I sighed. “I’ll introduce you. Hi, Mom!”
Cam turned to see my mom bearing down on us.
“You made it, Livvie!” She stretched her arms out, and we hugged. “And don’t you look nice tonight! Have you lost more weight?”
I laughed. “No. Mom, this is Cam Brickley. Cam, my mother, Heather Lockwood.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Lockwood.” Cam shook her hand, giving her his devastatingly charming smile.
She succumbed to it, fluttering her eyelashes. “Hello, Cam. Please call me Heather. Livvie tells us you’re a hockey player. You’re…not what I expected.”
I had no idea what she’d expected. Maybe a big, muscle-bound dude with no teeth?
Mom’s gaze moved over Cam, taking in his broad shoulders and muscled physique, but also probably sizing up his clothes. He was dressed nicely, casual but appropriate for the upscale restaurant in a shirt and dress pants, but his clothes weren’t designer or obviously expensive. I knew he was happiest in a pair of old jeans or sweatpants. “Well, come in and meet everyone else. We’re having aperitifs.”
I caught Cam’s raised eyebrow, one corner of his mouth quirked, and I winked at him.
“What the fuck are aperitifs?” he muttered as we followed Mom to where the others were mingling.
“Um, before dinner drinks.”
“Ah.”
A long table had been set, but everyone was standing with drinks in hand. A waiter appeared immediately to take our order. I requested a glass of sauvignon blanc, and Chase asked for a Scotch on the rocks.
“No beer?” I murmured to him.
“Trying to be classy. Aperitifs.”
I pursed my lips on a smile and shook my head.
We first said hi to Lucas. “Happy birthday!” I greeted him with a hug.
“Thanks, Liv.” He hugged me back, then looked at Cam. I handed Lucas the gift bag as I introduced Cam to Lucas and Elisha, and Cam and Lucas then had a short hockey discussion. Lucas was a hockey fan, and he seemed a wee bit starstruck talking to Cam. I made more introductions, and eventually we got to my sister, Alexis, who greeted Cam with a smitten yet appraising look. “Nice to meet you, Cam.”
“Likewise.” He shook her hand too.
Alexis turned to me. “I love your dress! I never wear floral stuff like that, Mitchell says it makes me look like a grandma.”
I met Cam’s eyes in a shared glance of amusement, my own eyes messaging him, See?
He slid an arm around my waist and pulled me in close. “Don’t worry, beautiful, a grandma is the last thing I thought of when I saw you in that dress.”
I knew Alexis was being ridiculous because this dress—pale pink splashed with flowers in shades of deeper rose and dusty blue—hugged my body from armpit to knees, although the sweetheart neckline and wide straps were modest.
“I especially love the view from the back,” he murmured near my ear but loud enough for Alexis to hear. I had to admit I enjoyed the expression on her face.
Then I was face-to-face with Jason.
This wasn’t the first time I’d seen him since we broke up; I’d run into him once when I was meeting Alexis for lunch and another time at a blues concert. Still handsome, still polished, he took my hand but pulled me in close enough to kiss my cheek. I wanted to resist but didn’t want to make a scene.
Cam frowned.
I introduced them, and they shook hands, and it seemed like Cam gripped Jason’s hand forcefully. His smile remained boyish and charming, but I knew him well enough now to know that it was strained.
“I’m a big fan,” Jason told Cam, apparently as starstruck as Lucas. I resisted an eye roll. I got it—Cam had that effect on people. “So cool to meet you.”
“Thanks.”
“So you’re in the playoffs. That’s good news. We want you guys to go all the way this year.”
“Not as much as we do,” Cam joked.
They started talking hockey, and Lucas joined in. I knew Jason was a hockey fan. I kept hoping he would say stupid things and look like an idiot, but he said the right things, sounding knowledgeable, and I watched bemused as my brother and my ex and Cam seemed to bond. This was weird.
Eventually, we all took seats at the table for dinner.
“Are you and Jason best buds now?” I asked Cam a little snarkily, setting my napkin on my lap.
“He seems like a good guy. I was surprised.”
“Ugh. Okay, he is a good guy. Other than he’s a cheater.”
“Right. Okay, yeah, he is an asshole.”
“It took me a long time to figure that out. I thought he was a nice guy too.” I wrinkled my nose. “My family still does.”
“It seems kind of insensitive for them to invite him.”
“He and Lucas are friends. They work together.”
“But still…” He leaned closer to me and brushed a kiss over my cheek. “I hate it that they don’t think about your feelings.”
“In fairness, I’ve told them I’m over him and it doesn’t matter.”
“Are you?” He eyed me, his smile fading. “Over him?”
I met his gaze. “Yes. I told you before. Way over him.”
Time stretched out between us, sparkling and sizzling.
“Good.” Cam squeezed my hand, released it, and picked up a menu.
“How did you two meet?” Mom asked from across the table.
“I’m a hockey groupie,” I replied. “I like to hang around outside the arena after games and wait for the players to come out.”
Cam choked on the water he was sipping.
Mom blinked at me. “Is that a joke?”
“Yes, Mom. But when you have to ask, it sort of loses something.”
