by Mary Smith
“Someone looks very chipper this morning.” Amara giggles as I grab my purse. “Did you break my brother’s bed last night?”
I roll my eyes at her question. “No, we just had an adult night of fun.”
“Ew.” She scrunches up her face. “I know enough about Alden’s sex life and trust me when I don’t want to know anymore. However, I’m glad you two worked it all out. You both deserve happiness.”
I adore Amara. She’s a genuine person. “Thank you. Speaking of happiness, how are things with you and the goalie?”
This time she rolls her eyes. “I don’t know. I thought he was going to ask me out.”
“What happened?”
She opens her mouth to tell me when Kace comes running in. “Come on, Mom. I can’t be late for school,” he says.
“Okay.” I look back at Amara. “We’ll talk at work.” I want to hear all the details of what is going on with Nathan and her.
Once I got Kace to school, I headed over to the shop. I have a lot to do today. Not only will I be doing Amara’s tattoo, I have two other clients coming in who want big pieces as well. I love it. Being this busy is exactly what I want. Even the other girls are booked solid and they’re happy as clams.
I just finished setting up my station when Amara comes in. Destiny said she would answer the phones since she doesn’t have any appointments until this afternoon.
“I’m ready.” She hops in my chair. She’s sporting a tank top since she wants the tattoo on her upper arm. I had to downsize a couple of things but overall, it’s exactly what I had drawn for her.
“You have to stand up first.” I shake my head at her.
“Right.” She jumps back up.
I stand up next to her and carefully place the stencil on her arm. After having her check it out and making sure she likes the placement, Amara sits back down and I begin to outline the tattoo first.
“Tell me what’s going on with you and Nathan,” I ask as I focus on the lines.
She sighs deeply. “I don’t know. We’ve been talking nonstop since that night at dinner. I really thought last night he was going to ask me out. He was asking all sorts of questions about what I liked to eat and didn’t eat, and so forth, but then nothing.”
“Maybe he got cold feet.”
“I doubt it. I think he doesn’t want to upset Alden. It’s childish because Alden is going to have to grow up and realize I’m not five anymore.”
“Why don’t you talk to him?”
She glares down at me. “Have you just met Alden? He doesn’t budge when he has his mind set on something.”
I feel my cheeks heat up a bit. “I know what you mean.” It’s what he’s done to me. He had his sights on me since day one, according to him anyway. Now look at us. About to go on a real adult date – whenever it’s planned.
“I wish I could live sometimes.”
I stop the gun and look up at her. There’s such sadness in her eyes. “Amara, you live all the time.”
She shakes her head. “I live with my brother, who pays for everything, and on top of that, I’m still a virgin at twenty-one. I’m a pathetic mess who isn’t living at all but going through the motions.”
I stand up from the stool and hug her carefully as I’m still gloved and the gun is in my other hand. “You’re not twenty-one yet, and I’ll get you laid before then.” We both laugh, and I go back to work on her arm.
After a few hours, Amara is sitting like a champ, and I’m getting closer to finishing when the front door opens and she gasps softly. I stop and turn to see Alden and Nathan strolling through the lobby toward us.
“Hey, guys.” I greet them and turn back to Amara’s arm.
“Sis, that looks amazing.” Alden comments over my shoulder. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would, but it definitely doesn’t tickle.”
“Nathan, when do I get to tattoo you?” I glance up at him.
“Whenever you have time.” He states.
“Do you have any?” I go back to Amara’s arm and put on a few finishing touches.
“I have a back piece but nothing else,” he tells me.
“You should make an appointment when you come up with what you want.”
“You seem pretty good at creating masterpieces, how about you hook me up?”
“Done.” I nod to him. “And you’re all finished, Miss Amara.” I smile. “Let me clean you up.” I clean her arm and make sure I’ve not missed anything. “Go look in the mirror.” I point to my full-length mirror in my station.
