The Muse and the Fairy Tale (New Hampshire Bears #1) (15 page)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kyson

I raised my head and noticed Meadow wasn’t in the bed. I turned over, and the aroma of food hit me. The momentary panic at her not being next to me passed, and I climbed out of bed and slipped on my boxer briefs to find her.

I leaned on the breakfast bar as I watched her move around the kitchen. “I thought you didn’t know how to cook.”

Meadow turned and smiled; she was sexy in my t-shirt and shorts. “I said I
don’t
like to, not that I
can’t
do it.” She put a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes in front of me.

“Thank you.” I dug into the food.

“What time is practice?”

I glanced at my watch. “Couple hours. Are you going to the game tonight?”

She nodded. “Yes, but I need to work first.” She jumped on the stool next to me.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“No.” She sipped her coffee and suddenly she had a very disconcerting look on her face.

“Meadow, baby, what is it?” I stopped eating and made her look at me. “Tell me.”

“Something happened last night.”

“Incredible sex? I was there when it happened,” I joked, but she didn’t smile.

“I love you, and last night I realized I was there. You’ve become my fairy tale.” A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.

I stood, cradling in between her knees. “This makes you cry?”

“No. It’s making me happy, scared, and nervous.”

She told me she loved me. She’d said the words. I heard them. My heart was pounding against my rib cage. I’d waited a long time to hear them because I loved her.

“Baby.” I tilted her chin up. “I love you too.”

“Kyson.” Her voice was husky. “You’re my fairy tale.

“I better be.” I covered her lips with mine.

Meadow Hylton now held my heart and soul in her hands.

“Skate! Skate!” Our bench yelled at Hamilton as he was about to gain a breakaway. He listened and skated as hard as he could, maintaining control of the puck. He reared his stick back and shot the puck. It rang off the corner post. Then the crowd and the bench all groaned in disappointment.

We lost one to zero.

We all hung our heads as we headed down the tunnel to the locker room. Our spirits were down, and we were all quiet as we showered and changed back into our suits. I know we shouldn’t be depressed over one loss, but we’re so close to the top spot in the PHL; we’ve put too much pressure on ourselves.

I was able to slip out before Remington and Keaton could corner me about going to a bar. I walked out to my truck and I saw Meadow already in it. I had Kian give her my keys. I hopped in and automatically reached for her, kissing her lips hard.

“Don’t start something yet, Kyson.”

I groaned as she pulled away.

“I told you if I came to the game, I’d have to work afterward, since you kept me in bed most of the day.”

I had gone to her house after practice, and we’d spent the afternoon in bed. She’d actually told me more than once she had to work, but I’d distracted her easily.

“I know, I know.” I sounded deflated because I was, but I understood too.

We drove back to her house, and as much as I wanted to stay, I had an early start for our road games. I walked her into the house, and I knew I had to make our kiss last me until I returned.

I kicked the door shut and pulled her toward me. I loved how she tasted like cherries every time our lips touched. Meadow held me as tight as I did her. I felt her love for me, and I hoped she knew I loved her as much.

“I really want to strip you and have sex all night long.” I softly nipped at her neck.

“Kyson, please.”

She wasn’t saying yes to my words; she was telling me to stop. I pulled back a bit.

“I want you to stay too, but it’s not going to help me get my work done.”

“I love you though.” I kissed her forehead.

Meadow’s face lit up with her bright smile. She was stunning, and I was the luckiest guy in the whole wide world.

“I love you, Meadow.” I repeated.

“I love you, Kyson.”

I laughed until I almost fell of the bed. I’d never seen anything so funny before. Remington and Keaton were in my hotel room drenched from head to toe. They had pulled a prank on Hamilton, which had involved ordering everything on the menu, and having it delivered to Captain’s room. He didn’t like it very much. In return, Hamilton rigged two buckets over the door and Keaton was the first victim. I wasn’t sure how Hamilton made it into their room, but he was able to set up another and Remington got it.

“You two look like drowned cats.” My side hurt from the laughter.

“He took all of our towels.” Keaton’s face was red with anger.

I pointed to the bathroom as I tried to control myself. They each grabbed one and headed back to their room.

