by Anna Sugden
Scott had gotten to the practice facility early so he could get some time on the rink by himself before his friends arrived. This time was his. Just him and the ice. As he slipped into his old warm-up routine, his body went on autopilot. He could always think better when he was skating. Perhaps because when he was growing up, it had been his only chance to separate himself from all the issues at home. Later on with the Cats, particularly when he’d been captain, it had given him the space to gain perspective on whatever was bothering him or his team. During his marriage breakup, it had been a respite and a sanctuary.
Today his mind was a jumble of thoughts, most of them tied up with the future of his beloved team. As if they didn’t have enough on their plates bedding down with the new ownership, Callum was still trying to plug some gaps in the depth of their lineup before the season started. Scott had done a lot of legwork, alongside Scouting, to evaluate potential targets. Now they were clear about Marty’s position on the team’s finances, he and Callum could talk turkey with agents about some of the players still on the market.
Pushing himself into a complex routine of crossovers and stop-starts, Scott’s mind turned to the situation with Sapphie. She was supposed to be back tomorrow and he couldn’t wait to pick her up from the airport.
Interesting times ahead, definitely. They would literally be working side by side—Doreen had prepared the office next to his for Sapphie. What would it be like spending so much time with her—in and out of the office? Part of him was nervous. They’d get to know each other pretty well over the next month, showing their best and worst sides. How would that affect things on the personal front?
He was already uncertain about how it would pan out because he and Sapphie hadn’t spoken since she left, though they’d exchanged texts. He couldn’t deny that he’d wanted—hoped for...expected—more communication while she was away. He appreciated that she had a lot going on, but something more than the occasional one-liner wasn’t too much to ask, was it?
If it hadn’t been for that kiss at the airport, he would have thought he’d pushed too far, too fast. Made her retreat into her safety zone. He understood why she was skittish. She’d had one hell of a childhood. But after that kiss, he’d thought that she’d begun to feel more comfortable with him. Now, after four days with nothing more intimate than a “Hey, how are you?” he wasn’t so sure.
Despite telling himself to be patient, go slow, he was hungry for more.
Which brought him to that kiss. It shouldn’t have been special. It was just a goodbye. But it was one she’d initiated. One she’d wanted to give him. Whether she admitted it or not, it was a definite step forward.
Scott lost an edge, landing flat on his ass at center ice, like a toddler who’d strapped on skates for the first time. Man, he hadn’t done that for years.
Catcalls, slow claps and laughter echoed across the rink as his so-called friends leaned over the barrier and rated his performance like a figure skater.
“Five-point-eight,” Ice Man called out. “I deducted marks for flailing arms.”
Chance shook his head. “Five-point-six. You landed on the wrong part of your anatomy.”
“I give you a perfect six for artistic interpretation.” Monty grinned as he opened the gate and stepped onto the ice.
The three men skated over to join Scott as he jumped to his feet. They knocked gloves and exchanged backslaps before heading off round the rink in a group.
“You’re all showing your age,” Scott retorted. “They haven’t used that scoring system in over a decade.”
“Which one of us is retired?” Ice Man shot back.
Scott punched Kasanski’s arm and told him where to shove his stick. His friend’s retaliation had them scuffling and tussling until Rivera separated them.
“How’s it going in the front office?” Monty asked. “Taking it easy while us poor schmucks have to work for a living.”
“It’s the off-season and you’ve been sunning your ass for the past few weeks. Besides, when have you ever worked, Net-Boy?”
“You wimps only manage a couple of minutes at a time before you have to take a rest. Only me and the zebras put in a full shift.”
“Right. Because moving from side to side in the blue paint and the occasional swan dive can be compared to actual skating.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Monty said good-naturedly. “I’ve saved your bacon often enough. And I have the Jennings Trophies to prove it.”
“Maybe once or twice,” Scott conceded.
“You guys obviously need to get rid of some of that hot air,” Chance said wryly. “Do I have to put you through a bag skate?”
Ice Man clutched his chest. “Oh no! Not the bag skate.” He put on an angelic expression and drew a halo in the air above his head. “We’ll be good. We promise.”
“Speak for yourself.” Scott laughed.
With the season about to start and his workload showing no signs of easing, he worried these sessions might be few and far between. He’d have to find a way to get to practices every now and again.
The guys got down to business. Training camp was a week away, and with physicals the day before it opened, the players were expected to be in decent condition. Even if they weren’t game fit, everyone needed to be ready to pick up where they left off in June. Which was tough. The downside of a Cup run was that they didn’t get the rest their bodies needed.
After a few sprints and drills, Monty set up a practice net at one end while Ice Man dragged out the bucket of biscuits. The arena soon resounded with the bang and clang of pucks on boards and pipes and the shouts of the men. After a short break, J.B., Taylor and Kenny joined them. The intensity ramped up as the younger guys challenged the older ones.
