Stick Play (Boston Bucks #4)

27. Gina

27

Gina

A s I roll over in bed and glance at the gorgeous man beside me, I can hardly believe we’re nearing the end of April. I can’t remember a time when I’ve been happier, despite the fact that there are numerous pictures of us on social media. I thought it had died down, but when we started going out more, showing Maria, Elena and the boys around town, the interest picked up again.

Not that I really care anymore. I’m living my best life here. Well, except for the fact that I still sneak from Ash’s room when we’re at his place, which is most nights, and he sneaks from mine when he stays over at my place. I have a little girl to consider, and while I’m in love with Ash, there is certainly no talk of marriage or anything like that. Zoe believes kissing and sleeping together means she’s going to get herself a father, and that’s just something I don’t want her thinking…even though I’ve been thinking about it myself. A lot.

Moving quietly, not wanting to wake Ash after his late game last night, I check the time. It’s early, and everyone is still asleep. Slowly, I push the covers down and pull on my yoga pants and T-shirt. I tiptoe to the bathroom, then head to the kitchen to get the coffee going.

Soon enough there will be three hungry kids looking for food, and I’m just grateful Zoe isn’t asking for lumpy pancakes anymore. We were all getting stomach aches.

I toss a pod into the machine and walk to the kitchen window to look out at the quiet neighborhood which I’ve grown to love. So many of my friends live here in Beacon Hill and while it’s a commute to go to work at the café—heck, all I had to do before was walk down the stairs—I don’t mind. I have to drive Zoe to school anyway.

Speaking of school, Maria enrolled the boys here. Even though she’s in limbo, and has been living in Ash’s house as she searches for the right accommodations, she didn’t want anything to interfere with their education.

I respect that, and Zoe and the boys have become close. I’m actually happy to have them in my life. I’m sad about the circumstances, of course, but I’m also happy that Maria fell in love with Boston, and has decided to make a life here. We’ve become good friends and after she drops her boys off at their school, she loves coming to the café to help out. It’s all so strange, I know. Somehow it all works, though.

“Morning,” Grant says, and I spin.

“You scared me. I’m going to have to put a bell on you.”

He chuckles and when the machine beeps, I hand him the cup. He’s been staying with us all in this big house too. I still don’t think all the bedrooms are full yet. This is what Ash has always wanted—his father living with him so he can take care of him. Although, he’d never tell Grant that.

I do love Ash’s protective nature, which he no doubt got from his father, judging by the way he’s taken Zoe, Lucas and Josh under his wing, teaching them things, and even bringing them to the garage with him. They all seem to love it, and Grant is getting the grandkids he’s always wanted, even though they’re not blood. Does that even really matter, though?

He graciously accepts the coffee, takes a big drink and stretches his arms. He seems awfully tired this Thursday morning, but so very happy.

I put another pod in the machine. “Late night?” I ask. He and Elena went to the hockey game, while I stayed home with Maria and the kids and watched from here. I go when I can, and enjoy it a lot, but I was home last night working on making cut out flowers with Zoe. They’re decorating the classroom for spring today.

He grins at me. “Elena and I stayed up to watch a movie after we got back. You know, to wind down.” He cocks his head a knowing look on his face. “We didn’t keep you up, did we?”

“No.” That’s not the reason I’m suddenly yawning. After Ash came home, and crawled into his bed, I snuck in and we spent the better part of the night making love. It’s become a tradition after his games and I love it.

Later tonight, he leaves for a three-day road trip and I’m totally going to miss him. He doesn’t always have a lot of time to call or text when away, but we try to sneak a minute in here and there. Although this weekend, that might be hard, because they’ll be going non-stop and I might not be in Boston, anyway.

God, I really can’t believe what I’m thinking about doing.

“You and Elena have been spending a lot of time together,” I point out. “Are Zoe’s wishes coming true? She’s getting a grandma?” I grin at him over my cup before I take a drink, and he just whistles innocently. I think it’s wonderful that they get along so well. If they end up together, married even, and Ash and I do too, what does that even make Elena to me? It’s all too complicated to think about and I really don’t like complications. That, and of course I’m getting way ahead of myself.

“You tell me,” he finally counters as he puts another pod in the machine and places a new cup under it.

“Nothing more to tell.” He knows all about Ash and me. The only one we’ve been keeping it a secret from is Zoe, and while I’d like to tell her, I don’t want her to get her hopes up. I haven’t really explained to her how Lucas and Josh are her brothers, and she hasn’t asked again. One day it will all come out, and it will be when she’s older and understands better. I just hope she’s not hurt by the truth.

Elena walks into the kitchen, and fixes her hair as she smiles at Grant and on that note, I grab some eggs from the fridge.

“Go on and get ready for work,” Grant says. “Elena and I can make breakfast for the kids.”

