Baby Daddies: Puck Buddies Series Read online

  Baby Daddies

  Tara Brown

  Baby Daddies

  Book fifth and final in the Puck Buddies Series

  Part two of the final book in the series!

  Copyright 2020 Tara Brown

  This is a work of fiction.

  All names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Text Copyright © 2020 Tara Brown

  This work is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This work may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written consent of the publisher.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. No alteration of content is permitted.

  Published by Tara Brown.

  Printed in the United States of America

  Cover Art by Dark Tree Designs

  Edited by Andrea Burns

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN - 9798671180985

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  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Epilogue

  The End

  ALSO BY

  About the Author

  1

  Bros before hoes

  Saturday, July 8

  Jenny

  “What the hell?” I pace the hotel room and stare at the pictures on the internet of Liam and me. In one, his hand is on my lower back and another shows me smiling at him over dinner. If I hadn’t been there, I’d almost believe, by the angle and expression on my face, I was about to lean in and kiss him. Which is entirely what the drama sites are suggesting with headlines asking how long we’ve been dating.

  My insides are on fire as my phone vibrates with a call. It’s Sukii Facetiming me.

  I press “accept” and cry out, “Did you see?”

  “Oh, girl, I am not the only one who saw.” Her wide-eyed stare is worrisome.

  “Did Stan see?” I whisper, battling an instant onset of nausea.

  “No. Lori.”

  “Oh my God.” I cover my face. “He must think I’m such an asshole. I sleep with him, avoid him for two weeks after he was so nice to me, and then tell him that ridiculous Ben story. And now this. I’ve officially become one of those head-game playing women men fear.”

  “Nothing happened, right—?”

  “How can you even ask that?” I snap. “Liam is either a disgusting womanizing douchebag or a psychopath, and maybe a bit of both. If the cameras and phones could have recorded the conversation we were having, it would have shown me, smiling politely all the while telling him that he would lose his job if he didn’t stop being so difficult to work with. He all but admitted he made up the pervert claims against the director. I hate him and see why Laura was so aggressive to be rid of him.”

  “Oh, Jenny. I’m so sorry.”

  “He’s a handsy jerk who’s been touching me nonstop for the cameras, and beyond murdering him, I don’t see how I can tell him off without losing my job.” My voice cracks. “And I think he knows that too.”

  “I’m sure Laura had nothing but problems with him.” Sukii grimaces. “When the headline broke, Stan laughed and said Liam was at it again. I asked what he meant and he explained that Liam’s divorce was because he couldn’t keep it in his pants, regardless of how much he’s played the victim over it. He said it was difficult for Laura to handle him, but he was sure you had this.”

  “Oh great. Well, clearly I don’t have it.” I press my eyes shut for a moment before sighing. “I’ll call Lawrence after this junket and explain. Which might be awkward since we skipped getting to know each other before sleeping together.”

  “You guys have an obvious thing and this Liam nonsense is bad for it. So as soon as you can, call.”

  “I will after this dinner. Chat soon.” I tap the phone off, hating the uneasiness in my stomach. All day the junket has been a nightmare. Liam has been a pain in the ass. Not only is he handsy, but he’s bitter about admitting he was being a diva. I’m convinced he wants my head for the Natasha story.

  A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Coming!” I hurry to the door to open it, expecting anyone but him. Liam. But here he is.

  He grins and roams my body with his stare before saying, “We eating in or out?”

  “Out!” I push him back and walk out, closing the door a bit roughly.

  Before I can walk away, he steps back into my personal bubble and stares down on me, our chests almost touching. “You’re so beautiful.”

  The words make me cringe. Partially because it’s him saying them but also because it was what Ben would always say.

  “You don’t like me saying that?”

  “I don’t like anyone saying that.” I move to the side, sliding away and walking to the elevator while avoiding the eyes of the people in the hallway who pretend not to watch us.

  “Is there a story to go along with the response, or are you just one of those bitter women who hates all men?” he asks with a snooty tone as we round the corner and are alone.

  “There’s a story.” He’s baiting me. In fact, I think this entire act of him being attracted to me is punishment for making up the Natasha Wentworth spin. Any minute he’ll admit he’s messing with me and gloat.

  The moment we step into the elevator, he chuckles as if he knows a joke I don’t.

  “What?”

  He stares at me, smirking.

  God, I hate him. But he moves fast and pins me against the wall, running his hands through my hair. His eyes meet mine and hold them hostage as he refuses to let me move.

  “Say cheese,” he says and plants his lips on mine as the doors open and I hear the click of cameras. He whispers against me, “You’ll regret messing with me, Jenny.” He slips his hand in mine and walks us out.