“We met because I’m working with Move On Chicago,” Cam jumped in. “I’m doing some volunteer work and lending my name to the cause.”
“Oh, lovely!” Alexis said. “Olivia’s little charity needs all the help it can get.”
Cam cleared his throat and rubbed his fingers over his mouth. I was pretty sure he was trying not to laugh.
“You were right,” he murmured to me moments later, when the talk had turned to something else. “You little hockey whore, you.”
I burst out laughing, earning a reproving look from Mom. Whatever.
* * *
—
Our annual St. Patrick’s Day fun run was an opportunity for the kids to participate in an organized run, which was important for their goal setting. It was also a chance for the kids to share their activity with their families, and it brought diverse communities together, focused on a common interest. Families could run with their kids or help on the sidelines. Today’s one-mile run had tons of volunteers, families as well as other people from the community who wanted to be involved, thanks to the work of Paisley.
And Cam was here.
I was so excited that he’d been able to do this. He’d come to another school one day, and Julia’s work on the advertising campaign that included him was also paying off, generating tons of interest and enthusiasm. Several new schools had signed up to start programs in the fall. Luckily, donations had also increased, which would allow us to expand our programs and reach more people. And today, the turnout was fantastic, all because of Cam.
It was an overcast day, a little chilly, so everyone was dressed for that, with lime green T-shirts over hoodies and long-sleeved running gear. School buses lined the road beside the park, having brought students from other neighborhoods here today.
Kids and their parents crowded around Cam as he talked. He looked at ease, flashing that charming smile, signing autographs, and patiently posing for pictures.
Then it was time for everyone to line up behind the truss line archway that had been
erected with the big START sign. And we were off!
Cam jogged along beside me. I could tell he was taking it easy. But so was I.
“This is awesome,” he said, arms pumping. “I can’t believe you’re responsible for all this.”
“Well, I have a team. I sure don’t do it alone.”
“But you’re the brains behind it.”
I grinned. “Yeah.”
We kept up that pace for about two thirds of the run. I still had plenty of gas left though, so as we neared the finish line, I lengthened my stride, pulling a little ahead of him.
“Hey.” He caught up. “Is this a race?”
“Well.” I puffed out a breath. “We don’t call it a race. We call it a fun run. It’s not supposed to be competitive for the kids. The goal is just to finish.”
“Uh-huh.”
“But…” I grinned. “I like to win.” And I sprinted ahead.
I heard his laugh behind me as my arms and legs pumped. I tightened my abs and focused on my breathing, enjoying the sensation of using my muscles, my blood coursing faster through my veins. This feeling reminded me that my body might never look “perfect,” but it was strong and healthy.
I’d never been a track-and-field champion, but I’d had some decent times in my day, and I was glad I’d kept running over the years. I didn’t really think I could beat Cam though. He was a professional athlete. He easily caught me, and for a few minutes we were neck and neck. As we neared the finish line, I gave it everything I had, catching his wicked grin out of the corner of my eye. He passed me, damn him, but we crossed the finish at the same time.
“You pulled up,” I accused him, hands on my thighs, bent over as I walked. My lungs strained for air.
“Why do you say that?” He swiped sweat off his brow.
“You could easily have beat me.”
“Maybe I could have beat you,” he admitted. “But by no means easily. That was a hard run. You’re fast.”
I smiled at him. My face was probably as red as his, but his flush was attractive while I was almost certainly blotchy. I didn’t care. His words of praise made me proud. “You are too.”
We both walked for a few minutes, just letting our muscles cool down and our heart rates slow. “I wish I could stay longer,” Cam said. “Coach knows I’m going to be late for practice, and he’s okay with it. At least I’m all warmed up.”
“I understand. I really appreciate you coming.”
“I’ll appreciate you coming later,” he said in a low voice, kissing my forehead briefly.
I laughed, even as my girl parts squeezed. “Bye, Cam.”
Chapter 16
Olivia
I frowned at the text message from Cam asking me to call him as soon as I could. I’d just come out of a meeting, so I walked into my office, sat on the edge of my desk, and hit his number. I swung my legs waiting for him to answer.
“Hi,” he greeted me.
“Hi. What’s up?”
“I have an emergency.”
“What?” My spine straightened. “Are you okay?” God, what if he’d been hurt at practice or something? Took a puck in the face? Broke an arm?
“I’m okay, but we’re leaving in the morning for Boston.”
“Mmmhmm.” I knew that.
“Henry can’t look after Magnum tomorrow.”
Henry was the teenager who walked Magnum on days Cam wasn’t around.
“Apparently he’s got pneumonia or something. And I called the kennel Magnum goes to sometimes, but they’re full up on such short notice.”
He sounded so worried. My heart squeezed at the panic in his voice. He couldn’t go away and leave Magnum alone, and even if he did he’d be worried and distracted. I opened my mouth to say I’d look after Magnum…and hesitated.
I pulled in a long breath through my nose. I chewed my lower lip.
Magnum still made me nervous, and my stomach knotted up thinking about being alone with him, but I was more comfortable around him than I used to be. In the weeks Cam and I had been seeing each other, I’d stayed at Cam’s a few nights. I’d even gone for walks to the park with them.