My hand stalls as I reach for a loaf of bread. Honestly, an extra-long shower sounds divine right now. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” My gaze goes back and forth between the two of them and I can’t help but think they want me out of the kitchen for their own personal reasons. Alrighty then…

“Okay, thanks. I’ll shower and then get the kids up.” Leaving the two lovebirds alone, I hurry to the bathroom and take a very long, hot shower. Once done, I sneak back into the bedroom, and with Ash sleeping so soundly, I dress quietly and leave him there, even though I’d like to crawl in with him and wake him up in an intimate way.

Once I’m dressed, I wake Zoe and the boys up, and my good morning greetings are met with grumbles from Lucas. While he loves hanging at Ash’s place, he’s still out of sorts, and I can’t say as I blame him. Both boys are going through a lot, and while Maria wants them to have a relationship with their father, he refuses to talk to him.

I do worry about Lucas. At fourteen, he’s at a vulnerable age, and does need strong male influences, and a little bit of firm discipline wouldn’t hurt, either. He needs it, and Maria is in such a helpless state, she’s giving them everything they ask for to make up for all they’ve been through. It’s not my business, but I’m not sure it’s the right strategy. Then again, I’m not a parenting expert by any means, and have made my own mistakes.

We all eventually make our way to the kitchen and Grant has a cup of coffee waiting for me. He’s happy and cheery and everything about that seems to get on Lucas’ nerves.

“I don’t want to go to school today. I want to go to the garage with Grant,” Lucas says when Maria enters the kitchen.

She blinks rapidly and since I haven’t touched my coffee yet, I hand it to her. She needs it more than I do. She opens and closes her mouth, worry lines tightening on her forehead.

“I’m not going until later,” Grant pipes in. “How about I pick you up after school, and take you with me. We’ve got a nice sports car in I think you’re going to love.”

“Can I go too?” Josh asks.

“Of course. You can all come.”

“Me too?” Zoe asks, her eyes wide and hopeful.

“Of course.”

I tap her nose. “We’re going shopping, remember? Remember we’re in charge of markers for next week’s bingo night at school.” Bingo. Ohmigod, what would Callie say? Oh, she’d probably ask what a guy like Ash, one of Boston’s hottest bachelors, is doing with an old lady mother, who does old lady mother things like bingo.

“Oh right,” she murmurs before taking a big drink of juice. “Sorry, Grandpa, I can’t come.”

He chuckles and rustles her hair. “Next time, chicken nugget.” Grant casts me a glance. “Ash not up?”

“Doesn’t appear to be. We should let him sleep in after his game last night.” I think about leaving him a note, but then breakfast and the chaos of the morning begins and the next thing I know, I’m out the door with Zoe, driving her to school.

After I drop her off, I find myself singing along to the radio as I head to work. I park and practically skip inside, inhaling the delicious scent of cinnamon. “Good morning,” I greet Andre, who is pulling a fresh batch of cinnamon buns from the oven.

“Morning,” he greets, and I grab my apron from the hook, ready to hit the day running, even though I’m a little sad that I won’t be going home to Ash tonight. Maria shows up around a half hour later, and starts taking orders with me. We work nonstop until about eleven, and then take a break before the lunch crowd starts.

The place is still quiet as I sip my coffee in the kitchen, but when I hear the bell over the door jingle and familiar voices filling the café I jump from my stool. In the dining room, I spot Tuck and Theo grabbing a seat, and I look outside to see if Ash is with them. He’s not, and while I’m disappointed, I shouldn’t be so needy. He’s probably spending time with his dad before hitting the road later. Okay, I love being the object of his sole focus, and I can’t help it. But I’m an adult and realize others need him too.

“Hey guys. Coffee?”

Tuck glances around the room, and his gaze stays on Maria for a second too long before he answers. “Love some.”

“Great. I’ll have Maria bring it over. I’ll grab your menus.” His eyes dart to mine, and I work to keep the grin from my face. Someone has a crush, and I think it’s cute. Although I’m sure Maria is not looking to date anyone after her trauma, and she has her boys to focus on. I understand her mental state all too well.

“Hey,” Theo greets and tosses me a grin. I know Ash isn’t a fan of his. In fact, not a lot of the guys are.

“What’s up, Theo?”

“I know what I want.”

An icky feeling crawls over my skin as he stares at me, his gaze dropping to the top button on my blouse. I’m almost afraid to ask him what he wants. “Sure.” I pull my notepad from my apron. “What would you like?”

He grunts, and Tuck must kick him under the table, because he jumps in his seat and curses. “I’ll have the meatloaf,” he grumbles as I wave to Maria. He snorts out a laugh as she comes our way with the coffee. “Ash is a lucky man,” he blurts out with an almost insidious grin.

“Tuck, do you know what you want?”

“Chicken salad,” he tells me, his angry gaze latched on Theo. Jesus, I think steam is about to come out of his ears.

