by Diana Tobin
Ethan pulled out his wallet and handed Charley two dollars. “The extra is for the next time I slip. Wells, Jorgenson, I’ll meet you at the car.” He barely managed not to slam the glass door behind him.
No wonder the woman had so much trouble with Danielle. She kept skank clothes, dated two men before deciding to marry the father of her children, and still kept the other man around. Then, she flirts with his players.
Dammit all! She’s supposed to flirt with me, not—
“Oh, hell no!” He didn’t need that kind of trouble. He did not want to date Michaela Sparks. Sure, he wanted to go to bed with her. What man wouldn’t? Just a simple tumble, but that wasn’t going to happen. His gaze narrowed as he entered the coffee shop looking for Ed Dawson. Yeah, that’s just what the kid wanted, too. Well, he’d be damned if Dawson would end up in Michaela’s bed.
Dawson was seated at the counter talking with Dani. Ethan stormed up to him, placed a hand on his shoulder, and told him, “Get out to the car.”
He shrugged off Ethan’s hand and said, “I’m talking to the pretty lass.”
Ethan spun Dawson’s stool around and got into his face. “You’ll get out to the car now, or you’ll be traded by morning.”
“Bugger! Who put a burr up your arse? Just because you can’t get laid doesn’t mean—”
“One more word and I’ll make sure you’re out of the league,” Ethan said in a deadly calm voice. “You will not speak of these ladies in that manner. Ms. Sparks may know you’re all talk, but a young lady like Danielle might believe your lies. Now, get out before I make sure you never have a career in hockey.”
Waiting until the door closed behind Dawson, Ethan drew in a calming breath before pinning his gaze on Dani. “That boy is too old for you.”
“My mother—”
“Don’t even try to tell me she doesn’t care. I heard her tell him you were too young for him.” He stared her down until she glanced away. “How old is your mother?” When Dani shrugged, he repeated his question. “Don’t play games with me, Danielle. I’m in no mood.”
“She’s twenty-seven or eight, I guess. What do I care?”
“Good God!” That meant she’d only been twelve or thirteen when Dani was born. She’d been a baby when she started having babies. He rubbed a hand down his face. “How long were Michaela and your dad married?”
“Why don’t you ask her?”
“I’m asking you. Now, answer the question.”
“About a year, maybe a month or two more. Then, Daddy died.”
“Did she date this Bruce guy before she married your father?”
“I guess. I don’t know.” She began rubbing one finger at the countertop. “Bruce was always around. He was Daddy’s best friend.” She raised her head to glare at him. “I wanted to stay in Norwich with Bruce, but she wouldn’t let me.”
“Damn straight.” Did Michaela even know who Dani’s father truly was? How could someone as sweet as Nettie have such a screwed up daughter? He wouldn’t blame Nettie, Michaela made her own choices, even before she was old enough to know what she was doing. Good thing he wasn’t interested in getting involved with her.
Ethan turned to leave and his bad leg buckled. He barely caught himself by gripping the counter, but stood leaning on his forearms to regain his equilibrium.
“Are you all right?”
“Yeah,” he said through gritted teeth. “Bad leg. Doesn’t always like when I move wrong.”
“I know what that’s like,” Dani said quietly. “What happened? Or, don’t you want to talk about it?”
“Got cut by a skate blade,” he admitted. “My leg hasn’t been the same since.” He reached down to rub his thigh. “Your sister said you all were in an accident. Both your legs were broken.”
Dani nodded her agreement. “Daddy was driving. We were going up to the mountains for a snow holiday. I don’t remember the accident.” She stared past Ethan out the window. “I just know the sight of me made Daddy sick.”
“I doubt that, honey,” Ethan said softly. “I imagine he blamed himself, since he was driving.”
“That’s what Mike said.”
“Is that why you haven’t continued with your therapy? Because you blame your dad?”
“Do you exercise?” she asked back.
