by Kristen Echo
Lunch with the kids provided a lot of insight into the man behind the Stanley Cup win. They talked about his wife and her mental health problems. How owning the hockey team had saved him. Wes revealed her new struggles with depression. Gwen felt like it was a minor breakthrough for her daughter. The open conversation was great until the topic moved to relationships.
“You’re the first woman he’s brought home. Gwen, my dad’s been solo for way too long,” Caroline explained.
“I’ve been focused on work and my kids. It wasn’t a hardship.” Spencer crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m glad to see you moving on.” It was obvious Caroline wanted her father to date again.
All eyes landed on Gwen, including Spencer’s. Apparently, he wasn’t the playboy Gwen assumed him to be. That didn’t mean they should date.
“This isn’t… we’re not.” Gwen cleared her throat and fanned her face. She told everyone she was coming out of a bad breakup and dating was off the table. “Nico, tell me more about what comes after the big win.” The group let her change the subject without protest.
After the meal, they sat by the pool. Gwen dangled her legs over the side, dipping her feet in the lukewarm water. She slid over, finding a sliver of shade. It was a hot day.
“Mom, have you given Spencer your answer?” Wes swam next to her.
She shook her head from side to side, but she knew there was only one suitable outcome. It would only be for a short while. Her daughter splashed water at her and took off towards Connie. She looked so happy playing with her. Gwen hadn’t seen that big toothy smile in a long time. For that reason alone, she would most likely agree.
Spencer sat next to her. “I can see you’re still warring about staying with me. Talk me through your reasons for saying no.”
Their feet touched under the water and sparks shot up her leg. She huffed and shook her head again. There’s no way she could tell him her true reasons. Being near him confused the hell out of her. On one hand, the ache in her chest screamed for her to keep away. But then, she was drawn to him like no one else.
“You know why it’s a bad idea.”
His hand brushed hers as he leaned back. “We’re friends. Right?”
She shifted over, so they were no longer touching. “Maybe we are. Maybe we aren’t. Why do you care where we stay? It’s not like you cared back… we’re not a charity case or a problem for you to fix. I don’t need—”
“As your friend, I’m not trying to be overbearing, but I need you to understand a few things.” He moved closer until their sides were connected. “I’m a problem solver. You need a safe place to sleep and I have available rooms. I want to see you. If you’re here, I have access anytime I want. It’s a win win.”
“Spencer,” she said through clenched teeth.
“Your reasons to stay far outweigh any reason not to. You may as well tell me what I want to hear, otherwise I’ll become a thorn in your side,” he said, poking her rib and making her squeal.
She shifted away again, but he moved with her. “I don’t want to fight with you,” she huffed. “I can see you won’t take no for an answer. So, we’ll accept your very kind offer.” Gwen swallowed her pride for her daughter’s well-being.
“Nico and I have to kick it,” Caroline interrupted. “It was awesome meeting you and Wes.”
Gwen smiled and climbed to her feet. She walked with Caroline and Nico to the back gate. Father and daughter shared a whispered conversation. Nico wasn’t much of a talker, but it was a comfortable silence. Once the kids left, Spencer wrapped her in his arms.
The gesture caught her by surprise and she shifted back, almost falling over. Spencer bent her over and his lips hovered above hers. “I’m glad you’re here and that you’re moving in.”
When he closed his eyes, her pulse accelerated. As his lips neared, a knot twisted in her belly. Like a kiss would be payment for his generosity. Just like the past. She swallowed the lump and turned her face. His mouth grazed her cheek.
“I’ll move in on one condition.”
“What’s that?” His breath tickled her ear.
“No funny business. No kissing or anything other than friendship.” She refused to get involved with him romantically. Never again.
He raised his eyebrow and smiled. Those eyes and that smirk would be her downfall. She inhaled a jagged breath. Damn him.
“I’ll send someone to collect your bags and check out for you.” He lifted her into an upright position and dropped his arms. He never agreed to her terms, but he hadn’t kissed her.
“Thank you.” Her voice was husky and laced with desire. “What do I owe you?”
“Helping an old friend requires no payment,” he replied.
Bullshit. Everything in life had a price. She knew that and wondered what he was getting out of this. Maybe it was better not to know and not press the issue. Instead of calling him out, she walked away.
Gwen returned to the girls in the pool. She sat on the lounger and almost fell asleep until a shadow loomed over her. When she opened her eyes, Spencer stood before her half naked. He’d removed his shirt and her mouth watered. His body was chiseled like the athletes on his hockey team. Her mouth may have hung open far longer than it should.
That sinful smirk showed up again. She adjusted the swimsuit cover-up with her shaking hands. He lifted her leg and sat between her spread thighs. She hadn’t had a man between her legs in months. By choice after that asshole stole the last of her inheritance.
She realized he was talking, only she missed the first part because she’d been distracted by his chest. “What did you say?”
His lips moved, and her focus shifted downward. Her eyes feasted on his muscles. The man still had washboard abs and arms cut from granite. He was drop dead sexy and sitting way too close.
Fuck. She missed his words again. She nodded. “Sure,” she answered the unknown question. Had he even asked a question?
