Page 35 of Gross Misconduct

“No. You focus on the game tonight. You’re going to have enough on your plate. I’ll deal with this.”

If looks could kill, I’d be dead by a thousand cuts. And if I didn’t stay out of trouble, I had a feeling I was next to go on the trading block.

Chapter Eighteen

Jill

Getting a dog wasn’t going to solve the Orla problem. I watched the Vegas game with Tangi at her place and listened to the booing every time Jeremy touched the puck. Thankfully, news of Orla leaving Lex hadn’t made its way to fans yet. If it had, I was pretty sure Coach Anthony wouldn’t even have dressed Jeremy to avoid any incidents.

The Kodiaks lost the game. Maybe the booing and the situation had gotten into their heads, not to mention the two prior losses. Whatever the case, the panel between periods had been more than kind to Jeremy with the exception of the one commentator I had doubts about. He questioned Jeremy’s judgment at length and wondered aloud—of course—if that had factored into Lex’s problems. Fortunately, the other commentators pushed back, but it was out there.

Tangi passed me Maddy as she got up to get more snacks, not that I was interested in eating. I played peek-a-boo with her, which elicited laughter. When that was over, I stuck my tongue out at her, which made her erupt in more laughter. WhenTangi returned with more dip for veggies, she took a long look at me and smiled.

“Have you ever thought about having kids?”

“No.” That was an easy question to answer. After what I’d endured, there was no way I thought I had the capacity for being a decent parent. What role model did I have?

“Why not?” she asked, as Maddy rubbed her tired eyes. Tangi had already mentioned that it was past her bedtime, but Maddy seemed interested in how the whole “Jeremy in Vegas” situation would play out. Could I blame the kid?

“Because I’d be a terrible mom,” I said, getting up and walking Maddy around while gently rocking her. I’d done this before, and Maddy was usually down for the count within minutes.

“How do you know that? Please tell me you aren’t basing this on your mom,” she said, dipping a cucumber wedge into the dip.

“History repeats itself.”

Tangi’s hazel eyes opened wide. “You don’t believe that for a second. Look how you broke the cycle. You’re successful and look at how you’re caring for Maddy. You’re a natural.”

“I have been caring for Maddy for five minutes.”

“And she’s asleep,” Tangi said as if proving some point.

I looked down, and the little stinker was dozing away. “Doing this for one evening is one thing. Doing it for a lifetime is a whole other thing.”

She took a sleeping Maddy from my arms and said she’d be right back. I plopped down on her plush cream sofa and pondered what she’d said. Not once had I ever considered motherhood because there was no one in my life I wanted to have a family with. Part of me assumed I’d be single forever, and I was perfectly happy with that. I’d always been focused onmy career and making something of my life. Kids weren’t even optional.

Tangi returned and seemed primed to resume our discussion. I groaned when she brought it up again.

“I get that you think you’d suck at it because your brain is so focused on your shitty home life. But you’re assuming you’d be doing it alone. Look and me and Ethan. He’s an amazing dad.”

Now she had me confused. “Last time I checked, I’m single.”

“True. Sort of. But I think you like Jeremy.”

I snorted out a laugh. So that’s where she had been heading with this? “Right now, Jeremy and I have bigger things to worry about.”

“A-ha! I was right,” she said, pointing at me.

I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t say you were right. Nor did I imply it. He’s a good guy, but I’m not interested in a relationship.” And no way was I going to tell her about the super-hot kisses we’d exchanged. All that would do was fire her up even more.

“If this helps, I see the way he looks at you too. I’ve known him a long time. Even Ethan has noticed.”

I covered my face with my hands in frustration. “Are you two talking about this all the time? And please tell me you haven’t broached this with Jeremy.”

“No, of course not. But the two of you are going to get a dog together. And let me make this very clear. A dog is a lifetime commitment. After this stunt is over, the two of you better not dump this dog back at the shelter, because if you do, I’m ending my friendship with both of you.”

I loved that she was always my conscience, but this time I had it covered. “No. I thought this through before I proposed the idea with Jeremy. One way or another, our dog will alwayshave a home with one of us. I’m actually looking forward to having a dog.” And that was all true. I couldn’t wait to bring my new dog home. The thought that he or she would always be happy to see me was the main reason I wanted one.

Tangi popped another cucumber wedge in her mouth. “Interesting. It’s almost like your nurturing side is coming out. You know, most couples adopt a pet before taking the plunge.”

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