Dating Washington (Discovering Me #2)

by Ann Maree Craven

  Kenny patted the side of his helmet and skated to where the refs and forwards waited impatiently. As he passed Will, he pointed. The puck was going to him.

  Winning the face-off, Kenny slid the puck to Will before taking off down the ice, opening himself up for the stretch pass. The puck hit the blade of his stick, and he cradled it, deking around a defenseman and firing a shot into the top right corner of the net.

  The horn blast reverberated in his ear. Turning toward Killian, he held up one finger. The team was still down.

  Coach called for Kenny to change lines, but he shook his head. Even with heavy legs, he knew he couldn’t leave this ice. There was a time he’d been a leader on this team. Maybe this was his chance to return to that.

  New wingers joined him for the face-off. He didn’t look at a single skater for the other team. This wasn’t about them.

  He won another face-off, getting the puck to one of his wingers. The guy passed it back, and Kenny skated in toward the net with an open shot lane.

  If he hadn’t been so focused on the puck, he’d have seen the huge defenseman coming. He’d have anticipated the pain. A body collided with his for an open-ice hit. The boy’s shoulder rammed into Kenny’s chin, throwing him back. He slammed into the ice. A sharp pain speared through his chest.

  Play stopped, and a trainer ran onto the ice. Kenny’s teammates hovered over him in worry. It wasn’t until Kenny saw Killian he knew he had to get up. Together, they were supposed to save this game, to lead their team. Two unlikely boys.

  “Lay still, son.” The trainer tried to hold him down.

  “No. I’m okay. I can play.”

  “You have to go through concussion protocol.”

  “After the game. Please. I didn’t even hit my head.” He looked to his coach for help. “We can win this. Let me show them I can lead this team. Coach…” His coach had been there for everything. The stupid fights. Breaking the rules. He’d watched Kenny go from golden boy to confused and troubled kid.

  “Fine.” Coach motioned to a couple of Kenny’s teammates. “Help him up.”

  The crowd erupted in cheers as Kenny stood and prepared for the penalty shot he’d earned. He pushed down the pain and shifted from skate to skate as he tapped his stick on the ice. His eyes met the opposing goalie’s seconds before he started forward, gathering the puck, going from backhand to forehand in quick succession.

  Before reaching the goal, he slowed almost to a stop. The goalie followed him, coming out of the net to track the puck. At the last second, Kenny released a burst of speed, pulling the goalie out of position before tucking the puck behind his left pad.

  He couldn’t remember ever hearing the arena so loud.

  Defiance Academy tied the game.

  Thirty seconds. That was how much time they had left to score to avoid overtime.

  Kenny’s teammates congratulated him with big hugs.

  Will patted him on the back. “We need to get the puck to Ken.”

  “No. They’ll be trying to cut off every play toward me. I’ll draw them out of position. Someone else has to take the shot.”

  They all agreed, but Kenny wondered if they’d say yes to anything he told them at that point. Winning another face-off, he passed the puck back through his legs before sprinting up the ice. The two opposing defensemen followed him as he knew they would.

  He cut toward the center of the ice as one of his wingers raced up the boards, passing to their other linemate in front of the net. The puck redirected into the net as the horn sounded, signaling the end of the game.

  Kenny’s teammates poured onto the ice, but he could barely see them as black spots danced across his vision. He fell to his knees before everything disappeared.

  Kenny jerked awake as someone held smelling salts under his nose. He sat up, taking in the trainer’s room and the padded bed he lay on.

  Coach Ryan stood next to the bed. “We want to get you checked for a concussion.”

  “Can it wait?” In that moment, he remembered his mom was at the game. She’d come to see him play. Whatever stood between them, that had to mean something.

  Noise from the busy locker room filtered in. With a groan, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood.

  Coach eyed him warily. “Fine, kid. But once everyone clears out, I’m taking you to the hospital.”

  His entire body hurt, so he wouldn’t disagree with that.

  As soon as he entered the locker room, voices cut off and dozens of eyes landed on him.

