The Nice Guy and the Therapist (New Hampshire Bears Book 11)

by Mary Smith

  He took her into his arms. “I promise you, we won’t lose her. We will get through this.” Trying to sound confident didn’t dismiss the fact that, deep down, he feared losing Leia. Not just to her running away, but he knew the suicide rates of bullied teenagers and refused to think about burying his own child. “Want to talk to her tonight?”

  Chloe shook her head. “Let her be for now. There’s no school tomorrow, why don’t we try then?”

  He nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  Before he left, he went to find Leia. Knocking on her bedroom door, she didn’t answer. He knocked louder, and she yanked it open. “What?”

  “I just wanted to say I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Great,” she quipped and shut the door.

  Part of him wanted to kick the door down and tell her to clean up the attitude, but he refrained from doing so. Being a teenager at one time himself, he knew she was having a rough go at life right now.

  Instead, he left her be.

  Even though Cabel wanted a cold beer, maybe two of them, he made a glass of chocolate milk. Since the entire team pledged not to drink in support of Bas, none of them had touched it. Hamilton suggested everyone turn to chocolate milk on the tough days. Apparently, it was his go-to drink and Cabel had picked up the habit.

  Knock. Knock.

  A smile grew on his face because he hoped she’d come by tonight. He hated he hadn’t texted her all day, but she understood how work and the girls took up the majority of his time.

  “Hello,” Cabel greeted her as he opened the door.

  Caryn’s golden-brown eyes met his. “Hey.”

  Chapter Two

  Caryn’s heart fluttered seeing his handsome face. She felt the same emotion on their first date, or as they defined it a blind date, since she knew exactly who he was and his job title. In fact, he knew her. The only difference had been, they had never met face-to-face.

  Until Maxima.

  “How’s work?” Cabel stepped back to let her in.

  “Exhausting. I’m guessing yours has been busy.” Neither of them had time to text.

  “Yes. Want some water? Food?” he offered as he walked toward the kitchen.

  “Water sounds good.” She followed him and took a seat at the kitchen table. “Everything okay?”

  “Fine. Shit.” He shook his head as he put the bottle down in front of her. “Sorry.”

  Giggling, she said, “You don’t have to apologize, but go on.”

  Caryn didn’t have any pet peeves except one. People saying fine. She detested the word more than any other in the English language. She knew whenever someone said it, they never meant it. It had become an acceptable term in society and no one questioned it. Since her job description made her question everything, fine became unacceptable to her.

  “Leia’s still having issues. Chloe found her very detailed plan to run away.” He shook his head and sat next to her.

  “What’s your plan?”

  Shrugging, he sipped his chocolate milk. “I have no clue, but I won’t lose my daughter.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you have any suggestions?”

  As much as she wanted to rattle off her ideas regarding the situation, she stopped herself. Cabel wasn’t paying her for a professional opinion, and even if he asked for it, she wouldn’t interfere with his life.

  “You and Chloe will figure it out. You’re both amazing parents and know what’s best for her.” She placed her hand over his, giving it a small squeeze.

  “Enough about my problems, what’s going on with you? Busy day?”

  “Yes, my day has been a bit hectic. I’m going to head over to The New Outlook and check on everything before going to dinner.”

  “Oh.”

  She heard his sad tone. “I have dinner plans. I just saw your Hummer and thought I’d say hello.”

  “Right. Sure. I understand.”

  Caryn knew he didn’t understand. His solemn expression said it all. “Maybe we can do dinner tomorrow?” Her voice sounded upbeat in the hope his mood would change.

  “I’m going to Chloe’s tomorrow. We’re going to discuss a plan for Leia.” His tone didn’t change.

  Checking her watch, she was ready to leave the uncomfortableness around her. “I have to go. Thanks for the water.” She kissed his cheek as she stood. “I’ll text you later.”

