The Workaholic and the Realist (New Hampshire Bears #2)

by Mary Smith

  “It’s cute, but how did you find a bunny holding a honey jar?” Rabbits didn’t even eat honey.

  Keaton chuckled. “I had it made for you.”

  “Made?” I finally looked up at him.

  “Yep, I found a website, and it came in last week.”

  “Puppy,” I grinned. “This is very sweet. Thank you.” I kissed him fully on the lips.

  “Damn, I wish I could fuck you,” he mumbled, grabbing my ass tightly.

  “Rain check.” I kissed him again, wishing the same damn thing.

  Chapter Twelve

  Keaton

  My eyes were burning; I mean they were actually on fire, because I’d stared at my computer screen all night. I’ve not been to bed at all, but my book was complete.

  Edited? Check.

  Re-read? Check.

  Harlow had given me a name of a beta reader and she’d enjoyed it. Her feedback was very helpful.

  Problem number one hit me. I didn’t have a cover. Problem number two, I didn’t have a nom de plume. I thought Michael Jaco, but Jaco was uncommon and could be traced back to me. Grams maiden name was Knapp and my grandfather’s first name was Bret.

  Bret Knapp.

  Sounds like an author or a mercenary.

  Well, one problem was solved. Now about the cover. I bet Harlow would be able to help me out. I grabbed my phone and then saw it was six thirty in the morning. Would she be up?

  It had been almost three days since I saw her. When I saw her in the bar, with that awful man hitting on her, I knew I had to save her. I made sure I did better than last time, too. I couldn’t remember how I’d found the website to make the custom bunny, but when I did, I knew I had to get it for her. Then I had to think about when the last time I’d given a gift to a female on Valentine’s Day. I avoided the holiday like the plague.

  Nonetheless, I pushed her name on my phone and sent her a test asking to call me when she woke up. I figured since I was still up, I needed to have breakfast. I was definitely sure Grams was awake, and she was the best cook ever.

  As always, I didn’t bother to knock, and the smell of coffee brewing and the sounds of bacon sizzling led me to the kitchen. Of course, I expected to see Grams, but I stopped dead seeing Felicia at the stove.

  “Keaton.” Her face lit up seeing me in the doorway.

  “Felicia,” I gave her a curt nod. “Where’s Grams?”

  “Sleeping. She and I stayed up late last night playing cards.”

  “Playing for money?” If she took a dime from her, my head would explode in anger.

  “Um…no. Just a friendly game.” She changed the subject. “Do you want some coffee?”

  “Nope. I’ll just check on Grams to make sure she’s okay, and I’ll leave.”

  “I’m not hurting her.” Felicia stepped up to me. “Please quit acting like I’m harming her.”

  “You know the saying if it quacks like a duck.” I shouldn’t rile her up, but I couldn’t stop myself.

  “I’m clean, Keaton. I even have job interviews this week.”

  I fake laughed. “Job? Have you ever even been employed?”

  The hurt was extremely noticeable in her eyes. “I’m trying to make you proud and prove to you I’ve changed.”

  I glared at her the same way I would an opponent on the ice. I had no respect for her. All of my respect went to Grams, the woman who raised me.

  “You know what, Felicia, how about I give you money? And you can go back to whatever hole you crawled out from.”

  Tears quickly formed in her eyes, and I suddenly felt a bit shitty for what I’d said.

  “Keaton Michael Jaco.”

  I closed my eyes and hung my head. Even though her tone was calm, I knew I was about to feel the wrath of Grams. I turned to face her, and her expression said it all. Stone-cold and pissed off at me.

  “Felicia, do you mind leaving Keaton Michael and me alone for a moment?”

  She quickly rushed from the room; I even think she was scared of Grams right now.

  I started to open my mouth and explain about what I was saying to Felicia, but she threw up her hand, and I clamped my mouth shut.

  “I want you to listen to me. I want you to leave, and don’t you dare step one foot back into my house until you show some respect for my guest and your mother.”

