Not.
I grab a mug. “You talk to Ellie lately?”
“I heard she was going on a date with James.”
Ha! A date. That’s ridiculous. I’ve seen Ellie and James together. I like the man, I won’t lie. He’s exactly what Ellie needs in her life when it comes to Bianca’s father. He’s genuinely nice, extremely sincere in his intentions. He’s not a threat to Kingston in the least.
But I am. The dummy.
I snort my derision. “I doubt that.”
“I heard he’s moving here, too. That they’re looking for a house.”
I heard that, too. Well, the first part anyway. Which is super exciting for Bianca. I’m happy for the kid, even if I have picked up on the fact that Bianca is trying to push her mother and James together. I’m not sure if Ellie’s noticed it, though. We haven’t exactly talked about it. I’ve been trying to keep her smiling, which takes quite a bit of effort these days. Now that I think about it, all these people are sucking my soul right out of my body with their whining and crying.
“He might be looking for a house.” I wipe an imaginary spill on the bar top. “But she’s not helping him.”
“Not what Bianca told me.”
Okay. Time for the nonsense to go. I slap the empty beer mug on the bar, glaring at Kingston. It’s time. Time for me to put this crazy fool in his place. It’s no longer amusing, and I need some entertainment in my life, not this … crap.
“She did not say that.” I’m not asking, I’m telling. Why would Bianca lie like that?
“Oh, she did.”
My inner two-year-old comes out. “No, she didn’t.”
“How the hell do you know what she said?”
Ooh. Defensive much? No, maybe I don’t know Bianca’s exact words, but I know Ellie. “Because Ellie’s not dating James.”
“You don’t know your sister all that well, now do you?”
“I know her a hell of a lot better than you do.”
I see in his eyes that he wants to argue with that. And he’d probably have a fairly good case considering he’s done the horizontal mambo with the woman and I haven’t. Ew. Why would I think of something like that?
Needing to keep this conversation on track, I lean closer. “Let me tell you something, Kingston Rush. That woman is head-over-fucking-heels in love with you.”
He snorts and I want to smack him. But I don’t. I’ve never smacked anyone for being a dummy; I’m not going to start now. So, I lay it all out there. “This guy is her daughter’s father. It’s not a bad thing that he came into her life. Bianca deserves to be happy.”
“So does Ellie.”
Exactly. Good grief. It took him long enough to realize that. “And she is. With you. Not with James.”
“What we had was pretend.”
Okay, enough is enough. Time to pull out the big guns. “You’re a jackass, you know that? An oblivious jackass.”
“Can I get my damn beer?”
I ignore him. “Do you know how long that woman has had a crush on you?” When he looks at me, I continue, “I remember when that girl came back from visiting her brother at college. God, that was what? Sixteen years ago? Something like that. Anyway … she comes back all smiley. ‘Oh, Noelle. You should meet Spencer’s friend. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone hotter.’”
God, I still remember that day. I knew my best friend was a goner at the time, and all these years later, I’m happy to see that I’m right.
“And for the past sixteen years, I’ve heard the same thing. Remarks under her breath. The way her eyes glaze over when you walk in a room.” I don’t know why I’m telling him all this, but now I can’t stop. In an effort to make my point, I slap my hands on the bar top. Theatrics, of course. “Don’t even get me started about how she gets when you flirt with her. She’s been pining away for you for as long as I can remember. Quite frankly, it’s pathetic.”
I have to bite my lip to keep from smiling.
“And Rush … this pretend thing… It’s only pretend in your head. Because it’s very real from where the rest of us stand. I’ve never seen her happier than she is when she’s with you. And vice versa.”
“James is Bianca’s father.”
Wow. Give the man a cookie. “Yes. And Ellie hasn’t seen him in thirteen years. I can guarantee she didn’t fall in love with the man during that one-night stand. And you know her… Ellie’s one of the most level-headed people I’ve ever met. She never romanticized the guy. She never wondered whether he would swoop in and be her hero. From the second Bianca came screaming into this world—and she was screaming, I know because I was there—Ellie has been in love with only one person. That kid. She would do anything for Bianca. Including getting to know her father so that she can ensure her kid is safe.”
Just as I thought, he has no comeback.
Fine. I’ll give the poor sap his beer. It’s the least I can do. “I thought I knew you better than that. I thought you knew her better than that.”
I pass the mug over.
“The one thing you have to remember, Kingston. This isn’t about you. Right now, while they’re having dinner and Ellie is helping James establish a relationship with Bianca, she isn’t thinking about you. But later … when it’s over and she needs someone to hold her, to assure her that this is the way things should be … the man she’s going to need is you. If you can’t see that, I’m not sure you deserve her, anyway.”
If I had a microphone, I would drop it right now. Instead, I turn and walk away, letting him watch me. Sometimes men need drama to bring the point home.
And I would’ve felt ten feet tall if, as soon as I came out from behind the bar, I didn’t come face-to-face with…
The hockey hottie.
Crap.
