Chapter Six

 

Todd drove to the party, his appearance once again immaculate, not a hair out of place. I sat in the passenger seat, wearing my green dress and my hair up in a twist. Raven was in the rear seat—silent.

I glanced over my shoulder at him. He wore his shades and was staring out the window at the big houses whizzing past. He too was dressed in smart pants and a shirt, both black. His hair was slicked into a low ponytail and he’d shaved away the stubble that had been there since I’d met him. The only thing stopping him looking completely perfect was the sling. Startling white, it held his arm tight and kept his hand high.

He hadn’t wanted to wear it, but after our wild kitchen table experience, I’d done acupuncture on his back and leg—no need to let a little crazy sex get in the way of a treatment plan—and when I’d finished he’d grimaced as he’d moved. With a blush, I remembered my thighs hanging over his shoulders as his face had been buried in my pussy. I’d been wriggling all over the place, my desperation for release an exquisite torture. The pressure wouldn’t have done a battered joint any good at all.

So I’d insisted he wear the support and promised to do more exercises with him later. He’d simply tilted one black eyebrow and muttered that my idea of exercise was probably very different than his.

Eventually Todd pulled up at the Burton Hotel. He’d filled me in on who I was likely to meet at the party. Naturally Phoenix and Brooke, the new parents, and their baby daughter Nadine. The captain of the Vipers, Rick, and his girlfriend Dana. Brick and Carly—she was an Olympic gold medalist by all accounts. Wolf and his wife Mae, who was an internationally famous country and western singer. The new goalie, Dustin “Speed” Reed. I tried to keep up, but there were so many names and without the faces to go with them I was getting more and more confused. It seemed everyone was someone I should know—but didn’t. I was worried about getting it all wrong.

A porter held my hand as I stepped into the Florida humidity. Todd passed the keys to the valet and crooked his arm for me to take.

“You look beautiful,” he said. “I’ve never had such a gorgeous date on my arm.” He winked, brushed his lips over my cheek and whispered, “Even if you are a little minx when it comes to poking into places where the sun don’t shine.”

A tingle traveled up my spine at the erotic memory and a rise of heat that had nothing to do with the blazing sun bloomed on my cheeks.

He smiled sinfully and swept his tongue over his lips. “I might just have to return the favor later, sugar.”

Oh God, the thought of more sex with him later. And he expected me to walk into a room full of people and act normal?

Raven stepped up next to us. His lips had gone into that tight, straight line again. The last two times I’d spoken to him the replies had been grunts. I hoped he was going to act more civil at the christening party. Clearly sex hadn’t given him that easy, relaxed feeling it had Todd and me.

The corridor to the party was lined with pink balloons, each one had spirals of white ribbon hanging beneath and they floated and tangled in the breeze of the air-conditioning. A bubble machine released tiny sparkling orbs that we had to step through to reach the main room.

“This looks lovely,” I said, glancing around. Pink and white tulle had been draped everywhere, yet more balloons hung from the ceiling and huge fluffy pink stalks—or were they flamingos?—sat as centerpieces on a massive buffet table.

“Oh. Jesus, all this pink, I can feel it diluting my testosterone,” Todd groaned.

I giggled and squeezed his arm.

A waiter offered us champagne as we stepped into the crowd. Todd escorted me to a table where he put down the gift and the card we’d all signed. Nadine was one lucky baby. The table was heaving with beautifully wrapped trinkets.

“The christening was this morning,” Todd said, sipping his drink. “But it was just for close family and the godparents. This is just an excuse for everyone to get together.”

“Oh, right, okay.”

“Hey, how are you, Pretty?” A tall slim girl with poker-straight dark hair slipped through the crowd toward us.

“Hey, Carly. Great to see you.” Todd leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

She turned to me with a smile, cocked her head. “And who is your date today?” she asked.

“This is Fiona. She’s helping Raven out with some physical therapy.”

“Yet, you bring her to the party?”

“Of course, I’m better-looking than him, not to mention he’s a miserable ass.”

They both laughed with an easy familiarity. I looked over my shoulder for Raven. I couldn’t see him anywhere.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Fiona,” Carly said, “but watch out for him.” She waved her glass at Todd. “He’s a heartbreaker.”

I smiled politely.