I wasn’t paying attention when my phone rang and I just answered it.

“Ky.”

My stomach dropped. “Angela.”

“I’m so glad you answered.”

“What do you want? I thought I told you not to contact me.”

“Ky, I’m pregnant.”

I scoffed. “Well, you can cross my name of the list of potential daddies.”

“I’m alone.”

“Talk to your Dr. Husband.”

“I called off the wedding. After I told him about the baby, he won’t call me back.” She sniffed over the phone.

Even though I wanted to be mean, I knew this had to be rough on her. She had never wanted kids and now she was alone. “Look, Angela, you’re a strong woman. I know you’ll come out ahead on this.”

“I need you. Please.”

“I love Meadow. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.”

“That hurts,” she mumbled.

“This coming from the woman who admitted to cheating on me. You obviously weren’t happy either,” I countered.

“Touché.”

“Angela, I wish you all the best, and I know you’re in a tight spot, but in reality, you put yourself there. I’m not trying to be harsh, but it’s the truth. Now, again, good luck.” I hung up the phone.

Maybe, I was an ass for being curt with her, but she’d done it on her own. My life was with Meadow. I wanted her and not any of Angela’s drama.

I tossed my phone to the side and went to get ready for the game.

The bench cheered as the final buzzer sounded. The Bears were bac
k—
and on a winning streak. I couldn’t be happier. The guys and I were all smiles as the music was turned up and the bass thumped harder.

“Kyson,” Coach Long called me over. “There are two girls outside who really want your autograph.”

“Sure.” It seemed strange for Coach to tell me.

“It’s my daughter and niece.” He answered my unasked question.

“No problem.” I strolled out to the hallway to see two older teenagers standing on the other side.

“Dad.” The taller girl, with brown hair, rushed to Coach.

“Janan.” He kissed the top of her head. It was odd to see this softer side of him. Usually, he was yelling and pissed at the world. “Nova.” The other girl was next in his arms. “Girls, this is Kyson Wick.”

Both girls look over at me and blushed. “Hi,” they shyly said.

“Wick, this is my daughter, Janan, and my niece, Nova.”

“Nice to meet you both.” I smiled.

“Okay, we don’t have much time.” Coach hurried. “Show him.”

Janan glanced up at me, and it was then I noticed she had fading black eyes. She tried to cover it up with makeup, but it didn’t work.

“Nova and I won a giveaway and we were wondering if you would sign this.” They each pulled a book from their bags.

Meadow’s book.

“We’re huge fans of Meadow Hylton,” Nova explained.

“I couldn’t believe we won early copies.” Janan’s face now beamed.

“You know, I saw the cover, and read the book, but even I don’t have a paperback yet.” I chuckled. “I need to tell Meadow how hurt I am.”

The girls giggled and handed me the books. When I opened the book, Meadow had already signed it.

Shoot for the stars
.

I smiled at her words and signed my name under hers on each one. I took a picture with each of them as they proudly displayed their new prized possessions.

“Thanks, Wick.” Coach gave me a curt nod and went back to the girls.

I nodded and told the girls bye before I went back to the locker room. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was Meadow’s muse and her fairy tale.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Meadow

Kyson had been gone for three days and even though we talked daily, it felt like forever since I’d seen him.

“Earth to Meadow.” Harlow snapped her fingers in front of my face.

“Sorry.”

“Why? If I was banging Mr. Hot Stuff, I’d daydream about his dick and sex too.”

“I’m not.”

Harlow glared at me.

“Okay. I’m sort of. Happy?”

“Not especially. I’m the one not getting laid, remember.” She turned her attention to the people shuffling outside in the snow.

I browsed the crowd at The Latte Bean. Maxima was supposed to meet us but she’d gotten caught up in something at work. Last night, she and Harlow came over to my house to veg out with me since my book dropped at midnight.

I did several post this morning and then made sure I wasn’t going to be online until this evening at dinner when Harlow would announce my ranking. Sure, it sounded a bit egotistical, but she and I have done it since book one.

“I’m going to head home.” I stood up.

“Who’s all going tonight?”

“Us, Maxima, Kyson, and Kian. Oh, and I told Kyson he could invite Remington and Keaton too.”