Spencer
I WON’T LIE, WATCHING AS Noelle schooled Kingston was pretty damn hot.
Even more so because she didn’t notice me standing only a few feet away, completely engrossed in what she was telling him.
That woman has more spunk and more heart than anyone I’ve ever met.
And it sealed my fate right then and there.
These past two months have been hell.
Oh, sure, hockey’s been relatively decent for me. Not so much for Kingston, but it’s evident to everyone why that is. The man is over the moon for my sister, but he’s letting his own good intentions get in the way.
Yes, in the beginning, I thought Ellie had gone chasing after James, but I quickly learned the error of my ways. It helps that I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Ellie and James over the past month or so. It’s evident they have one common goal, being friends so they can do what’s best by their kid.
I respect them for that, admire them even. I’m not sure I’d be able to do the same. And I’ve seen a completely different side of my sister. One that I know has been there all along, but I’ve been too blind to notice.
“Can I … uh … get you a beer?” Noelle offers, her waitress face falling into place.
She looks so damn good.
“No,” I tell her. The last thing I want right now is a beer. “Do you have a minute?”
“Yep, she does.”
The voice comes from over my shoulder, and I glance back to see Julie standing there, grinning. When I peer back at Noelle, she’s glaring at her sister. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.
“I’m actually kinda busy,” Noelle begins, but I don’t let her get too far in her argument.
Taking her hand, I tug her toward the hallway. I stop at the small office, open the door, and step inside.
“What do you want, Spencer?” she asks when I close the door.
I’ve been rehearsing this all morning. I might have social anxiety, but I can make a speech when I want to. And right now, I have something to say.
I tur
n to face her. “You.”
Her forehead wrinkles, puzzlement contorting her face.
“Hear me out,” I insist before she can rattle off whatever it is she’s going to say.
Her hands go to her hips and she cocks her head. She looks so damn cute, it’s all I can do not to kiss the shit out of her right now.
Taking a deep breath, I decide to go for it. “I think it’s time we get something straight with the universe.”
She snorts, obviously knowing right where I’m going with this. “Don’t make fun of me, Big C. I’m not in the mood.”
I take a step closer. She takes a step back.
Same song and dance. I’m okay with that. I knew this wouldn’t be easy.
When she’s against the door, unable to get any farther away, I move to stand in front of her. Cupping her face, I tilt her head back so she has to look at me.
“I miss you,” I tell her, keeping my voice low.
“Spenc—”
“Don’t interrupt me,” I say with a grin. “If you do, I’ll kiss you to shut you up.”
Noelle clamps her lips together. I’m on the verge of laughing, but I manage to keep my composure.
“I want a do-over. With you. Starting right now. Well, technically, starting tonight.”
She still looks confused, but at least she’s not arguing.
“I’m taking you out tonight, Noelle. You and me. In public. A real restaurant. Food. Conversation. The whole nine yards. And afterwards, I’m going to take you back to your apartment, kiss you good night on your front porch, and then I’m going to call you tomorrow when I’m on the road. We’re going to text, talk, and spend time together.”
I wait for her to speak. I know it won’t take long.
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’m going to pursue you,” I say, leaning in closer. “Because I want you, Noelle. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any woman in my life.”
“Keep going.”
This time, I can’t hold back the grin. Her defenses aren’t nearly as strong as I’d been anticipating. I’m happy about that. It means I might actually have a chance with this woman. And honestly, that’s the only thing I want. To be able to prove to her that I’m worth it. She may deserve better than me, but I’m willing to be everything she needs. Everything.
I decide to go for broke. “I love you, Noelle.”
Her lips purse, her eyes widen, and her entire body goes rigid.
“Yes, I said it. I fucking love you. It’s the only logical excuse for my insanity.” I let my smile slip out again. “And I will do whatever I have to do to prove it to you. Want me to serenade you out there?” I nod toward the door. “I’ll do it. Want me to fill your apartment with flowers? I’ll do that, too.”
Her eyes seem glassy, as though she might be holding back tears. Now, that I didn’t anticipate. If this woman cries, I’m done for.
“Noelle, I’m serious. I love you.” I cover her mouth before she starts to speak. “I don’t want you to argue. I don’t even want you to tell me you love me, too.”
Her eyes widen in disbelief, which makes me grin.
“Not that you do love me,” I add. “Right now, I simply want a do-over. In hockey, we play the same teams over and over. I get the chance to redeem myself every season. I want that chance with you. Give me that, Noelle. Let me prove to you that I’m worth it.”
She swallows hard but finally nods her head.
And suddenly, I feel lighter. My chest swells like a bubble burst, filling me with hope.
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” I tell her, my gaze dropping to her mouth. I want to kiss her, but I told myself I would do this the right way.
And though I fully intend to court her the way she deserves, I do intend to fast-track this, because if I’ve learned anything these past two months, it’s that I can’t live without this woman in my life. In my bed.
When I reach for the doorknob, Noelle steps out of the way, still watching me warily.
“I look forward to seeing you tonight,” I tell her as I open the door.