  “He lives!” Will stepped up onto a bench. “Dude, you single-handedly won us that game. Well, you and Killer.”

  Kenny shook his head. “It wasn’t just us. That was a team effort.”

  “You’re not in the NHL yet, man. No one is making you say boring humble things.”

  Kenny laughed at that, the action sending a shock of pain through his head. Coach Ryan appeared behind him. “You’re wanted outside the locker room, Montgomery.”

  Kenny pushed out into the corridor to where Anders Johansson leaned against the concrete wall. The former hockey star was now an amateur scout for the New York Islanders. He smiled when Kenny appeared.

  “It’s good to see you, Kenny.” They’d met a few times already.

  Kenny nodded. “You too, sir.”

  “This was quite the game. I was very impressed with how you put the team on your back. How’s your head?”

  “Fine.” Despite the headache pounding in his skull.

  “Even a lot of professionals would have been down longer than you after a hit like that. I hope you get yourself checked out.”

  “I will, sir.”

  “Good, good. I don’t want to delay your treatment too long, but I just thought I should let you know I was here watching. You have doubters in my ranks, Mr. Montgomery.”

  “Doubters?”

  “People who think you’re more drama than your talent warrants. But my colleagues put too much emphasis on tabloid articles. Me, on the other hand, well, I always believe there’s another side to any story. What I saw here tonight was special.”

  A hand landed on Kenny’s shoulder, a grip he’d recognize anywhere. Kyle eyed Anders. “Anders, you know you’re not supposed to talk to the boy without his advisor.”

  “That’s not a real thing, Kyle. Maybe, loosen the reins a bit when you realize you have a special one here.”

  “Hello.” Kenny closed his eyes, recognizing that voice. Could this get any worse? His mother went on. “I’m Kenneth’s mother.”

  “Mrs. Montgomery.” Mr. Johansson smiled. “Your son is very talented. The New York Islanders have our eye on him.”

  “New York?” Her brow furrowed. He knew what his mom thought of the city. She claimed it was nothing more than a hotbed for liberal immorality.

  Luckily for him, she kept her mouth shut. Kenny would feel lucky no matter which NHL team drafted him. He could love living anywhere as long as his parents weren’t there. His favorite team was the Blue Jackets, yet they were the only team he didn’t want to play for because it was too close to home.

  Mr. Johansson turned to him. “You’ve committed to Boston College next year, right?”

  “He has.” It was Kyle who answered. Apparently he was Kenny’s mouthpiece.

  “That’s a very good hockey program. Many of our prospects have been through it.” He stuck out his hand. “Good luck, Kenny.”

  Kenny shook his hand. “Thank you for coming, sir.”

  Mr. Johansson tapped the side of his head. “Get yourself checked out.”

  After he was gone, Kenny’s mom dropped her fake smile. She didn’t tell him why she was there or even mention the game at all. “I’m famished.” She turned to Kyle. “Dinner?”

  “Of course. I know just the place.” He patted Kenny’s shoulder. “Good game, kid. I’m proud of you.” At least someone was.

  As they walked away, Kenny sighed. Sure, he’d find his own way to the hospital. No problem. Who needed a mom to do things l
ike that? Oh right, most teenagers.

  She hadn’t even asked if he was hurt.

  Most of his teammates had cleared out by the time he returned to the locker room. He winced in pain as he showered and packed up his bag. He didn’t want to bother Coach so he’d have to call a car to take him to the hospital, but all he wanted to do was go home and sleep.

  As he stepped out onto the sidewalk outside the arena, he froze. Sitting on a bench nearby were Wylder and Killian. They jumped up when they saw him approach.

  “How are you feeling?” Wylder’s normal anger was nowhere to be found as she looked him over.

  “Just kind of sore.”

  Killian took his bag. “Come on. You need to get checked out.”

  “Did you guys wait for me?”

  Killian shrugged like it was no big deal.

  “You went into a dunk tank naked for me last week.” Wylder took his arm. “Least I can do is make sure you don’t die.”

