by Diana Tobin
“What? No, I’m not. Why would you think that? Never mind, we’ll discuss that later.” He drew a deep breath. “You know my left leg was injured in a freak accident. It should have been a simple repair, except it became infected. The infection was spreading quickly and drastic measures had to be taken. They—uh…I—” He let go of her hand and reached down to remove his right shoe. “It’s easier if I show you. Brace yourself.”
He took off his other shoe before standing and unbuckling his belt.
Mike reached out to stop his impromptu strip tease. “If you have an ugly scar, I don’t need to see it. If you’re taking off your pants because you think I’m going to have sex with you while everyone knows we’re in here, you can think again.”
His lips moved in what might have been a smile. “I don’t expect you to have sex with me, even though I like how you think. I didn’t show you before our night together because I figured once you saw my leg you would never let me make love with you. And, I do have an ugly scar, but you need to see it. To understand—” His hands went to his zipper.
“Is your scar the reason you didn’t take your pants off that night?” She could barely get the question out. She had to know. She’d been sure he’d left his pants on because he cared so little for her, only caring about satisfying his own needs before sending her on her way.
“Yes.” He dropped his pants to his thighs, keeping on his tight boxers, then sat back down on the bed next to her. “I was afraid once you saw my leg you’d be disgusted. Or, worse.” He looked at her, cupped her jaw in one hand and leaned in to kiss her. “I’m still afraid, but you need to see, to know.”
He pushed his pants to the floor revealing his prosthetic leg.
He let her look, saying nothing for long minutes.
Finally, Mike raised her gaze to his. “All this time you’ve had a—” She waved a hand to indicate his leg, or lack of.
“It’s called a prosthesis. It comes off.” He proceeded to remove it. “Which is what I should have done on our night together and maybe my thigh wouldn’t have cramped up like it did.”
Ethan continued sitting on the side of the bed, his pants puddled on the floor, his prosthesis lay on the bed next to him, and the stump of his knee bare to her perusal.
Mike stared at his bare leg for a long time, her hands slowly curling into fists. “You thought this would make a difference in how I feel about you?”
“Yes, I—”
“Why the hell would you want to be with me?” she asked through gritted teeth.
His head snapped up and he looked at her in confusion.
“You think I’m so shallow that I wouldn’t want to be with you because you’re missing part of a leg?” She rose to her feet, looking down at him. “I’m such a bubblehead I wouldn’t be able to see past the physical to the real man? I’ve got news for you, buddy. I’m not some dumb bimbo!” By now, she was shouting—and she didn’t care who heard.
“You’ve been a real pain in the ass since I first met you. Despite that, I never expected you to be an ass.” She shook her head in disgust. “I’m sorry you lost part of your leg and have had to learn to do without. But, you’re alive! You think my husband didn’t look at me wishing I was dead instead of his wife? What you really lost was you’re your ability to think—and your balls. Maybe you can grow a pair!”
She pivoted on her heel, opened the lock, and stormed out of Ethan’s room.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
He sat for a long time as Michaela’s reaction replayed in his mind.
Shock ran over her face at the sight of his missing limb. Shock had turned to curiosity, especially when he’d removed his prosthesis. Her fingers had stretched toward his stump until her hand had become a fist and anger rode over her face.
She’d yelled at him. She’d called him an ass. She’d told him to grow balls.
But, not once had she looked at him in disgust or pity.
God, he loved her!
He’d pressed a hand to his chest as the truth hit him. He was in love with Michaela Sparks.
Ethan figured he’d been heading that way from the moment he saw her lush curves in that lacy pink bra and lust had hit him full force for the first time in…memory.
His cowardice had hurt her. He should’ve trusted her with the truth, despite his past experiences. He had to admit, her anger over the thought that his missing leg would make a difference in how she felt about him was a bit of a turn on.
Of course, everything about the woman turned him on.
A throat clearing brought his attention to the doorway where Robert stood. “I take it your—talk—didn’t go so well.”