  “Why are you doing this?” I ask as we enter the dining room where everyone is already getting seated.

  “Saving Natasha’s reputation by putting the focus on you, you mean?” he asks innocently. “Your hands are sweaty.” He lets go and walks to the table where the actors cast in the movie are seated.

  But the cameras leave him alone, they’re all on me.

  Trying not to seem upset, I find my seat with the reps and put my game face on.

&
nbsp; “I guess dinner with me is off?” Angelo leans in and whispers.

  “He’s punishing me for spinning the story,” I whisper back.

  “Of course he is. I told you he’s a diva.” Angelo laughs and nudges me. “You doubted my opinion, didn’t you?”

  “A little. But I’ve learned my lesson and will never doubt you again, oh wise one.” I smile and try to shake off the rage and vile hatred I have for Liam.

  Dinner at the rep and agent table is pleasant enough. It’s business talk filled with laughing and commiserating over our hardships in a funny and lighthearted way. But I’m barely able to focus, thinking about what Lawrence is doing right now. My heart is racing and eating is impossible, but I manage to get some drinks in.

  I’m wondering how to fix things when a miracle occurs. A text from my brother hits my phone. It’s meant to be funny and creepy but it’s what I need to hear.

  I can see you.

  I search the restaurant, finding him in the foyer of the dining room. He’s wearing sunglasses inside, at night, and is dressed down the way indie musicians do.

  “Excuse me,” I say to everyone, and get up, hurrying to where he is. “Joshy!” I hug him and inhale the familiarity and safety his embrace always offers. He leads me away from the dining room to the lounge where we sit and grin at each other like idiots while his bodyguards keep prying eyes and ears away.

  “Tell me you’re not dating Farringdon. That guy is king shit of turd island,” he finally speaks.

  “No.” I giggle. “Actually, I’ve had the weirdest couple of weeks in the history of weird weeks.”

  “Yeah, I assumed as much when I got the number-change text. I want details.” He’s firm and older brother-ish. I am not getting away without telling him everything.

  “Okay.” I get comfortable and begin, starting with the trip home all those weeks ago, where Judith was a complete dick, Ben, the wedding, Lori, and end at the elevator punishment-molestation tonight. I don’t skip details, beyond the sex.

  As I finish the sordid story, Josh swallows hard and nods. “Okay, so firstly, I’m putting a hit out on Ben. I knew that guy was a dickwad. Secondly, are you telling me you like this Eckelston hockey player? Even though you’ve sworn never to date one? Ever? Mortal enemies and all?”

  “Yeah.” The sighed answer is easy to admit to my brother.

  “You don’t think this is a bit sudden? You break things off with Ben on a Tuesday and replace him with a puck on Thursday?”

  “You don’t get to slut shame me. I met Marla Lopez at the wedding.” I lift an eyebrow.

  “That’s a fair shot.” He shrugs it off. “She still a smokeshow?”

  “Yeah. Totally hot. Judith’s age but hot.”

  “Nice. She’s possibly my favorite groupie still.” He sits back and relaxes a bit. “So you like Eckelston?”

  “I do.” Heat creeps up my cheeks. “We’ve started dating. It began as sort of a fling and it’s moving into something else.” I pause. “Something I can say I never had with Ben in three years. Lori’s so real. It’s impossible to not be yourself with him.”

  “I see. Does that mean I’m killing Farringdon?”

  “No. I’ll lose my job.”

  “Because of the free apartment? Jenny, your job sucks. I’ve wanted to say this for a while. Quit and I’ll buy you an apartment and you can find a better job.”

  “I don’t want your money, Josh. We’ve been over this. And I didn’t want the free apartment. I feel sick enough about that one and I’m paying rent.”

  “Why can’t I spend money on you?” He leans in. “Crusty old Stan Levisohn can buy your affection and love with an apartment while he whores you out to Liam-fucking-Farringdon, but I can’t give you a dime?”

  “Can we not?” I ask, trying not to be frustrated with his need to parent and protect me.

  “We promised her, Jenny. We would be superstars. We would live life to the fullest and never hold back because you don’t know what’s going to happen.” He’s ruthless and goes for the last thing we told our mom.

  “I am good at my job, Josh. I feel like a superstar there. And not because of hockey or you—” My voice cracks because I’m saying old lines but the truth in them is fading. Those promises I made to my dying mother pushed me to make Team Canada. But they’ve lost some potency in the last few years.

  “Yeah, it’s great.” He rolls his eyes under his shaggy hair. “What’s not to love? You’re making up stories to save the worst narcissists on the planet from lying in the beds they made. Mom would be so proud.”

