by Amber Lynn
“I think your mom wants to talk to me. Can you keep an eye on your sister for a few minutes while we discuss how she plans on killing me? I have a feeling your mom is ruthless, so it’s probably not appropriate for children.”
Kevin could’ve taken the comment wrong, since he repeatedly mentioned he wasn’t just a kid. Instead, he just shrugged and waved Rachel onto the ice. The girl looked to her mom. When Lacey made no motion to move, or even look away from Vasily, Rachel shrugged and held onto the dasher as she made her way out to the ice.
“Any advice this time, kiddo?” Vasily asked quietly as she got to him.
He thought about rubbing his hand on her head but had a feeling that wouldn’t go over well with Lacey. Rachel offered him a small smile as she shook her head.
“Sorry, I thought she’d be happy to see you. There’s no windows around, so unless you can melt into the ice, I think you’re on your own.”
“Sadly, I don’t have that ability. She’s not armed, right?”
“Why did you think Mom would want to see him?”
Rachel’s eyes widened, and she folded her lips in when she heard Kevin’s question. Vasily’s question wasn’t important, so he smiled and skated away with a wink. Evidently, Rachel had kept the fact that Vasily spent the night to herself, and Kevin hadn’t mentioned their deal.
He hoped she didn’t spill the beans. Kevin would not be happy hearing the truth, and Vasily needed him. He hated to admit the kid was right, but together they were burning through his community service hours. Vasily couldn’t go back to the chair. Not that he would necessarily have to, but he didn’t think he’d get along with another kid as well as he did Kevin.
As he got closer to Lacey, he did his best to keep the lust he felt out of his eyes. It was hard faced with angry Lacey. He wanted to feather kisses against her forehead until the scowl disappeared.
“What are you doing here with my son?”
Vasily didn’t lose his smile. Her words didn’t come off as angry as she’d expected, judging by her scowl deepening right after they left her mouth. She cleared her throat and waited for his answer.
“It’s nice to see you again, kitten. If I remember right, I was explaining about Kevin when you took things into your own hands, or mouth, and made me forget to finish the conversation. As you can see, we’ve become buddies through the program we’re both shackled to.” He tilted his head to the side a little, trying to appear apologetic. “I thought he would’ve mentioned it by now.”
All of that was true up until the mentioning part. Kevin hadn’t said one way or the other, but since Lacey hadn’t already tried to at least get in touch with him, Vasily figured she didn’t know.
“What kind of game are you playing? You said you weren’t a father figure.”
Whatever still calm that had been around her left as her arms started waving as she spoke. Don’t let your gaze fall to her chest, Vasily told himself a couple of times. Her arm movements made her breasts a focal point he could see in his peripheral vision.
“I’m not a father figure, nor am I pretending to be one.”
As soon as he said the words, Vasily had to stop and think about whether they were true. He shook his head and decided now was not the time for that.
“Anyway, I’m not playing a game. I told you, Kevin asked me to talk to you. The part I didn’t get to was that it was in exchange for us pairing up as buddies and hanging out all day. I’ve got a lot of community service hours to burn through, and I like to think we’ve found a win-win situation.”
“So, you wake up and run from my bed, never to be heard from again, but you’re spending your days with my son. I don’t get it.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, making it even harder not to stare in that direction. Did she have any idea what she did to him? His mouth almost watered with want of pulling one of her nipples into it.
“First,” Vasily said, skating so he could lean over the boards closer to her. “I did not run from your bed. One of your bulldog protectors dragged me out of it.”
Since she didn’t look surprised by that comment, he assumed Rachel had filled her in a little about that morning. Or maybe it was Jake, who undoubtedly told her he was nothing but trouble. Vasily leaned towards the former of those scenarios, since she said he’d run from her bed. Jake would’ve made it clear he was dragged out and beaten so he never let the idea of being in her bed drift through his head again.
“Rachel said something about Jake. Believe me, he’s got his own lecture coming, but you, this, it isn’t right. I know it sounds like the perfect solution for whatever trouble you got yourself in, but my son lost his dad a couple of months ago. He doesn’t need another guy in his life that’s just going to disappear one day.”
The words stung, mostly because he understood where they came from. He’d seen over the weeks how attached Kevin was getting. The problem was, Vasily felt the same way, and he knew things weren’t going to end like any of them hoped. Even understanding that didn’t change the fact that her words pissed him off.
“Don’t compare me to your ex-husband.”
He said the words slowly and tried to keep the anger out of his voice. It wasn’t her fault George was a giant dick. Vasily could be one too, but he never wanted to hear someone comparing the two of them, especially not Lacey.
“Are you saying you’re going to be different than him? That when those hours you mentioned run out, you won’t move on to some new game?”
Vasily backed down. He didn’t physically move away, but his shoulders relaxed. She was tight and seemed to be moments away from jumping over the boards and mauling him. After hearing what an asshole George had been to her, he didn’t blame her.
He wasn’t like George, though, even if he hadn’t really thought about what would happen after the hours ran out. There were others on the team that were apart of their lives, and without really thinking about it, Vasily just assumed he’d still be around.