“Yeah, I do, every day. The only time I limp is if I overdo or am tired.” He gave her a long steady look. “Maybe you should get back into it.”
“I’ll think about it.” She glanced around the shop. “It’s time for me to close up.”
Ethan nodded and slowly walked to the door. He wouldn’t take a chance on ending up in a heap on the floor. His hand was on the doorknob when he heard Dani’s voice.
“I wouldn’t have gone out with him.”
CHAPTER TEN
He pushed off from the side, his stick propped at the opening, headed for middle ice.
He missed the game.
He missed the speed and power of gliding over ice. He even missed the cold, which he never felt for long. The thrill of chasing a puck and scoring. Shoving an opponent into the boards, and when his blood ran especially hot, he missed the fights.
Now it was his duty, and his joy, to guide these young men into chasing the puck and scoring, avoid getting shoved into the boards, and, if at all possible, steer clear of fights. At times, it felt like he was herding cats, especially off the ice.
He cursed when he wobbled, but dug in with his right skate and managed to stay upright. There was a time when being on skates felt more natural than walking on dry land. These days, he often had to concentrate to even do that.
Not as much, he reminded himself, as he put more weight on his left leg and headed for the far net. He rarely limped, or, if he did, not enough for anyone to notice. The next goal was for skating to be normal again. Or, as normal as any man could be in his condition.
As a coach, he didn’t have to be on the ice. During games, he wasn’t allowed—so it didn’t appear too unnatural for him to coach from the sidelines, even in practice. The problem was explaining a move rather than his preferred showing.
That’s why Ethan came to the rink early in the morning. He wanted, needed, time alone on the ice to improve his skating. When he was confident with his skating, then he could be on the ice with the team.
Web knew the truth about him and his condition, but Ethan trusted his friend to keep it to himself. He suspected Gusta knew, but if Web trusted his wife, Ethan would, too. Gusta treated him as an able-bodied man. So did Michaela and her family. But, they didn’t know the truth.
Cautiously, he put weight on his left leg as he headed for the opposite goal net. Maybe Dani would like to learn to skate. The exercise would be good for her legs, help strengthen them. She seemed to enjoy her time at the games. Of course, he knew the big draw was young males, but she appeared willing to help out where needed.
Ethan had made it clear to the team that Danielle Sparks was off limits. For a few, like Dawson, so was Dani’s mother.
Something about the situation with Michaela and her daughters wasn’t adding up for him. He’d been sure Nettie had once told him Michaela left Webster after graduating from high school. Never did she mention what life had been like when her much-too-young daughter became pregnant. They would’ve lived here at least five years, yet everyone acted as if they were meeting Dani for the first time. With Dani and Charley being five years apart, Michaela would’ve been pregnant, again, when she left town.
No one spoke of Michaela’s husband, other than to offer sympathy. Where had the elusive Denny Sparks come from?
Ethan puzzled over this as he slowly glided around the net. Feeling more confident than he had in years, he crouched a bit and dug into the ice.
And landed flat on his face.
Mentally cursing, he lay with his cheek pressed to the cold ice and took stock. Slowly, he pushed up to sit with his legs out straight, his curses now echoing in the empty space. Rubbing his left thigh, he sat another minute, ig
noring the cold and wet seeping through his pants. He considered crawling over the ice to use the net to pull himself up and immediately rejected that idea.
He’d be damned if he’d revert to infantile behavior.
Moving with care, he got his right knee under him and got to his feet. With little grace, he made his way to the boards, then leaned on the edge, dragging in deep breaths.
Only his pride was injured and no one was around to witness. He’d fallen plenty of times in the past; this fall wasn’t as bad as some, and nothing to fret over. It was the shock that had his breath chugging like a steam engine.
Ethan drew in two more deep breaths and grinned. The one thing he’d feared, falling, had happened—and he was none the worse for it. In fact, he’d been on the ice longer today than he’d been since that fateful game.
Good for him, he decided.
He wouldn’t be the best teacher for Dani, but it was still a good idea.