By the time the horn blew for the end of their session, they were all gasping and dripping with sweat. Scott’s only consolation was that the young guns were puffing as much as he was. Which he and the other old men didn’t hesitate to point out while they cleared away their stuff and hit the showers.
Damn, he missed this, Scott thought as he tossed his gear into his bag.
“Any of you up for a drink?” Kasanski ran a comb through his wet hair.
“I wish I could, but the babysitter needs a ride home and it’s bath time for the twins.” Chance grabbed his bag and headed for the door. “Give me a shout if you’re doing this again before our session on Sunday.”
J.B., Kenny and Monty followed Rivera out. J.B. was going home, Kenny to his mom’s, and Monty was apartment-hunting. Scott, Mad Dog and Kasanski had no plans, so they decided on burgers and beer at their favorite bar.
“I hear you’re opening a sports bar,” Ice Man said as they waited for their food.
Scott told them about the place he was in the process of buying. “It’s a good investment and something to fall back on if this front-office gig doesn’t work out. With Grey and Sapphie I have two partners who know more about the business than I ever will.”
“Sapphie?” Mad Dog frowned. “She’s based out of Chicago.”
“Sure, but she works all over,” Scott said. “You know we’ve been working together, right?”
“I knew she was consulting for Antonelli on the Ice Cats, but how does that turn into buying into a sports bar with you?”
“She came to check it out with me and asked to buy in. He’ll oversee the food and staff, Sapphie will do marketing and I’ll provide the memorabilia and my name.”
“The investment isn’t all she’s interested in, from what I’ve heard.” Ice Man winked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Taylor’s gaze swung between the two of them.
His aggressive tone reminded Scott that Mad Dog had once dated Sapphie.
Scott pushed aside the twinge of jealousy. That relationship had been over for a while, but did Taylor still have feelings for Sapp
hie? Man, that would be awkward.
Seemingly unaware of the undercurrents, Kasanski continued, “I hear that sparks flew at the board meeting with Antonelli. Plus they’ll be like this for the next month.” He held up two crossed fingers.
Mad Dog’s face turned thunderous.
Before he could explode, Scott explained what had happened.
“That’s all there is to this—business?” Taylor looked skeptical.
“It’s complicated,” Scott admitted, not wanting to reveal details. He didn’t kiss and tell, and discussing Sapphie with one of her former boyfriends was just plain weird.
“What’s so complicated? Are you dating her or not?” Mad Dog demanded.
Even if he’d wanted to, Scott wasn’t sure how to explain what he had with Sapphie. “Sorta.”
“What the hell kind of answer is that?”
Taylor’s attitude was pissing Scott off. “Is there a problem here? I thought you two were just friends, bro.”
“We are. Which is why I don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Why would dating me hurt her?”
“You’re on the rebound from your marriage. You haven’t dated in, like, forever. She’s pretty and hot with it—”
Scott shot his palm up in front of Mad Dog’s face. “Don’t even think of going down that route. This is not a freaking midlife crisis.”
“I know about your weekend together,” Taylor retorted.
“And...?”
“I thought it was a one-and-done. I didn’t realize you were her new sex buddy.”
Scott gave him a crude, anatomically impossible suggestion. “It’s not like that. And don’t be disrespectful to Sapphie.”
Taylor jabbed him in the chest with his forefinger. “Oh, so because you’ve slept with her, you think you own the right to stand up for her?”
“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
Kasanski made a time-out sign. “Take it down a notch or five, will you?” He shot Mad Dog a stern look. “This is Scotty, man. He’s not a horndog.”
Taylor paused, looked at Scott, then said, “Yeah. You’re right. Sorry.”
When Scott didn’t say anything in response, Ice Man nudged him under the table.
But Scott wasn’t in a forgiving mood. “Where do you get off accusing me? Sapphie and I are unattached adults. We can do whatever we like and it’s none of your damn business.”
“The hell it isn’t. Sapphie’s my friend. I’ve known her longer than you—”
“A year,” Scott said. “You met in Antigua last summer.”
“It’s a year longer than you’ve known her, so that gives me the right to make sure you’re not going to mess with her.”
“I don’t plan to do anything she doesn’t want me to.”
“Nice.” Taylor’s lips twisted. “Already double-talking like a suit.”
“Jeez.” Kasanski threw up his hands in disgust. “Calm down, the pair of you. You’re putting me off my beer.”
Scott and Taylor glared at each other, jaws set.
Mad Dog backed down first. “Look,” he said quietly, “Sapphie isn’t as tough as she seems. Despite how she acts, she’s not a hard case.”
“I know.” Because he knew his buddy’s concern was genuine, Scott swallowed his sarcastic retort. “The last thing I want to do is hurt her. Fact is she’s more likely to break my heart than the other way around.”
Though he kept the words light, it was the truth. “We’re just dating casually right now. If that changes, we’ll take it a step at a time. Which still isn’t any of your damn business.”
