by Cathryn Fox
“She’s new here?” Declan asks. “I don’t remember seeing her around.”
“Moved here from Boston last year. Lovely girl. She owns the chocolate shop on Main.” Donna folds her hands together and a dreamy look comes over her face. “She has the best chocolate nips.”
I nearly swallow my tongue. “Ah, what?” I ask, my mind taking a trip down the ‘inappropriate thoughts’ lane.
Donna makes a little square with her fingers. “These amazing little chocolate nips, with caramel in the middle. Delicious. You’ll have to try them.” I do my best not to look at Declan, because he’ll be smirking—his thoughts as wrong as mine—and I don’t want to burst out laughing, and have to explain why.
“I’m sure Brody would love to try her nips,” Declan says, almost under his breath, and I bite the inside of my cheek to keep my shit together. As soon as I get him alone, I’m going to give him a beat down.
Donna smiles at me. “Now why don’t you run upstairs and change, and we’ll have coffee and donuts.” Declan’s phone pings, and he pulls it from his pocket. A smile spreads across his face as he quickly texts back.
Donna shakes her head at me. “Must be Nikki. He always smiles like that when it’s Nikki.”
I nod, and resist the urge to ask what the story is between the two when Donna says, “She’ll be joining us for Christmas Eve dinner.” She claps her hands together, delight all over her face. It’s easy to tell how much she likes Nikki from her reaction. “You’ll be joining us too, won’t you?”
I inject enthusiasm into my voice when I say, “Yeah, sure. Sounds like fun.” I mean, it’s not that I’m not looking forward to it, it’s the whole thing about having to bring a date. This week is about downtime, and I’m just so damn played out. While the idea of spending time with Josie doesn’t seem like a hardship, I have my work cut out for me there.
“You’ll be bringing someone, won’t you? If not, Declan’s cousin—”
I hold my hands up to cut her off. “I’ll be bringing someone.”
“Someone I know?” she asks with a raised brow. “Someone local, perhaps?”
“Someone local.” I can tell she’s about to ask who, so I tug at my wet clothes. “I should get out of these.”
“Right.” She points to the wide staircase, “Second door on the right.” She smells her flowers again. “I must get these in some water.”
“Thanks, Donna.” I grab my bag and head up as Declan loses himself in his phone. I undress and pull clean clothes from my bag. I climb into them and drop down onto the bed, stretching out my legs as I pull the shiny object I found in the snowbank from my pocket.
I honestly have no idea if I’ll be able to open Josie’s phone. Most people have passcodes. I slide my finger over the screen and it lights up. Son of a bitch. I lay there for a moment, and a measure of guilt starts in my gut and spreads out. She seemed pretty bummed that she lost her phone, and I’m an honest guy, so by rights, I should give it back. Opening it is an invasion of her privacy and I am so not that type of guy. Hell, I wouldn’t want anyone doing that to me.
As an NHL player, my life is always being photographed, my every move scrutinized. I realize how important privacy is. But when I spotted the phone, and with Declan egging me on, I made a stupid impulsive decision to keep it. Now that I’m going to work with her dog, I don’t really need to peek into her life, to find an easy way for me to insert myself into it. Of course, that doesn’t mean I would have went ahead and looked at her pictures if fate hadn’t dealt a different hand.
I set the phone down, guilt swelling inside me. I’m going to have to give it back, but how can I do that now? She probably thinks the plow carried it away and today, everything is stored on the cloud, so it’s not like she’s going to lose anything important, right? If I give it to her now, she’ll know I took it, and there goes any chance of getting a Christmas Eve date, or spending time with her. Because when it comes right down to it, there was a lot about her that intrigued me. Maybe we could hang out over Christmas, have some fun, and to make up for what it’s going to cost to replace her old phone, I can buy a shit ton of chocolate and have it shipped to friends and family back in Boston.
