Romancing the Grump (Appies, #4)

by Jenny Proctor

But no. Summer Callahan is not a quitter. And Nathan Sanders does not get to put me in a bad mood on what’s supposed to be a very good first day.

But I’m not about to back down, no matter how much I love the smooth rumble of his deep voice.

I’m face-to-face with a beautiful woman—one I’ve thought about more than once since I first met her a few months ago—and that’s the first thing that comes out of my mouth. You. stole. my. parking. space.

But knowing Summer will be there adds a new layer. I’m not quite looking forward to it, but I am possibly less annoyed that I have to go in the first place.

I like the idea of Nathan trying to impress me way too much,

Summer Callahan does not find me the least bit intimidating. Instead, she seems to find joy in sparring with me, even provoking me. I like it way too much. Pretty sure that means I’m in serious trouble.

Am I a strong, independent woman? Absolutely. Does it feel amazing to know this man has made an effort to protect me? To demand better behavior from his teammate? Hell, yes.

And finally, finally, Nathan smiles. It’s small. Definitely not a real smile, but it’s something, and the sight of it makes my heart flop around in my chest.

She’s too good for all of us anyway—me included—so she’s better off if they all keep their distance.

“I’d be fine retiring as an Appie,” Alec says with a smirk. “You fools would never win without me, anyway.” “Like we didn’t win without you when you threw out your shoulder last season?” Nathan asks. Alec scowls. “You’ll respect your captain, son.”

It was more like he lit my entire body on fire just by looking at me, but sure! Let’s go with weird.

“Honestly, my feelings are hurt,” Alec says from the foot of the bed. “All the times I’ve come in to wake you up, and you’ve never tried to spoon me.”

“Okay, get out,” Nathan says. “Are you sure I can’t even get a hug first?” Alec says.

Crushes are silly. Fleeting. I think I’m beginning to like Nathan for real.

I like impressing Summer.

I’m not ready, but this at least feels easier with her beside me.

No one can truly replace my twin sister. But it’s nice to be making friends who come close.

We make eye contact, and I smile, lifting my hand to the glass. He stops directly opposite and lifts his glove to the same spot. And then he smiles.

“You were on the jumbotron,” she says. “That’s what happened. And you made the grumpiest grump of all smile like a kid on Christmas morning.”

Oh, great. He’s a coffee connoisseur and he volunteers to teach children how to play hockey. Honestly. This isn’t even fair anymore.

“You won’t let go of me?” I ask. “I won’t let go,” he says. “Not until you tell me to.”

I look like I belong on one of those drugstore boxes of men’s hair dye.

Which is all the better. I have every intention of delivering the win Summer wants, and it’ll be easier if they underestimate me.

Nathan’s lip twitches in that almost smile way I’ve grown to love.

“Just take care of Summer, and we’ll call it even,” Franklin says.

So what if Nathan loves fancy coffee and plays Settlers of Catan with unusual skill. So what if he loves teaching kids how to play hockey and is endlessly patient with his fans. So what if deep in my bones, I feel some kind of kismet, a recognition that this thing happening between us is bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced before.

Sixty-five percent isn’t all the way in love, but that’s flimsy reassurance when I’ve already fallen so far, so fast. The last thirty-five percent seems inevitable.

Nathan Check your desk. Friends DO share fancy expensive coffee.

Also. You looked beautiful. Saying that as a friend.

Nathan Better Bruiser than Killer. I know how to fight clean.

I’ve never been so excited to attend a game, if only to drop the friend label for a few hours and embrace the girlfriend one.

He’s looking at his phone, unaware of my ogling, so I drink in the sight of him completely unchecked.

Nathan Summer. Let me see my name.

Reviewing contracts while episodes of Schitt’s Creek play in the background isn’t the sexiest way to spend a Friday evening, but it could definitely be worse.

“I like that about you,” I say. “But I might not be the best judge.” “Yeah? Why is that?” “Because I like everything about you.”

Nathan chuckles as he leans back on his pillow. “You must be pretty special because I’m not normally such a compliant patient.”

But right now, I’m kissing Summer because I want to—because I want her to know she’s mine.

I didn’t tell him because I needed him to say it back. I told him because I’m tired of pretending it isn’t true.

He spins around, fire flashing in his eyes. “Of course it’s what I want,” he says, his voice broken and husky. “It’s never been a question of desire. I wanted you the moment I laid eyes on you, and I’ve wanted you every moment since.”

I don’t care what Felix says. I will never deserve her. I also don’t think I can live without her.

Was there more to my father than I was ever willing to see?

YES

But I can’t just text her that I love her.

“I did hate it. But I wouldn’t have changed it. He loved to play, and I loved watching him play. Honestly, what was the alternative? We were in love, and he was a hockey player. I wanted to be with him, so the schedule, all the traveling, it was just part of the deal.”

“I can’t think of anything more tragic than you keeping yourself from having a life outside of hockey because you’re afraid of winding up like your dad.”

Behind us, Mom starts to laugh. “I think Nathan just decided that he’s in love.”

I spin back around and take Mom’s face in my hands, planting a kiss on her forehead. “I am in love. And I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

I wouldn’t wish my sister’s happiness away for anything, but I’ll be glad when the night is over and I’m no longer surrounded by so many happy couples.

If the universe is taking notes, that just feels rude.

“Lucy, what if he doesn’t love me back?” I suddenly ask. Her expression softens. “Then he’s a first-class idiot.”

“Here’s to hoping Nathan knows you with his eyes closed.”