Accidental Score: An Accidental Pregnancy Sports Romance

by Kristen Echo

  “How could you?” Her voice echoed through the terminal.

  I stared at Destiny and rubbed my cheek. “What’s your problem?”

  “We’re supposed to get back together,” she whispered as tears leaked from her steel-gray eyes. “I was giving you space like you asked, but it wasn’t permission to date someone else.”

  The press aimed their cameras our way as I grabbed her hand and pulled her away. Her high heels clacked against the tiles and her tight dress swayed above her knees. She was always dressed to the nines. I was fairly certain she didn’t own sweats. I appreciated the effort, but I preferred a more casual and natural look.

  When we were a safe distance to speak without being overheard, I stopped. “We broke up. Months ago,” I reminded her.

  “It was temporary, and I want you back.”

  “No.”

  “Aaron, I miss you. Don’t you miss me?”

  I missed having a partner to share my life with, but I didn’t miss Destiny. Before me, she’d been with a few different guys from my team. We were never serious. Until her lies changed our situation. Her deception and schemes were unforgiveable. Any feelings I had for her vanished when she confirmed our baby was nothing more than a lie to keep me.

  “Not even a little,” I answered through clenched teeth.

  The hurt of losing a child still gutted me. I had been over the moon about becoming a father. Even though Destiny wasn’t wife material, I would have made it work. When I caught her having a glass of wine, she admitted the pregnancy test had been a false positive. She let me believe a lie for over a month.

  She launched herself at me, hugging me tight. “Don’t throw away what we have. Josie can’t make you happy.”

  “Are you stalking me? How do you know about—”

  “I saw the picture on your profile. She’ll never love you like I do.”

  “I don’t want to hurt you, but I don’t love you.” I kept my voice low, but loud enough for her to get the message. “We aren’t getting back together. I could never trust you again.”

  “Because of her?” Destiny buried her face against my chest. Her lavender scent surrounded me. “Do you love her?”

  It wasn’t love yet, but it could be one day. Josephine had all the qualities I wanted in a partner. She was smart, loving and beautiful. More importantly, I trusted her. After our first kiss, I was hooked. I loved that she made the first move. I couldn’t wait to make the next ones. I untangled my ex’s arms from my waist and stepped back.

  “My love life is none of your business. I wish you all the best, but please don’t call me anymore.”

  Her coy smile made me uncomfortable. Destiny always had an agenda. She never did anything out of the kindness of her heart. It had taken me far too long to see her true colors. I should have trusted my sister from day one. Presley surrounded herself with genuine people and could sniff out a rat miles away.

  “Will you walk me to my car?”

  “Sure,” I replied.

  If I didn’t agree, she’d have dragged the conversation on way longer. She looped her arm through mine. As we passed by my teammates and the press, her steps slowed.

  “I love you,” she said, turned and smiled for the group. “It’s great we were able to work things out.”

  “I can’t even—”

  “Wait to get out of here. Me too,” she finished for me and quickened our pace towards the exit.

  As soon as we stepped into the hot Nevada sunshine, I marched away from her without a word. I’d already said enough. We were done. Her antics proved I’d made the right choice. My fist pounded against the steering wheel of my car as I exhaled a deep breath. The orgasmic euphoria I’d had in Canada had vanished.

  I pulled out my phone and turned it on. Scrolling though the endless messages, I noticed one text from Josephine. My anger melted away as I read her message.

  “Call me when your schedule allows.” The kissy-face emoji was a nice touch.

  Just like that, all was right in the world. She had sent it just before I boarded the plane. I put the convertible top down and smiled as I pulled out of the parking lot. With the wind in my hair, I drove directly home. The streets had minimal traffic given the morning rush hour had passed. Security at the gate waved me through. I didn’t stop to chat. There was only one person I wanted to talk to.

  As I parked in my driveway, I dialed her number. Three rings later, she answered.

  “Hi.” Her voice chimed through speakers in my car. “I’m surprised to hear from you.”

  “Hi,” I replied. I hoped my sister hadn’t given her the third degree. “How are you?”

  Her long pause made my palms sweaty. “Fine. I’m a little busy.”

  Her tone suggested she wasn’t pleased to hear from me. I ran my fingers through my hair, wondering what had changed in a few short hours. I took her off speaker phone and pressed my cell to my ear as I climbed out of my vintage, nineteen-sixties muscle car.

  “Josephine, what’s wrong? Is Presley hounding you about last night?”

  “Yes, she is, but she stopped after we caught some online footage of your return home. I don’t think she liked seeing you with Destiny.”

  “Shit. You saw that?”

  “Yeah. You don’t owe me any explanations, Aaron.”

  “True but let me tell you what really happened.”

  “You don’t have to,” she reiterated.

  “Destiny was upset about the fact that I’ve moved on. I will never forgive her for using a fake pregnancy to... it doesn’t matter anymore.”

  “I’m so sorry you went through that. You don’t have to share the painful details.”

  “It’s in the past. I have made it very clear to her that my future is not with her. I never invited her, and I hope you know I’m never taking her back,” I spoke quickly, trying to explain the situation. “Josephine, you and I—”

  “Aaron, stop,” she laughed. “I’m not jealous or freaking out. Relax.”

