The Slot: A Rochester Riot Sports Romance (18 page)

Julia gasped and clapped her hands together as another one of those knee-weakening smiles turned her lush lips upward. Somehow, he’d already known she’d love it. Maybe it was her reaction to the outdoors on the ice rink so long ago. Maybe it was her caring enough to see if he’d made it through the accident. He didn’t care. All Adam knew was that he wanted to swing again. With Julia. Like if he could fly through the air, he’d forget everything that happened. Forget yesterday.

She placed her knee in the hole and pushed with her foot holding the rope with her hands. Adam came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He knew it was inappropriate to hold her those extra seconds, but he just couldn’t help himself. Then, once she was settled, he pushed her as high as his battered, pain filled body would allow.

He smiled as her girlish giggles wafted on the air. Sunlight danced across her face from the slats in the roof that needed repair. This was one time he was glad he still had that on his to-do list. God, she looked beautiful on the swing. Stunning really.

He’d tried to get Heather in the swing with him multiple times, but she’d always turned her pert nose up in disdain and mumbled something about the dirt ruining her outfit.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked.

“Won’t it hurt?” she asked with concern. “You’re walking like you’re still in quite a bit of pain.”

“I can take it, Julia.” He winked. “I’m tough.”

Adam swung his leg over and couldn’t help the wince of pain that flitted across his face as his limbs protested. So much for impressing her with his grit. Once he got comfortable across from her, he walked his legs through the hole backwards about twenty feet, until the rope was taut.

Then, he let go.

The smile on her face was a beautiful thing as they swung back and forth like that for minutes, grinning like a couple of grade school kids on the playground with crushes on each other. If she’d have had her hair in pigtails, he would have pulled one and then ran away. She’d be passing notes to him during class.

He hadn’t felt this good, this free and easy since forever. Not since before he’d torn his ACL. Once the tire slowed to a wobble, he glanced up into her eyes. Her lush mouth was open on a pout and she looked like a woman who wanted to be kissed. Needed to be kissed. He wanted that too. More than anything. It would have to wait because the timing wasn’t right and he didn’t want to rush things. Didn’t want to push her. She coughed and broke the spell as she looked down at her gold watch.

“I have a client meeting in a half-hour,” she said as she swung her legs back onto solid ground. “I appreciate the ride in your tire. It was the most non-work fun I’ve had in a long time.”

“I think I’ll stay here if you’re okay to get back to your Ford?” When she nodded, he continued. “For some reason, I’m feeling better out here. Outside in this barn.”

“It’s a beautiful old barn,” she said as she looked around. “Perfect really. So much character. Kind of like the man who owns it.”

She winked at him and then he got another spectacular view of her backside as she walked through the open doors.

Adam didn’t know when he’d see her again. But one thing he did know for sure. Julia Wales would be his. And he’d be hers.

Somehow.

Chapter 5

“Oh my God! Mark Spencer, what happened to you?” SueAnn had Mark by the chin as she moved his bruised and swollen face from side to side. The poor man had wandered into the boutique to get a gift, and SueAnn had been going on like a mother hen ever since.

“I got into a little scuffle,” he replied as he pulled the bill of his ball cap lower over his features.

Julia turned away to examine a top she’d spotted the last time she was here but listened closely. She wondered if his ‘scuffle’ had anything to do with why his brother seemed to dislike him so much.

“Did you say the wrong thing to the wrong person?” she asked as she pulled a silk scarf in hues of blue out of the display case. “You always did have a smart mouth.”

SueAnn and Mark had dated back in high school. It hadn’t ended well. Mark had cheated on her at the senior prom with Beth Hamilton. Caught red-handed with his pants down in the hotel suite.

Julia thought that was probably why Mark was still prostrating to the temple of SueAnn begging for forgiveness. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he certainly wasn’t as smart as his talented brother. Or as hot.

“Something like that,” he mumbled as he let the delicate fabric slide through his fingers. “This is perfect, Sue. Can you wrap it for me in something really pretty?”

