Hammer & Nails (13 page)

My eyes well up all on their own as I place my hand over Lucy’s where it sits on the bar. “I am so sorry to hear that,” I say with a trembling voice.

“Oh sweetie, don’t cry for me. I’ve lived a good life. I’ve raised my children into beautiful adults and I’ve got to spend time with my gorgeous grandchildren. This is all part of God’s plan for me and I accept that.”

I brush away the tears that start to roll down my face. “Well, I am honored that I’ve had the chance to meet you,” I tell her.

“And I you, my dear,” Lucy replies with a smile and pats my knee. “Now, let’s not dwell on my demise. I’m here to taste some delicious wine and make new friends.”

“Cheers to that,” Bert says and raises his glass.

We all clink our glasses together then take a sip.

~ Nolan ~

“Hey, are you okay?” Harley asks quietly as we take the elevator up to our room. “You’ve been awfully quiet since we left the winery.”

My mind has been racing. After hearing Lucy’s story, I was reminded of my mother and my original plans to study the disease and to help find a cure. I feel like I’ve betrayed her in not fighting for the lives of other women and men who end up with this horrible disease.

“I think I need to quit my job,” I murmur, staring at the reflection of myself in the elevator doors. I don’t even recognize myself anymore. I’ve changed so much since meeting Harley. For the better. Working for my father had turned me into a person that I didn’t like, someone who I never planned on being. But then this crazy, take no prisoners, woman walked into my life and made me see what was really important in this world.

Harley links her fingers with mine. “Okay.”

I look down at her to find her already looking up at me, an understanding smile on her gorgeous face. “Okay? That’s all you’re going to say?” I ask dryly.

“You should do whatever you feel you have to do to be happy with yourself,” she says.

I shake my head in awe of her. “You are really something else, Harley Jameson.”

She sends me a wink. “Yeah, I know.”

I chuckle then lean down and give her a grateful kiss. Knowing that she is supportive of my decision will make this a lot easier on me. Dealing with my dad? Well, that’s a whole different issue entirely.

“If I quit then I won’t be able to afford my house.” I sigh. I’d really hate to give it up, but I will probably have to.

“There is a way for you to keep it.” Harley grins.

I raise a curious eyebrow. “Oh yeah? How’s that?”

She shrugs. “I could move in with you. Both of our salaries together should be more than enough to cover the bills.”

A slow grin spreads across my face. “You wanna move in with me?”

“Being that I’m in love with you? Yes, I’d want to move in with you.” She chuckles.

“What about your house, though?” I ask.

“I’ll sell it. The money can go toward finishing up the renovations,” she answers as if it’s no big deal.

“Baby, are you sure?” I frown.

She rolls her eyes at me. “Nolan, if I wasn’t sure then I wouldn’t have suggested it.”

“God, I love you,” I breathe and shove her up against the wall of the elevator and ravage her mouth.

Harley tangles her hands in my hair and gives as good as she’s getting. We’re so wrapped up in each other that we don’t even realize that the elevator has stopped and the doors have opened.

“Hey, look, honey, the hotel has free porn.” A man’s voice laughs, followed by an “Oof” and a woman hissing at him to “Shut the hell up.”

Harley and I wrench apart and turn toward the couple entering the elevator. They are probably in their early forties. The woman’s face is bright red while her significant other is grinning from ear to ear. Harley and I mutter our apologies and exit the elevator. Luckily, it’s our floor. Once we get into our hotel room, I show Harley just how much I love her.

~
Twelve
~

~ Nolan ~

When Harley and I get back from our nice little vacation, we meet with a realtor about putting her house up for sale. I decide that I’m going to continue to work for my father until after the benefit, since it’s my idea and project in the first place. It is the one thing my father allows me to do in memory of my mother. While I continue to work for the Bruisers for the next two months, I’m going to save as much money as I can, and start looking for a replacement job so I can finally put my education to good use.  I’m also going to sell my Maserati, because honestly, what do I need two cars for? Especially one that costs as much as the Maserati. I used it as a status symbol. One that I no longer care about, so it’s gotta go. I will keep my BMW, though.

I get my finger checked out by the doctor to make sure it’s healing okay. Which it is. It’s still somewhat painful because of the nerves growing back. I’ve been able to switch to a single digit splint now instead of having three of my fingers wrapped together.

My first week back at work is rough because of everything that I have to catch up on. Brock gladly hands me back the reins to the benefit. And my dad is riding my ass for all of the other things that I need to get done. I’m staying until nine or ten at night to catch up. I swear my dad is giving me extra work just to punish me.

Harley is being very patient with me. I barely have any time to spend with her, and when we are together, I’m usually tired and cranky. I don’t know how I got so lucky with her. I certainly don’t deserve her, but I’m not giving her up, either.

