“Thanks.” She smiles and leans her elbows on the island. “So are you going to tell me why you wereblushinga few minutes ago?”
“I have no clue what you’re talking about. I got sunburned over the weekend.”
“Sunburned? In November? Makes sense.” She smirks, then takes a sip of her water. “You wanted to talk about schedules?”
“Yeah. Hannah is able to keep the same days for Olivia’s training. I offered the Stars’ facility because it’s available, but I know it’s farther from you than her usual rink.”
“We’ll figure it out. I haven’t seen Liv that excited about something in months.”
“If the travel gets to be too much on the days when you have her, I’ll see if we can work out a few sessions at locations closer to your place.”
“It’s going to be fine, Brody. Really. We’ve made this work for years. A change in plans isn’t going to be the end of the world. How the heck did you even pull this off?”
“I asked the guys if they had any recommendations.” I shrug and put Olivia’s empty plate in the sink. “Grant said his sister might be available to help, and she was. Sounds like she’s taking a break from her career? I don’t know. We didn’t talk specifics.”
“Let me know how much she charges and I’ll pay half.”
“Fuck no. Put that money toward redecorating the nursery you’re going to use when your little one comes.”
“If,” Kali corrects.
“When,” I answer.
“Brody Saunders is optimistic for once?” She grins. “There must be something in the air. The reason you were blushing earlier, perhaps? Is there a woman in the picture?”
“Don’t push it. You know I don’t date.”
“Who said anything about dating? I’m sure half the city would throw themselves at your feet given the chance. A night of passion with the mysterious pro hockey coach? The line would stretch all the way to Meridian Hill Park.”
“My hand works just fine.”
“You’re disgusting. Don’t ever say that to me again.” Kali makes a face. “Are you going to tell me why you’re so adverseto having a personal relationship with someone? I know we had our whole accidental pregnancy thing—no complaints here, by the way—but you’ve never really given off playboy vibes. You’re not secretly against monogamy, are you?”
“No.” I lean against the counter and shrug again. “I’m busy. Not sure when I have time to date in between being on the road and a parent.”
“Your players make time.”
“They’re younger than me. And there’s also the stupid reason.”
“Oh?” Her eyes twinkle. “Do tell.”
“I realize what I’m about to say sounds very narcissistic, but I don’t mean it that way.” I pause, crossing my arms. “When I met you, you didn’t know who I was. When you found out, you didn’t care. I was Brody Saunders, the hockey player. Nowadays, whenever I meet a woman, they tell me what a big fan they are. How much they love the team, then there’s usually a sexual innuendo in there aboutbig sticksornice pucks.” Kali stifles a laugh, and I rub the back of my neck. “I prefer keeping to myself. I always have. But if I’m going to be with someone, I want them to like Brody Saunders, the hockey coach. Not the hockey coach, Brody Saunders.”
“Oh mygod. You’re a fucking romantic!”
“Shut up,” I mumble. “I’m not. Like I said, I’m content with my life exactly as it is. I don’t like change. I don’t like disruptions to my routines, and dating is a big disruption. Leave me alone, dammit.”
“Fine. I’ll let you be, but only because I know you want to bewooed.” She drags her finger through a spot of condensation, her mood turning serious. “Are you, um, okay with keeping Olivia until you head to New York? I’m not sure how I’m going to feel after my appointment. Last time I cried for twelve hours.”
“Shit, Kal. Of course I’m okay with her being here a few extra days. You and Bryant will call me if you need anything?”
“You know, you’re not making it easy for me to tell all my single girlfriends who ask what kind of father you are that you’re a piece of trash.” She slides off her stool and stands. “Why can’t you be this nice to the general public?”
My lips twitch. “Because they don’t deserve it. I like making people work for my respect. This kind of behavior is reserved for a very select group, and you happen to be part of it.”
“Aren’t I the luckiest girl in the world.” Kali grins and gives me a quick hug. “Thanks for making this parenting thing a damn breeze, Saunders.”
“Right back at you, Collins.”