A second later, he lifted her into his arms and jumped into the pool. She pushed him under the water and rose to the surface. She sputtered for air and caught him laughing at her. Jerk. They splashed and laughed.
“Can I show Wes her room?” Connie asked.
“Go for it,” he said as he pulled himself out of the water. His body glistened like a God’s.
“Am I in the one next to Connie?” Wes asked.
“That depends. Would you consider working a few hours here and there?” He helped his daughter from the water and offered a hand to Wes. “If things go well, I’ll consider something more permanent. If you’re interested?”
She took his hand. “I’d love to. Thank you, Mr. Northcote.”
The girls grabbed towels and entered the house. Gwen smiled at the pair. She climbed out of the pool and pulled the soaking wet cover-up off. Water dripped from her hair and she shook it like a dog, making Spencer laugh. She crossed her arms over her chest as something warm pressed behind her.
“Ready to get wet again?” Spencer seemed determined to tease her and keep her wet.
If he only knew how soaked she already was. She shifted and shoved him into the water. Only he moved faster and pulled her along with him.
For the next few hours, they swam and relaxed by the pool. Getting to know him was fascinating. Several times during their swim they almost kissed. His lips were so tempting and so close, too many times. A kiss seemed inevitable, but she held back. However, each time it got tougher to resist the urge. It was only a matter of time before she caved and they both knew it.
His phone rang, and he had to leave. An urgent business matter required his attention. Once he left, she exhaled and buried her face in her hands. She was so screwed.
Chapter 7
Something buzzed near her ear, waking her from a peaceful slumber. Gwen rolled over in the plush king-sized bed. The sheets felt smooth like butter. She reached under her pillow for the phone. Expecting it to be Reba, she answered in a professional manner. “Hello, this is Gwen Eastman.”<
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“Good morning, Ms. Eastman,” Spencer drawled. “I trust you slept well.”
She smiled. “Like a teenager.”
He laughed. “Isn’t the saying—like a baby?”
“Yeah, but babies don’t sleep well. They wake up frequently and cry. Teenagers sleep soundly and for many hours. I went to bed early, and you woke me. What time is it?” she asked, searching the room for a clock, but found none.
The guest bedroom was decorated with dark wood furnishings and a bright and cheery palette of colors. It was modern elegance and welcoming at the same time. His designer was smart, adding pops of bold and rich hues of blue. The shade reminded her of his eyes. She hugged one of the throw pillows to her chest.
“It’s after ten,” he answered. “I figured you’d have been up hours ago. Sorry to wake you, but I don’t mind picturing you in bed.”
She stretched and groaned as her muscles contracted. “No apologies needed,” she said, opting to ignore his last statement. “I should get up and apply for more jobs. I was so sure about the drop-in center, I neglected my hunt. That was foolish.”
“You know how tricky it can be to get boards to approve things. Don’t fret. I’m sure you have impressed them, just like you do me,” he added.
Her cheeks heated as a blush spread across her face. She was glad he couldn’t see her. “Spencer,” she said his name, not really knowing what to say next. He shouldn’t say things like that.
“I don’t have much time to chat as I’m in between meetings, but I wanted to apologize for bailing on your first night and not being there to greet you this morning. This deal required my personal attention. Otherwise, I’d have been with you. I didn’t intend to lure you over and then abandon you and Westlyn. I feel bad and—”
Gwen chuckled. “You have an empire to run. I get it. We’re adults who can fend for ourselves.”
“I’ll make it up to you,” he said.
“I appreciate you inviting us into your home like this.” She rolled over onto the mountain of pillows. They were shaped like a person and she imagined it was him as she straddled them. “Please don’t feel bad or apologize. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done.”
“I’m not sure when I’ll make it home. Most likely tomorrow. I have plans to see your sister and… my schedule is insane at the moment.” He paused. “I’m sure Connie gave you the lay of the land and I would like you and Wes to make yourselves at home. Gwen, I meant what I said.”
“Meaning what?” she asked, sitting up with a sea of pillows between her legs. Her hips inadvertently swiveled.
“I’m glad you’re back; in the city and in my home. You have no idea how badly—”
“Don’t you have a meeting to attend,” she said, cutting him off.
Based on the deep gravel timber of his voice, she imagined their conversation was headed completely out of the friendship zone. Or maybe it was only her mind in the gutter. Either way, she needed to end the call before things turned naughty.
“I do,” he sighed. “We probably won’t get to chat much if at all while I’m away. But I want you to know I’m thinking of you. I hope you have a good day.”
“You too. See you tomorrow.” She hung up and buried her face in the pillows.
Gwen pushed the pile to the ground. “Get a grip woman! He’s your ex for a reason. A very good reason. So, you’re not allowed to have the hots for him again. You’re definitely not allowed to picture him naked under you as you dry hump his pillows.”
She shuddered and jumped from the bed as if snakes had slithered across the sheets. “No more thinking of him.”
Her mission failed. Living in his house, made it impossible not to think of Spencer. His pictures and his personality covered every inch of his home. By the time noon rolled around, she was wound beyond tight.