“Keaton.” Harlow perked up.

This piqued my interest, and I sat back down. “Yes, Keaton. Why, Harlow?”

“No reason.” She tried to play it off, but something told me there was more to it.

“Do you have a
crush
on little Keaton?” He wasn’t little at all.

“Absolutely not.”

“You’re saying
no
, but I can tell you’re lying.”

“You cannot,” she sneered at me. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Oh.” I sat up straight. “I know that’s Harlow-code for
something to tell
.”

She turned away, and it was all she had to do for me to begin my questioning.

“What happened? Did you have sex with him? Where did you do it? Are you seeing him? Oh, God, are you dating?”

“Stop.” She held up both hands. “Stop with the questioning.”

“Tell me.” I was dying. Harlow had no problem in the past telling me all about her sex-capades. Hell, I was sure she was having sex one time when I called her.

“No sex has happened. No kissing and/or touching happened either. He’s a funny kid, and I enjoy his company.”

“Wait,” I leaned forward. “Nothing? Nothing at all?”

“Well, one thing.”

“I knew it,” I bellowed and a few people turned to stare. “I knew it,” I repeated more softly.

“We exchanged numbers, but we’ve been talking business. No, it’s not sexual business either.”

“Business?” What in the world did she mean? “You’re an editor and he plays hockey. How are those two thing related?” I racked my brain to figure out the connection, but nothing was working. “Tell me.”

“I’m an editor.”

“I know you edit—” I stopped. “Are you writing a book?”

“No.”

Then it hit me. “Is Keaton?”

She nodded.

“No way.”

“I was as shocked as you when I found out he could read and write.”

I shook my head. “I’m sure he’s very smart. I’m more surprised he write because his hockey career is pretty set.”

Harlow shrugged.

“Have you read it yet? Is he good? What does he write?”

She stared down at her latte. “I started on it last week. It’s a murder-mystery type of book. I think it’s good even though I’m not a huge fan of that genre.”

She really wasn’t a fan of it. Harlow read romance and chick lit. Even her clients wrote romance. “Why did you take it then?”

“Well, I knew his check would clear and I wanted to help him out.”

Before I could bombard her with more questions, she stood up. “I’ll see you tonight,” and rushed away.

Strange?

I actually put a lot of thought and time into my outfit. I had on thick wool tights and a dark green sweater dress. I paired it with my knee-high saddle boots and small clutch. I curled my hair and pinned back the sides. I kept my makeup simple, because I didn’t want to overdo it.

Puckhead was all curled up into a small ball on the corner of the couch when the doorbell rang. I almost sprinted to the door to see Kyson on the other side.

“Want to have sex first?” Kyson asked before I even had the door all the way open.

I laughed. “Hello is so overrated.”

“Yes.” He closed the door before capturing my lips with his. “I missed you, baby.”

“Me too.” I pulled him back to me. Our tongues rolled and licked each other and dragging him to the bedroom was a much better idea than dinner.

I reached for his belt buckle, and he backed away. “Nope. We need to go celebrate.”

“It could be part of that.” I arched my back, grinding against him.

He closed his eyes and groaned. “Stop it, and we’ll do it when we come back.”

“And if I don’t want to stop?”” I bit my lip to hold back my smile.

“Then I’ll spank your ass.”

“Oh,” I winked. “There’s something we’ve not done.”

Kyson threw his head back with laughter. I watched the glee on his face as he said, “I love you, baby.”

We finally made it to his truck and headed to Concord. We held hands and talked about his road games and the pranks the guys pulled on each other. I had been laughing so hard, I was afraid what little makeup I had worn had washed away from my tears of laughter.

Kyson parked next to Harlow’s SUV, and I double-checked myself in the mirror as Kyson came around to open the car door for me.

“You’re beautiful.” He softly touched my lips with his.

“Thank you, Kyson.”

“For what?”

“Agreeing to be my muse.”

He smirked. “Thank you for asking.”

“I’m hungry.” Harlow stuck her head out the door.

Kyson and I shook our heads, but went inside to find everyone waiting for us. The hostess escorted us all to the back in a private dining area. I felt special as Kyson took my jacket off and held my chair for me.

