The Player and the Tattoo Artist (New Hampshire Bears Book 8)

by Mary Smith

  She’s stubborn.

  “Mom, I’m so glad you’re here.” I release her but keep her close. I’ve been defined as a mama’s boy and I absolutely hold the title well. I’m not ashamed of it either. I’ll kick anyone’s ass if they hurt my mom. It’s why I still want to kill Jack.

  “I’ve missed you, Alden.” Mom speaks choppy English but is getting better at it, especially since I’ve been living in America.

  “Why are you here?” I lead her to the couch.

  “I had some time I needed to use.”

  “You need to quit the pissy job and move in here with us. I told you we could sell the shack and you can keep all your belongings.”

  “Bro, give it up. You two have this discussion every time you’re in the same room. Please can we skip it this time.” Amara tries to reason with us.

  “I promise.” I lean my head on top of Mom’s head. I’ve been taller than her since I’ve been eleven.

  “I promise as well.” She pats my knee. “And another reason I’m here is because I’ve not seen any games this season. Plus, Amara and I need to go shopping and get manicures.”

  I smile. “Sounds perfect. How long are you staying?”

  She shrugs. “Depends.”

  I sit up and seem confused. I glance at Amara who is smirking. “Depends on what?”

  “I’ll have to go back when the house sells and to sign papers. I don’t know when that will be.”

  “W...wh...what?” I jump up. “Are you moving here?”

  “I’ve already moved. Amara helped me find a place and scheduled the movers.”

  I’m in shock. A happy, speechless shock. “You did this all without me knowing.”

  “Don’t worry though, I used your credit card.” Amara smiles.

  “I don’t care. I’m too damn elated.” I have waited a long time for us to be together again. “Tell me all about your new place.”

  Mom excitedly tells me how she officially retired and put the house up for sale. She sold a lot of things already and emptied most of the house. It only took a small moving truck to get her here. She’ll be living in a small studio apartment near downtown.

  “You could have moved in here.” I counter.

  “You and Amara don’t need to have me hanging around and cutting into your adult time.” Mom tried to reason. “Anyway, I’m staying long enough for my place to be painted.”

  “What are you saying? Is it because you don’t want me to parade my vast number of beauties in front of you.”

  Mom slaps my chest. It hurts a little. “I didn’t raise you to be a man-slut.”

  “The term is manwhore.” Amara corrects her.

  “Why can’t you settle down with one girl? A nice girl,” Mom asks.

  “My gift is to spread my love all around the world. To all women. Or as many as I can stick my dick in.”

  “Your love is an unnamed STD.” Amara groans.

  Mom sighs in disgust. “Alden, I shouldn’t have dropped you on your head as a baby. You need to treat women with respect.”

  I hold up my hands in a defensive pose. “All chicks I fuck know the rules.”

  “Good grief.” Amara rolls her eyes. “Please don’t go over your rules.”

  “I’m just saying.” I drop my hands and shrug. “Let’s drop the subject and get dinner.”

  Amara, Mom, and I head over to the steakhouse. It’s my favorite place to eat besides the Red Arrow Diner. Plus, Amara doesn’t complain when I eat a huge steak at the restaurant.

  We sit and talk about random topics of work, school, and the latest books.

  “Bro, why is Nathan sitting alone at the bar?” My sister nods over my shoulder.

  “Hmm…” I’m not sure why he is. I know since Teo moved out of their apartment he makes excuses not to go out. He has come out a few times but the majority is no. I get up and go over to him. “Nate, what’s up?”

  “Hey, Alden. What are you doing?” He looks a little sad.

  “Having dinner with my family. Come join us.”

  “Nah, I just ordered and I don’t want to crush family time.”

  “Bro, come on. You’re family too. Come on.” I pick up his beer and tell the bartender to send his food to our table. I walk away from the bar making him follow me.

  “Mom, Amara, I believe you both know Nathan Paxton, goalie extraordinaire.” I know he’s rolling his eyes behind me.

  “Nice to see you both again.” He sits down next to Amara.

