by Layla Hagen
"Your lunch?" he asked, stricken.
"It has eggs and milk. So it’s food."
He chuckled as we arrived in front of the food cart. Fortunately there was no line. It was impossible to stand next to Tyler and not be hyperaware of his presence. He seemed to have this field of energy around him. My stomach rumbled again. Way to make an impression.
“One donut enough or two? Just to be on the safe side,” he said.
“One is fine.”
I chuckled again, unable to look away from him. How was it possible that he trapped me with his gaze every time we made eye contact?
We received the order quickly and then walked toward the ice rink. I devoured half the donut before we even arrived at the front door.
“The door is locked. The administrator will open it ten minutes before training starts. We can wait out here or in the car, if you prefer?” I offered.
“Here’s fine.”
I took another bite of donut. "This was a great idea. I can feel my blood sugar leveling out."
He chuckled. "Good to know. What was that about a pool for Tim?”
"Oh," I said, gripping my iPad tighter under my arm. "His birthday was last week, and he’s never been to a water park. You know, the type with slides and all sorts of fun things for kids. I wanted to surprise him, but I can’t afford the whole thing.”
“That’s part of your job?”
“Well, no... so it’s not exactly okay, but I’ve asked some previous clients who know Tim if they would help out. So far, no answers, but I did just email. I usually don’t do this, at all, but it’s for a good cause, and I’d love to see the smile on Tim’s face. So many of these kids have had a tough life, and I’d love to be able to help them all if I could.”
"You're dedicated," he said in surprise. “What exactly do you have in mind?”
I couldn't believe he was interested in this. "Nothing special, just taking him and his hockey friends to a water park and watching over them while they have fun on the slides.”
He ran a hand through his dark brown hair, narrowing his eyes. “A friend of mine owns a spa. It’s got two pools, and I’m sure one of them has slides. He mentioned something about entertaining his guests’ kids. I can convince him to let the kids have fun in there for a couple hours.”
My mouth hung open. “Oh my God. I wasn’t telling you this to pitch it to you.”
“You said you asked previous clients, so why not me?”
“Well, because I’ve known them longer and have established a relationship with them.”
“You don’t trust me, Kendra?” He tilted his head playfully.
“I meant it the other way around. You don’t know me, so I wouldn’t ask for a favor.”
“I’m offering.”
I tried to contain my happiness, but I really couldn’t. I felt my face split into a smile so huge that my cheeks were hurting. “You’d do that? Oh, Tim will be so happy. His family is lovely, but they can’t afford too much.”
“You can count on me. I’ll talk to the guy before training begins.”
“Wow. That’s amazing. Thank you so much, Tyler.”
I couldn’t believe he was doing this.
“This seems almost personal to you,” he said quietly.
I blinked quickly, trying to hide my shock. How could he tell that?
“Well, growing up, my sister, Emma, and I relied on a lot of these programs. Mom worked herself to the bone, but there wasn’t much left after everything was paid for. I know how Tim and his friends feel.”
“Kendra, you’re—” Tyler was interrupted by the sound of the door unlocking. Jane, the administrator, welcomed us inside.
“Want to go in?” I asked.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
The ice rink was simple and modest, nothing like what I assumed the Chicago Blades’ arena looked like, but it made the kids happy anyway. Tyler glanced around appraisingly, leaning against a handrail.
“This is a great place to train.”
“Glad you like it. So... how about you?" I asked, eager to know more about him. "How did you get yourself in this mess?"
I instantly knew it was the wrong thing to ask. His eyes darkened for the first time. His smile faltered. "You didn't see the video?"
"I did, but I think there's more to it, right? I mean, you couldn't exactly tell the context from just seeing it. It just seemed like that guy was looking for a fight, and he got it."
"Yeah. The bloody context." He laughed, but it wasn't filled with humor.
"Bloody?" I asked in a teasing tone.
“‘Fucking’ is my choice of swear word when things are moderately annoying. ‘Bloody’ is next level.”
"Interesting choice. Forget I asked. It's bothering you, so you don't have to talk about it." I leaned against the railing on the opposite side, watching him closely.
"That's fine. I think you're the first person who actually asked about what happened."
"What do you mean? Didn't your management want to know the details?"
"No, management was too pissed off because the sponsors weren't happy with me." After a brief pause, he added, "That guy was my cousin's ex-fiancé."
"Ouch. I already hate him."
That brought the real smile back. "I like you, Kendra."
"Thanks." Is that my stomach cartwheeling just because he said he liked me? Yes, yes, it is. Oh, for goodness’ sake!
"It’s not my place to say why they broke up. But they were supposed to go into business together to open a spa in a building that belonged to my grandmother. Anyway, he wanted to get on with the business after hurting my cousin, even knowing my gran didn’t want him anywhere near her building. So my whole family fought against it. He showed up there thinking... Honestly, I don't even know what he was after. But the way he spoke to my cousin... I just couldn't stand by and watch without doing anything. It was the wrong way to react, but I take full responsibility for that."
His whole demeanor changed. Even his voice sounded determined and protective, and it affected me on a visceral level. He cared a lot about his cousin and his grandmother.
