The Stick Handler Read online

  “Shari said it was. Why would she lie about something like that?”

  “She sleeps around, Zander. It could be anyone’s child.”

  “I know, but she said the condom broke when she was with Jonah, and the timing is right.” My brother goes quiet for a second and looks down, like that thought disturbs him. Like he might have had a broken condom a time or two. Is it possible that he has kids out there that he doesn’t know about?

  “He’s going to need a nanny to help out. He can’t bring a baby to Seattle when you guys return for training, or take her on the road with him when you travel,” I say, understanding hockey is Jonah’s life. He might be a selfish prick, but I’d never want to see him kept from playing the game he loves—the only real thing he loves. I personally know how hard both he and my brother worked to get to where they are now. Talent is one thing, but the passion they both have, the drive, the hours they spend training, that’s something else altogether, something admirable.

  “Yeah. I know,” Zander says. “Do you know any good ones?”

  “Unfortunately, no. I can put out some feelers at the daycare and help him interview, though. I want to make sure Daisy gets the best.”

  “Interview for what?”

  We both look up to see Jonah standing in the doorway.

  “A nanny,” I say, and he opens his mouth like he’s going to shoot down the idea. Likely because he still can’t accept that the baby is his. I glare at him, and his lips pinch tight. “It will take time to find the right person. Weeks maybe.”

  Jonah rakes his hands through his mussed hair. “Shit.” Dark brown eyes lock on mine, and I brace myself because I know what’s coming next. “Quinn, do you think you can stay the night to help me?”

  “Well, I’m certainly not going to leave Daisy alone. Poor little girl has been traumatized enough.”

  “Thanks,” he says, and Zander squeezes my knee.

  I turn back to him. “Go easy on him, Quinn,” he says, loud enough for Jonah to hear. “He’s terrified.”

  I angle my head, let my gaze roam over Jonah’s face, his tense posture.

  Jesus, Zander is right.

  Since the two guys met on the playground back in elementary school, they’ve pretty much been inseparable. I’ve seen a lot of emotions cross that man’s face, and fear was never one of them. It’s clear he’s desperate for my help.

  As a nurturer by nature, something inside me softens.

  I stand. “Okay, I’ll stay for as long as you need me to. We’ll start a search for a nanny tomorrow. In the meantime, we need to get a few things for her. I’ll help you, Jonah. I’ll teach you the basics.”

  His brown eyes soften as I walk toward him. I’m about to slide pass him in the doorway, but he captures my hands in his. My gaze flies to his, as his warmth arouses the needy spot between my legs.

  “Thank you, Quinn. I promise to make it worth your while.”

  He’s not smiling, and gone is his signature ‘Body Checker’ toughness. In its place I see genuine appreciation, and it messes with me a little, makes it hard for me to stay mad at the guy who spent a lifetime overlooking me as a woman and always challenged me to contests, like he would one of the guys

  “You don’t have to make it worth my anything,” I say, the fight gone out of me. “You’re Zander’s best friend, and like a brother to me.” Okay, not a brother, not even a cousin. More like my brother’s hot best friend who just happens to make my ovaries stand up and do the Macarena. Shit. “It’s the least I could do,” I say.

  “Still, I’ll make it worth your while somehow or another.”

  “Okay, fine.” I push my short hair behind my ears and glance around. “Let’s get this place cleaned up, then we’ll run out together and go shopping. I’ll help you pick out everything you’ll need.” I do a mental list. “Wait, did Daisy’s mother at least leave a car seat for her.”

  He shakes his head.

  “Dammit.”

  “How about this,” Zander says. “Write me a list and I’ll go get the stuff, while you clean this place up.”

  Isn’t that just like my brother, ready to jump in and help. He’s a good guy, one full of integrity and character.

  “No, we’ll go. She’s my responsibility, not yours,” Jonah’s says, and I’m glad to see him step up. He’s no doubt worried about me snipping a few of his beloved body parts. “Maybe if you could just pick up a car seat, then bring it back.”

