Jett (Arizona Vengeance 10)

This goes beyond complications.

But I am invested, and I actually do have an opinion. “I think if you can safely allow it, you should let Felicity see her dad. Because he’s her dad and she needs the opportunity to have that relationship. You’ll just have to prepare her for failure.”

Emory jerks slightly and then lifts her head, looking at me as if I have warts all over my face. “How did you get so wise about the ways of familial relationships that are complicated by drug usage? And for that matter, how are you so attuned to what a child needs?”

“So I’m right about what I suggested?” I ask hesitantly because I have no clue if what I said was legit.

Emory shrugs. “Hell if I know. I just know I’m thinking along the same lines. She loves her dad. She remembers him. She misses him. I have to give them a chance. But I also need to be transparent with her and let her know he might fail expectations. I just don’t know how to have that conversation with a seven-year-old.”

“Nora,” I say, a light bulb going off in my head.

“Nora?” she asks, confusion not diminishing the beauty of her face at all.

“Tacker’s wife. She’s a therapist. Why don’t you talk to her about it?”

Emory frowns. “You think she’d mind? I’d pay, of course.”

“I know she wouldn’t mind,” I assure her. “In fact, she does equine therapy. Maybe we can head out to her ranch and let Felicity ride horses and you can talk to her. I’ll call Tacker to set it up with Nora.”

It shouldn’t affect me as much as it does, but the sheer relief washing across Emory’s features right now makes me feel like I just conquered the world. I gave her something that has not a damn thing to do with orgasms or having fun.

I supported her, gave her advice, and at the time, inherently made clear that I’m by her side on this.

Shifting up a bit, she puts her hand on my chest and leans in to kiss me. It’s just a graze of her lips over mine.

A gratitude is all.

It might be the best kiss I’ve had with her.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “For helping me uncomplicate things, even if just for tonight.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply, and I kiss her this time. She sighs into my mouth and once again, it feels fucking fantastic to be there for her.

I know I could get used to this feeling.

CHAPTER 16

Jett

I knock on Emory’s office door, having once again charmed my way past the receptionist.

It’s slightly open so her voice is clear when she says, “Come in.”

Her head raises when I push the door open, and I’m relieved by the transformation on her face. Lines of intense concentration furrowing her forehead smooth out to pave the way to a brilliant smile. “Hey, you,” she says in surprise, standing up from her chair. “What are you doing here?”

I hold up the bag of food, containing her favorite poke bowl and one for me too. “I was hoping to wrangle an early lunch with you before I start game prep.”

Tonight is a home game against the Pittsburgh Titans and even though the puck won’t drop until 7 PM, most players spend a good chunk of game day at the arena. There will be a team meeting at some point, and food is provided—usually a buffet that’s continually replenished—that’s protein and carb loaded. Many players slowly warm up on bikes or do a light workout; some get massages or therapy. And then others just hang out with their teammates. Socializing, relaxing, laughing—deepening bonds. This is often done in the player’s lounge replete with large screen TV’s, plush couches, and snacks. It’s where I’ll head to kick back for a bit after I eat with Emory.

“Ordinarily I’d say I couldn’t say no to a poke bowl,” Emory drawls with an impish smile as she walks around her desk toward me. “But these days, I don’t think I can say no to you.”

And to my surprise—and fucking delight—she moves right into me and tips her head back, lips slightly parted.

Door to her office wide open, she’s invited me to kiss her, and I’m not going to pass up that opportunity.

Bag of food in one hand, my other goes around her waist and I pull her into me hard. I love the tiny gasp out of her mouth, eyes flared slightly before my mouth crashes down on hers.

Both of Emory’s arms go around my neck, and she returns the kiss like there’s no tomorrow.

I suppose it would have gone on and on, shortening the amount of time I’d have with her to eat, but we jolt apart when a voice sounds at the door—Dominik Carlson’s voice to be exact. “You should either get a room or at least close the office door if you’re going to kiss like that.”