The job at the drop-in center was still up in the air. She’d received no other calls from potential employers and sent out only a handful of new resumes. It was looking as though her brief stint at the Northcote’s might not be as short lived as she’d hoped. She returned to her room and flopped onto the bed face first.
A while later, Westlyn knocked at her door, opening it but not entering. She chewed her lip and shuffled her feet, avoiding eye contact. “Do you mind if I head downtown for a bit?”
“Want me to come? I wouldn’t mind getting out of here for a while,” she said, rolling onto her side.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” she answered, not looking up from the floor.
Gwen moved into a seated position. “Why not?”
“If I meet up with Aunty Cherie would you be mad?”
Gwen peered at her daughter and dangled her legs over the side of the bed. “Not at all. Do you have plans to meet Cherie?”
“I told her we were still in town and she offered to buy me lunch. I won’t go if it bothers you.”
Gwen sighed. “It makes me happy to know you and Cherie are seeing each other. I worried our issues would spill over to you, so I’m glad she’s not… I’m happy for you.” Her daily calls and text messages had gone unanswered, but this gave her hope.
Wes smiled. “Cool. I’m going to kick it then.”
Gwen slid off the bed. “I’m going to go with you. Not to stay, but to let Cherie know I’m here whenever she’s ready to talk to me again. I’m not disappearing.”
Her comment earned an eye roll, but Wes let her tag along. Spencer had a massive garage full of cars, but she didn’t feel comfortable taking one. They grabbed their purses and took the bus to the city center. They arrived at the restaurant less than an hour later.
Wes opened the double glass doors, and they walked into the bright bistro. The air-conditioned room was a welcome greeting from the sweltering June sun. A massive chalkboard lined the far wall with the daily specials. The aroma of deli meats and mustard tempted her taste buds. Gwen spotted her sister seated at a table for four near the kitchen. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her makeup was flawless. As usual, she looked amazing and her face lit up when she saw Westlyn. Then fell as she spotted Gwen.
Trying not to take the grimace personally, she grinned and walked towards the table. “She’s by the kitchen,” she said to her daughter. This was a bad idea, but it was too late to turn back.
Once they reached the table, Cherie stood. “Hello.” She hugged Wes and provided a curt nod towards Gwen. “Are you joining us?”
The question didn’t sound like an invitation. “No,” she sighed. As much as she would have loved to join them, she wouldn’t. Based on Cherie’s ramrod straight posture, Gwen’s presence wasn’t welcome. “I’ll let you two dine and catch up.”
So much needed to be said, but it wasn’t the right time. She gripped the back of the wooden chair and gathered her strength. She wanted to build a relationship with her sister, and she was willing to put in the effort. Baby steps, she reminded herself.
“I told my mom about lunch and she offered to take the bus with me,” Wes explained.
“Bus. Why would you need to bus it?” Cherie raised an eyebrow.
“Cause it’s way too far to walk,” Wes replied as she sat in one of the free chairs.
“Your text message the other day mentioned you were staying at that motel not far from here.” Cherie turned her attention to Gwen. “That’s why I picked this restaurant. You should have told me you’ve found a different place to live.”
If she’d answered any of the dozen calls, she’d know. Instead of pointing that out, Gwen shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry. Since we left your place, things have been a little up in the air. But I had a great interview and I have a—”
“So typical. You never stay in one place for long,” Cherie said, sitting back down.
Gwen’s grip on the chair tightened. Over the years, her residence had changed frequently. Sometimes, it was due to financial problems, but most of their moves were work related. She often worked on projects in different areas throughout BC. Wherever her help was neede
d most. “We’ll be here for a while. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Where are you staying? It has to be better than—”
“I have to pee,” Wes interrupted. “Do you know where the facilities are?”
Cherie pointed to the opposite side of the bistro. “If the waiter comes by, do you want me to order you a drink?”
Wes stood and shuffled her steps from side to side. “Water is fine. Oh, man… I don’t have a key to the house. Do you think I need one? Since you’re not staying, we need to make plans to meet back up. Mom don’t go till I get back,” she pleaded.
“I’ll wait,” Gwen chuckled, watching her daughter do the pee-pee dance. “Go!”
“Thanks.” Wes took off, leaving Gwen alone with her less than pleased sister.
“For whatever it’s worth, I’m glad you’re out of the motel. That area isn’t suitable for young women to roam at night. You never should have brought her there.” Cherie said.
Perhaps the silent treatment wasn’t so bad. “Duly noted. So, how’s your day going?”
“Where are you staying?” Cherie asked again.
It wasn’t a secret, but she doubted her sister would approve. “At Spencer’s. He offered for us to stay—”
“You’re living at Spencer Northcote’s.” Her eyes narrowed, and her cheeks turned rosy. “Are you kidding me? He never mentioned anything. How are you two even chatting?”
“He sent us phones. When he learned about the motel, he… I mean, we just got there last night. It’s not ideal. But, I’m not too proud to take help when it’s offered.”
“I can’t believe you,” Cherie’s hands balled into fists and her entire face turned red. Her sister seemed furious about them staying with Spencer. Only she couldn’t understand why. “You say you’re here for me, but you… you need to find a different place to live.”
“Don’t you think I would if I could? My options are rather limited,” she shot back.