  Like the gentleman he had been raised to be, he escorted her to the door then to her car and watched as she drove away. On her way out of Manchester toward the countryside of The New Outlook, the memory of their first introduction flashed through her mind.

  She had been watching Maxima Rosin cut up tiny pieces of meat for her toddler daughter, Alyssa. Normally, Caryn would never interact with a patient on a social level, but Maxima had affected her differently. She considered her as a friend, and they went out to lunch at least once every couple of weeks. She had a deep respect for Maxima and enjoyed their lunches together.

  “Are you ready for a new season to start?”

  “I am.” Maxima smiled. “I’m hoping it’s better than last year.”

  “Me too.” Caryn, like most of Manchester and New Hampshire citizens, lived and breathed Bears hockey. “Is Remington?”

  Giggling, she said, “He’s definitely ready.”

  Caryn remembered a time when Maxima didn’t smile or giggle and felt pride as she sat there and watched her glowing face.

  “Hi, Cabel.” Maxima waved causing Caryn to turn around to see whom she greeted.

  Caryn tried her best to compose herself as Cabel Dirks, the New Hampshire Bears and Professional Hockey League’s most likable player strolled confidently up to their table.

  “Hey, Maxima and baby Alyssa.” He softly touched the child’s head. She squealed with delight staring up at him. He easily picked up the child.

  “Cabel, her hands are greasy.” Maxima rushed to wipe Alyssa’s hands.

  “It’s no big deal.” Cabel’s attention stayed on the toddler until he finally glanced at Caryn.

  Her heart actually skipped a beat when their eyes met. She’d never seen him this close before. His blond hair was short on the side and the back as it faded into the curls on top of his head. His brown eyes had flecks of gold in them.

  Caryn held out her hand. The moment their skin touched she knew something special happened between them.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “You as well.” His voice sent a tingle down her spine.

  When he turned his attention back to Alyssa and Maxima, she felt like she could breathe again. She studied his movements and interactions with them. Her ovaries were about to explode from his smile and the way he carefully cradled the toddler on his hip. He put Alyssa back into the highchair then said goodbye to them and walked away. Caryn watched his every move until she couldn’t see him anymore. As she turned back to the table, Maxima stared at her. Her huge smile made Caryn’s cheeks flush.

  “You have a thing for him.” Her sing-songy tone caused her to giggle. “You know he’s single.”

  And with those last words, Caryn’s life changed.

  After she finished her rounds at The New Outlook, she needed to drive fast in order to make it to dinner on time. She gave her word to spend time with him, at least a couple of times a week, and she wouldn’t break her promise. Truthfully, she wanted to spend time with him. All these years she wondered if she’d ever have a relationship like this and now one was beginning to blossom.

  When Caryn began The New Outlook, it was because she wanted to help people, especially those with addictions. However, she didn’t have any financial backing. It took her years of writing—no begging—for help from the federal, state and local governments, and the public to get it off the ground. She thought it would never happen, but fate had another plan.

  She valeted her car at the restaurant before strolling in. The hostess greeted her with a smile. “I’m looking for Oliver Matthews,” Caryn told her.

  “This w
ay.” The young female turned and she obediently followed.

  Glancing around at the other patrons, she took in the adoring, loving looks passed between the couples that were eating there. At thirty-two, Caryn thought her life would be different. But again, fate had other plans. As a child, she wanted to be a doctor. Specifically, a heart surgeon…until the day she began her psych rotation. Sure, she read all the books regarding mental health and knew the signs and how to diagnose the patients, but the day she sat down—with a real-life patient—her life changed.

  “Caryn.” Oliver stood as she approached the table.

  The man had a beer belly, balding hair, and textbook manners. Like the southern gentlemen in the old movies she watched with her mother. Even though Oliver grew up in New England most of his life, he still had manners.

  “How are you?” He kissed her cheeks and held out her chair for her to sit.

  “Tired, but overall doing well.” She sat down. “How are you?”

  “Outstanding, now that you’re here.” He beamed.

