Quick Trick (Rough Riders Hockey 1)

“Wait, what…?” Streaks of heat coursed through Faith’s chest. Panic? Fear? Excitement? God, she wasn’t sure. “I don’t understand…”

He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. His eyes were soft and drenched with affection. He looked at her in a way no one had looked at her since high school.

“I waited too long to tell you how I felt a couple of days ago, and I almost lost you. I’m not going to risk that again. You can always say no, but I won’t always have the opportunity to offer. I’d really like you to consider moving to DC with me.”

“Oh my God.” Her world tipped on its axis. She put a hand over her hammering heart.

He lifted his hands as if that would stop the barrage of thoughts and emotion that poured through her. “I know it’s a lot to ask, and if you’re not sure about us, we can find you your own place. But, man, I really love the idea of coming home to you after a long day on the ice, and that is something I never thought I’d say. My place is way too big for one person, so you’d have plenty of your own space. And yeah, it pretty much looks like a bachelor pad, but I could deal with some changes.” He grinned a little. “You know, small ones.”

That made her laugh, but her lungs felt way too small, and she couldn’t seem to get enough air.

“There’s real possibility in Taylor’s business model for you, and you can blog and tape videos from anywhere. You’ve already been thinking about making Joe manager, which would allow you to concentrate on this new business plan. And, baby, I would set you up one killer studio in the extra bedroom. I’m talkin’ professional-grade equipment.”

She laughed. “Sounds like a bribe.”

“Call it what you want. And”—he winced—“don’t get pissed, but I was so excited about the possibilities for this new venture that on the way home, I called another player who’s dating one of the anchors on a local morning show, and asked him to pitch the idea of a weekly Fix-It segment—”

“What?”

His wince transitioned into a grimace. “You don’t have to do it. It’s just in the idea phase—”

“Oh my God.” She squeezed his hands. “That’s amazing. This is just all so—”

“Overwhelming. I know. I’m sorry. It sounds like I’m going to get called back in the next day or two, and I want you to know everything before I have to leave. You don’t have to make any decisions until you’re ready.” He threaded their fingers. “We’ll just have to have phone sex.”

That made Faith burst out laughing and allowed her to take a full deep breath.

“You could fly from New York to Ashville with just one connection,” Grant continued. “It’s about three hours, and I’ve got a ton of frequent-flier miles you could use. You could come here once a month if you want, more often if you need to. When I’m not playing or training, I could come with you, but realistically, that won’t be until June, which is why I’m asking about you moving in with me and not offering to move here for you.”

“The fact that you even thought about it says everything.” She put a hand to her temple. “You’re making my head spin.”

He grinned. “Tell me about it.” But then he just kept talking, his enthusiasm growing. “DC is such a cool place to live. God, there’s so much to show you. There’s always something to do. And I think you’d really enjoy the team. They’re no different from the guys you deal with in your store every day, and I know you’d be a welcome change to some of the high-maintenance women the other guys have in their lives. There’s a lot of laughter, bitching, practical jokes, and a whole hell of a lot of meals and hanging out together. We’re sort of one big ugly family, for better or worse.”

Faith’s nose stung with encroaching tears. But these were happy tears. “That sounds…” Warm, joyous, fun… She laughed. “Amazing.”

His brows shot up, and his eyes took on that stunned glaze. “Yeah?”

She stroked his face. “And scary and unnerving, but yeah.” She kissed him and rested her forehead against his. “If you’re sure you want me around that much, I’m sure I’m ready to give it a try.”

“No way.” He pulled back, eyes wide. “Really?”

She laughed. “Why are you so surprised?”

“Well… It’s… Because…” He regrouped. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d leave the store. And I didn’t think you’d leave Holly. This is your home.”

She curled her fingers into Grant’s collar. “My dad always said, home is only home because the people you love are there.” She scraped her bottom lip between her teeth, the realization that she had fallen so hard for this man so quickly making her nerves tighten and shiver. “So wherever you are, I guess that’s going to be my home from now on.”

He cupped her face, scanning every inch while more emotions flashed through his eyes. Warm, real emotions that made Faith feel like the most beautiful, most wanted woman in the world.

“Have I told you lately,” he asked, “how amazing you are?”

“I doubt a girl could get tired of hearing something like that.”

He pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You, Faith Nicholas, are a-freaking-mazing. And if you’re willing to put up with my bullshit during the season, I am willing to indulge your every desire off-season.” He grinned. “And every night, on or off season. I am so crazy about you, I can’t even put it into words.”

He kissed her again, and that light-headed sensation returned, making Faith dizzy with happiness. She opened to him for a long, deep kiss filled with emotion. And when she pulled back, she stroked his cheek. “What do you say we close this deal…in my room?”

Grant laughed and pulled her against him, holding her tight. “Baby,” he murmured in her ear, “I’d say this is going to be one very merry Christmas.”