  “But you sound upset.”

  She laughed again, soothing my racing heart. “I’m fine, but you caught me in the middle of an experiment. I’m at the university working with liquid nitrogen, and I’m not alone.”

  “Is Dallas there?” I hated the idea of her spending time with him, but they were friends. I had to trust her.

  “Yup.” Tension settled on my shoulders. “But, he’s not competition. I like you,” she added, squashing my mounting jealousy.

  “Oh. So, we’re good?”

  “We’re great.”

  I smiled as I climbed the steps towards my front door. “We are,” I agreed. This relationship was already a million times better than my previous ones. “I’m glad you asked me out.”

  “Technically, I didn’t. Your sister set us up, but thanks for saying yes.”

  “Speaking of Presley, do you want me to talk with her and get her to back off?”

  “Nah,” she replied. “I told her we drank a lot, and had fun, but I left out the early morning details.” I pictured her cheeks turning rosy as she spoke. “She doesn’t need to know about… the kiss or what came after,” she whispered.

  “Are you asking me to lie to my sister?”

  “No. Never,” she replied. “There’s nothing to say. I’m not even sure what we’re doing.”

  After the run in with Destiny, I was ready to charge full steam ahead with Josephine. I didn’t want to take things slow. I wanted Josephine to be mine.

  “Some people would call this dating,” I teased.

  “Is that what you want? You want to date me?”

  I laughed. “Yes. I want to take you out on an official date. Just you and me.”

  “Okay. I’d like that.” Things banged in the background, reminding me she had her hands full. “Unless you want to wait a few weeks to see each other, the date will have to be over the phone.”

  The sunlight beamed against my red front door almost blinding me. I entered my code into the panel to unlock my door. The entrance
was dark and empty.

  “A video date will have to do for the time being. I’ve got training later, but I’m free after nine.”

  She inhaled sharply. “As in tonight?”

  “Yes,” I snickered. “I never agreed to slow, and I’m swamped tomorrow with practice and meetings.”

  “Okay.”

  “Great,” I said as a dozen ideas bounced around my head. Something romantic. Something over the top. She deserved to be wooed. “Our first of many dates.”

  “I should warn you that once your sister discovers we’re dating, she’ll start picking out veils,” she scoffed.

  The idea of Josephine in a white gown, walking towards me at the end of the aisle made me hard. My cock pressed against my slacks, trying to reach her through the phone. Before Destiny, marriage and kids weren’t on my radar. Now, I was ready to settle down with the right woman. I was ready to put in the effort.

  “Don’t tell me. I’d like it to be a surprise.” The line went silent. I thought we’d lost connection. “Are you still there?”

  She cleared the throat. “Yup.”

  “Too soon to plan our wedding and future?”

  “A little,” she chortled. “Since when are you Mr. Relationship?”

  “Since you kissed me.” I bit my lip, picturing her mouth on mine.

  “Don’t be cute.”

  “You think I’m cute?” I laughed again as she huffed. It was impossible not to smile when talking with her. “I think you’re beautiful.”

  “Thank you, but don’t change the subject.”

  “What do you want to know? Ask anything. I’m an open book.”

  “Fine. I’m not trying to be rude, but you’re a player. Players don’t get married.”

  Her assessment was accurate. I had dated a lot. Most of my relationships lasted a few months or less, but I never considered myself a player. I didn’t like the title.

  My jaw clenched. “Is there a question?”

  “This might sound old fashioned.” Her voice dropped to so low I could hardly hear her. “What are your intentions towards me?”

  “My intentions?” I kicked the door closed and walked into my house. The cool air washed over me.

  “Yeah. Like you want to date me and how many others?”

  “No others. I don’t share.”

  “That goes both ways,” she stated with more conviction. Almost possessive and sexy as hell.

  “Deal.”

  “Can you be with just one person?”

  I had never dated more than one woman at a time. Juggling my career and dating was hard enough with one. “Believe it or not, I’m a fan of monogamy.”

  She snickered. “Just not long-term relationships then.”

  “For the record, I’ve been waiting for the right woman. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Maybe it was too soon to know where our relationship would go, but I needed her to stop thinking I only wanted a fling. I wanted something real. Something lasting.

  “That’s a good line.”

  “I’m being honest. You’re the kind of woman I could see myself marrying someday.”

  “You shouldn’t joke about marriage. I’m liable to take you seriously.”

  “I promise when I ask you to be my wife, you’ll know I’m not kidding,” I said as I wheeled my bag across the checkered, foyer tiles and placed it by the closet. I ran my fingers through my hair as she giggled.

  “Well, that’s reassuring.”

  “Josephine, long-distance relationships take a lot of work, but I’m willing to try with you. I want to date you. Exclusively.” Another long pause followed as voices in the background got louder. “Did you hear me?”

  “I’m a little distracted. Can you repeat that?”

  “We have to be open and honest. No holding back.”

  “Agreed. But don’t expect me to fawn over you like a puck bunny.”

  I tossed my head back and laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m well aware of who you are and what you’re not.”

