Home Ice

by Rachelle Vaughn

  “Good.” She paused. “Wait…what do you mean…once for you?”

  What wasn’t he telling her?

  “Nikkola knocked me down pretty hard in the second period and Dom had my back. It was the best fight of the season. Dom got in a few good punches before the Refs pulled them apart.”

  “Are you okay?” Ally’s voice raised an octave.

  “Yeah, baby, I’m fine. I just got the wind knocked out of me, that‘s all. Dom was just sticking up for me. He had a busy night, I’ll tell ya. We weren’t busy scoring goals, though. Too bad we didn’t spend as much time at the net as we did in the penalty box. The damn Greenbacks are such a physical team and we had so many penalties that it was hard to gain the momentum we needed to win. Hey, why don’t I stop by on my way home?” Ben looked down at his watch. It was after 10:30. It had taken him a little while to finish up post-game interviews and to take a shower. Now he was ready to leave NorCal Center and see his girl. “I know it’s late, but I’m too revved up from the game to sleep now anyway. I want to see you.”

  “I’m at the hospital, Ben.”

  “What?!” Now he was practically shrieking on the other end of the line.

  “Gram was having trouble breathing and we had to bring her in before the first period started.”

  That explained why she didn’t know about what happened during the game. He should have known she sounded distracted.

  “Why didn’t you say something? Here I am yammering on about the game and you’ve been at the hospital this whole time?”

  “I wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt and it was comforting to talk to you and not hear words like ‘wait, intravenous, MRI and Miss Monroe’.”

  Here came the tears again.

  “I’m on my way right now. What room is she in?”

  Ally gave him the information and they hung up. She tried to focus on the TV while she waited. The anchor came back on the TV with highlights from the game including Nikkola hitting Ben like a Mac truck and sending him collapsing down onto the ice. Her stomach clenched at the sight. She said a silent prayer thankful he wasn’t hurt after such a hard hit. Then the camera flashed to Dom. He looked like a vengeful boxer. He was definitely someone you wanted in your corner. And she was glad he was in Ben’s.

  The news anchor continued coverage of the game, “Among the excitement of tonight’s game versus the Las Vegas Greenbacks, Red Valley Razor captain Cody Lambert suffered a concussion during the third period. Lambert will be convalescing at his home in Red Valley during the off-season.”

  They replayed footage of Cody being slammed into the wall and crumpling to the ice like a rag doll. Eventually, he was helped off the ice by the Razor’s head trainer. Then, once again, Dom was swinging his fists, sticking up for his teammate. And that time it was for his captain. The news coverage ended after showing the Greenbacks annihilating the home team with one more unanswered goal in the third period.

  Chapter Twelve

  Trick or Treat

  Along with the rest of his teammates, Ben had gone to the Razors Ice Practice Facility the next morning to clean out his locker. Once inside, the players shuffled around like zombies and defeat could be heard in their voices and seen in their weary eyes. Reporters wanted explanations for the team falling short, but no one could give them the answers they wanted. Ben was devastated by the Razors’ defeat and it was tough to face the media.

  The conclusion of yet another disappointing season was bittersweet for the team. They hadn’t made it to the playoffs, but on the other hand, it was officially the start of their summer.

  That afternoon, Ben had begged Ally to come over to his house for some R&R. He told her, “You’re going to burn yourself out and run yourself into the ground, or worse, the hospital.”

  As he expected, she had argued. “But Gram still isn’t feeling well and I feel horrible for leaving her.”

  But he had an argument of his own and did his best to reassure her. “Ally, come over for a few hours. I’ll make you lunch. You could use a break and Gram needs to sleep without you hovering over her. She’ll be fine. The doctor said she just needs rest. Anyway, Ruby will be there if she needs something. Come on, it’ll just be for a couple of hours and you need to get out of the house for a little while. I miss you.”

  Finally, she had agreed and now they were soaking together in his hot tub waiting for lunch to finish baking in the oven.

