Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  “Sir, did I do something wrong?”

  He set the papers down. “Nothing of the sort. The opposite actually. I’ve been impressed with the way you’ve taken to this job. When your father asked me to consider you, I was hesitant. I wasn’t sure you could handle working with Connie and her needs, but you’ve both flourished this past year. Her condition can be trying, but you never lose patience.” He smiled and the lines around his eyes softened.

  “Thank you. I love kids,” she said, returning his smile.

  “It shows. You’re a natural with children. You’ve earned my trust. For that reason, I am asking you to do me a favor.”

  The compliment set her at ease but made her blush all the same. She exhaled the breath she’d been holding. “You’re asking me for a favor?” That was unexpected. “Sure, anything you need.”

  “Good. You’ll be working as Cameron Smith’s nanny for the next few weeks. If you’re not familiar with him, he’s one of the hockey players on my team. He has a daughter. I believe she’s three or four.”

  As soon as she heard his name, her mouth dropped open. Everyone knew Cam Smith. The winger had joined the team a few years prior during his rookie year. He was young and sinfully hot though she had no idea he was a dad. The room felt warmer. Her cheeks heated; she fanned her face.

  “Her name is April,” he continued as if she wasn’t having a fan girl moment. “She’s not special needs, but she’s been through a lot of change. As a single dad, Cam is very protective. You’ll move in to help him out while we finish the regular season. I need his focus to be on the game and not finding help. You’ll remain on my payroll, but you will report to Mr. Smith. Part of your role will be to assist him to find a permanent employee. Do you have any questions?”

  Single dad. She latched onto that statement and swallowed the drool before it spilled from her lips. How could a man like him be single? She must have misheard. “You said, single dad, but that can’t be right?”

  “He’s very much raising April by himself. Until a few weeks ago, his mother had been living with him, but she’s tending to a sick family member. Since then it’s been chaos and I can’t have that. That’s where you come in. Anything else?”

  “Right.” For the next few weeks, he wanted her to live with a man whose dimples made her insides quiver and her tongue salivate. They’d never been formally introduced, but he was one of the two hockey player’s that starred front and center in her naughty dreams. She shook her head, trying to hold back the glee. It sounded straight forward and easy enough. Then the moment of indecision struck. “Why? I mean, yes! I am happy to help look after April, but why not hire a temp until you can find someone else?”

  His lips thinned. “His life is complicated. April needs stability and I trust you’ll be able to help provide that. Connie has so many extra activities this month, between Easter and Spring break, that your services would be best used elsewhere. This is a favor and not a requirement. If you’d rather not—”

  “No! I’ll go,” she interjected. It was phrased as a question, but there was no choice to be made. She had to do this. “You’re the best boss. I appreciate you taking me in and giving me a chance. You’ve given me more than a job. I won’t let you down.”

  “I appreciate this, Meagan. Cameron is a good man. I believe you’ll find him fair and accommodating. If he gives you any problems, come see me.”

  “There won’t be any problems.”

  He strummed his fingers on his desk, making her think he had more to say. She nodded and waited for him to continue. There was definitely more to this story. He sighed. “Cameron will fill you in on the position and what he’s looking for specifically. Based on my conversations with him, the pay is the same as yours. Minor domestic duties may be requested, but you’re not his maid or his cook. Your responsibility is to care for April and with his schedule it’s easier for you to live there. Your father won’t like this change in living arrangements. Would you like me to speak with him?”

  The Colonel would hate it. Too bad he had absolutely no say in the matter though he acted otherwise. This was her life, and it was time he realized that. His vision for her life didn’t match hers. Meagan sat up straighter. “I’ll handle it, but thank you for the offer.”

  Mr. Northcote ran a hand through his silver hair and eyed her quizzically, as if he doubted her. Frankly, she doubted herself as well. Her father could be stubborn, but he wanted her happy. Besides, this wasn’t a big deal. A few weeks watching a different kid wouldn’t be life altering. He had no rational reason to object.

