My heart rate kicks up. “A dress shirt? No.”
“Huh. Maybe Brandi took it.”
I just shrug and silently walk to the door. I’m not sure how I’m still employed, considering I stole a guest’s shirt yesterday and called him an asshole today.
I’ll have to be a better ambassador for the Dupont when I see Jake again, because I’m not really okay with getting fired. Ramen kind of sucks.
Chapter 4
Jake
I take my time getting dressed because I want to run into Miranda again. Not just because she’s beautiful, either. There’s something else about her that intrigues the hell out of me.
The frumpy maid’s uniform concealed her tall, slender body, but I could still tell it’s amazing. Lots of women out there with amazing bodies, though, so wanting to see her is more than just that.
Her face is very pretty, with a perky little nose, soft pink lips and eyes the same golden brown shade as Evan Williams 23 bourbon.
When she was in my room, her dark hair was pulled back in a bun and she didn’t smile at me once. I’m a sucker for a gorgeous smile.
I think it’s her fire that turns me on. She’s not a woman who will just fall into my bed, which makes me want her there that much more. Most women don’t care that I’m a prick because I’m a rich, famous one.
So yeah, my interest is definitely piqued. I just have to brush that chip off her shoulder. I love a challenge—it spurs my competitive side.
I’m sitting on the couch, scrolling through my phone, when she comes back into the room fifteen minutes after she left.
“Oh, you’re still here,” she says, definitely less than thrilled about the prospect.
“Yep.”
“Do you need something else? Perrier? A foot massage? A hand servant to feed you grapes?”
I smile wryly. “I’m good, thanks. Unless you’re offering to feed me grapes.”
“No. I have work to do.”
“You can’t work while I’m in here?”
“I’d rather not. You seem like the sort to complain because I didn’t smooth your pillowcase just so. I thought you said you were leaving anyway.”
“I am. I have practice.”
I catch the slight arch in her brows.
“What?” I ask, getting up from the couch.
She shrugs. “Sounds like you’ve got a rough day ahead. Better grab your stick and get to work.”
“It’s not all fun and games if that’s what you mean.”
“You poor thing,” she deadpans.
“I take it you’re not a hockey fan?”
“I’m not an anything fan, unless it’s work, school or sleep.”
“What are you going to school for?”
“A business degree.”
She walks past me into the bedroom and I can hear her pulling the covers from the bed. I want to stay and talk to her, but I really have to get to practice.
“See you around, Miranda,” I call back to the bedroom.
“Have a good day, Mr. Birch.” She says it in a crisp, professional tone.
“It’s Jake.”
She doesn’t respond to that, but I’m envisioning her rolling her eyes at me. I’ve never had a woman despise me so openly and immediately. It’s kind of refreshing. Usually women kiss my ass.
I leave the room and head for the parking garage where my black Escalade is parked. Miranda’s still on my mind as I drive to practice. I want to make her smile. A real, genuine smile. If I can do that, I’ll know I’ve got a shot with her.
After I park, I stay in the driver’s seat and stare at my phone for a few seconds. Fuck this. I cringe as I write out a text to Hailey.
Hey, it’s Jake. How’s it going?
There. I made an effort. I ignore my phone after that, setting it in my locker as soon as I get in the locker room.
My practice equipment is stacked in front of my locker so I get ready and skate out just in time to lead warm-up drills.
The guys look sluggish. It’s too easy to get that way at practice when your team’s on top. I skate hard during shooting drills, snow flying up from the blades of my skates.
“Pick it up, prick,” I yell to my teammate Alex, who’s my left winger today.
My usual winger is at the hospital with his wife waiting for her to have their baby. Ugh. Poor bastard. He’s about to spend his Saturday nights wiping a shitty ass instead of getting ass like he used to do when we went out together.
Being a hockey player is like a golden ticket to Pussytown. Women who know what I do for a living spread their legs without me even asking them to. I’m not much on puck sluts, but I’ve done them in a pinch.
After practice, I lift weights and take a shower, thinking about what I want for lunch. I’m always ravenous after practice. I decide on a sushi place near the Dupont.
When I get out of the shower and take my phone out of my locker, there’s a waiting message from Hailey on the screen.
I’m good!! When can we go out?
I’m thinking never, but I respond otherwise.
Me: Maybe this weekend? I’ll check my schedule and let u know.
Hailey: Yay! I can’t wait to see u again!
I’m not pretending to be excited about it. I toss my phone in my bag without responding, wondering how the hell she thinks a guy she whined to Daddy about is actually into her.
On my way back to the Dupont, I stop by the drugstore for a box of condoms. Economy pack. I want to be ready for Miranda when the time comes. Or should I say, when the time comes for her to come. Because it will. Sooner rather than later.
Chapter 5
Miranda
When I reach over to turn off the alarm on my phone, I don’t even consider hitting the snooze button. I finished studying at nine last night and went to bed right after. I haven’t felt so well-rested in a long time.