And so, I couldn’t help myself. I moved from the railing, stepping up beside him, leaning slightly in, like I was sharing something in confidence. "I'll let you in on a secret, Tyler. I like you too."
He laughed, throwing his head back. "You're my kind of person, Kendra. You're the first one who has had this reaction when they hear the full story.”
“I can’t believe that. Management—”
“Was pissed, and I'm pissed in return. I love hockey more than anything in this life, but dealing with management is a pain in my ass."
A very fine ass, my brain supplied helpfully. I pressed my lips together before the words slipped out.
"What's that?" Tyler asked. "You look like you wanted to add something."
I shook my head. "No, no. Nothing."
He cocked a brow, keeping his gaze trained on me. “Kendra...”
I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the sizzle in my body. “Don’t change the subject. We were talking about you. This must be hard for you. The season starts soon. The first game is next week, right?"
"Yeah."
"Are you going to watch it?"
He nodded. "I'm going to sit in the stands."
I grimaced. "Wow. That's going to be a tough evening."
“We’ll see.”
I had the distinct impression that he didn’t want to talk about this anymore, so I didn’t prod.
The front door of the rink opened, and five kids ran toward us. Well, toward Tyler, to be honest.
"Tyler, my mom wouldn't believe it when I told her you were training us,” Tim said as soon as he was in front of Tyler. “Can you take a picture with me so I can show her later? You could email it to Kendra, and Kendra can send it to Mom."
"Sure, buddy. You’re Tim, right?"
“Yes. Ohmigosh, you remember my name.”
“It’s a cool name.” Tyler pulled o
ut his phone without any hesitation, hugging the kid with one arm and smiling at the screen. Tim grinned brilliantly, and my heart sighed even more than it had last time. I didn't know why, but I found this incredibly attractive.
Tyler’s honest, welcoming actions were a bigger deal for the kids than he may ever know.
After Tyler took the pic, Tim ran straight to his friends. I bet he was bragging. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tyler talking on the phone. It didn’t last long, though. He pocketed his cell as soon as Tim and the rest went into the locker room.
“I spoke to my friend. He says it’s all good. The kids can come on Thursday. Is that okay?”
“Yes, and wow, that was fast.”
“I’m good at using emotional blackmail for a good cause.”
I’m not melting. I’m not melting. Who am I kidding? I’m melting.
How was this sexy-as-hell, super successful star hockey player so amazing? So real? Boy, I had him pegged wrong.
“I’ll tell my boss about it. I have to clock in every activity I organize. I’ll probably have to come too. It states in my job profile that I have to be there for any new activity that wasn’t pre-approved.”
Tyler’s entire face lit up. His gaze turned even more intense than before.
“That’s an unexpected perk.”
“What is?” I was thoroughly confused.
He stood taller, and somehow the muscles of his arms seemed even more defined.
Eyes on his face, Kendra. On. His. Face.
“Your presence.”
Oh wow. My body fired up in an instant. I opened my mouth, unsure how to reply, then shut it firmly before saying what was really on my mind. My pulse quickened. I had to fight the urge to press my palm over my heart; it felt like it might break through my rib cage any second now. Calm down, heart. It was one thing to acknowledge his hotness—it was impossible not to, since it kept smacking me in the face—but no heart flutters.
His smile matched his gaze, full of intent. I couldn’t exactly say what kind of intent, though my body seemed to have ideas.
I cleared my throat, hoping my voice would be even. “I’m going to check with my boss and let you know the details.”
“Good. I look forward to hearing from you, Kendra.”
Was his voice even sexier, or was I already lost somewhere between Lustville and Sexy Town?
“I’m going to go to the locker room, put on my skates, and give the kids a pep talk,” he added. “Are you going to be here when I return?”
“No, all the kids are here now, so I’m gonna go.” They’d been filtering in as we’d been talking, and a few were already down on the ice.
He winked at me before turning around and going into the locker room.
The door was ajar when I made my way out, but I didn’t risk a glance back inside. The last thing I needed on my mind was the image of Tyler Maxwell giving the kids a pep talk. It might just cause heart flutters—again.
Chapter Five
Kendra
Later that day, once I arrived at the office and checked my calendar, I dialed my boss. Henrik almost always worked from home. I put him on speakerphone. My sister wasn’t here, so I wasn’t concerned with bothering her.
After I told him about Tyler’s offer, Henrik scoffed. “The guy must really want to get back in management’s good graces.”
I frowned, not liking the implication. “That’s not why he’s doing it. He seems like a generous person.”
“I’ve met guys like him. Everything they do is planned.”
“He hasn’t asked me to report this to his management or anything. It doesn’t matter anyway, right?”
“No it doesn’t. You have the green light from me, but can you fit it into your schedule?”
I grimaced. “I’ll find the time for it.”
“Okay, I see you’re on top of everything.”
“Yes, yes I am. I’ll put everything in motion.”
After hanging up, I immediately texted Tyler.
Kendra: Hey, superstar goalie. I spoke to my boss, and he says no problem. When can the kids come on Thursday?
Tyler: You tell me. I’m flexible.
Hmmmm, just how flexible are you, Mr. Goalie?
