Kaufman: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 2)

by Nicole Edwards

  “Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I’ll text you his number so you’ll have it when you’re ready.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “And if you want me to be there with you when you call him, just say the word.”

  “Yeah ... okay. Sure.”

  I hang up the phone, my gaze sliding up to Spencer’s face.

  I take a step back from his expression alone. A minute ago, he seemed concerned. Now,

  it’s clear he’s furious. The man has always been overprotective when it comes to his sister. More so since their parents died. I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing I am…

  What in the hell could James Heron want? And is he going to try to take Bianca away from her mom?

  Spencer

  “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME he called before you called her?” I growl at Noelle, my brain still fighting to process everything I learned in the last minute and a half.

  James Heron. Bianca’s father.

  He called the Penalty Box. I don’t find this to be a random call. How in the world did he track my sister down after all this time? How the hell could the guy even know about Bianca?

  “What?” Noelle takes a step back, reacting as though I slapped her.

  “Why would you immediately jump on the phone and call her with that information?”

  Seriously. If I would’ve answered the phone, I damn sure wouldn’t have simply jumped to call Ellie. Not without doing a little digging first. In fact, I would’ve interrogated the guy first. Hell, he could be some psycho who happens to know Ellie’s got a kid.

  And if this James guy really is who he says he is…

  I could’ve easily handled this for Ellie. I need to get her a lawyer, someone who can protect her in case this guy is going to fight her for custody, which has always been Ellie’s biggest fear. It’s a known fact that Ellie hasn’t tried to contact him, but that’s only because she didn’t know who the guy was.

  “Because she needs to know,” Noelle snarls. “Why the fuck are you getting pissed off at me?”

  “You need to stop and think before you react,” I counter. “Fuck. You didn’t think to ask him any questions? Instead you took his word for who he says he is? Come on, Noelle. How did he know where Ellie works? How does he even know about Bianca? You could’ve easily told me what the hell happened, and I could’ve at least made sure this guy’s for real.”

  She looks genuinely confused and more than a little angry. “She’s my best friend, Spencer. What did you think I was going to do? Go running to her brother to save the day? In case you don’t remember, Ellie’s a grown woman. She can handle her own life.”

  “Right. I see how well she’s managed it so far. Pregnant at twenty-one with no father in the picture.”

  Noelle’s eyes widen and she looks like she wants to hit me.

  And maybe I deserve it, but for fuck’s sake, why didn’t she think before she called Ellie?

  “You’re an asshole,” she whispers before turning back to the kitchen.

  I’m tempted to follow her, but I don’t. Instead, I head out to my truck. I heard what Noelle told Ellie. I’ve now got this guy’s full name, and while Ellie’s out on a date tonight with my best friend, I’m going to do some digging. And maybe, with no help from Noelle, I’ll be able to save Ellie from any more heartache. I can’t believe that after thirteen years, a man is just going to show up out of the blue and claim a kid he’s never met.

  How the hell did he find her? That’s what I want to know.

  I think that’s the first thing I need to figure out.

  Noelle’s Journal

  Dear Universe,

  Do they make a pill to make a man be less of an asshole? Yes, I’m being positive. I’m simply trying to figure out a way to help him. Thanks.

  35

  Noelle

  Saturday, December 10th

  “I CALLED YOU A FEW minutes after he called,” I explain to Ellie, doing my damnedest to ignore the growling man sitting beside me.

  Since Ellie came into the restaurant, I’ve been repeating myself over and over again, explaining what James said, how he sounded when he said it, and what I thought it meant. As for the last part, he sounded calm, cool, and collected, maybe a little out of sorts.

  Oh, and I’ve also been explaining how James found out about Bianca.

  That was the real shocker.

  Last night, when I went home, I opted to do some searching on the Internet. For two reasons. One, I wanted to forget about Spencer and his cruel comment. The man reacted badly, even if he isn’t willing to admit it. And two, because I did want to know how this man found Ellie.

  I ended up on Facebook, and don’t ask me how I found it because I honestly don’t remember, but I stumbled upon a post from Bianca. And it was definitely Bianca even though she used a fake name to create a secondary account. I recognized the picture of Ellie instantly. It was a picture that was taken on my twenty-first birthday, a few months before Ellie’s.

  Needless to say, the kid was soliciting help in finding her father.

  The second I saw it, I was a little impressed but also more than a little horrified. What Bianca did could’ve turned out really badly. She gave too much information away. About her, about her mom. Any crazies out there could’ve reached out to Ellie and they’d know just what to say to get her attention. It’s a wonder we didn’t have a dozen phone calls from this mysterious James.

  But it freaking worked.

  Or so it seems.

  “That’s all he said,” I tell her again.

  Spencer is doing his best not to look at me and I’ve been doing the same. After his comment last night, I’m not sure I ever want to talk to him again. He can be such an asshole, and I will defend my best friend to the ends of the earth. Even against her own brother.

  “How do you even know this is really her father?”

  When Ellie doesn’t respond, I decide to answer Spencer. “We don’t know that.”

