by Kristen Echo
“Hailey! Come say hello to Warrant Officer Benedict Gilchrest,” her father bellowed from the entryway.
She smiled and did as instructed. “Hello.” Her voice lacked enthusiasm. Gilchrest looked to be in his mid twenties and single. His invitation had been orchestrated by her father against her wishes. “I’d be happy to get you a drink.” Hailey motioned for him to follow her down the stairs.
“It’s Ben. No one calls me by my full name.” He trailed her to the bar near the back of the rec room. When she faced him, his eyes were still low, staring at her boot covered feet. He opened his mouth but said nothing.
Her father had most likely briefed him regarding her injury, and she saw no point pussyfooting the issue. “It’s all right to ask questions if you’re curious. I might be missing toes, but I’m healed.” At least physically, she was as good as she’d ever be.
His eyes shot to hers and his cheeks pinked. Men who blushed weren’t her cup of tea. Neither were men who served in the army; not anymore. “I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable. When my brother lost his arm, people treated him differently, and he said he hated talking about it.”
“It doesn’t bother me. I lost a couple of toes and my leg is scarred, but I survived the attack. Not everyone in my company was that lucky.”
“Yeah. I’m sorry. I’m aware of what you went through, and I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Your father told me all about your recovery and I admire your tenaciousness. When you set your mind to something, you really go after it.” He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders. The conversation was clearly awkward for him and Hailey didn’t make it any easier, standing with her hands on her hips while staring him down. “Beautiful and resilient. Wicked combo.”
“Thanks,” she replied with a huff. He seemed like a sweet guy. She wasn’t interested in sweetness. At all. “Let me grab you a drink and make a few things clear.” Hailey walked behind the bar and pulled a beer from the fridge.
Ben took it gratefully and took a large swallow. “Blind dates are more nerve wracking than I expected.” His smile seemed genuine, and his big blue eyes sparkled as she caught him eyeing her chest. “Are you as relieved as I am to be past the meet and greet?”
There was no spark of attraction on her end. Nothing. “My dad told you I was single but let me be very clear about that. This isn’t a date. He only told me five seconds before you arrived that he’d invited you. I plan on staying single for a long time. I’m not interested in you or anyone else. No offense.”
“Oh. None taken. Any chance I could change your mind?” He stood taller, and she had to admire his determination. “I am a decent guy. So I’ve been told.”
She smiled. “I bet you are, but it’s never going to happen. You should go mingle with the others. I’m only staying for dinner. After I see my sister, I’m out of here. I’m sorry the Colonel lured you here under false pretenses.”
“Free dinner was my primary reason for coming. Meeting you was a bonus. I wasn’t interested in being alone today.” He sipped his beer and relaxed. “Thanks for being honest about the date. I feel way less pressure now, actually.”
“Good. There’s plenty of people to mingle with and you won’t be lonely.” Hailey passed him another beer once he finished the first. Then he headed towards a group of men. She hung back and eyed her watch. Once dinner finished, she planned to head to the shelter. They planned to serve a special holiday dinner. She suspected it would lure in a larger crowd. She’d networked with some of the street kids and she’d made headway. Her new job as an investigator had only one task: find the missing teenagers.
“Hailey, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend.” Meagan’s voice was filled with happiness.
She looked up and her eyes narrowed. Her sister’s smile rivaled the moon in size. The face next to hers seemed familiar. The hockey player was tall and when he smiled his dimples appeared. Recognition struck immediately. They’d met at the bar close to a month prior, and she’d thought he wanted a threesome. It hadn’t been one of her finest moments. She scratched her chin as she pondered how to address him. She opted for ignorance. “It’s nice to meet you.” She extended her hand, and he followed her lead.
Mr. Dimple’s real name was Cameron Smith. Meagan had been gushing about the NHL player for weeks. “We would have arrived sooner, but April had three outfit changes. She reminds me of you with her fashion sense,” Meagan added.