Heartbreaker?

“Nadine is adorable, have you seen her?” Carly asked Todd. “She looks so like her father it’s unreal.”

“No, not yet,” Todd said, glancing around. “Where is she?”

“In the corner, asleep in her stroller. Missing her own party.”

Suddenly a huge guy with a short turf of blond hair moved up beside Carly and wrapped his arm around her waist. He chugged on a bottle of beer then gave me a lopsided grin.

“This is my fiancé, Brick,” Carly directed at me as she leaned into his embrace. “Brick, this is Fiona.”

“Hi,” I said, looking up into his sparkling eyes. Something told me Brick could be heartbreaker, too. Just as well Carly seemed to have him captivated.

“Hello,” he said, his gaze flicking between me and Todd.

“I’m going to try really hard and remember everyone’s names,” I said, “but do forgive me if I have to ask twice.”

Carly grinned. “Don’t worry about it. As long as you remember all the huge guys in here are hockey players and the majority of the women are with one of them you’re fine.”

Or two of them, I thought. Raven had just come into my peripheral vision. He was chatting to a truly enormous man. Shoulders the size of three average men’s put together and at least a head taller than everyone else.

“That’s Ramrod,” Brick said. “He’s the captain, so it would be worth remembering his name.”

“And this beautiful woman,” Carly said, her eyes lighting up, “is the captain’s lady, Dana.”

A curvy woman with tousled dark locks laughed and pressed a kiss to Carly’s cheek. “Last week I caught him sliding a ring measurer onto my finger when he thought I was asleep,” she said.

Carly gave an excited exclamation. “Really?”

Dana laughed. “No, not really, but you’re so desperate for wedding news that it’s fun to tease you.”

Carly sighed. “I know, but wouldn’t it be great? I love weddings.”

“So how’s Raven?” Dana directed at Todd. “Is he still licking his wounds over Tyler?”

Tyler?

Todd shrugged. “No, I don’t think so.”

“I thought they were great together,” Carly said. “And she was such a hoot.”

Something was suddenly squeezing my chest. Breathing became an effort and little spikes of heat nipped at my neck and armpits. Raven was licking his wounds over someone?

Todd chuckled. “Yeah, she was funny. Shame none of her sense of humor rubbed off on him, though.”

I held onto Todd’s arm a little tighter. I’d been a fool to think I was the only woman on the scene for these two hot hockey players. Not only that, it seemed the ex was missed by the rest of the gang. How could I ever compare when she was such a hoot and clearly so popular? My legs became a little trembly and I knocked back a big mouthful of champagne.

“How long ago did they split?” I asked, willing my voice to sound normal even though a wobble was bursting to be freed.

Carly rubbed her bottom lip with her index finger and looked thoughtful. “Must be a few months now, don’t you think, Dana?”

“Yeah, must be. I spoke to her last week, though. She’s getting on great in New York. Her business is flying.”

“That’s good. I should give her a call, too.”

Oh God, they were like best friends. This Tyler must have been around for a while. A bunch of nerves twisted in my gut. Was she really off the scene? Was I stepping on her toes? No, surely not. And what about Todd? If there was something between Tyler and Raven, was there something between Tyler and Todd, too, the same way there was with me?

“I’m gonna hit the buffet,” Brick said to Carly. “You want me to get you anything?”

“No, I’m going to go and chat with Brooke. You coming, Dana?”

Dana nodded and the two glamorous women wandered off, deep in conversation about Tyler.

“I’ll join you, Brick. I’m starved,” Todd said. “Fiona, are you hungry?”

“I’ll be there in a minute. I just want to go and check on Raven.”

He gave me a questioning look.

“I’m fine,” I said with a reassuring smile. “His shoulder is bothering him today, and after…all that…er, activity we did this morning. I just want to make sure he’s okay.”

Todd raised his eyebrows, a smile dancing on his lips. “Sure. You do that. Wouldn’t want him to be in any discomfort after you made him feel so damn good earlier.”

I swallowed tightly and glanced up at Brick. A flash of curiosity crossed his face as he stared down at me. Then his eyes appeared to widen slightly, as if he’d just solved a puzzle.

Oh God.

