Icebound (Boundless Players, #1)

by Meredith Trapp

I try to say something, but her tongue slithers into my mouth. What made her think she could march up and kiss me? Yeah, sure, in my twenties, I would’ve been hauling her over my shoulder, but now I’m ready to get down on one knee for a woman. Well, not any woman—the right one.

every sportscaster’s calling me a fading legend at the ripe old age of thirty-three.

he's 33

Now, I'm counting down the minutes until I can get home to my cat. Maybe I can bribe someone to turn down the thumping bass. I should’ve brought earplugs.

“Mine would hate you, but he hates everyone, including me. Stay away from him in a thunderstorm. He’d scratch up your pretty dress.”

LMAO

“Well, it could’ve been worse. At least she didn’t actually puke and then kiss you.” She pauses. “Unless she almost puked because you’re a terrible kisser. Then, the other way is worse.” A laugh bursts through my lips. It’s my first one of the night. I glance at her from the backseat, and once I look up, I can’t turn away. Holy fuck.

“Now, go. What color are they?” “I didn’t get a good look because it’s dark, but I think they’re blue. Maybe green? They remind me of this mood ring my sister gave me. You’ve got the type of eyes a man needs to stare at a little longer to figure out the color, and I don’t mind staring.” She rolls those stormy eyes of hers. “That’s such an ass-man response.”

“Alright, what kind of woman are you?” “An incredible one,” she deadpans. I try not to grin, but her answer’s too good to resist.

“Fine, don’t check the app. It’s Nina. Well, technically, it’s Philomena, thanks to my grandmother’s dying wish, but I go by Nina because there’s no way I’m going by Phil.” “Nina…” I swirl the name like it’s a forty-year-old aged whiskey. “Nina, I like it. It fits you.” “Good. I was really on the edge of my seat, wondering if a stranger would like my name.”

“Right. If you’re a plumber, then I’m a neurosurgical resident.”

I thrust out the drink to the boy’s mom. “Here, I know it’s not his medication, but I read that caffeine can help open up the airways in asthma patients.” The plumber balks. “I forgot. I should’ve just asked you from the beginning.”

Lmao cause he thinks shes a doctor

People crowd around the cars. Cameras flash. A few people even ask to take pictures with the plumber, which is strange, but maybe he’s got a home renovation show.

Lmao yo

“Alright, no car jack, but there are uh, ten boxes of condoms back there, which has me wondering what you get up to when you aren’t cutting into brains.”

Lol

“Doctor, right?” It takes me a moment to jump onto his train of thought. Then, I remember I told him I’m a resident because I’ve been on a medical drama kick recently. I was mostly joking because I’m still fifty-fifty on the plumber comment, but it’s utterly shocking he didn’t call me out since I look like I’m headed to a music festival.

Lol yo

I should get home to feed Chicken, but I want to make sure you make it back safe.” I quirk my head. “Is Chicken your… chicken?” “No, he’s my cat,” he says like it’s obvious. “You named your cat Chicken? Why? Does he eat chickens?” He frowns. “Yeah, but I don’t know why it sounds so nasty when you say it like that. My sister chose the name because that’s all he’d eat when we brought him back from the shelter, but now I’m imagining him devouring a bloody chicken. He eats canned chicken like a normal cat.”

“Okay, this is going to sound crazy, but are you married?” “What?” His brows nearly fly off his forehead. “Are you married?” I repeat. “Or in a civil union? Maybe a domestic partnership?” “No, I’m not married or any of the above. Why?” I narrow my eyes on the gray sprinkling his temples. He looks like he’s in his late twenties, maybe early thirties. I drop my gaze to his ring finger. It’s bare, which means he must microwave puppies or something equally horrific because no one looks like him and stays single unless they’re hiding some serious flaws.

LMAO

“Are you dating anyone?” He smirks. Of course, he smirks. “No. You interested?” “In theory, yes…” I swallow. “Okay, here’s the thing. I need you to do me one tiny favor. I realize I have no right to ask you this, and you probably have a lot of toilets to fix, so you can absolutely say no, and I won’t be offended.”

What’s the favor?” I draw in a lungful of air. “Can you please pretend like we were on a date, and I’m not your Lyft driver? Oh, and if you could act like you’re comple...

