Hard Hit: IceCats series

by Toni Aleo

  She nods. “Thanks. Can you maybe reach out to him, too? He was extremely agreeable with everything I suggested, but this, he didn’t seem to want to budge on.”

  My heart races. I would love nothing more than to call and talk to him about this, but it isn’t my place. I bite my lip. “I don’t want him to feel like we’re tag-teaming him or that you’re running your mouth to me about his case. We’re on his side. He needs to remember that.”

  “Exactly.”

  “I’ll send an email with the nanny company’s information, and I’ll tell him that you were asking me for advice and I suggested the same thing you did.”

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  She goes to get up, and I stop her. “Willa.” She looks down at me. “Please make sure he gets custody.”

  She smiles. “It’s pretty straightforward. But you know me, I prepare for everything that could go bad, just in case.”

  We share a smile. It’s something we both do. Make sure each I is dotted and T is crossed. As much as I don’t know what I’ll say in the email to him, I know I need to send it. I have to help them get what they want. I want the best chance for the best outcome for them. At this firm, we want to win not only for ourselves, but for our clients. I know Willa won’t give up until she has the result that Kirby wants, that Celeste needs. We don’t play; that’s why we’re successful.

  In the legal world.

  In the real world, we’re both single and childless.

  But maybe, just maybe, I can change both of those things.

  With Kirby.

  I don’t know about this feelings shit. Aviva may be wrong, but I really, really want Kirby Litman, and I don’t know how bad an idea that is.

  I’m sure I’ll find out.

  Chapter Six

  Kirby

  * * *

  Hey Kirby,

  I know things have been rough, so I pray this email finds you in better spirits after meeting with Willa. You went with the best in the biz, and I am confident she’ll get you the result you want. I hope you were happy with the meeting and satisfied with your conversation. I wanted to reach out and let you know that Willa came to me for advice on the nanny situation, and I fully agreed that you need outside help. I know you’d want someone you trust, so I’ve included the contact information for a company I represent. They are wonderful, highly rated, and the owner’s favorite is the nanny I am suggesting for Celeste. I’m confident you will take our advice, and I know we’ll achieve the resolution you and Celeste deserve. Thank you for trusting our firm.

  It was really wonderful to see you and Celeste. You’re an amazing dad, Kirby.

  Good luck,

  Jaylin

  * * *

  I should be ashamed that I’ve read this email at least nine hundred times since I received it three weeks ago. I don’t know why, but I want so badly for the words to change to: I think you’re a hot-ass dad, and I still want you.

  Yes, I am aware that is ridiculous and silly, but damned if I don’t want it to be true. I could really read into the “really wonderful to see you” part. Does she want to see more of me? I want to see more of her. Fuck. So bad. I’ve hit reply a billion times and typed up the naughtiest of emails, but then I deleted them. I can’t just throw myself out there for rejection.

  Not with everything that’s going on.

  Aviva and Nico stand in the doorway of the nanny’s room. As much as I didn’t want to hire a nanny since my neighbors have a lot of feelings about it, I went with Willa’s and Jaylin’s advice. Plus, the moment that Celeste met Jean, she loved her.

  Jean Espinoza is a cool chick. Really funny, spunky, and she knows how to care for a kid. She’s the middle of nine kids, and because of that, she’s nannying until she finds the right guy to marry. That guy is not me because she works for me, and from the moment I saw Jaylin again, I can’t think of anyone but her.

  But if I weren’t hung up on Jaylin, I’d holler at Jean. She’s a gorgeous girl. Long black hair, with the shiniest brown eyes I’ve ever seen. If she weren’t smiling all the time, I’d think she was crying with how shiny they are. She’s a bigger girl, but thick in all the right places. She’s stunning and so damn sweet to my girl. That’s probably my favorite thing about her, how much she loves my kid. But nothing compares with how I feel about Jaylin.

  Jesus Almighty. Cheers to her parents ’cause, hot damn, she’s stunning.