Nathan and Alden ooh and aah over it as much as she does. It came out perfectly, and Amara is almost in tears when she hugs me.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome.” I hug her back.
She goes back to the mirror with Nathan as Alden comes over to me. “She loves it.”
“Yes she does and I’m glad.”
“I had no doubt in my mind it would be the best ever.” He kisses me on my lips.
“They make a cute couple.” I nod over to Nathan and Amara commenting quietly to him.
His eyes narrow. “No they don’t. My sister isn’t dating a hockey player.”
“Why? I am and he seems pretty incredible.” I try to reason with him, but it’s clear he isn’t going to hear a single word of it.
“Nate, let’s hit it.” He announces. “I’ll see you tonight after the game. I’ll grab Kace from school.”
Before I know it, he’s gone with Nathan and I realize Amara may be right about Alden.
THE ENTIRE CROWD in the Bears arena is on their feet. The last minute is ticking by and the Bears are still up by one, but the Mustangs have a powerplay and it’s making me want to bite my nails. Kace is on the verge of losing his mind as well as he’s screaming out plays.
Remington, Kyson, Keaton, and Edgar are trying to keep the puck away from Nathan and the net. They dodge, weave, push, and do everything possible not to lose in the last seconds.
We all scream as Keaton throws himself in front of the puck and is able to stop it. Now we begin to count down the seconds and all the guys are scrambling on the ice to keep the puck away from their net.
Finally, the final buzzer sounds and the arena erupts. The Bears were able to hold out and they lead the series two to zero. I’m proud of Alden and the team. They’ve been fighting hard, and it’s clear to see.
We all head out to the players’ parking lot and wait for Alden. Kace is going on and on about the game, and I can’t say anything because I’m just as excited. Amara is still going on about her tattoo and the smile on my face is a good hurt.
After a while, the players begin to make their way out to everyone waiting for them. Soon, I hear Kace yelling Alden’s name and racing after him. I gave Kace a small talking to about jumping into Alden’s arms. My son forgets how tall and big he’s getting and not everyone is able to pick him up anymore. Thankfully he did listen to me.
Alden makes his way over to us, giving everyone a hug, saving me for last. “We’re going out tonight.”
I’m confused by what he’s saying. How can we go out? It’s late and he has to travel in the morning. He can’t be going out. Instead of him explaining or me asking for more details, he grabs Kace’s hand and heads to the car without another word.
On the drive home, Kace is telling Alden about the game as if he wasn’t the one playing it. It amazes me how much patience he has with my son. I never saw Alden as a kid type of person. He keeps surprising me at every turn.
The moment we get into the house I tell Kace to get ready for bed. Even though he grumbles a bit, he hugs us both and heads up the stairs.
“I think we’ll be going home tomorrow night,” I tell Alden.
“Why? What about Rocco?”
“I’m sure he’s long gone.” Although I’m not certain, but we can’t keep living here. I love how Alden wants to protect us, but I also need to get back to my own house
.
He wraps his arms around me. “You don’t have to leave. I don’t want you to.”
I smile. “Thank you, but Alden, you know this is too much too fast.” Or is it? I can already feel my love for him, but I’m not sure what he’s feeling. Sure, he’s said he likes me, but what does it mean?
He pulls me closer. “Are you sure? Are you sure it’s too fast?”
“Alden.” I sigh looking up at him. “You went from being a single guy, fucking anything and everything that walked upright on two legs to a guy who has a single mother and ten year old living with you. Does it seem logical?”
“Nothing about either of us is logical.”
I nod. “Let’s forget all this and talk about adult date night. Are you sure you want to go out tonight? You have to leave early in the morning.”
“Are you saying you want to skip all the details of the date and go straight for the sex?” His beautiful smirk appears.
I roll my eyes. “I meant, I don’t want you tired.”
“And you think the sex between us isn’t going to wear me out?”
I laugh at his joke. “Shut up. You know what I mean.”