  “You sure? I don’t mind. I mean, I am Daisy’s uncle right? Not by blood, but by brotherhood for sure.”

  “I think I should be the one picking out her things, bro. But thanks. And make sure you get her the best car seat. I don’t care what it costs, safety first.”

  “Okay, I’ll grab the seat and be back shortly.”

  Both Jonah and I nod, agreeing on something, which is a first for us—and a good sign that we’ll get done what we need to get done without too many arguments or challenges.

  I head into the living room to find a bunch of Jonah’s teammates, along with their puck bunnies, making their way downstairs. I pause and give Jonah a look that says they need to go. Now. He winces like I’d just slammed him into the boards as I take sweet little Daisy from Liz, thanking her for helping out.

  Jonah grips the back of his neck with one hand and rubs like he’s got a massive knot to work out. His T-shirt stretches over tight muscles as he massages, and it takes everything in me not to gawk.

  “So, ah, I guess I have some explaining to do,” Jonah begins when everyone stares at the baby, all wide eyed and frightened, no doubt praying she’s not one of theirs. “Apparently, I have a daughter,” he says, and his gaze flashes to mine for a second, like he’s waiting for my reaction. I smile at him for finally accepting the fact that sweet Daisy is his. “Found out this morning.”

  “Congratulations, man,” Luke, a teammate known as the Stick Handler says as he steps up to me to take a peek at the sleeping baby. None of the others get too close, probably because they’re worried it will rub off on them or something. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

  “So yeah, no parties for a while.”

  I clear my throat to gain his attention. His eyes flash to mine.

  “Or…ever again?” he asks, obviously wondering if that’s what the throat clearing meant, which of course, it did.

  “Not as long as Daisy is in the house, and she’s your responsibility,” I say.

  I mull that over for a second. Will having a child to care for change him, shift his priorities? I’ve seen it happen in guys; not hard-core tough guys who’ve never had to care about anyone but themselves. Well, then again, that’s not entirely true. Jonah cares about his best friend. When my brother was down and out with a concussion, Jonah checked on him every day, and I can’t forget that when he was at the hospital, he’d visit the children’s ward. Giggles would fill the hall…and my heart.

  Jonah’s buddies and their girls grumble as they gather up their things and file out the front door. Looking like a kicked puppy—like he’s never going to have fun again—Jonah shuts it tightly behind him.

  “Back in a few,” Zander says, rattling his keys, and he and Liz leave through the side door leading to the garage, where he must have parked his car last night.

  Jonah turns to me when we’re the only two left in the house. “Do you want me to take her from you?” he asks, his voice as shaky as his outstretched hands.

  “I think we should lay her down,” I say quietly. “Let her sleep.”

  Jonah scratches his chin. “I don’t have a crib yet.”

  “She doesn’t move much at this age. I’d put her in a bed, and secure her with pillows, but I’m guessing all the beds have been slept in.”

  He gives me a sheepish look. “Ah, yeah.”

  “Then you get the bedding washed and I’ll set her up here on the sofa.” I walk across the room and set her down. As I do, I note the way Jonah is studying the way I handle her. She stretches out and I tuck her in, place
cushions on the outside of her so she can’t roll off. “I’d rather have her close anyway. At least until we get a baby monitor and can hear her cries.”

  “They neighbors can hear her cries, Quinn,” he says, and for some reason that makes me laugh.

  “You think that’s funny?” he says, his mood lightening slightly. “I thought my head was going to split in two.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “How can something so tiny make so much noise.”

  “If you’re looking for sympathy, forget it. Your headache was your own fault, and you can’t drink like that as long as you have Daisy.”

  “I’m never drinking again,” he says and holds his head.

  I roll my eyes. Haven’t we all been there and said that? “Come on, let’s clean. You start upstairs, I’ll start here.”

