CHAPTER TWELVE
Aspen
“Has anyone seen Coach?” I ask, as I round the doorway to the weight room. I stop dead in my tracks. I’m completely stunned into silence as my eyes land on a shirtless Cal doing pull-ups. With his arms, back, and core muscles straining, every single divot and predominant cut is on display for me. I have never in my life found forearms fucking sexy—until now. He’s so strong. His back muscles flex with each pull; the movement involuntarily draws my tongue out to lick my lips. My mind wanders to visions of me running my hands down his bare back, caressing as his muscles flex under my fingertips while he’s hovering over me. Considering it’s been years since I’ve been intimate with anyone, he would completely wreck me. But you know what? I would be wrecked with a satisfied smile on my face. Damn, he’s beautiful.
A reflection in the mirror catches my attention from my periphery, and draws me to his reflection. Gym shorts sit low on his waist, showing off his Adonis belt—the sexy V makes my thighs clench together. Holy shit. My brain is seriously short-circuiting as I watch rivulets of sweat drop down his rock-hard abs. My eyes trace up his torso to his shoulders, to his sharp jaw, before landing on his hazel eyes. They lock with mine. Heat flames my cheek.
I clear my throat, then quickly turn my head to find a shirtless Carter looking at me with a smirk and one raised brow.
“Holy fuck!” I nearly jump out of my skin. I certainly didn’t see him standing there. “Jesus! Do either of you wear clothes?” I snap. “Where’s coach?”
“Haven’t seen him.” Carter puts down the barbell.
I need to talk to Luke about our interview this afternoon. But what I need more than that is to get the fuck out of this weight room before I lose any more brain cells. I turn to leave.
“Hold up.” Cal releases the bar, and his feet—clad in white shoes—bounce on the ground once before he stalks over to me. “What are you and Tucker doing for lunch today?”
I can’t even make eye contact with Cal at this point. “I have to stick around here, but I am having pizza delivered if you two want to join us in the conference room.”
“What time?” Cal asks, his chest right in my face.
I avert my eyes. “Noon,” I say, and walk out the door. I’ve had enough embarrassment for one day. The last thing I need to do is stand there and gawk at him any longer.
A few hours later, River and I sit in the conference room with several pizza boxes between us when Hannah breezes in. “Hey boss, the stylist picked out your wardrobe for tonight’s interview with T.T.S.N. was and it’s hanging in your office. Also, don’t forget you have a three o’clock interview for the GM position. I peeked at your calendar, and you have . . .” I hold up my hand to silence her.
“Hannah, I’m at lunch right now, and that’s exactly where you should be. Now, come sit, eat pizza with us, and let’s talk about anything except work.” I pause, thinking about how my words just came out as a direct order. “That is, if you would like to, we would love for you to join us, but I don’t want you to feel obligated,” I amend.
“Girl. Me? Turn down free pizza? Hell no.” She laughs.
I push the box over towards her as she sits down beside me. Teagan strolls in. “Miss Taylor?”
I wave my hand in for her to sit. “Please eat with us if you’re hungry; we have plenty as long as you eat before the boys arrive, but we have a new rule: Lunch time is our time to regroup for the rest of the day, so no talk of work. Everything can wait until we’re done with our timeout.”
“Timeout?” Hannah questions.
“Yeah. It’s a mom thing, I guess. Any time she needs a break, she puts herself in timeout.” River laughs, grabbing another slice of pizza and stuffing a bite into her mouth. She shoves the box towards Teagan as she chews. Grabbing a slice, Teagan makes her way around the table and sits down next to River, but not before grabbing a water out of the mini fridge.
“What?” I laugh and shrug my shoulders. Pointing between the three of them, I add, “Wait until y’all have kids; then you will understand the importance of putting yourself in timeout.”
Teagan wipes her mouth. “Your kid is adorable. He seems to really love Cal.”
River covers her mouth and swallows. “Yeah, those boys seem to be inseparable. I don’t know who is going to be more distraught when school starts, Cal or Tucker.”
“My bet is on Cal. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is when he’s on the ice or in the game room with that kid,” Hannah pipes in just as Cal, Carter, and Tucker waltz through the door.
“Did I hear my name? Are you talking about me?” Cal winks and takes a seat next to me. I feel like a fucking teenage girl right now. I’ve never had this reaction to anyone before.
Carter pulls out the chair next to River and sits down. She ignores him. “Yep. We’re talking mad shit about you,” she says to Cal before directing her attention to Tucker. “Put it on my tab, Sport.”
“Your tab is probably at a hundred thousand dollars by now.” Tucker rolls his eyes and grabs a slice of pizza, plopping down next to Cal.
“We were just talking about who is going to suffer more when Tucker goes to school,” I inform him.
“Oh, me. Definitely me.” Cal ruffles Tucker’s head.
Before Tucker stuffs a bite into his mouth, he leans on the table with his forearms, peering around Cal to get my attention. “Mom, I need hockey gear. Can you take me?”