  “You…you’re throwing me out?” I stammered on my words. Grams had never told me to leave.

  “You may come back when you remember I taught you how to show respect and how to treat people.”

  “Grams—”

  “No.” she cut me off again. “You either apologize to Felicia or leave. You only have two options.”

  I’d be damned if I would be the one to apologize to her. After everything I’d been through, she wasn’t getting the satisfaction of hearing me say I’m sorry.

  I did the one thing I never thought I’d be doing. I left Grams’ house.

  I drove around Manchester until it was time for practice. I truly wasn’t ready for anything related to hockey. I wanted sleep and Grams to see my point of view on the situation.

  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one in a mood. Remington, who had a stall next to mine, looked as if someone died. He moped around the locker room, and when we were on the ice, he was the slowest and not even paying attention. This was uncharacteristic of him. Remington held the fastest speeds in the PHL and currently had the most points in the league. But you wouldn’t think that way if you saw him right now.

  Once practice was over and Coach Long, who sported a new black eye, finished yelling at us, I grabbed Remington’s arm.

  “Are you okay?”

  He shrugged one shoulder.

  “Come on, talk to me.”

  “I need to process a few things.”

  “I can help.”

  “Nah, you have enough on your plate with school and your book.”

  “I have time for a friend in need. Let’s grab lunch.” I patted his shoulder and went back to my stall to change. Yes, I was exhausted, but he really needed me and I could push through it.

  Remington followed me to a hole-in-the-wall diner, and we found a booth near the back for more privacy. The waitress came over, and we both ordered burgers and waters. I waited for her to be out ear shot before I forced Remington to talk.

  He pulled out his phone and slid it over to me. On the screen was a young girl in pigtails and dressed as a Disney Princess.

  “Who is this?”

  “My daughter.”

  “Dude, you have a kid?” He’d never mentioned her to me before or anyone I could think of. “Did you just find out about her or something?”

  “No.” He seemed insulted by my question. “I’ve known since day one.”

  “Sorry. You’ve never said anything before.”

  “I know,” he said with no further explanation.

  “So, what’s the issue that’s eating you up?”

  “Her mother is a bitch, and I’m using the nice word to describe her.”

  “Whoa.”

  “Yep, I’ve been trying to get custody for the past year, but because I’m on the road most of the year, it doesn’t look good.”

  “What about your parents? Or maybe your sister?” I’d met them at our holiday party and they were a loving, supportive family. I was sure they’d help him out.

  “My lawyer thinks it is best if I married or at least engaged and living with someone.”

  “Dude, what are you going to do?”

  He took a deep breath and looked me straight in the eye. “I asked Maxima to be fake-engaged to me on Valentine’s Day, and I even asked her to move in.”

  Dumbfounded.

  I was utterly and completely dumbfounded.

  “No one else knows. Please don’t say anything.”

  “Dude.” I couldn’t come up with another word besides fuck. “What did she say?”

  “She asked to think about it. She’s going to meet my daughter when she comes into town for spring break.”


  “So, we all get to meet your daughter?”

  He nodded. “If Maxima gets along with Arabella, I’m hoping it seals the deal.”

  “How did she react when you asked her?” I wonder what Harlow would say if I ever had to ask her to be fake-engaged to me. She’d probably cuss me out where I stood.

  “Nothing at first. Mainly, she stared at me. She knew the issues I was having because I’d told her, but she’s not given me any hints if she’ll do it or not. And I have no other options.”

  I had nothing to add. What does one say when a friend tells you he’s going to fake an engagement to get custody of his daughter?

  “Does Maxima want a family? Will you actually go through with marriage? What will your family say?” Suddenly, I was rapidly firing questions at him.

  “I don’t know to any of it.”

  Our food came, but neither of us touched it, even though it smelled good, and I was starving. We sat in silence for a few minutes, and I felt bad for my friend. Here he was trying to help his daughter, and to do it, he had to lie. Plus, Maxima had to do the same. I didn’t know her well, but she seemed shy and smart. However, I wouldn’t take bets on what her answer would be.

