Mile High (Windy City, #1)

by Liz Tomforde

“Arrogant. Show-off. In love with himself. Takes more time getting ready than most women. Gets in a lot of fights on the ice.” Loves his niece. Softer than he lets people know. Makes me feel good in more ways than one.

My insane logic wants to yell at him for stealing all the athletic genes while we were in the womb and therefore ruining my favorite sweatpants. This is Ryan’s fault, really.

Stevie- Does me buying you pants qualify me to get back in your pants? Kidding...sort of. Merry Christmas, -Zee (Please get rid of those disgusting sweatpants. No one needs to see those.)

And not only did he buy me one pair, he bought me three in all different sizes.

I do. That’s who. Fucking idiot.

In fact, I haven’t had sex since that night in DC. What’s the point? After knowing what it feels like to have a partner who can keep up with me, why would I want less?

“Ev, do you like someone? For real?” “No, Linds. I don’t.” My sister’s smile is lifted and knowing. “Fuck. I don’t know.” “Holy shit. What is going on?” “Nothing is going on. We hooked up once and it kind of fucked with my head, and I haven’t been too tempted to crawl into bed with anyone else.”

“You like someone.”

“I k...

and she just looks really...pretty.

“You stopped coming to my hockey games. You stopped being my dad, and the only reason you give a shit now is that I’m in the NHL and could potentially win the Cup this year. You’re as much of a gold-digger as she is, Dad.”

“You following me?”

“I like you for you.”

“I know. You’re practically obsessed with me.”

I want this.

“That’s because I always feel good around you.” That makes my chest swell with pride.

“That he worked more because he was trying to make up for her leaving. But I never gave a fuck about how much money we had. I just wanted him around. I wanted him to love me.”

“There’s no reason to abandon your kids.”

“You just called me ‘Zee.’ You rarely call me anything other than my last name.”

“Like when you called me ‘Zee’ as you came all over me.”

“We’re having a moment, huh?”

“I like talking to you.”

This season is the first time I’ve realized how over the whole “unlovable bad-boy” image I have.

So, I decided to make it loud and clear that it’s been her and only her.

Yes, thank you, Stevie. Please bruise my ego a little more, sweetheart.

“Holy fucking shit. My wife is going to lose her mind.”

“Wipe that stupid grin off your face,” Maddison laughs. I continue to smile, way too happy about this situation. “Can’t help it.” “You know you legitimately like her, right? I’m not sure if you’re aware, but you do.” A content sigh leaves my lips. “Yeah, I know.”

I’m painfully aware that my chest is rising and falling more rapidly than it should, but this girl has had me off my game for months now, and I’m nervously breathing like there might not be any oxygen left on board soon.

Fuck, I like kissing her.

“Happy New Year,” I whisper into her lips. “Happy New Year.” She smiles.

I want it. I want her.

“I’ll take a sparkling water,”

take one step out of the galley before changing my mind and quickly turning back to steal one more swift kiss, away from anyone’s sight. “Extra limes, sweetheart.” I linger right above her lips.

I like talking to him. I like that he lets me see hidden sides to him. I loved sleeping with him, and I like the confidence he gives me.

“You following me?”

“You need to get over it.”

“Get over it?”

“Yes, get over it. You’ve avoided me for years. You’ve avoided my messages. But now we’re about to live in the same city, and I know you still have feelings for me. You always have. So don’t be like t...

“No, you won’t.” Zanders’ large hand grips my hip from behind, staking a claim.

“Stevie girl.” Zanders lifts my chin, causing my wandering gaze to lock with his. “I’m going to need you to stop drooling over me for a second and tell me who that is.”

“You’re beautiful, Stevie.”

“Unreal.”

“This dress is...yeah. Wow. Makes the green in your eyes disappear. They’re just blue tonight.”

“Stevie...” Zanders slides his hand on my waist, splaying it over my rib cage and not giving a shit that my brother is two feet away, watching. “Save me that dance.” His warm lips graze my cheekbone, placing a soft kiss there before he takes off,

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I’m not ready to know this side of Zanders.

“So, ‘Vee’, huh?” “It’s a family nickname.” “My family nickname is Zee. Vee and Zee. Aren’t we fucking adorable?”

“Go on a date with me.”

“Zee, you don’t date. Stop being ridiculous.”

“Go on a date with me.”

“What happened with your ex-boyfriend?” “Why are you so fucking observant,”