Stick Play (Boston Bucks #4)

9. Gina

9

Gina

I t’s so odd. The place feels so incredibly lonely without Ash here, and he only stayed the one night. Well, that’s not good, considering emotions aren’t supposed to play any part in this friends with benefits scenario.

He didn’t have dinner with us, even though the kids begged him to stay and play games. He had to go visit with his father. I love the way they are together, even though Ash was mad that his dad came here to check me out. Does that mean Ash had been talking about me?

I shouldn’t care about that. I really shouldn’t. Yet, here I am a little amused by the idea of it. Ash might be big, rough and gruff at times, but I’m beginning to believe that underneath it all he’s a cinnamon roll, like his father. I really liked Grant and the pride and love in his eyes as he stared at his son did the craziest things to my heart and my head. That look was also returned by Ash, and it hurts my soul to know my daughter will never have that.

The popping of the dice game the kids are playing, followed by Tate’s laughter, pulls me back to reality, and for some reason, I don’t feel like sitting around the house tonight. Melanie didn’t go to the Caribbean, either. She and Brady are home with their baby. If she’s feeling as cooped up as me, maybe she’d like some company.

I push to my feet and search for my phone. I spot it on the kitchen counter and as I walk toward it, it rings. Brighton had checked on the kids earlier, so I have no idea who would be calling. I pick it up and my heart does a weird little happy dance when I see that it’s Ash. Jeez, I really wish I wasn’t so happy to hear from him.

I slide my finger across the screen, and try to sound casual. “Ash.”

“Yeah.”

God what is it about his one-word answers that mess with me. Maybe it’s the deep tenor, the way he breathes it out, that has the ability to tease the needy juncture between my legs. I really don’t know. All I know is I’m melting a little inside as I sink into a kitchen chair.

“What’s up?”

“How are the kids?”

My heart wobbles. I like that he’s asking about them, even though they scare him. Although, maybe after today’s sledding adventures, he’s come to realize they’re not so frightening. “They’re good. Playing a game. How’s your dad?”

“Stubborn bastard.”

“Takes one to know one,” Grant responds in the background.

“Jesus, Dad, are you twelve?”

I stifle a laugh at their banter, and hear a horn honk. Is he driving? “What’s going on?”

“Dad said he’s not feeling well. His stomach hurts. I want to take him to a clinic, but he won’t go. I at least convinced him to come to my place. We’re on our way there now.”

“How is his temperature?”

“I don’t know. He doesn’t own a thermometer. Not that he’d let me take it anyway.”

Grant’s voice is a little closer to the phone when he responds with, “Gina can take my temperature.”

A frustrated sigh escapes Ash’s lips. “He said?—”

“I heard.”

“We’re almost at my place now. I can turn around.”

“No, if he’s not feeling well, it’s best to get him settled. I can pack up the kids and come over.”

“Gina, I don’t know.”

“It’s okay, really. It’s still early and I’m feeling a little cooped up anyway. I was thinking of giving Melanie a call to see if she wanted some company, so I was planning on heading out your way anyway.”

A moment of quiet, and then, “If it’s not too much trouble. I worry about him.”

“Ash, it’s the least I can do.” I stand and walk to the window to look out at the backyard. It’s dark after dinner, and dreary. I could really use the adult company. “Look at everything you’ve been doing for me.”

“We’re here now.” His voice is low, tired. Did the kids wear him out today? Am I asking too much of him, or is he just really worried about his father? I know how much the man means to him. “I’ll share my location.”

“Okay.” My phone pings as he shares his location and I don’t admit that I already know where he lives. Melanie pointed it out to me ages ago. I think she was trying to get a reaction, so she could see if there was anything going on between Ash and me. My friends do know I’m lonely, and how long it’s been for me. I sort of made that clear when I told Dani and the others that I wouldn’t be opposed to casual sex, but if they knew it was with Ash, it could complicate things when we end it. I don’t want anyone to be uncomfortable around us.

“Ash?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you guys eat? I have some leftovers.” I walk to the fridge and pull it open. “I could easily pack them.”

“Don’t go through the trouble. I’ll just order in. I’m not sure Dad can eat anything anyway.”