  Mom continues her topic of books as I continue to drink. I silently chuckle when Nathan joins in and discusses his latest read. There aren’t many who know Nathan is a huge nerd. He is always reading comics, collecting toys, and playing weird computer games like World of Warcraft, and even anime, which I completely don’t understand. He even goes to nerd conventions. Teo said Nathan would dress up in costumes and makeup.

  He’s so strange.

  Our food comes and Mom asks us about our weekend games. Nathan and I go into an in-depth hockey talk. Mom and Amara both are huge fans. Amara even wanted to play as a child but couldn’t because she was too sick.

  “Thank you for letting me crash your dinner.” Nathan is quick in grabbing the bill and paying.

  “You didn’t crash.” Mom smiles. “We enjoyed you being with us.”

  “We should do it again.” Amara happily stares at Nathan.

  Something is going on. I know Amara has a kind heart, but I see the glint in her eyes.

  “I’d love to.” He smiles at her.

  “Hey.” I slug his arm. “No hitting on the sister.”

  “Grow up.” Amara sneers.

  Before I can say anything else Mom says she’s tired and is ready to go home. We all say our goodbyes and I drive us home.

  I really love my house. Many found it strange for me to get a four bedroom house when I’m forever going to be a bachelor. However, I did it to always make sure Mom and Amara had their own rooms. I’m still over the moon that Amara moved down to New Hampshire to go to school. It made me happier because she and I are so close. I missed her a lot when I was being traded around the league. We talked every day on the phone or by email. I’m extremely protective of her. I know how she wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s the kindest person on this planet.

  I tap on her door. “Amara, you have a moment?”

  “Come in.”

  I push open the door and smirk. The room is purple. I mean...really purple. The walls, the bedding, the furniture...all different shades of purple.

  “Let’s talk.” I sit on her lounge chair as she swings her legs off the bed, planting them firmly on the floor.

  “No.” She crosses her arms.

  “Amara.” I slightly glare at her.

  “I already know what you’re going to say and you’re wrong. So, no we can’t talk about it.”

  “I saw the way you were looking at Nathan.” I hadn’t noticed it at first but now I realized what was happening.

  “Stop!” She holds up her hand. It reminds me of when she was a pre-teen. This time she omitted the head bob with it. “Nathan is alone. Don’t you get that?”

  I remain quiet. I know she’s going to keep yelling at me.

  “Teo moved out on him. He has no real family to speak of because they’re back in Sweden. Plus, he’s not close to them. He has no real friends on the team.”

  “Wait.” I stop her. “I’m his friend.”

  “How many times did you visit him when he was off with his injury?”

  “Well...I...well…” I can’t answer her because I didn’t visit him. “Shit.”

  “I was being a friend to him. And! And!” She points her finger directly in my face. “You, of all people, should understand how hard it is on a new team. Especially when you have no one else.” She drops her hand and steps back.

  I let her words sink in. I do remember what’s it like to be without family around. No, I didn’t visit him when he was injured either.

  “Damn, I hate when you’re ri
ght.”

  “Maybe if you used the head on your shoulders more than the one between your legs, you’d be smart like me.” She smirks flipping back her long black hair.

  “You made your point. Don’t be a bitch.” I stand quickly and dodge her flying hand as she tries to slap me. “Love you.” I call over my shoulder, racing out of my room.

  Chapter Four

  Baylor

  I WATCH KACE holding tightly to his New Hampshire Bears hat. Rocco called me last night to say he’d be here at ten to get him for the day. It’s now noon and after texting Rocco several times, he hasn’t answered.

  “Told you so.” Kace mumbles.

  My heart breaks seeing my son’s sad expression. He’s trying to put on a brave face but I know he’s upset. I have to do something for him to feel better.

  Me: Alden, change of plans. Can we go to today’s game?

  I’m not sure if it’s too late since the game starts in a couple of hours. For all I know he’s busy getting ready for the game. Actually, I know he is. Hockey is his life.

  Alden: Go to the ticket office. Your VITA passes are waiting.

