Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey Book 5)

JACK

I take off my shirt and toss it into the hamper while Everly watches me from the bed wearing nothing but my jersey.

“The doctor said my dad can go home tomorrow if everything still looks good.”

“That’s great.”

I nod. It’s a relief. Trying to keep up with practice, games and all the team stuff, and knowing my dad is in the hospital was tough. He’s still going to need care, but he can be back at his house, or mine, where he’ll be more comfortable.

“I hired a full-time nurse for him and I’m going to see if he’ll stay in the pool house so I don’t have to drive back and forth to check on him.” I climb onto the bed between her legs and kiss her. “Things are looking up.”

“I got some surprising, good news today too.”

I wait for her to tell me.

“Heather offered me a full-time position.”

“Everly…” I stare down at her, feeling a rush of pride and excitement. “That’s amazing, but not surprising at all. You’re so talented.”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t seem very happy.” I drop a hand to her knee and shake it lightly. “This is what you were working so hard for.”

“Was it?”

“Of course. It’s what you want, right?”

“I thought so. Or maybe that’s a lie. I don’t know.” She lets her legs fall to the side and leans toward me. “I wanted to prove that I could do it. For as long as I can remember, people have expected very little of me. Graduate high school, get a job, stay out of trouble. My mom didn’t even think I could hack college.”

“But you did.”

She nods. “I did. I had good grades too.”

Finally, a glimmer of pride flashes across her face, but it dims just as quickly.

“I’m glad you proved it to yourself but fuck everyone else. I’ve always known you were going to do amazing things. So did Ty and the rest of the guys. It’s why we were such a pain in the ass when you first got here. You’re special.”

She rolls her eyes, but I’m not blowing smoke. Maybe I didn’t always feel this way about her, but I’ve always been in awe of her fire, her spirit and determination. She stomped through the world on her own, not expecting or asking much of anyone. She doesn’t know how rare that is.

“I have been going over it and over it all night. Trying to figure out what I want and trying to separate it from childhood dreams to adult responsibilities.”

“Why can’t they be the same? I get paid to play hockey.” And it never freaking gets old. “What do you want? What makes you happy?”

“I want to be here. I want to watch my nieces grow up and be the fun aunt that babysits and gets to be a part of their daily life, not someone who sweeps in on holidays and an occasional weekend. And I want to go to lunches with Bridget and Grace. Go to every home hockey game and celebrate after at Wild’s. I want to be here with you. This place, you, Ty, Piper, the team, and everyone else, you guys are my home.”

My chest tightens with the weight and sincerity of her words. “I get that.”

“I know that everyone says it’s important to go out on your own and find your place in the world, but what if I’ve already found mine?”

“Then I can’t argue with that.”

“You don’t think I’m giving up or taking the easy way out?”

“I’ve rarely known you to do either of those things, but I thought you loved the work you’re doing?”

“Some of it, but honestly, it’s more fun as a hobby. I like designing for me.” She lets out a sigh so heavy I can feel her turmoil. “My mom and Tyler will be disappointed.”

“Your brother just wants you to be happy.”

“He wants me to be settled so he can stop worrying.”

“Okay, fine. Maybe that’s a little true, but if he knew how you felt, I guarantee he’d be thrilled you want to stay. He misses you. We all do. Me most of all.” I wink and she finally gives me that gorgeous smile.

“It’s going to be okay. You can be or do anything you want.” I hug her to my chest and feel her relax under my hold.

“Anything?” She looks up at me with those hazel eyes that do me in every single time.

“You already have something in mind?”

Her face lights up and she looks bashful as she says, “I think I might want to be an agent, like James. Except not for hockey players.”

“Really?” I’ve no more than asked the question than I can picture her bossing athletes around, managing their schedules and keeping them in line. In fact, I see it well. “I think you’d be great at that.”

“You do?” she asks. “I don’t even know what all it entails, but I understand athletes and I’m used to them being demanding and particular.”

“You talking about me?” I bury my head in her neck and bite the smooth skin lightly, then suck on the same spot.

We’re tangled up together in an instant, clinging to each other and smiling. Fuck, I had no idea that it could feel so good to be with someone like this.

I kiss the top of her nose then jump out of bed.

Laughing, she asks, “Where are you going?”

“I’m calling James.”

“What?” She scrambles after me, but I get my phone and hold it up above my head where she can’t reach it. “No. I don’t want the job because you asked him. I’m going to apply like any other person.”

“Ev, you’re not any other person. And trust me, he’ll be thrilled.”

I pull up James’ number and call him while Everly watches on horrified.

“It’s midnight,” she squeaks.

“He’ll be up.”

It barely rings twice before James answers.

“Hey. What’s up? Everything good?”

“Yeah. All good. I just had a question.”

“Shoot.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Ev shouts loud enough for him to hear. “Sorry we called. Have a good night.”

“Ignore her.” I wink and pull her against my chest.

“Unlikely. What’s the problem?”

“Are you hiring agents right now?”

“Always. Why? You can’t fire me.”

I chuckle. “Not for me. It’s Everly. She’s interested and I’m calling to see what she needs to do.”

“Seriously? Can she start right now?”

Everly’s eyes widen.

“Thinking more like…”

“Two weeks,” she mouths.

“Three weeks.” I pull the phone away from my mouth. “You’ll need a week of vacation between jobs.”

I wonder if we can manage to sneak away for another long weekend.

“Great,” James says. “Everly, I’ll email you over the paperwork. Do you know where the office is?”

“I can show her.”

She looks like she’s in shock. “Are you sure?” she asks. “I don’t know anything about the job, really. And I don’t want you to hire me just because Jack asked. I told him not to, by the way.”

“I’m glad he did. If some other agency snagged you, I’d be pissed. It’s easy. You already know how to handle my most diva client. Everyone else will be cake.”

“I think I should be offended,” I say, but the smile that breaks out on Everly’s face makes it hard to be anything but ecstatic.