I don’t even know what he would possibly need. I glance at Cal nervously. “Umm, is that something you can help me with?”
Cal nods, “Sure thing.” Then he grabs a slice of pizza and directs his attention to Tucker, “I got you, my dude.”
Carter lifts his cap, runs a hand through his sandy blonde hair, then puts his cap back on backwards. He lays his arm over the back of River’s chair and lifts his chin. Her spine goes rigid as he says, “So, what are you doing here?”
River’s face flushes. “I, umm . . .” She clears her throat. “I work here now.” She says, a little caught off guard. “What are you doing here? Training doesn’t start until next week.”
He waves her off. “Eh, I thought I would spend some ice time with Cal beforehand. I haven’t been as dedicated as he has, but don’t tell the boss.” He winks at me. Charming.
Carter’s dimples pop, and his blue eyes sparkle in mischief as he turns his attention back to River. A small bump sits at the bridge of his nose where it’s been broken, but it’s not terribly noticeable. He’s hot, but he doesn’t make my heart race; he’s exactly River’s type, though. Standing at over six-foot-three, the man towers over River, who is only five-foot-two. And his muscled . . . good lord. Her ex has about the same build, but the comparison ends there.
I’m more of a tall, dark, and handsome type of girl. Now, I find myself envisioning a sweaty, shirtless Cal—ripped, lean muscles, his sexy ass tattoo that snakes up his arm, around his bulging bicep, and travels all the way up his shoulder and over his pecs. I can still imagine the smirk resting on his kissable lips. Oh God, not to mention his tight, muscled ass that looks so fucking perfect and round, I can’t help but wonder how those glutes would flex when he’s thrusting his . . .
“What position?” Carter asks. I nearly choke. I sputter and cough. Cal pats my back to try and help, but the effort is futile. I take a drink of my water to help clear my airways.
River rolls her eyes, even though he’s only making friendly conversation. Her mind must have been with mine.
“Marketing.”
Once I can finally breathe again. I cut their conversation off when I notice River on the verge of fleeing. “No more work talk. I’m done with work for the next twenty minutes.”
Carter rocks back in his seat with his intent still set on River. “Want to grab a coffee or lunch this week?”
I groan, knowing where this is going. Placing my head in my hands, I massage my temples. River is about to bolt. Her fight-or-flight response is set on get-the-fuck-out-of-Dodge. She stands up and throws her food in the trash. “I’m good, Fight Club. Thanks for lunch, sis.” She saunters over to Tucker and places a kiss on his forehead before walking out. “Love you, Sport.” He quickly wipes the kiss away.
Once she is gone, I hone in on Carter. “Yeah, I think you’re wasting your time, honestly.”
He shakes his head. “Nah, she’ll come around.”.
I’m not going to argue with the guy. It’s not like I’ve known her my entire life, or anything, so I change the subject. “Please eat the pizza. Whatever is left, someone can take home.” I stand.
Cal grabs my arm. “Are you leaving? We just got here.”
In response, I throw a thumb over my shoulder to let him know I’m going after River without saying it out loud. I say goodbye to everyone and ask Hannah to meet me in my office at one o’clock.
I find River in her office and knock on the door before I enter. “Hey, you okay?”
“Yep.”
“Not all men are like Jaxson, you know?”
“And not all men are like Jason, but here you are acting like every man you meet is going to walk out on you,” she counters, and my eyes widen. I know she’s a little triggered, but damn, that was a low blow. I nod and turn to leave.
“Aspen, wait. I’m sorry.”
“River, you know how I pop off, and I’m trying hard to rein it in. Cal and I are just now becoming friends. Plus, I’m his boss. It’s not like that with us. For once in Tucker’s life, he finally has a man who gives a shit about him. Cal is a good man who Tucker looks up to. I’m not trying to jump into a relationship and mess that up for him. No man sticks around for me, but at least there’s one who I think might stick around for him and be a mentor or whatever . . .” I take a breath trying to rein in my temper. “Maybe I said the wrong thing when I walked in. I’m sorry.” I laugh at myself. I’m being a hypocrite and a fucking liar. “You’re right. I think you and I both have some things to sort through inside here.” I point to my temple. “And here.” I pat my heart.
“I’m really sorry I snapped at you, Aspen. There’s just something about Carter. Sure, he’s hot, but you see how he is on the ice.”
“I do see how he is on the ice; he’s protective and aggressive. He does his job, and he does it well,” I cross my arms tight against my chest. “I also see how he is off the ice; he’s playful, but at the same time he can be very levelheaded and serious. Carter is a nice guy. Be nice to him. Be professional and friendly.”
“Pfft, he’s nice and levelheaded? He beats the shit out of people. She counters, shaking her head. “I just can’t.”
I lean against the doorway of her office and take a deep breath in understanding. “He fights because that’s his job. It changes the momentum of the game, River. He also holds his opponents accountable for dangerous plays. He’s protective. He’s not . . . look, if you’re not interested, be direct and stop running away. But if by some miracle you decide to go on a date with him, sign something with HR.”
