She hands me her mug. We work together to create two of the most ridiculous looking cups of cocoa I’ve ever seen. They’d fit right in with those milkshakes with full pieces of cake on them from a popular restaurant down in the city.
I watch her enjoy her first sip and rub at the pull in my chest.
If she wasn’t my boss’ daughter and my best friend’s sister, I would’ve taken my shot with her ten times over by now. She’s fun to be around with her energetic personality. She’s kind andhas the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. She’s beautiful, inside and out.
I don’t make time for relationships, but if I did… Eve’s the type of girl I’d want to share a deeper connection with.
Except we can’t. Friendship is all we get to have together.
Suppressing a sigh, I clink my mug with hers.
“To good times and the sugar high these will give us.”
She covers her grin. “Too late. I’m three cups deep and have been feeling the oncoming hyper jitters for the last half hour. Catch up.”
I snort. “You’ve already got the zoomies?”
Her amber eyes gleam and she releases a laugh that isn’t unlike a little gremlin. I secretly get a kick out of it when she gets like this. I’m glad she’s still comfortable enough around me to show me her goofy side.
I pretend to mess with her hair. A wild laugh escapes me when she gets me back by poking my side until she finds a ticklish spot.
How could that asshole she used to date not see her and think she’s the most awesome girl he’s ever met? How could he tarnish this vibrant light she shines with?
It doesn’t matter. I’m here to protect her from guys like that, just like high school. Her brother and I took care of the few that hurt her.
If I had five minutes with him on the ice, the gloves would fly off and I’d end him. I rein myself in, rolling my shoulders to dispel the instinct to find her ex and give him hell. It’s a holiday and I’d rather be here with her and her family.
A commotion at the front door draws our attention. We head to join everyone welcoming Mr. Boucher, Theo, and Lainey. Neil Cannon is right behind them.
“Stopped by to wish you all a happy holiday,” Mr. Boucher says.
Theo spots me and high fives me. I ruffle his hair before he switches places with his shy sister to greet Eve.
“Mr. Cannon.” I shake hands with one of my hockey idols growing up.
While he was still coaching for Heston U with David, he’d come by our junior league games in high school from time to time to give us pointers.
“Good to see you,” he says gruffly.
They stay long enough to have a couple of drinks. David and Neil start reminiscing about their days of coaching together while Mr. Boucher talks with Benny and Jess.
Theo gives me shit for not getting him a present when I pass out gifts. Eve promises to make him something, darting out the door and returning with two balls of yarn in Heston colors and a crochet hook.
Lainey watches with interest while she works, talking quietly with her about books while the four of us sit together in the living room. Twenty minutes later, she holds up a finished hockey stick that Theo rubs in my face for getting the best gift. I smirk, not telling him about the scarf she made me with my name in block letters and hockey sticks lining the edges.
Once we’re seated for dinner after they leave, Benson lifts his glass. “I’m glad we can all be together as a family this holiday. Before we eat, there’s something we want to share.”
Jess lays a hand on her stomach. “We were keeping it a secret until we were sure after finding out recently. We’re having a baby.”
“Holy shit.”
I’m the first one to break the beat of silence before Mrs. Lombard gasps and everyone else bursts with elation. We all get up to hug and congratulate them.
David’s face is red and he swipes at the few tears he sheds. Eve hugs him when she’s done fussing over Jess with her mom.
“Dude,” Benson says through a laugh when he turns to me.
“You’re gonna be a dad.” I hug him again. “I’m so happy for you.”
