Just In Time: An Alaskan Nights Novel by Addison Fox

door.
    “That doesn’t require a comment, but I’ll give you one anyway. Eeew.”
    “No, I mean it. He totally fan-girled all over you.”
    Roman moved off the front walkway and into the grass. “I was buttering up the locals.”
    “Locals? You’ve known him since you were four, Roman.”
    “Yeah, well, he looked at me like he’d never seen me before, so I call it a fair trade.” The pitch of his voice was back to normal and she sped up to keep up with his long-legged strides as he circled the building.
    “What’s that supposed to mean? And where are we going?”
    He glanced back over his shoulder and slowed his step. “It means no one in this town talks to me like I’m a human being. And we’re marching around the building because if the inside looks that shitty, I’m sure the outside needs work, too.”
    “The roof does have leaks.” The angry expression that narrowed his jaw and tightened his lips had her taking a step back. “They put out big tubs to catch the runoff.”
    “It’s a fucking disgrace.”
    He turned from the building, his hands on his hips, and Avery knew what was coming next when his gaze caught on the outdoor bleachers about fifty yards from where they stood.
    The town used the indoor rink most of the time, but the site had been selected so they had a second practice area as well as a larger set of bleachers for outdoor games on one of Indigo’s larger ponds.
    “Those bleachers are falling apart, too.”
    “They did get fixed a few years back but they require so much upkeep no one’s been taking care of them.”
    When he didn’t say anything—just stared—she questioned his earlier comment.
    “And people do think you’re a human being.”
    “No, they don’t. I’ve had a long time to deal with that, but don’t delude yourself, Ave. I’m the homeboy who made good and that’s all I will ever be to these people. They don’t see me as a real person.”
    She watched as he crossed back to the building with those same long-legged strides but stood where she was. Roman had his phone out again and was snapping photos every few feet.
    He did have a point, she mused. Hell, she’d spent her entire adult life hearing about the great Roman Forsyth, hockey god and living legend. Even when they were kids, his talent was already manifesting itself and he was as feted as a teenager as he was now as an adult.
    Indigo’s hopes rested on Roman Andrew Forysth’s shoulders. For the first time in her life, she began to wonder what a terrible weight that must be.
    •   •   •
    Grier rolled over at the sound of heavy footfalls from the front room. Her voice came out scratchy and she grabbed at her head as a single syllable echoed through her skull. “Mick?”
    “Yeah, babe?” He came through the bedroom door, looking all hot and rangy and delicious, a big smile on his face. “How are you feeling?”
    “Like an idiot.”
    “Well, I have something that may make you feel a little more human.” He pulled the take-out container from behind his back and the distinctly blissful smell of pancakes wafted toward her as he opened the lid.
    She scrambled to sit up, her headache be damned. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too.”
    “No, I mean I’d cover myself with honey and let fire ants crawl all over me. I have that sort of love for you for bringing me this amazing breakfast.”
    He produced a fork and a small plastic container of syrup as he sat down next to her on the bed.
    “Why don’t you leave off the side of fire ants and save the honey for later.” His firm lips came down on hers before he moved back to settle himself against the headboard.
    “You’re on,” she murmured, secretly thanking the heavens she’d brushed her teeth a short while ago while hunting in the bathroom for aspirin.
    Grier made quick work of the syrup and dug in. “Oh my God,” she moaned around a mouthful. “You’re like a breakfast ninja. These are awesome. You are so getting the honey