  Alas, everything is a shitshow. We go to court in a week, and when I told Lilly that, she didn’t seem to care. I don’t know if she’ll show up. If she doesn’t, we have to get another court date, and then another, before she gives up custody. I just want it done. I want it over, and I want Celeste to be only mine. I’m at the point now where I don’t even think Lilly deserves to be Celeste’s mother. Hell, I’ll be mom and dad. Whatever Celeste needs. Which is why I am standing in the newly decorated room for my nanny. With Aviva’s help, it’s perfect to me, but I still need their approval.

  Aviva is grinning and that’s good, but Nico looks bored. “So, you’re living with this chick, and you’re not banging?”

  Anyone else would be offended, but I know Nico has no filter whatsoever.

  Aviva rolls her eyes. “Nico…”

  I scoff before I say, “Yeah, I know it’s hard to believe, but I gotta make sure Celeste is solid.”

  “I thought Henry and Merle wanted to watch CC?” he asks, speaking of my neighbors.

  “They did, but my lawyer thinks this is the best solution to win custody since I travel so much.”

  Aviva nods. “If Jay says it’s the best, it is. She knows what’s best.”

  “I know, but I feel like CC needs someone she knows. I wouldn’t want our kid with some stranger,” he says skeptically as he rubs Aviva’s growing belly. It’s crazy that a year ago, we were both fucking whoever we wanted, and now, we’re dads. While he has it all, I know I’ll find that for myself.

  Hopefully, she’s a sexy dark-skinned, curly ebony-haired boss of a babe in a pencil skirt.

  It’s a long shot, especially after that email, but one can dream.

  As always, I have to force myself to stop thinking of Jaylin and answer Nico. “Jean isn’t a stranger anymore. She’s come every day since I’ve hired her for three hours to play with CC. She loves her, and I think she’s great. She’s a good fit.”

  He doesn’t seem convinced. “Maybe next time, don’t make a kid with a piece of shit.”

  I give him a dry look. “I don’t regret that at all. Celeste is everything.”

  He holds up his hands quickly, guilt filling his features. Since Nico doesn’t have a filter, he apologizes a lot. “My bad, bro. I didn’t mean that Celeste—”

  I wave him off. I love this dude, even if he doesn’t think before he speaks. “It’s no problem, man. I know what you meant. And don’t worry, there won’t be a next time unless I am happily married.”

  Aviva smiles brightly. “Or in a committed relationship with your forever.”

  I point to Aviva, grinning. “What she said.”

  We all chuckle a bit as we head out into the living room, where Celeste is in her pack ’n play, playing with some blocks as she watches Baby Einstein. I don’t care what anyone says, that show is legit, and I don’t mind that I had to buy a DVD player to play it. Celeste needs this. Aviva leans into her pack ’n play, rubbing her back as she smiles down at my girl. Aviva is good people. Strong gal and one hell of a provider. She loves hard, and I can’t wait to see her as a mother. She’s already one hell of a sister, so I can only imagine.

  “When’s Callie leave?”

  She looks up sadly. “Next month.”

  I nod as Nico makes a face. “I don’t want her to leave, especially since I think Chandler is going to send those Adler boys my way.”

  I chuckle as Aviva makes a face back at him. “Aren’t they Amelia’s cousins?”

  Aviva nods. “Yes, but with the twins and the new baby she is having, she and Chandler are runn
ing out of room. Rumor has it as soon as camp is over and the Adlers know for sure if they are staying, they’ll get an apartment.”

  “Yeah, so they need to make it or get out of here.”

  “Nico, they are sweet guys.”

  “That have penises.”

  “Jesus—” she moans, but he cuts her off.

  “Callie is too pretty, and I know they’ll fight over her.”

  “And? She’s a smart girl.”

  Nico isn’t convinced. “If she’s anything like you—and she is—she can’t resist a hot hockey player.”

  A wicked grin comes over her beautiful mouth. “So, you think the Adler boys are hot?”

  “Man, you walked right into that,” I tease, and he makes a face.

  “I really did,” he says, annoyed with himself. “But whatever. They need to stay with Chandler and Amelia, then hell, I’ll buy them an apartment.”

  I grin. “I hope Callie wants to bang one of them, just to piss you off.”

  If looks could kill, I’d be dead. Nine times over. “Take it back, Litman.”

