Break Away (The Baltimore Banners Book 5) (20 page)

The mingled scents of pine and cinnamon filled the room, warm and inviting. Emily closed her eyes and took a deep appreciative breath, then opened her eyes and looked around.

She had doubts—a lot of them—a few days ago when she had reluctantly agreed to take JP up on his offer. Not just his offer of temporarily staying with him—because it was only temporary, no matter what he thought or what she was beginning to want. But doubts about his crazy idea of having someone come in to decorate. Who did that? It was crazy, absolutely ridiculous. But she quickly learned he hadn’t been lying when he said he didn’t decorate, when he told her didn’t have any decorations, period.

Just as she quickly learned there were actually people who provided that service. And it wasn’t cheap.

Looking around, she had to admit she was impressed with the job they had done. The décor was understated, rustic in keeping with the décor of the house. The focal point was the tree, a twelve-foot Douglas fir placed between the large stone-fronted fire place and the outside wall of glass that overlooked the expansive yard leading down to the water. Darkness turned the glass into planes of black that reflected the tiny lights on the tree.

Fragrant boughs of pine swathed the timbered mantelpiece, with smaller pine branches tied with dark red fabric and arranged around various candles. Pillar candles, candles encased in hurricane glass, votive candles. More candles than she would have imagined. The room would be bathed in a soft glow when they were all lit.

But not now, not yet.

She moved across the room, her eyes studying the dining room. A large centerpiece of candles and pine boughs rested in the middle of the table. Dark red placemats sat at each of the twelve settings, set off with dark green napkins neatly folded in rough bark-covered napkin holders. A smaller tree sat in the corner, draped in simple red ribbon. This one had a ball root, meant to be planted later. Emily didn’t know if JP had requested a live tree or not. Probably not, considering he had told her to just have them "put up a tree and stuff".

Emily walked back into the living room, frowning. Was it too much? She didn’t think so. The effect was understated and simple, rustic, maybe even a little masculine.

But it wasn’t her opinion that mattered. It wasn’t her house, it was JP’s. What would she do if he didn’t like it?

Emily heard the garage door open, heard the smooth purring of a powerful engine through the connecting hallway. She looked down at her watch, surprised at how late it was. Then she frowned, wondering if maybe she should have lit some of the candles, just in case—

And then it was too late because JP was strolling through the hallway, his overnight bag slung over his shoulder. She paused, her eyes raking over him, taking in the crisp lines of the dark charcoal suit, meticulously tailored to fit his lean, hard frame. The pale gray shirt was open at the collar, the tie hanging loose around his neck. His hair was slicked back, the ends curling at the back of his neck.

He dropped the bag on the small bench by the hallway, his eyes meeting hers. His brows lifted, an expression of question in his eyes. "What?"

"Hm?"

He looked down at himself then back at her. "Is something wrong?"

Emily realized she was staring and quickly looked away, feeling her face heat. She still wasn’t used to seeing him dressed in a suit. He looked different, more intense, almost intimidating. Until he smiled and advanced on her. Then the stranger in front of her transformed back into JP, with his glinting eyes and boyish smile.

And small bandage under his right eye.

His arms came around her, pulling her close, but she placed a hand against his chest. She gently ran her fingers along the bandage, scowling. "What happened?"

"Stick to the face. You didn’t watch the game?"

"No. Does it hurt?"

"Will you kiss it if I say yes?"

Emily laughed, at both his tone and his small pout. She leaned up and pressed her lips against the bandage, light and quick. "So what do you think?"

"I think it needs another kiss."

She laughed again and rolled her eyes, then stepped out of his hold. "Not that. About the decorations. What do you think?"

JP glanced around the room, nodding occasionally. "Not bad. I kinda like it."

"Just remember that when you get the bill. I still think you’re crazy."

"I am. Completely crazy." JP lowered his mouth to hers, the kiss quickly becoming hot, needy. He pulled away with a groan, his arms still tight around her. "Completely crazy for you."

Emily tried to stop the sigh from escaping her parted lips. It was such a cliché, completely overused and corny. But she sighed anyway, the silly words igniting a warmth, a contentment, deep inside her. A boyish grin teased JP’s lips as he grabbed her hand, leading her down the wide hallway to the other side of the house. "Where are we going?"

"I need a soak. In the Jacuzzi tub. And then you can help me plan this crazy party."

Emily followed him, laughing. Not at the soaking part. No, she was in complete agreement with that. She was laughing at his misguided thought that they’d actually get anything planned.

She was right. They didn’t.

**

"Don’t touch that. You’re going to mess it up."

"Dude, seriously? It’s fucking food. Aren’t we supposed to eat it?"

"Watch your mouth, you
peu de merde
. There’s women in the other room, eh?"

Mat held the hand Randy had slapped against his chest, frowning as he looked at JP. "They can’t hear me. And why are you telling me to watch my mouth when you’re cussing too?"

"Because I’m swearing in French. It’s more dignified. Besides, nobody knows what I’m saying."

"Liar." JP jumped, startled by the feminine laughter behind him. He looked over his shoulder, surprised to see Emily and Alyssa standing just inside the kitchen. Both women were laughing, Emily’s eyes sparkling as she walked toward him. He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth when she walked into his arms.

"And what am I lying about?"

"Nobody understanding you. I told you, even I know all the bad words."

Heat burned in his cheeks when everyone laughed. JP managed to aim a scowl at Mat and Randy, which only made them laugh harder. A biting phrase sprang to his lips but he choked it back, not wanting to take a chance that either Emily or Alyssa would understand.

Emily leaned up and gave him another quick kiss, then pulled out of his arms. She walked to the large center island and grabbed one of the platters, stepping out of the way so Alyssa could grab a second one. "I think Alec and AJ just pulled up, if you guys want to stop playing in here."

