Defensive Daddy: A Bad Boy Hockey Romance Read online

  Samantha’s eyes widened. “You proposed after your son was born, and she ended the relationship instead?”

  “Well, when you put it like that...” I pretended to mull it over. “Yeah, that’s exactly what she did.”

  “What a cruel thing to do.”

  “Always the politically correct one, huh?” I teased, nudging her knee with mine. “I prefer to say it was a bitch move, but who am I to judge?”

  “Judge away,” Samantha replied with a smirk. “Sounds like you’ve earned the right.” She paused to take another sip of wine. “I guess I just don’t get it.”

  I leaned back against the couch, letting out a breath. “Get what?”

  Straight faced, Samantha lowered her glass. “Not wanting to be with a superhero. I mean, really?” Then, she winked.

  I’m telling you, it took everything I had not to kiss the hell out of her right then and there.

  Instead, I scoffed. “I know, right? I mean, and I’m a highly attractive domestic god to boot.” I held up my hands in surrender. “Your words, not mine.”

  “I’m not going to live that one down, am I?”

  “Not any time soon, pretty lady. I liked the way it sounded way too much.”

  She held the glass to her lips, staring at me in silence over the rim of it, then took another drink. “I kind of like the way that sounded, too.”

  “What?”

  “You calling me pretty,” she explained, a hint of pink in her cheeks.

  I leaned forward a bit, a devilish smile on my face. “I told you before, Samantha, I just call it like I see it.”

  The pink tinge deepened quickly into a fiery crimson.

  I watched her a moment longer, relishing in the reaction I’d caused, then sat up straight. “I should probably go,” I sighed. “You must be exhausted.”

  Samantha looked suddenly alarmed, and I knew what she must be thinking—that she’d said or done something to turn me away.

  It was easy to recognize blatant insecurity when you harbored it yourself. Anyone who’d ever been hurt by someone knew that kind of doubt.

  I didn’t want to come across as disrespectful, and I certainly didn’t want to cross any lines, but I reached out and patted her knee gently. “This was nice, Samantha. Tonight, I mean.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, it was.”

  Her gaze kept flitting down to my mouth, and if she was trying to hide it, she wasn’t doing a very good job. Goddamn it, she was silently begging for me to kiss her. I could see it. Hell, I could feel it. The want. The need. The chemistry.

  But, I couldn’t risk giving her a reason to jump to the conclusion that I was on the rebound. Wait, I scolded myself. She needs time to trust you.

  “And I thought I’d already had an awesome day with Little Man Levi.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “He’s a good kid, Samantha. You should be proud.”

  “I am. And thank you for staying with him. I’m sure it’s not your idea of an ideal day.”

  Mentioning Levi seemed to have rescued her from her embarrassment, and I stood up, offering a hand to help her up from the couch, too. “Let me tell you something. I was raised with two sisters. Trust me when I say that getting to hang out with Levi and play trucks and superheroes is much closer to my ideal day than the hair barrettes and makeup and Barbie dolls I’ve been subjected to in the past.” I pointed a finger at her, daring her to laugh. “And, believe me, contrary to what you might think, pink is not my color.” I gave her a wink. “Not having my own son around all the time is hard, Samantha, but getting to spend the day with Levi today—that helped. Now, walk me to the door, will you?”

  She chuckled softly, and the sound stirred something within me as I tugged her the ten feet toward the door with me. “Thank you,” she said as I pulled my shoes on. “All joking aside, thank you. You were a lifesaver today.”

  “A real, live Superman,” I reminded her with a wink.

  “Yes. For Levi,” she said as her eyes met mine. “And for me.”

  I felt my stomach clench at the weight of her words. Something smoldered in her eyes, and if I wasn’t careful, the fire burning in mine was going to collide with it and there’d be no going back. “I’m here, Samantha,” I promised her, my voice now hoarse. “For Levi, and for you. If you need me, for anything, I’m here.”

  “I’ll be sure to remember that.”