  He laughed. Was this what it felt like to have people who cared about him? His phone buzzed with texts, but he ignored them. If he looked at a screen, his head would only feel worse.

  “I have a car on campus.” Wylder hesitated. “But you can’t make fun of me. It’s kind of a crap heap.”

  “Wylds, you could drive a tricycle, and I wouldn’t have the energy to laugh at you tonight.”

  When you were Kenneth Montgomery, son of the local senator, waiting in emergency rooms wasn’t something you had to do. As soon as they arrived, a nurse took Kenny back to run some tests.

  When he walked back to the waiting room two hours later, he expected Wylder and Killian to be long gone, but there Wylder sat with a frown on her face and Killian’s head in her lap.

  Wylder pushed Killian’s head off and stood when she saw him.

  Kenny shrugged. “No concussion. Just very bruised.” Releasing a yelp, Wylder lunged at him, pulling him into a hug.

  “Did you miss the bruised part?” He winced.

  “Sorry.” She pulled back. “Just glad you’re okay. That hit was no joke.”

  “Wylder, does this mean we’re friends?”

  “No,” she scoffed.

  “I think it does.”

  “Definitely not. I hated you for too long.”

  He’d hated himself too. “But you don’t anymore.”

  Her face twisted in disgust. “I don’t want any friends at Defiance Academy.”

  “Sorry.” He slid an arm over her shoulders. “I don’t think you have a choice. Waiting in a hospital for me kind of solidifies your love for me.”

  “I don’t love you.”

  “But you like me.”

  “No.”

  He pouted. “Maybe a little?”

  “There’s possibly an iota of like, but only because Nicky abandoned me for Nashville.”

  His eyes settled on a sleeping Killian. “Should we wake him up or leave him here?”

  She laughed. “If I’m your friend, I think that means he is too.”

  Kenny had known Killian for years, but they’d never exactly gotten along. Killian had an intensity that scared most people away. Were they friends now?

  By the time Kenny got back to his dorm, Will was fast asleep in his room. All Kenny wanted to do was crash, but his phone rang, and he couldn’t ignore it any longer.

  He knew who it was without even looking. “Hey, Nicky.”

  “Finally,” Nicky huffed. “I’ve been trying to reach you since the game ended. I saw the hit.”

  “How’d you see it?”

  “Defiance Academy streams the games online. Are you okay?”

  “Doctor says I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? It looked pretty bad. Asher and I were freaking out.”

  Kenny didn’t know what to say to that. Asher watched his game?

  “I bribed Asher into teaching me hockey so I can actually understand half of what you say. We were Facetiming when it happened.” Nicky sighed. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  He ignored the we part. “You’re always worried.” It felt good to have another person in his corner. Wylder, Killian, and now Nicky. It made the sting of his mom’s dismissal lessen.

  Nicky laughed. “Yeah, so now that I know you’re okay, I have a question.”

  “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

  “Don’t be such a… Kenny. I checked your game schedule, you don’t have one next Saturday, right?”

  “No. We have one Friday. Why?”

  “Becks is playing in Cincinnati. I was going to drive up, and I’m hoping you can come so I don’t have to go alone.”

  Kenny sighed. “What about Wylder?”

  “She’s busy, and Avery has a school thing he can’t get out of. Come on. Help me out.”

  “Coach doesn’t like us leaving campus during the season.”

  “I know you, Ken. Since when does that stop you?” Desperation rang in Nicky’s voice. Kenny knew Nicky hated facing Becks’ screaming fans and rabid media at all, let alone by himself.

  “Fine. I’ll come.”

  “Yes! I promise you won’t regret this. It’s going to be so much fun.”

  “If you say so. Now, will you let me get some sleep?”

  “Of course.” Nicky laughed. “I imagine that pretty face needs extra beauty rest after the hit you took.”

  Kenny touched his face. It had been spared, unlike the rest of his body. “Yeah, yeah, go call your pretty boy boyfriend.”

  Nicky laughed. “Not when I’m tired. I need energy to counteract his weird. Night, Ken.”

  “Night, Nick.”