“I am going through the trouble. Fast food is awful for you, and I want you to be healthy when you play this week. You are not getting clogged arteries and having a heart attack on my watch. You’re a professional hockey player and need to be in your best shape.”

I hear a car door slam and his voice is soft, amused, when he whispers, “Thanks, babe.”

Thanks, babe.

Gawd, why does that sound so nice, so deliciously intimate…like we’re partners in this thing called life. I’m not going to lie. I’ve always wanted that. A man to share the good times with, the bad times with, to be together at night to wind down with after a long day, to…

Get it together, Gina.

I close the fridge and walk into the living room. My heart warms as I take in the sight of the three kids playing. Am I wrong to take them to Ash’s place? I’m sure Camryn and Tate must have been there before, as their father and Ash are best friends and play on the same team. Will Zoe start getting attached if she sees Ash as more than a temporary babysitter? Do I really have a choice, though? Ash needs me, and he’s always been there for me whenever I needed him, and even when I didn’t.

“Who wants to go to Ash’s place tonight?” I ask.

“Me, me, me,” Tate bursts out. “He has a pool table.”

“Oh, you play pool, do you, Tate?” I ask and he starts jumping up and down.

He throws his arms out. “I am the bestest pool player ever.”

“Do you know how to play pool?” Camryn asks Zoe, who shakes her head no. “I can teach you.”

My heart squeezes tight. They really are great kids. Brighton and Noah are doing a fantastic job raising them and that thought tightens my stomach. I hate that Zoe is missing a father, but hers wanted nothing to do with her and that can only damage her more in the end.

“Okay, go get your coats and boots on. It’s cold out there.”

As they get ready, I pull the lasagna from the fridge and pack up enough for Ash and Grant, although with a bad stomach, I doubt his father will be eating. It’s flu season, and it’s probably nothing more than that. I’ll just be sure to keep the kids in another room. Although they did sit with him this afternoon while having hot chocolate. Damn, I hope none of them get sick. Once the food is packed, I go find my mom bag, which contains medication, a thermometer, and everything else a nurse could need.

I find the kids at the closet, and I pull out my coat and slip into my boots. We used the upstairs door, and make our way down the long set of steps to the ground.

The night air is cool and there’s a few flakes of snow falling as I usher them to the car. I know better than to try to buckle any of them in. They’re all too independent for such foolishness. I pop the trunk, carefully place the food and mom bag in it, and hurry to my door. In the driver’s seat I adjust the mirror, and pull out onto the street, which is rather quiet this Saturday night.

I drive carefully through the light layer of snow on the ground, and I’m grateful I don’t have that far to go. I finally reach the elite Beacon Hill area, and slow as I drive by Melanie’s place. I’m going to have to plan a girls’ night soon, when everyone is back from the Caribbean and the guys are all back to playing. I’ve only gone to one game this year, to be honest. I’m usually too tired at the end of the night. Fortunately, I don’t usually work weekends anymore, and only fill in when I’m short-staffed.

Camryn points out the window as I turn the heat down. “That’s where Melanie and Brady live.” She hugs herself. “She has a new baby and he’s so cute.”

“Mom, can we get a baby?”

Oh, dear God.

“That comes after you get a daddy,” Camryn so helpfully supplies. “Let’s ask Uncle Ash to make more pancakes tomorrow, and I’ll give you one of my wishes.”

In the rearview mirror, I catch my daughter’s smile and my heart jumps into my throat. Now she wants a daddy and a baby. I’m afraid neither of those things are going to happen, and I just don’t have the heart to sit her down and tell her. Perhaps after the weekend is over and Camryn goes back home she’ll forget all about daddies, and babies and wish lumps.

I ease my car in behind Ash’s and take in his big mansion. Oddly enough, my thoughts go back to Lucian, and his monstrous home. I used to think it was crazy for him to have such a big place for one person. I snort out a laugh. Little did I know how wrong I was.

“Mommy, what’s funny?”

“Oh, I was just remembering a joke.”

Or rather, that I was the joke. Yeah, that’s me, a big stupid joke. But in the end I got Zoe and she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

While Ash’s house is big too, I realize it’s an investment and a lot of the guys live nearby. He does not have a secret family hidden in another state, of that I’m sure.

“Okay, everyone unbuckle.”

