The champagne is cheap and slightly warm, but it’s the sweetest bubbly I’ve ever tasted.
“But seriously,” Jessica says, setting down her coffee mug and wiping champagne foam from her lips, “what made them change their mind? They seemed so resolute this morning. Like, completely unwilling to budge.”
James nods enthusiastically. “What happened?”
I hesitate, the coffee mug halfway to my lips. Part of me wants to hide just how close Cole and I are. My team doesn’t know that Brett is my brother either, and I’d like to keep it that way.
But then letting them think that I single-handedly convinced the Rainbow Room to honor our original agreement seems wrong. Cole solved our biggest crisis with one phone call, and pretending otherwise isn't fair to him, even if he'd probably prefer to stay anonymous.
“Actually,” I say, “Cole Maddox put in a good word for us. He knows someone at the Rainbow Room.”
Jessica's eyes widen. “Wow.”
“Wait,” James says, looking confused. “I know you guys have to work together, but do you know him well enough to ask him for favors?”
Thankfully, Amber interrupts, and I don’t have to answer that question. “This is the best day ever. Not only do we have our venue back, but we got it because a literal NHL superstar made a phone call for us.”
“Yeah, it was really kind of him,” I say quickly, though my cheeks are warming. Suddenly, I can’t wait to see Cole this evening. But only to thank him. That’s all.
8
Harper
In the evening, I float home on a cloud of happiness. I’m in bliss over snagging the venue, and the champagne has left me pleasantly relaxed and a little bit tipsy.
I’m hit by the smell of food as soon as I walk into the apartment. Something rich and savory that makes my mouth water immediately. I kick off my heels and pad silently across the cool floor, following the delicious scent to the kitchen.
And I stop dead.
Cole is standing at the stove, his back to me, stirring something in a large pan. He's wearing a simple grey t-shirt and a pair of well-worn athletic shorts.
And oh, his legs.
They're powerful and athletic, with defined calves. The shorts hit just above his knees, showing off strong quads that flex as he shifts his weight from foot to foot. There's a light dusting of dark hair on his shins, and I find myself wondering what those legs would feel like tangled with mine.
They are, without a doubt, the most ridiculously, unfairly attractive legs I have ever seen.
“Hey,” I say. “The captain cooks too?”
Cole whirls around, and fuck me, he’s got an apron on as well.
Something about seeing this powerful, intimidating man wearing an apron sends my thoughts careening in directions they absolutely shouldn't go.
He grins. “Among my many hidden talents.”
The memory of his body pressed against mine during our kiss comes flooding back, along with the very clear recollection of exactly how well-endowed he is. I shift slightly, trying to ease the sudden ache between my legs.
“It smells amazing in here.”
“Lemon risotto with grilled chicken and asparagus.” He gestures to the pan with his wooden spoon.
The champagne must be affecting me more than I thought, because suddenly I'm overcome with gratitude and affection. Before I can think better of it, I cross the kitchen and throw my arms around his neck.
“Thank you,” I say, my face pressed against his very wide, muscular chest. “For today, for the venue.”
He stiffens for a moment, then relaxes into the embrace. “You're welcome.”
I should step away. But the champagne has lowered my inhibitions, and he feels so solid and warm against me.
