Chapter 25

Myra goes to bed reluctantly. Not only did she want a bedtime story, but also Rigby to be next to her while I read it.

It's been a month since Indie began to stay with her when I'm away for games, but it seems like it's plenty of time to shift the dynamic of our little family. And where is she when I need her?

Avoiding me because I kissed her senselessly. Not only that, I also told her that we could become fuck buddies.Okay, maybe I pushed her too far. On Tuesday, she sent her sister Lyric, pretending that there's some kind of emergency she had to control. Yesterday, it was Jude who came to watch my child. The general manager missed the game because his sister is avoiding me.

This time the excuse was, she had to go to California to help one of her mom's clients—it was very important. Doubtful. And since she'll stay the weekend there, tomorrow Myra is invited to a sleepover with Cora and her cousin. I wanted to say no but what's the alternative? Miss the game?

Knowing she might not come back, I texted my agent about finding a replacement nanny ASAP. Not really in his job description, but it might be smart to stay away from Indigo Walker before I do something worse—like becoming addicted to her mouth and her body. Or running out of favors and not being able to go to my game.

Though, Byron's response dumbfounded me. He said he was already on it, but what I want isn't available. Apparently, he's friends with the Deckers and Indie reached out to him—clearly also desperate to extract herself from this situation.

So here we are: two desperate people trying to solve the nanny problem because this attraction burns too hot to sustain a professional relationship. Logic dictates that I forget about my proposition, respect her wishes and keep my distance.

But I don't follow fucking logic, only Tyberius rules. Also I haven't spoken to her in days. So, I grab my phone and text her.

Ty: I know you said you need time, but how long will it take you to make a decision?

Indie: Definitely more than a few days. Why are you messaging me?

Ty: Well, I decided to be proactive about my own issue and messaged my agent, Byron Langdon. It seems like you two know each other.

Indie: Yep, family friend. He found a couple of people and I interviewed them, they definitely wouldn't work.

It doesn't sit well that she's adamant to leave the job.

Ty: So you want to get rid of me.

Indie: We kissed, Ty. Things got too intense and I don't want to complicate this.

The memory of her lips on mine, the feel of her body pressed against me, soft and warm, play on a loop in my mind. Each detail vivid and palpable, as if she were here right now.

I can still taste her, the sweetness of honey that clung to her lips, an addictive flavor that has imprinted itself on me. That kiss was reckless, dangerous, but oh so addicting. Now she wants to leave. The mere thought sends a pang of longing through me, so intense it borders on physical pain.

A longing that shouldn't exist, but I need to satiate. I've never felt this desperate before. Never needed someone like a drug, like air. And I know it's just lust, nothing else.Well no, that's not true. It might also be madness. It's probably the lack of sex.

What if I try to fuck someone tomorrow night after the game? Will this go away?

But I know the answer is no. It's her that I want. Her mouth, her body, her . . . Everything. Just for one night or as long as she'll have me.

Ty: Yeah, we definitely had a moment. Great kiss, five out of five stars. Now that you finally admit that there's heat between us, will you accept my proposition?

Indie: Have I mentioned I don't like to be tangled up with hockey players?

I raise my eyebrows. Has she been with a hockey player before? Or at least in love with one?

Ty: You never mentioned that before but tell me more. Were you in love with one and he broke your heart?

Indie: I've never been in love.

Ty: You don't need to lie to me, darling. This is a judgment-free zone.

Indie: I'm not lying. Did I have a stupid girl crush? Sure, but I wasn't in love. How about you? Have you been in love?

Ty: A couple of times. Nothing earth-shattering, no broken hearts. Probably some disappointment, but that's all.

Indie: You disappointed her?

Ty: Why would you think I'm the one who did something wrong? Anyway, I just realized you're one of those.

Indie: One of what?

Ty: Those people who like to drag information from others, but refuse to give any away.

Indie: I do like information. Isn't there a saying, information is power?

Ty: I don't think there is, but you can make it a thing. Now tell me which hockey player broke your heart.

Indie: No one broke my heart, it was just a stupid childhood-crush.

Ty: What's his name? Tom, Jack, Peter?

Indie: It's old history, let it go.

Ty: If it was, you wouldn't mind telling me his name.

Indie: His name is Frederick. He was my brother's friend.

It takes me only a second to realize that she might be talking about someone I know. Frederick Rossi was a rookie when I played for the Boston Blizzards. He claimed to be best friends with Jude Decker. He used that name a lot to score women.

And of course, I dare to ask her:

Ty: Are we talking about Frederick Rossi?

Indie: Leave it alone.

Ty: Okay, so we're talking about him.

Indie: There are thousands of men named Frederick.

Ty: But not many were born in Seattle, play hockey, and are close friends with a Decker. He liked to tell everyone about his best friend.

Indie: They were childhood friends. I wouldn't say best.

Ty: So, I'm right. It was him.

Indie: Don't you have anything else to do tonight?

Ty: Probably, but all I can think of is you and our deal. You've been great at avoiding me by the way. Sending Lyric, then Jude . . . tomorrow is a sleepover with Cora and her cousin. Ingenious.

Indie: We don't have a deal and I'm busy. Mom needs my help.

Ty: Just say yes, darling.

Indie: Good night. I have things to do.

Ty: Oh, I'll have the best night. I'll be dreaming of your mouth, and the things I'll do to your body once you say yes.