  I leaned forward, my hand gently grazing her forearm, and I kissed her cheek. “Do me a favor and remember that domestic god bit, too, okay? A guy can never hear that enough.”

  She turned to face me just as I pulled away from her, but I halted, my face only a breath away from hers. Heat radiated from her skin. Mixed with the desire in her eyes and the sweet scent of wine on her lips, I was suddenly intoxicated by her.

  If Samantha had planned to follow up my witty comment with something else, it was lost amongst the electricity that sizzled where my fingertips touched her arm and the fiery spark between us.

  “Goodnight, Samantha.” I breathed the words against her lips, in hopes of conveying that it was taking every ounce of restraint I had in me to leave her standing at that doorway, wine glass in hand, the breathy promise of what we could become left on her cheek.

  “Goodnight,” she whispered, still as a stone.

  I let my thumb trail lightly down her arm, and I stepped away with a sigh. I’d just told that woman about the hardships I’d recently dealt with regarding my ex and my infant son, and yet nothing seemed to compare to how difficult it was for me to walk out of that apartment, leaving the beautiful woman staring after me, especially when I could see it in her eyes that she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  SAMANTHA

  Last night, I barely slept. My mind had been racing with thoughts of Cooper and all he’d done for Levi and me without even being asked. Then, to top it off, I’d had to make things awkward just as I always did. Never fails.

  Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I threw my blankets off and forced myself out of bed. If I could have just stayed snuggled in there all day, I would have. I snuck down the hall to Levi’s room and saw my precious sleeping boy with his Superman and Spider-Man action figures tucked into bed beside him. A smile stretched across my lips, and happiness flooded my heart.

  Kissing Levi on the forehead, he barely stirred, so I quietly retreated from his room to start getting ready for the work day.

  My phone vibrated briefly, alerting me that I had a text message. Looking at the screen, I saw it was from Ethan. My heart dropped into my stomach.

  Please don’t cancel on him again...

  Ethan: I’ll be there at 7:30 to pick up Levi.

  Well, holy shit, I thought to myself. Tuesday was already off to a surprisingly pleasant start.

  Fresh out of the shower with a towel still wrapped around me, I heard a knock at the door and quickly grabbed my phone. I clicked the middle button to view the time. It read 6:00.

  Who the hell was knocking on my door at this hour?

  I rushed down the hall, reached the door, and peered through the peephole.

  Cooper.

  Seriously? It was as though he’d timed it perfectly, popping over at the exact moment he’d catch me in only a towel. I pulled the door open a crack, hiding my body behind it as I peeked around the side of it to see what he was there for.

  “Hi?”

  “Hi. I must’ve caught you at a bad time...” He smirked mischievously, and it sent a warmth through my core.

  This man was irresistible, and it frightened the hell out of me. But it was also kind of nice. I’d never thought I’d be able to look at a man and see anything but distrust and betrayal, as if all men wore a big red stamp on their foreheads that read, I’m a heartbreaking, scheming liar! Beware!

  “I was just stopping by to see if you needed me to hang out with Levi again today? I’m available, and we had a ton of fun yesterday, so it doesn't put me out by any means.”

  There went my heart, completely mel
ting into a puddle at my feet. Maybe Cooper was a superhero and didn’t have ulterior motives. Again, he’d left me speechless.

  “So, is that a yes or a no?” Cooper’s voice rumbled through me. Then, I caught his gaze peeking through the crack in the door. I looked down at myself. He could definitely see the side of my body, covered only in the towel. I hadn't realized I’d moved at all.

  “Uh, yeah, bad timing,” I said awkwardly. “Just got out of the shower. But, no, you’re free today. His dad is picking him up. Thank you, though.” I was nervously rambling. I scooted further behind the door again.

  Cooper’s face clouded with disappointment, but I could tell he was trying to hide it. “I’m sorry about the bad timing. But, okay. If you need anything, or if he bails again, I’m here in a heartbeat. Don’t hesitate...” His voice was firm, but it trailed off as his bright blue eyes pierced mine. Then, he nodded his head toward me to say goodbye and turned away.

