Hockey Holidays Read online

  “He didn’t want to seem unprofessional.”

  Shea nods. “James is all about being professional. He’s actually a great guy.”

  “Very sweet and thoughtful.”

  “Way different from the asshats you usually date,” Shea volunteers.

  “I don’t know,” I say, because I know the asshats I date. I know the way they do things, and I like that. We have great sex, we have some fun, and I always know when they’re about to cheat, so it doesn’t hurt so bad. Being with someone different from my usual wouldn’t work. I wouldn’t know what to do.

  “He told me, ‘Someone that stunning is someone I need to know.’”

  Well, that’s very nice.

  Shea glances back at me, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Well then, I think you might have to call him.”

  I shake my head. “I’m not calling him. I don’t even know him.”

  “More of a reason to call him.” Shea moves Jackie out of his lap and pulls out his phone.

  “Don’t you dare, Shea Ryan!”

  “Oh, I’m doing it,” he says, moving through his contacts.

  “Shea, seriously. He can ask me out if he wants.”

  “Or I can call him,” he suggests. “Since I know you won’t.”

  “I will if it happens…organically.”

  He shoots me a deadpan expression. “I’m gonna organically call him about getting together, and then I’m gonna organically put you in my car to meet him.”

  God, he gets on my damn nerves. “No!”

  “Yes.”

  I fly out of my seat, but Shea is already moving, up and over the couch, much to Jackie’s shock. His laughter trails back to me as I chase him through the kitchen. I reach for an apple and chuck it at him, but he dodges it with no problem. When he trips over a basket, I reach for his phone. I almost have it, but he’s too agile and protects it with ease. He then runs into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

  It’s like we’re twelve all over again.

  “You’re such a dick!”

  “Hey, dude. How’s it going?”

  “Ugh! I hate you, Shea!”

  I roll my eyes as I go into the living room.

  Jackie’s gaze is cautious. “Wow, you two are crazy.”

  “Just a bit,” I say, falling back into my chair, irritated. “He’s such a jerk.”

  “But oh so hot,” Jackie adds, but I roll my eyes.

  She’s blinded by his package and doesn’t see how much of a dick he is. I, on the other hand, find my brother to be aggravating as hell. I don’t want to be set up. If James wants to ask me out, he can do it himself.

  When Shea comes out of the bathroom, he’s grinning from ear to ear.

  “Jerk face,” I call to him.

  He laughs at my comment before sitting on the side of my chair. “So, James is showing some properties tonight, but he is free tomorrow. Which means, we are all going out.” I glare up at him, and he taps my nose. “You’re welcome.”

  “You can stick that welcome straight up your ass.”

  He taps my nose once more, his stupid face full of enthusiasm and mischief. “He’s very excited to get to know you.”

  I continue to glare, but I have to admit, I’m kind of excited too.

  Kind of.

  Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. He’ll probably be a shallow jackass who wants to put his dick in my ass.

  April 2nd

  James is very quiet.

  All through dinner, neither of us said much. I was starving since I’d spent the afternoon getting ready and so skipped lunch. I am happy with the way I look, though. I’m in a tight black skirt and pink tank, and my boobs look great. My hair is bone straight over my shoulders. My makeup is dramatic, in shades of pink with bright-pink lips. I might look like I belong in an eighties music video, but I’m digging it. I think James is too. But I haven’t really been paying attention because I’m dying of hunger. That’s why my ribeye had no chance, and I almost asked Shea if I could have his potatoes. Since all Jackie ate was a Cobb salad with no cheese, bacon, eggs, or dressing—I could say so much—I decided against asking for my brother’s potato full of cheese, bacon, sour cream, and butter.

  Instead, I listened as Shea and Jackie went on and on with each other. They never stopped, both sharing stores about James and me but never allowing us to comment. They just kept talking, almost as if it was a contest. It was so stupid, and while I stuffed my face, James didn’t say much, but he listened intently and smiled. A nice smile. Not overly large like Shea’s or even Jackie’s but a nice one. It makes his eyes shine. And in a nice blue suit, he looks even dreamier than he did the last time I saw him.

  I sort of feel as if he didn’t want to get to know me. Which is fine, I guess. I got a free ribeye, and I get to be over-the-top pretty for a night. Plus, even though Shea and Jackie are annoying, I still find myself laughing. They’re a good time, but I can’t help but feel like Shea is holding back. Jackie is basically humping him and begging him to love her, but she has no chance. She isn’t his soul mate. Nor is James for me.

  Which is okay. It isn’t the first time one of my dates has been a bust.

  I wasn’t too keen on going to a nightclub. I figured dinner was enough, but when everyone decided to take the party elsewhere, I went with it. Mostly because I figured I’d sleep better with some alcohol in my system. Plus, maybe James will talk to me. I don’t know why I care or if I even want him to talk to me. I’m getting mixed signals because, while he doesn’t talk, his eyes always find mine and trap me in a heated embrace. It’s weird but also intriguing. Maybe this is all in my head. Maybe I’ve decided this guy doesn’t like me and I’m jumping on the defense. Seems like something I’d do.

  When we enter the club, Shea disappears on the dance floor with Jackie.

  James looks to me shyly, almost in a boyish way, and the side of his mouth quirks. “Do you wanna dance? Or get a drink?”

  I shrug, noncommittal. “I think I want to drink.”

  “Me too. I want to get to know each other, since dinner was the Shea and Jackie Show.” When he takes my hand, his fingers lock with mine, and a slow grin moves over his face. “And let’s be honest, I give that another week or two before Shea gets bored.”

  I grin. “You think?”

  “I know,” he says with a wink. My stomach clenches, but before I can even enjoy the feeling, he is pulling me with him. We reach the VIP area before I even realize it, and I fully expect James to flash the guy some money. He doesn’t, yet the rope opens. He guides me in with a nod to the bouncer before taking me to a spot in the corner. I sit down as he takes out his phone, typing on it vigorously. “I’m texting Shea so he knows I’m in my spot.”

  “Your spot?”

  “I sold this place and got the owner one hell of a deal, so he takes good care of me.” Oh. I watch as he orders wine for us from a waitress who has appeared before tucking his phone back into his pocket. He then takes his coat off, laying it across the back of the couch before sitting down beside me. “So.”

  I give him a small smile as I lean back in the couch, my eyes on his. “So.”

  “So…” he draws out, though his eyes are playful. “Jackie is exhausting, huh?”

  I snort. “A bit.”

  “That’s why they won’t last. She’s too in his face. He needs someone who will complement him, someone he can protect, someone kind and sweet. Not someone over the top.”

  My mouth parts a bit in surprise. “That’s what I think.”

  “Well, you’re his twin. You know him better than I do, but I take pride in our friendship.”

  “How long have you known him?”

  James smiles. “Just about six months. I sold him his place, and we became fast friends. He sucks at golf.”

  My face breaks into a grin. “He says he’s good.”

  “He’s a liar.”

  “He is,” I agree, recrossing my legs, my black high heel dangling off my foot. I see his eyes sho