  Me: VITA?

  Alden: Very. Important. To. Alden. It’s better than VIP.

  The smile is on my face before I can stop it. The guy can make me laugh.

  “Kace, go change into a Bears shirt. We’re going to the game.”

  His face turns from sadness to great joy. “Really?”

  “Yes. I texted Alden and our tickets are waiting for us.”

  He leaps from the chair and races to his room. I’ve barely stood up by the time he is back and ready to go. “Do you want to have lunch before we go?”

  “Can we afford it?” he asks sadly.

  I take him by the shoulders and make him look at me. “Kace, we’re not that broke. It’s true I can’t afford for you to play the sports you want, and I’m sorry I can’t because I know it hurts you. However, I’m trying my best to change the situation.”

  “I know, Mom. I’m okay with it. You’re just making sure our bills are paid.”

  No ten year old should have this kind of worry on their minds. What kind of mother am I?

  “You need to worry about your homework. Not a single other thing. I love you, Kace. I’m the adult and I’ll worry about our bills.”

  “I love you too, Mom.” He hugs me. “I’d pick you over anyone else’s mother.”

  My heart swells. “I’d pick you over any other kid.”

  He pushes off me. “Great. Let’s go.”

  “MOM! MOM!” KACE is jumping up and down. “I’ve got a badge.”

  I ruffle his hair. “I have one too.” Although, I’m unsure why we have VIP badges. “Do you want something to drink?”

  “Nah.” He’s standing on his tiptoes. “Why isn’t this line moving?”

  “Calm down. They have to scan the tickets.”

  He turns his face up with a perplexed look. “We don’t have tickets. Does this mean we can’t go in?”

  “These are our tickets.” I point to the badge around his neck.

  “Right.” His bright smile comes back.

  I keep him close to my side because I don’t want him to get lost in this massive crowd. I want him to hold my hand, but he’s too old for it. I hate to say it, but I miss the days of him holding my hand.

  The gates open and the people slowly shuffle forward. I put Kace in front of me and keep my hands on his shoulders. As we reach the attendant Kace holds up his badge proudly.

  “Go to the second floor.” The man waves us through.

  “This way, Mom.” Kace points to the sign and begins to race toward it.

  “Kace, stop!” I yell and grab him by his shirt. “We don’t want to run over people. There’s plenty of time before the game starts.”

  He stops and turns to me. “Okay.”

  Together – at a slower pace – we walk to the escalator and go up to the second floor. I watch my son’s eyes scan every part of the arena. He’s taking in all the aspects of hockey and seeing it through his expressions make me smile.

  “Mom, there’s Alden.” He points to the poster hanging from the rafters.

  How is it he looks just as hot in his hockey get up as he does naked? I did Google Alden a lot before – and after – we had sex.

  Let it go.

  I can’t keep thinking about his hot, naked body. We can’t be together. I have to stop being a silly teenage girl.

  Kace remains by my side as I try to figure out where we’re sitting. Finally, I find an attendant to figure out our seats. We’re down behind the Bears bench. Kace is bouncing all over the place. He’s up. He’s down. He’s staring at the lights.

  “These are the best seats in the whole place.” He’s tugging at my sleeve. “Will we get to talk to Alden tonight?”

  “I’ll text him later and see if we can but no promises.”

  Kace goes on pointing out everything. He explains all the lines on the ice, where the zamboni enters, and many other things. I can truthfully say I don’t know much about hockey. Kace loves it and I’m not sure where he gets it from. Rocco isn’t a sports fan either. Although, he hasn’t really been around a lot. So, he doesn’t count.

  “Excuse me.”

  I turn to see a young girl next to me.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m Nova Long, executive assistant to Oliver Matthews.” She smiles.

  “Who?”

  “The owner of the Bears.”

  “Oh. Um...how can I help you?” She must be looking for someone else.

  “You’re Baylor, right? Alden’s friend.” She sits down next to me.

  “I’m Alden’s friend too.” Kace leans over me to talk.