  Butterflies fluttered around. “Thank you.”

  The waitress came and took their drink order. Oliver ordered a hot tea, and Caryn asked for water with lots of ice. Picking up the menu she browsed through the items. As hungry as she had been hours ago, her stomach was flip-flopping now, and it would probably prevent her from ordering a large meal. It had been over a year since she first approached Oliver and yet her nerves still took over around him.

  “What are you having?” Oliver asked.

  “I’ll probably do the chicken. You?” She knew it to be a silly question because he always ordered—

  “Steak.”

  Caryn grinned. If nothing else, she could predict his food order. At one of their first dinners, she asked if he ever ordered vegetables. He told her a baked potato was a vegetable. She remembered it vividly because it was their first shared laugh together.

  When the waitress came back, they ordered their food. After she left them alone, they fell into silence. Caryn glanced around the room, still studying all the happy couples.

  “How’s Cabel?”

  The mere mention of his name brought a smile to her face, and her cheeks heated up. “He’s well. I just saw him a couple of hours ago.”

  “Are things becoming serious between you two?” he questioned.

  Shrugging, Caryn didn’t know how to answer. She truly hadn’t planned on going into details regarding their relationship…especially to Oliver.

  “You know I can vouch for his character.” He chuckled at his own joke.

  “I know you can.” She nodded.

  He watched her face for a few seconds. “It’s been over a year now, Caryn. I feel as if you still don’t trust me.”

  Glancing down at the silverware that was perfectly laid out in front of her, she wondered why she didn’t fully trust him either. Never having trust issues, rationalizing her feelings brought her into unfamiliar territory. Yes, Oliver had a special place in her life and heart. His billionaire status brought The New Outlook into a place she would’ve never been able to do single-handedly. Hell, he even paid off her mortgage and her car. He bought the building where her office was located, and she no longer had to pay rent there. It caused a massive argument between them, but once she calmed down she realized he had done it out of love, not control.

  But does she trust him?

  “Oliver, I’m still trying to figure out all of this. I know, deep down, trusting you will never bring me heartache, but my brain is still trying to process the dynamics of our relationship.”

  He nodded. “I understand. I guess I’m impatient, giving our situation. Hell, I never thought I’d be here at my age. I had my life and even parts of my retirement sorted out and now …” he trailed off.

  She reached over and touched his hand. “Just give me more time. We’ll get there. I promise.”

  Nodding again, he placed his other hand over hers, giving it a small squeeze. “As long as I can continue spending time with you, I’ll be happy.”

  The burn of tears came up quickly behind her eyes. She blinked hard not wanting them to fall. Even though they were happy emotions, she would still be embarrassed if she cried in front of him.

  “Not to bring up another touchy subject.” Oliver nervously cleared his throat. “But when will you join me for a family dinner?”

  Caryn pulled her hand from his. He asked this of her numerous times before and she continued to turn him down. Taking such a large step and telling the world—in a sense—the truth made her truly worried. Besides, his family have all been clients of hers. How would they react to the news? Especially Janan Long-Baer, his goddaughter, and Nova Long. They were co-owners of all the professional teams he owned. Would they think she wanted to take their jobs? Hardly. Yes, Caryn loved sports but never had the business sense to run or own a team. Plus, she had no desire to do it either. Her life mission was The New Outlook and helping others. It was all she ever wanted.

  “Just think about it. Please.” He softly broke into her chaotic thoughts.

  “I will.”

  Caryn wanted to change the topic because…well, she grew tired of him trying to get her to a family dinner. Her business was a topic they’d both enjoyed.

  “I spoke to Greer. I’m meeting with her tomorrow.”

  Oliver peaked up. “Greer Hopp is a brilliant event planner. Although, I’m not sure she sleeps because she loves it so much.” He laughed.