Friday rolls around and I’m in desperate need of a break and some loving from my girlfriend. So I sneak out of work early and head over to
OUR
house, where I know Harley is working. When I get there, there are two trucks in the driveway, one obviously being Harley’s. I walk in the front door and hear music coming from the kitchen. It sounds like something out of the 50s, but still current. I stop in the doorway and grin wide when I see the scene in front of me. Harley has her back toward me, standing over her brother, Nate, who is laying tile. She is singing along with the music using her hammer as a microphone. Her hips wiggle back and forth, as she animatedly puts on her performance. Her blonde hair is pulled up high into a messy bun on top of her head. She’s wearing skin tight skinny jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, her tool belt, and her work boots. She’s full out belting the lyrics, and she’s honestly not bad.

“
If your lips are movin’, if your lips are movin’, if your lips are movin’ then you’re lyin’, lyin’, lyin’ baby
…” Harley sings.

Nate, who is on his hands and knees on the floor, catches my eye. He smirks and shakes his head at me. Harley doesn’t even notice. I fold my arms over my chest and lean against the doorframe, watching as she shakes her ass. I can’t help but smile at her, she’s so freaking cute.

When the song ends, I start clapping. Harley yelps and whirls around, her hand over her heart. When she sees that it’s me, a giant smile breaks across her face and she squeals as she launches herself at me. I laugh and catch her as she throws her arms and legs around me. She grabs my face and attacks my mouth. I groan and turn to press her back against the doorframe. I tilt my head wanting to kiss her deeper. I sweep my tongue into her mouth. She moans and glides her tongue along mine.

“Hey, Nolan, can you not fuck my sister in front of me? Thanks,” Nate barks.

I reluctantly tear my mouth away from Harley’s, causing her to whine in protest.

“Sorry, Nate.” I smirk and set Harley back on her feet.

Nate shoots me a look that says, “Yeah, whatever.”

“What are you doing here? I thought you were working late again?” Harley says, bringing my attention back to her beautiful face.

“I snuck out early. I missed you,” I murmur, placing sweet little kisses on the corners of her mouth.

She smiles brightly. “I missed you, too.”

“You two are gonna make me barf,” Nate grumbles.

Harley points at Nate. “Shut your mouth, slave. Keep working.”

I roll my lips in to keep from laughing. Nate flips her off even though he’s also fighting off a smile.

“Do you think you can leave with me? I have a surprise for you,” I tell Harley.

Her eyes light up. “A surprise?”

I smile and nod.

Harley looks at Nate. “Will you be okay if I go?”

He rolls his eyes. “Yes, master, get out of here.”

Harley laughs. “Thanks, I owe you one.”

“Mmm hmm.”

I take Harley by the hand and lead her out to my car.

~ Harley ~

Nolan and I stop home so that I can change out of my work clothes. He says that we’re not going anywhere fancy, so I change into a pair of non-work skinny jeans, a gray long sleeved Henley shirt, and my Chucks.

As we get closer to our destination, I realize where we’re going. There’s a Bruisers game tonight. I smile over at Nolan.

“Are we going to the game?” I ask.

He smiles and glances over at me. “Maybe,” he teases.

My smile fades. “Is your dad going to be there?” I ask hesitantly.

I’d like to stay as far away from him as possible. The guy is such a shithead.

Nolan reaches over and squeezes my thigh reassuring. “We’re not sitting in the box.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Oh good.”

When we get there, Nolan produces two tickets at the gate, gaining us entry. I’m so excited. I love coming to games, they are always so much better than watching them on TV. That’s when I realize that I don’t have my jersey.

I turn to Nolan and grab his arm. “I don’t have my jersey! I can’t be at a game without my jersey!” I whine.

“Don’t worry, I have another surprise for you.” He smiles and gives me a peck on my lips.

Nolan guides me to one of the memorabilia stands that sells jerseys and other Bruisers items.

“Hey, Richie, you got it?” Nolan asks the guy working the stand.

Richie smiles brightly. “Yes, I do, Mr. Hammerstein!”

He reaches under the counter and produces a neatly folded Bruisers jersey. He hands it to Nolan, who in turn, hands it to me. My heart flips excitedly in my chest.

“What’s this?” I ask.

“Well, I’m not too fond of you wearing Roman’s jersey after what he did, so I had one made for you.”

I quickly unfold it and hold it up by the shoulders, the back facing me so I can see it. Just like an authentic player’s jersey, my last name is on the back, along with the number 00. I stare at it in awe for a minute before hugging it to my chest. I look up at Nolan to find him watching me, his eyes full of love and adoration.

“Oh, Nolan, I love it! Thank you so much!” I say then wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.

“You’re welcome. I wanted to get this for you before I quit because I’m sure I’ll be cut off after that,” he murmurs.

“Thank you, baby,” I whisper against his lips, kissing him again.

I let him go so that I can pull my new jersey on. It’s perfect.

Nolan takes my hand. “Come on, I can’t wait for you to see where we’re sitting.” He smiles devilishly.

