A Favor for a Favor

by Hunting, Helena

  Shit. Well, now I know exactly what Stevie told him last night.

  “With my sister,” Rook says flatly.

  “I thought she was working at the college clinic. Did she change her mind and decide she wanted you to put in the recommendation? I would’ve put in a word if I’d known.”

  “She’s still working with the college clinic.” He tips his chin in my direction. “Bishop here thought he would take it upon himself to coerce her into helping him out so he could get back on the ice sooner.”

  “She offered. There wasn’t any coercion, ’cause you know she thinks for herself.”

  Alex looks between us and claps Rook on the shoulder. “Why don’t the three of us take this conversation to my office?”

  Rook rounds the counter without another word, and I follow him and Alex out of the kitchen and down the hall. The high pitch of children’s voices comes from somewhere close by. We pass an actual movie-theater-style room, complete with rows of seats that look way more comfortable than any theater I’ve ever been to. A Disney movie is playing, and kids are jumping from seat to seat, not paying attention to what’s on the screen.

  Alex’s office is actually more like a library with a desk. There’s a couch and club chairs. Pillows, blankets, a table lamp, and a stack of books take up one end of the couch. Based on the covers, I’m assuming they’re Violet’s books.

  Alex motions for us to take a seat. “Scotch?”

  “Please.” Rook downs the rest of his beer in one gulp.

  I hold up my mostly full bottle. “I’m good with this, thanks.”

  He turns his back and pours expensive scotch into lowball glasses. He passes one to Rook and one to me, even though I declined. I’m not going to say no twice, so I take it.

  Alex settles into the chair across from us and sips his scotch pensively. Then he stares at us for what seems like forever until he finally speaks. “Violet’s brother was on my team when she and I started dating.”

  “I’m not dating Stevie. She’s helping me with PT.” I keep saying this, and no one is listening. Would I like her to help me with other things? Like some relief for the perpetual hard-on I’m always fighting off when I’m with her? Of course. She’s hot and I’m full of testosterone. But at this point what I’m saying is true.

  “How often is she helping you?”

  “Every day. Except yesterday and tonight.” I shoot a look at Rook, because it’s his fault last night didn’t happen.

  Alex taps the arm of his chair while staring at me. He’s usually a friendly guy, so it’s kind of unnerving. “As I was saying, when Violet and I started dating, her brother, Miller, was on my team. We didn’t exactly get along. And then when he started dating my sister . . . well, that didn’t help things.”

  “Is this supposed to be a pep talk?” I sip the scotch. I don’t like the way it tastes, but if I’m going to get a full story about my coach’s dating history with his now wife, I might need to up my alcohol consumption.

  Rook crosses his arms over his chest. “No, he’s making a point. He ended up marrying Butterson’s sister, and Butterson married his sister. What Alex doesn’t understand is that this isn’t the same, since you’re using Stevie to get back at me.”

  “Using her to get back at you for what?”

  “Because I’m team captain and you’re not.”

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake. I’m not using Stevie!” I snap. “This isn’t about you getting team captain. Am I pissed about that? Sure, but you would be, too, if I was the one who got captain and you didn’t. She offered to help me. I didn’t ask. She wanted an opportunity to rehab an NHL player without having to go through you. And honestly? I get why, and so should you. But that’s all she’s doing. Besides, it’s not like I can make a move on her.” I motion to my junk. “I can’t fuck my own hand let alone another person right now.”

  Alex coughs and sips his drink. “He has a point, Rookie.”

  “Why keep it a damn secret if there’s nothing else going on?”

  I cock a brow. “I can’t speak for Stevie, but it’s not like you and I have heart-to-hearts on the regular.”

  Alex interrupts. “Here’s what I think. The team physician had a look at your scans, and he and the team physiotherapist have cleared you for light workouts.”

  “Seriously?”

  Alex nods, smiling slightly. “He says you’re a good week ahead of what they expected. Looks like the double PT is working, even though you should’ve run it by me and the team therapists first.”