It had been ages since Hailey put more than a passing thought into her wardrobe. Her new staple was combat boots, jeans and whatever was clean. She tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind wandered back to the night she’d first met Cameron. No wonder he and his friends had so many admirers. She’d guessed movie stars, but professional hockey players made more sense.
A memory of strong hands and a devilish smile flashed before her. Her thighs pressed together as she recalled the dark-haired stranger she’d screwed in the back office. His lips were strong and firm like the rest of him. If the manager hadn’t interrupted them, she would have tossed him on the ground and… Hailey rubbed her shoulder to loosen the sexual tension that’d built. Her attention returned to the conversation she’d been ignoring.
“You can’t be sure of that. The Cup isn’t ours yet, but playoffs will begin soon.” Cameron said, hugging Meagan. His charm was evident. The pair looked happy and so in love it made her chest ache.
Hailey passed Cameron a beer. Since starting her new job a few weeks back, Hailey hadn’t touched a drop of liquor. She needed all her wits to crack the case. Her fingers danced along the rim of her water glass. She wasn’t thirsty but needed to keep her hands busy.
“What’s new with you? Made any progress with the missing kids?” Her sister excelled at making people feel comfortable. A skill Hailey lacked.
“Not much. I’ve got a lead I’m following, but it’s been slow. The cops aren’t chasing after runaways and I can see their point. Once the river thaws, they’ll drag it for bodies. It’s hard to find people who don’t want to be found.” That didn’t mean she’d give up looking because those teens were out there. Something in her gut told her they were alive. The circumstances surrounding the disappearances left too many unanswered questions. Plus, numerous sightings had been reported recently.
“The police might be wrong. You could find them. If April went missing—”
Hailey reached across the bar and patted Cameron’s hand. “I don’t think the kids were taken. The evidence doesn’t lead that way. Your daughter is safe.”
“With the growing crime rate and increased gang violence, I don’t feel safe. When my hockey career ends, I’m packing up my girls and moving back to the farm.” His eyes were on Meagan as he spoke.
“Is that what you want? Like a decade from now when you’re done with hockey.” Meagan chewed her lip.
Hailey wondered why her sister was so insecure. This man loved her. If he hadn’t said the words yet, his body language conveyed it.
“One day, I’d like to take over from my dad.” He pulled Meagan closer and stared into her eyes as he spoke. “Would that be something you’d consider?”
“I’d love that,” Meagan replied. Then they kissed. Their mouths fused together, and Hailey looked away.
Rather than disturb the happy couple, she slipped away from the bar and headed upstairs. Dinner would be served shortly and then she could leave. It was sad that hanging out with the homeless strangers was more appealing than being with her family. It’s not that she didn’t love them, but something had broken inside.
“Okay, that’s enough chocolate for now. Your dad will never let you come visit again if you get a tummy ache,” her mother said to the little girl seated beside her. It was the first genuine smile she’d seen on her mother’s face in ages. Her parents needed grandbabies to dote on. Maybe that would help fill the emptiness her brother’s death left behind.
“Okay. Can I help set the table? Daddy lets me add the napkins at home.” April slid off the chai
r and looked up at Hailey. Her face and hands were covered in chocolate.
She giggled and waved the little girl over. “Come to the sink. I’ll help you wash up, then you can add the napkins. My mom uses fancy cloth ones,” she said, pulling a chair over to the sink for April to climb on.
“Cool.” Tiny blonde ringlets bounced towards her.
“On that note, I’ll freshen up. The food’s ready to go. Be a dear and call the others once you two finish setting up.” Her mother patted her shoulder on her way towards her room. Hailey could already see her eyes watering.
Most days her mother was fine, but two years wasn’t enough time to heal after losing a child. Holidays were the toughest. No amount of time would ever make things better, but Hailey had to believe things happened for a reason. Denis died while on a mission to create peace in a war-torn country. His sacrifice had to mean something. Her own injury happened while trying to save a child from being blown apart. That kid ran away fully intact because of her. She had no regrets, but that one move cost her more than she bargained for. Her military career was over and her next steps unclear.