This is the best date ever! I laugh as he drags me to our section and down the stairs. I stare in stunned silence as we occupy the two open seats next to the Bruisers bench, right up against the glass. I face Nolan.

“Are you shittin’ me?” I gawk.

“One last hoorah.” Nolan chuckles.

It’s true. This will probably be the last time that Nolan will be able to get us tickets to a game. For free anyway. I have no doubt that his father will not continue to let him have privileges like this after he quits.

“This is great, baby. Thank you.” I smile and give him a much-deserved kiss.

We take our seats and wait for the game to start.  

The players take the ice for their warm up just as Nolan and I buy beers from the vendor guy who’s walking around. I bounce excitedly in my chair, being careful not to spill my beer. I’ve never sat right behind the glass before. As much as I still love the Bruisers, I’m not as infatuated with Roman Borovsky anymore. He put a bad taste in my mouth after what he said about Nolan. I watch as he skates by a couple of times, not noticing that we’re sitting right next to the bench that he’ll be sitting on. Nolan told me that there had been some talk about the incident at the bar with me punching Roman in the balls. Apparently, Roman’s teammates that were there told the rest of the team and they all had a good laugh at Roman’s expense. Nolan said that the word was that Roman was not amused. So he probably hates me. Oh well, he deserved what he got.

I stand and knock on the glass as Roman skates by. He glances over and does a double take when he recognizes me. He sneers at me. I can’t help but laugh and wave excitedly at him. I blow him a kiss and wink at him. I hear Nolan bark out a laugh next to me, which makes me smile wider. I wave Roman over. He gives me a dry look as he skates over to the boards.

“What do you want?” Roman calls through the glass in his Russian accent.

“Don’t take a puck to the nuts tonight!” I yell to him.

He smirks and rolls his eyes. He smacks his glove against the glass, giving me the finger with it. I laugh as he skates away. Okay, maybe he doesn’t hate me because he did smirk. He’s still the team captain and a damn good hockey player. I don’t want him to hate me.

I sit back down and Nolan puts his arm around my shoulders. “I think you’re forgiven.” He chuckles.

I smile. “Yeah,” I say, pleased.

After a beautifully sung
National Anthem
, the puck is dropped and the game kicks into gear. I’m surprised at how involved Nolan gets into the game. I’m obviously still louder and more opinionated, but he jumps to his feet for all goals scored and the one fight that goes on. It’s fun being able to share something I’m passionate about with the man I love and have him be accepting, and even participate along with me.

After a fantastic game with the final score being 4-1 Bruisers, Nolan and I head back to my house. I flop down on the couch with a loud sigh.

“That was so much fun, Nolan. I can’t thank you enough,” I say.

Nolan smiles brightly. “I’m so glad you had fun, babe. I had fun, too,” he says, sitting down next to me.

~ Nolan ~

“Thank you, sir. I can’t wait,” I say sincerely into the phone. “Okay, bye.”

I place the phone back into its cradle and grin. I just landed my first job interview. This is the first step in doing what I’ve always wanted to do - help find a cure for breast cancer. No more living under my father’s thumb. I’m doing something for myself for once. And I really only have Harley to thank. If she hadn’t come along and opened my eyes, I’d still be a stuck up, pompous asshole.

“What’s that smile for?” comes Brock’s voice from the doorway to my office.

I whip my head up to look at him. “I…uh…nothing,” I stutter.

Brock rolls his eyes and steps over the threshold, shutting the door behind him. He comes and sits down in the chair in front of my desk. “Try again.”

I sigh. Brock is typically not the kind of guy to give up when he wants to know something.

“Alright, listen, you can’t repeat what I’m about to tell you.”

“Never,” Brock affirms, crossing his heart with his index finger.

I smirk.

“I’m looking for a new job. Just got my first interview set up,” I tell him.

“Well, it’s about damn time,” Brock snorts.

I give him a confused look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Man, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. You don’t belong here. This job isn’t for you. I’m glad you’ve finally realized that,” he replies.

I blink at him in shock. “Really?”

“Yes. I could always see it in your eyes, how unhappy you are to be here. So what field are you trying to get a job in?”

“Cancer research,” I say, and it sends an excited flutter to my stomach.

“That’s…that’s amazing, Nolan. I truly wish you the best of luck and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you’ll find a job quickly,” Brock says with a genuine smile.

“Thanks, Brock. I appreciate that.”

“So daddy dearest has no idea?”

“The only time we’ve spoken in the past few months has been when I asked for those two weeks off to recover from the accident.”

Brock’s smile fades. “Damn.”

“Yeah. He hates Harley. He doesn’t think she’s good enough for me. Doesn’t want her in the family.”

“What an asshole,” he sneers.

“Pretty much.” I nod.

“Who could not like Harley? She’s like a breath of fresh air,” Brock says in bewilderment.

I laugh.

“I’m glad you didn’t listen to him,” he says quietly.

I smile softly. “Me, too.”