A Perfect Distraction. Anna Sugden

a lot.”

      “I’m not being mean,” her sister said gently. “I just think you could find something that’s more you. Don’t you miss wearing designer clothes?”

      “Of course,” she admitted reluctantly.

      “You sound like you’re confessing to a terrible crime. Who doesn’t like wearing nice things?” Tracy grinned. “With matching shoes, naturally.”

      Maggie’s answering smile faded. “But it’s a slippery slope.”

      It would be so easy to slide into that life again. First the clothes, then the glamorous parties and events. But the price to be paid was one she couldn’t afford.

      “One step at a time. Let’s change some outfits before we start worrying about the red carpet and the paparazzi. I’ll help you keep your feet on the ground.”

      It would be nice to spread her wings a little, fashionwise. Maybe simply wearing what she liked would be enough that the rest of that seductive lifestyle wouldn’t call to her. “I could give it a try.”

      “Great. You can start by ditching anything beige, gray or brown. Try flowers, polka dots, stripes—anything but plain. What about those pretty summer dresses you brought with you?”

      “I thought they’d be too casual, but if you’re sure they’re okay, I’ll wear them. They’ll definitely be more comfortable in this heat. Speaking of which—” Maggie checked her watch “—I’m meeting Jake at Mimi’s office in an hour for another trawl through the listings.”

      “I bet he’ll find those dresses more attractive, too.”

      “I won’t dress to impress Jake.” Maggie frowned. “Worrying about his reaction is no different to worrying about Lee’s.”

      “All right. Point made.” Tracy held her hands up in mock surrender. “Then wear it to impress yourself. Now shoo and get changed. That’s an order.”

      “Yes, boss.”

      Maggie had to admit, half an hour later, the cheerful, pink flowers all over her cotton summer dress made her feel brighter, putting a spring in her step as she headed next door to say goodbye to Emily.

      Though her daughter was more interested in the fort she was building with Amy, she stopped long enough to pass comment on what Maggie was wearing.

      “You look really pretty, Mummy.” She hugged Maggie, then dashed off.

      It warmed her heart to see Emily back to her normal, sunny self. Walking to her car, Maggie marveled at how easily her daughter had adjusted to her new life. Time for her to take a page from Emily’s book—get on with living her life, her way.

      She just had to work out what her way was.

      When she arrived at Mimi’s office, Jake was leaning against his SUV, talking on his cell. Maggie waved cheerfully.

      Her smile faded as he scowled, then shook his head sharply. Her heart pinched, even as she told herself this wasn’t the past. Jake wouldn’t take his anger out on her. She ignored the tiny voice inside that reminded her of his behavior at the house with the fishpond.

      “Damn it. I don’t have time for this.” Smack!

      Maggie tried not to flinch as he slammed his palm against the side of his SUV. She tried to tamp down the flutters of panic in her stomach as she backed away slowly, inching toward the door of Mimi’s office building.

      “I said no.” Smack!

      She froze, her pulse skittering. Memories of that last night with Lee flashed through her mind. The past merged with the present.

      Jake paced. Her eyes followed his angry movements, watching for the first sign that his ire had switched to her.

      He turned and stepped toward her. Fury blazed in his ice-blue eyes. He said nothing, but his clenched fist was message enough.

      CHAPTER FOUR

      “I DON’T care how much money Adam owed you, I won’t let you cash in on his death.”

      Jake’s grip on his cell phone tightened as he pounded his other fist on his thigh. Nick’s plan disgusted him.

      “Come on, man,” Adam’s former roommate whined. “Fans pay crazy money on eBay for hockey memorabilia. His stuff is just lying around the apartment in boxes.”

      “Give it all to charity, like the Stewarts wanted.”

      “That was only a suggestion. Adam’s parents said I could do what I wanted with it.”

      “I don’t think an online yard sale was what they had in mind.” Jake pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to lose what little remained of his temper. “If you don’t want to take the boxes with you to L.A., have them sent to me.”

      “So you can keep all the money for yourself.”

      “No, damn it. I’ve told you, I don’t want any part of your sick scheme.”

      “Your loss. I only offered you a chance to get in on the deal because I felt sorry for you.”

      There was no reasoning with the guy. Though Jake hated to resort to threats, he knew it was the only language Nick would understand. “You touch anything in those boxes and I’ll tell the Hawks and the Kings what you’re doing.”

      “You wouldn’t dare.” Despite the bravado in Nick’s voice, there was an underlying thread of nervousness. “Besides, they wouldn’t believe you. Not when I tell them you’re having a breakdown because of your guilt over Adam’s death.”

      The malicious jab stole Jake’s breath as effectively as if Nick had speared him in the gut with his stick. He rode the pain for a few moments, then used it to fuel his determination. No way he’d let Nick auction off Adam’s memory for a few lousy bucks.

      “I’m warning you, if you try to sell even one item, I will personally see to it your career is over. You won’t even be able to ride a bus in the minors.”

      Nick’s laugh had a desperate ring. “You don’t have that kind of influence.”

      “You’d be surprised how quickly I could spread the word. Guys get mad when they think someone is taking advantage. Do you really want to be the target of their anger?”

      Jake’s words hung menacingly in the air.

      Nick swore. “Fine. You want his stuff so badly, you come and collect it. You’ve got one week. After that, everything goes in the nearest Dumpster.”

      The last thing Jake wanted was to have to deal with Adam’s things. He didn’t need to be reminded that he was a pale shadow of the man his friend had been. He sure as hell didn’t need to be reminded of how he’d let Adam down.

      It had been bad enough living in Chicago, surrounded by memories of coming up from the minors together, being drafted together, winning and losing together. Since he’d moved home, he’d finally begun to come to terms with what had happened. Not a day passed that he didn’t remember and regret, but he’d managed some semblance of peace.

      Nick’s demand had shattered that fragile peace and ripped open still-raw wounds.

      Jake had no choice. He owed Adam that much. “You make damn sure everything is still there—every last sock, button and scrap of paper. Screw with me and you’ll regret it.”

      He hung up and jammed his cell into the front pocket of his jeans, then smacked the flat of his hand against his M-Class.

      Damn Nick. Jake had never understood why Nick and Adam had been so close. Adam was a good, honest, hardworking guy. Nick took shortcuts, looked for the easy way. This was a new low.

      Jake scrubbed his hand over his jaw and tried to calm his anger.

      A flutter of pink reminded