  “It’s settled then. I’ll ring Cameron and let him know the good news. Pack and be ready within the hour,” he said and picked up the phone, dismissing her.

  “Thank you.” She left the meeting and raced up the stairs to pack her bags.

  This short-term assignment couldn’t have come at a better time. Her life had become far too routine. Being an army brat meant she was no stranger to moving. One of the many reasons she craved stability and routine, but her life had become boring. Okay, it’d transformed into complete and utter Dullsville since Lindy left.

  She picked up her phone and sent a text to her best-friend. Lindy loved hockey and was equally obsessed with Joe Larson and Cam Smith. Joe was another winger and the man who’d saved her and Connie from freezing to death as they hid from some strangers who’d chased them. The scary ordeal had been softened by strong arms, dark hair and gentle hands. Meagan’s crush had exploded into full blown hero worshiping after that. If she was moving into Joe’s she’d probably spontaneously combust. Lindy would keel over when she learned about her new living arrangements. It was a good thing she’d chosen to study abroad and wouldn’t get this message for another couple of hours.

  With her suitcase on the bed, she tossed items into it. The next call couldn’t be put off. She dialed her parents and hoped they wouldn’t answer. Three rings. “Hello, darling.”

  She cringed slightly at the sound of her mother’s cheerful voice.

  “Hi, Mom. I don’t have long to talk, but for the foreseeable future I will be helping Mr. Northcote with a special assignment.” The fewer details she provided and the less they knew, the less they could criticize.

  “What kind of assignment? Should I get your father on the line?”

  “No, that’s okay. I’ll be watching another little girl for a short while. I wanted to let you know I won’t be here for the next few weeks in case you wanted to visit.” They had a habit of checking in every other week. Uninvited and always pushing their agenda.

  “Where are you going? Whose daughter are you watching?”

  The inquisition had begun and Meagan wasn’t in the mood. “I’ll still be in the city. Don’t worry. Look, I have to finish packing so we’ll table the questions for another time. I love you and we’ll talk soon.” She hung up before her mother could protest. Her parents wouldn’t approve of her taking this job because it wasn’t a military job. Nothing she did was the right choice. Unless she enlisted, which she would never do. The military life wasn’t for her. They didn’t get that.

  A minute later, her phone beeped. A quick glance revealed her older sister’s smiling face. She let it go to voicemail. Hailey was the perfect daughter. Stunning in every way. Tough as nails, but she knew how to follow orders. Meagan hadn’t mastered that ability. She questioned everything and couldn’t make a decision to save her life. They were total opposites.

  Once packed, she spent time in Connie’s room saying goodbye. Mr. Northcote had already informed her of the change and Connie had taken it surprisingly well. She suspected it was only a matter of time before Connie no longer needed her, and then Meagan would have to decide what to do with her life. She pushed those fears aside.

  When she descended the stairs, her jaw hit the floor. Standing next to Spencer Northcote was over six feet of drop dead sexy, man candy. Cameron Smith stood with his hands shoved in his jeans pockets. Casual and radiating sex appeal from the top of his short blond hai
r down to his large designer kicks. She stopped half-way down to admire the view. More like his bright green eyes caught her attention and stole her ability to move.

  The men bantered, not noticing her. His voice was like silk wrapped around a teddy bear. Soft and warm; the type of voice you want to cuddle against and listen to all night. Not to mention his dimples were killer. She had no doubt, they caused more than one wet pair of panties, hers were certainly damp.

  One smile was all it took to win her heart. Having a crush on her new boss was not a wise decision.

  Chapter 2

  “Why are you standing there smiling and who are you looking at?” The singsong voice sent Meagan’s heart into her throat.

  Getting caught ogling her new boss was mortifying. “Wh… no one. I thought I forgot something, but it’s all good.”

  “Oh.” A girl with big blonde curls bounced on the step next to her. “I’m April and you’re Meagan. Right? You’re the lady coming to live with us.”