  I grin as he comes toward me, ready to murder me. “Never.”

  Aviva is dying with laughter at this point as she takes ahold of Nico’s wrist to stop him. “Nico, be real. She’s too focused on gymnastics and school to be worrying about boys.”

  “You better hope,” he says, pointing to me, and then he looks down at Celeste. “You’re lucky you’re cute and need him, or he’d be dead.”

  Celeste gives him a toothless grin as she shrieks happily. We all laugh as Aviva’s phone dings. She looks down at it and makes a face. Nico sees it since he’s obsessed with her. I can’t blame him. And he asks, “Everything okay?”

  She rolls her eyes. “Jay is on a date, and it’s going awful. I wonder when her mom will figure out that she doesn’t want to be set up.”

  Set up? As in, she’s looking for someone?

  “She doesn’t need to be set up. She isn’t hard to look at,” Nico says with a grin that earns him a nice smack in the chest. “What? I mean that with love.”

  “You won’t even look her in the eye, but you say that?”

  He grins, and Aviva rolls her eyes. They’re adorable, but instead of saying that, I blurt out, “She’s dating?”

  They both eye me. Slowly, Aviva answers. “Yeah, she’s ready to settle down.”

  Her eyes scrutinize me, and I hope I don’t give anything away as I nod. “That’s cool. I saw her when I went to meet my lawyer.”

  Still, her eyes burn my skin as she tries to read me. Sorry, sister. I’ve been hiding my true feelings from the world my whole life. “She told me.”

  Be aloof. Don’t react. Don’t be suspicious. Just nod. Instead, and against my better judgment, I quickly ask, “Did she?”

  That isn’t aloof, Litman!

  The widest, brightest grin moves across those lips of hers as if she just scored and won the Cup I want so fucking bad. Almost as bad as I want Jaylin. “She did. She went on and on about how cute Celeste is and how great of a dad you are.”

  “Well, she isn’t wrong.”

  Nico slaps me on the back. “She isn’t. And we could be here all day, talking about Jaylin and what she thinks or even how you think. But here is an idea—maybe write her an email since you’re obsessed with the one she sent you and ask for a playdate.” He waggles his brows, and I promptly want to kick his ass.

  Aviva’s eyes widen as she looks between us. “What are you talking about?”

  “Nothing,” Nico sings as he heads for the door.

  She looks back at me. “What’s he talking about?”

  “No clue,” I play off, and his laughter runs down my spine.

  I really need to rethink this friendship we have.

  But maybe I’ll take his advice…

  Chapter Seven

  Jaylin

  * * *

  I tap the toe of my high heel against the rail of the bar as I sip on my cider. I’m waiting for a date with Allen Lissome, a guy I’ve been seeing on and off for a while since he travels a whole lot. When he’s in town, we hook up, and it’s a good time. He’s in the big pharma game, and while his job gives me the creeps since I think there is a cure for cancer out there but pharmaceutical companies are keeping it to themselves, he eats me out like no other. And I need to get off. I have become completely obsessed with Kirby, and I need to kick that again. Allen and his magical mouth cured me of my Kirby issues before, so I’m sure it’ll work a second time.

  I lean on my hand as I move my gaze from one TV to another, watching all the sports. Another thing about Allen, he’s a huge sports guy. He loves this sports pub because it has beer and a mean cheesesteak sandwich. Since I’m a fan of the mozzarella sticks and the cider, I don’t mind. Also, they’re quick, which means we get back to his place even quicker. The cider I’m sipping on is imported and my absolute favorite. It goes down real smooth, and I soon realize I’ve finished my glass.

  Where the hell is Allen?

  As I try to wave down the bartender, I check my phone for a message. I realize that my extreme promptness, which makes me crazy-early everywhere, means Allen isn’t late. Rather, I’m a horny bitch who needs to relax and get another drink. Before the bartender can reach me, though, a rather large man beside me waves him down.

  “Three waters and whatever this gorgeous peach is drinking.”

  He flashes me the brightest, whitest smile I’ve ever seen, and I can’t help but grin back. “Gorgeous peach? That’s a first.”

