make the rounds then head home?”
She nodded and followed me around the room. We said goodbye, they told her happy birthday. She was smiling the whole time. I’d been worried before she got here that she wouldn’t enjoy it. I didn’t know yet if she liked parties, but it looked like I made the right choice.
After we were in the car and headed to her house she sighed. “Thanks again for tonight, Noah. That was the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
“Even with all the crap from earlier?”
She looked at me and smiled. “You made me forget all that.”
“Good.” I turned onto her street. “You deserve to be celebrated and I wanted you to see how many people love and care about you.”
She laughed. “I’m pretty sure most of them didn’t know who I was before tonight, but you’re right, I felt like I made fifty new friends.”
By the time we got to the front door, Colby was leaning on me heavily. “Do you want me to carry you to bed?” I was holding her up by her shoulders, but her eyes were mostly closed.
“No. I’m fine.” She took a wobbly step in and I decided it was probably easier, and faster, if I just carried her. I locked the door behind us before putting an arm around her back and under her knees. I swept her up and she yipped before giggling.
“I wasn’t expecting that.”
“No worries, sleepy head. I’ll get you to bed.” I walked the short distance to her room wishing it were a mile long. I didn't want to put her down. I didn't want to be farther from her. Being this close to her felt amazing, almost as good as when she was sleeping in my arms on the couch.
I set her down and watched as she fell back, onto the bed. I slid off her heels and set them on the floor. “Do you want to change?”
She grunted but didn’t move.
“Maybe wash your face?”
She grunted again.
Alright then. I pulled a blanket off the end of the bed and laid it over her. If she wanted to get up later she could.
I backed out of the room and turned off her light. “Goodnight, Colby.”
“Noah?” Her sleepy voice called out to me.
I closed the distance to her bed in three steps. “Yeah?”
I leaned over her and she smiled. “Thank you.”
Her arm reached out and her hand landed on my cheek. She rose up and my heart exploded. This was it.
She met my eyes for a split second before leaning forward.
I was frozen. Too scared that any movement would ruin this moment.
I closed my eyes as the space between us shrunk.
Her lips pressed against the corner of my mouth. Not quite my cheek and not quite my lips. I opened my eyes to see her lay back with a sweet smile.
I blew out a breath and stepped back. I stopped at her door waiting to see if she would call out again, but all I heard was her soft snore in response.
Chapter Fourteen
Colby
When I woke up I stared at my ceiling. That had to be a dream. My Cinderella-worthy night couldn’t have been real. I didn’t have fairy godmothers that came and dressed me. I didn’t spend the night with the entire Fury team. They didn’t get me a custom cake. I didn’t have that many people who cared about me.
It was a dream.
I sat up, realizing I was
n’t under my sheets. I was on top of the duvet with a throw blanket over me. I looked down and realized I was still in the party dress.
It was real?
I slid off the side of my bed and into my bathroom. I groaned when I saw my reflection. Makeup was smeared everywhere. My eyeliner that had been expertly applied by Chloe was halfway down my face. My curls were limp and sad.
I turned on the shower and stepped out of my magical dress. I swear it was good luck. Last night had been one of the best in my life. Wait. No. I couldn’t remember a happier time. It had been the very best.
All thanks to Noah.
When I woke up yesterday to an empty apartment I never in a million years would have guessed what he was up to. He treated me better than anyone in my life.
After showering, I dressed in jeans and a comfy t-shirt. It was game day, so I didn't know if Noah would still be around. Normally, he’d be gone for practice by now. I hurried to his apartment and let myself in.
I trudged into the kitchen to see him standing in front of the stove, shirtless.
I gasped, and he turned to me with a smile. “Morning, sunshine.”
My eyes would not cooperate. I told them repeatedly to look away from his naked chest, but every time they looked away for a split second they were pulled back. His shoulders, his chest, holy crap his abs. Those things couldn’t be real.
I stepped forward but stopped when I realized my hands were reaching to touch him. I needed to leave. Run far away before I completely embarrassed myself. I closed my eyes. “Morning.”
“I’m making eggs, want some?”
“Sure.”
“Are you going to stand with your eyes closed all day?”
Crap. He noticed. I opened them to see him staring at me with a raised brow. Yeah, I know I look like a crazy person. “Sorry.”
“Headache?”
“Sure.” We can go with that.
“There’s ibuprofen in the cabinet.” He lifted an arm to point and it just made all the muscles in his back flex. I groaned and looked at the floor.
“Are you okay?” He asked sounding concerned.
“No.”
His bare feet appeared in my line of sight. I slowly looked up his body, stopping when I reached the deep v lines and ripple of abs.
In the name of all that is holy…
I needed to run. Through the window. The snow would cool me down.
“What’s wrong?”
I finally met his eyes. They were so clear. So, piercing. Like he could see into my soul.
His lips slowly twisted into a grin. “Is my presence having a negative effect on you?”
I blinked and looked away. “I’m fine.”
He stepped away with a laugh and dished up the eggs. He set two plates at the bar. I went to the fridge and stuck my head in. Oh, nice and cold.
“Do you want something to drink? Milk, water, orange juice, a shirt.” I whispered the last part hoping he wouldn’t hear.
“What was that last option?”
“Sprite?”
He pressed against me, looking in the fridge. “We have soda?”
I closed my eyes. For the love of all that is good. No stomach should be that hard. Arms shouldn’t be that large.