  Meagan wiped the saliva from her chin and smiled. “I am. It’s very nice to meet you,” she said, extending her hand.

  April eyed her hand and hugged her instead. “I like hugs. Daddy says I can’t hug strangers, but we’re not strangers.”

  A giggle erupted as she hugged her back. “I guess we’re not.” She looked down the stairs to see all eyes were on them.

  “Okay, April, give the woman a chance to breathe. I’m sorry about that.” Cameron motioned for his daughter to join him by his side. April let go of her waist and bounded down the stairs. His dimples made an appearance and Meagan’s knees buckled. She gripped the railing for support as she slowly made her way down the stairs.

  His stare caused her even more unease. Those jade green orbs lingered on her mouth. She wiped the corners, thinking she had drooled. Her heart raced. She couldn’t think of anything to say. A simple hello; anything would have been better than silence. She’d never been at a loss for words.

  “Daddy, she smells yummy. Like popcorn and candy. Can we eat popcorn when we get home? Please.”

  “It’s a little too late for dessert,” he said, never taking his eyes off Meagan.

  She flushed from head to toe as he chuckled and hugged the pouting child. Side by side, the similarities were uncanny between Cameron and his daughter. They had the same big, expressive eyes, framed by long, thick lashes and honey-colored hair, a shade that looked kissed by the sun.

  “Proper introductions are in order. Cameron Smith meet Meagan Rylen. She’s very trustworthy and dependable. Likewise Meagan, Cameron will take care of you. I know that the next couple of weeks will fly by,” Mr. Northcote announced.

  Cameron extended his hand. Heat traveled through her when they touched. A zap of electricity that left goosebumps in their wake. “Hi. You’ve already met, April, my little hugger,” he said, taking his hand back and hugging his daughter close. It was sweet.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I think we’ll become great friends, April.” She crouched down and tapped the little girl on the nose.

  “Why do you smell like that?”

  Meagan’s cheeks flushed. “Connie and I made Caramel popcorn for her afternoon snack. I guess the scent lingered.”

  “What does lingered mean?”

  Cameron picked up his daughter and hoisted her onto his broad shoulders. “It means stayed. Another way to say it did not go away.”

  “Oh. Well, I hope you lingered at our place. I don’t like it when people leave. You get the room across from me. I made you a present.”

  “That sounds lovely. I love presents and I have something for you too,” she replied.

  The child’s eyes got huge, making Meagan giggle again. “She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small unicorn stuffy. She’d planned to give it to Connie, but she got over her unicorn fascination months ago.

  “Nice. I love it!” She snatched the toy out of her hands and made it dance by her father’s cheek.

  “What do you say, April?”

  “Thank you, Meagan. I don’t have this one. Daddy, let’s go so I can show my unicorn her new bed.”

  “Right.” He smiled, and those dimples flashed again, sending another wave of heat through her. “It’s time to get into bed.”

  She diverted her attention to the large suitcase on wheels sitting by the door and tried not to picture him naked sprawled across silk sheets. Meagan stepped towards the bag and stumbled over her feet. She’d have to stop going gooey every time he smiled. He beat her to it. Grabbing the handle of her bag, he pulled it away from the wall.

  “I could take that,” she said, reaching for it. Their fingers met and a current of electricity zapped straight to her core. Every cell in her body reacted. She took her hand back quickly. “Or I’ll just say thanks.”

  “Do you need another moment to finish packing or is this everything?” Mr. Northcote asked.

  “It’s only for a short while.” Moving to different cities every couple of years had taught her how to pack smart and light. “This is all I need.”

  “You sure don’t pack like my girls. Caroline packs three large suitcases for a weekend away. Nicolas has his hands full with that one and I wish him luck. Connie can never leave anything behind. Are you sure you have everything you need?”

  She adjusted the backpack on her shoulder. “I’m ready.”

  Cameron squared April on his shoulders and opened the door, ducking so she wouldn’t bonk her head. Totally adorable. She followed them out and tried not to stare at his ass. It was an impossible task when the most perfectly chiseled backside was less than a foot away. No man had ever filled out jeans so well.

