I’m one soft drink order in and I’ve already pictured Violet straddling me while my dick pistoled my way up into her, causing us to moan in sync.
A wave of guilt hits me because I left before she woke up.
I haven’t seen or spoken to her since.
That’s my doing.
“This week you’re going to meet with my staff at the rink?” Ford asks.
I shake the memories out of my head and focus on the hockey king sitting in front of me. Sunglasses cover his eyes, but his brown hair doesn’t show any signs of age. Then again, he’s only thirty-six.
“Every day, I’ll train with the kiddos in the morning or afternoon and have my meetings in between. Will that be okay for you?”
Ford nods with a grin. “Of course, anything you want. You’re the one bringing my old team to Lake Spark.”
I take a sip of my iced tea, relieved that the world now knows my new career title. “One of the perks of becoming owner of a hockey team is that I get to make decisions. I think it’s good that the Spinners will move their training and practices to Lake Spark next season; it’ll bring more focus. Where they train now is already 45 minutes outside of the city, so Lake Spark isn’t much farther in retrospect. Plus, the existing building needs a total refurbishment, and the last owner passed before the team was able to renew the contract. This could be the start of transitioning everything,” I explain.
Ford looks at me, impressed. “You’ve really thought this through. Then again, people forget that you’re more than a pretty boy who can shoot a puck.”
I grin at his comment. “Story of my life. Everyone assumes something about me, yet all I do is prove them wrong.”
“I always liked that about you.”
“It’ll be good to be out of the city for a little bit. My parents are driving me crazy, and parties just don’t feel the same anymore.”
Normal parties, not the ones where I screw your sister.
“How’s the maple syrup business?” Ford asks as he glances at a duck walking along the deck.
“Hell if I know. I only occasionally glance at the financials when we have essential company meetings. I leave it to my family to run. That doesn’t make them too happy, nor did my new ownership status of the Spinners thrill them. But trust me, maple syrup isn’t in my calling. I mean, I keep a bottle in my kitchen out of loyalty but never open the disgusting thing.”
“Brielle loves that stuff. It’s a must every time she makes pancakes.” He always smiles when he talks about his wife and kids.
I can imagine it must be a unique feeling, I’ve just never been drawn to the family lifestyle.
“How is the Spears crew?” I lean back in my chair to study my friend who seems completely at peace.
“Great. Connor is on summer break yet still hits the ice a few times a week, forward seems to be his position of choice. Sixteen is an age that requires a few extra bottles of beer, for me, not him. I swear that kid is going to give me my first gray hair.” Ford and Brielle had Connor when they were very young, which makes it a little more fun that the age difference between father and son isn’t so big. “Wyatt is still in the napping phase, and Brielle is always radiant when pregnant.”
“A few more months, right? Is this your last one, or are you going for creating your own hockey team?” I’m generally interested, as their family is growing, and his gushing grin isnearlyinfectious on the matter.
“Nah, when this one arrives later this year, then we’re done. Three boys and a dog are enough for us, plus my sister is around, so I’m sure she will add to the family gatherings soon enough.”
My lips stall on the rim of my drink glass at the mention of Violet. Taking a shallow sip for appearances, I swallow a deep breath. “Didn’t realize she was dating someone.” I sound casual enough.
Inside of me, something feels tied to her, a connection, and not the wrists-knotted-to-my-headboard kind.
Truthfully, it was concerning how I woke to find her peacefully asleep next to me in my bed, naked. Either the bed was made for her, or she was made for the bed. I liked the way she looked wrapped in my sheets. I had to unravel us when I slowly slid out from the covers. I’m not used to that.
I have no right to be territorial about her dating life, but my interest is far too piqued.
“She’s not seeing anyone. I just don’t imagine her being single for long. Violet is smart, runs her own shop, and she’s fun. I’m not blind, I know half the team had a thing for her, and Violet is relaxed, so she’s easy to hang out with. I’m sure the mayor has a son or nephew somewhere for her, and I think the new sheriff in town has been eyeing her. I think he would pass my approval list.”
Not going to lie, Violet made an impression on me and has lingered in my head. I can only agree with her brother’s remarks. Well, except for the sheriff part. Other than his handcuffs, I doubt he would bring much to the table to keep Violet interested.
“Right,” I manage to say.
Luckily, the waiter arrives to take our orders. Still, as Ford reads off the menu, my mind wanders to Violet. I’ve already failed this test of brunch with Ford a few moments in because she’s all I can think about.