“Uh … Spencer…”
I glance back over my shoulder and lift a questioning brow to her.
“Where are you taking me?” She looks nervous. “I mean … I kinda need to know what to wear.”
“Dress nice,” I tell her and then slip out the door before I give in to my baser urges.
This is going to be harder than I thought.
And so totally worth it.
42
Noelle
A DATE.
I think I now know what Ellie felt like a couple of months ago when Kingston took her out for the first time. I’m so nervous I think I might get sick. My stomach is churning, my fingers are so cold they’re numb, and my heart seems to think that it’s in the early stages of a marathon.
A freaking date!
The man is insane. Completely out of his head.
Hmm. Maybe that means we’ve got more in common than I thought. I am a little crazy myself. More so based on the actions that have taken place in my apartment since I raced home from the Penalty Box, leaving the place in my sister’s capable hands. I cannot believe I’m doing this.
In recent weeks, I’ve upped my game where the universe is concerned. And yes, I’m completely aware of what it says for my mental state, but I pulled out all the stops. There’s a man’s razor in my medicine cabinet—still in the hard plastic wrapper, mind you. I replaced the men’s body wash with a bar of Irish Spring soap. In an effort to show the universe that I still didn’t mind the notion of a hockey player, I wrapped the blade of Spencer’s stick with several pairs of my socks and used duct tape to adhere them to it. That way, his signature and number are covered up and the universe isn’t fixated on Spencer.
I bought a six-pack of Coors Light and put it in the refrigerator, wanting something to fill the empty beer spot. It’s a beer that Spencer doesn’t drink, so I figure I’m safe. I bought a set of matching lamps for my bedroom and made the other nightstand a little less noticeable. The alarm clock still resides there. I made the empty space in my closet a little smaller, making sure the universe understands I don’t want a man to completely take over my life.
So, long story short, I fell right off my rocker, and now I’m going on a date with Spencer Kaufman. I didn’t even get a chance to argue with him. The man didn’t let me.
Not that I would have. The second he told me he loved me, I nearly melted into a puddle. And no, I wasn’t about to rattle off that I was head-over-heels in love with him, too. I’m not sure that’s true. Yes, I like him. A lot more than I probably should. However, I’ve had a lot of time to think these past couple of months. I’ve refused to think his name, but I’ve still imagined him when I’m alone with my toy drawer in the dark of night.
I’m a lost cause, I know it.
To top it off, I am completely over the moon that Spencer did not spring this on me on Valentine’s Day. That would’ve been completely tasteless on his part, if you ask me. But here we are, five days after that and I’m pulling on one of my cutest skirts, a pair of knee-high boots and a black sweater. He said dress nice, but I don’t want to go over the top, lest he think I’m completely into him.
Which I am. I won’t lie.
The doorbell rings and I nearly jump out of my skin. I glance over at the clock on my nightstand. It’s only six fifteen. Surely that’s not Spencer forty-five minutes early.
I race to the front door and go up on my toes to see out the peep hole. There’s a man standing on my porch, but he isn’t Spencer.
Carefully, I open the door, keeping the chain on. “Yes?”
“Noelle Dexter?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got a delivery for you.”
A delivery? After closing the door, I disengage all the locks and pull the doo
r open. What in the…
“Oh, my God.” He hands over a vase of multicolored roses. And I mean, the petals of the roses have been dyed different colors. Pink, purple, yellow, bright green…
“Just wait,” the man grumbles, then heads back toward the van parked beside my car.
Putting the flowers on the table by the door, I grab my wallet. I think I’m supposed to tip him, right?
He returns a second later, a vase in each hand, each one holding at least a dozen more roses, all dyed the same way.
I take them from him, place one on the table by the first one, then set the other on the coffee table. By the time I turn back to the door, the guy’s there again, holding two more vases.
“Are you serious?” I ask, staring blankly at him.
“Someone’s crazy about you,” he says. “There’s nine more. Twelve dozen in all.” He peers past me into the apartment. “I hope you’ve got room for them.”
Twelve dozen?
For the next few minutes, the man brings vase after vase, and I try to find space for them throughout the small living room and kitchen. By the time he’s gone, I’ve got beautiful, fragrant psychedelic flowers sitting on every available surface.
I don’t get a chance to go back to getting ready before there’s another knock at the door. If the crazy flower boy is back…
I yank open the door only to find Spencer standing there, smiling like a loon.
I get the feeling the universe is finally getting its act together.
Spencer
SEEING NOELLE’S SURPRISED FACE MADE life click into place for me. Sounds strange, I know, but her smile is something I’ve missed. It’s true what they say, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. And I’ve missed everything about Noelle for so long now.
“You’re early,” she says softly.
“And you’re stunning,” I tell her, taking her in from head to toe. The boots… It’s a damn good thing I made a promise to myself that I would not ravish this woman tonight. As much as I want to strip her naked and sink between her glorious thighs, I can’t. Not yet. Not tonight.
Kaufman: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 2) Page 27