Feeling a little better about the whole situation, I tuck her phone into my bag, pull my own out and do a search on Josie before I step into the hall. I don’t find much on social media and I’m about to do a little deeper digging when a booming male voice reaches my ears, followed by laughter, and I can only guess Declan’s father is home. I make my way to the kitchen to find Declan, as well as his mom and dad, sitting around the table like a happy family. I go still, about to back up. The image before me is a happy one, picture perfect, and I do not want to intrude upon family time.
“Brody, son, get in here,” Declan’s father says. He stands, taking my hand in his, shaking it as he pulls me in for a big bear of a hug. I’m tall, yet I still have to glance up to meet the man’s eyes.
“Mr. Bradbury, so nice to meet you.”
“Call me Fred, son.”
Every time he calls me son, my heart squeezes a little tighter and I don’t miss the way Declan is watching me, checking in on me. He’s a good friend, always worried about me. I love that about him. I give him a slight nod to let him know I’m good.
“Nice to meet you, Fred.”
He claps my shoulder. “That’s better. Now come on, join us for coffee and tell me more about yourself.” He laughs. “I can’t believe you’re the son of the infamous Carl Tucker. It must have been great growing up with him as your role model.”
I nod, and even though growing up with Carl Tucker was anything but pleasant, I keep a few stories on hand for times like these. It’s not like there weren’t good times. There were, they were just few and far between. But he’s a beloved hockey star and I’m not going to take that away from him or darken his reputation.
I sit and Declan gives me a nod, understanding what I’m going through and for the next couple of hours, we talk. I have to say, Declan’s family is warm, loving and quick to take me under their wing, and I’m grateful that they’re not asking why I’m spending Christmas with them instead of my own family.
After hours of catching up, Declan glances around the table. “I’m going to take off for a few hours. You good here?”
“Actually, I thought I’d head down Main Street, get some last-minute shopping done.”
“Dad, can I borrow your car?” Declan asks and his father laughs. He pulls the keys from his pocket, tossing them across the table.
He shakes his head but it’s easy to tell how much he loves having Declan home—borrowing his car like old times. “Some things never change.”
Leaving the table, I tug on my winter coat. “I can drop you.”
“Nah, you go do your thing. I’ll catch up with you later. Hallmark movie and beer,” he says, winking as he claps my back.
“You’re such an asshole.”
“An asshole who’s got your back.”
“And vice versa.” I glance back over my shoulder catching his parents in an embrace in the kitchen. There is no doubt Declan is loved by all, but it’s best I don’t let that go to his head. “Are you going to see Nikki?”
“Yeah.”
“Speaking of having your back. If you want to talk—”
“Nothing to talk about. Seriously. Nothing. We’re just friends.” His head hangs a bit, like he’s clearly upset about that, and walks out the door, putting an end to the conversation.
Ten minutes later, I’m cruising down Main Street and the place is lit up like…well, like a Christmas tree. It’s so damn quaint, it could be a picture straight out of a Norman Rockwell photo. I like it. A lot. I slow my car down outside The Chocolate Lab and a laugh bubbles up inside me as I put two and two together. Josie has a chocolate lab named Miss Mabel. Of course, she does. I park on the street, and step from the vehicle, being careful to avoid any surprise potholes.
I pull open the door to the chocolate shop and I’m hit with
delicious smells, but my mind instantly goes to Josie’s nips, or rather nipples, when I spot her talking quite intently to a customer. Her gaze flitters to mine, and for a second, I spot something there. Something so uneasy and jittery it makes me want to jump to her rescue. Is the guy giving her a hard time, or something? She looks back at the man who appears to be in his early forties, with premature graying hair.
Before I even realize what I’m doing, I walk toward them, my steps determined, and a wide smile spreads across Josie’s face as I approach. I’m about to intervene, when a laugh bubbles in her throat and she throws her arms around me, nearly knocking me on my ass, much the same way her dog did earlier.