  We both lose ourselves in our duties for the next hour or so, and from upstairs, I can hear the washing machine going. At least we’ll all have clean bedding for tonight. I’ve never slept over at Jonah’s place before. I have my own little condo in the city, close to the daycare where I work. Sometimes, though, when my brother is back home in Massachusetts on hiatus from hockey, I’ll stay with him in his mansion just outside of Cambridge. He has a massive property, and most times it’s empty. He told me I could stay there anytime I want, even open up a daycare in one of the wings. I’ve been dreaming of having my own business for years now, but it’s his place and I don’t want to intrude. Someday he’ll want to raise his own family in that house.

  Me, well…I’m not interested in a family. I satisfy my maternal instincts at the center every day. Zander, though, he’s definitely daddy material. Over the years, he’s taken such good care of me, has given me so much, which is why I insist on helping him with Dad’s medical bills. It’s important for me to make my own way in life, and if Zander doesn’t like that, too bad for him. He is, after all the one who made me strong and independent. Now he has to deal with that woman, whether he likes it or not.

  I finish gathering up all the garbage, wash and dry the dishes, and take a look in Jonah’s fridge. I guess groceries are also on our to-do list today. If I’m staying here, I’m not going on a liquid diet.

  The only thing I have left to do is sweep the kitchen floor, but I can’t find a broom anywhere. I make my way upstairs, to ask Jonah where he keeps it, and find him in his bedroom, sitting cross-legged on his bed with his laptop open. All this time I’ve been cleaning, and he’s been surfing the net?

  Anger sweeps through me. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  He closes his laptop, like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Since I’m pretty sure that he was watching porn, or something equally dirty, while I cleaned, I step up to him and open his laptop. My heart jumps into my throat when I see his searches.

  Babies. Baby food. Baby clothes. How to take care of a baby.

  “Jonah,” I say quietly, my heart missing a beat.

  He slides his legs from the bed and plants his feet on the floor. “I…just didn’t want to look like a total moron, Quinn.”

  I sit down on the bed next to him. “Look, Jonah. I don’t expect you to know anything about babies. You were an only child, and were never around infants.”

  “I know, but sometimes…” He lets his words fall off.

  “Sometimes what?” I push.

  “Sometimes, when I do stupid things, you’re kind of mean and scary.”

  I laugh, unable to help myself. “Mean and scary? Are you serious? Jonah, you’re known as the Body Checker, one of the toughest guys on and off the ice.”

  He nods, and I shake my head at him. “You’re only five foot tall—”

  I stop him. “Five foot two, thank you very much.”

  “Okay, five foot two, but earlier, you scared the team’s two hundred and fifty pound defense man simply by clearing your throat. I mean, I love that you’re strong and confident—”

  I hold my hand up to stop him. “Wait, you love something about me?” I give a very unladylike snort. “That’s a surprise. I thought you hated everything about me, especially when I beat you at your own challenges.”

  “Yeah, well, that’s true, but I’m just saying you’re a strong woman, with a strong personality.”

  “Thanks to Zander,” I say quietly, not wanting to dwell on the past, or how things could have turned out so differently if it weren’t for him.

  “When you were younger, I used to think your bark was bigger than your bite,” Jonah says, nudging me with his shoulder. I rock against him, and become acutely aware that we’re sitting on his bed…his nice, comfy bed.

  Don’t let your thoughts drift, Quinn.

  Suddenly I’ve visualizing me on the bed, a naked Jonah above me, touching me with those big, calloused hands of his, giving me pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

  Shit, I let my thoughts drift.

  I clear my throat. “Is that why you called me a Chihuahua?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, despite the hot thrum rolling through my body.

  His deep brown eyes go wide. “Shit. You knew I called you that?”

  I fold my arms and glare at him. “Yeah, I heard it a time or two.”

  “Hey, it was a compliment.” He nudges me again, and I swear to God if he keeps making body contact, I’m going to hand over my panties and beg him to take me.

  I give a humorless grunt. “No it wasn’t.”

  “I was wrong though,” he says thoughtfully. “I think you can totally handle yourself. You’re not a Chihuahua, you’re a Ninja Chihuahua.”