She nods like my vintage Cujo bobblehead. “Yes, we can spread some condoms on the pavement or something to make it believable. Actually, never mind, a bird could choke. That’s a terrible idea.”

LMAO

“So, all I have to do is act like we’re on a date?” I repeat. “Yes, I know I have nothing to offer you, but that’s my ex. It’s a long story, and we’re completely over, trust me, but I’d really appreciate it since he basically thinks he invented the female orgasm.” “Pretty sure that was a guy named Rhode Tremblay,” I joke. Instead of laughing, Nina blinks those hazels like she doesn’t know my name. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. My name’s in the app, right?

The guy pinches the bridge of his nose. “Why are you always so intense? I’m sorry, okay? I just hauled ass to come get you.” “Would you like a gold medal or a silver one for that?” Nina crosses her arms. “Where’s Gwendolyn? Why didn’t she come? Why are you here?”

My sister says that I have a savior complex, courtesy of our damned father. Doesn’t matter. If she needs a fake date for five minutes, I can be that for her. What’s the worst that could happen?

They fall in love

I tug Nina closer until her back meets my chest. “You cold, babydoll?” That slipped out. “Babydoll?” She winces, brows climbing upward. “No. That’s even worse than sweetheart. We’re not doing the whole cringy nickname thing.” I shrug, resting my chin on the top of her head. It’s awkward, but it’s happening. “I give everyone nicknames.” “Well, not me. You can call me by my real name.”

“Hold up, are you Rhode Tremblay?” Nina snaps her fingers. “Rhode,” she says, like my name is an explanation. “What?” I ask. She flicks a hand. “Oh, nothing. It’s just an interesting name. Is that Rhode like a road?” I tug the end of her hair so she remembers we’re pretending. “You know it was my mom’s maiden name. I told you that last week.”

Nina quirks her head. “What are you saying? Rhode’s a pl—” “Player.” I give her waist a light squeeze so she gets the point. “I’m a hockey player, but you know that, remember?” She balks like I told her I’m a world-renowned serial killer. Not the reaction I expected. Most women toss their birth control pills out the window when I tell them I’m an NHL player.

“You’re dating Rhode Tremblay? But you hate hockey?” My thumbs freeze. I hadn’t realized they’d been tracing slow circles on her waist. “You hate hockey? Do you also hate cats and sunshine?”

She arches a brow. “Oh, I remember. I had no idea you could do that with your toes.” My smirk disappears. “My toes? No. I think you meant my hands. You had no idea what I could do with my hands.” Now, she’s the one smirking as she looks up from below my chin. “I definitely meant your toes.”

LMAO

“Goalies are very flexible, but you already know that, don’t you?” “Oh, I know. Your splits got us into some very interesting positions after the naked yoga class. It’s a good thing I have ten boxes of condoms in my trunk.” I burst out laughing. She’s entertaining, I’ll give her that.

“We really don’t need to do that,” Nina interjects, waving a hand. “I’m sure Rhode’s busy being a Wall of Iron—” “Steel,” I correct. “Right, that. I’m sure he doesn’t have time, and we both know Gwendolyn would rather shove her hand in a blender than go on a double date with me.”

“What are you doing here, Gwendolyn?” I say to my sister, keeping my focus on Rhode’s chiseled face. “Really? You’re still sticking with the whole Gwendolyn thing? You’ve called me Gwen since you were five.” “Yes, but that was before you betrayed me.”

Is the sister dating her ex????

I could tell her that caffeine tricks my body into thinking I’m being chased by a bear, but she’d never understand because the only anxiety she gets is over when her candle-of-the-month subscription arrives.

You should’ve told me. How’d you even meet?” “I’m not telling you shit anymore now that you broke my trust,” I snap, hating that we have the same taste in men.

“No, you can’t, Gwendolyn. You fucked the guy I lost my virginity to. Then I found out last week that you’ve been secretly dating him behind my back for an entire year. Do you want me to say that I’m fine with you sleeping with Isaac? Because that’d be a lie.”

Thats not fucking cool

“Really, Nina? You ended things with Isaac over two and a half years ago. Two years. You’ve been with other people. It’s not like either of us cheated. We waited six months before anything happened.”