Her therapist kept harping at her to live and follow each adventure that presented itself. His new age mumbo jumbo preached looking for signs and coincidences. Following your path or something about crossing paths. Hailey listened, but tuned him out mostly. She only went because it got her out of the house, but she didn’t believe in destiny. The only thing of value that came from her sessions was his insistence she stays busy. An active body was good for the mind and spirit.
After setting the table and calling the guests. She’d tried to sit next to her sister but ended up next to Cameron. They served family style dishes of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. There was so much food and each person filled their plate. The conversation around the table revolved around the army and hockey. Hailey stayed quiet and soaked up the laughter. The happiness in the air did wonders for her sour mood. She was almost glad to be there. Halfway through the meal, Meagan excused herself to take April to the washroom. The way the hockey player kept looking at her, he obviously wanted to say something. She let him make the first move.
“Why don’t you want to tell your sister we’ve met before?” His whispered question went unanswered. “I know you hooked up with Joe and for whatever it’s worth you made an impression. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
The name Joe suited Mr. Arrogant, but it was best to leave the past behind. Hailey didn’t want to know anything more about him. “I’m not embarrassed. We were two consenting adults. That said, I don’t want to talk about him. My sister doesn’t need to know about my mistakes.”
“Fair enough.” He leaned closer, so no one would overhear. “Since he’s one of my best friends, I’ll tell you he doesn’t think of it as a mistake and your disappearing act has messed him up.”
“Poor baby. He’ll get over it.” She pushed her empty plate away.
“Who will get over what?” Meagan sat down and leaned on the table. Her eyes locked on Hailey.
“No one… I mean, it’s not important.” Thinking about Joe, his dark eyes and full lips, caused her to squirm in her seat. She glanced at her watch. “Look, I’d love to stay and catch up, but I have work to do tonight. Awesome meeting you, Cam, and April too. I’m sure I’ll see you both around.”
Hailey stood before Meagan or Cam could argue. Her sister had more questions and there’s no way she wanted to discuss a one-night stand at Easter dinner. She gripped the back of her chair to steady herself before taking her first step. Her balance was still a work in progress. She made her way around the table and politely excused herself for the evening.
Ben gave her a high five, not seeming the least bit upset with her early departure. Her father’s scowl, however, was less than pleasant. Once upon a time, he’d been all smiles and encouragement, but those days were gone. Their relationship had become strained since she’d been placed on medical leave. It would only get worse when he found out she would never be going back. That conversation would wait for another day.
Darkness greeted her when she stepped outside. She welcomed the stillness and quiet of the night. The temperature hovered near freezing. The snow hadn’t fully disappeared with the arrival of spring. It crunched under her boots as she walked to the bus stop. Most of the houses in the neighborhood had their lights on, giving the impression of safety and serenity. The bus was near empty and she closed her eyes.
Instead of seeing Ryan, a pair of dark brown eyes filled her mind. It had been this way for the past month. She tried to shake the thoughts of Joe away, but he lingered like a bad rash. She looked out the window for the rest of the ride. The downtown core looked very different. The city lights didn’t give off the same tranquil atmosphere. Even on a holiday the streets were busy. Traffic whizzed by as she headed towards the one place she knew she’d find people tonight.
One step inside the shelter and her spine stiffened. So did her nipples. There in the back, stood Mr. Arrogant. She couldn’t believe her eyes, but it was him. His big hands held a bowl and soup ladle as he served food. He looked as sexy as he had the night she’d fucked him. A flood of heat swept through her core.
“There’s plenty of pie,” Jen said, waving her over. The homeless woman appeared to be in her late twenties, rail thin, with knotted black hair and yellowed teeth. Living on the streets had weathered her skin and aged her. “I figured you’d show tonight. It’s hard to pass up a holiday feast.”
