Chapter 35
35
NICKY
I ’m sitting on the edge of the couch at the guesthouse, taking meticulous notes during the PR team’s weekly conference call.
“It’s been a busy time for all of us, especially being on the road for this last series of away games,” Florence is saying. “But now that the team is back home, our department is trying to come up with good press opportunities for the hockey team.”
There’s a bit of mumbling over the line for a while. But no one really comes up with any actionable ideas. Eventually, the line goes completely dead and I hear Ronan in my head.
“You are absolutely incredible, Nicky. Not just beautiful, but smart and witty and creative, too. You’re a blessing to anyone who gets to be near you. ” I wonder if he’s right. I feel the sudden urge to put his words to the test.
I’ve been quiet for most of the call, but now, during this lull, I come off mute and speak up confidently.
“My sister-in-law, Meghan, recently started organizing pet adoption drives in the Honey Hill elementary school gymnasium,” I say. “It’s not very big yet, but I think it could be. Maybe the hockey players could get involved, volunteer their time at one of the weekend drives. That could help bring awareness to the initiative.”
“I like that.”
“That’s perfect.”
“Good idea.”
My chest swells a tiny bit at the encouragement.
“Yes, good idea, Nicky,” Florence chimes in. “Not only could that bring in good press for the team, but it’s also for a good cause. I mean, kittens . Who doesn’t love kittens?”
“Hockey players and kittens. Just imagine the photo opps,” one of the guys muses.
“Let’s bump this idea up to the top of the list,” Florence says and the other team members murmur their approval.
We spend the rest of the hour making plans to get the activity in motion. Florence wants to coordinate everything with the team to get this done quickly.
I put myself on mute, punching the air and kicking my feet with excitement. Then I get off the couch, bouncing to my feet and dancing the jig right there in the middle of the living room.
Okay, I may be getting a little carried away. And I’m definitely glad that no one can see my little celebratory party. But I’m proud that the department likes my idea enough to pursue it. I’m proud of myself .
All I keep thinking is, I can’t wait for this meeting to be over…so I can tell Ronan . I need someone to share my exciting news with. And who better than my practice boyfriend?
I’m still deep in my celebrations, doing my best to replicate some new dance I saw on TikTok. I’m really into it. I mean, hands on my knees, butt pop-pop-popping in the air.
That’s when there’s a knock at the guesthouse door.
I freeze mid-twerk, my blood running icy cold.
Slowly, ever so slowly, I peer over my shoulder. And there’s Ronan. Standing on the guesthouse front porch. Staring at me through the window, his grin so wide.
Instant mortification.
Good going, Nicky . My superpowers are superpower-ing today. It looks like my twerking summoned the sex devil himself.
When we make eye contact, Ronan starts twerking, too. I burst out laughing.
Looking proud of himself, he waves then he gestures for me to open the door. Do I have to? I’m so embarrassed right now.
On my conference call, people are saying their goodbyes as the meeting wraps up. I fight the urge to check my hair, and instead immediately go to answer the door.
“Hey,” he says cheerfully.
“Hey.” I frown. We have a weird stare-off before I speak up. “How much of that did you see?”
His nostrils are twitching and his eyes are glittering with amusement. “Every delightful bit of it.”
“Oh gosh!” I smack a palm over my face.
“It was completely hot,” he tells me, seizing my wrist and pulling my hand away. “It got me hard as fuck. Wanna touch?”
Cracking up, I yank my hand back. “No, thank you.”
“What are we celebrating?” He leans a shoulder against the doorframe, effortlessly looking all big and tall and delicious.
“Nothing. Just some work stuff.” I shrug it off. It’s really not a big deal.
He gently touches my elbow. “Tell me.”
I shiver at the electric spark. “During my meeting, I…I had some ideas for a charity event. Looks like…looks like the PR team will be implementing them.”
His eyebrows hike up his forehead, then he holds up his hand for a high-five. “Nice job, Peach,” he says when our palms connect. Then he braces my shoulders and drops a kiss on my forehead.
I blink at him, my cheeks feeling warm.
Ronan cups a hand around his mouth and whispers. “That’s what I’d do if I were your boyfriend.” He winks.
I shake myself out of my daze. “Right.” We’re practicing. After I’ve composed myself, I look at him. “What can I do for you, Ronan?” I say, attempting to act all business.
Not sure why I keep trying to act professional with him. It never seems to work.
“What are you up to?” He asks me.
“Just finished a work meeting. Now, I’m trying to figure out how to spend the rest of my Saturday.”
“Perfect.” His big palms clap together. “Today’s my niece’s sixth birthday. Nolan’s daughter. I’m actually hosting the party at my place today. I should have mentioned it earlier, but Nolan’s original plans fell through and this new idea kind of came together at the last minute.”
I nod. “Okay, that’s neat. Have fun, and tell her happy birthday.” I reach for the door to shut it.
His brows pinch together as his forearm pops up, keeping the door open. “What do you mean have fun ? You’re coming, too.”
“Oh, no. You can go without me.” I turn and head for my reading nook. “I’m sure there won’t be any photographers or press hiding behind your couch.” Plus, I imagine his other brother Darius will be there, so I know Ronan will be on his best behavior.
I get cozy in the armchair, opening Emma’s book on my lap. “This book was sooo good,” I mutter. “Five stars. More than five stars. All the stars! I think I’ll re-read it today.”
Ronan folds his impressive arms over his equally impressive chest. “Girl, get your sexy butt over here. I need help with decorating.”
“That’s your family thing. I shouldn’t…”
His stern expression doesn’t budge.
When I hesitate some more, he grabs my jacket off the hook and my boots off the floor. And before I can figure out what the heck he’s doing, he comes and kneels in front of my chair.
I sit there, stunned, as he puts on each of my boots and wraps me inside my jacket.
“What are you—?” My words are cut off by my own squeal as Ronan scoops me off my ass and tosses me over his shoulder.
He smacks my behind. “It’s party time, Peach.”