  He hung up and plugged his phone in by the bed before relaxing into the mattress, wondering what he’d just agreed to. Nothing was ever simple with Nicky and Becks. They were always up to something.

  But that was a problem for another day. Right now, he was just ready for this one to be over.

  14

  Asher

  “Try to be careful tonight.” Danny gestured for Asher to follow him down the nearly deserted hall.

  “I’m always careful.” Asher glanced at the contingent of secret service agents accompanying him. There was no way anyone would get past them even if they wanted to. “Besides, there are like three hundred of you with me tonight. It’ll be fine, Super Dan.”

  “You know, that was cute when you were seven. Not so much now, Mr. Funny Guy.”

  “If the cape fits.” Asher shrugged.

  “I still can’t believe you talked your parents into this.”

  “I’m as surprised as you are. It wasn’t even my idea. Nicky invited me to Beckett’s concert, and I told him I’d ask. I didn’t expect Mom and Dad to say yes. I’m starting to think they’re worried I’m a loser.”

  “You’re not a loser, kid.” Danny rolled his eyes. “I just don’t like you going to stuff like this alone.”

  “But I’m not alone. I have a million chaperones—and you, Super Agent Danny.”

  “You know what I mean.” Dan opened the door that lead up to the VIP private lounge. No one would even know the president’s son was attending the concert. It was just going to be Nicky and Asher. Wylder and Harper were both busy this weekend, so it was just a party of two in Cincinnati. Becks would join them after the concert. Asher probably shouldn’t be this excited, but he’d never been to a real concert. He’d only ever attended White House events, which were over the top, like everything else in Washington. This was his first normal concert, and he was way more excited than he should be. He just wished he could sit in the arena with everyone else.

  “Have fun tonight, kid. You deserve this chance.” Danny knocked on the door to the private lounge. Becks was already on stage. Asher had to arrive late so he could sneak in, so he’d already missed the opening act.

  “What chance?” Asher frowned. “The concert, you mean?”

  “Yeah, of course.” Danny winked. “Have fun, but don’t make me regret this—and don’t make a habit of it either.” He opened the door and greeted the agents
who’d swept the room before Asher’s arrival.

  “All set, sir.” The agent in charge nodded to Danny and gave Asher a salute.

  “All right, kid, the room’s all yours.” Danny held the door open. “We’ll be right out here if you guys need anything. Just remember, no one comes in or out until this thing is over.”

  “Yeah, fine, whatever.” Asher caught a glimpse of Nicky leaning against the railing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Black leather chairs sat just behind him in the dimly lit room. As the door shut behind him, Asher stepped across the plush gray carpet, Beck’s voice loud in his ears. Pale blue theater lights lit the floor and the ceiling, casting an iridescent glow on the room.

  Nicky flipped a switch on the wall to turn the sound down. “Nicky, your boyfriend might be an idiot, but even I have to admit he’s a talented one.”

  That was so not Nicky’s voice.

  “Kenny?” Asher took a step closer to the front of the room. The overhead lights brightened to reveal Kenny Montgomery leaning with his back against the gold trimmed railing.

  “I should have known those guys weren’t with arena security.” Kenny’s irritable laugh didn’t give Asher the warm fuzzies.

  “I was expecting Nicky.” Asher crossed the room to check out the arena below. Once again, he’d give anything to be down there with everyone else and not trapped in this awkward cocoon with the very last person he’d expected to see tonight.

  “Me too.” Kenny turned back to the view below.

  “I guess he’ll be here soon?” Asher stood halfway across the room, trying to think of anything other than the naked picture of Kenny he still had saved on his phone.

  “I think maybe we’ve been had.”

  “Why?” Why would Nicky set them up like this? It wasn’t…couldn’t be a setup, setup. Asher’s heart kicked up a notch at the very idea this could be a blind date. Nope, nope, not going there.

  “Nicky’s…Nicky.” Kenny sighed. “I suppose we should just enjoy the concert. There’s a ton of food and drinks back there.” Kenny pointed to the other side of the room Asher hadn’t noticed yet.