“Yep, I’ll catch up with you in a minute,” I said, stepping backward, cursing the little beads of sweat that I could now feel popping in my cleavage. Seriously, had Brick guessed? It was all very well the three of us knowing what we’d done on the kitchen table, but I didn’t want anyone else knowing. The thought of Carly and Dana, wholesome and proper ladies, finding out that ménage was my new thing was mortifying. I bet they only had straight missionary sex with their men and wouldn’t consider having two cocks inside them.

I’d only retreated several paces when I walked into what I thought was a wall. It turned out to be Raven.

“Hey,” he said, reaching out with his good hand to steady me. “You all right?”

“Yes. No. I’m not sure.”

A waiter walked past with a tray and Raven indicated for him to swap my empty glass of champagne for a fresh one.

“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip.

“You want to get out of here?” Raven asked.

“We only just arrived.”

“So?”

“We can’t just leave. We haven’t even seen the baby yet.”

“We can do whatever you want to do.”

“Well, maybe we could just sit down for a minute. These heels are killing me.” They weren’t, they were a faithful pair of comfies, but I needed a minute alone with Raven. My head was spinning. Had I been just a shag? A bit of fun to help him forget someone else?

“Come on, this way.” He pressed his hand into the small of my back and led me out of the room. In the corridor directly opposite was a wooden door with Snug written on it in black lettering.

Raven pushed it open to reveal a small wood-paneled bar area with low lighting and soft music. The chairs were plush and cushioned and only a third were occupied.

“Let’s sit for a minute. I’m not in the mood for crowds,” he said, directing me to the corner of the room, away from the few glances of recognition he’d received as we’d stepped in.

Instead of sitting facing me, he sat close on a deep sofa. His wide thigh pressed up against mine and his delicious aftershave wafted around me. The same sizzling sensation I always got when he was near tingled over my skin.

He took off his shades and stared at me—a dark, penetrating gaze that left no room for me to hide. “What just happened in there?”

“Nothing, why?”

“Because you went from being all giggly on Todd’s arm to looking like you were about to vomit.”

“Well, I, it’s just…”

“Just?” His face softened. “Tell me.”

“Who’s Tyler?” I blurted.

“Ah, Tyler.” He gave a slow nod. “What did Todd say?”

“Nothing, it was Carly. Carly and Dana.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Okay, what did Dana and Carly say?”

“That you were licking your wounds after your breakup.”

He huffed. “Seems I’m not only a physical wreck in their eyes, but an emotional one too.”

“No, no, I’m sure that’s not what they meant. They were just concerned about you.”

“Well, they needn’t be. I’m fine, and I’m certainly not moping about Tyler.”

There was a long silence. My heart was pounding, my mind racing. “So what happened between you?” I asked eventually.

“Nothing dramatic. Our relationship came to a natural end. She moved to New York to open a shop and the distance didn’t do our relationship any favors. We started to bicker when we were together, like we’d built up the week or weekend to be more than it was. After a while we decided to call it a day. Dana and Carly are just pissed because they were friends with her. But that’s not my fault. I’m not going to stay with a woman just because they like her, am I?”

“I guess not.” I sipped my drink. “And did Todd like her, too?”

“What do ya mean?”

“Did you ever, you know, share Tyler the way you did me, this morning?”

“What does it matter?” He rubbed his fingers over his forehead.

“I don’t know, I just…I just got the feeling you both knew what the other was doing. Like it wasn’t the first time you’d done it.”

He sighed. “Yeah, we did, several times, to start with for a laugh and then because it completely blew her mind, and I was all about seeing her happy.”

“But didn’t you feel jealous, if she was your girlfriend and someone else was, you know, fucking her?”

He shrugged. “No, not really, it was just sex. Plus, I didn’t see Todd as a threat. He’s a great-looking guy and he likes to fuck, but he’s not big on the monogamy thing or settling down. Tyler knew that, too.”

“What do you mean?” His words were little seeds of doubt dropping into my brain.

“Fiona, Todd likes sex, a lot, but he has the attention span of a gnat. He loves the chase, the thrill of the catch, but I’ve never known him to date the same person for more than a few weeks. It’s like there’s something out there he’s searching for but can’t find.”

“Oh, I see.” Now my heart was really pounding. My eyes stung with tears and I blinked rapidly to reabsorb the moisture. Of course I should have guessed that such a gorgeous guy who could have his pick of women was not really going to want to hang ’round with me for long.