  “So I might be back on the ice in the next few weeks?” This is really good news. The kind I want to share with Stevie. Except I’m not sure she’s talking to me.

  “It’s a possibility.” He spins his scotch glass on the arm of his chair. “Since you’ve been cleared for light workouts, Rook is going to handle those with you.”

  And there goes my awesome mood.

  “Whoa, what? I thought I was training with Bishop when he’s back on the ice.” Rook sounds about as happy as I feel over this new development.

  Alex motions between the two of us. “Obviously there’s some hostility between you, and the only way to resolve that is for you two to work together.”

  “But—”

  He cuts Rook off. “There are no buts. Bishop is working with Stevie, and that’s not going to change because I’m authorizing it to continue.”

  “What the hell, Alex?”

  Alex arches a brow. “Obviously whatever she’s doing is working. And correct me if I’m wrong, but if Stevie wants to work with him, that’s her call, not yours.” He shifts his attention back to me. “And apparently you’ll listen to Stevie, so from here on out I want to see written treatment plans. You can email them to me and cc the team therapist so he can give feedback and adjust accordingly.”

  “I’ll run that by Stevie when I talk to her later.”

  “I think we need to have a chat, Alex, privately,” Rook says through gritted teeth.

  “I’m sure you do.” Alex’s attention stays fixed on me. “I know you’ve said it’s only PT, but I have to wonder if it’s going to stay that way.”

  “The fuck?” Rook sounds appalled.

  I open my mouth to defend myself, even though yesterday I was ready to make it known that I’d like her to massage more than the inside of my thigh.

  Alex holds up his hand. “These two are spending a lot of hours together, and Stevie’s volunteered to do it in her free time. What does that tell you?”

  “It’s a smart move for her, career-wise,” I say, because it is.

  “You keep working that angle, Bishop, but we both know you’re not big on following orders you don’t like, and yet you’re following my sister’s,” Rook snaps.

  “Because it’s helping. Did you both miss the part where I said I can’t physically make a damn move on her, even if I wanted to?” I motion to my crotch.

  “But it doesn’t mean you don’t want to.” Rook cocks a brow.

  “I want to earn my salary by doing more than warming the bench.”

  Alex holds up a hand. “Settle down, both of you. All I’m saying is that Rook might not be so opposed to the PT or whatever is going on if he doesn’t think you’re trying to pull one over on him.”

  “There’s nothing going on. And even if there was, it’d be none of his business. I don’t owe him anything. This isn’t high school.” I try not to sound like my usual dick self, but this whole conversation is frustrating as hell. “Stevie and I have an agreement, and it’s mutually beneficial. End of story. My goal is to get back on the ice, and hers is to help me get there.”

  Rook flails a hand in my direction. “How do you know he’s not telling you what you want to hear?”

  “Because Bishop is making progress that proves he’s working his ass off and because Stevie graduated at the top of her class,” Alex says pointedly before turning back to me. “I’m holding you to it that while Stevie is working with you on rehab, that’s all that’s happening. This
would apply to any member of our staff. Keep this professional. Your next session with the team physiotherapist is Monday, before the team workout, eh?”

  “Yup.”

  “He’ll have a workout assignment for you. Rook, your job will be to make sure he doesn’t push it too hard, too fast, and undo the progress he’s made. The faster he heals, the sooner he’s back on the ice and the PT ends. And Rook, be the team captain I know you can be. Don’t bring the personal shit into the session. If he has a setback, I’m holding you personally responsible.” He tips back his glass and drains the rest of his scotch. “All right, there’s a party going on, and I need to make sure my wife hasn’t given out all the Jell-O shooters in the first hour, or your teammates are going to be a mess. Good talk. Enjoy the party.”

  And that is apparently the end of that.

  Alex leaves us sitting in his office. I’m still on crutches, although I don’t have to use them all the time anymore. If I was faster getting off my ass, I could escape before Rook has a chance to corner me, but I’m not that lucky.

  “You better not mess with my sister,” Rook snaps.