“Listen.” He chuckles and holds me tighter. “I have a date planned for us staying in, not going out.”
“Oh.” This is about sex.
“Go upstairs, put on those sexy flannel pajamas, and I’ll bring up the food.” He kisses me fully on the lips.
“Okay.” He swats my ass as I pass him and head toward the stairs.
I check on Kace and he’s completely out. All the excitement has been giving him a full night’s rest. I stroll into Alden’s bathroom and change into my night clothes. I scrub my face free of makeup, brush my teeth, and lotion up my limbs. As I come out of the bathroom, I’m shocked to see Alden is already in the bed, shirtless, with his basketball shorts on.
“What is that?” I point to the plate sitting in the middle of the bed.
“Those are delectable ham and cheese sandwiches with a side of potato chips.”
I hide my laughter and sit on the bed.
“Oh, and to top off the adult date,” he hands me a beer, “cheers.”
We tap the bottles together. “This is outstanding.”
“Now, for the entertainment.” He reaches for the remote and turns on the TV. He flips through Netflix until he finds...NCIS.
“Really?”
“I love Mark Harmon and I need to catch up.”
I don’t tell him how much I love this show. I snuggle up in the bed and grab my sandwich. We watch a couple of episodes in silence, and I can’t remember having this much fun with a guy. I glanced over at Alden and his eyes are drooping. I gather up the plates, the napkins, and the empty bottles of beer.
“Hey, lay down,” I tell him softly not to disrupt him. Easily he climbs under the covers and instantly falls asleep. For a moment, I stare at him.
I love him.
Chapter Eleven
Alden
“SHOOT HIM, YOU fuck. Shoot him, Nathan.” I’m screaming at him as I hold the game controller tighter. “You suck.”
“Stop being an ass, Playa. I’ve never played this game.” He knocks himself into my shoulder.
“How can you be twenty-two years old and never played Call of Duty?”
“Because I have other things to do.”
I shoot him again and he falls dead.
“Forget it.” He tosses the controller down and throws his hands up. “You win.”
I laugh loudly. He isn’t a guy who plays video games. He likes comics and action movies. He’s strange.
“Nate, you need to expand your palate.”
“What?” He goes over to his side of the hotel room and lays out on his bed.
“You need to get out of the world of superheroes and comics and into the world of girls. Hot girls.”
He shakes his head. “I’m doing fine in the female department.”
“Really?” His comment catches my attention. “Are you seeing someone?”
He clears his throat and pales a bit.
“Shit you are. Who is it? Is it someone I know?”
“I’m just talking to someone.”
“Well, what’s the deal? You two hook up yet?”
He shakes his head. “No, we’re just texting. I’ve not even taken her out yet.”
That doesn’t sound like Nathan at all. He seems like the type to romance a girl until she’s sick of it. “How come?”
“Her...her brother doesn’t want us together. He has a thing about her dating hockey guys.” He looks up at me.
“Fuck him. If you two are meant to be together then nothing should stand in your way. If he starts being a dick, punch him in the mouth and then grab the girl and go.”
He scoffs. “It’s not that easy.”
“Yes it is. I won’t let anyone stand in my way when it comes to Baylor.”
Now it’s his turn to stare at me in disbelief. “Wait. Do you love Baylor?”
I stop talking. I know I love her, but I’ve not admitted it to anyone. Not even Amara and she know me better than anyone.
“You do. Have you told her?”
Without saying a word, I simply shake my head.
“I never thought I’d see this day. Alden Brockman, the man who’s had more women than Wilt Chamberlain, is in love.”
I rub my face hard with my hands. He’s right. I’m in love, which I know, but how do I say it? When do I say it? Should I ever say it? The only females I’ve said it to is Mom and Amara, but they don’t count. Yes, they have my heart, but Baylor is the other half of my soul.
Shit, is it true?
It is true!