  He’s beaming as his buddies, who are equally as large, maybe a wee bit bigger, watch with amusement. The taller one is grinning like he’s about to get some, while the other is a little more reserved but interested in what is happening. It doesn’t take a genius to realize they are twins. Really, really hot twins. “Well, I’ve never seen such a gorgeous woman.”

  “Lies,” I accuse as the bartender hands me another cider and waters to the boys. Or children. They can’t be over twenty. “Or you haven’t lived long enough to see your fair share of beautiful women.”

  His lips curve even more. “Oh peach, I don’t need another twenty years to know beauty when I see it.”

  Ha. I called it. “Twenty? My God, you’re a baby.”

  He actually blushes. If he weren’t a baby, I’d let him flirt with me all day. Gotta set him loose to prowl. “I’m a big, big man,” he teases, and I grin.

  “Big, big man?”

  He nods. “I’m big…and big.” He nods toward his cock, and with that, my look tells him to run. He grimaces as his friends guffaw behind him. The reserved one finds this hilarious. “Can I take that back?”

  “Please.”

  He quickly holds out his hand. “My name is D’Artagnan Miklas.”

  I blink. Surely, I heard him wrong. “D’Artagnan?”

  He grins. “Yeah? I’m named after some chick flick from the eighties. I guess there’s also some old-ass book.”

  Oh, my heart. I was maybe ten, but I lusted after Chris O’Donnell like no other. I wanted to have his little horse-riding babies and teach them to fence. “It was the nineties, and the most amazing, romantic, and beautiful movie, The Three Musketeers.”

  “I’ve seen that!” the bigger twin says with a toothy grin. “My mom loves those kinds of movies.”

  His mom. I’m probably his mom’s age. “How old are you?”

  “Nineteen,” he says proudly. “I’m a hockey player.”

  Just like that, I’m knocked back into the imaginary rink in my head where I’m naked and being banged by Kirby in all his sexy hockeyness against one of those big net things. I need to shake these children. Before I can, though, the not-so-amused twin gives his brother a dirty look. “Really? That’s what you lead with? ‘I’m nineteen and a hockey player. Please let me buy you a drink.’”

  “I like you,” I say, pointing to him, and he grins, holding out his hand. He has the most amazing blue eyes, but he’s also nineteen, so keep it moving, Jay.
<
br />   As I shake his hand, he says, “Evan Adler. It’s really nice to meet you. This idiot is my brother Owen. We’re from Nashville, Tennessee, trying to play for the IceCats.”

  “Wow, I love Nashville. My niece is about to go to school down there. Bellevue?”

  “Yeah! I picked coming here instead of going to college there.” We share a smile, and his eyes are dangerous. God help the girl he sets those blue lasers on. “I think I made the right choice.”

  I chuckle at his insinuation. “You’re cute, but I’m way out of your age group.”

  “Not at all,” he says, leaning on the bar, and those quiet ones are always the risky ones.

  Someone put me out of my misery. “Okay, D’Artagnan. Grab Athos and Porthos and head on off to save the king or win a Cup or whatever.”

  The confusion is all over D’Artagnan’s and Evan’s faces, but Owen, my movie friend, grins. “Good one.”

  “I thought so,” I say with a wink.

  But then I hear his voice. “Okay, boys. Keep it moving. This lady is way too classy for slumming with you three.”

  I go still.

  My heart stops, and as I look past the Three Musketeers, there he is. “Kirby?”

  The guys look between us as he cuddles Celeste in his arms. She’s sleeping against his chest, her beautiful curls covering her face. How she is sleeping in this loud place is beyond me, but hot damn if I don’t wish I were on his chest like she is. He is stunning in a soft red tee that is tight along his chest and shoulders from supporting Celeste’s weight. His dark hair is a mess, like he hasn’t combed it in a week, and that dark shadow on his face tells me he hasn’t shaved either. Within seconds, I’m worried. Is he not handling things well? Is Jean not working out? From what I heard, he loved her and she loved them! Does he need me?

  Okay, Jaylin. Pump the brakes.

  I swallow hard as his eyes move along my body. He may be a solid six feet away with a child on his chest and three fully grown man-children between us, but it feels like he is right beside me, his body enveloping mine.