  “Stevie’s a big girl. She can make her own choices.” It’s a noncommittal response—one I know is going to piss him off, even if it’s true.

  “This has been a rough transition for her, so don’t take advantage of her niceness by screwing her over, or you’ll be answering to me.”

  “Got it. Don’t screw with your sister. Anything else?” I adjust my crutches, aware my attitude isn’t winning me any prizes.

  “I mean it, Winslow. She’s lost a lot in the past few years, and the last thing she needs is someone else dicking her around.”

  “I heard you loud and clear, Bowman. I’m not planning on dicking her around, so find some chill.”

  After that impromptu meeting, I’m not feeling the whole “being social” bullshit, so I don’t head back to the party right away. Instead I make a pit stop in the bathroom, mostly to escape Rook and avoid people for a while longer.

  Kingston doesn’t do late nights, so I’m banking on him being ready to head out fairly soon. I decide I should try to make nice with my teammates, especially since I’m on the captain’s shit list. On my way back to the living room I run into Stevie, whom I definitely didn’t expect to be here tonight.

  She comes to an abrupt halt when she sees me, although to be fair, I take up most of the hallway, so there really isn’t a way for her to get around me.

  “Hey.”

  She does a head-to-toe scan. I’m wearing black dress pants and a polo. “I didn’t realize you owned anything apart from jogging pants and T-shirts.”

  Her sarcasm isn’t unexpected. In fact, I think it might be her go-to response when she’s uncomfortable, like mine is to be a dick.

  “I even own a couple of suits, surprisingly enough.”

  “Huh.”

  We stare at each other for a few seconds before I finally say, “I didn’t realize you were coming tonight.”

  “I’m here to pick up Kody.”

  “Who?” I mentally flip through all my teammates’ names. There isn’t a guy named Kody. Karl, yes, but no Kody. Besides, Rook just finished telling me that Stevie wasn’t interested in dating hockey players.

  “My nephew. My brother’s kid.”

  “Oh.” Well, that’s a relief. “So you’re not staying?”

  “No. These parties aren’t really my thing.”

  “They’re not mine either.”

  “Is that why you’re hiding out in the hallway?”

  “I’m not hiding. I had a meeting with Rook and our coach.”

  Her eyes flare. “What kind of meeting?”

  “Just to talk about my progress.”

  “Bullshit. I don’t buy that for a second. Did my brother get you in trouble because you’re working with me? I’m going to kill him.” She spins around as if she’s planning to hunt him down and confront him.

  I grab her by the wrist to prevent her from running off half-cocked. “He didn’t get me in trouble.” Although he tried. No sense in sending Stevie on the warpath, though. “I’m a week ahead of what they predicted for healing, so I’ll be starting workouts next week.”

  “Seriously?” Her anger melts into excitement. “That’s so great, Bishop!” She throws her arms around me in what seems to be an impulsive hug.

  The feel of her entire body flush with mine is unexpected, and it seems to short out the connection between my brain and body for a few seconds. I wrap an arm around her waist as she starts to loosen her grip around my neck. Every muscle in her body tenses briefly before she softens against me. I drop my head, inhaling the fruity scent of her shampoo.

  Stevie’s fingertips drag down the back of my neck, making goose bumps rise along my skin and the hairs on my arms stand on end. She steps back, palms smoothing over my shoulders and down my biceps until they fall to her sides.

  “Does this mean you won’t need my help anymore?” Her expression doesn’t tell me if that makes her happy or not.

  “Actually, my coach wants me to keep working with you.”

  “Oh.” She seems surprised. “You told him you’re working with me outside of team PT?”

  “Rook did.” I squeeze the back of my neck. “My coach also wants Rook to help me with workouts.”

  “But you two hate each other.”

  I shrug. I don’t know that I hate him, but I definitely don’t like him. “He thinks it’ll help smooth things over.”

  “Has he met you?” She half smiles.

  “Maybe he’s setting me up for failure.” I blow out a breath, gearing up for an apology. “I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to piss you off more than you already were. I shouldn’t have been such a dick.”