  “I still can’t believe we didn’t make it to the playoffs,” he mumbled.

  Reality had set in and Ben had been pouting ever since their loss. He was sitting behind her and his chin rested on her shoulder. He kept running through the last game in his head, critiquing his plays and reliving every pass he made.

  “I’m so sorry,” Ally said.

  “Now you won’t get to see my playoff beard.”

  “What’s a playoff beard?” She had been trying to buff up on her hockey knowledge but wasn’t familiar with the concept of facial hair having anything to do with the game of hockey.

  “It’s a tradition. Kind of a superstition that starts when a team gets ready for their first playoff game and nobody shaves until they lose or they win the Cup.”

  “I can’t picture you with a beard.” She turned towards him and ran her fingers over his smooth jaw.

  “I haven’t been able to grow one because we haven’t made it to the playoffs the last couple of years. I don’t like playing with one because it’s hot and itchy, but I could grow a big burly one if I really wanted,” he boasted.

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Mmmhmm.”

  “Then I wouldn’t be able to do this.” She placed a trail of kisses from his chin to his ear lobe.

  “No? Why not?”

  “Too prickly.”

  “Ah. Then I guess I won’t be throwing away my Schick anytime soon.”

  “Good.”

  “Well, I wish we could stay like this forever, but I have to check on lunch.”

  “I still can’t believe you made me lunch,” she said as she reluctantly climbed out of the hot tub.

  “It was only fair. Ruby’s been spoiling me over at your house, so it’s my turn.”

  Once inside, Ben boiled water for the pasta while waiting for the timer to go off on the oven. He had made chicken parmesan and the heavenly smell wafted through the house.

  Ally was perched on a barstool, watching him. “I didn’t know you could cook,” she commented. She was visibly impressed by Ben’s prowess in the kitchen and he was happy to prove that he had other skills off of the ice.

  “Well, not exactly. Chicken parmesan is the only thing I can cook. But don’t you worry. I’ve perfected it over the years and you won’t be disappointed. It’s what I usually eat on game days.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  When he finally pulled the dish of chicken out of the oven, the marinara sauce was bubbling and the cheese was brown. Ally looked at him in awe and asked, “Is there anything you can’t do?”

  He chuckled as he heaped pasta and chicken on her plate. “Gram’s jigsaw puzzles. I’m lousy at finding the right pieces.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Seriously, thanks for this. You were right. I needed to get away for a little while and do something besides worry.”

  Lunch was wonderful. The chicken was tender and the wine was delicious.

  “Speaking of distractions…”

  She eyed him wearily. “What?”

  “Dom is having a costume party in a couple of weeks.”

  Ally was intrigued, but also a little more than confused. “Are you kidding me? I haven’t worn a costume since the third grade!” She thought Ben must be out of his mind or playing a joke on her. Now that he had the summer off, there was no telling what he had up his sleeve in the way of entertainment.

  “I’m serious. You have to come. Dom has a costume party every year after the season ends. He won’t let anyone through the door who’s not wearing a costume.”

  “And where the heck do I find a
costume in April? Tell Dom this isn‘t Canada. We do things a little differently down here in the States.”

  Ben laughed. “There’s a place downtown that sells costumes year-round. Or you could always order something online. I don’t care if you wear a white sheet and come as a ghost. Just come with me. It is guaranteed to be a good time because Dom’s parties never disappoint.”

  “What are you going as?” she asked picturing him in a number of different identities.

  “Nuh-uh. It’s a surprise.” He refused to divulge the nature of his costume, but he did tell her what he’d gone as in past years. Last year, he went as Indiana Jones and he pulled off a great Elvis impersonation the year before.

  “So, if Dom throws this party now, then what does he do for Halloween?”

  “We’re usually on the road when Halloween comes around. Dom doesn’t like to do things the traditional way, anyway. So, will you please come with me?”

  Ally was warming up to the idea. “Yes, I will. Now, if I could only figure out who I’m going to be.”

  “I have a few ideas.” His voice was husky now.

