Page 37 of The Big Puck

“Wait—what?” Am I hearing what I think I’m hearing? Her wicked grin, complete with a single dimple and a devilish glint in her eye, beams back at me as she nods.

“Yes, I think you two would make excellent lovers and more—”

“Wait—lovers?” My voice goes up six-thousand octaves so that I’m not sure anyone but dogs can hear me.

She waves a hand. “Don’t tell me you haven’t given it some thought? You’re a healthy young woman, and Spencer is…well, you’ve seen him—brooding aside, or maybe exactly because of his brooding nature. My nephew is a hunk. That’s exactly what I’ve been told by more than a few of my friend’s younger relatives on too many occasions to count—ever since he hit puberty.”

I laugh as the resistance and air goes out of me, leaving me a little lightheaded. “You’re right. He is a hunk. I can’t deny it—” I have a big fat BUT all lined up, but I keep it under wraps because she gives me a warning glare and raises her hand as if to stop me. Nevertheless, I need to disillusion her. “All well and good, Aunt Hildie, but Spence doesn’t particularly like me or even think of me that way—”

She laughs. “Oh, you mark my words, dear girl, that young red-blooded man thinks of you that way. Most definitely.” Her pleasantly wrinkled face takes on the knowing-sage look, and her vivid blue eyes stare at me another moment, penetrating like she wants to impart something important.

“Don’t you dare let him and his gruffness scare you off.” She examines me up and down again as I nod and wonder what she’s looking for. “You’re a very beautiful young woman. But I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that. I’m certain the attentions of dozens of men have already made that clear to you. You have that certain something… In fact, despite what you say, I’ll bet you’ve already seen a glimmer of interest from my nephew, haven’t you? Admit it.” She watches me with a partly amused and partly stern face, and I’m compelled to tell the truth.

“I’ve felt a spark of attraction between us if that’s what you mean, but—”

“That’s precisely what I mean. You’ll need to build on that. But I’m sure you can.”

“I’m not so sure—”

“My dear girl, don’t let him get away. He’s a catch.”

“Don’t I know. The thing is, Aunt Hildie, he thinks I’m too young, and my brother, who plays for his team, also thinks I’m too young for Spence and—”

“Pish posh. You’re over twenty-one, aren’t you?” I nod. “Besides, you’re the same age as he is., in here where it counts.” She touches her chest over her heart. “Young people don’t understand how meaningless the difference in years is once you hit adulthood, but it’s true.”

“You’re probably right.” For the first time, I think about it and wonder what the age difference between us means besides a few pop culture references and those charming crinkles around his eyes when I catch him smiling at Krissy.

“You know I’m right. For instance, I bet you and I have more in common than might be expected.”

I laugh. “I wouldn’t bet against that. I already feel like we’re the best of friends. Though I have to say, you are definitely wiser than I am.”

“I’m afraid you have a point there. I have the battle scars of life to prove it.” She smiles sadly and kisses Krissy before she lifts the sleeping baby and hands her back to me. “Also—and don’t tell anyone I admitted this—you may have a tad bit more energy than I do.”

“Oh, you’ll get that back once you get your strength back and you’re out of this place. Physical Therapy takes a lot out of a person.”

“True, but you’ve done in this short visit what weeks of rehabbing and rest are designed to do. You’ve given me strength and energy. You’ve revitalized me with your energy and good cheer, so I feel I’m ready now to take on our little project.”

“Our little project?” My heart pumps fast, and I feel a rush of adrenaline overcome my reasoning and sanity.

“Yes. Operation Save Spencer. We’ll make sure he recovers from his setbacks and loss and that he finds the full appreciation of life with the help of a good woman at his side—and in his bed.”

She winks again, and my mouth literally hangs open.

Operation Save Spence? What I wouldn’t give to be that woman in his bed. An explosion of excitement, trepidation, and fear blossoms all over me, giving me goosebumps. And in the next moment, all of that is overwhelmed by the sheer desire and longing welling up to outweigh reason, fear, and whatever resolve I had when I came north to put aside the idea of men and any romantic entanglements for a good long while.

“I’m in.” These are the two most reckless words I’ve ever spoken, but no two words have ever felt so right.

Funny, because I never felt this strongly when I accepted the ring from Moe. The ring. I have the sudden urge to fling it at him, to rid myself of it and any vestiges of him and his family from my life.

The nurse comes in, and I don’t need to be told our visit is over.

But Operation Save Spence has just begun.

“I’ll call you later, Aunt Hildie.”

“Are you going to the rink?”

I laugh. “How did you know— Never mind.” I wave a hand. “I’ll make sure I bundle Krissy up, and we won’t stay long.”