  “I’m used to it by now.”

  “Does that mean you’ll still help me with rehab?” I need her to say yes to this; then I can work on the rest, like not being a jerk all the time.

  She sighs and rubs her forehead. “RJ thinks you’re only letting me rehab you because you’re trying to get back at him or whatever.”

  He’s certainly made it clear he believes I have ulterior motives. “And what do you think?”

  “I think I’m not always the best judge of character, my ex-boyfriend being prime example number one.”

  “My goal has always been to get back on the ice as quickly as I can. I have my brother to take care of, and I can’t afford a lot of fuckups. This injury is one of those fuckups I can’t afford. And using you to get back at Rook seems a lot like something that could screw things up for me even more.”

  She tips her head to the side. “He said you were supposed to be captain, except he got it when he came to Seattle.”

  “This is true.” No point in lying.

  “This would be a lot easier if you two didn’t hate each other so much.”

  “It would also be a lot easier if your brother didn’t think I’m just in this so I can get into your pants.”

  Stevie purses her lips and looks away. I thought I was being kind of funny, but apparently not. She’s about to reply when a woman who looks vaguely familiar appears in the hallway with a toddler perched on her hip.

  “There you are! Kody’s all ready to go, aren’t you, little man?” She kisses the kid on the cheek, and he giggles and drops his head against her boob, nuzzling in.

  “Sorry, Lainey. I was just talking to . . . a friend.” She thumbs over her shoulder at me. Her face lights up as the woman—Lainey—approaches, and Stevie holds out her arms.

  “How’s my favorite nephew? Are you ready to hang out with Aunt Stevie? I am so ready to hang out with you! We’ll drink milk and eat arrowroot cookies until we pass out. Sound good?”

  The little guy squeals shrilly when she takes him from Lainey and gives him a raspberry on the cheek.

  I’ve never been comfortable with kids. It’s not that I don’t like them; it’s that I don’t have any experience and I don’t know what to do with them.

>   Lainey gives me a slow once-over, her gaze shifting between me and Stevie, before a wry grin pulls up the corner of her mouth. “You must be Bishop.”

  “Uh, yeah, and you’re Rook’s wife, right?” I hold out a hand, aiming for polite.

  “I am. That was a rough hit you took. I hear you’re on the mend, though, thanks to Stevie.”

  “She’s been a big help.”

  “Okay, well, I should really take Kody home, since it’s past his bedtime.” Stevie’s voice is high pitched and annoyed.

  “Thanks again for watching him for us.” Lainey gives her a side hug.

  “I know it’s important for RJ to be at these kinds of things. I honestly don’t know how you do it.”

  “Alcohol and Alex’s wife, Violet, are my saving graces so far, and not necessarily in that order.” Kody yawns loudly, and Lainey leans in to kiss him on the cheek. “You be a good boy for your auntie. I’ll see you back at the house, Stevie. I’m not sure how late we’ll be, but you know how RJ is when he gets into the scotch with Alex. There’s a very good chance I’ll be home before him.”

  Stevie adjusts Kody on her hip and turns to me. “Have fun tonight.”

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” I need some kind of confirmation that she’s not going to keep ditching me like she did last night.

  “Uh . . .”

  “For rehab?”

  “Oh, right. Um, tomorrow’s a bit of a clusterf—” She grimaces. “I have a thing in the afternoon I don’t think I can get out of. I’ll text you, okay?”

  “Sure. Okay.” It’s the least-committal response she can give, and I don’t like it.

  They walk down the hall together, whispering to each other, with Lainey looking over her shoulder, before they disappear around the corner.

  I head back to the party, pausing as I pass the room that was full of kids a while ago. Now it’s full of wives and girlfriends. Violet is at the front of the room, clicking on a PowerPoint presentation—of what looks like shirtless male celebrities.

  She points across the room. “No peens allowed. Not even hot, young, broody ones.”

  The entire room turns to look at me.

  “Move along, Winslow. Your girlfriend isn’t in here, and if she was, I’d still send you packing.”