Twin Babies for my Pucking Defenders (Chicago Icebreakers #2)

16. Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Jade

Sitting on Millie’s couch, I bury my face in my hands and groan. “I’m such an idiot.”

Millie looks up from the baby bottle she’s filling and raises an eyebrow. “What’d you do this time?”

“I was talking to Coach Nate about assessing his players tomorrow, and then I asked what Sadie’s mom thought about his birthday plans. I forgot she’s dead, Millie. I can’t believe I said that to him.”

Millie’s eyes widen, and she lets out a low whistle. “Yeah, that’s…that’s pretty bad. But, hey, it was just a slip-up. We all say dumb shit sometimes.”

“Dumb shit? That was a monumental fuck-up,” I mutter, shaking my head. “He looked like I’d punched him in the gut. I feel terrible. There’s gotta be some way to make it right.”

Millie shrugs as Peanut, her dog, yaps at Shadow who lazily swipes at him from the couch. “Maybe you can help him out with the birthday planning. Offer a suggestion or something.”

I snort. “Yeah, because I’m an expert on what twelve-year-olds like these days. What do they even do for fun? Play video games?”

Millie chuckles, sliding the bottle into the pump. “When I was twelve, I was obsessed with making videos. My dad set up this whole booth in the basement where I could pretend to be a TV host. But every kid’s different. Maybe Sadie’s into horror movies like you are or something.”

“Yeah, or maybe she’s secretly training to be a professional wrestler,” I joke half-heartedly. “I’ve got no fucking clue. Maybe Declan or Finn would have an idea?”

“They’re busy right now. Declan’s working out with Finn, and Chase is on daddy duty with the twins,” Millie says with a laugh as she starts pumping breast milk.

“Is it weird being a mom?” I ask, watching her with a mixture of awe and curiosity. The whole concept of having kids is so foreign to me, like another planet I’ve never visited.

Millie looks thoughtful for a moment. “Not really. It’s…different, but I love it. Having the babies around is kind of amazing, and Declan and Finn are such a big help. I feel like we’re a team, you know?”

I laugh, the sound a bit more bitter than I intend. “Yeah, well, I’m not exactly in the market for kids right now. Between my career taking off and whatever the hell is going on with Carter and Axel, I’m all over the place.”

Millie gives me a reassuring smile. “You’ll figure it out. Don’t stress. Just take things one step at a time.”

My phone buzzes on the couch next to me. I pick it up and see a text from Carter: Open to viewing Gold Coast right now if you are.

I hesitate, glancing at Millie. “Carter wants to go check out the apartments. But I was supposed to hang with you today…”

Millie waves me off, a teasing grin on her face. “Girl, between three men, three kids, and a dog, I’m probably just going to take a nap. Go check out the apartments. Shadow can stay here and keep Peanut company.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, feeling a bit guilty about bailing on her.

“Absolutely,” Millie insists, giving me a wink. “Go have fun.”

I lean over and hug her, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. “Thanks, Millie. You’re the best.”

She laughs as I text Carter back: On second thought, I’m available.

His reply comes almost instantly: Cool. Meet you there?

Me: Sounds good.

I shove my phone into my bag and stand up, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in my stomach. “Guess I’m off to Gold Coast then.”

“Good luck,” Millie calls after me as I head for the door.

As I step outside, the ever-present Chicago wind hits my face, and I take a deep breath. I’m still kicking myself for the stupid comment I made to Coach Nate, but maybe Millie’s right. Maybe there’s a way to fix it. Or at least make it less awful.

I just have to figure out what the hell a twelve-year-old girl would want for her birthday.

As I drive to the apartment complex, I can’t stop my mind from racing. Carter seems excited about this place. I think he might actually like it.

Pulling up to Gold Coast, I spot Carter leaning against his car, looking annoyingly perfect in his casual jeans and a white t-shirt. His eyes meet mine, and a slow smile spreads across his face as I approach.

“Hey, you made it,” he says, straightening up.

“Yeah, sorry about the delay. I was with Millie,” I reply, trying to sound casual.

“No worries. Ready to check this place out?” He gestures toward the sleek, modern building behind him.

“Lead the way,” I say, following him inside.

The apartment is stunning, all sleek lines and floor-to-ceiling windows with a view that could take your breath away. Carter’s walking me through the space, pointing out features, but I’m only half-listening. My mind’s still stuck on Sadie’s birthday, the way Coach Nate’s face fell when I mentioned her mom. The guilt is gnawing at me like a damn rat, and I can’t shake it.

“What do you think?” Carter asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“It’s…it’s nice. Really nice,” I say, running a hand along the marble countertop in the kitchen. It’s sleek, expensive-looking. Just like everything else in here.

Carter moves closer, his body heat wrapping around me. “Nice, huh?” His lips graze my ear, voice dropping to that low, gravelly tone that sends a shiver through me. “I can see myself eating you out right here on this counter. What do you think, baby?”

I suck in a breath, feeling his hand slide up my thigh, pushing my leopard mini skirt higher. My heart skips a beat. Damn him and his dirty mouth. I smile into his kiss, letting out a little sigh as his fingers dig into my skin.

But then he kisses the side of my head, his lips soft against my temple, and pulls back. “You’re distracted,” he says, watching me. “What’s up?”

“It’s nothing,” I murmur, looking away. I don’t wanna get into it right now, not when he’s got me all twisted up.

He cups my cheek, tilting my head so I’m looking right at him. “We’re fuck buddies, yeah, but we’re also friends. If something’s bothering you, just tell me, baby.”

I look into his gorgeous eyes, that deep blue that’s got me melting a little more every time he looks at me. My lips twitch, and I lean up to kiss him again—until someone clears their throat behind us.

