When he looked at her again, his gaze was clear but also blank. “I shouldn’t have brought this up. It’s wrecking an otherwise really good day.”
Maisie’s shoulders sank. “I think we’ve skipped several traditional dating steps, Nick. You called me your girl and your girlfriend today. I want to be that to you. We’ve met each other’s families and already had several arguments. You’ve seen me dressed up and undressed and I’ve seen the same of you. You’ve seen me vulnerable with my mom attacking not only who I am but what I do, and I’ve seen you in the midst of a full-blown panic attack. You want to pretend it’ll go away on its own, fine. But if you’re in this the way I am, the way you’ve said you want to be, you don’t need to hide. Not from me.” She gestured back and forth between them with her hand. “This won’t work, especially if we’re going to be apart a fair amount with your travel schedule and us living in different states, if you’re going to shut down instead of being real.” She hated the thought of being apart. Shewasn’t even sure she could deal with that piece but she sure as hell couldn’t do it if he wouldn’t or couldn’t communicate fully. Thoughts of how many times she’d missed her dad growing up, of how many things he’d missed out on because he was somewhere else, more important, flashed in her brain.You can’t think about that now.
Maisie stood up, anger and sadness making her movements twitchy. She picked up her hot chocolate, drained the rest of it, and walked toward the garbage bin. She tossed it and started to turn back but ended up pressed against Nick’s chest. He tossed his own cup even as his other hand gripped her hip and held her still.
Then he looked down at her, his gaze hot and intense. “You’re a total hard-ass, Maisie Smart.”
Her laugh felt a bit watery. “When I care about something, or someone, yeah. I guess I am.”
Nick put his hands on her arms, wrapped them around her elbows, used them to pull her up to her toes, and kissed the breath right out of her. Which was 100 percent okay. Because if Nick King was kissing her like she mattered a hell of a lot, breathing could come second. When he pulled away, loosening his hold so she could drop back to her flat feet, he stroked a hand down her hair, his eyes brimming with emotion.
“Glad to make that list. Not sure I deserve it, but I’m trying.”
She shook her head, realizing that even rich, hot, broody hockey players had insecurities and doubts.
“You deserve more than you think. I’ll keep reminding you of that if you let me.”
He dropped his forehead to hers. “I’m starting to realize I don’t have a whole lot of choice where you’re concerned. You make me want to be the man you see me as and not the broken one I am.”
Tears pushed against her eyelids that he could say that about himself. She went back up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“You’re not broken, honey. You’re human. What you do doesn’t make you whole. You’re not just hockey, Nick. You’re an uncle, a brother, an athlete, a friend. You’re an amazing man and realizing that you don’t have to be strong every second doesn’t make you weak. It makes you real. I want real, Nick. With you.”
He rolled his forehead over hers, like he was slowly shaking his head. “I’m not sure you are. Real, that is. Or what I did to deserve a second chance but I’m really glad you gave me one.”
They stood there with the city of Seattle surrounding them and Maisie knew she’d give him as many chances as he needed because he was it for her. But she just hoped that he’d give himself a second chance too. And maybe his teammates. She hoped he’d let the people who cared about him all the way in so they could show him they’d step up and that he deserved their support. For now, she’d just have to show him that he had her. For as long as he wanted. Which she hoped would be a little longer than forever. It was too soon to feel so much but, like Nick, she was learning she might not have a choice.
Chapter Twenty-Four
NICK HAD BEEN WITHthe Guardians for four years now. When he ran errands in his neighborhood, he was often recognized. People took it in stride, not just because California was full of far more famous people than him but because the team was part of the community as often as possible. Here, in Seattle, it was different. Not all bad but definitely different. He felt… more on guard and hyperaware of his surroundings. He didn’t want Maisie to feel uncomfortable with any of the interactions. He could admit, seeing Maisie get protective—all five foot one of her—was adorable as hell.
Her hand, which was tucked inside his own, tugged and he looked down to see her looking back at him as they walked into Side Tap.
“You sure this is okay?”
Pulling her back, Nick kissed her softly, wishing he could linger. “It’s all good, Maze. Drinks with friends, right? A regular couplething to do.” How weird was it that it’d taken him this long to realize how nice something so simple could be?
Scanning the pub as they walked toward a raised area in the back, he was, again, impressed. Seattle was full of treasures and not just the woman leading the way. Side Tap had a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. Sort of a rustic, farm vibe with twinkle lights, long wood-hewn tables, and a variety of seating that invited conversations.
Nick’s gaze caught on a stone fireplace that went up to the ceiling. It had a wooden mantel, kind of like Maisie’s, and held several photographs.
“There she is,” a voice said, stepping out in front of Maisie.
Maisie slipped her hand from his and hugged a tall blond guy. She took Nick’s hand again and grinned back at him.
“This is Ethan. Ethan, this is—”
Ethan held out a hand, his grin even wider than when he’d hugged Maisie. “Nick King. I know. I’m a big fan. Thanks for coming to my bar.”
Nick shook the guy’s hand.
“My pleasure. I’ve heard great things. You’re a local; are you allowed to say you’re a big fan?”
Ethan laughed and Maisie looked up at Nick with an expression that even he could see was adoring. His heart pinched in a strange way, like it wanted Nick to take notice. As if he could help but notice Maisie and the way she affected him.
“Home-team loyalty matters but talent is talent. First round is on me.” He kissed Maisie’s cheek saying he’d send drinks over.
Maisie started to say something but Nick’s mouth took over before his brain could intervene. “Did you date him?”