“Please just go with it,” she whispers into my ear. Her arms slide around my back, and I put mine around her tiny body, anchoring her to me and showing possession, because yeah, I guess I am man enough to admit I watch Hallmark movies, so I sort of get what she’s going for here.
“I’m so happy to see you,” she squeals and breaks from the circle of my arms. “I was just telling Patrick you were running late, and that you might not even be able to make it at all with your demanding schedule.”
“Nothing short of a hurricane blowing me off the road could keep me from you, sweetness,” I say, sliding my arm around her waist, pulling her back to me. Her body collides with mine and I don’t miss the shiver that moves through her.
“Honey, I’d like you to meet Patrick. He’s our local sheriff and a loyal customer.”
I extend my arm taking his hand in mine. “Of course, he is. You do make the best chocolate in all of Massachusetts.”
Patrick doesn’t laugh. Heck, he doesn’t even smile. He just stands there staring at me in that inquisitive way cops do, and I can’t tell if it’s because I’m a NHL player or he’s thinking about ways to arrest me, because he’s clearly into Josie, and I’m the guy standing in as her pretend boyfriend because she’s not into him. I let go of his hand.
“You’re…you’re Brody Tucker.”
“You’re a fan of the Shooters?” I ask.
“Yes, I’ve known Declan for years.” He grins at Josie, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I can’t believe you never told me you were dating Brody Tucker.”
She opens and closes her mouth, and I come to her rescue. “I like to keep my private life private, you know?”
“Yes, of course, I totally understand that.” Patrick shakes his head, a smile tugging at his mouth. “How did you two meet?”
Josie goes pale, and I jump in and say, “Oh, let’s just say it was fate that brought us together. It’s going to be a great story for the grandkids. Isn’t that right, sweetness?”
“You two are very serious, then,” he whispers, almost to himself as he takes a small step back. “I’d love to get your autograph later. You’ve been on the road with the team, and I’m sure you two lovebirds probably want to be alone.”
“You’re right. Alone time with my lovebird is definitely a priority and I’d be happy to sign something for you next time.”
I lean in, kissing Josie on the cheek, and heat crawls up her neck, coloring her skin pink. I’m being a smart ass, but I can’t help myself. She’s so adorable when she’s flustered, and she can’t knee me in the nuts with Patrick watching us, thinking we’re a couple—and hey, this is on her. She initiated it. I’m just playing the part. I’m sure it will be a different story when he leaves, but right now, I’m just going to have some fun with it. Not only that. Since I’m doing her this favor, I could probably turn this around and ask her to do me one and go to Christmas Eve dinner, but you know what, I don’t want to do that. I don’t want her to feel obligated to help me. I’d rather she come if she wants to come, not because she feels indebted.
“I’ve missed my little lovebird so much.” I lift her clear off the ground, and she makes a wheezing sound as I spin her around.
Patrick laughs and Josie joins in, but the sound is strained, and the look in her eyes is anything but amused.
Dear nuts…I am so sorry about the knee you are about to receive.
“What a lovely couple you two make. It’s easy to see how much you two love each other.” He nods to me. “Well, I’ll be on my way.”
“See you later, Patrick.” I grin at him. “Don’t come by too early tomorrow. My little chocolatier might be late for work. We have some catching up to do. If you know what I mean?”
Patrick chuckles as he exits the store and Josie turns to me, her eyes shooting daggers, as one hand goes to her face, her fingers lingering on the spot I kissed. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
I grin at her. “That was my first question. My second is what kind of perks come with this fake relationship?”
4
Josie
“No, it’s not like that. Wait…I mean…”
“Hey, it’s okay,” he says. “I’m just kidding. I do that sometimes.” I stare at him and he cocks his head. “You know what joking is, right?”
He’s grinning at me but it’s not lightening my mood. “And…what do you mean fate brought us together? In what universe does fate spray someone with slush?”
“This one, and it’s called a meet cute.”
