Imogen “Your food is ready.” I clang the plate on the island, if he is expecting me to serve him in the dining room he can have other ideas. I am only here to earn some money then I am leaving. As far away as possible from Cody. As far as I am concerned he is danger. DANGEROUS. With his impossible electric blue eyes and the way his hair hangs in front of them. Not to mention his delicious body and I could end up caving in. My desire for him is on a different stratosphere to what I am used to. The electricity between us like, well it’s sizzling. If my brother and Cody hadn’t been such cockblockers, I’d be out with Dean tonight getting some action. As it is I feel like I’m never going to get any action anytime soon. “Thanks darlin’.” There is no point me telling him not to call me that or Immi. Cody Brannigan is going to do as he darn well pleases. He usually does, he always has done and now he is the Golden Boy of the NHL it goes without saying he gets his own way. “This looks good.
Cody It’s Sunday and I get to have a lay in, only my body alarm doesn’t realize it and as I look at my mobile it is reading five a.m. Damn it. I was looking forward to a lazy morning before practice then over to my folks house to catch up with my folks and then over to Holly’s - my sister. She left Minnesota when she got married to be with her husband, Geoff who is in finance. After a couple years of travelling State to State, he finally got relocated back to Minnesota. Now I have a niece and a nephew, both who I adore. Going to see them later today with be like a piece of sanity. My world can get real bitch crazy sometimes, going home is always peaceful. Well, when my father isn’t moaning about our team when we don’t win, or when my niece and nephew aren’t trying to pull each other’s hair out. I guess them being only six and eight has something to do with it. Holly promises me not to be put off with the whole kids thing one day and that they will grow out of it. I’m not convinced.
Cody “We’re here.” I hear my sister’s voice call out as the door opens and the bell chimes. My folks have this happy bell chime, dad says it’s to alert them for any intruders. We all know he loves his gadget-gimmicky stuff. Before I know it I am being hugged around the legs by two little rug rats. My niece Riley who is eight and my nephew Jacob who is six. These two are the most adorable kids I know. Okay, so I am biased. But who wouldn’t adore these two? Both take after Holly with cinnamon colored hair, Riley has green eyes like a cat and Jacob has chocolate button eyes. “Uncle Cody, Uncle Cody.” They shout out. I grab Jacob and sling him over my shoulder fireman style and hook Riley up with my left arm. She wraps her tiny legs around my body and her arms around my neck. “Be careful with them.” Holly says as she enters the kitchen with over-stuffed bags. “Always. Hey sis, what you got in there?” I ask her as I twirl the kids round. “Let’s go and play.” Riley says as I place her a
ImogenI’m not going to lie the state he left me in riled me. I am one hot mess as I get myself ready to go and visit my own folks and Atlas who is bringing his girlfriend of six months round for lunch. Ellie is lovely a real sweetheart and not one of the usual puck bunnies. I’m looking forward to seeing her again since I haven’t seen her in ages, but then I wouldn’t have done as I have been in New York and hardly return home unless it’s the holidays or birthday. Although I did miss Atlas’ birthday this year. What with my business going in a downward spiral and my landlord hiking up the rent, I kind of had other things on my mind.Checking myself in the mirror I am pleased to see that my red-hot flush from the closeness of Cody has died down and at least my face no longer resembles that of a boiled lobster. Casually, I sling a thin pink kimono over my white vest top and pull the zipper up on my denim shorts. Now, where are my Vans? Oh yeah, kicked under my bed. I slip my feet into the
CodyIt was good fun at my folks and spending time with my big sis and the kids. It’s kind of left me with a longing to have my own family. Whoa. Hold up, what is that all about? I’m still only in my early twenties, my focus is on my ice hockey not wanting a woman and kids in my life. I rake my hands through my hair, reminding myself it needs a trim. I wonder if Immi can trim hair? I’ll have to ask her. If not I’ll get my assistant to have the guy come round who usually does it. Steven is fantastic, the only downside is that he keeps hitting on me, he knows I’m only into girls but it doesn’t stop him. He tells me that he is the man to convert me. It’s great that we have a good relationship, and honestly Steven needs someone who will be there for him. The guy has had so many failed relationships, that it’s about time the right guy came along for him.I can see Immi’s car is on the drive, my pulse starts to pick up its pace. Am I seriously excited to see her? Man, I better get that unde
Imogen It’s early when I wake, earlier than my usual six a.m alarm. The sky is dark with bright shots of pink and lilac, it’s going to be another stunning day here in Minnesota. I love this time of year when the leaves are starting to change for Fall, the morning sunrises are perfection personified and the birds sing. I stretch my arms above my head and wonder what I can do today. If I am honest, Cody doesn’t really take a lot of looking after, he hasn’t asked me to do anything for him, only base his meals so he’s getting optimum nutrition. Even though I know he’d rather be pigging out on pizza, tacos and nachos. But you know, his coach wants everyone in peak condition for the play-off match this weekend. They’re playing in Las Vegas. I sigh. I’d love to go to Las Vegas it’s been on my list for a while now but getting the money together for flights, hotel, spending is a little out of my budget. If it weren’t for the fact that Cody would be there, I’d ask Atlas if I could trail with h
CodyI arrive at the rink for my photo shoot well in advance of time. I like to be early all that being late and rushing around isn’t for me. It takes it out of me and stress can be a killer. The team are already here too, the sooner this is over the better.I don’t personally like having my photo taken, you’d think I’d be used to it by now with all the endorsements I do and being the top NHL player. I mean it’s not like people aren’t always trying to take videos and photos of me.“Great to see you.” Belinda says, she’s the photographer. Wild red hair frames her face, her green eyes are startling and with a body to die for, she sure is one beautiful woman, all the right curves in all the right places. We’ve flirted around before in the past but she has never been a hook up. Not for her lack of trying, but because despite my horniness, I am a professional and I never mix business with pleasure. Never. It’s not something I do.“Likewise.” I say. “Where do you want me?” I ask as I approa
Imogen It’s only eleven and I have the whole day to myself. I’ve already prepped a healthy dinner for Cody. He’s having baked trout with a green salad and some baby potatoes which I can cook and drain later, with a sprinkling of fresh mint. There is no lunch for him, since his schedule says he will be at the shoot for a good few hours. Since I’ve lost contact with most of my friends and I know that my bestie, Autumn is busy today I think I’ll either read or watch a Disney movie. The Princess and The Frog is my favorite, but oh hold on, I love Beauty and The Beast too. Hell, I could watch them both and have a mini Disney marathon. Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I’ve got the whole place to myself and the sun is shining through the floor to ceiling windows lighting up the entire space. I bet it’s stunning here in Fall with the leaves changing colors. His house is surrounded by trees and bushes and the lake is smattered with trees of all descriptions. You can only just make the houses o