As he handed over his American Express, SueAnn nodded and pulled out a gold embossed gift box and tissue. Sue prided herself on special touches and customer service. That was why her small boutique was thriving in the midst of major retailers. If you wanted the perfect gift or a unique outfit, SueAnn’s was the place.

They’d just gotten back from lunch at Sue’s favorite restaurant when Mark had come in. Julia still had her favorite dessert stowed in her oversized handbag. First, though, time to ratchet up the dramatics with some teasing. She loved to get SueAnn riled up.

Sue stared at Mark’s retreating back and as soon as the jingle of the shop’s door indicated he’d gone through, she turned to Julia with a hand on one sassy hip.

“What do you think actually happened to him?” she asked.

Julia wasn’t a huge fan of Mark Spencer’s but he was harmless. But today, there was just something about him. Something that was off. Like he was all of a sudden starting to hide things.

“I don’t have any idea,” she replied. “Probably cheated with the wrong woman.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she brought her hand up to cover it. “Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry. That was insensitive of me to say.”

“Seriously, Julia?” Sue rolled her eyes. “That’s ancient history. I’m long over it. In fact, I could do so much better and I can see it plainly now that I’m an adult. Mark Spencer’s immature. And a tool.”

Julia’s eyes narrowed as a thought hit her. Hard.

Sue stared at her. “What are you thinking? You have that same look on your face when you’re plotting a renovation. Even if the poor owner has no idea they’re going to be renovated.”

“That scarf.”

“It’s Hermes,” Sue bragged. “What about it? Mark’s fool purchase is going to pay my rent this month.”

“Yeah, expensive. Like he’s trying to impress someone. And exactly the color of Heather’s eyes.”

“No! You don’t think so?” SueAnn gasped.

“I do think so,” Julia replied in earnest. “I think Mark and Heather are having an affair and that’s why Adam got in that accident.”

“So, it’s ‘Adam’ now?” Sue questioned. “Since when are you two on a first name basis?”

“Since you set me up on the blind date from hell,” Julia admonished. “I just happened to be driving by the hospital when news of the accident broke. I swung by.”

“What the hell?”

Julia reached into her bag and pulled out the piece of Oreo cheesecake in honor of SueAnn’s quarter century birthday. She held up a fork to her friend with an expectant look. Any attempt at distraction so Sue wouldn’t bulldog the truth out of her.

“Since today is your big day, it’s worth the splurge.”

“You’re trying to divert my attention away from the fact that you stalked Adam Spencer to the hospital like a high school cheerleader after the quarterback.” She shook her pointer back and forth as she spoke. “I always knew you had a crush on that man. Because you’ve told that damn story about him lying down on the ice to kiss it a thousand times.”

Now would be a good time to bust out her best Paul McCartney impression. She held the fork up to her lips like a microphone and proceeded to howl out the birthday song.

Sue didn’t seem impressed. She just heaved in a long-suffering sigh and said, “Since it’s my birthday and my favorite day of the year, I’ll let you off the hook. For now. But expect the grating third-degree later.” Sue forked up a huge bite of the creamy dessert before she continued. “And Jules? Think long and hard about how you’re going to explain yourself.”

Julia nodded as the two women shared the dessert until the last crumbs were gone. Sue wiped her face with a paper napkin and then speared Julia with another chastising look.

“So, how did it go with Andrew?” SueAnn questioned as she deposited the remnants of their treat in the trash can beneath the register. “I take it not well since you left early to run to the hospital like Florence Nightingale?”

Julia regretted disappointing her best friend for the second time that day. Her birthday. She hung her head and thought about how best to spin it.

“I really appreciate you setting me up, Sue,” she gushed. “And the outfit. It’s by far the most gorgeous thing I own. But … Andrew and I just weren’t a fit. That’s all.”

“Well, at least you tried, which is more than I thought you would do.” Sue didn’t seem surprised or even irritated. “I trust that the smokin’ hot outfit wasn’t lost on Mr. Spencer? Did he still have the use of his eyes?”

