Tangled with the Tight End (Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe)

Chapter 6

six

NORAH

The Next Day

After parking in front of the lodge, I collect the stock for the shop and brace against the cold chill. As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, the temperatures are dropping, and the threat of snow is increasing.

Even though the wind whips and swirls around the cart, the day is beautiful. The sun beams off the snowcapped mountain top blinding my eyes. But the swooping bald eagle that flies around its nest, with white puff clouds in the background, caps off the majestic view.

Why would anyone not love it here? The doors slide open, and I rush inside to avoid the cold. Okay, maybe if you aren’t a fan of bone-chilling cold and snow sledding, you might not love it. I shiver as the warmth of the lobby seeps past my winter coat, scarf, and fuzzy earmuffs.

“Morning, Norah.” Rose waves from the front desk.

“Good morning. Sold out?”

“Of course.” She beams and taps her nails on the keyboard with a click, clacking sound and returns her attention to the headset, speaking into the microphone.

When I pass by the seating area in front of the oversized fireplace, I grin. Gino is plopped on a sofa with his legs poked out in front of him. The boy is adorable. His father…not so much.

Although, I can’t complain about his behavior last night. He was pleasant and didn’t freak out over Eden and his brother trying to set us up. Those are points in his favor.

Where is he? I glance around the lobby’s seating area, taking in the sofa, recliners, and non-decorated evergreen trees. Surely, he didn’t leave Gino alone. Again.

Gabriel walks around a pole in the center of the room, shoves his cell phone into his pocket, and approaches his son. Gino shows him the book he was flipping through as his father joins him on the sofa.

Do. Not. Swoon. I jerk my head around and deliver my goods to Clarissa, who chatters about lodge business. As the manager of the shop, I leave her in charge and only bring deliveries and random spot checks of services. Clarissa is good at her job. She’s friendly and up-sells more frequently than not. But she can be a busybody.

As I hand her the last tray of scones, she leans across the counter. “Did you see Mr. Hottie over there?”

“Which one?” I spin around but only find Gabriel with his son. He glances up as I stare at him. Shit. I shift my attention back to Clarissa.

“You saw him. The man is dreamy. I heard he’s Marco’s brother. There’s a decent resemblance between them. Did you know his wife left him for another football player? Can you imagine? Who would leave that guy for someone else?” She rocks back onto her heels. “Why am I telling you this? Of course, you know. You’ve been best friends with Eden for years.” She rolls her eyes and rests her hip against the counter. “So, tell me about him. Is he available?”

I straighten my spine. “That isn’t appropriate. You’re here to conduct business and not gossip about the guests.”

“You’re right.” Her cheeks tinge with pink. “But he’s a sexy one. And that little guy, he’s sweet enough to eat.” She pretends to zip her mouth shut. “But I’m minding my own business.” Her eyes twinkle as she puts away a tray of baked goods. “For now.”

Damn her. I close the cart buckles with more force than necessary.

She arches her eyebrow. “Unless you’re staking your claim on him.”

“I’m not staking a claim on anything. It’s just rude to talk about people like they’re objects.” Lord, who am I talking big shit, when I drool every time I get near him.

“Duly noted.” She returns to her work as I push the cart into the lobby.

What’s wrong with me? Yes, I don’t like my staff gossiping when they should be working, but getting irritated at Clarissa? That’s a bit much.

Fine, I feel responsible for ensuring Gabriel gets a warm welcome and talking about his wife leaving him is not something he probably wants people whispering about behind his back. But I only care because of Eden and Marco. He’s not my responsibility.

“Norah.” Gino launches off the sofa and runs full speed to me.

“Hey, Gino.” I stop pushing the cart and grab him into my arms, swinging his feet off the ground. “How’re you today?” This little guy has been through a lot, and while I don’t know him well, it’s clear he has a big heart and didn’t deserve his mother leaving him behind.

“I good.” He pulls back and grins. “You?”