  And that’s the kicker. We really don’t know anything about this guy. Bianca’s Facebook post was way too detailed. Anyone could pose as James and try to get close to Ellie. Hell, this could be some serial killer looking for his next mark.

  “So, why didn’t you know that Bianca was posting this?” Spencer asks.

  “Well, for one, she didn’t tell me. And two, gosh, I don’t know, Spencer… She. Didn’t. Tell. Me.” Ellie is furious, but I can’t blame her.

  Between her daughter going behind her back and doing something like this and her brother being a total dickhead in response, I get why she’s so defensive.

  “Not to mention, she created a fake account,” I explain, keeping my eyes on Ellie. “Clearly she knew what she was doing. She didn’t want you to find out, and since you diligently monitor her social media accounts, she knew she had to do something or you’d find out.”

  I hate how bitchy I sound, but Ellie’s not the only defensive one right now.

  “But it doesn’t matter,” I continue. “What’s done is done. And now he did find you and he left his phone number. He said to have you call him as soon as possible.”

  “And then what?” Spencer probes.

  Ellie shrugs. She looks so sad. “I need to call him, I guess. I’ve got to confirm he is who he says he is. Then, if that goes well, I’ll meet with him.”

  Spencer’s tone is sharper when he says, “I want to be there when you do.”

  “That’s not gonna happen.”

  I saw that coming a mile away. We all know Ellie’s never been good at giving in to Spencer when he’s being so high-handed.

  Spencer leans forward and puts his arm on the table. “I don’t like the idea of you meeting this guy by yourself.”

  He has a really good point there. I agree with him.

  “It’s not like I’m gonna meet him at
a hotel room,” she quips.

  “No? Wouldn’t be the first time.”

  Arrghh! He makes me so mad. Why does he say stupid shit like that?

  Ellie’s eyes widen in shock and I know his comment stung.

  Once again, I want to punch him. “What the fuck is your problem?” I hiss. “Why the hell would you say something like that?”

  Spencer ignores me once again, which only burns my ass. I hate that he’s decided that he’s in charge when clearly Ellie’s been managing her own life for quite some time now. He’s being an arrogant jerk.

  The bell over the door chimes and all eyes go to the newcomer. I see Kingston coming in, but he doesn’t come over to Ellie like I expect him to. What the hell? Is it in the water? Is he pulling some macho bullshit, too?

  I jump when Spencer slaps the table and stands. “When you figure this out, let me know. Don’t you dare go meet him without telling me when and where. Someone has to watch out for you.”

  When he’s out of earshot, I lean closer to Ellie and lower my voice. “Why didn’t Kingston come over here?”

  “Don’t know.”

  Aww, crap. That means there’s definitely trouble in paradise.

  I sigh, not sure how to fix this for my friend. “Well, if you want me to come with you when you meet with James, I will.”

  “I need to call him,” she says, a note of defeat in her tone. “Until I do that, I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

  “Just let me know, sweetie. I’ve got your back.”

  And I do. Even if it means I’ve got to stand between her and her pain-in-the-ass brother.

  I’ll do it. I’m not scared.

  Noelle’s Journal

  Dear Universe,

  Sending lots of positive thoughts out tonight:

  I want Ellie to be happy.

  I want Spencer to be less of a pain in the butt.

  I want … sex. Dang it.

  If you could process those in that order, that’d be great. And if you could maybe keep the last one to yourself, I’d appreciate that, too.

  36

  Spencer

  Thursday, December 15th

  AS I MENTALLY PREPARE TO go out on the ice, I get the feeling tonight’s going to be one of those nights that I’ll wish I could do over. We lost our game on Tuesday, but I’m almost grateful for the away games this week.

  Kingston is in a foul fucking mood and the entire team feels it. He’s off, which can sometimes throw the rest of us off. Especially when the opposing team picks up on it and uses it against us. Like on Tuesday. We can’t afford for that to happen tonight, but no amount of pep talks is going to make a difference. The best we can do right now is go out there and play. With the holidays coming up, we’ll get a brief reprieve, but then we’ll be right back at it.

  I only hope we don’t manage to do too much damage before we can get our shit together.

  It’s official.

  We need to get our shit together.

  ASAP.

  37

  Spencer

  Saturday, December 12th

  “WHERE’S ELLIE?” I ASK NOELLE when I approach the bar. I don’t bother with pleasantries because I know she’s not talking to me, and right now, I don’t really care.

  Okay, that’s a lie. I do care. But I’m trying not to.

  Noelle shrugs, then moves to the other end of the bar.

  I intercept her, coming to stand in front of her. “Where is she, Noelle?”

  Wide blue eyes peer up at me. She’s pissed, I can tell.

  When Noelle starts to walk away, I grab her arm.

  “Don’t,” she hisses, pulling away.

  I let her go with a heavy sigh. “Christ, Noelle. Just tell me where she is.”

  “She went to meet James, okay? It’s none of your freaking business. Now, please, let me work.”

  “Where?” I call after her, not caring that there are customers looking my way.

  “I don’t know.”