  We gave up on eating and took our food to go. I told Remington to call me if he needed anything. When I reached home, exhaustion hit me hard. Between staying up all night, fighting with Grams, practice, and Remington’s bombshell, I needed to let my brain rest before the game.

  The game against the Nebraska Bucks was the worst game of our season. Teo, our goalie, didn’t even seem to be trying to block shots that came at him. Remington’s puck was stolen more than I’d ever seen. Kyson kept ringing pucks off the posts, and I couldn’t keep my eyes on the puck at all.

  Five to zero.

  We all felt like shit when we made our way to the locker room. I’d prepared myself for Coach Long’s screams; instead, he left us alone. That surprised me. Then again, maybe his whole day sucked too.

  My plan was to go to Harlow’s, but the fight with Grams hadn’t settled well with me. She was my Grams and really the only woman I’d counted on my whole life. I couldn’t be without her.

  My truck had a mind of its own as it drove me to her house. I parked in the driveway as the porchlight shined brightly against the darkness. I had to apologize, and even though I didn’t believe I was wrong, maybe I’d been too harsh. Grams really did raise me to respect all people and even Harlow said people changed. Nonetheless, Felicia had burned me too many times.

  But, I’d swallow my pride for Grams. She was the one constant I needed in my life. I jumped out of my truck and made my way to the front door. I never knocked on the door before, but this time I did.

  She opened it. Of course, she didn’t seem too surprised as she stood there in her robe. “Why are you knocking, Keaton Michael?”

  “Because you threw me out this morning.”

  “I did, but I’m hoping to hear a different tune from you right now.”

  “Grams,” I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I disrespected you. I don’t like fighting with you.”

  “And your mother?”

  “I will apologize to her as well.”

  She motioned me to come in and I did, but before I went too far, Grams stopped me. “Keaton Michael,” she began in a soft tone. “I’m well away of how she’s treated you and me in the past. We’ve both been hurt, and you’ve grown up without a mother, but I’m telling you now, she’s changed, and you should give her another chance.”

  I hung my head. I didn’t have it in me to give her another chance.

  “I’m asking as a favor. For me, please?” She squeezed my hand. “One time and if I’m wrong, you don’t have to buy me any more Christmas gifts.”

  I chuckled. “Grams…I’d…I’d do anything for you.” I faltered on my words because I loved her so much, and I didn’t want to lie.

  “I love you, Keaton Michael.”

  “I love you, Grams.”

  She hugged me, and I rested my chin on her head. I’ve been taller than her since I was thirteen, but she could still whip my ass.

  Someone cleared their throat, breaking Grams and my connection. “Sorry to interrupt, I was heading to bed.”

  Grams pinched the inside of my arm. It hurt like a bitch, but I knew the meaning for it.

  “Um…Felicia…I apologize for being rude to you this morning.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “Well, thank you.” She looked at me as if I had more to say, but I didn’t. “I’m going to head up because I have an early interview.”

  “Good luck, dear.” Grams beamed as Felicia headed to the spare room.

  When she was gone, I hugged Grams once more and told her I needed to head home and get some studying done. I felt better when I reached my apartment because I’d patched up things with Grams. Not so much with my mother.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Harlow

  Meadow and I were completely flabbergasted as we listened to everything Maxima told us. We’d all met up at Meadow’s house for a weekly girl’s night to watch Chicago Fire, when she began telling us of Remington’s proposal. I couldn’t even tell you what was going on with station 51 because I was too engrossed in her story.

  “What are you going to do?” Meadow asked. Not one of us had touched our wine glasses yet.

  “I don’t know.”

  “This is serious. Very serious.” Meadow shook her head in disbelief.

  “I have to agree with Meadow on this. One, you’ll be lying to a judge saying you’re in love and engaged. Two, he has a child, and you’ll be an important part of her life. Three, you’ll be a contributing parent. Four, this is fucking insane.” I couldn’t even wrap my mind around the situation she was in.