“A really lucky guy,” Theo says again, and I just smile. No way am I going to allow him to bait me and I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s doing.

They both sit back as Maria fills their mugs, and Theo is still smirking at me.

Tuck pushes Theo’s mug closer to him. “Drink your coffee and shut your mouth.”

Okay, clearly Tuck is worried Theo is going to say more, and everything tells me it’s not something I’m going to like.

I’m about to leave, when Theo explains, “I mean, the coach told Ash to be seen with you and your kid because it was a good look for him and his fucked-up reputation, which he was told to clean up after Liza, but now he has Maria and her kids living with him too.”

My feet stall, and my gaze flies to Theo’s. What the hell did he just say? Coach told Ash to be seen with me?

Theo snorts out a laugh. “All this time, Mountain told us he wasn’t banging numerous chicks at the same time and that Liza was simply spreading false rumors.” He pumps his fists together, as Tuck’s chair scrapes the floor as he pushes to his feet. “Who knew his ex was telling the truth all this time and there were a lot of girls climbing on Mountain. Babe, you should be with a guy like me. I’d never do that to you, and I don’t mind Ash’s seconds. Liza and I were good together for a while.”

Maria pales, and Tuck throws some bills on the table before stepping around me and picking Theo up by his collar. “I’m sorry, Gina. I’ll take him out of here.”

“Hey, if you don’t believe Ash has been using you, go check his hashtags,” Theo shouts before Tuck throws him out the door, and follows behind him.

I swallow the lump punching into my throat as Maria’s dark eyes widen. She sets the coffee pot down and blinks rapidly. “Are people saying that?”

My God, this poor woman has been through so much. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. From what I understand, Theo is just a troublemaker.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, Maria. Anyone who knows Ash, knows the truth and those are the only people who matter.”

That might be the case, but what about his Coach? What will he think if he hears about this? He wasn’t too happy with him after Liza posted all that trash. How will he see this, and did he really tell Ash to clean up his act?

Wait, is that why Ash is with me? Why he hasn’t been out with any bunnies?

My breaths comes a little faster as I try to console Maria, and needing a moment alone, I pick up the untouched coffee mugs and carry them to the kitchen. I drop them into the sink, and hurry to my small office in the back. I pull my phone out, and my heart is in my throat as I pull up insta and type in, #AshWheeler.

The first post I see is from Liza, telling the world how she’s not surprised Ash was using me to clean up his reputation. I read a few more posts, and when the room starts closing in on me, I shut down the app and try to wrap my brain around all this.

Just then my phone rings, and it’s Ash. Did Tuck call him, fill him in on what just happened? As I stare at it, I think about the first time I ever met Ash, to our sweet lovemaking last night. Voicemail kicks in, and then a second later, my phone starts ringing again. Working to control my breathing, I slide my finger across the screen.

“Ash,” I murmur quietly.

“Gina, listen?—”

I cut him off. “Is it true?

“Gina—”

“It’s a yes or no answer, Ash. Did your coach tell you to be seen out with me? He liked the idea of us because it was good for your reputation and the team’s image?”

A long minute of silence, which tells me everything I need to know and then, “Yes, but…” His voice falls off, like he’s trying to figure out what he’s supposed to say next.

“So, just to clarify, it is true. Your coach wanted you to spend time with me, because it was good for your image, and for the team’s?”

“Yes, Gina, but it’s not…it’s just not what you think. You know me. You know that’s not what we’re about.”

“Why didn’t you tell me then?”

“I don’t know. I guess, maybe I didn’t want you to know.”

“Because…you didn’t want me to think I was being manipulated.”

“Gina, please.”

“You shouldn’t have kept that a secret, Ash,” I say quietly.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

I take a fast moment to think about what Theo said, what I read on social media and what Ash just admitted to me, and then I decide right here and now, that yes, I am definitely going to be out of town this weekend. “Listen, I forgot to tell you. Zoe and I are going to be flying to California this weekend.”

“What?” His voice is full of shock. “Why?”

I turn on the tap, and put my hand under the water. Once my palm is cold, I press it to my flushed cheeks. “I have some things I need to take care of.”

“Gina, what’s going on? What kind of things?”

Since I don’t really want him to know what I’m up to, and what I’m up to scares me a whole lot, I hedge. “Oh um, well…it’s just…ah, some personal things that involve my late grandparents.” Not really a lie.

“Can I call you when I’m on the road?”

I’m not good at keeping secrets, especially big ones and I might blurt something out. “I’ll probably be too busy.”

“Oh, okay.”

The alarm on my phone goes off. “I have to go, Ash. Zoe is getting out of school shortly. Kick butt at your games.”

A beat and then in a quiet voice he murmurs, “Okay, bye.”

“Bye.” I hang up, my anxiety at an all-time high, because what I’m about to do is going to change everything between Ash and me, but now that I’ve made my mind up, nothing is going to stop me.