Slowly, a grin spread across Ethan’s face. “Actually, I think it went quite well. She must care about me to get that pissed off.”
Robert’s expression didn’t match his son’s. “It didn’t turn out well with the last woman who got that mad at you.”
“I know.” The grin slid from Ethan’s lips. “Completely different women and reasons. My first mistake was thinking Michaela would react like anyone else.”
“Son, I don’t think that was your first mistake,” Robert murmured. “Just make sure you fix it. Can I help you with anything?”
Nodding, Ethan said, “Hand me a pair of shorts from the bottom drawer. I need to tell my housemates. They deserve to know before the rest of the team.”
****
The next day, he called a meeting with the rest of the players. To his surprise, no one looked at him with pity or disgust. One guy did comment that it sucked royally, to which Ethan agreed. As he dismissed the team for the day, each man came by to either shake his hand or pat him on the back with a simple ‘thank you’.
“What’re y’all thanking me for?”
“Hell, Coach,” Ed Dawson said, “you could’ve hidden away and felt sorry for yourself because your career got shot to hell. Instead, you’re out here,” he indicated the team, the ice, “helping all of us. No one can call you a quitter. Eh?”
The team agreed with Dawson’s statement, and Ethan soon found himself alone, appreciating the irony. He’d threatened to end Dawson’s career basically because he’d dared to flirt with Ethan’s woman. Yet, today, Dawson had been his biggest supporter. Hell, he had a team full of support.
Which was nice, but what he really needed was the love and support of his woman. And, Michaela was his. Just as he was hers. Now, he needed to convince her.
****
She didn’t make it easy. She went back to playing the avoidance game. Leaving meals at his house when no one was home. Stocking the freezer with prepared dishes while they were out of town. Answering voice messages with texts that told him nothing unless it pertained to a meal.
While part of him wanted to charge in and demand Michaela sit down and discuss matters with him, another part warned him to give her time. The waiting won out, mostly because he needed to give his full attention to the team and their games before the holiday break.
Ethan looked forward to three weeks without players, practices, and strategies. All the young men were going home for the holidays. He’d even considered going home to Georgia, giving Michaela more time and space, then decided he’d do better to stay in Webster and win her over. He’d survive if she didn’t give him another chance, he just wouldn’t like it much.
Fearing he was making a mistake in not finding someone from out of town, he’d phoned Catherine Yablonski, asking her to meet him at Moose-ley Coffee. He might need Nettie’s help in getting Mrs. Yablonski to listen to what he wanted. Should Michaela happen to see him with the real estate agent and wonder why…well, so much the better.
Catherine was seated at a table visiting with Nettie when he entered the warm coffee shop.
“Ladies,” he greeted.
“Ethan,” Nettie rose to brush his cheek with a kiss. “What can I get for you?”
“Surprise me, as long as you include a muffin. Plus, whatever Mrs. Yablonski would like.” He nodded at the woman who
remained seated.
“Ethan is the client you’re meeting?” Nettie gave her friend a hard stare. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I don’t gossip about clients.” Cathy returned her friend’s look.
“Make sure you—”
“Nettie. I know how to do my job.” Catherine’s gaze flicked to him and back to her friend. “Despite my lapse last August.”
That answered that question; Mrs. Yablonski was going to be a professional this time. Ethan slid his hand across Nettie’s back and placed a kiss near her temple. “Thanks,” he whispered. “I’ve got this. Um, would you give me a few minutes when we finish? I should tell you something.”
Nettie had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. “If it’s about your leg, I know.” Before he could ask she went on. “Micki did tell us, but your mother told me before that.”
“And, you never said anything?”
“It’s not mine to tell,” she said softly. “I’ll be right back with your coffees.”
A small smile on his face, Ethan shrugged out of his coat, placed it on the back of his chair, and sat across from Catherine.
“Excuse me for asking, but are you all right? I couldn’t help but hear Nettie mention your leg.”
