Risk on ice, p.3
Risk on Ice, page 3
Hoisting my bags a little higher on my shoulder, I reach out and ring the doorbell.
A minute or so goes by, and I start to get really worried that my brother and his girlfriend are asleep for sure.
But then the door swings open.
Sebastian looks a little confused at first, but then he starts grinning like he’s definitely happy to see me.
“Surprise!” I exclaim, smiling and holding out my arms.
Embracing me, he says, “Kelsi, holy hell. It’s good to see you. But what are you doing here in Las Vegas? Not that I’m upset—far from it. I’m just not sure what’s going on.” Stepping back, and suddenly looking concerned, he asks, “Is everything okay? Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine,” I assure him. “Everything is good. It’s better than it has been in a while. I’ll fill you in on all the details. Just let me catch a breath.”
“Of course,” he replies. “There’s no rush. And where’s my manners?” He steps aside. “Get in here.”
Laughing, I follow him into an impressive entry hall.
“Wow,” I murmur as I check out the high ceiling, sparkly crystal chandelier, and soaring spiral staircase. “Nice.”
“Thanks,” he says.
I turn to Sebastian, and, in the brighter light, I notice my brother has on black lounge pants and a worn-out gray tee.
Cringing, I ask, “Shit, you weren’t sleeping, were you?”
“No.” He shakes his head, chuckling. “I got ready for bed, but I wasn’t really tired. So I came down here to watch TV.” He gestures to the big spiral staircase. “Bettina’s sleeping, and I didn’t want to keep her up with the TV turned on in our room. She has an early morning tomorrow. But enough about me.” He blows out a breath. “What’s going on, Kelsi? I think I’m ready for those details now.”
My brother knows me well enough to know I’m not the kind of person to just show up unannounced unless there’s a very good reason.
And there is.
“I just really needed to see you,” I say softly as I shrug my bags down my shoulder, letting them tumble to the floor. “After these past few months, Seb, I realize I need a reset on my life. I want to start anew.” I get choked up as I go on. “This is the first place I thought of when I questioned where I should go to think things through. It’s safe here, and I can reassess and reevaluate. Hopefully, it won’t take me too long.”
I wipe away a single tear, and my brother encircles me in another big hug.
“Hey, hey,” he says, patting my back. “You always have a place with me. I’ve told you that a hundred times. And it’s true. Like I said before, I’m glad you’re here. After all you’ve been through, Kels, you deserve some time to regroup. Stay as long as you like.”
With more tears flowing, all I can choke out is “Thank you.”
I hold on to my brother, happy I didn’t have to flat-out ask if I can stay for a while.
He knows me so well.
After I pull myself together, I step back and wipe away my tears.
Seb moves my bags off to the side and asks me if I want to go into the living room to talk some more.
“Yes.” I nod. “I’d like that.”
It’s all good from there, kind of like old times even. We hang out on the sofa, talking and catching up. I fill him in on everything. I even tell him how I took my good ole sweet time driving to Vegas. I explain that I wanted to take in the beauty of the desert landscape.
“I plan to live my life like that now,” I share. “I want to enjoy every-freaking-thing.”
“I think you should,” Sebastian says, smiling. “You’ve spent so many years driving yourself to be successful. You deserve a break.”
“That’s all true.” I sigh. “I was successful, and I made a lot of money. But I was never all that happy. Still, it’s not all bad. That money is why I can afford to take a few months off. Hell, I could take even longer—much longer. And maybe I will. I don’t ever want to work like that again. I want to work to live, not live to work.”
Nodding, Seb says, “That’s a good philosophy.”
“I think so too.”
I could talk to my brother all night, but we both need some sleep.
I tell him that, and he says, “Yeah, I have practice in the morning.”
“Then let’s definitely wrap up.” Leaning forward, I roll my shoulders back and ask, “Is it okay if I crash in that apartment above the garage?”
“Er, um…” His face falls. “We may have a problem there.”