“There will be no date, but I suppose I try to be nice to him,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I can deal with that. I nod and walk over to give her a hug before heading to my office. As I leave, River mumbles, “Maybe you’re the one who needs to speak to HR.” I snicker.
Yes, Cal makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. And yes, he is hotter than the damn devil on doomsday, but that man is just my friend . . . fuck me, who am I kidding? I’m only lying to myself. I like him. I really freaking like him.
It’s been a long, yet productive day. We hired our new GM, Trey Miller. He and his wife were looking to make a move from L.A. to New York, and with the contract we just offered him, he was eager to accept. Teagan and I shot through a number of questions T.T.S.N. was set on asking me tonight. She requested all questions be sent in advance and told them I would not be addressing any tabloid rumors during the interview. Thankfully, they stuck to every question submitted to us and didn’t veer off script.
It’s ten o’clock at night, and I’m dead-ass tired. I take my weary ass up to my room, and as I pass by the window, I see Cal walking over. I watch him as he makes it halfway through my yard, then he seems to think better of it and turns to walk away. Remembering what River said to me earlier and the promise I made, I quickly throw on a robe, dash down the stairs, and make a quick but quiet exit out the door, closing it lightly behind me.
“Cal,” I call out, “What are you doing?”
Turning around, he runs a hand through his hair and blows out a puff of air. “I have no idea. I was up and wanted to see how the interview went.”
“Oh. It went well.”
“Okay.” He nods. “That’s good.”
That’s it? That’s all he was coming over for? Wanting a little more time with him, I ask before he can leave, “Do you want to sit outside and chat?” I close my robe tighter around me.
“Sure. Yeah.”
We saunter to my backyard and sit across from each other on the patio furniture. I’m exhausted, but I start a small fire in the fire pit. “Back home, River and I loved to make fires and roast marshmallows with Tucker on the weekends.” I picture our quiet farmhouse and all of the memories we built there. Everything is different here. Bigger. Louder. More populated. “While our friends were off partying and living their best lives in high school and college, we were living our best lives creating memories with Tucker. You know, I wouldn’t trade a single minute.” I chuckle thinking back to when Tucker was six years old.
Cal listens intently, as if he’s mesmerized by my voice. “Tucker loved to stick the marshmallows into the fire, but as soon as the darn thing caught fire, he would drop the damn stick into the pit and run.” I shake my head. “Do you know how many marshmallows that boy wasted?” A laugh escapes my lips, and he lets out a chuckle. Then I think about how I’ve been living my life. “What’s ironic is, in life, I do the same thing. I’ve squandered so many opportunities out of fear, dropping that damn metaphorical stick, and running like hell.” I shake my head.
I remember what I said about not being pursued, and I wonder if that’s even true. Maybe men did pursue me, but I was too scared. Maybe I chose to ignore them even if it were subconsciously. Or maybe not, who knows? But what I do know is I’m tired of running. Remembering how River acted today towards Carter, I wonder if I’ve been doing the same thing since Jason.
“You know, you’re not the only one who runs. I can admit I do it too. But look at you now. Something big and scary came along, and you met it head-on. You’re not giving yourself enough credit.” He looks me in the eyes intently, and I avert mine. The sound of his voice and his sincere expression make my heart race. If it was daylight, he would be able to see the blush creeping up my neck and into my face.
“I made a promise to myself today that I would try to sort out my shit.” I whisper. I clear my throat. “But you didn’t come here for philosophical backyard confessions,” I chuckle.
He’s so damn easy to talk to. When it’s just us, I word vomit. He doesn’t want to hear about my problems. Why do I keep doing this?
“I like listening to you speak. I’ll admit your accent is hypnotizing.” He rests his hands behind his head, and fuck me, his rock-hard biceps bulge, making my mouth water.
“What? This backwoods hillbilly accent?” I exaggerate my accent and place a hand over my heart like a Southern belle. I laugh, trying like hell to draw attention from the fact that I’m sitting here checking him out. “What was it like where you grew up?”
He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees while his eyes roam over my face. “Eh, it was cold,” is all he gives me. What the fuck? It was cold? That’s it? “I don’t really miss it much. I like it here in New York.”
“But New York is cold,” I counter.
“Not that cold,” he says vaguely.
I cover my mouth and let out a yawn. “You’ve had a long day. Why don’t you head on inside, and I’ll put this out.” He looks around, then stands from his chair.
“Water hose is over there,” I point to the right side of my sliding glass door.
“Look at your calendar tomorrow and let me know when you have free time; I’ll take you to buy Tuck’s equipment.”
I nod. “Thank you. Goodnight. Thank you for putting out the fire.”
“Sleep well,” he says, turning on the spigot.
Once I’m in the house, I trail up to my room and fall into bed, foregoing my latest romance novel. The only thing, or person rather, I can think of before I go to sleep is Callan Miles.