“I’m good, thanks. An old injury that gives me trouble from time to time.” He wasn’t spilling his guts to the mayor of the town. Chances were better than good that gossip would spread, and she’d know about him, anyway. Right now, he was more concerned about the reason he’d called her. “I’m sure this isn’t the best time to be looking at property, but I thought you might know of a place or would keep me in mind if something comes up. That is, if you’re willing to listen to what I actually want this time, Mayor Yablonski.”
Red spread across Catherine’s face and down her neck. “I apologize for my actions this summer. There is no excuse for my behavior, so let me just say I let a long-ago hurt influence my judgment. It won’t happen again, but if you’d prefer to work with another agent, I will give you a list of names.” She folded her hands on the table in front of her. “It was a pleasure to meet your parents at Thanksgiving and easy to see where you got your charm and good looks.”
Ethan sat back in his chair, surprised at the woman’s forthrightness. “Ah, thank you, Mrs. Yablonski. I would prefer to work with you, if you’re willing.”
“Cathy,” she said, smiling a thank you to Nettie as she place drinks and muffins on the table. Turning her gaze back to Ethan, she said, “If we’re going to work together, you should call me Cathy. As do all my friends.”
Nettie beamed at them both before reluctantly moving away.
“You can stay if you want,” offered Ethan.
Nettie quickly pulled over another chair and sat down before he could change his mind. “Just till a customer comes in.”
“I want a property on the lake,” Ethan stated. Cathy’s eyes went wide, while a smile spread over Nettie’s face. “It would be nice if there were a house on it, but that’s not necessary. I can build what I want. After seeing Web’s place, I know I’d prefer being near the water. And, I want to stay in Webster. Can you help me?”
“Have you talked to Web about this?”
Ethan narrowed his eyes at the real estate agent. “Do I need his permission to live here permanently?”
“Oh, no, no.” She waved a hand between them. “I didn’t mean to mislead you. Web owns the parcels on each side of his place. I don’t know that he’d be interested in selling either, but since the two of you are friends and work together…”
He sipped his coffee, mulling over the idea. He liked the idea of being neighbors with Gusta and Web and thought it might appeal to Michaela, also. “Do you want me to speak to him?”
“Let me do some checking for you first.” Cathy pulled a small notebook from her purse to make notes. “We need to know if it’s feasible to build on either parcel; plus, you need to know what a fair price would be. There might be a place on the north side of town, closer to New Sharon. Just outside town limits, but not far at all.”
“All right, Mrs.—Cathy. I’d appreciate it. You let me know what you learn, then I’ll speak to Web. If he doesn’t want to sell, and I can understand why he wouldn’t, then I’d like to see the other place you mentioned.”
She reached across to lightly touch his hand. “Thank you for giving me another chance. I won’t let you down.” Gathering up her things, she turned to Nettie. “What do I owe you?”
“My treat, Cathy,” Ethan said.
“No, young man. This was a business meeting. You invite me to the housewarming when you’re settled.”
“I’ll start you a tab, Cathy,” Nettie promised. “You keep meeting your clients in my shop, you’ll add customers for me. Be careful on the ice out there.” When the door closed behind Cathy, Nettie turned her attention to Ethan. “Planning to put down some roots?”
“Yes, ma’am, I am. I like it here.”
“Anything—or, should I say, anyone—influence your decision to stay?”
“You know the answer to that, Miz Nettie.” He carefully cut into the muffin on his plate. “I fu—um, screwed up with Michaela. I’m really hoping she’ll give me another chance. If she doesn’t,” he shrugged as if it was of little consequence. “I’ll survive. And I do like it here. Even if the Wolves don’t want me for a coach, I’ll find something to do.”