There’s rusting in the back, and Camryn is out first. My heart warms as she helps her brother, who wants no help at all. I usher them up the long walkway as wind whips around us, and I glance back, looking at the way the streetlamps light up the falling snow, which is getting heavier. Damn, was it a mistake to bring the kids out in this? I’d better make this a fast trip before the roads get bad.

I stop for a quick moment, just to enjoy the view, and the strange peacefulness of it all. Unlike the center of the city where I live, it’s quiet here, and it gives me a very weird, almost nostalgic feeling. Not that I ever grew up in such a luxurious neighborhood. I think it has more to do with the families that live in the homes. I’m picturing warmth, Sunday dinners, laughter, movie nights…

All the things you secretly want, huh, Gina?

The door swings open and the second I set eyes on Ash, standing tall, as a warm smile curves his lips at the sight of us, my heart misses a beat.

“Uncle Ash, can we play pool?” Camryn asks.

“Of course, you can. You know where it is.”

“Hi Ash,” Zoe says. “I like your house.”

She brushes past him and he grins at me. “She likes my house.”

“It is a nice house.” He glances over his shoulder, like he’s checking to see if the coast is clear and when it is, he pulls me to him. I slam against his hard body, and he dips his head. God, I feel like I’m back in high school, sneaking kisses in the hall with my boyfriend.

“Thanks for coming.”

“Of course.” His lips brush over mine, soft and tender at first. When I moan, and grip the front of his shirt, needing the contact with his body, he groans and drags me closer. A car goes by and someone honks, and it pulls us from our stupor. Ash lifts his head and waves.

“Who was that?”

“I don’t know. Let’s just hope it’s not a reporter or we’ll be all over the news.”

God, I don’t want that. “Do you think they saw me?” I turn and scan the street, as the car slows and pulls into a driveway.

“Looks like it’s one of my neighbors. Just being friendly, I guess.” He pulls me inside and shuts the door behind us, locking the world out and us in.

“How’s your dad?”

“Ornery as ever.”

I hold up my bag. “I brought my mom bag.”

“Mom bag?” He looks at the black bag in my hand and I laugh.

“When you’re a mom, you rarely go anywhere without all the meds and thermometers. When you’re also a nurse, it’s a big mom bag.”

He laughs and takes it from me. “Jesus, this is heavy. I’m guessing you can cure whatever’s ailing him.”

I give him a hopeful smile. “I’m going to try.” I hold up another bag. “This is dinner.”

“That was really sweet of you. I owe you.”

I grin. “Maybe you do.”

“Hang on.” He hurries down the hall with the dinner bag, and when he comes back, he puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the stairs. In the distance, I can hear balls clanging. “Are they okay playing pool on your table?” I can just imagine them driving the stick into the felt and tearing it.

“They’re fine. Camryn knows her way around this place, and there’s nothing they can get into.” We head up the long staircase and I note there’s no pictures on the walls, or anything that really makes the place homey. Does he ever get lonely in this big old place? Or does he fill it with bunnies when his father isn’t here, and when he’s not helping out a friend—with benefits?

“He’s in here.” I step into the big bedroom and find Grant lying in bed, watching TV on a huge TV over the dresser. The minute he sees me, he moans and puts his hand on his stomach.

“How are you feeling?” I ask.

“Horrible.”

I take in his pallor, which is no different from earlier today, and step up to him and put my hand on his forehead. “You don’t feel hot. Is it okay if I take your temperature?” He nods and Ash brings my bag to me. I fish out the thermometer and put it to his ear. I click the button and check. “No fever. That’s a good sign. Can you tell me about the stomach pain you’re experiencing?”

Just then the news comes on and he turns it up. “Look at that,” Grant says, sitting up like he doesn’t have any kind of distress. “More snow coming tonight.” He clicks his lips. “Probably best if you and the kids stay here tonight. No need to be on the roads if you don’t have to be. Amiright or amiright?” He fakes a cough and I angle my head to study him. I thought I was here because he had a bad stomach and possibly the flu. I’m about to ask about this new symptom when he takes my hand and pats it. “Also, with me not feeling well, it would be good to have a nurse close by.”

“Dad,” Ash says in a low, warning voice. “What are you up to?”