Julia grinned. “He was in a lot of pain, so I doubt it.” Now was not the time to admit that she’d brought him home the next day.

“Back to Andrew … it started out good. But then, it went downhill once we started talking about sports.”

Sue closed her eyes and smiled. “Let me guess, he’s not a hockey fan?”

Julia grimaced. “I’m all for some healthy rivalry and teasing, but when you crack a joke about a career-ending injury, it kind of lacks empathy. Or integrity.”

Sue nodded. “Ah, I see it all now. So, old Drew threw down the gauntlet when he found out you carry a torch for Adam. It was probably written all over your face.”

“Nah, he just wasn’t my type.”

Sue wagged her finger back and forth again. “I’m starting to despair of you even having a type, Jules. Don’t die lonely and alone. We’re not getting any younger. I thought we’d both be married with a baby by now.”

“Seriously, SueAnn,” she retorted in her best adult voice. “We’re only in our mid-twenties. There’s plenty of time.”

Sue opened her mouth to comment, but the vibrating of Julia’s cell phone on the counter stopped her from replying.

“I need to grab this. It’s Goldie Ledbetter about her barn in Hermantown. She wants to convert it to a studio so she can focus on her arts program for autistic kids. How could I refuse?”

After making arrangements to visit Goldie’s place, Julia started gathering her things to head out. She’d taken a few steps toward the door when Sue’s clear voice rang out in her no-nonsense tone.

“Why don’t you date Adam Spencer, Jules? If Heather is in the recent past or with Mark, or whatever … he’s single. He’s hot as hell and he plays for the Cantelope.”

“Caribou.”

“Whatever … I just want you to be happy. Take a leap of faith.”

“I can’t get involved with a professional athlete. That’s not my life. I want to focus on my work and building my business. I don’t have time for love right now.”

“Who said anything about love?” Sue laughed. “Bang the shit out of him until he’s out of your system. Then, you can focus on finding the father of your children.”

Julia rolled her eyes but didn’t turn around so Sue could see it. “Bye, Sue. Happy Birthday. I love you!”

“Girls’ night Saturday to celebrate,” she called to Julia’s retreating back.

Chapter 6

Julia grabbed the short, white skirt out of her closet. As she slid it over her curves and smoothed the tight fabric down, she thought about Adam and their time in the swing. Then she scolded herself. He was off-limits in spite of any lingering feelings she may be harboring towards him.

She grabbed her jean jacket from its hanger and pulled a pair of calf-length navy blue cowboy boots on her feet. A long, silver link chunky necklace completed her girls’ night look.

Shooters, one of the happening local bars with a huge dance floor was hosting a western themed night tonight with a live band and line dancing lessons. As she inspected her reflection in her full-length, wrought iron mirror, she nodded. Kind of urban cowgirl.

***

The bouncer at the door looked like a human Sequoia, but he let them past the velvet ropes to walk inside the club. Julia paid the cover for both of them in honor of Sue’s special day. She’d buy her a Mojito later to toast.

SueAnn had on a gorgeous fringed, suede jacket, jean skirt, and Jimmy Choo platforms. Her friend was rocking it and with her blonde hair swept back from her heart-shaped face, all male eyes landed on the pair as they made their way from the front door to the mahogany bar.

“Look,” Sue pointed, “There’s two empty stools by that hot-ass bartender.”

She grabbed Julia’s hand and yanked her toward the seats before they could get snagged. Sue settled herself on the stool, made her order with a fluttering of her eyelashes and then twirled to scope the room.

“Look, Jules,” she said with a flirty wave of her hand to the corner. “There’s Jeff Rawlins. He’s such a cutie. Wait … isn’t he Adam Spencer’s neighbor?”

Yeah, the same neighbor Adam was trying to visit when he almost became a human sandwich.

The handsome college-aged bartender leaned over the bar to get Sue’s attention.

“I hear it’s your birthday, sweetie,” he said to Sue, giving her a wink. “I think a birthday drink is in order on the house. What would you like?”

