Page 12 of Hot Puck
“What? Since when?”
“Since you failed to show up at the specified time and when you finally did arrive, you’re dressed for a night on the town, not a day at home taking care of a newborn and two teenagers.”
“Teenagers?” She takes a step back. “No one mentioned teenagers. Just a baby.”
“And Chase.”
“Well, yeah.”
“How old are you?”
“Why? What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Everything when you’re expected to care for three children.”
“I’ve been babysitting for a decade and nannying full-time for the last five years while studying online for my degree.”
I have to hand it to her, once pushed she shows a backbone and while I don’t have proof what she’s saying is true, if the agency Chase used is reputable, it should be the truth.
“Good for you. But as I said, Mr. Hawkins no longer needs your services. He’ll contact your agency who will contact you. And you’ll be compensated for your time today.” I move back into the house.
“But—”
“I apologize for any inconvenience caused,” I say as I close the door between us.
I wait. I can hear her muttering on the other side of the door, and it brings a smile to my face.
I’m not a malicious person. Hell, look how charitable I’ve been with my soon to be ex-husband. But I can’t deny the little thrill I get from removing that woman from Chase’s life.
And it has nothing to do with me wanting him to accept a contract with the Rogues.
“Is she gone?”
Chase’s voice makes me jump and I spin around to face him, my back pressed to the door. “Yes.”
“Oh, but…” He drops his gaze. “I guess I don’t need anyone now.”
I study him. I can’t tell if he’s happy about giving up an active role in his family’s business or not. “Do you want to need someone?”
“No. I don’t want anyone taking care of the girls but me.” He raises his gaze to mine. “But that’s not realistic, right? At some point I’ll need to get a job. Not for money but for myself. I’ll need help then.”
“Maybe. Or the twins might be old enough to help.”
“I don’t want to put that on them. They should get to be kids, teenagers, and not have to look after their baby sister.”
“I didn’t mean full-time. Is Candace down for her nap?” At his nod I push off the door and head toward the kitchen. “How about we have that drink, and I explain why I’m here.”
“It’s not to save me from women dressed to hook themselves a man?” He chuckles. “I thought your outfit was inappropriate for taking care of a baby, but she took the cake with what she was wearing.”
“Hmm…” In the kitchen I make my way to the coffee machine. “You know how to use this?”
“No.” I glance at him, and he shrugs. “I don’t drink coffee.”
“Ah, still taking care of yourself even though you’re not playing.” It’s the first time I’ve mentioned anything to do with hockey.
He eyes me carefully and I can tell his brain is spinning. “Oh! Oh shit! I just worked out who you are!”
I smile. “And who’s that?”