But still, having it spelled out by Raven was painful. As was realizing that none of the other girls had bothered asking me about myself for a reason—they didn’t think I’d be on the scene for long.

“Pumpkin, don’t be sad. It’s how he is. He’ll never change so you might as well know it.”

“I just thought maybe I was a little bit special, because he asked me over here, to Orlando. He took me out, seduced me—”

“You are special, very special.” He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Todd adores you, I can tell. Nothing he does is out of malice. All I’m saying is enjoy him for what he is, don’t expect any more than what you see.” He brushed his lips over my cheek.

The feeling of Raven’s body touching mine and his hot breath washing over my neck was enough to make me lose myself to time and place.

“And as for seducing you this morning,” Raven went on, “I had a hand in that.”

“Yes,” I said breathlessly, thoughts of Todd slipping to the back of my mind as Raven’s lips found the corner of my mouth and his tongue caressed the seam. “Yes, you’re right, you did. It was so good.” So this was the soft side of Raven Todd talked about. I adored it, he was sweet and gentle and, instantly, I felt a whole heap better about everything. This side of Raven could well and truly stay.

“Huh-hum.”

Raven flicked his head around and I looked up. Carly stood next to us, her arms crossed over her chest and a half-smile twitching her lips.

“Phoenix is looking for you,” she directed at Raven.

“Right, okay.” He stood and his body heat leaving was the same as a sudden cold draft. “I’ll be right back,” he said, dropping his shades over his eyes despite the fact we were indoors.

I nodded and felt a full-on furnace attack my cheeks. Wriggling on the seat, I looked down at my glass, pretending to be fascinated by the popping bubbles.

“Are you coming back in?” she asked. “They’re handing out cake. It’s delicious.”

“Er, maybe in a minute.”
There was an awkward silence.

“Can I?” She gestured to the space next to me.

“Sure.”

She sat on the edge of the sofa and crossed her long legs. She wore neat black pants, silver stilettoes and a low-cut red top. “I thought you were with Todd,” she said quietly.

“I am.” And that is as much as I will discuss, I added silently.

“But you’re in here, with Raven?”

I knocked back the contents of my glass. “We were just chatting. He’s a nice guy.” I didn’t know Carly, the last thing I was going to do was start discussing my love life with her. Who I was with was no one’s business but mine.

There was a pause, then she said, “Mmm, Raven’s a nice guy when he’s in a good mood, which he’s not at the moment.”

“What do you mean?” Okay, so I was happy to chat about Raven and whether or not he was okay, that was safe territory. I was his health professional, after all.

“He’s been an asshole to everyone since he got back on the ice from his leg injury,” Carly said. “It’s like it’s still bothering him. I hate seeing him that way. We all do.”

“I’m helping him with that.”

“That’s good news. Like, really great, it’s what he needs.” She tugged on her bottom lip with her teeth and her eyes narrowed. “I admire you, you know.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, one hockey player is all I can handle. If you’ve got two on the go, Fiona, then I take my hat off to you. Go girl.”

My scalp prickled with embarrassed discomfort. Seriously? Carly really thought we would have this conversation? “It’s not like that. You’re mistaken.” I tightened my lips and sucked in a breath. There was no way I was going to admit it or enter into a discussion about my threesome situation.

She rested her hand over mine, smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything to anyone. There’s a few guys in there, and I won’t name names, who’ll spot the signs ’cause they’ve been there, done that.” She shook her head and sighed with fond exasperation. “Hockey players, honestly.”

Suddenly the expression on Brick’s face flashed across my mind’s eye. Was Carly saying that Brick had a penchant for threesomes? Did she, too?

“But on the whole,” she was saying, “if you play it cool in public you’ll be fine. Just watch out for any journalists. There were a few out front. You don’t want to be photographed walking in somewhere with Todd and out with Raven.”

My mouth felt dry, my tongue stuck to my palate. If only the ground would open up and swallow me, I would be a grateful lady. “But I’m Raven’s physiotherapist. It’s a professional relationship, so of course I’m going to be seen with him.”

She patted my hand and stood. “Of course. Silly me. Forget I said anything.”