  “I thought about all those things.” Maxima was almost in tears.

  “I’m not trying to upset you.” I reached for her hand, trying to give her some comfort.

  “I know.” She sniffed and Meadow handed her a tissue. “I’m sorry.”

  “You don’t need to say sorry. We both understand how hard this is.” Meadow patted her back. “We’ll help you through this.”

  “Ditto,” I reassured her.

  Maxima offered a long sigh. “When I have a big issue, I usually talk out the situation. This time, every time I try to talk about it, I burst into tears.”

  “Well, try it now,” I suggested. “We have wine, tissues, and plenty of time.” I smiled at her.

  Up until midnight Maxima, and with a lot of tears, went through all her pros and cons about agreeing to be fake engaged to Remington. She did want to have a family someday and marry a man who loved her as much she loved him. She was fearful her emotions would get the best of her and playing house with him for too long she might actually fall into the lie. If she wouldn’t be able to follow through, it would hurt more people than just her. She didn’t want to be the person who caused Remington to lose his daughter.

  All of her reasons were smart, sound, and understandable. Being in her position would be harder than imaginable. I doubted I could remain this calm. Maxima finally called it a night, and we all headed home. I had just changed into my shorts and tank top when the rapid knocks came at my door. Opening it up, I knew it would be Keaton’s eyes I would see.

  “It’s after midnight.” I tried to sound mean, but my body was humming for him. When he licked his lips, I almost had an orgasm where I stood.

  “You look wide awake.” He strolled into my house.

  “What are you doing up and about?”

  “Just finishing homework. Thought I come over here and we’d have a night cap. We haven’t seen each other since Valentine’s Day. I’ve missed you.”

  “Missed me?” My heart picked up pace.

  “Did you miss me?” He wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “Maybe.” I played it cool.

  “I came by earlier but you weren’t here. Out on a hot date?”

  Giggling, I said, “No, I was with Meadow and Maxima.
She was having a serious issue.”

  “Maxima?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh.”

  By his tone, I knew he knew something. “She’s having a big issue.”

  “Because of a question asked of her?”

  He definitely knew. “Yes. How do you know?”

  “I gave my word not to say anything.” He squeezed my hips.

  “I gave my word, too.”

  “Then how is she?” he asked with concern.

  “Dealing with it.”

  “Him too.”

  We stared at each other before Keaton asked, “Would you do it for me?”

  Without a second or a blink of hesitation, I replied, “Yes.”

  Keaton released me and stepped back. What the hell was I thinking? Did I just tell him the truth? Now, doesn’t seem to be the right time to tell him. I know he doesn’t want anything more than I was giving him. I could live with that, and no, it didn’t bother me because I knew already. Keaton didn’t walk into my life and say, ‘Hey wanna be in a relationship?’ and then use me as a fuck thing.

  “Let’s forget it.” I started to rush past him, but he tugged me back into his arms.

  Silence surrounded us, but it said a lot as he gently caressed my cheek with the pad of his thumbs. His blue eyes pierced mine, and he leaned in, capturing my lips. Normally, his kisses were hard and domineering, but this time, it was softer and more passionate than normal. He gripped my thighs tightly as he lifted me up, I wrapped my legs around him.

  Tonight, I knew he wouldn’t pound into me. Tonight, he would shower me with the softer side of Keaton Jaco.

  And I was right.

  I woke up on my stomach and turned to see Keaton sleeping the same way but facing the other direction. He had stayed all night. It was a first for us.

  We finally fell into exhausted sleep as the sun was beginning to rise. We would make love, talk, and then repeat. This talk was different than our others. I learned Keaton was the definition of a workaholic. If he wasn’t on the ice, he was studying. If he finished studying, he would read or workout. He wasn’t into TV or movies although he watched Netflix from time-to-time, and he didn’t really listen to music. I had known he was super smart, but this confirmed it.