  “Thank you,” I stammered.

  He looked back my way and winked just before I closed the door.

  Locking the deadbolt and leaning up against the door, I let out a sigh. Heat rushed into my cheeks. There was nothing more intimidating than being covered by a mere towel in front of a man who was sexy as sin. At that point, I was selfishly hoping Ethan would cancel.

  ***

  After a long workday, I wanted nothing more than to hop in the tub for a relaxing bubble bath, sip on a glass of red wine, and eat the crème-filled doughnut I’d bought earlier today. Not the classiest of pairings, but nonetheless, it sounded delicious and would hit the spot.

  Setting my purse and keys down on the dining room table, I kicked off my heels and let them lay there. I’d worry about picking them up later. Right now, my main concern was to relax. Even though I missed my little guy more than anything, it was nice to have a break, and it didn’t happen often, so I’d have to take it while the chance was there.

  Staying strong for him during these past couple of weeks had taken its toll on me. An emotional breakdown was necessary, and I was sure it would accompany my wine and doughnut in due time. I needed to get it all out so I could move the fuck on.

  For Levi, and for myself.

  A vibration in my pocket startled me, and I worried something was wrong with Levi. I pulled my phone out and checked the screen. The name Cooper Henley appeared on the display screen.

  Butterflies swarmed my stomach, and, for a moment, I hesitated to open the message.

  Deep breaths, I thought to myself before taking the plunge. I pressed the button to read it.

  Since Spiderman is out fighting crime tonight, we’re going to get a couple coffees and walk around the park. I’ll be over at 7.

  Laughter escaped me as I re-read the text message. Spiderman. So, Cooper had paid attention to Levi and remembered that was his favorite superhero. How could I say no to that?

  Plus, he hadn’t given me the option. He’d told me what the plan was.

  Well, there went the wine, the doughnut, and wallowing in self-pity for the evening. But, really, I would have been silly not to go. I needed to get to know him if he was going to watch Levi in the future, even occasionally.

  But I couldn’t agree to it that easily.

  Correct me if I’m wrong, but are you asking me to come with you, or telling me what to do?

  Shit. I hadn’t thrown in an emoticon at the end of the text, so he would probably take it literally and think I was being a bitch.

  I wasn’t asking, I was definitely telling you. See you at 7.

  With a smile on my face and my nerves going haywire, I scurried to put away my heels and freshen up. After another shower, I realized that he’d hear me through the walls and know I was putting in extra effort for just a simple coffee and walk through the park. But it was too late to worry about that now. I slipped into a pair of jeans, fuzzy socks, and brown boots, and threw on a thick gray sweater.

  Glancing down at my phone, I noticed I had to sit and wait anxiously for another half hour or so, which quickly led to my decision to go ahead and indulge in that godforsaken doughnut I so badly craved. I contemplated on a glass of wine as well, but figured I’d better save that for later in the evening.

  Knowing my luck, it’d be needed.

  Thirty minutes passed overwhelmingly fast, and as soon as I heard the playful knock on the door—five quick raps followed by two slower ones—my stomach filled with butterflies the size of birds. I plucked the paper bag that doughnut had been in from the coffee table and hurried to throw it away. Then, with a deep breath, I answered the door.

  “Well, hey there,” he greeted me.

  His small, crooked grin caused my insides to become knotted and my knees to grow weak.

  Fuck, he’s so delicious. This whole hockey player slash next-door-neighbor slash nanny thing is going to inevitably get me into trouble, I thought to myself. But he’s just the kind of trouble I might be willing to get myself into.

  “Hey.” I brushed my dark hair off my shoulder. “I just have to grab my coat and purse. You can come in for a minute, if you’d like.”

  I stood frozen in the doorway, though, because I could tell Cooper was holding back laughter. “What?” I asked defensively.

  He brought his hand up to my face, rubbing his thumb against the corner of my mouth, sending a trail of wild electricity straight down my spine.

  “You had a little white stuff on your lips.”

  My cheeks filled with heat, and I immediately blurted out, “Oh, it was just a doughnut.”