It was Cam. I had to help him. “I’ll look after Magnum.”
After a beat, he said, “Are you sure?”
“Of course.” I ignored the tension in my gut.
“I know you don’t like him.” He still sounded hesitant.
“I like him.” Sort of. “It’s not a problem, really.”
“That would be awesome.” His sincere relief warmed my chest. “It’s not for long. We fly back after the game, so I’ll probably be home around three in the morning. It’s just too long to leave him alone.”
“I’ll go there tomorrow right after work. I can even stay there tomorrow night, if you don’t mind that.”
“I’d love that.” His voice deepened. “Even better coming home to you in my bed.”
I smiled.
“I’ll leave a key for you with the doorman, and I’ll write out a few things and stick it on the fridge for you. Food and stuff.”
“Okay. Not a problem at all. Don’t worry about us, just go play hockey.”
“Thank you. You’re the best,” he said fervently. “But I will be thinking of you…sleeping in my bed. Without me.” His voice went low.
I laughed softly. “Put that out of your head until after the game. Then I’ll be waiting for you.”
After I hung up, I searched out Paisley. “Pais! I have an emergency.”
She glanced at me from her computer. “What?”
“I have to go babysit a monster tonight. I need you to come with me.”
“Who are you babysitting?” A notch formed between her eyebrows.
“Magnum. Cam’s dog.”
Her eyes widened. “He’s a monster?”
“Well. He’s a dog. A pretty big dog.” I stretched my lips into a toothy, beseeching grin. “I need someone to protect me.”
“Who’s going to protect me?”
“You like dogs.”
She shook her head. “He’s not really dangerous, is he?”
“Well…” I twisted my fingers together. “I’ve never seen him bite anyone. But…I’m nervous around him.”
She sighed, but her lips curved into a smile. “Fine. I’ll come with you.”
* * *
—
Magnum seemed confused when we arrived at Cam’s condo, looking around me and sniffing, his tail wagging as if expecting to see Cam. He was briefly interested in Paisley, who held out a hand, palm down, but then he circled her too. When he didn’t find Cam, his tail slowed and drooped, and he turned and padded away from us.
“He could be a little happy to see me.” I pouted. “Am I nothing to him?”
Paisley laughed. “He’s cute.”
“I know how to make him like me.” I headed into the kitchen and got one of his favorite doggie cookies. “Look, Magnum! A treat! Here you go.” I held it out.
He approached warily. I half expected him to snap my fingers off, but he took the treat delicately then crunched it up. He spent an extra minute cleaning up all the crumbs from the floor.
“Good boy. Okay, let’s go outside. You’ve been home all day; you must need to pee.” I picked up his leash and waved it at him.
Seeing the leash, his ears perked, and he trotted toward me.
“Yeah, good boy.” I bit my lip as I felt around for his collar and clipped the leash on. I don’t know why I was still nervous. He had big teeth, but he’d never even snapped at me. “Oh wait. I need some poop bags.” Ugh. I was going to have to pick up dog poop. It was probably too much to hope that he wouldn’t poop the entire time Cam was away.
“I’ll come with you,” Paisley said.
We went out for a walk, Magnum marching happily alongside us, pausing here and there to sniff and lift his leg. The sun was low in the sky, and the air was chilly. It had been a beautiful sunny March day with spring in the air, but the temperature was already dropping.
We hit the park, Magnum straining at his leash. “He wants me to let him off his leash so he can run.” I eyed him. “But I’m too nervous to do that. What if he runs away and won’t come back to me?”
“Yeah. Probably best to keep him on the leash.”
I had to make sure to take the utmost care of Cam’s precious doggo. So I jogged a little beside him, Paisley catching up to us when he paused for sniffs.
Then Magnum pulled hard at the leash, yanking it right out of my hand. I watched in horror as he bolted away from us.
“Magnum!” I took off after him, but he was faster, bounding ahead of me across the grass, then around a bush and out of sight. “Jesus!”
I couldn’t see him. What if he ran on the road and got hit by a car? What the hell was he doing?
“Magnum! Magnum, come back!” I pounded on, leaving Paisley way behind. Panic made my limbs tingle as I thought about Cam’s reaction, coming home to discover I’d lost his dog, or let his dog get hurt or killed or…oh my God. “Magnum!”
I rounded the shrubs in the park and skidded to a stop, seeing Magnum. He was sniffing around another dog, and an older man stood smiling at them.
“Oh my God, Magnum, what are you doing?”
The man glanced up at me. “Hi.”
“Um, hi.”
The man looked around. “Cam with you?”
“No. He’s away. I’m looking after Magnum.” My heart pounded. I’d forgotten to breathe while running, so I was winded. “He got loose and I…I…” Fuck! I was so relieved I almost started crying. My throat closed up. “I was afraid I’d lost him.”
“He and Sadie are friends. He must have seen us and chased us.”
I huffed more. “Friends. Sadie.”
Magnum had his paws out in front of him, his chest lowered, his butt in the air, tail wagging. Sadie jumped at him, then away, and they started chasing each other in circles.
Game On Page 16