He’d have to speak to Michaela about it. Maybe over a quiet dinner. It wouldn’t be a date, just a chance to speak without interruptions. Yeah, that could work.
Gathering his things, Ethan made his way to the locker room. He’d still have the privacy he wanted to change to street clothes. He chuckled. There was a time when he didn’t care who saw his body. In fact, he was proud to show off his toned anatomy. Yeah, look where pride gets you.
Dressed, he decided to treat himself to breakfast at Moose-ley Coffee. He wouldn’t mind letting Nettie spoil him a bit, and he’d have a chance to see Michaela, maybe line up a time to talk to her alone.
Not questioning his improved mood, he headed out.
****
“Hello, Handsome! It’s about time you came to see me.”
Ethan leaned down to press a kiss to Nettie’s cheek. “I’ve missed you, Miz Nettie.”
“Just because you don’t sleep upstairs any more doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come in.” She cupped his face before grabbing a pot of coffee and a thick white mug. “What will you have for breakfast?”
“Got a blueberry muffin with my name on it?” He sipped his coffee. “In fact, you better box me up a dozen or more to take home to the boys. They’ll be glad to have something special with their eggs.”
“You do the cooking?” Nettie set down a plate with two muffins for him.
“Trying,” he said before stuffing his mouth with a huge bite.
The bell over the door rang just before a heavy hand fell on his shoulder. “Are you trying to make time with my girl?” Even as Ethan swallowed, Nettie came around the counter to be engulfed in Wil’s arms.
“Good morning.” Her voice was soft, her eyes dewy with love.
Ethan was starting to feel uncomfortable when the couple finally separated. Wil took a seat next to him while Nettie poured another cup of black coffee. “You want a muffin?”
Wil nodded and said, “Surprise me.”
Nettie slid a plate in front of Wil. “Pumpkin pecan and raisins.”
“You got more of those to add to my order?” Ethan asked.
Wil gave him a fake scowl. “You miss living here, don’t ya?”
“Yeah,” Ethan admitted on a sigh. “I have to provide meals for the kids staying with me and they’re complaining about my cooking. None of them do much better.” He gave Nettie a look and his most charming smile. “I don’t suppose I could entice you over to my house each evening?” A low growl came from Wil, causing Ethan to turn to him. “You’d be welcome, too.”
Wil and Ethan stared at each other for a long moment before Nettie and Wil broke into laughter. “Nice try, kid.”
“Are you serious about having someone cook for you?” Nettie refilled his cup.
“It would be a help, even just a couple of meals. I can grill and scramble eggs, but that’s about it.”
“Talk to Micki.”
“Isn’t she busy?”
“I’m not promising she’ll do it, I’m saying she might consider it.” She reached over for Wil’s hand. “She was real busy when the shop first opened, but it takes time to build up clientele. I expect things will pick up as the holidays approach, but she might have some free time, and be willing to earn some extra money.”
Ethan considered it while he finished his muffin. “What time does she open?”
“Eight-thirty, after she takes the girls to school.”
He glanced at his watch. “I need to feed my guys, then get the team started on their morning workout.” He pulled money out of his pocket. “I’ll come back and talk to Michaela.” He leaned over the counter to give Nettie another kiss. “Thanks, Gorgeous. Bye, Wil.”
Nettie took care of the couple who came in as Ethan left, then settled next to Wil.
“What are you up to, honey?”
Sipping her latte, she looked at Wil with innocent eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“And pigs fly.” He leaned in to lick a bit of whipped cream from her lip.
“You keep that up and I’ll have to close up.”
“I’ll gladly lock the door.” He joined his fingers with hers. “Are you playing matchmaker now?”
“Would that be so wrong?” She leaned her head against his strong shoulder.
“As far as I’m concerned, you’re perfect.”
Nettie lifted her head to smile up at him. “Your eyes are hazed with lust.”
“Love,” he corrected. “Pure love.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “You thinking Micki and Ethan can have that?”