  Cooper somehow held back his laughter, probably to keep from embarrassing me even further. I was already humiliated, though. Suddenly, I wished I had indulged in that glass, or bottle, of wine.

  I grabbed my things, and we walked to his pickup truck. It was an older style, but I could see it was his pride and joy and he took very good care of it. Cooper walked me to the passenger door and opened it for me, helping me step inside.

  Not only is he sexy as sin, but he’s a gentleman.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled softly, surprised. Ethan used to be chivalrous, but that faded quickly after I’d given birth to Levi. It never quite made sense to me, how he could all of a sudden stop loving me like he used to.

  The driver’s door squeaked as it opened, jolting me from my own thoughts. I was fully focused on the fact that I was sitting in the front seat of Cooper’s pickup truck, about to go on a date with him.

  A date. Could I even call it that?

  My body began to shiver from the cold, and more than likely from my nerves as well. Cooper turned the key in the ignition, and the truck let out a deep roar as it rumbled to life.

  “Have you ever been to Clara’s Café?” he asked through a clenched jaw, a feeble attempt to stop his teeth from chattering. He reached out and turned the heat on full blast.

  “I can’t say I have.” I could see my breath as it escaped past my lips.

  “Well, we’re about to change that. Clara has the best coffee in the city.” He sounded confident, and he reached behind the seat and grabbed a wool blanket, passing it to me. “Here. It takes a bit for this ol’ girl to warm up.”

  Grabbing the blanket from him, I placed it over my lap and gave him a warm smile, noticing I was far less nervous now and quite excited about the idea of an evening out with him.

  We made a quick stop at the infamous Clara’s Café, then Cooper pulled his truck into a parking spot in the lot near the city park. I inhaled and exhaled, over and over, trying not to make it too obvious that I was mentally preparing myself for a more intimate setting with him. I reached for the door handle, but Cooper reached out for my arm at the same time.

  “Don’t.” He said it firmly.

  “I’m fully capable of opening my own door.”

  “I know you are, but I said don’t.” Cooper playfully narrowed his eyes at me, and in response, I felt my bottom lip involuntarily pulling over my teeth. He hopped out of the truck and walked over to my side, opening the door for me. Our
coffees were set on the side of the truck bed, which was good, because when he held his hand out to me and I stepped down, my foot slipped off the running board and I careened forward. He caught me, steadying me against his muscular chest.

  Great. What a splendid foot to start off on.

  “You good?” he asked, brushing my hair from my face, his blue eyes locked with mine.

  “Yep. Thanks.” I pushed away from him and rescued my coffee, hoping to maintain some shred of dignity.

  We headed toward the park trail. The fountain was decorated in white lights, outlining the shape of it, since it was far too cold to have the water running this time of year.

  I took the first sip of my coffee. He was right; it was pure liquid gold. I’d never had coffee that tasted that delicious, and a moan of delight escaped my lips just as I turned to face Cooper, quite surprised by the magic he’d just introduced me to.

  “This is amazing,” I groaned dramatically.

  A smile pulled at Cooper’s smooth lips. “I told you, the best coffee in the city.”

  “I thought all coffee must taste the same,” I said, shrugging.

  “How dare you.” Cooper scoffed at the notion, leading us both into soft laughter.

  At the trail, I looked around at the bare trees and snow-covered grass.

  “So, tell me something. Pancakes or waffles?” Cooper broke the silence with his deep voice.

  I side-eyed him. An interesting choice of random conversation. “Pancakes, most definitely. They’re so much simpler than waffles, and they taste the same with butter and syrup,” I rambled, before taking another sip of coffee just to shut myself up.

  “I’d have to agree with you on that one.”

  “Okay, what about...plain milk chocolate or a peanut butter cup?” I asked.

  “Peanut butter cup, no contest. What kind of question is that?” Cooper rolled his eyes.

  “Excuse me? Straight-up milk chocolate has its place, too.” I held my hand to my chest, in utter disbelief that he wouldn’t see that.