  When she threw her napkin at him, he wasn’t laughing. Instead, his eyes were glued to her face. Now napkinless, she lifted her hand to her chin and dabbed it carefully.

  “Is there food or something on my face?”

  Oh, no. Not again.

  “No. I just can’t help but stare. You’re so beautiful.”

  Her breath caught in her throat.

  Glad he didn’t have to worry about the no sex on game day rule, Ben took action. With one swipe of his arm, he cleared the table and made room for him to sit on it. He pulled Ally to her feet and she stood between his legs. He let go of her hands and gripped her waist, bringing her to him. She rested her hands on his broad shoulders. When he leaned in to kiss her, she met his lips with fervor. Moving her hands up to run them through his silky hair, she drank him in. He slid his hands to her behind and squeezed her through the denim jeans she wore.

  One by one, their pieces of clothing fell to the floor and they made love right there on the dining room table.

  * * *

  Now that her Biology final exam was complete and Gram was feeling better, Ally had time to focus on her next task: Who she was going to be for Dom’s costume party. Not usually one to procrastinate, Ally found herself shuffling through the racks of costumes at Wicked’s Costume Emporium “The Only Year Round Costume Shop in Red Valley,” with only one day left until the party. If she was going to find something, it had to be here. The Emporium was packed with endless rows of colorful feather boas, wigs, hats and makeup.

  What or who did she want to be for one night? Spooky didn’t appeal to her. Gory wasn’t her style.

  Vampiress?

  No.

  French Maid?

  Definitely not.

  Pirate Wench?

  Hell no.

  Nurse?

  Hmm.

  Ally held the white costume up to take a better look. It was actually kind of cute. The zippered dress was conservative enough so her breasts wouldn’t be hanging out for all to see, yet attractive enough to be sexy at the same time.

  All right then. It was done. Ally would be nurse for the night.

  * * *

  After a long and rigorous season, Dom held his annual costume party. Yes, it was the end of April and no, he didn’t give a damn. It was how he wanted to celebrate the end of the hockey season, whether the Razors’ won The Cup or not. Dom went all out every year with a DJ, caterer and a full bar. The only conditions he had were: Don’t come as yourself or a hockey player and absolutely, positively No Kids Allowed. Dom hated kids. For him, they were a reminder of what could go wrong during sex.

  On his way to pick up Ally for the party, Ben stopped by Cody Lambert’s house. He half wanted to pay his respects to his captain and half wanted to rub it in that Cody was missing the biggest party of the year due to his injury.

  “Nice costume,” Cody smirked when he answered the door. “I thought for a second that the five-oh was here to arrest me.”

  Ben laughed and puffed out his chest. “Is it too late for a career change? I think I like the idea of having some authority.”

  “Dude, nobody would take you seriously with that face. Everyone would think you’re a male stripper.”

  Ben started to look hurt at the comment, then he grinned. “Thanks Cap’n.”

  Cody motioned Ben inside. “You’d better get in here and off my doorstep before the neighbors start talking.”

  Cody tottered back to his recliner and propped his feet up. As if being bruised and battered from their last game wasn’t enough, the cast on his wrist was a constant reminder.

  “Sorry you can’t come tonight,” Ben said and sat down on the couch. “Dom always throws a doozey of a party.”

  “Yeah, well I’m in no shape for dancing anyway.”

  “How’s the leg?” Ben asked.

  Besides his recent concussion and broken wrist, Cody had been playing on a very painful leg. He had two bone spurs and a cyst on the back of his right leg. Cody played through the pain late in the season because he knew he would be looking at a two to three month recovery process, which would have ended his season.

  “They’re doing surgery on it here pretty soon.”

  “Good. I’m glad it’s finally going to get taken care of.”

  Cody explained the two options of how his injury would be treated. “They’re going to either shave the bone down or take some of it out and put in a cadaver’s bone.”

  Ben raised his eyebrows at the last part. “Nice.”

  “Yup. Hopefully sooner than later. I’m tired of waiting around and thinking about it.”

