Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“Bring it on.”

I twist, trying to get my feet on the ground, but Nicky hauls me up his side and spins. Then he stops and spins the other way.

“This is over as of now. Bizzy, you get your ass in the shower. Get ready. I’m taking you both to eat. While you’re cleaning up, I’m going to get rid of them, and we’re going to air out your room.”

I open my mouth to argue, but I can’t because when he sets me down, I get a head rush. He shoves me toward my bathroom, and I go willingly. When I close the door, I hear him telling Claire to help and her refusing, saying the smell of rotten flowers makes her sick.

He mumbles something, and she laughs, but then she gags loudly, and I can’t help but giggle.

She deserves it. Traitor.

I step under the hot shower spray and think about everything Nicky said to me. Obviously, he knows something about Shaw’s situation he’s not telling me. But that’s not what sticks; it’s his description of me. It bothers me because I’m not this girl. Sure, I’m sad, and my heart is broken, but it’s beyond time to end this pity party.

“It’s so beautiful,” I gush, sipping my wine and staring at the Christmas tree in my living room.

“I’ll call around and find someone to haul it out of here after Christmas.” Nick drinks his beer and sits back in the chair next to me.

“We can get it out.”

“You and Claire combined couldn’t even get it in the stand.” He rolls his eyes, looking between Claire and me.

“If Bizzy didn’t pick out such an enormous tree, we wouldn’t have a problem.” Claire yanks on my hair.

“I don’t care that it’s enormous and was a giant pain in the ass. I love it.” I sigh dreamily, relaxing into the sofa.

They start talking about Nicky’s next game, and I daydream, thinking about the last two days. Nicky being here was the perfect medicine. He didn’t give me room to dwell, keeping me busy and making sure my mind was occupied. I almost fell over when he suggested Christmas shopping because he hates to shop. But I quickly realized he had an ulterior motive—needing my help with his family’s gifts. Usually, we have a tradition of helping each other, but it includes an afternoon of online shopping where he can click and buy without facing any holiday crowds. But this year, he took me from store to store, endlessly purchasing everything I suggested. He eventually had to purchase another suitcase to get the items home. It actually worked out perfect, because I’d been meaning to get out and ship all my presents to Miami when I decided to work on Christmas, but in my dither of acting like a school girl who lost her boyfriend, I’d neglected to do anything.

So I was able to do my own shopping, and he was taking the presents with him.

When I worked last night, he came by the hospital to meet my coworkers and hang out with the kids. It was like old times. A lot of my coworkers had met Shaw the week he was here and knew I was in a serious relationship. When Nicky showed up, it raised a lot of eyebrows, which Claire thought was hilarious. But eventually, everyone came to believe we were truly friends.

Today, he dragged Claire and me out in the snow, going to the closest park so he could act like a fool. Afterwards, we went shopping for a tree. He became really upset when he found out Claire was flying to be with her parents on Christmas Eve, and I would be truly alone.

He became a man on a mission. After we picked out a tree, he gave Claire his credit card and sent us to buy every single decoration we could find. I tried to argue, but it was useless.

It was one of the best afternoons I’ve had in a long time. Claire and I drank wine while instructing Nicky how to string the lights. When he was done, he popped open a beer and sat down, turning on the television and ignoring us.

It was awesome. It was like old times, and I craved to keep this feeling of happiness.

Shaw has called a few times, and as usual, the conversations were rushed because he was distracted. I didn’t push because, after Nicky’s comments, I opened my ears and started listening. What I heard was Shaw’s anxiety and confusion. He’s having a hard time dealing with his newfound feelings, and I decided not to be a burden. Instead, I told him repeatedly I loved him, and I was here if wanted to talk. He told me he loved me too, more than anything. His words sank into my soul and I wish I could hear them on replay over and over.

The only thing I have learned is Nicky was right; all the time I assumed he was spending with Sasha isn’t correct. Shaw explained he’s only doing what is absolutely necessary to keep the peace. Otherwise, he’s keeping his distance.

Nicky’s phone rings, bringing me out of my daydream, and he gets up and walks to the balcony, sliding the door closed behind him.

“What do you think that’s about?” Claire mutes the television.

“Could be a number of things. My first thought is that it’s his coach making sure he’s coming home tomorrow. I’m still not sure how the hell he got away for three days. My next thought is that it’s Maria, checking on me but too scared to call. Lastly, it could be his agent, which means my estranged boyfriend. Guess in the air what that could be.”

“Shhh, let’s listen.” She slides to the end of the sofa, closest to the patio, and strains her head to the side.

“We shouldn’t! Eavesdropping is rude,” I mutter, but also scoot closer.

We don’t have to try too hard, because Nicky’s voice escalates, and I’m pretty sure anyone brave enough to be on their balconies in this weather can hear him.

“I don’t give a shit! It’s fucking time. You have no idea the mess I walked into.”

Silence.