Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“I hope the next girl you date makes you work like hell for it.” I threaten him, crossing my arms.
“Oh, she will.” Kingston mutters, elbowing Becker.
“We’ll know he’s found her when Becker is at a loss for words.” Jackson grins at Becker, who rolls his eyes.
“What about the Italian restaurant Kendall’s grandparents own? Perrone’s, right? The food is good, it’s small, and you could reserve the table outside on the water. It’s a covered patio, I think.”
Jackson starts typing furiously on his phone, which has been glued to his hand for the past week. I think it’s time to start prying into my brother’s life soon.
“I can call and make a reservation there. It needs to be covered so she doesn’t freeze. We good now?” I ask them, and they groan in unison.
“What are you doing after dinner?” Becker prompts, his eyes narrowing.
“Not a movie again.” Kingston warns, shaking his head.
“One of those painting couple class things?” Becker offers, and I shake my head.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea with Luci’s focus.” I mumble, feeling uncertain.
“Wait, we need extra help.” Jackson says before snatching my phone and unlocking it. “Relax, I’m not searching through your OnlyFans account or anything…”
“Because I have one… what the hell are you doing?” I sputter, trying to grab my phone back.
He holds one finger up at me as the phone begins to dial. “Hi Easton.” Syd’s voice comes through clearly, and I take a deep breath.
“Actually, it’s all four of us.” Jackson clears his throat, and I can feel Becker’s grin growing.
“Oh hi then. What can I do for you guys?” Syd asks, her tone friendly.
“Easton is taking Luci on a date, and we need some extra insight with her ADHD. Can she handle one of those painting classes?” Kingston asks, getting straight to the point.
“It’s not the best idea. We’ve done it before, and she likes it, but it depends on the instructor and the painting. You could do it, but I don’t picture the Icebreaker at a painting class. You know there’s an outdoor holiday concert every night this week with some fireworks on the lake. What day?”
“Tuesday.” I respond, feeling hopeful.
“Let me see… That night is a rock twist on Christmas carols with fireworks. It doesn’t last long, so it could work.”
“I might try that.” I muse, feeling a spark of excitement.
“She likes music. By the way, there’s a light parade at Dubbow Park on the other side of town Saturday night. I’m taking Barrett. Want to bring Cole and Luci?” She asks, her voice bright.
“Sure.” I agree quickly, feeling a rush of anticipation.
“My brother is coming too. Is that going to be an issue?” She teases, and I let out a bark of laughter.
“No. I’m good with him now.” Mostly, I think to myself. But she should be next to me, so I’ll manage.
“Perfect. I’ll tell Cole so he can ask me every ten minutes for the rest of the week.” She laughs, and we agree before hanging up.
“Nothing like expert advice.” Becker grins, and I shake my head, feeling grateful for their help.
Tuesday afternoon rolls around, and we return from practice. I hear Luci and Cole giggling in the playroom, and I can’t help but smile. After a quick shower, I throw on a blue dress shirt and dark gray pants, feeling a little nervous.
When I step back into the playroom, I find Jackson sitting there, playing with Cole and Luci. She looks up and smiles slowly, her eyes taking in my outfit.
“Hey Cole, I’m going to send Luci home, okay?” I say gently.
He looks disappointed, his face falling as he tells her goodnight. I lead her out and into his bedroom first, wanting a moment alone.
“Not fair that you got a sneak peek of my outfit for tonight.” I joke, and she smiles up at me, a glint of mischief in her eyes. I wonder if she knows how she looks right before she gives me attitude. My Luci can’t bluff for anything, I’m sure of it.
“Maybe you shouldn’t date your son’s afternoon nanny then.” She retorts, her tone playful.
“Right… I’ll ask the weekend one next time. So much attitude, sweetness. Keep it up. I’m keeping tabs, and when you tally up enough points, I’ll clear them off.” I warn her, slowly advancing on her. She hits the wall quickly, and I cage her in, my heart racing.
“Umm how?” She asks, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
“I’ll punish you. I just need to figure out what to use on you. What you might like or not like… which reminds me.” I shove her sweater off her shoulder, revealing the nice hickey I left on her. “Maybe you need an entire necklace of these?”
Her eyes widen slightly, and I can see her breathing pick up.
“We’ll experiment and find out what works that attitude out of you best.” I lean in and kiss her slowly, savoring the moment.
“Now go home and change into something that makes me look like I deserve to stand next to you dressed in this.”