“This isn’t a game to me, Lacey. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of summer when I’ve got to start training, but I’m not playing around with Kevin, or you. I told you upfront I’m not relationship material. I asked if you understood that, and your reply said you did.”
Her anger fell some as a frown took over her face. Vasily could deal with timid and angry Lacey, but sad Lacey was another story. If the kids weren’t around, he would’ve gathered her in his arms and tried to kiss the frown away.
“I wish it was different, Lacey. I know I’m not showing it well, but you’re very special to me, and I don’t want to hurt you.”
If the frown wasn’t bad enough, tears pooled at the edges of her eyes. What the hell? He knew she wouldn’t be happy with anything he said, but he hadn’t thought she’d cry about it. One night was not enough to fall in love with him or anything. He was smitten and hated saying that they couldn’t be together, but tears were a completely different level.
“I remember what you said.” She sniffed and straightened her back. “This isn’t about us. You said one night, and that’s fine. This is about you spending time with my kid. If this is going to continue, I need to know when he’s with you, where you’ll be and when you’ll bring him home. We don’t need to have any other contact than that.”
Vasily stared at her dumbfounded. They were essentially the words he wanted to hear, but part of him wished she would’ve fought for something with them. Was he really that good about hiding his emotions? Obviously, he was, but he would’ve given anything for her to bring up the idea of another night. He couldn’t with his vow to not hurt her, but if she did, could he say no?
It didn’t matter, because that clearly wasn’t what she wanted. If she was okay letting him hang out with Kevin, he’d take whatever residual closeness to her he could get from that.
Chapter 13
The smell of meat cooking on the grill made Lacey want to run for the nearest bathroom. She knew she shouldn’t have come to the barbecue, but Nina was he
r usual insistent self. If Lacey didn’t show up, Nina would’ve sent someone to bring her by force. Plus, she couldn’t deny how much fun the kids had at team barbecues.
The only thing Lacey had to worry about was avoiding Vasily. He’d picked Kevin up at their home a few times, but she hadn’t spoken to him again. The day at the arena, she heard again that he wasn’t someone who wanted to be tied down with a family. Knowing that, she should’ve made him cut ties with Kevin, but there was a part of her that needed time. A part of her that wanted him to want their child.
There was no question she was pregnant. She was about three months along, just a little over, and her normal bump was expanding. No one else had noticed, but in another month or two it’d be impossible for others not to know.
“You know that food doesn’t magically fly to your plate just from staring at it, right?” a soft voice asked.
Lacey smiled hearing Hannah next to her. She should’ve been embarrassed about being caught staring, but Hannah had this way about her that made you feel like things would be okay. She could also be one hell of a protective mother lioness, so Lacey knew better than to get on her bad side.
“I was trying a new technique to see if I could make it work.”
In reality, Lacey was trying to work up any appetite she could. The puking had stopped, but her appetite still hadn’t returned. She was mainly living off protein shakes and supplements. It hadn’t been that bad with Kevin or Rachel, but she wasn’t complaining. She’d heard her baby’s heartbeat, and in a few weeks, she’d know whether it’s a boy or girl.
“I think it’s safe to say you don’t have telekinesis powers. How’s it going?”
The question caused a shift in her tone from teasing to sincere. Lacey had only heard the question a handful of times in the thirty minutes she’d been there. Chances were by the time it was fashionable to leave, or at least leave without Nina threatening her life, she’d hear it at least a dozen times.
“It’s going pretty good. With the kids getting ready to start back at school, I’m thinking about getting a job.”
Lacey hadn’t told anyone that, not even the kids. She hadn’t applied for anything yet, but she had been looking and thought there were some options she could pursue.
“Really?” Hannah asked, halting her own perusal of the food to turn to her. “That’s a great idea. Your degree is in finance, right?”
Glancing over, Lacey could see the excitement on Hannah’s face. She hadn’t known how others would react to her wanting to work, but she hadn’t expected jubilation.
“Yes, but other than the family budget, I haven’t used anything I learned much in the last decade.”
Hannah waved her hand in the air. “So? It’s not like you need a full refresher or anything. And your timing is perfect. I’m getting swamped and have been thinking about hiring someone to help me out for a few months. Pay is great, and hours are super flexible. Plus, you won’t even have to leave your house.”
Lacey’s mouth dropped open. The words were completely unexpected. She knew Hannah had a successful accounting business, but the thought of asking her for a job had never crossed her mind.
“Did you just offer me a job?”
She was sure she’d heard wrong. Because Hannah wasn’t just offering a job otherwise. She was offering the perfect job for Lacey’s situation.
Hannah nodded, and her smile widened. Then it disappeared as she focused on something behind Lacey.
“That’s weird.”
Lacey felt a tingling sensation slither up her spine. She didn’t have to ask in general what was weird, because she knew who had just joined the party. How in the world could she feel him?
“What’s weird?” Lacey asked, refusing to turn around and see for herself.
“Has Rachel met Ox before?” When Lacey made a face of surprise, Hannah corrected the name. “Vasily Oxentenko. Has she met him?”