  “That means your Kace.” She beams.

  “Alden told you about me?” He’s happily surprised.

  “He has. He says you like hockey.”

  “I love it.”

  “Well, tonight we’re having a drawing. There’s an opening on the Cubs league. One lucky winner will win the position and all equipment will be paid for as long as the player is a Cub.” Nova explains.

  Kace’s eyes go wide and he slowly sits up. “Are you kidding?”

  “Would you like to enter?”

  He turns to me, with all the hope in his eyes. “Mom, can I?”

  It would be a long shot but there’s a chance. “Sure. Why not?”

  “Great.” Nova beams as she stands up. “Enjoy the game. Good luck.”

  As Nova leaves Kace is talking a mile a minute about the possibility of him being on the Cubs. The arena begins to fill up and I think Kace’s face may crack because his smile is so big. The Bears come out to skate around. Kace explains to me it’s the warm-up time. I didn’t know that. He points out Alden, who is wearing number fifty-six. I did know this. I can clearly see him since he’s not wearing his hat—or helmet—and his black hair stands out against the white ice. I can remember running my hands through his mane when he was between my legs.

  “Mom, are you okay?” Kace shakes my shoulder.

  “I’m fine.” I focus on my son and not Alden’s hot body.

  Kace goes back to watching the warm-ups as I try to not stare at Alden. Which I totally am doing. My son is pointing to the players and telling me their bios, stats, and everything in between. I didn’t even realize he knew this much about hockey. Alden doesn’t look up at us when he skates off the ice. Thankfully Kace isn’t upset by it, he’s still going on about hockey.

  We head up to the concessions. Kace wants nachos, a soft pretzel, and a large drink. I end up getting a small drink. Then my sweet son tries to send back the nachos, but I tell him not to worry.

  “I ate a lot at lunch.” I ruffle his hair as we head back to our seats.

  Kace forces me to eat some nachos and some of his pretzel. I deny it a hundred times but cave and take a couple bites to appease him. Sometimes, he’s more adult than he should be. I want him to be independent but yet at times, I think he’s growing up too fast.r />
  The lights go dark and the jumbotron grows brighter with the Bears introductions. Kace is on his feet clapping and growling with the rest of the crowd. When Alden’s face hits the screen, he looks like a playa. Not player. A playa. His stick is resting behind his neck with his arms resting on it. His tattoos are peeking through and it adds to his sexy, sly smirk.

  Oh those lips.

  The crowd, especially the girls, growl and scream louder. I can’t help but giggle. He is a playa, but it makes my motor hum.

  The Bears hit the ice, and I scan for Alden until I find him. He’s shuffling along the bench with the other Bears. He turns and the same sexy smirk that made me drop my panties the first time is on his face. Kace waves enthusiastically. Alden waves back as we stand for the national anthem.

  When the singer finishes, the puck drops and the game begins. Kace helps keep me in the loop of the happenings. When the guy jumps over the railing—or the boards as I learn—Kace stands and proudly claps. I’ve never seen Alden play. He’s insanely good. He’s fast. Super fast. Keeping track of him is difficult. Before I knew it, he’s back on the bench. Kace then explains the changing shifts rotation.

  Soon, the first and second periods are finished. I can’t believe how fast this game moves. It seems as if we just sat down and now only one period remains.

  “Isn’t this the best game ever?” Kace is still smiling.

  “It is good.”

  “I want Alden to get a goal.” He rubs his hands together.

  “I hope he does too.”

  The Bears come back to the ice and my anxiety levels rise as I wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs. I want Alden to get a goal as well. Kace is back up clapping and growling like all the rest of the crowd.

  I watch Alden on the ice, the back of his head as he sits on the bench, and even on the jumbotron. My eyes are glued on him. There’s no way I can look away from him. His dark brown eyes are still bright and shiny.

  Man, I want to fuck him again.

  “What did you say, Mom?”

  I turn red. Please don’t let me have said that out loud. “Nothing.”

  “Okay.” He turns back as Alden gains possession of the puck.