Oh my God, I have to get these thoughts out of my system.
I tapped my pen against the table, trying to figure out what the best way was. Usually I’d talk my sister’s ear off, but she’d left early to practice her favorite sport: shopping. I’d never gotten the shopping bug since we’d been so utterly broke growing up, even pinching pennies for food. But Emma learned to make the best of thrift stores when she was twelve. She had a gift for that sort of thing.
I texted her on the off chance she might see it.
Kendra: Can I call you? I need to SPILL IT.
That was our code whenever we needed girl talk.
Emma: I’m on the train with bad reception.
Kendra: Call me when it gets better.
Emma: Nooooooooo. I need to know now.
I chuckled at my sister’s enthusiasm. She was my best friend. As kids, we only had each other, and I believed that made our bond stronger.
Kendra: I’m having all sorts of sexy thoughts about Tyler Maxwell, and I have no clue how to get them out of my system.
Tyler: I have some ideas.
Of course, Emma would have—
I did a double take when I noticed the sender’s name. A knot locked in my throat. I felt a bit light-headed. Had I accidentally texted him? Obviously, yes. My thumb was shaky as I pressed the Back button so I could review all conversations.
No, damn it. The texts with Emma were right there. I must have accidentally tapped his name.
Tyler: Shall I share them?
I laughed nervously, sitting lower in my chair.
This can’t be happening.
Kendra: Sorry... I meant to send that to my sister.
Tyler: But you sent it to me.
Tyler: Maybe you should share your thoughts with me, so I have a clear picture.
I prided myself in always finding a sassy comeback, but my mind was blank right now. Well, no, it was full of embarrassment. I was completely out of my depth.
And just when I thought nothing could be worse, Tyler’s name popped up on the screen. He was calling.
I bit the inside of my cheek, considering what on earth to do. I couldn’t ignore the call, that was for sure.
Come on, Kendra. Pull up your big girl panties. You got in this mess all by yourself. Now get out of it.
Taking a deep breath, I answered.
“Kendra!”
“Tyler... hi. Umm, look, I’m sorry about the message. It was meant for my sister.”
“So you said. Lucky me that it landed in my inbox.”
“Lucky?” I asked, feeling totally out of my comfort zone. All I knew was that my pulse sped up again, not because I was nervous but because I was talking to him.
“I’m attracted to you, Kendra. Very attracted. Your message just fueled my imagination.”
I licked my lips, toeing off my shoes and curling my legs under me as I resituated myself in the chair.
I laughed nervously. “I’m feeling super embarrassed right now.”
“Why?”
“This never happens to me.” And it was really unprofessional. Even though my work and office were informal at best, I still held myself to certain standards.
“I’m honored to be the first.”
I laughed again, feeling maybe 10 percent less nervous. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to put me at ease or flirting, or both. Of course, there was no way women hadn’t come on to him before—he was a professional hockey player! A celebrity! Something I needed to remember.
“There’s no chance to get you to share those sexy thoughts, huh?” Tyler asked.
“Nope,” I confirmed, feeling a bit of my trusted sass coming back to me. Thank God. I thought I’d lost it for good.
“I can bide my time.”
He spoke
in a lower tone, one that sent chills across my skin. I still didn’t have my wits about me, so it was best to end this conversation. It was awkward, and if it lasted any longer, it would just get more uncomfortable.
“Umm... as soon as I put everything together for the pool excursion, I’ll text you. But I’d like to hang up now.”
“No problem. I didn’t want to put you on the spot.”
Hmm, I wonder what the purpose of the call was, then? But I didn’t ask.
“And, Kendra? If you change your mind about sharing those thoughts, you can always text me.”
I let out a sound somewhere between a yelp and a giggle. God help me, I wasn’t myself when it came to this man.
I was still on edge, though feeling oddly giddy.
Tyler Maxwell was the hottest man in Chicago. The most successful goalie in the national hockey league. He had the world at his feet.
And he was attracted to me.
Was this a good thing or a bad thing? He probably had a trail of broken hearts behind him, and I didn’t want to be one of them. I wasn’t going to get to the bottom of my conundrum today, so instead, I chose to bask in this giddiness that was filling me. I turned on my favorite playlist on Spotify and tapped my feet to the rhythm of the music while I got to work.
Once I had a tentative schedule, I sucked in a breath and messaged Tyler.
Kendra: Thursday at three work for you?
Tyler: Yes it does.
A few seconds later, he sent another text.
Tyler: I can’t wait to see you in a bikini.
I blushed instantly. He liked to play dirty, huh? Ha, the joke was on him. I wasn’t going to wear a bikini. But I had an inkling I’d find out exactly how dirty Tyler liked to play on Thursday anyway.
I focused on work after that, trying not to think about him too much.
In the afternoon, Emma and I went to a hardware store to look at tiles. I wasn't buying anything today, but I just wanted to get an idea of what was on the market and within my budget.
"Damn, I'm dreaming of a day when I'm not broke," I said, looking longingly at some amazing tiles with a Portuguese design on them. They were three times the price of most of the others.
"Hey, that day will come. I have it on my vision board," Emma said. She had future plans on this thing. It was really working for her.