I caught a glance at Keaton leaning close to Harlow and I nudged Kyson’s leg to get his attention. “Someone likes another someone.”

“Huh?”

I groaned in disgust. How was it that men never paid attention? I shifted my eyes over to Harlow and Keaton, but Kyson wasn’t getting the hint.

“Kyson,” Harlow spoke up.

“Yeah?”

“Meadow is very subtly trying to tell you that Keaton was whispering in my ear. Now, she is taking that to mean he is flirting. When, in truth, he wants to split a pitcher of margaritas.”

“That could be flirting,” Keaton defended.

“Maybe if I was twenty-one and unable to pay for my drinks.” She turned back to the menu.

We all laughed at them as the waitress came around to take our drink orders. I was surprised to hear Maxima ordering a pitcher of margaritas. She would only have one glass of wine when she was around Harlow and I. I figured out why she had when Remington piped up and said he would split it with her. Kian and Kyson ordered water because they were they were the designated drivers. Of course, I ordered a pitcher just for me. Sure, it was a lot, but it was my celebration.

I watched Maxima and Remington, and I could see there was something there too, but I was distracted when Kyson asked Kian where Stanley was. The table went quiet and Kian turned red.

“Stanley?” Harlow asked.

“Kian’s boyfriend,” Kyson said, without missing a beat. I was dumbfounded he’d just outed Kian like that in front of everyone.

“Um…he…um…he had to work.” Kian found his voice.

“Such a shame, it would have been nice for him to come,” I said as the waitress came with our drinks and we gave her our food order.

The conversation jumped into the topic of hockey quicker than I thought it would have, and I was glad for the distraction. Keaton and Kyson ragged on Remington about two of his shots hitting the posts.

We were all joking, laughing, drinking, and it dawned on me. It was strange to me now that only a few months ago, I would have been here with just Harlow, and I and I’d be a wreck about my rankings. Flash forward to now, and I was at the table with my boyfriend and my friends. I felt at peace now. Not because of the alcohol, but because I felt as if I belonged here. I finally belonged.

When the food came the girls and I watched the guys inhale their food as we barely touched ours.

“Meadow. Maxima.” Harlow simply stated our names. “I have recently become aware of the term
human vacuum
.”

We giggled as Keaton stopped and studied us. “It’s not nice to make fun.”

“It’s also hazardous not to chew your food. I’m sure your mother taught you to take your time,” Harlow chided. “Let’s move on to the final topic of the night, since we’ve basically finished playing with the boys.

“I’ve got something you can play with,” Keaton mumbled loud enough for us to hear.

“Since I don’t have a magnifying glass or tweezers, let’s tell Meadow her rankings,” she growled at him, and we erupted in laughter.

Once we all calmed down, Maxima spoke up. “I think we should first say congratulations to Meadow. No matter the rank, this book is already a huge success in your life.” The entire table raised their glasses, and I felt the tears build behind my eyes.

Maxima had hit the nail on the head. This book had changed my life. It had been for the good too. Kyson squeezed my hand.

My Kyson.

My fairy tale.

Yes, I was thirty-five and yes, I was being childish with my fairy tale dreams, but maybe I’d held on to it so long because I’d never seen a real fairy tale in my life. Maybe the movies and romance books brainwashed me, but they were right. People do get their happily ever after, but you just don’t know when it will be.

“Meadow,
Standing Your Ground
, is number one in sports romance, number one in romance, and number five overall on Amazon,” Harlow announced, reading from her phone.

The table cheered as my mouth dropped, and I slid into shock. I’ve never ranked that high right out of the gate. Plus, the top ten of Amazon was like the Holy Land of Authors. To be there on day one was…well…crazy.

Kyson kissing my cheek brought me from my trance. “I knew you were the best.”

“Thanks,” was the only word I could manage to say. Harlow and Maxima both rushed over to hug me.

“I’m so proud of you,” Harlow shrieked.

I could only nod because my mouth was suddenly sandpaper again.

“I think this calls for another toast.” Remington spoke up and everyone returned to their seats, lifting their glasses. “To Meadow and Kyson’s best seller.”

We all clinked our glasses, and I was overjoyed with my life.

This was my fairy tale.