“I only met Micki’s husband once. It was before she decided to marry him.” She frowned until Wil smoothed a finger over her forehead. “She’s given her whole life to those girls. Every decision she makes is with them in mind, what’s best for them. I want her to have some happiness for herself. If Ethan can provide that…” she ended with a little shrug as the door opened, allowing more customers in.
Wil rose from his stool. “Let me help you with this crowd. Then, we’re going to close for a morning break.”
“What do you think we’re going to do during this break you’ve decreed?”
“Once we get the place cleared out, I’ll take you upstairs and show you,” he said, with a wink.
****
It took longer than planned, but finally he was able to leave the team in the hands of their part-time assistant coach and seek out Michaela. She was sitting at the small reception desk when he entered.
“Hi,” she greeted. “You’re ready for another trim?”
“No. I—uh, where is everybody?”
Her smile was more grimace. “Good question.” She shook back her shiny brown hair, a perfect advertisement in his mind. “Did you need to set up appointments for more of the team?”
Ethan took a seat in the chair closest to the desk. “No, I wanted to talk to you about a few things. When you have time. If you have a free evening.” What the hell? He hadn’t been this nervous since he’d asked his first girl to the school dance.
Michaela took a long look around her shop before bringing her gaze back to his. “I don’t seem to be too busy at the moment.”
“I thought you had a helper. She’s not working today?”
“Rose? She had an appointment this morning, but nothing until tomorrow. If you want a manicure I can make an appointment for you, or I can do it.”
He looked down at his nails in horror. “Me? A manicure? No. No, I just want to talk.” He did like the idea of Michaela’s hands on him, any part of him. He looked around the place and ran a hand through his hair. “Could we go someplace? I could take you to dinner.”
Her lips twitched. “Or, you could talk to me here.”
This time, he scrubbed both hands over his face. He was making an ass of himself. “Yeah, okay. I was thinking about Dani.”
“What has she done now?”
“Nothing, that I know of. We had talked one day about her keeping up with her physical therapy, or rather, lack of. I thought she might enjoy learning to ice skate. Web has a coach who would be w
illing to give lessons.”
“I don’t know if I can afford it, especially if business doesn’t pick up.” She waved a hand indicating where they sat. “Plus, she’s not inclined to try something when I suggest it. I’m just the wicked st—uh, the most wicked mother in the world. And, not in a good way.”
“I could talk to her if you like, see if she’s interested. Then, you might be able to work out a deal with the coach.”
“Maybe if Charley took lessons with her.”
Ethan was shaking his head. “I think Dani needs to do the lessons alone.” He raised his hand before Michaela could speak. “I’m not trying to tell you how to raise your daughter. I got the feeling from talking with Dani she needs some one-on-one time with someone working to help her. If a coach is splitting time between your daughters, and should Charley happen to progress faster than Dani, that could set her back. She needs to build up some self-confidence before she’s in any kind of competition with anyone else.”
Michaela stared at him. “For a bachelor you make good sense. You don’t have children tucked away somewhere, do you?”
“Definitely not.”
This time her smile was more natural. “All right, you talk to Dani and I’ll wait for her to come to me with the idea. I’ll do whatever I can to help her.”
“Good. That brings me to the next topic.” He ran one long finger along the edge of the desk. “You know I have five of the players living with me.” He waited for her nod of acknowledgement. “Besides providing a place for them to sleep, a host also provides meals. My cooking skills are lacking.” He watched her eyes narrow ever so slightly. “I was wondering if you’d consider cooking for us. The six of us.”
“You want me to cook for you. Because I have nothing else to do other than run my own business and raise my daughters.”
“Yes. No. Shit.” He fisted his hands on his thighs. “I’d pay you. I figure hiring someone to cook decent meals for us is better than take out or burning things.”
“What made you think of asking me?”
“Your mother. I asked her, but she wasn’t interested and told me to talk to you.”