"Who says we’re playing?"

Alyssa pinned Randy with a skeptical gaze, her brows raised. "Do you really think you’re fooling anyone?"

Randy snapped his mouth closed, then finally smiled as the two women walked out of the kitchen. "She knows me so well."

"Oh Christ. Look at you two. You’re like simpering lovesick little boys. It hurts just to watch you."

"Just wait, Herron. Your day is coming. And I personally can’t wait to see you fall." Randy grabbed his beer from the counter and took a long swallow. A look of horror crossed Mat’s face, making JP laugh.

"Don’t say anything, Mat. You’ll only lose in the end."

It was obvious that he was trying to figure out a good comeback. And just as obvious he was failing at it. Mat finally shrugged and walked over to the refrigerator to pull out another beer. He twisted off the cap and took a sip, then looked back at Randy and JP. From the expression on his face, JP expected him to say the beer was too bitter. Or maybe too warm.

"Do you think Alec is going to make us hold the kid? Babies give me hives."

Randy choked on his beer. He sputtered for a few seconds, looked over at JP, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Christ, Herron. You did not just say that. You’re an idiot."

"What?" Mat looked at Randy, then over at JP. A flush crept up from his neck, working its way across his cheeks, even to the tips of his ears. "Oh. Sorry. I didn’t think—"

"No worries, eh? But I wouldn’t let Alec hear you say that. For a goalie, he’s still a hell of a fighter."

"Forget Alec. I’d be more afraid of AJ."

Mat’s mouth opened and closed, a sign he had no idea what to say. He finally shook his head and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Randy and JP alone in the big room.

"Emily’s not going to freak or anything, with the baby being here?"

JP glanced at Randy then looked down at the floor, studying the pattern of the slate tile. He shook his head. "No, she’s good."

"What about you?"

"Me? No, I’m fine."

"Then why do you look like you just took a puck to the throat?"

JP shrugged, not knowing what to say. Up until Alyssa said that Alec and AJ were here, he hadn’t even given much thought to seeing the baby. Yes, he had seen pictures. Damn near every day, because Alec was constantly boasting about his newborn son. But this would be the first time seeing little Tanner. He hadn’t thought the idea of holding the baby would bother him.

Until now, when it was too late. And it wasn’t like there was anything he could do about it.

But JP didn’t tell Randy that. He didn’t want to, and couldn’t the find the right words even if he had. So he just shrugged again and shook his head. Randy didn’t press and changed the subject.

"Have you heard from Emily’s sister?"

Leave it to Randy to find the one other subject he didn’t feel like discussing. He tossed him an irritated look then grabbed his beer. "No, not a word."

"Maybe she’ll show up."

"Yeah. Maybe." JP didn’t believe it, though. As much as he wanted her to, for Emily, he didn’t think it was going to happen.

Laughter and loud conversation drifted into the kitchen, cheerful and welcoming. JP bit back his sigh and pushed away from the counter. This was his party, he should be playing the host, mingling with his guests instead of sulking back here in the kitchen.

JP walked out, Randy following close behind. JP stopped just inside the living room, looking around. Tiny lights glittered on the large tree set near the outside wall. Candles sat on nearly every available surface, casting a warm glow over the large room. He had thought about lighting the fireplace but Emily had talked him out of it, worried that it would make the room too warm once it filled with people. She had been right, which is why the French doors leading to the large deck out back were propped open. The night was warm enough, considering it was Christmas Eve, and fresh air drifted into the room, mixing with the scents of pine and cinnamon. JP had lit the fire pit outside, creating another area for everyone to sit and talk.

But right now, it looked like everyone was in the living room. The large room was crowded, filled with his teammates and their wives or girlfriends. Nikolai and his wife, Bobbi. Ian and his wife, Kayli, along with her brother Jake and his fiancé Alyce. Several of the younger players were there, too, some with dates but most without. Mat, Derek, Brad, Justin. Even Sonny, their coach, was here, which surprised JP more than anything else.

JP looked around the crowd some more then narrowed his eyes at Justin, taking in his glassy eyes and over bright smile. Was he already drunk? He’d have to keep an eye on him, make sure he didn’t do anything stupid. At least he hadn’t brought a date. Knowing the type of women Justin dated, he had actually been a little worried.

The thought brought JP up short. How could he stand here and judge Justin, when JP himself did the exact same thing not so long ago? He shook his head, not wanting to think about his past. Those days were long gone, now that he had found the woman he really wanted to be with.

The woman he had always wanted to be with.

JP scanned the crowd, looking for Emily. There she was, standing near Alec and AJ and a few of the others. His heart slammed into his chest and he couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe.

She was beautiful. Her hair flowed around her in dark golden waves, begging to be touched. Her head tilted forward ever so slightly, her lips spread in a gentle smile. She was holding Tanner in her arms, the small body held so carefully, so protectively against her. He couldn’t hear what she was saying but he could see the wonder and admiration on her face.

He couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Need, strong and fierce, swept through him, paralyzing him. He wanted to see her hold their child in her arms, wanted to watch as she cuddled their child to her breast.

He wanted what they had both been denied five years ago. Loss, sharp and biting, swept through him and he had to look away, to blink the emotion from his eyes before anyone could see it. He swallowed against the burning lump in his throat then looked back. Emily was watching him from across the room, her blue eyes filled with understanding.

And with promise.

And in those long seconds, when everyone else in the room disappeared and it was just Emily and him, he understood the meaning in her gaze. Yes, they had both been hurt five years, denied a precious gift. But that was the past, not their future. Their future lay spread out in front of them, full of promise.