“Looks like we’re all in on this. What do you say, boys?” I hold out my fist.
Coop is the first one to bump it, responding with a grunted, “Hell yeah!”
Burnsy and Orly are a close second, coming in at the same time, both with enthusiasm.
Fuck yeah, we’ve got this.
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 nameand 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?”