“Yes, I’m good. Thank you for asking.” I set his feet on the ground and ruffle his hair as Gabriel approaches us.

“Hello, Norah.” Gabriel’s deep voice sends my stomach flipping and heat settling in places best left to the imagination. Especially since I just got onto Clarissa one minute ago for objectifying him.

“Hey.” I give him a half-wave.

His dark gray T-shirt stretches along his biceps and hugs his abs. The shirt is combined with a matching pair of jogging shorts. I fight not to swallow my tongue. It’s hard to believe I didn’t notice he was drop-dead gorgeous the first time I ran into him.

“Bringing another delivery?”

“Yes.” That’s it? Yes? That’s all I can say? My mind is blank. I swallow hard over the dryness in my mouth. This conversation is as awkward as last night’s dinner. I’m usually not this horrible at small talk.

“I saw you this time, so I stayed back.” He folds his arms over his chest, and my gaze stays rooted on his forearms. They’re massive and corded with thick veins. Where else is he this stacked?

Oh, my God. I jerk my attention back to his eyes. “What?”

“I saw you this time and stayed out of your way so you wouldn’t run into me.”

“Oh….” My cheeks heat as I swipe my hands on my jeans. Wake up. “That was a good idea. I wouldn’t want to hurt you again.”

“I was jarred more than hurt.” He unfolds his arms and rakes a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t on my game that day.”

“It’s fine.” I shrug. “You don’t have to explain to me.”

He glances over his shoulder at Gino, who’s back on the sofa, this time with a tablet on his lap. As if he’s satisfied his son is occupied, he returns his attention to me.

“It isn’t fine. I was rude, and it was uncalled for. Even if you weren’t Eden’s best friend….” He grins, and the hairs on my arm stand. Thank God I still have on my coat, or there’d be no mistaking that I’m lighting up around him like a Christmas tree. “It would still be uncalled for. I’m not usually impolite.”

“Not good for the reputation?”

He chuckles. “You don’t hold back, do you?”

Yes, I typically do. But for some reason, this man puts me on edge.

“Yes and no. I try to keep a solid reputation because of my career. But I’m typically not an ass.” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “Or at least I didn’t think I was, but when Sloane left Gino with me and took off, I realized I’d treated him like an afterthought. And I had no idea how to be a parent.”

“I’m sure that’s been rough.” Gino pumps his arm as he wins something in his game. Who wouldn’t want to raise this kid?

“Don’t pretend you approve. I disapprove.” His face is serious as he says, “Sloane was a cleat chaser. I fucked up, got her pregnant, and did the right thing. But not for the right reason. Anyway, until we got here, he called me, ‘Sir,’ which I deserved, but it grated on my nerves.” He shrugs. “Adding to my already shitty time of being injured and itching to get back with my team. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you or excuse my attitude, but I wanted you to know. I’m trying not to be an asshole, and it had nothing to do with you.”

“Thank you for telling me. Even though none of that is any of my business.”

He nods stiffly. “Yeah.”

I grab his bicep. “I’m sorry. Everything I say to you comes off as holier than though, and I don’t mean that either. I’m not a judgmental bitch.” The heat from his skin singes everything from my fingertips to my belly. But I can’t let go. “You’re doing great with Gino. You might not have always been there for him, but you are now. That’s what’s important.”

“Thank you.” Some of the stiffness in his shoulders eases, but his body remains on edge.

I’m still holding his arm. I drop my hand to my side, instantly missing his heat. Now what? We’ve both apologized. And…. Now what?

Nothing. He’s Marco’s brother, and he’s headed back to the pros as soon as he gets the green light.

“I need to get to work.”

“Oh, right.” He jumps back, putting more space between us. “I’ll see you around.”

“You, too.” I grab the cart handle.

Clarissa yells, “Norah?” I spin on my heel and cringe as she says, “Duly noted.”

Fuck. I look like such a hypocrite.