  I can tell she’s lying, but I know I’m not going to get anything out of her right now. Rather than hang out and wait, I walk right out the door. I grab my phone from my pocket and dial Kingston’s number.

  “Do you know where Ellie is meeting James?” I ask as soon as Kingston grumbles a greeting.

  “No. She didn’t mention where.”

  And you didn’t fucking think to ask? Damn it.

  Rather than rip the guy a new one, I keep a leash on my frustration, something that’s been harder and harder to do as of late. “Thanks. If you hear from her, please have her call me.”

  “Yep.”

  Okay, so something’s definitely bothering Kingston. He would normally give me a hard time about the please in my statement. It’s not one of my favorite words.

  If I had to guess, it’s probably the miraculous appearance of Bianca’s father after all these years. I’d be pissed if I were him. Especially since Ellie clearly went running after him.

  I reach my truck and hit the key fob to unlock it. Before I can get the door open, I hear Noelle calling my name. I spin around to see the flighty fairy stomping toward me, pure rage glittering in her eyes.

  She doesn’t stop until she’s directly in front of me. For a second there, I thought she was going to bowl me over.

  “You’re an asshole,” she snaps, her voice low.

  “Me? What the fuck did I do?”

  “Why do you have to treat your sister like shit? Who died and made you king? You look down your nose at her like she’s a piece of crap, Spencer. And you suck.”

  “I do not,” I argue, my irritation level soaring.

  “You definitely do. That woman has busted her butt for the past thirteen years. The most important thing in the world to her is doing right by her daughter. And now that Bianca’s father is in the picture, you’re gonna act like she made a huge mistake and you’ve been cleaning up after her all this time? What right do you have?”

  I have to take a step back because Noelle is vicious. I don’t know if I prefer to argue or kiss her right now. Her loyalty to my sister is admirable.

  Not to mention, she’s right. I haven’t taken care of my sister. I’ve tried, but she doesn’t let me. Instead, I worry about her, but no, I don’t have to clean up her messes. She doesn’t make any.

  “You made her feel like shit,” Noelle notes, her tone still heated. “And now she’s having to do this all by herself because Kingston’s freaking out.”

  “Why is he freaking out?”

  “You tell me. Men are stupid; that’s the only reason I can come up with.”

  “And you felt the need to come out here and tell me this, why?”

  “Because you’re an asshole.”

  “You already said that.”

  “I know. And I’ll probably say it again.”

  For a second, we stare at one another, neither of us saying anything. She’s breathing hard, and her hands are still clenched into tiny little fists. She fucking adorable.

  Knowing she won’t take kindly to me kissing her right now, I turn to my truck. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

  She doesn’t respond.

  “If you hear from Ellie, tell her to call me.”

  I glance over my shoulder to see she’s glaring at me.

  “Please.”

  A curt little nod is all I get before she storms back inside.

  It’s all I can do not to chase after her.

  Noelle

  BY THE TIME I GET home, I’m so tired I can hardly move.

  We were unusually busy today, but I don’t think that’s the reason. I’m still so freaking mad at Spencer I could spit nails.

  The good news is that Ellie called me tonight to let me know that things went well with James. She said they agreed to get to know on
e another a little better before she introduces him to Bianca. She knows what’s best for her kid, so I’m happy to know she’s got a plan.

  As for me, I have no plan.

  Nada.

  I’ve spent the past two months getting more and more used to the idea of Spencer in my life only to be left high and dry. We’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one, but I think it’s not going to be enough to salvage whatever we’ve been building between us.

  Better that we figure it out now, though. In another month, I would probably be in way over my head.

  Heaven knows I’ve been there before. Not with Spencer, but with plenty of other things.

  After heading to the bathroom, I quickly brush my teeth, ignoring the extra toothbrush sitting there. Spencer used that toothbrush a few times. Which means it’s now his toothbrush. Not an extra one.

  In a moment of clarity, I grab it from the holder and toss it in the trash. Then I grab a new one and replace it. Of course, now I glance into the shower to see the bottle of men’s body wash. Yep, he used it a couple of times, too. I grab it and throw it away before going to the kitchen and scrounging up a piece of paper to start my grocery list.

  Several minutes later, I’ve got a plan for tomorrow, but right now, I have nothing to do.

  My gaze strays to the book on the coffee table.

  I’m not going to toss it out, though. It’s too valuable to me.

  Instead, I grab it off the table, flip off all the lights, and head to my bedroom.

  Time to start over.

  And in order to do that, I think I need a refresher course on exactly what the universe needs from me in order to make this work.

  Clearly the first time, it failed big time.

  Doesn’t mean I’m not going to try again. I’m nothing if not persistent.

  Noelle’s Journal

  Dear Universe,

  Once again, I find myself apologizing to you. I should’ve never tried to interfere in your plan. So, with that said, I’m giving you control once again. I want… I don’t even know what I want right now. Well, other than to punch Spencer in the nose for being such a butthole. Is this the new hostile me? Am I going to want to go around punching everybody? I think I need some sleep. Or some wine. Yes, definitely wine.