“Uh-oh, what kind of problem?” I ask, perplexed.
Sighing, he says, “It’s currently occupied.”
Now I’m really confused. “Huh? Who’s staying up there?”
I guess that lamp being on makes sense now.
But who’s here?
Sebastian never mentioned any houseguests the last few times I talked to him.
Guess I’m about to find out.
After blowing out a breath, he says, “I should’ve mentioned it sooner, but we were too busy catching up. But, yeah, I have another guest who will be staying with us for a while. He actually moved in earlier today. If I had known you were coming, Kelsi, I would’ve put him up here in the house and not in the apartment. Still…” He raises a brow. “We can ask him to move into a bedroom over here, if you like.”
I’m fine with his houseguest, whoever he is, remaining in the apartment.
So, waving my hand, I say, “No, that’s okay. Let him stay where he is. I’ll just pick out a bedroom over here.” I glance around and add, “Maybe one on this floor, as I don’t want to get in your or Bettina’s way.”
Softly, Sebastian assures me, “You could never be in anyone’s way, Kelsi. But sure, you can stay on the first floor if you feel more comfortable.”
“I do,” I say.
“Okay, then let me show you the bedrooms down here.”
Yawning, I reply, “Sounds good. That drive is catching up to me.”
Standing, Seb says, “I bet.”
After my brother shows me the bedrooms, I choose the one farthest down the hall. It’s the most private, and I like it best. There’s an en suite bathroom and a big flat-screen TV on the wall. It’s big, and I like the taupe and soft pink color scheme. I also am a fan of the light wood furniture and the nice king-size bed.
There’s a sliding glass door that Seb informs me leads out to the backyard and to the in-ground pool.
“Perfect,” I say, laughing. “I can go swimming anytime I want. Sunbathe too. This is definitely the room for me.”
“I think it’s a good choice,” my brother agrees as he sets my bags on the carpeted floor. “I’ll bring in the rest of your luggage in the morning before I head out to practice.”
“Okay, thank you.” I stifle another yawn as I say, “Just set my stuff outside in the hall if I’m still sleeping, which I probably will be after this long-ass day.”
He gives me a mock salute. “Will do.”
I then remember something. “Oh, hey, Sebastian?”
“Yes?” He turns back to face me.
“Who is the other houseguest? You didn’t say his name, just that he’s a dude. Is it anyone I would know?”
He replies, “You don’t know him personally, but he is a hockey player. We used to play together for the Panthers, so you’ve probably heard of him.”
“Okay, what’s his name?”
Sebastian replies, “Alex Hartwell.”
I suppress the urge to laugh out loud.
Have I heard of him?
I sure have.
I was lusting over his picture just a few short hours ago.
So Mr. Trouble, the hot guy with the sexy abs, is staying at my brother’s house.
Hmm, this could make for an interesting time.
I may be thinking all of this, but to Sebastian, I pretend that I’m clueless and just mumble, “No, that name doesn’t ring a bell.”
Off-Limits
I sleep great and wake up feeling super fucking well-rested.
My phone is quiet this morning too.
Now this is the way to start the day.
Stretching and yawning in my nice big-ass bed, I sit up and take a look around the apartment, my temporary home for a while.
Okay, so the bedroom isn’t huge, but it has exactly what I need. Apart from the bed, there’s a dark teakwood dresser, a matching nightstand with a lamp, an adjoining bathroom, and a walk-in closet.
Beyond the open door of the bedroom, I can see a corner of the galley kitchen and part of the breakfast bar, as well as a section of the living room, decorated in neutral colors—beiges and browns with black accents.
I nod approvingly.
I like this place. It’s way better than the hotel. I also appreciate that the décor has a masculine feel.
“Yep, it’s like my own little man cave,” I murmur, my voice thick from sleep.
Lowering the jet-black comforter down to my waist, I lean over and check the time on the clock on the nightstand.
“Shit.”
It’s a little before eight, and practice starts at nine.
Time to get up and get moving.