Okay, I do love a good meet cute, but this was anything but. “My life isn’t a romantic comedy and there was nothing cute about nearly freezing to death.” My God, I sound like a crazy woman. I already established that it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t do it on purpose. The reason I’m lashing out is I like the idea of perks, and I really shouldn’t be making a mental list.
He holds his hands up, palms out. “Sorry, I just happened to believe everything happens for a reason.”
“It’s going to take a whole lot of eggnog and maybe a Christmas miracle to convince me of that, Brody.”
“Think about it, you just happened to be on the street. I just happened to be driving by when Declan yelled at me to pull over.”
“I didn’t just happen to be on the street. I lost my phone and was looking for it.”
Something comes over his face, something that looks like guilt, and I take a breath. “Sorry, I realize it wasn’t your fault. I was just upset about losing my phone.”
“Can you replace it?”
“Yeah,” I say, not bothering to tell him there are things on my phone that aren’t replaceable. He doesn’t need to know my problems.
“And again now.” He waves around the shop. “I happened to be here at the right time to help you out with a little problem. That, my friend, is fate.”
“Fate, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“You believe what’s going to happen is going to happen.” He nods. “Let me ask you a question, then. Do you look both ways before you cross the street?”
His eyes narrow, and he stares at me long and hard. Something flickers in his eyes, a light bulb going off and a laugh rumbles in his chest, and I can’t help but grin. “All right. You’ve got me there.”
“I mean, why not just walk right out? If you were meant to get hit by a car, you would have gotten hit, right?”
He holds his hands up. “Okay, I get it.” He gestures with a nod toward the door. “What was that all about anyway?”
I usually like to keep my private life private, although in this small town, rumors spread like wildfire and I’m sure everyone knows I’m a widow, even though no one brings it up and the only one I ever shared my tragic past with was Mabel. Under the circumstances, however, I do owe Brody an explanation.
I put my hands over my eyes groaning, trying to figure out a way to word it. The next thing I know his warm hands are on mine, and holy God, the streak of warmth careening through my blood from a simple touch is absolutely lightning-strike insane. What is it about this guy that gets me all fired up without even trying? I’ve not been attracted to anyone since Jon. Haven’t wanted to be attracted to anyone, and this hockey player comes sauntering into town like he owns it, and without even trying, messes with my carefully constructed life.
; I should run, get out now.
Oh, but he’s your pretend boyfriend now, Josie.
Dammit.
He tugs my hands from my face. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“That was Patrick,” I say with a heavy sigh. “He’s such a nice man, so sweet and a huge supporter of my business. He’s the first customer every morning and the last customer every night.”
“He sounds terrible.” He scrunches up his face like he just tasted something nasty. “I would have pretended to be in a relationship to get rid of him too. Good call.”
I glare at him, and do my best not to laugh at his antics. He is kind of funny. “It’s not like that.”
“I’m kidding. You know that.” He twists his lips. “But I can only guess it’s not just your chocolate he likes.”
“I guess. He’s asked me out a few times. Or a dozen.”
“And that’s not something you want?”
“I don’t date.” I blurt that out so fast and with such conviction, his brow arches and before he can ask me why, I continue. “I hate to hurt anyone’s feelings so I…”
“Wait,” He says and holds his hands up. “You had no trouble hurting my feelings this afternoon. I’m pretty sure you told me to go get driving lessons.”
I cringe, covering my face again. “I’m sorry. I was upset. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. Please, tell me how I can make that up to you.”
“Hey,” he says his voice soft and soothing as he takes my hand, this time holding it between his, and I work extra hard not to melt at his feet as his warmth seeps into my skin. I glance down, note the way his big palm smothers my small hand. Oddly enough, it doesn’t make me feel small, but instead fills me with a sense of security and comfort, and I haven’t felt that way in a long time. In fact, I’ve been taking care of myself, been alone since...since my late husband. “I’m just kidding.” He gives me a wink. “I’m tougher than that. You should hear what the guys say to me when I’m off my game and the opposing team gets a breakaway.”