  “Well, you’ve got all summer now to rest and recuperate.”

  The two teammates spent some time talking about what went wrong during the season and mostly with their last game. The tornado twins ran through the living room and a wistful look came over Cody’s face. “Ya know, Benny, there’s more to life than the game.” Cody took a swig from his beer. “It’s good to know that no matter how things go on the ice, I can come home and my kids put a smile on my face.”

  “Yeah,” Ben agreed. “Someday, Cody,” Ben referred to himself. “Someday.”

  “You and Ally getting pretty serious?”

  “I think so. She’s really amazing.”

  “That’s awesome. It’s about time you found a winner. She seems like a cool chick.”

  Ben smiled at Cody’s analysis and got to his feet. “Speaking of Ally, I better go pick her up for the party.”

  “Have fun, Benny. Hey, tell Dom he’s a shitface.”

  “Will do. See ya.”

  “This is the perfect night to celebrate.” Ben was ecstatic after he picked Ally up for the party. “You aced your Biology final exam and I made it through another season in one piece.”

  Ally smiled over at him. He looked especially handsome tonight in his police officer costume. Lord knew she could never resist a man in uniform. She was glad he chose the role of a cop and hadn’t opted to cover up with a mask of some sort. His uniform accentuated all the right places and that suited her just fine.

  Speaking of which, Ally was feeling especially sexy in her nurse‘s costume. It consisted of a low-cut mini dress, thigh-highs, a nurse’s hat and stethoscope. It was the most risqué thing she had ever worn, but it was easy to get caught up in the spirit of a party. And she had studied long and hard to ace that Biology exam.

  Ben was also more than a little pleased with Ally’s costume of choice. If he were ever injured, he would want a dose of her bedside manners, stat. It was all he could do to focus on the road leading to Dom’s house.

  Dom lived on the same side of town as Ben. But unlike Ben, Dom’s house was nestled against the Red Hills Golf Course. In fact, the fifth hole was located directly on the other side of Dom’s back yard.

  Palm trees dotted the area and gave it a tropical feel as they swayed in the night breeze. T
hey drove past the clubhouse and the Corvette wove through the streets passing a wide range of types of homes. Some were Colonial, French country, Mediterranean, modern. No matter what the style, they all looked like they belonged in an issue of Magnificent Mansion Monthly. The higher the house numbers, the bigger the houses got.

  “Here we are,” Ben announced when he pulled up to a stunning all white contemporary stucco house.

  Dom sure knew how to throw a party. Every light was on in his all white oasis and it stood out like a beacon in the desert.

  Where Ben’s house was large, yet modest, Dom’s was not. It was flashy and pretentious and although it seemed impossible, even stood out compared to his neighbors. Everything was white. White, massive urns on each side of the white stone path leading to the extravagant beveled glass door. White arches stretched across the exterior to connect with two giant white pillars on either side of the entrance. It looked like the Greek palace of a rock star.

  Or the not-so-humble mansion of Dominic Devereaux.

  Dom came close enough.

  Cars lined both sides of the street and music could be heard booming from inside.

  “I’d hate to be one of his neighbors,” Ally commented as she got out of the car and straightened her nurse’s cap.

  “They’re probably all here at the party. Or in the Bahamas,” Ben smirked.

  Ben looked dashing in his policeman uniform and she teased him for bringing the gold rimmed sunglasses along with him at night.

  “Hey, it’s a part of the look. No cop is complete without the standard issue shades.”

  To Ally’s delight, Ben started singing an off-key version of I Wear My Sunglasses At Night and tucked the glasses into the front of his shirt. They laughed all the way up the path to Dom’s front door.

  Dom, a.k.a. Julius Caesar, greeted them on the other side of the gargantuan white door. Ben chuckled, remembering Dom’s costume the previous year. He had dressed in drag. Man, oh, man, Dom had made one fugly woman.

  “Well, well, well,” Dom sneered. “If it isn’t Red Valley’s finest.”