Chapter 5

Imogen

Wow this place is huge, it has vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. The front look onto the gardens which I'm betting Cody has a gardener or two. His Porsche and his black Range Rover are parked out the front. He's standing right behind me, I can feel his breath on me, it makes me tingle. Fuck it, I can't feel like this about him. He's my enemy and I'm really pissed that my body is having some kind of betrayal going on right now.

I turn furious at him for being so close and at me for having this reaction. "Do you mind, you're in my fucking space. Back off." Too much? I don't really care, we need boundaries but before I can open my mouth, I hear my brother's voice cutting in. Again.

"Imogen, stop with the shitty attitude." I pull a face and stick my tongue out. at my brother. "So adult of you." He's clearly not impressed but Cody has a smirk on his face, one I'd like to slap off his face.

"You ready to see your room." Cody says as he grabs my bag from my shoulder. I quickly grab the handle.

"I can manage thanks." I say through gritted teeth. Six months is going to kill me being in close proximity to this hulk of a man with tattoos running up his arms that clearly showcase how hard he works in the gym. I'm guessing he has his own gym downstairs. We're both at a tug of war with my bag, this isn't funny.

"Okay, darlin'." He says, it sends a jolt through my body. Seriously, two words and he's got my knickers in a twist. This is so fucked up. However, he has relented and I am now in full control of my bag. Meanwhile my brother looks like he wants to run over and shake me. I shrug my shoulders. It's not as if he doesn't know that Cody and I can't stand each other.

"This way." Cody starts to walk down a wide corridor that leads off from the large open-plan living space. The flooring is beautiful ash wood, the walls are painted white and there are a few pictures of him either on his own in his hockey kit, winning championships or with his team mates. It hits home how massive he has become in terms of his success. It's pretty daunting to say the least.

We pass two large wooden doors on the left and three on the right. Straight ahead is a set of two wooden doors. "I've given you my room. It's the largest and I think you'll be most comfortable in here." Cody opens the doors and allows me to step inside. I catch my breath. OMG. It's the largest room I've ever seen. There's a super deluxe bed on my right covered in a white bed drape with six, yes six. pillows all perfectly plumped up. Straight in front of me are large terrace doors that are open and look straight onto the lake. It's absolutely stunning and for once in my life I'm actually lost for words.

"Do you like it?" He asks as my brother let's out a low whistle.

"It's beautiful Cody. Thank you." I'm totally taken aback that he's given me his personal space. Seriously? "I'd be fine in a guest room to be honest." I tell him.

"Don't worry, I've taken the room next door. It's got the same view. We'll be neighbours." He chuckles. Fucking great, now I'm going to worry he's right next door. I'm going to have to try to avoid him if he's out on the deck when I want to go out there.

"Right. I can take one further down the hall." I tell him, hoping he says yes. I know I've got to work for him, but that doesn't mean I want to see too much of Cody.

My plan is to prepare all his meals when he's at practice or at games then he can help himself.

"We'll get your bags in and let you get settled. I've got something to do later, sis. I'll come back over tomorrow and check in on you after practice." My brother tells me. I'm wishing I could be back at my folks home well away from Cody whose mere presence is doing something weird to my body. I'm wondering what he looks like naked and reprimand myself for thinking this of my fucking childhood enemy. The one that teased me and called me names.

I nod and watch they both leave the room as I take a step onto the deck and inhale the pure fresh air. The lake is serene as the sun glints gently down. This guy has made it so BIG. Little Cody and his hockey sticks is now THE hottest ice hockey player in the country.

In my eyes though, it doesn't change the fact that he was a total jerk to me growing up and I'm never going to forgive him for how he treated me.

They drop my bags and a couple of boxes off to the room. My brother gives me a proper bear hug and ruffles my hair. "Hey stop it. I'm not eight anymore." But it feels good. I kind of missed him whilst I was in New York.

"If you need anything Immi let me know." Cody says using that fucking nickname again. I want to slap him, instead I grind my teeth. I've a feeling I'm going to have worn down teeth by the end of six months.

"I won't need anything. But we do need to lay down some boundaries." I say noticing his eyebrows raise. He looks amused. I clench my fists even tighter to avoid punching him.

"First, I don't intend to see much of you. Give me your schedule so I can be in my room whilst you're around." He's folded his arms in front of his chest with his toned legs hip width apart. His jeans are hugging him in all the right places and I can see his package. I try to avert my eyes, too late. He saw me. I'm mortified, I want the ground to open up and swallow me

"Secondly, if you call me Immi, I'll resign on the spot." He stifles a laugh. Now I'm the one raising my eyebrows.

"Listen darlin', I don't want you around too much either. Stop already with the rules. I'll put my schedule on the fridge in the kitchen." Cody turns to leave the room.

"You start today so best get on with lunch." Then strides out the room leaving me furious as fuck and wanting to walk out and get the first flight back to New York. Only I'm broke and homeless so I'm stuck here in this damn place with Cody. I throw myself on the large bed and fist my hands to stop from screaming. That conceited dick.