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
CodyI think Immi thinks I’m joking around with her, only I’m not. I have a sister who used to be hooked on Disney, since I’m only a year younger than Holly it was something we’d do together as kids. Even as teenagers I found it kind of cool sometimes to lounge on her bed watching Disney classics and hang out. Holly and I are still pretty close. I cock my head as I look at Immi, she’s so fucking sexy it makes my dick stir. Again. What is it with her? And, why can’t my dick be more aligned with my damn head? For a start, she is Atlas’ kid sister and I certainly don’t want to get on the wrong side of my best friend. Absolutely not.We’ve been buddies since we were born pretty much. Our mom’s know each other from living together and Atlas and I have always been together. We have covered everything from school fights with the other kids, high school, being teenagers and crushing on girls, playing hockey and getting drafted. What are the odds, both of us from the same small town here in Mi
Cody As I wait for the coffee to brew I can hear little murmuring sounds coming from Immi on the sofa. It’s doing weird shit to me right now. I get my mobile out of my pocket and start typing a message to our group chat. Me: Say, anyone up for bowling? Atlas: with Fallon, we can both come. We’re only chilling right now. Calli: count me in. I can be at the alley in thirty. Does that work? Nolan: meet you guys there. Sounds like fun. We’ve not done anything but hockey for ages. Looking forward to beating your sorry asses. Me: I’ll wipe all your asses. You guys suck at bowling. Nolan: In your dreams Brannigan. Atlas: make sure you drag Immi out, she can’t just sit at home all day. She needs to get out besides, Fallon wants to catch up with her. Me: sure np. See you there. “Immi c’mon, we’re going bowling with the guys.” I shout over to her as I pour the coffee. The smell hits my brain cells. “What? I don’t want to go bowling. I hate bowling.” “Tough shit. Get your ass in ge