  “She seemed very sweet and professional.” Caryn gained Greer’s contact information from Oliver and Cabel. Greer Hopp’s title—unofficially—was den mother of the New Hampshire Bears. Her husband, Edgar Hopp, played for the team. They took in a lot of the new players and rookies until they could settle in. On top of that, Greer owned and operated an event planning company, which was extremely popular in New Hampshire and around Boston.

  “The girl is a saint. Edgar and she has a picture perfect marriage,” Oliver added as their food arrived.

  The conversation continued, and they talked about a few ideas Caryn had for the fundraiser. She knew Oliver would give her a guest list of who’s who with large bank books. Her pride wanted to turn it down, but she’d never get those types of people to come without him. He’s the reason The New Outlook does as well as it does. If it meant she had to shake more hands or whatever, she’ll do it with a smile because it’ll help others in need in the long run.

  After they finished eating, Oliver paid the bill. Although Caryn tried, he refused. Walking out together, she took his elbow and waited with him until her car arrived, even though his was already there.

  Kissing her cheek before she left, he asked, “See you Wednesday?”

  “Yes, you will.” She gave him a farewell smile and left to head home.

  Alone.

  When she strolled into the office the next morning, she held two lattes from The Latte Bean as she greeted her secretary, Toni, “Good morning.”

  She took the coffee with a bright gleam on her face. “You’re the best boss in the world.”

  “I’m not sure about that but thank you.” She continued into her office, picking up her messages along the way. “How many appointments do I have today?”

  “Four and the meeting with Ms. Hopp. Oh, and Maxima called.” Toni followed her into the room with a printed schedule in her hand.

  “Why did she call here and not my cell?”

  “I’m not sure. I can only assume it has to do with Remington’s trade.”

  Caryn froze. “What? What trade?”

  “Oh.” Toni seemed taken aback. “Did you not hear Remington and Keaton were traded yesterday?”

  Shaking her head, she felt as if she was kicked in the gut. Maxima and she had become such good friends, she hated to lose her. “I’ll call her first.”

  Toni nodded, shutting the door as she left the office, giving her some privacy. Quickly, she dialed Maxima’s number, and it went straight to voicemail. She left a message and then began to prepare for
her day. Normally, she could have up to six clients a day, but she tried not to overbook to ensure everyone gets enough time with her. She never wanted to rush anyone, especially if a breakthrough seemed to be on the horizon.

  Caryn kept her focus on her clients all morning until Toni came in bringing her more messages and reminding her of her meeting with Greer. Excitement rushed through her thinking about the upcoming fundraiser. The idea scared her, but at the same time, she knew it would help others. This would be the first for The New Outlook, but she’d hoped it would be an annual event.

  Greer made the decision to have their meeting at The Latte Bean. Caryn couldn’t be happier because she needed more caffeine to make it through her afternoon.

  “Caryn,” Greer called out, waving her hand into the air.

  Giving a small wave back, she eased her way through the small crowd of people toward her. If she would ever be jealous of another females look, it’d be Greer. Tall, around five feet ten, her pear-shaped body was what most women craved to have. Or paid a lot of money for. Her brown hair fell down around her back and shoulders in salon style perfection. The biggest physical feature of hers…her crystal sea blue eyes. They were mesmerizing.

  “How are you?” Greer greeted her. “The waitress will be here in a moment. I didn’t know what to order for you.”

  “Thank you and I’m a bit tired but not bad.” Caryn sat down. “You?”

  “I’m fine.”

  Slightly cringing, Caryn ignored the silly word. She had just met Greer, so she couldn’t lay into her about the word. Yet. “Great.”

  “So…” She picked up her iPad and tapped the screen. “I know you said no to any themes, which is fine, but I suggest we keep it a black tie affair.”

  “Agreed.” Caryn nodded.

  The waitress came and took her drink order as Greer continued to tap the screen.

  “Did Oliver send the guest list?”

  “Oh, yes.” She beamed looking up at Caryn. “You know it’s all of New England’s A-list.”