Page 52 of Stick Play

“Go Ash, go!” Zoe and Grant scream and pound against the glass. He doesn’t hear them, as his focus is on the game, but Zoe is jumping up and down right beside Camryn who’s screaming for Noah.

Brighton nudges me. “Zoe looks cute in that jersey.”

I nod. “When we stayed overnight, they didn’t have clothes to wear. It’s kind of huge on her, but she refused to take it off.”

“Camryn told me all about it. Sounds like it was a fun night for them.”

“They really enjoy his games room,” I agree, and try to focus on the ice so my friend can’t see how much fun the night was for me too. “They loved the pool table and pinball machine.”

“I bet they did.”

I can feel Mel’s eyes drilling into the back of my head as I turn to face Brighton, working hard to school my features as I redirect the conversation. “I’m glad I could take them for you so you could enjoy the Caribbean.”

“I’m always here to take Zoe if you need a break, or want to go on a trip. You and Ash both missed out. Maybe you two will want to make up for missing the Caribbean.”

I snort at that, even though a trip to the Caribbean with Ash sounds like the most magical adventure ever. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.” I hold out my fingers and start listing the reasons. “The café, staff sickness over the winter, Zoe’s schedule.”

A moment of silence and then Brighton says, “Okay, Gina, we’ve been dying to know what’s going on between you two.”

My heart leaps. Dammit, I was a fool to think I could hide anything from these two?

“Basically, what she’s asking…” Mel begins, and wags her brows. “Did you play in any of his rooms and were there balls involved?”

I burst out laughing, half embarrassed and totally caught off guard by her blatant sexual words. But then I quickly sober and turn to see if Grant heard her. He’s busy laughing with the girls and I’m pretty sure he’s out of earshot. I relax a bit.

“You did not just ask me that?” Heat rushes into my cheeks, despite the coolness in the rink. Damn, I wish I was better at controlling my emotions—being nonchalant—but this is Melanie we’re talking about. A trained psychologist who can see things for what they really are. Even though I have no idea what things really are between Ash and me. Not anymore, anyway. The line is so blurry, I’m going to need bifocals to see it. God, this is getting complicated and that’s the last thing Ash and I ever wanted. Maybe I should just end this…now.

“Oh, I did ask,” Mel says and glances around me to see Brighton, a smug knowing look on her face. She snorts out a laugh. “Forget it, Brighton. She doesn’t need to answer, it’s all over her face.”

Brighton snickers. “I bet there was something all over her face.”

“Ohmigod.” My head rears back as the two women laugh. “Am I in a guys’ locker room right now?” I shake my head. “What is happening?” I glance at the ice. “Marriage.” I roll my eyes and groan. “Your men have corrupted you both.” Honestly though, marriage looks good on them, and maybe I’m a little envious at what they have.

Brighton grins and nudges me. “Yeah and we love it. You should try it sometime.”

Yeah, maybe you should, Gina.

“I’d have to be in a relationship, first.”

“Still not admitting anything out loud, huh?” Mel teases and hits me with her shoulder. “For the record, sex is a form of a relationship. It’s okay, you don’t have to use words. We know what’s going on, and don’t worry, it can be your little secret.”

Brighton leans in. “And ours.”

“And also for the record,” Mel continues. “You two are perfect for each other.”

“Perfect,” Brighton agrees.

“Guys—” I begin.

“You know, I don’t remember the last time I saw Ash this happy. When he was with…” Brighton pauses and cringes. “Well, let’s not say her name out loud. Actually, I haven’t seen him with anyone in a long, long time.”

“Whatever happened last summer in your kitchen,” Mel says with a low whistle. “Must have rocked his world, because that man isn’t looking at any woman but you.”

Just then Noah gets a goal and we all jump to our feet and cheer. Zoe and Camryn are going crazy dancing around like fools, and it’s completely adorable. From the corner of the ice, I spot movement coming our way, and I turn and catch Ash skating right at us, but it’s the way he’s looking at me, and the small, promising grin on his face that steals the air from my lungs, and teases the needy juncture between my legs. He skates up to the glass and bangs on it in front of the girls and they go crazy.

So does my heart.

I sigh, wishing my emotions weren’t on a roller coaster today. Who am I kidding? They’ve been on a roller coaster since he fixed my air conditioner last summer. He’s all I’ve been able to think about this last year, which is why I’ve kept my distance. But those walls shattered when he showed up and helped at the café. Ash Wheeler is anything but an Ash-hole and it’s possible that I could be in a lot of trouble.

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