So bitch

glance over my shoulder to see Cruz dry humping the air before I roll my eyes and turn back around. “Is he dry humping the air again?” Camille asks. “Yeah.” She keeps walking forward. “Stop dry humping, Cruz, or we’re circling back to that harassment claim!” “Sorry, you know I’m only joking!” Cruz calls from behind. “You’re my favorite, Cami.” “Excuses, excuses,” she mumbles.

LMAO

“You and me both,” she says. “But please, call me Andrea. Your assistance during my son's time of need was greatly appreciated, and for that, I’d like to personally thank you by inviting you to our sponsorship event next month,

No way the othet person from the accident owns that company

Nina Really? That’s it? I thought hockey players didn’t give up easy?

Nina Sunflowers aren’t in season. Me I’ll find a way. I can be pretty stubborn when I want to be (;

“You really brought me flowers?” “Yeah, of course I did. I wouldn’t lie to you, and my mom taught me well.”

“How’d you find sunflowers? They’re out of season.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I uh, went to a few shops until I found some since I figured you like them with that tattoo on your wrist.” “You noticed my tattoo?” His eyes meet mine, and he swallows. “I noticed a lot of things about you, Nina.”

“What else did you learn? Other than the fact that I’m a sexy hockey goalie that everyone wants?” And there it is—that arrogance. “You’re exceptionally humble.” He chuckles. “Keep going.” “You’re six-three.” “What the hell?” he demands. “Which article said that? Was it Sports Illustrated? I’m six-four.” “You really need that extra inch?” A corner of his mouth twitches. “Every inch counts.”

“But just so you know, I didn’t grow up with money, so I send a lot back to my family, and for the record, any woman I marry has to sign a prenup.” He mimics my shrug. “Just throwing it out there.” I playfully snap my fingers. “There goes my plan to seduce a hockey player, get him to fall in love with me, and then divorce him for all his money.” He points over his shoulder. “Should I go ahead and leave now?” Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on the marble counter. “That’s probably for the best.”

“I’m not really into parties. Could you take someone else?” His face tightens in a subtle grimace. I narrow my eyes. “What?” “I uh, might’ve already said you were going, and I hate going back on my word. Please?” he adds quickly. “It’s just one night, and it’ll help to have a gorgeous doctor on my arm. Show them I’m serious. I’ll owe you one. Anything.”

“I’m sorry, but no. Look, Rhode, I just don’t think this—” A pounding cuts me off. Rhode tilts his head. “What’s that?” “I’m not sure.” I lift my ear to Gwen’s bedroom, and it sounds like she’s hammering something into the wall. “That’s it, baby. Ugh, you’re so tight.”

OMFG

“The woman he’s currently filming a Pornhub documentary with would be my older sister.” “What the hell?” Rhode blurts. “Now I get why you wanted a fake boyfriend. You need a fake husband? I’ll sign a fake marriage contract.”

“So, name any position that you want, because I bet I can fake fuck you better than he ever did for real.”

“Alright, no kissing, but let’s get one thing straight. When I kiss you, notice I said when, it’s not going to be because we’re trying to make someone jealous. It’ll be because you’re desperate to feel my lips on yours, and trust me, you will be.”

“I’ve never been desperate for a boy.” “Then you’ve never fucked a man.”

“What are you doing there, Tremblay?” I groan, fumbling my belt. “Please don’t call me by my last name. Makes me feel like you’re my coach or something. It’s Rhode or sex god,” I joke.

Lol

“I didn’t realize you liked being whipped so much, Rhode.” Is she flirting? I can’t tell based off her flat mouth, but I’m not passing up an opportunity to flirt back. “This tends to happen when I’ve got a beautiful woman grinding all over me.” She laughs all bright and airy. Finally. I get a laugh from her. “Beautiful? Aren’t you charming.” “Just you wait.”

I need a distraction, so I wrack my brain, trying to figure out if I know the woman. Blonde hair. Green eyes. The realization hits. That’s the woman who shoved her tongue down my throat in the bar. Is she Nina’s sister? Our eyes meet, and her brows come together, but there’s no sign of recognition. Does she really not remember that night? How drunk was she?

SHUT THE FUCK UP