Hailey surveyed the room before sitting next to Jen. “Thanks. I grabbed a bite already, but I hoped they’d have dessert.” She pulled her chair closer to the table filled with other homeless people. Most of them were older with various mental health issues, but a few looked younger. Too young to be there. One girl couldn’t have been more than fifteen.
Jen pressed her shoulder against Hailey. “Don’t let the drugs steal your appetite. I see your eyes shifting around.” She winked before shoving a forkful of apple pie into her mouth. The crumbs spilled out of the sides.
There was no point in arguing or setting her right. Instead, she turned her body towards the young kid and smiled. “I’m Hailey. Have you eaten yet?”
The girl openly gawked at Joe. “No. I… can’t go over there. He’s a legend and… I. I can’t meet him like this.”
“I’ll grab you something. What would you like?”
“Besides him… Um, anything. Thanks. I’m Renee, by the way.” The girl placed her chin in her hands and continued to adore the hockey player from afar.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, rising from her seat. The chair squeaked, announcing her movements.
A set of dark eyes landed on her and damn if her heart didn’t beat faster. His lip lifted on one side. She pressed her thighs together as the lopsided grin weaved its way into her panties and tickled her core. This man had been inside her and based on the smoldering look he sent, he wanted to be there again.
She could pretend he didn’t exist. That option seemed childish. Besides, she was supposed to embrace the coincidences. Seeing him was unexpected and not unpleasant. Hailey didn’t believe in signs or fate, only in actions and reactions. His presence meant nothing more than it was probably time to get laid again. She marched up to the table and grabbed a plate. This guy would not get under her skin.
“Well, well, well. We meet again.” His voice was smooth and confident. Two things that sent butterflies fluttering around her stomach. Her eyes drifted to his mouth. Those lips and that cocky smile pierced through her defenses like a wrecking ball to Styrofoam. She never stood a chance.
CHAPTER TWO
“I didn’t expect to see you here, or ever again for that matter.” Hailey held out her plate with a steady hand, waiting for him to place the bowl of soup on it. Somehow his manly scent filtered through the aroma of the chicken broth, making her mouth water.
He huffed, holding onto the bowl and keeping it just out of her reach. “A pleasant surprise I’d say. Though, I�
�ve never seen you here before. I volunteer from time to time when my schedule permits it. Most of the other volunteers arrived hours ago.” His dark eyes stared at her like if he looked hard enough he’d see her soul.
It was unnerving. She broke contact first. Her traitorous eyes moved down his chiseled face to his mouth. Sensual lips that had once been on her. Perfectly sinful. Even more so with the slice of pink that darted between the luscious red as he licked them. What she wouldn’t give in that moment to have that tongue pressed against her clit.
Hailey shuffled her feet. “I’m not a volunteer,” she said, pushing the plate closer to him.
Only one reason remained for anyone to be at a shelter on Easter, and she wasn’t about to correct him. Her mission to gain information and mingle with those that called the streets their home was none of his business. The best way to get answers was to assimilate. Breaking cover wasn’t an option.
“Oh.” An awkward silence followed as he registered her meaning. He placed the bowl on her plate. “If you want more, you’re welcome to it.” The hardness of his features softened but the passion and the attraction radiating off him was still palpable. His body turned rigid, and his fists clenched as if it took all his energy not to jump over the table and grab her. Whether it was to shake sense into her for living on the streets or to kiss her, she didn’t know.
Her arm wavered slightly, and the soup slipped to the edge of the plate. His eyes moved to her chest. Her nipples stiffened like they wanted to reach out and greet him. She righted her plate before the contents spilled onto the floor. Her body had a mind of its own when he was around. The reaction surprised her. Nothing caught her off guard, but he did. Since she’d first laid eyes on him, she couldn’t decide if she wanted to smack him or kiss him. Hailey moved her jacket to cover her breasts and his smile widened.