THIS HAS TO be the hardest game I’ve ever played. Seriously. We’re about to head into second overtime, and I’m ready for the game to be over with another win in our favor. I want to be the one to make it happen.
Hamilton, Vance, and I come up with a quick plan and we’re ready to get this play executed. Normally, we’re not on the same line together, but Coach Long thought for this overtime we’d make a good team. Hamilton skates up to center ice and nods to Vance and then me. We’re ready as our captain focuses on getting the puck.
And he does.
He shovels it over to Vance, and I push the player in front of me away and bolt toward the net. I see Vance out of the corner of my eyes, and I know getting into position is key right now.
And it is.
Vance quickly passes me the puck and I slap it with all my might to the net. Suddenly everything moves in slow motion as the puck sails effortlessly past the goalie and hits the back of the net.
I leap into the air and shockingly land on my skates. The entire Bears bench rushes me with open arms. I’m smiling, laughing, and feel as if I’m on top of the world. I wish Baylor and Kace were here with me.
The moment I get into the hotel room, I fire up my laptop and call up Baylor. She has texted me a lot today letting me know she’s back at her house. I hate not having her in my bed and I worry about that ass Rocco. If he hurts another hair on her head, he won’t be able to ever walk again when I’m done with him.
“Hi, Alden.” Kace’s face appears. “Mom, let me stay up to watch the game.”
My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’ve done. “Hey, Buddy. I’m glad you could stay up. How was your game?”
“We lost, but it was good.” He shrugs.
“You’ve got to lose games to know how to win the next one,” I tell him. Suddenly, my blood runs cold. I just said the same thing my father had once told me. I imparted wisdom on Kace from something that asshole told me long ago.
“You’re right.” Kace smiles. “I’m going to bed. Night, Alden. Great game.” He waves his hand in front of the camera and heads off.
I can hear Baylor talking to him before she appears on the screen.
“Hello, beautiful.”
She rolls her eyes but there’s a soft red rising to her cheeks. “You did great tonight. How are you feeling?”
<
br /> “Tired.” I admit.
“I won’t keep you long then.”
“You’re fine. How’s everything at your place? Any signs of Rocco?”
“It’s all great. I told you he was long gone.”
“He better be.” I grumble.
“Oh hey, is Nathan there with you?”
I shake my head. “No, he’s in the shower. Why? You and him playing behind my back?”
She laughs. “No, you dork. He emailed me about his tattoo and I wanted to clarify a few things. He’s a nice guy.”
“I know and he’s an even better goalie and I’d hate to kill him.”
This makes her laugh harder. As soon as her laughter died out, she tells me about her day at work and how there’s buzz for the INK America article. I had heard a bit of it too, but I’m glad it’s promoting Baylor’s amazing talent and work.
“I need to head to bed as you do too.” She smiles. “I miss you.”
My heart swells. “I miss you.”
As she fades from the screen, I want to tell her I love her.
MOST WOULD THINK walking into game four should be a cinch. We’re three games ahead and only sixty minutes away from going on to the next round. Simple, right?
Nope. It sucks.
I hate games like these. Sure, if we lose we have a second chance to come back in game five, but I don’t want to have a game five.
The first period sucks because none of us could get the damn puck to the net. There were a lot of shots on goal but nothing crossed the line.
The second period...worse than the first.
When the puck drops in the third period, I don’t care what I have to, I will get a goal for us and I will win. There’s no other options and I will make it happen tonight. Hamilton, Vance, and I are on the same line tonight and the look in our eyes says it all...we’re doing this.
“Playa.” Vance head nods to me and I know he wants the puck.
I tap my stick on the ice letting him know I received the message. Hamilton already planned on chucking the puck to me on the drop. I’m ready for it. This is our time. I can see the ref’s mouth moving but the roar of the crowd is drowning him out. I don’t care because my eyes are on the puck and nothing else. I’m going to get it, then I’m giving it to Vance, and then we’re getting that goal.