Sue pretended to think and placed her pinky at the corner of her red lips. “Hmm … I think it’s the perfect night for a Cock Sucking Cowboy.”

He laughed and kissed Sue on the hand. “I had a feeling you wouldn’t disappoint, Red.”

“Wait, gorgeous,” Sue held on tightly to his hand so he couldn’t turn back around. “My hair is blonde.”

“But your lips … are red.”

Julia laughed until she saw Jeff thread his way through the crowded dance floor to acknowledge SueAnn. And trailing behind him … damn it.

No.

Not tonight.

Not in public.

Adam Spencer walked with a slight limp, but other than that, he was the picture of male perfection. His thick, brown hair never quite adhered to the spiky style he attempted, but that just made it ever sexier. Like the man. His two days of beard growth fit right in with his plaid-yoked western shirt, jeans and brown cowboy boots.

Holy shit, girls. Hold on to your panties. And your hearts.

Jeff had just opened his mouth to greet them when the DJ started spinning one of Sue’s favorite fast songs. Sue bolted out of the stool and twirled Jeff out onto the dance floor.

“I see she hasn’t changed,” Adam laughed as he watched the two butt-slapping each other and making faces.

“It was her quarter century birthday this past Wednesday,” Julia chuckled. “She’s feeling no pain.”

“Didn’t you just get here?” Adam questioned.

“Yes, but I think she opened a bottle of wine while she was getting all beautified.”

“You don’t have a drink yet,” Adam said as he slipped onto Sue’s stool. “Let me get you one. What’s your pleasure?”

“Since it’s western night, let’s kick it old-school with a Leinie’s bottle,” she said because she knew this bar kept that local brew in stock.

“I like the way you think.” He ordered two bottles from the bartender and slid onto SueAnn’s stool in her absence.

“How are you feeling?” Julia asked, her face knit with concern. “Should you even be out right now?”

“Doc said I could do whatever I feel up to,” he replied. “Don’t worry, Miss Julia, I’m going to cool it.” He lifted his bottle and clinked it with hers. “Now, Jeff on the other hand…”

Julia set her bottle down on a coaster and her eyes followed his hand to the dance floor where SueAnn had her legs wrapped around Jeff’s hips as he twirled her in a bunch of small circles. Any faster and she’d be flashing the dance floor. Julia envied her friend and always had. Fun followed SueAnn wherever she went.

“Wow,” she said and put her hand over her eyes in a playful gesture. “That’s more dancing than I can take. I wonder what they call that move.”

Adam grinned. “Not sure. It kind of looks like an airborne version of The Sprinkler. Want to try it?”

“I’m pretty sure that would violate your medical instructions,” she shook her head. “Besides, I’m not a huge fan of making a public spectacle of myself. Unless…”

“Unless what?” he spun around and their knees touched. Julia felt the charge down to her toes. What was wrong with her?

“Unless it involves my work.”

He paused. “I completely get it. I feel exactly the same. When I fall on my ass, it’s in front of ten thousand.”

Adam slid his huge hand over her knee where their bodies touched and began to rub the pad of his thumb back and forth over her bare flesh. The friction felt amazing. Hot. She couldn’t stop staring into the depths of his eyes. She saw passion and want. But not just base desire for her body. Something more. Something she couldn’t understand or define.

“Well, I do declare,” SueAnn said in her best Scarlett O’Hara voice, “if it isn’t the famous and hunky NHL superstar Adam Spencer a sittin' on little ‘ole me’s barstool.”

Adam slid down to the floor and gestured to the stool with a flourish of his hand so SueAnn could take her rightful place as the queen of this western shindig. Jeff stood to her left and placed his arm loosely around Sue’s shoulders so he could rub her upper arm.

Adam looked at the couple and then shot Julia a wink. Neither were sure exactly what was going on between the pair.

“I think that’s my cue to hit the men’s room.” Adam turned. “Julia, I’ll see you in a few. If I can make it through the throng.”