Chapter 8 Madison
Madison
It’s all mine! My eyes sweep through the newly renovated apartment space that is my new home.
It’s smaller than I expected, but I don’t care.
Everything’s been redone, from floor to ceiling, and it’s all new.
I’ve spent every free moment of the last two days painting the walls a soft eggshell that matches the countertops.
Last night, I added a soothing olive-green accent wall. I love it. It feels homey and calm.
The kitchen is a dream. New stainless steel appliances gleam, begging to be used. It’s designed so efficiently, taking every advantage of the small space. It even has an island with a sink and a dishwasher. The wooden cabinets are light brown and complement the newly painted walls perfectly.
Behind the kitchen area is the bathroom.
It’s nice and roomy, and while I don’t have a bathtub, I do have a large modern shower and more counter space than usual.
I’ve painted the bathroom walls the same olive as the accent wall, and it pulls everything together nicely.
There’s even a small walk-in closet off the bathroom. It couldn’t be more perfect for me.
Kenji and I took measurements of it while it was under construction, and I was able to put together a rough floor plan to make the move go more smoothly. I can’t wait to see the finished product.
“Surveying your new domain?” Kenji teases as he sets down two boxes marked kitchen on the empty countertop. Only a really good friend will help you move. Moving is the worst.
“I love it so much!” I say with a contented sigh.
“I love seeing you like this,” Kenji says, dropping a kiss to the top of my head.
“Thanks to you,” I tell him, not sure where I’d be without his help.
“Nah, you woulda been fine without me. I just gave you a leg up.” He grins as he gestures towards the kitchen area. “Why don’t you start unpacking, and I’ll grab the last few boxes from the car. The guys should be here with the truck any time now.”
I have to admit that there are some advantages to being the sister of a hockey player.
When it comes time to move, there are plenty of muscular guys ready to help.
Walker and Liam guaranteed it, although I’m not sure they gave these guys a choice about helping.
I tell myself not to forget to thank them all for their help, voluntarily or not.
I’m working on being more vocal in my appreciation.
I’m able to get most of the kitchen unpacked before the studio door flies open, banging against the wall. I cringe.
Please don’t dent my new wall.
The boys troop in, each carrying at least two boxes. This won’t take long at all.
“Where do you want these, ma’am?” asks a tall blond with gorgeous blue eyes and a hint of a country accent.
Ma’am. Ugh. Great, now I’m a ma’am. Wonderful.
He introduces himself as Caleb Taylor, and that jogs my memory.
Number 24. I’m familiar with many of the players, but only by their last name and number.
Kenji has season tickets, so we try to catch a game whenever we can.
The box is labeled “bathroom,” so I direct him there. By the time I’ve guided everyone to the right place, the boxes are done and they’re starting on the furniture. Gotta give Liam and my brother some kudos here. These guys are efficient.
“Hey, Mads, where do you want to put this bed?” Kenji asks from the doorway, where he’s maneuvering a king-size mattress through the doorway.
He insisted I take the bed that I’d been using while I lived here.
I was reluctant, but he finally wore me down.
It’s going to save me from digging into my savings to buy one, so I let it go.
He’s going to turn that room into a library, so he didn’t need it anyway.
I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but I let it go. He would have nagged until I accepted.
I point towards one of the corner areas that’s clear of boxes. Kenji is steering the mattress over towards the corner when I notice Liam holding the other end.
“Liam! Thanks for all the help.” I say, squeezing his arm in gratitude as he passes by me.
Jesus, those arms are insane. I take a second look as he and Kenz guide the mattress to the corner, propping it up against the wall.
I’m a girl who appreciates some arm porn, and Liam has it in spades.
The play of his muscles beneath his tan skin has me mesmerized for longer than I’d like. It’s quite a show.
“This good, Mads?” Liam asked. I pull my eyes away from his biceps. He gives me a knowing smirk, and I know he’s caught me checking him out. I can feel my face heat up and I avert my eyes.
“Yeah, uh, sure, that’ll work.” His smile is justifiably smug as he heads out for another load. As he passes by me, he bends over to whisper in my ear.
“It’s nice to see you so happy, Mads.” His breath against my ear has my nipples perking up to say “hi” along with a delicious shiver that runs right up my spine. What the hell? Sure, Liam’s always been good-looking, but my body is noticing him on a deeper level lately. What’s up with that?