I shower and dress in quick order. Afterward, I grab my hockey bag and gather my sticks.
Sebastian mentioned to me last night that later today, he’ll be meeting Bettina for lunch at the PR firm where she works.
That means we’ll be driving to the practice facility separately.
I’m ready to go, but I have just enough time to grab a glass of orange juice and an energy bar.
When I return the juice carton to the refrigerator, I note that I sure bought a fuckton of sandwich shit—various cold cuts, three cheeses, tomatoes, lettuce, and condiments.
Chuckling, I mutter, “I guess I know what I’ll be having for lunch when I get back.”
But maybe not, ’cause I suddenly realize I forgot to buy bread last night while I was grocery shopping.
“Fuck. That was pretty stupid.”
No worries, I’ll just pick up bread on my way home from practice.
Speaking of which, it’s time to go.
When I head out to my rental car, I notice a cool green-colored SUV in the driveway. I don’t recall seeing it here yesterday, but who knows? It’s probably Bettina’s second vehicle that she pulled out of the garage.
Whatever.
Later, when I’m at the Desert Sports Complex and on the ice, I’m pleased I’m having a surprisingly awesome practice. My head is in the game, and that’s a good thing, as it’s been a grueling session. There have been lots of reps and drills, where I’ve been showing off my defensive skills.
That’s fantastic, as I need the Wolves to know they didn’t make a mistake by trading for me.
After practice ends, and we’re showered and in the locker room, I finish getting dressed next to Sebastian.
“You looked good out there on the ice,” he says, glancing up at me as I pull my long-sleeved dark green tee over my head.
“Thanks, man.” I sit next to him to tie my shoes. “I felt good too.”
Patting me on the shoulder, he says, “See, things are working out already.”
“Yeah.” I nod. “They kind of are.”
I then remember about the bread, so, running my hand down over a tear in my faded blue jeans, I ask Sebastian, “Do you know where the closest market is around here, or even a convenience store?”
Smoothing down his navy blue tee, he asks, “Why? I thought you went shopping yesterday?”
“I did,” I confirm. “But I forgot to buy bread.”
Placing a ball cap on his head, he turns to me and says, “You can just grab a loaf from the house and save yourself a trip to the store. Bettina is all into these artisan breads and always buys way too many. They don’t keep that long, since they’re fresh and not loaded with preservatives. I mean, that’s good and all, don’t get me wrong, but yeah, we have a lot. Just run in and help yourself to a loaf or two.”
Since I’d much rather not have to stop anywhere, I say, “Hey, thanks. I will definitely do that.”
“Cool.” Rubbing his chin, Sebastian says, “Uh, there is something I should let you in on, especially since you’ll be going into the house.”
Having no idea what he’s talking about, I ask, “What is it?”
Blowing out a breath, he says, “My sister showed up late last night.”
I remember something from earlier. “Huh, I did notice an unfamiliar green SUV in the driveway before I left. I didn’t think you owned a vehicle like that, but I figured it belonged to Bettina.”
“Nope.” Sebastian shakes his head. “It’s Kelsi’s. That’s my sister’s name, by the way. Anyway, she just got through a pretty rough divorce and drove down here on a whim from Salt Lake City. She needs some time to decompress, so she’ll be staying in the main house with us for a while.”
I instantly feel bad. “Dude, crap, does she want the apartment? We can switch or whatever if she’d be more comfortable. I mean, family first and all that.”
Sebastian, though, insists, “No, it’s fine. She kind of fell in love with one of the bedrooms on the first floor, so no worries.”
“Okay.” I sigh. “If you say so. But if she changes her mind…”
“Nah, she won’t. Once my sister makes her mind up about something, she stays the course.”
I let it go, stoked that I get to keep the sweet apartment.
I walk out to the players’ parking lot with Sebastian, where we part ways. He leaves to meet with Bettina, and I head back to my new, albeit temporary, home.
When I arrive, I park in the driveway behind the green SUV.
