The Workaholic and the Realist (New Hampshire Bears #2) Read Online Free

more.” Sure, it was somewhat a lie. I did want to have sex with Keaton. I wasn’t blind to his young, hot body. My hormones weren’t dried up either. “Nothing more,” I repeated.

Chapter Four
    Keaton
     
    I settled back in the exam room, waiting on Damaris to give me the all clear. For the past five days, which included two road games, I’ve remained at home resting. Grams saw the blocked shot on TV and when I woke up the next morning, she was already in my apartment cleaning, cooking, and doing my laundry.
    I tried to tell her she didn’t have to do any of it, but she insisted, and I knew better than to argue with her. I might be a foot taller, but she could still reach my ear and yank me down to her level. It had been many years since she’d done it, but I knew she still had it in her.
    “Mr. Jaco.” Damaris said my name in his most professional voice, complete with his white coat. “I called Coach, and you’re all clear for tomorrow’s game.”
    “Thanks.” I stood up and shook his hand. I couldn’t wait to get back on the ice with the rest of the team. Plus, I could tell Grams she didn’t have to stay and babysit me any longer.
    I sent a text to Remington and Kyson letting them know I would be back tomorrow and kicking their asses soon. Of course, they didn’t message me back, because they knew I was right.
    “Grams,” I called out when I walked back into my apartment.
    “No need to shout Keaton Michael. I’m old, not deaf.”
    I kissed her cheek. For as far back as I could remember she had called me by my full name. I never understood why, but when I asked all she said was it was my name.
    “I got my all clear. Now, you may go home.”
    “Are you throwing me out this instant? I’m an old woman.” She faked sniffled and wiped away the non-existent tears.
    “Oh please.” I rolled my eyes and hugged her. “I’d never throw you out.”
    “Good, because I’ve not bounced all around the USA with you for you to toss me out on my rump now.” She pulled away and headed back into my kitchen.
    “Grams, you know I appreciate you going with me when I got traded.” I reached for a bottle of water from the fridge.
    “Well, you needed me.” She began to wipe down the counters. “Speaking of parents.”
    I groaned at the word. “Whatever it is, I don’t want to hear it.” I took a seat at the table.
    Grams stopped her task and sat across from me. “ She called and wanted to see if you would talk to her now.”
    I stared at the woman who had raised me since I was a month old. Grams had been the only one around my entire life. My so-called parents decided they really didn’t want a baby. They wanted to continue to party and be free . My mother’s mother didn’t want to raise me. So, Grams stepped up and happily did it.
    Every memory had her in it. She helped me learn how to skate, took me to every practice and never missed a game. She would sit with me to make sure my homework was done. She even read to me, especially after I learned how. When I was sick, she sat at my bedside and read some of my favorite novels to me.
    “I’m twenty-five. Why now?” I grumbled.
    “She’s been clean for many months now.”
    My father, Marco, had been Grams’ son and a horrible drunk. He died when I was a teenager. For a long time, Grams blamed herself for his actions, feeling at fault for the situation. My mother was just as bad as him.
    However, Grams was an angel. None of it was her fault.
    “I’m an adult. I love you, and I will take care of you until my last breath. But I do not want to talk to her,” I told her plainly and firmly. I know I’ve said it before, but it was worth repeating.
    “Okay. I promise not say any more on the topic.” She patted my hand. “However, there is something else I’d like to talk about.”
    “And…”
    “Harlow.”
    “Oh, Grams,” I sighed. I knew where this was going. “She’s editing my book.”
    “She seems to be more. I mean, she came over here to