We turn, and there she is. The realtor. She’s gorgeous, of course—tall, blonde hair pulled back in this perfect high ponytail, makeup flawless, and wearing a tight little red dress that hugs her curves like a damn glove.

“Hi there! Sorry to interrupt,” she says, her smile a little too bright. “I’m Olivia, your realtor for today.” She holds out her hand, and Carter strides over to shake it, his grip firm. I catch the way her eyes widen, taking him in like he’s a damn steak dinner. And something claws in my chest. Mine, mine, mine.

I push that shit down. I don’t have time for this.

Olivia starts talking about the house, all this real estate mumbo jumbo, and I try to keep up. But she’s subtly flirting with Carter, her hand brushing his arm, laughing a little too hard at his jokes. And he—he doesn’t even seem to notice. Typical.

I catch his gaze, and he grins, draping his arm around me like he’s staking his claim. The feel of him, warm and solid against my side, sends a spark of something through me. I hate that I like it.

We make our way through the house—living room, dining room, bathrooms. I nod along, but my eyes are mostly on Carter. He’s got that focused look, his jaw set like he’s weighing every little detail. And Olivia’s trailing behind us, eyes glued to his ass. I swear, I’ll claw her eyes out.

We get to the bedroom, and Carter turns to me. “What do you think?”

“It’s gorgeous,” I say, glancing around. “The place is gorgeous.”

“Yeah?” He doesn’t look convinced. “You sure?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

He faces Olivia. “I’ll take it.”

Her eyes widen, a smile spreading across her face. “Wonderful! I’ll contact the landlord and get the paperwork started.” She’s buzzing with excitement, and I can tell she’s already imagining a hefty commission.

As soon as Olivia steps out of the room, Carter closes the door behind her and turns the lock with a soft click. My breath hitches. Oh. Oh, shit.

“What are you doing?” I ask, my voice coming out more breathless than I intend. He’s got that sly smile, the one that says he’s up to no good.

“I think you know exactly what I’m planning to do,” he murmurs, stalking toward me like a goddamn predator.

I put a hand on his chest, trying to play it cool. “How about you tell me why you’re moving?”

He laughs, that deep, sexy rumble that vibrates through my whole body. “ Láska , I think I’m a little too distracted right now for small talk. And you are too. So, let’s fix that.”

I shake my head, still trying to resist. “Carter, the realtor will be back in a few minutes…”

He cuts me off, his lips crashing against mine, stealing my breath. “Can you please shut up so I can make you come?” he growls against my lips.

I’m torn between laughing and moaning. “You’re impossible,” I mutter.

He grins. “Yeah, and you fucking love it.”

His hands slide under my skirt, grabbing my ass, lifting me up onto the edge of the window pane. I gasp as he pushes my legs apart, his mouth finding that sensitive spot on my neck that always drives me wild. He knows exactly what he’s doing, damn him.

“Carter,” I whisper, my head tipping back as he nips at my skin. “We don’t have time for this.”

“We’ve got plenty of time,” he says, his voice low and thick with desire. “Just relax, baby.”

His fingers hook into the sides of my panties, pulling them down in one smooth motion. The cool air hits my bare skin, and I shiver, my body already arching toward him.

“Fuck, you’re wet,” he mutters, slipping a finger inside me, making me gasp. “You like this, don’t you? Knowing she’s right outside, clueless as hell.”

“Carter,” I moan, my hips rocking against his hand.

“Say it,” he demands, adding another finger, curling them just right.

“I—fuck—yeah, I like it,” I admit, my voice breaking on the last word.

He grins, looking way too pleased with himself. “Good girl.”

I’m losing it. My hands are in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more. His mouth finds mine again, tongue sliding against mine in a hot, dirty kiss. Fuck, he knows how to work me up.

His fingers move faster, and I can feel that tension building, coiling tight in my belly. I’m right on the edge when…

There’s a knock at the door. “Mr. Carter?” Olivia’s voice, too cheerful. “I’ve got the paperwork here for you to sign.”

My eyes fly open, and I freeze. “Shit, shit, shit.”

Carter chuckles, not slowing down for a damn second. “Keep quiet, baby,” he whispers, lips brushing my ear. “Or she’s gonna know exactly what we’re doing.”

I bite my lip, trying to stifle a moan, but I’m so close, so damn close. His thumb finds my clit, and I’m done for. My body tenses, my legs trembling, and I come hard, my back arching upwards as I bite down on my fist to keep from screaming.

Carter’s grinning like the devil himself. “Good girl,” he murmurs, easing me through it, his fingers still working me until I’m a shaking mess.

I’m breathless, trying to pull myself together. “You’re an asshole,” I whisper, but there’s no heat behind it.

He laughs, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “And you fucking love it.”

I swat his chest, trying not to smile. “Go sign your damn paperwork before she comes in here and catches us.”

He chuckles, sliding his fingers out of me and licking them clean with a wicked grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

I roll my eyes, trying to act annoyed, but my body’s still buzzing. Damn him and his magic hands.

Carter unlocks the door and steps out, and I can hear Olivia’s overly cheerful voice. “Oh, there you are! Everything all right?”

“Yeah,” he says smoothly. “Just needed a moment.”

I catch a glimpse of him through the crack in the door, all cool and composed like he didn’t just have me coming apart at the seams. He signs the paperwork, nodding along to whatever she’s saying, but his eyes flick to me every now and then, and there’s this heat there, this promise of more.

And damn it, I’m already counting down the minutes until we’re alone again.

When Olivia finally leaves, Carter strolls back in, locking the door behind him. “Now, where were we?” he asks, eyes gleaming.

“Right about here,” I say, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down for another kiss.

Because screw it. If I’m gonna be distracted, might as well make it worth my while.