Page 7 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

I smooth back her hair, wishing I could grant her request. “I’m sorry, pumpkin, that’s just not possible right now. But, hey, today you get to come with me to the ice rink until it’s time for school. We’ll have a blast together,” I say brightly, trying to inject some enthusiasm despite the guilt swirling in my gut.

She gazes at me for a long moment before finally asking in a small voice, “Can I bring Mr. Whiskers?”

“Mr. Whiskers is always welcome,” I assure, relieved to see excitement rekindling behind the sheen of tears. Crisis seemingly averted, at least for now. If only I could get a sitter.

“And I don’t hafta wear the itchy sweater?” She scrunches her nose worriedly.

“No itchy sweaters today, I promise.” I squeeze her hand, then set her back into the bed. “You can pick out your favorite outfit while I get ready. Maybe those leggings with the rainbows you love?”

“Okay, Daddy,” she chirps, a spark of excitement finally glimmering in her eyes. “But I get to pick my own breakfast because Gemma’s not here, right?”

I laugh softly. “Within reason, baby girl.”

Myra slides off the bed to rifle through her clothes, seeming to accept our new reality even if it’s not her first choice. I take a deep breath and head to my room to finish getting ready for this unexpected day, hoping I can be half as adaptable as my daughter. That’s when the doorbell rings, a simple chime that feels like the starting buzzer of a hockey game I’m unprepared for.

I shuffle down the stairs, raking a hand through my hair, trying futilely to brush off the lingering stress. When I swing open the door, I’m definitely not ready for the woman standing on my doorstep.

Chapter Four

Tyberius

The woman standing before me seems to materialize from a daydream. She’s a goddess gracing my doorstep. My mouth goes dry, my words lost in the wake of her arrival, as I stand there, utterly blindsided by her beauty.

She steals my breath away. Heart-shaped face with radiant, flawless olive skin that begs to be touched, lush mouth curved knowingly, sleek hair tumbling over one shoulder . . . I can barely tear my gaze away. Her dark eyes lock with mine, holding a gaze that’s both deliberate and teasing. It’s as if she’s fully aware of the chaos her presence instigates, finding amusement in my uncharacteristic fumbling.

I find myself ensnared, unable to divert my gaze, each detail of her appearance imprinted in my memory with undeniable clarity.

Stop gawking, Brynes. She’s probably some lost college girl or . . . Who is she? It doesn’t matter. She’s too young for you. Don’t be a fucking creep, just get rid of her. You have things to do.

Finally, I clear my throat, managing a greeting, “Umm, can I help you?” Mentally kicking myself for sounding like a tongue-tied teenager.

Full lips quirk into a knowing smile and my pulse trips. “It’s not how you can help me, but what I can do for you. I’m Indigo Walker.” Her voice holds a throaty confidence with an undertone of sass that sets me instantly on edge. “Jude sent me. It sounds like you could use my expertise.”

Indigo Walker. The name clicks, along with the realization that this is the person who’s been coordinating the team’s relocation. I’ve heard her name in numerous conversations. We were on the phone a few times and I’ve received her emails, but we’ve never met in person. Until now.

I look over my shoulder scanning my big ass house. This is the woman who screwed me over.

“And what exactly did Jude send you for?” I ask sharply, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to regain some control. “He said you’d be finding me a nanny right away. So why are you here?”

“He said that, huh?” Her full, well-groomed eyebrow arches in amusement. “Well, I’m here to be your knight in shining armor, obviously.”

I scoff, the irritation bubbling up. “Not sure if I can trust you with this.”

She tosses her dark hair, eyes flashing. “I’m your only hope, Tyberius Nolan Brynes. You can’t afford to push me away.”

My scowl deepens at the use of my full name. “You’re the reason I’m in this mess. Finding a house was a nightmare.” I gesture at the expansive space. “This place could fit ten people when there’s only two of us.”

She has the audacity to laugh, full and throaty. It’s so fucking hard not to find her sexy and not wanting to push her against the wall and punish her with a kiss. Teach her . . . Whoa, this isn’t where I should direct my thoughts. What is happening to me?

Sure, she’s beautiful but also too young and a stranger who supposedly will be helping me with my current dilemma.

Keep your hands and mouth to yourself, Brynes.

“Firstly, I’m excellent at my job, thank you very much. The housing debacle was a miscommunication.” She ticks the points off on her fingers. “You didn’t mention needing less space until after you moved into the house. Not my responsibility after the fact.”

I open my mouth to argue, but she barrels on, stepping closer. Her sassy smile widens. “Your daughter is almost six. That’s school-age, and we have other arrangements for kids her age. However, you never filled out the questionnaire I sent, hence why it was so hard to help you the way I did your other teammates. Obviously, I wasn’t aware that there wasn’t a mother. And as for the nanny emergency, consider me your temporary solution. Jude thinks I can handle it, and I agree.”

She brushes past me in a whiff of jasmine and sandalwood, breezing through the front door uninvited. “So, Tyberius, let me work my magic while you go back to sulking.”

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