  “Fuck you, Josh!” I stand up to leave, but he lashes out and grabs my hand.

  “Sorry, you’re right. That was too far.” He pulls me in and holds me tight. “I just hate that you’re dating losers like Ben and letting that asshat Liam put his hands all over you. Makes me psycho.”

  “You were already psycho.” I laugh and pull back, recognizing the real anger in his eyes. “Stop sending Ben death threats too.”

  He cracks a grin, making me laugh harder. He looks so much like Dad, it hurts. I bury my face in his chest and sigh.

  “Promise me you’ll be the girl Mom raised you to be and stop taking shit off these asshats. That’s not you, Jenny. You’re amazing at compartmentalizing yourself, but work Jenny is ruining the rest of the Jennys.”

  “I promise.” It’s the worst self-realization I’ve made in a while but he’s right. If my mom saw me getting mauled by some pervert on TV, who wanted to torment me, she would’ve expected me to punch him in the face. Not smile for the camera.

  “Okay, I’m gonna get stoned and play some music. You wanna come to the show?”

  “Yeah.” I grin, aware leaving the junket before dinner is over is not something work Jenny would do, but seeing my brother and his band is something the other Jennys need.

  2

  Right hook

  Lori

  It’s impossible to play the good son with my brain stuck on Jenny and Farringdon. Cap texted me that Sukii said it’s the job and no way was something going on, but the elevator kiss pic Sami sent me with an outraged text message is convincing. None of us like Liam. He made a go at Sami and told everyone they slept together when things were dodgy for her and Matt, adding fuel to that fire. I retaliated by sleeping with his wife, which might explain the Jenny thing. Maybe he’s paying me back. Either way, I’m not assuming anything. If I’ve learned a single lesson from Sami and Matt, it’s that we don’t assume. I need to talk to her. Face to face.

  My mother’s laugh snaps me out of my thoughts as she continues regaling our company with facts about me. “He’s had a job since he was nine years old. Been paying a broker friend of ours to play his money in the stock market since he was eleven. He has more money than we do.” Mother laughs again. “Lawrence was always our odd duck. And now this, he’s having his hockey phase.” She shrugs but in that way women of proper breeding do that doesn’t look like a shrug. It’s like she’s flexing her tense neck muscles which force her shoulders to lift.

  “How admirable,” Mr. Kamahi says, offering me an approving nod.

  I’m so tired of talking about me.

  And my sister Callie appears ready to kill me to end this.

  It isn’t at all how I wanted to spend the evening with Grandpa whose eyes flash humor from across the parlor where we’re taking our port. He and I haven’t had much of a chance to talk, thanks to the matchmaking ceremony going on.

  “Our Helaine was much the same.” Mrs. Kamahi decides to join in on the parenting brag fest. “Law school and passing the bar before her twenty-second birthday. She has recently taken a position with a firm in New York, with a friend I believe we have in common. Stan Levisohn.”

  What are the odds?

  My stomach tightens.

  “Yes, Stan is such a dear friend. His firm is one of the best. Entertainment law then?” Father asks.

  “Indeed. It’s her hobby.” Mrs. Kamahi rolls her eyes.

  Helaine,
who is a smokeshow, lifts a dark eyebrow at me and offers a look that suggests entertainment law is not her only hobby. She drinks the port and licks her lush lips seductively. Normally, I’d be excited to fuck her face, but I couldn’t get hard right now if my life depended on it. Not with Liam mauling my girl. I just can’t believe Jenny’s letting it happen. There’s got to be a reason.

  “And will you continue to work after you’re married, my dear?” Mother goes for the interview part of the evening, and my head explodes at the thought Jenny might be falling for Farringdon. Maybe she doesn’t know who he is.

  “I would like to.” Helaine’s gaze darts to mine again and our parents beam.

  “Okay, on that note, I’m leaving. I would say I’m calling it a night, but the truth is I can’t focus. I’m flying to LA quick to find the girl I’m crazy about, see if she’s sleeping with some sleazy actor, and if not, I’ll punch his lights out for kissing my girl.” I stand and walk to my grandpa who gets up from his chair as he laughs. “Love you, Gramps.”

  “You’re a shit, Lori.” He hugs me tightly but there’s a noticeable difference in the strength he’s able to muster. I should come home more often.

  “I know, I’m my grandfather’s grandson. I’ll swing back and see you tomorrow if I can. If not, right after Brady’s wedding.” I kiss him on the cheek and turn to the stunned faces of the occupants in the room. “It was delightful meeting you, Helaine. If things don’t work out with Jenny, maybe I’ll look ya up one day, and we can finish this silent conversation we’ve been having.”