After I get out of the car, I use the key Sebastian gave me last night to let myself into the house, where I’m immediately hit with the smell of frying bacon.
It may be lunchtime, but breakfast is in the air.
Obviously, since everyone else is gone, it’s Sebastian’s sister doing the cooking.
“Shit,” I murmur under my breath.
I was hoping to run into the house, grab the bread, and make an escape. I’m sure I’ll meet Kelsi at some point, but I’m not really in the mood for socializing at the moment.
I’m actually really fucking hungry. I worked off that small glass of juice and energy bar at the intense practice.
I consider just leaving and coming back later, but what the hell. I may as well get the inevitable introductions out of the way.
We have to meet sometime, right?
Sighing, I roll up the sleeves of my long-sleeved tee and follow the smell of bacon.
As I close in on the kitchen, a new aroma assaults my nose—burning toast.
Out of the blue, I hear someone blurt out, “Shit! Oh, damn, damn… Ouch! Hot, hot, hot. You stupid complicated toaster, making me drop the bread that you ruined.”
I have to chuckle, as this sounds like something I’d be saying after burning toast. I mean, blaming the toaster and all.
I’m still smiling as I round the curve in the hallway, about to take a step into what looks to be an ultramodern kitchen.
But then I skid to a stop in the entryway.
Holy fuck!
I forget all about burning toast. I’m too busy gawking at the hot girl bent over. She’s wearing a long white T-shirt that’s hoisted up, and she’s picking up the burnt toast from the planked floor.
Damn, her sweet ass, covered in skimpy pink silk panties, is right in my sightline.
Her legs look great too—all long and lean. And her long, burnished chestnut hair is a sexy mess.
This must be Kelsi.
And I shouldn’t be, but I’m totally intrigued.
Quickly, I remind myself that this is my friend and teammate’s fucking sister. Yeah, the sister of the guy who’s also letting me stay at his house rent-free.
She’s obviously off-limits.
So stop staring at her pert, round ass, dude.
And do something.
Say anything.
Just stop perving, for fuck’s sake.
So I do.
Clearing my throat, I state in a husky tone, “Hey, looks like you could use a little help in here.”
Caught With my Pants Off
As I’m picking up blackened toast from the floor, I hear a man clear his throat.
He then says in a sultry, kind of sinful tone, “Hey, looks like you could use a little help in here.”
Wait, what?
I drop the piece of charred toast back onto the floor.
Who the hell is in the house with me?
My brother is at practice, and Bettina is working.
But then it hits me before pure panic strikes—it must be my brother’s other houseguest.
After I straighten and pull my sleep T-shirt down to a respectable midthigh level, I spin around and find myself face-to-face with Alex Hartwell.
Well, not face-to-face, but close enough. He’s in the entryway, leaning casually against the doorframe. He’s looking hot too.
Suddenly, I remember my attire and a blush creeps up my cheeks.
Damn, Mr. Bad Boy himself—oh yeah, Mr. Hot Abs too—has totally caught me with my pants off.
Great.
I figure since it’s awkward already, I may as well just go ahead and check him out.
Hmmm, he’s all hard muscles in his ripped, faded jeans and long-sleeve hunter green tee.
As my eyes travel up, up, up, I discover a smug grin on his too-perfect face.
I hate to say it, but I can see why. Alex is super sexy in the flesh and totally gives off a bad boy vibe.
Yeah, that selfie with the blondes didn’t do him justice.
I don’t even care now that he’s caught me half clothed. I look damn good for thirty-three. Hope he enjoyed the show while I was bent over.
Since no one is saying anything, I decide to kick off a conversation.
Raising a brow, I chuff, “So you must be Alex Hartwell.”
He scoffs, “In the flesh,” and then pushes away from the doorframe.
Cocky much?
I don’t give him the satisfaction.
I just laugh at his ass.
Remaining cool, calm, and collected, he says, “Speaking of flesh, do you want to go grab some shorts or pants or something to cover up?”
