Page 94 of The Game

“That’s all for you,” she whispers to me.

It sure doesn’t hurt having an NHL player on site for your opening day, but this place is perfection. She’d be successful no matter what. I’m just here for a little boost. Get some extra bodies in the door. Once they’ve tried her amazing drinks and the scones that I would literally kill for, they’ll be as addicted to her as I am. Fine by me as long as they keep their hands on their drinks and away from what’s mine.

The place was packed all day, and everyone is exhausted when she flips the sign back to closed. It was more exhausting than a day at training camp.

“That was incredible,” she says, eyes shining.

“You were incredible.” I dip my head down, meeting her lips in a lingering kiss that leaves me tingling all over.

She breaks it, a guilty look on her face, hustling to the back room.

A moment later, Kyle and Autumn are heading out the front door. They were amazing too. The customers loved them. They might not look like typical hockey fans, but they were pretty excited to meet me. And I walked in on more than one conversation throughout the day about the Wheeler’s prospects this season.

Coffee and hockey. Who knew it would make such a great combination? But then again, Jazz and I are perfect for each other, so why wouldn’t our jobs mesh just as well?

I’ve got my hands on her hips, and I’m kissing a trail up the back of her neck as we’re walking down the gray carpeted hall to our condo unit. I found one nice and close to her cafe. It’s not that far from the arena, but proximity to her place was the most important factor.

“Cole, stop it!”

Her words are more serious than teasing, and I pull back. “But I’ve been waiting for this all day.” I’m not above begging. I usually make her do the begging, but I’m pretty desperate to feel her underneath me right now.

“Well, you’re going to have to wait a little while longer.”

“Why?”

She swings the door open.

“Dad?” I see him first. He looks better than I’ve ever seen him. I wanted him to move to Detroit, but he wasn’t having it. Said his home is in Florida and always will be, so I used my signing bonus as a down payment to buy him his own house there. Now he’s only working one job and his skin is brighter, no dark circles under his eyes from working long nights and days. I’m so happy I’m able to do that for him. He sacrificed so much for me and my sisters over the years. He deserves it.

“Hey, son.” He pulls me into a rough hug, then I spot my sisters over his shoulder.

“Lissa? Bella?” I untangle myself from my dad, turning to Jazz. “You did this? For me?”

She smiles and nods, and I have to blink a few times to clear away the tears that are burning the back of my eyes. With everything she had going on. All the last-minute detailsto get her cafe open. The stress she’s been under with the city inspection and the hiring and the delay with the espresso machine. In between all of that, she arranged for my dad and sisters to come out for a visit.

“I wanted to get them out yesterday so they could be there for opening day, but the flight times didn’t work, but they’re here now. They can’t stay for your season opener because of the girls’ school schedules, but this seemed like the next best option.”

I hug each of my sisters in turn and then scoop Jazz back up, spinning her around. “This is the best option. I wouldn’t have had any time with them if they’d come during the beginning of the season. This way I can take them for a little sightseeing. We can go out for dinner. And they can visit the number one cafe in the city.”

“Yes, Jazz. We can’t wait to come to Pucks and Grinds. Cole’s been sending us pictures. It looks amazing.”

“It is amazing, Liss. Like I said. Best cafe in Detroit.” I turn to Jazz. “You couldn’t get any of your family out?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Gen, Gisele, and Caro are all going to come for your home opener. They’re very interested in the hot hockey guys.”

“But they’re all married or engaged.”

“Oh, they’re not going to let a little thing like that stop them from checking out all the hockey butts. Their words, not mine.”

I lean in to whisper in her ear. “Only one hockey butt for you.” Her skin ripples under my hands and she leans back into me.

“Yup. Now stop it. Your family is here.”

“Gross. Break it up,” Liss says, so I reluctantly pull away.

“Now. I didn’t have time to make anything for dinner, what with the opening and all, but we’re going to order in. We can get anything you want. It’s on Cole.” She winks at me.

“Of course. Sky’s the limit. You can get McDonald’s or Burger King. Whatever. Singles only. No doubles or anything. I’m not some NHLer or something. Oh wait. Yes, I am. Steak and Lobster for all.”

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