  A loud bang pierced my ear through the phone. “Crap. I have to run. Bye.” She hung up.

  With a smile from ear to ear, I debated calling my sister to thank her for meddling in my life but opted against it. I’d let Josephine tell her best friend about us when she was ready. I slipped my phone into my pocket. A mirror hung on the wall next to a collage of framed art. The goofy grin reflected my good mood. I had a date.

  My stomach growled. As I stepped towards the kitchen, my phone rang. I answered without checking the display. “Did you forget to tell me something?”

  “We need to talk,” my agent barked. Ben was one of the best in pro sports, but often a little over dramatic. “Why haven’t you called me back?”

  My contract negotiations weren’t going well. In fact, they had stalled. At the end of the season, I wasn’t sure where I would play or if I’d play at all. The managers and my agent wouldn’t come out and say it, but I had a feeling my time in Vegas was limited. I trusted Ben to do his best, but he couldn’t work miracles.

  “You’ve got me now. What’s up?”

  “That was a smooth move with the university. That donation attracted a lot of positive attention. I wish I had thought of it,” he joked.

  “My sister attends that school.” It wasn’t strategic, but there was no point in clarifying. No matter how I spun it, Ben would believe whatever he wanted.

  “We can leverage this, Aaron.”

  “How so?”

  “One of the Toronto Elite owners called me earlier.”

  My ears perked. “What did the two of you discuss?”

  “They need some veterans to balance the new team. If you keep your nose clean and keep playing hard, you may end up in Toronto next season. It’s not your first choice, but—”

  “Make it happen, Ben.”

  Staying in Vegas was my first choice, but my priorities were shifting. Food forgotten, I walked into the quiet living room and turned on the overhead lights. My place was too big for one person.

  “I’ll work my magic, but you have to do the work…”

  As he prattled off numbers and stats, I sank onto my couch. Draping my arm across the back of the cushion, I dropped my head back and stared at the ceiling. Coming home was bittersweet. Away games took a lot out of me, and I often wished I had someone waiting for me. A vision of Josephine crossed my mind. Maybe my living situation would change soon.

  Chapter 5

  Josie

  Winter break had finally arrived. Presley and I had exchanged our parkas and boots for t-shirts and sandals. I wouldn’t have picked to fly the morning of Christmas eve, but Aaron only had a few days off. The flight to Vegas went quick, but the drive to his house seemed to take forever. As I stared out the window, my knees bounced. The scenery went by in a blur because I was too excited to see my boyfriend.

  Dating a professional hockey player had its share of obstacles, but Aaron was worth the effort. I had no idea about true romance until he showed me. Even miles apart, he made each date special. Our virtual dates included long walks, museum tours, dinners by candlelight and watching movies. We talked for hours and hours. I appreciated having this time to get to know each other without the physical contact. But I couldn’t wait to touch him, to feel his taut muscles and taste his full lips.

  After we passed the main gate and cleared security in his subdivision, I counted down the seconds until I could run into his arms. My body was practically vibrating with pent-up sexual frustration. Given how the gala event had ended with two orgasms, I had expected lots of dirty talk and phone sex. I was wrong. Aaron tortured me with a month-long foreplay.

  More than twenty dates and we didn’t so much as blow each other kisses. I was dying to see him naked. We had only four days together, and I wasn’t sure if we’d keep the slow seduction going or pick up where we left off when we last saw each other. I voted for the latter.

  Presley patted my leg, and I jumped from the seat. “We’re almost there,” she said with
a quizzical eyebrow lift. “What’s wrong?”

  I had worried about telling her about my budding relationship with her brother, but I didn’t keep it a secret for long. She was a best friend. Plus, Aaron had filled our apartment with flowers and a four-course meal for our first official date. She claimed she was happy for us but had been more distant lately.

  “I am a little nervous,” I admitted.

  What if we had built things up too much and couldn’t live up to the hype?

  What if the sex was so good, I never wanted to leave?

  Despite not looking for love, I was fairly certain I had found it. Falling in love with my best friend’s older brother scared me. Presley was my only family and my roommate. She was fiercely protective of her brother. If I messed this up, I could lose everything. No man was worth losing my best friend for.

  “Relax. My brother adores you.” She flipped her long dark locks over her shoulder and lowered the window. A warm breeze filled the car. “This vacation will do us both some good.”

  It had been a rough few weeks. As an early Christmas present, our landlord increased the rent. Presley’s boyfriend broke up with her. My employer cut back my hours, forcing me to take on a second job. On top of all that, a cut on my arm got infected, and I was on a second round of antibiotics. I couldn’t even drink away my sorrows.

  The Uber driver stopped the car in front of a massive, modern, two-story house with an attached three-car garage. I took a deep breath. His home was the largest on the street and the others were huge. I knew Aaron made good money playing hockey, but I wasn’t prepared for this amount of affluence. I crawled out of the car and clutched my ratty, old duffle bag against my chest.

  Leaving the dorms and moving off campus had been a big financial move for me. Most of my friends lived paycheck to paycheck or accumulated a huge student debt. Seeing his home reminded me of our differences. In my wildest dreams, I never pictured having a house this beautiful.