I cleared my throat. “Oh no. I thought the lime juice was a bottle.”
He laughed, and I prayed he believed me. The last thing that we needed was for him to know about my attraction.
“I’ll just have water.”
“Good choice.” I filled two glasses and set them in front of the plates while he took a seat.
After a second of me staring at the counter he waved. “Are you going to join me?”
That would be the next logical step. He had made me breakfast and when we ate together, we sat here. He was usually clothed.
Could I be that close to him?
Totally. Yeah. I could handle this.
I walked around the counter and sat on the stool. I ate in silence while Noah listened to some sports network on the TV.
“Noah Malkin was seen once again with his girlfriend.” I cringed and turned. There was a video of us leaving the party last night. He had his arm around me and I was looking up at him like he hung the moon, stars, and sun. Well, that ought to convince the public we were real. I looked like a lovesick puppy.
The reporter went on to talk about Noah being on the first line today and the predictions for the game. Soon, my face was off the screen and I turned back around to pick at my food.
“That was pretty weird.” He sat down his fork.
I nodded.
“I didn't even see them last night.”
I hadn’t either. “I think that’s what they’re good at these days.”
“I still don’t get why they’re interested in me.”
I looked over at him, from his hair down to his waist. “Yeah, I can’t imagine why anyone would find you interesting.”
He laughed and looked at me like he had last night. Like he was seeing something. Something more than just my makeup free face and wet hair.
“When do you leave?” I wanted to distract him. Take the attention off me. I knew the answer. I’d been the one to tell him, but we could pretend like my entire existence didn't revolve around him.
“At ten.”
I nodded. He would need to leave soon. “Do you have everything packed?”
“Yeah, it’s just a small overnight bag.”
“Your itinerary and tickets are in your email.”
“Thanks.”
We fell back into silence while he finished eating.
“I wish you could come tonight.”
I stood with my plate and walked around to the sink. “I wish I could be there too. Dang Coach for making up his mind just two days before.”
He smiled and sat back. I took his empty plate and rinsed it off before loading the dishes into the dishwasher.
“I’ll be at the next one, and you’ll start then too.”
He didn't look as confident as I felt about that. “If I don’t mess up this game.”
He came around into the kitchen and I grabbed his arm with my wet hands. “We’ve had this talk. You are an amazing player, Noah. You’ve already proven that. Once you get out there all of your doubts and all the noise will disappear. You’re going to kill it tonight.”
He looked into my eyes, and I focused on not letting my gaze drop. No matter how badly I wanted to look.
“You really think so?”
I laughed. “Yes, Noah. I know it.”
“Thanks.” He bent down, and I froze in place. As his lips got closer I inhaled. I was ready for this. I could do this. I tilted my head up, just a bit, as his lips landed on my forehead. He planted one kiss then stepped back, smiling. “I’m going to get dressed.”
I watched him walk out wanting to punch him. How could he do that? Make a move and then kiss me. On. The. Forehead.
Like I was a child.
I was fuming. Until I saw my reflection in the window.
He was a professional athlete with the news and media circus following him. He was a star. At this point he really could have any woman he wanted. He should be with someone flawless. Someone refined. Someone he could show off around town.
I wasn’t that girl.
I was just his personal assistant.
I was here to make sure he was on time for his flights. I did his grocery shopping and cleaned his apartment. I was around for when he needed a different suit brought to a photoshoot. I was the paid help.
I was practically his wife. I took care of everything, without really being a part of his life.
The realization was a slap to the face. As much as I wanted to pretend like last night was real, our connection was real, it wasn’t. It was all pretend.
That was fine.
I rolled my shoulders and went to the living room with my phone to check on emails. I couldn’t begrudge him for who he was. That didn’t change the fact that I cared for him.
; I thought of all he’d done for me last night. As good looking as he was, he was an even better person.
I needed to show him my gratitude. How much I appreciated him.
But how?
He was pretty simple. Didn’t have expensive tastes, yet. It wasn’t like I could afford to buy him much anyway.
What could I do to show him? Something as brilliant as the birthday he’d given me?
I thought about it as I did my makeup and blow dried my hair.
A few ideas came to me, but there was a limit to what I could pull off. Good thing I knew exactly who could help.
I was going to Emma’s house with the rest of the Pride who were in town to watch the game. A lot of the wives were going to the game since it was so close, but the rest of us were getting together.
They would have ideas. Probably better than anything I could come up with on my own.
After I was ready, I went out just as Noah was getting ready to leave.
“You’re off?” I asked, stopping him.
He nodded, still looking nervous.
I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his torso. I almost pulled back. I shouldn’t be touching him like this. At least not without cameras. But it felt too good. He was too warm. Too inviting.
When his arms settled around me I sighed. “You’re going to be so great. And I’ll be watching.”
He hugged me back for a moment before stepping back. “Thanks, Colby. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” I waved as he walked out the door. I really did wish I were going with him. It might be conceited of me to think I make a difference, but I knew it mattered to him.
Maybe that’s what I could do.
I could show up to the game!
I pulled out my phone and called Chloe. If there was any way to make this work, she would know how.
“Hi love.” She answered after the first ring.
“Hey, I want to surprise Noah.”
She laughed. “What kind of surprise?”
“I want to go to the game tonight.”
There was a pause. “Why?”
“It’s his first game on the first line and he’s really nervous. I think it would help if he knew I was there.”
“Aw. That’s sweet.”
“So, you’ll help me?”
Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three Page 11