  This time, I burst out laughing. “Seriously, Jonah? Ninja Chihuahua?”

  “Hey at least it’s better than the names you called me. I can’t even imagine what you wrote about me in those journals you always had your nose in.”

  Oh, no, he can’t imagine at all.

  Thank God.

  Single Dad Next Door

  Rachel:

  When my bedroom door flies open and crashes hard against the paint-chipped wall, I groan. “Go away,” I say, my voice muffled by my pillow. Not that my roommates will listen, even if they can hear me. Heck, I could scream at the top of my lungs and it wouldn’t faze them, much less send them running back to their rooms—not when the view outside my window is that hot.

  Seriously though, sharing a house with four college freshmans is not my idea of a good time, not when I’m a senior and working my ass off to get into law school. But when I left NYU two months before the start of my fourth year and transferred to Penn State at the last minute, this place was all I could find—and afford. Ultimately, Penn State is where I want to do my law degree after undergrad. I just ended up here sooner, rather than later.

  Someone tugs at my pillow and I open one eye to see Becca hovering over me. “Come on, Rach, he just took his shirt off,” she says. “You’re going to want to see this.”

  Why oh why did my room have to come with the best view of the hot neighbor’s driveway?

  “Thank God for this heat wave.” Sylvie, roommate number two, fans her face with her hand.

  I groan and curl up into the fetal position. I just want one more minute in bed without every member of the house in my room. “I. Don’t. Care.” Well, that might be a lie. I like looking at the eye candy next door as well as they do, but after putting in a late night at Pizza Villa—I seriously have to find a new job—I need all the sleep I can get before class.

  “Jesus, would you look at him,” Becca says, her voice a breathy whisper as she peers out the window. “Talk about slurpalicious. I could seriously lick that from head to toe, and back up again.”

  “Leave,” I say on a yawn.

  Ignoring me, Sylvie squeals. “He’s going back into his garage. Damned if he doesn’t look as good going as he does coming.”

  “But I’d rather see him…coming,” Becca says, and they start giggling.

  “Seriously. Are you both twelve?”

  “Shh, he’s back,” Becca says and swats her hand at me, like I�
�m an annoying fly that needs to be shooed away.

  I shift on my bed, not to get a better look outside my window. No, moving has absolutely nothing at all to do with the shirtless mechanic turning my roommates into dim-witted moths. The only reason I’m getting up is to herd these girls from my room, and if I happen to get a glimpse of the hot, tattooed, badass daddy next door, well…then so be it.

  I rub the blur from my eyes and toss my pillow at them. “Get away from my window, before he thinks it’s me.” They don’t need to know that the hottie’s bedroom window is also across from mine, and that late one night, he caught me staring into his room as he walked around in nothing but boxer shorts. Heck, if they knew that, they’d camp out for the rest of the school year, and that was so not happening.

  “Ohmigod!” Sylvie leaps back. “I think he just saw me.” She puts her hand over her mouth and starts to giggle. Footsteps pound down the hall, announcing the arrival of my other two roommates. I shake my head as they come bursting in.

  Kill. Me. Now.

  “Is he out there?” Val asks, her big blue eyes wide and hopeful.

  “Yeah, but he saw me looking,” Sylvie says. Despite that, she edges back around to sneak another look. Megan hurries across the room, and goes up on her toes to peer over Sylvie’s shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse without getting caught.

  “Do you really think he killed someone?” Megan asks.

  “That’s the rumor,” Val protests, though her tone holds uncertain convictions.

  “Then why isn’t he in jail?”

  “Maybe it was self-defense.”

  “He’s such a badass.”

  “He’s good with his little girl, though.”

  “Bad Boy Daddy, now that’s hot.”

  “Do you think he’d spank me if I was bad?”

  Unable to put up with their incessant chatter and giggles any longer, I point my finger toward the door. “Out. Now.”

  A chorus of grumbles ensues as they all sullenly walk to my door. Christ, I’m getting that lock fixed, even if I have to eat ramen noodles for the next month.