“She won’t run again,” she said quietly. “She’s determined to stay and make a good steady life for her girls.” She drew in a deep breath before letting it flow out. “I had to let her go all those years ago. She needed to know she could trust herself. Me telling her wasn’t enough. She knows who she is and she knows what she wants. Micki just needs to believe she deserves what she wants.” She leaned over to press a kiss to Ethan’s cheek. “I won’t say a word about your meeting here.”
Ethan grabbed her hand before Nettie could walk away. “I don’t mind. Maybe if Michaela hears I plan to stay, and hears it from enough sources, she’ll believe me when I tell her I’m not leaving.”
Nettie looked at him for long minutes. “You two get this worked out between you, and do it soon. I’m ready to call you son.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Christmas was in two days, and Mike’s family was making her crazy. They’d been pushing her and Ethan together at every opportunity.
Somehow, she’d managed to get her shopping done and most of her gifts were wrapped and waiting under the family tree in the dining room. Strange place for the tree, but it was the coolest room in the house, helping it to last longer, and the lights on the tree could be seen through the window as they drove up the driveway.
Ethan’s tree was in the living room of his rental house and couldn’t be missed upon entering. Dani and Charley had enjoyed their evening decorating that tree with Billy and his roommates. Mike had been invited, but declined, claiming to be busy.
It was only a partial lie, for she’d spent the evening putting together casseroles and dinners to stock Ethan’s freezer, thus limiting the number of trips to his house.
She refused to admit she was avoiding Ethan.
Not that it would matter in a few months. The hockey season would end and he would be moving on to bigger and better things. To more beautiful women. Ones without responsibilities like a ready-made family. Women who didn’t have to worry about homework or physical therapy, or being sure their children became well-adjusted adults. A woman who didn’t envy her mother’s love life and the promise of forever with her soul mate. A woman who didn’t care Ethan had lost half his leg.
Mike cared Ethan had suffered. How could she not? But the big doofus truly thought that would make a difference in how she felt about him. He thought she was so self-centered and shallow that she’d only want him if he was perfect? Well, he was perfect! Sort of. Except for the part about not trusting her with the truth. That was just wrong. There was no future for them without trust.
Her family made sure she’d heard he was look
ing to buy a place in Webster. Rumor didn’t equal truth. For all anyone knew, he was looking for a fishing shack or a little cottage to spend down time in. None of it meant he was looking to put down roots and settle here; and even if he were, it didn’t mean he wanted to settle down with her.
If Ethan Reigh thought she was going to continue cooking for him and his new little honey, he had another think coming.
With the girls out of school for the holidays, they insisted on a day of baking cookies, which Mike was happy to agree to. What she hadn’t agreed to was Ethan joining them. Short of being rude and disappointing Charley and Dani, she’d tried to make the best of it.
When had he become so clumsy? She was either tripping over the man because he kept getting in her way or their hands and arms became entangled as he tried to take over a task she was handling quite well until he got involved. By the end of the day, both Ethan and Mike were covered in flour, and other unidentified substances, to the delight of the girls. Every nerve in her body was on red alert from his nearness until she thought she might implode.
The next night, Nettie brought Ethan home with her for supper, claiming he shouldn’t have to eat alone with his team members being gone. The following night, Ethan had come by to pick up Dani for a skate lesson only to have her plead exhaustion. Somehow, the teen’s exhaustion had fled when Nettie and Wil decided the six of them should play cards with Mike and Ethan being partners.
Another day, Mike had gone next door to Moose-ley Coffee to get drinks for Rose and their customers only to find Ethan visiting with Nettie and Dani. Her mother easily convinced Ethan to help Mike carry back the tray of hot beverages and to keep her from slipping on the icy parking lot.
During each of these “accidental” meetings, Ethan asked for time alone with her. And, each time, she claimed to be too busy—all while wishing her family would just butt out.
Rose had gone home and Mike was late closing the salon, having stayed for a family who wanted haircuts before heading to visit relatives for the holidays. Charley had gone home with Dani and Nettie. The phone rang as Mike headed for the door and she considered ignoring it before common sense told her to answer.