  The way he moved was distracting. The grounds surrounding the Northcote estate reminded her of a Christmas card. Snow covered the tree lined circular driveway. They had removed the big, red ribbons from the trees, but left the sparkling white lights. There was beauty everywhere.

  She tripped and fell forward, catching herself before falling flat on her face. Cameron and April glanced back, and she smiled. Her cheeks were brighter than the setting sun. Only a few weeks, she reminded herself. She could do this without making a complete ass of herself. At least she hoped.

  Once they were in the SUV, she buckled in and kept her eyes forward. It was the safest place. “Did you both eat dinner?” She needed to make small talk and food was always a good conversation starter.

  “We did,” he said as he started his vehicle. “You? I can stop and grab you something on the way if you need?”

  It was a sweet offer, but she was too nervous to eat. “Thanks, but I had a quick bite while I was saying goodbye to Connie.”

  The rest of the drive was filled with music and April’s voice, blaring the wrong lyrics to songs. They drove to his house; a modern bungalow in a newer subdivision. Once inside, he brought her bag to her new room. The space was furnished with an old country vibe. Flowered wallpaper on one wall and plenty of wicker furniture. It wasn’t her style, but it looked comfortable.

  “This is my nana’s room, but you can stay until she comes back. Papa stay’s here too when he visits.”

  “Well, I appreciate the offer and I accept.” She placed her backpack on the bed and smiled. “When do you expect her back?”

  Cameron shuffled his feet and looked down the hall. “April head to your room and grab your jammies. I’ll time you. If you can do it under five minutes, I’ll let you stay up and show Meagan your doll collection.” He covered the side of his mouth, preventing April from seeing his lips. “It’s insane and they all have names too,” he whispered.

  Blonde curls dashed out of the room without a word. Cameron watched her go before speaking again. “My mom’s not moving back. It was a temporary thing that lasted way longer than she or I intended. My dad wants her home and my aunt is happy to have her back in Saskatchewan. Her sister is undergoing chemo treatments again and Mom needs to help her through the rough times. In truth, she’s not a fan of the big city.”

  “I’m so
rry about your aunt. I take it April’s not aware of her nana’s permanent address change?”

  He huffed and let his head fall back against the wall. “She moved in when I needed her, but this was never her permanent address. Her life is back there. My life is a fucking mess. I’m grateful for all her help though. I can’t do this alone.”

  Meagan wanted to reach out and touch him but resisted. “Soon, you’ll find a live-in caregiver to help you out. For now, you’ve got me. You’re not alone.”

  “I’ll take it.” Their eyes met, and she shivered. He didn’t look away until April returned, holding a pair of slush pants in one hand and a bathing suit in the other.

  “What’s all this? I said jammies.” He took the wrong clothing and marched away. “Follow me and I’ll help you.”

  April came in and sat on the bed, not listening to him. “I like tricking Daddy.” She looked around to make sure he wasn’t in the room. “My jammies are playing hide and go seek. Want to help look? Nana says he’s single and can’t find anything. So, he’ll never find them,” she said, holding out her little hand.

  “I’m an excellent seeker.” Meagan took her hand, and they walked down the hall together. Cameron’s single status didn’t matter, but it didn’t help her nerves in the slightest. She focused on the house instead of its owner.

  There were three bedrooms on the main floor; hers, April’s and his; his door was closed. She spent the next half an hour getting acquainted with her new assignment and helping them find the missing clothes. The little girl was lovely, smart and charming. She was the mirror image of her dad; her very single dad. Something April said repeatedly, staining the hockey player’s cheeks a delectable shade of pink each time she mentioned it.

  After getting a tour of her dolls and then brushing her teeth, it was story time. Laughter filled the air. Cameron acted out the characters and April fell asleep in Meagan’s arms. She held her for a while until she was certain she wouldn’t wake before setting her under the covers. Cameron tucked her in and kissed her forehead.