Lacey remembered the exchange between the two of them at the arena. She hadn’t heard what they’d said in whispered voices, but she’d noticed Rachel didn’t seem afraid to speak to him at all, which was strange for her. She knew the guys on the team, so she generally wasn’t too shy around them, but Vasily made her smile with whatever he’d said. There was no sign of her guarded nature at all.
“Why?”
Asking the question seemed easier than explaining the situation. Hannah cocked one of her eyebrows at the response.
“Because when Ox walked in, she went right to him and now he’s holding her on his hip and making his way over here.”
She couldn’t stop herself. Lacey turned to look over her shoulder to verify the words were true. The speaking was one thing, but Rachel letting a stranger pick her up was unprecedented. It was ridiculous, but Lacey saw the scene Hannah described. This was not good.
“Hannah, Lacey, good to see you ladies,” Vasily said as he got within a couple feet of them and stopped. “I believe this little monkey belongs to you.”
His eyes were on Lacey, something she assumed had been the case as soon as he found her in the crowd. She hated those eyes. They never matched his words. He said just the one night, but his eyes begged for something more. She didn’t have a clue what he wanted.
“That’s the rumor, but I’m willing to part with her if the price is right.”
Putting a smile on her face and joking wasn’t easy, but the less Vasily paid attention to her the better. Acting like he was just another person at the party and not the guy she dreamed about at night was the only way she could think to deal with him.
“Really?” he asked.
Rachel pouted slightly but shrugged and rested her head on his shoulder. She was too big to be carried around, but his massive size made her seem small.
Even though Lacey knew Vasily was playing along, it hurt that they were talking about him and a kid. He could say he wasn’t father material all he wanted, but the way both of Lacey’s kids reacted to him told a different story. He could play the role. He just didn’t want to.
“If the price is right. Although, now that she’s back at school, maybe I shouldn’t sell her. She’s not quite as mopey when she’s got homework to do.”
The scowl on Rachel’s face was comical. She lived for doing homework, but evidently Vasily wasn’t supposed to be let in on that fact.
“Darn. Well,” Vasily said with an exaggerated sigh. “If you’re ever considering offers in the future, let me know. Are you guys getting some food and sitting down, or just hovering around the table?”
Lacey’s plate was still empty, and Hannah didn’t even have one. What little appetite Lacey might have disappeared the second she felt him. She needed to have something to keep her hands busy at least. She wanted to touch Vasily, and it was neither the time or place for that inclination.
She turned back to the food. What could she eat that wouldn’t make her want to throw up?
“If we don’t eat, Nina gets pissed off, so I think I’ll have some veggies or something. How about you, honey, what should I put on the plate for you?”
The question was directed at Rachel, but she was not who responded.
“I am a growing boy, so I say plenty of macaroni and potato salad, three hot dogs and, hey, is that coleslaw? Better pile some of that on there too, kitten.”
Hannah sounded like she was close to choking as the words flowed out of Vasily. Rachel giggled. And Lacey stood there with her jaw dropped yet again.
What was wrong with him? More importantly, what was wrong with her that she wanted to jump right in and make him up a plate?
“I wasn’t aware you two knew each other,” Hannah said.
She was close enough to Lacey that she nudged her with her elbow. Lacey wanted a hole to open up in the ground and swallow her whole.
“We don’t, really,” Lacey said before Vasily could. It was better to drive the train than be pulled along. “He’s been Kevin’s buddy while he worked off some community service hours, so our paths have crossed.”
“Hmm. I see. You’ve just crossed paths and you’ve got nicknames for each other.”
Lacey didn’t appreciate the sarcastic tone in Hannah’s voice. She deserved a medal of some sort for not stomping on her friend’s foot.
“I don’t have a nickname for him. I was talking to my daughter.”
“I’m sure you were. Rachel, I think eating dinner before dessert is way overrated. What do you say we go hit the ice cream bar and worry about hot dogs and salads later?”
For someone who was supposed to be a friend, Hannah was not being very helpful. The only good thing Lacey could think of was that Nina wasn’t around too. She would’ve probably offered Lacey and Vasily a room in the house to get to know each other better.
“Can I, Mom? I saw they had sauces to dip your cone in that harden and get crunchy.”
Of course. Nina didn’t go halfway on anything. A normal person would maybe buy some ice cream sandwiches or something that was wrapped and easy to dish out. Nina, on the other hand, had a giant ice cream bar that was practically a block long. Lacey hadn’t gotten a good look at it, but she imagined it was just as fancy as the gourmet hot dogs being served.
“Go ahead,” Lacey said reluctantly.
She smiled at her daughter, who quickly climbed down out of Vasily’s arms. Lacey had no idea how they’d spent any amount of time together, but Rachel was smitten from whatever time they did spend.
“I’ll make sure she gets back to you in a little bit. I think I may need some help with the kids in the ball pit.”
Hannah smiled and waved as she took Rachel’s hand and walked away. Lacey couldn’t figure out if the outcome of the event so far was about what she expected or worse. She really had hoped he wouldn’t come, but knew, and wanted, him to be there. Her emotions were all over the place, and she wasn’t sure she could blame it all on the baby.
“Sorry about that. I thought she’d just laugh at my joke, not take Rachel away to give us time together.”