One of the rookies appears at the door holding the bed frame, so I have to stop panicking and show him where to set it up.
He’s a sweet kid. Introduces himself as Austin and tells me this is his first year in the NHL.
He hardly looks old enough to drive, let alone be a professional hockey player.
I give him an encouraging smile and a pat on the back before putting him to work.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Is that really Kenji Lee?” Austin asks softly. What is with the ma’am? I’m twenty-nine, not seventy.
“Please call me Madison. I’m really not old enough to be a ma’am yet.” I smile to take the sting out of my reprimand, since he’s only being polite. “And, yes, that is Kenji Lee. He’s a friend of mine. Would you like to meet him?”
It’s so cute to see these professional athletes turn into fanboys. I wave at Kenji, who’s standing by the door talking to my brother and Liam.
“Kenz! Come here a sec.” He smiles and heads over. I try not to chuckle as more players start inching closer to Austin. It’s amusing to watch them pretend not to be just as eager for an introduction.
Kenji steps in to handle the introductions. He has a way with the fans, down to earth and polite. He’s so confident and personable, no matter the situation. It’s an ability I’ve always envied.
“He handles that so well. I still feel weird when people recognize me.” Liam says, watching his teammates all vie for Kenji’s attention.
“He really does, considering he’s more of an introvert,” I respond.
“He is?” Liam asks, looking confused. “I guess I don’t see him that way, but maybe that’s because I’ve known him so long. He always seems so comfortable with his fame.”
“I know, right?”
“You okay with everything, Mads? You know, the breakup and all.” Liam asks with soft sympathy. Oh, right, our fake breakup from our fake relationship. How do I even answer that?
“I’m good. We were friends first so it’s been easy.”
It’s an honest statement, at least. I feel bad about lying to them, but I’d never out my best friend. He’ll tell them when he’s ready.
“You know we’re here if you need anything, right?” He’s been so considerate and helpful lately. Maybe it’s been longer, and I didn’t see it. I’m so used to thinking of Liam and my brother as a unit instead of individuals.
“Thanks, Liam. I appreciate it. Even if I don’t say it as often as I should.”
“Yeah, we are awesome as fuck.” My brother says, passing by us as he heads to the door. I roll my eyes, and Liam punches his arm.
“What?”
“Whatever. I know the truth. You’re moderately acceptable. Awesome’s a little much.” I tell him. Like my brother’s ego needs more inflation. Humble is not a word I’d use to describe him. He just laughs and pulls my ponytail.
“Jerk,” I mutter as they head out to grab my couch, but I smile even as I say it.
“Send some of those fanboys down to help us with these last things, will ya, Mads?” Liam yells over his shoulder, on his way to grab another load.
I nod, heading over to Kenji’s starstruck crew to gather more volunteers.
I corral a couple of the rookies and send them down to the truck to help Liam and my brother.
Thirty minutes later, everything is unloaded, and the truck is empty.
I’m so impressed with Liam right now. He was every inch the guy in charge today, directing everything. It went off without a hitch, taking much less time than I’d allotted. I’m feeling like a real jerk lumping him in with my brother and his irresponsible behavior. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’m trying to finish up with the last kitchen box when some kid named Conner, I think, decides he’s gonna shoot his shot. He’s doing his best to get my number by telling me how much he loves older women. I almost spit my water at him when he laid that one on me.
While I’m trying my damnedest not to laugh at the poor kid, Liam walks in with the lamp for my living room.
He takes one look at Conner, frowns, and heads in our direction.
Connor is mid-sentence, telling all about his skating prowess, when Liam’s hand smacks him in the back of the head.
I slap my hand over my mouth the hold in the laughter.
“Rook!” Liam’s voice is harsher than I’ve ever heard it before. “What did we tell you? Under no circumstances are you to hit on Walker’s sister. What the fuck, dude? Were we not clear? Maybe I’ll suggest to Coach that the rookies need a bag skate next practice?”
Connor’s face turns bright red as he turns to face Liam, who’s got his arms crossed, looking at him with fire in his eyes and a face made of stone.
“Sorry, Cap. I was only joking around.” He gives me a desperate look of chagrin. Sorry, kid, you dug your own grave here.
“Apologize!” Liam barks, and the poor kid hangs his head before turning to me.
“Sorry, ma’am.” I roll my eyes. If one more person calls me ma’am, I swear.