Page 49 of He Has Charm

After we all share in cleanup, Harper says she’s going to see about getting someone to come to the townhouse for private cooking lessons starting the next week, one day a week in between my hockey schedule for six weeks. She retreats to her bedroom and says good night.

“It’s only eight o’clock,” I say.

“I’ll let you and your sister catch up. I have work to do. That’s what I’m here for.” She puts on a professional smile but I see the regret in those brave green eyes of hers. She’s used to being the workhorse carrying the burden for her family and for the Jett agency.

Harper disappears down the hall to the guest room—her room—and I watch that sweet ass of hers every step of the way. Before I let myself go there my sister speaks up.

“Oh my god, she’s perfect for you. I love her. Have you slept with her yet?” Katy’s excitement is shocking, even for her.

“No—what are you talking about? It’s not like that. You heard her. She’s here for work only.” Even I don’t believe my unenthusiastic words. Katy nods and goes into thinking mode, the kind where I can practically see gears turning like she’s a cartoon character.

“I can see your dilemma, but we can deal with this. Maybe she could get a different job. Or she doesn’t even have to work.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Don’t do this. Don’t get crazy ideas about—”

“Then tell me you don’t have it bad for her because I know you do. You’ve never treated a woman with such reverence before. You hardly flirted with her at all. You did everything but bow down to her and kiss her toes.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind—pardon my French.” I don’t want my sister to get the wrong idea about me and Harper, but damn it if I know what the right idea is.

Because right now I’m proud of myself not inviting Harper to stay in my room and honestly, if I said that in front of my sister, she’d roll her eyes at the expected behavior. But I don’t. and I think that’s what might cause some confusion. Fucked if I do, fucked if I don’t. Don’t I wish I could get fucked for real.

The next morning is game day and I need to get into my hockey head so I leave the two women and all the associated drama to themselves. Taking a cup of coffee, I leave super early.

“I’ll see you both later. After the game.”

Sixteen

Harper

The night is cool but not freezing, so we walk to the Garden along the brick sidewalks through Beacon Hill down to Cambridge Street and we can see the arena from here. I’m looking forward to having Katy for company at the game. I’m also terrified because the last thing I want her to know is that I’m attracted to her brother, just like all the other women. Only worse, I’m starting to have feelings for the man who doesn’t do feelings or that kind of relationship with women.

Cripes, how ridiculous am I? Don’t I have enough trouble on my plate with my family’s debt hanging over my head? He’s my meal ticket, not my meal. I can’t eat him. No cake and eating said cake. That’s not how it works in life.

Besides, he’s a player and wouldn’t taste too good after a while. Or more like he’d chew me up and spit me out and move onto the next ready and willing woman. And I’d be left—

“Did Maddox tell you I’m pregnant?” Katy breaks into my thoughts with a face-slapping question.

“What? No. Congratulations.” She’s beaming. “You seem very happy.”

“I shouldn’t be but I am,” she says, and that strikes me as odd. I search my memory for any reason that might be, but I come up empty. They have no financial problems for sure because Maddox would take care of it if they did.

“Why not?”

“Long story. Do you want a family someday?” she asks, and I’m uncomfortable, but her sincere eyes and open expression remind me so much of her brother that I automatically answer her.

“Yes, with the emphasis on someday. I’m pretty busy with my career right now and I am lacking the main ingredient—a baby daddy.”

“Oh yeah, the right guy is important,” she nods.

“I’m sorry I suggested we walk. If I’d known you were—”

“No, are you kidding? We Knights are a hardy bunch.” Her smile falters. “Except—never mind.” I have no idea what she’s talking about, but my spine tingles that it’s something not good and something maybe I should know. We cross the street and when she turns to follow the hordes of fans toward the main entrance of the Garden, I take her arm to show her the way to the back entrance for players, media, and friends and family ticket holders. That would be us. The idea sends a tingle through me though it shouldn’t. I get the special tickets as an agent all the time for games.

But this is different because it feels like I’m more this time. Shit. Reality check, Harper, you’re still just his agent. It doesn’t matter that he said we’re more. That was just his hormones talking.

We get inside and take our seats. The Brawlers are out on the ice warming up. We’re six rows back and to the left of the team’s bench and my eyes zone in on Maddox.

“This is exciting,” Katy says. “Watching my big brother play hockey never gets old.” Her grin stretches ear to ear and I see the family resemblance. But where Maddox is wildly handsome with dark hair and those bone-melting blue eyes fringed in dark lashes, Katy is adorable with lighter hair and eyes.