The Penalty Box (Vancouver Wolves Hockey #3)(63)

Mica looked with interest in the review mirror at Jasper. “I think we should drink some vodka together.”





*



The groceries got unpacked and Jasper passed out on our couch. Mica went to the garage and came back with a huge camping mattress which he started to inflate in the other guest bedroom using a little air machine.

I watched him from the bedroom doorway. “Thanks for doing this.”

He tested the mattress with his foot. “He seems like a good guy.”

I crossed my arms. “He’s been my friend since I can remember. He’s like family.” I looked at my watch. Mica had to leave in 45 minutes for his game. “I’m heating a few chicken breast burgers for you.”

He looked faintly surprised that I was cooking for him. “Thank you.”

“You didn’t get your nap.”

“I’ll live.”

I turned to go. “Come out soon.”

A big arm wrapped around my waist and spun me around, holding me tight against his hard body. He looked down at me. “How long did you have a crush on me?”

My struggles made him smile, and he pulled me tighter against him. He felt so good. I loved having my body pressed up against his.

I pretended to protest. “Who said I had a crush?”

He looked amused. “Jasper did.”

I plucked at the fabric of his T-shirt and conceded, “I thought you were cute.”

“You thought I would be a savage in bed,” he teased.

I gave him my most exasperated look. “That means nothing.”

He brought his mouth down to mine, expertly spinning my world with his kiss. God, I missed his kisses. I moaned and opened myself up to him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He murmured, “I think it means something.”

Why did I ever think I should deny this? This was everything. Being in his arms felt more right than anything else in my life. “You didn’t even notice me.”

He rewarded that with another heady kiss. “Well, I notice you now.”

The stove timer started to beep, which caused Sasha, who was in the kitchen, to yap wildly. Mica ignored the noise and continued to kiss me. Something bumped against my leg. Sniper had come looking for me at the first sign of drama.

I gave a half laugh and stepped out of Mica’s arms, instantly wishing I could step back into them. I put my hand on Sniper’s head. “Your burgers are ready.”





*



After Mica left for the stadium, I woke up Jasper to get him fed and watered. He confessed that he had walked into a room and caught Mark mid-kiss with someone else. He went home to pack and then took a cab to the airport.

“So you haven’t talked to him?”

“No.”

“So you don’t know if he was being kissed or if he was kissing.”

“Don’t confuse me, Charlie.”

“You should talk to him.”

He shook his head. “Not tonight. I can’t tonight.”

I made up his bed on the camping mattress and led him to the guest room. He curled up and asked me to hold his hand until he fell asleep, which took all of three minutes.

Yelena said she’d babysit him and the dogs, so I took a cab to the stadium to watch the game. Zoey sat with me, and she laughed out loud when I told her about our upcoming Christmas dinner.

“People love that guy,” she mused, still smiling.

“Yeah, I know.” I watched him skate down the ice with the puck.

“You’ve fallen for him, haven’t you?” She touched my arm, almost as if to console me.

I nodded, not speaking. I no longer could deny this. To myself or anyone else.

“What are you going to do about it?”

I gave her a wry smile. “I’m going to sleep with him. And enjoy this while it lasts.”

She patted my arm. “Smart move. I totally approve. When is this big night going to happen?”

I thought about my answer. “After all our company leaves.”

She winked. “Does he know?”

I shook my head.

“Don’t tell him until after they go, or he will be packing their bags for them and shoving them out the door.”





*



I woke to the sound of an excited shriek, followed by Sasha barking to join in on the excitement. I opened my eyes to two blue eyes that were already on my face. Mica was lying on his side, his head propped up on his arm, and he was studying me.

I’m going to have wild sex with you.

“Are you watching me sleep?” I mumbled into my pillow.

He leaned forward and dropped a kiss on my forehead. “Do you know you smile in your sleep?”

“Charlie!” Jasper yelled. I heard feet pounding.

“I did not know that.”

“I’d love to know what you were dreaming of.”

“Charlie.” Jasper’s voice was at the door. It was quivering with emotion.

“Come in,” I called over my shoulder.

He strode in, his hands on his face. “Mark just texted me.”

“Is that good?”

Jasper got momentarily distracted when he looked at Mica’s bare chest. “Holy shit, the Savage is ripped. Are those muscles real?”