“Fine. Just so you know, if you hurt her, I’ll hurt you.”
“You and which army?” Scott exhaled. “Whatever. Just don’t take out your own problems on me.”
“What problems?” Taylor asked.
“Come on, you screwed up with Lizzie at J.B.’s wedding and you’re mad.”
“That’s got nothing to do with this.”
“Right.”
“Enough already.” Kasanski groaned. “If you can’t play nice, I’m cracking skulls.”
“Another round?” Taylor signaled their server. “I’m buying.”
“Just a soda for me.” Scott accepted the olive branch. “I’m driving.”
“I’ll take another beer,” Ice Man said.
Once their drinks and burgers arrived, the conversation turned to the Ice Cats.
“I heard there are a couple professional tryouts coming to training camp.” Ice Man smothered his fries in ketchup. “Skilled guys, too. Man, I hope I never get to the point where I’m touting my skills at a PTO.”
“You and me both.” Mad Dog clinked his glass against Scott’s, then Kasanski’s bottle. “I’d rather retire.”
“Easy to say.” Scott put down his burger. “You’re a long time retired, so you don’t want to hang them up too soon. Teams want to go younger and cheaper, and good guys are left on the outside looking in.”
“It’s still a hell of a comedown to have to prove yourself against a bunch of green kids.” Mad Dog grimaced.
“I couldn’t do it, but kudos to those who do.” Kasanski turned to Scott. “Anyone interesting joining us?”
“I can’t mention names,” Scott hedged, “but Callum’s talked to a few decent veterans.”
They discussed available free agents and some of the young players who’d be up from the minor-league team for training camp.
As they were leaving, Scott took Taylor aside. “Are we good?”
“Yeah.” His friend sighed. “I guess I can trust you to treat Sapphie right. Not many guys I’d say that about.”
“Good.” Scott clapped Taylor on the back. “I hope you fix things with Lizzie.”
“Appreciate it, but not gonna happen.” He raised a hand in farewell. “Later, man.”
Scott mulled over their conversation as he drove home. He’d just pulled into his garage when his phone rang. It was Angela.
He turned off the ignition and got out of the car. “Hey, sweetheart. What’s up?”
“I’m planning a quick visit home for the weekend. Are you going to be around?”
“Sure. And I haven’t rented out your room, so you can stay.”
She laughed. “Funny. I should be there sometime Saturday afternoon.”
“Great. Are you around to hang out with your old dad on Saturday night or will you be out partying with friends?”
“I’ll see a couple of people while I’m there, but I saved the evening for you. I thought you could take your favorite daughter out for a meal.”
“I’d be happy to take my only daughter to dinner. Where would you like to go?”
They discussed possible restaurants, settling for Angela’s favorite Italian place.
“Mom gets back from her trip on Saturday. She wants to take me out for brunch on Sunday. She said you could come, too.”
Even though he and Celine were civil to each other for their kids’ sake, the last thing he wanted to do was spend time with his ex-wife. But he didn’t want to cause problems for his daughter or upset her by declining. Looked like he’d have to go along and grit his teeth for a few hours.
“I have time booked at the practice facility,” he said carefully. “But I could grab a bite with you and your mother before you leave.”
“Great. I’ll see you Saturday.”
He tossed his phone onto the couch and turned on the baseball. The Yankees weren’t playing, so he checked out the Mets. Bottom of the seventh, and they were blowing out the Phillies. Not worth watching with the result in the bag. He flicked through the channels, but nothing caught his attention, so he turned the TV off. Dropping his head against the back of the sofa, he stared around the room. He really needed to do s
omething about this place. Either redecorate or sell it.
What would Sapphie think of—
Crap. He sat bolt upright. He already had plans for brunch on Sunday. How could he have forgotten? His curse echoed around the silent room.
Talk about putting himself between a rock and a hard place. He knew which one he’d rather cancel, but that would also give him the most aggravation. Not to mention that, once again, he didn’t want to have to make explanations. Not to his ex-wife and certainly not his daughter. Especially when he wasn’t sure how long, or even if, he and Sapphie would last.
He’d have to rearrange with Sapphie. Canceling wasn’t how he wanted to kick off this new phase in their relationship. He just hoped this wasn’t a sign of things to come.
CHAPTER TEN
“I’M NOT DISAPPOINTED,” Sapphie muttered to herself, for the tenth time, give or take, as she leaned against the plush leather seat of the town car that was ferrying her from the airport to her apartment.
She understood why Scotty couldn’t pick her up. Work had to come first. Besides, she was all for him and Callum pouncing on an unexpected deal for a player who could shore up their blue line. It was the double whammy of also having had their brunch canceled...postponed...whatever. Especially since she’d spent extra-long hours the past few days clearing the decks with her staff so she’d have time to enjoy her date with Scotty on Sunday.
That was why she was later returning from Chicago than she’d originally planned. Knowing she had a little over three weeks to rework the proposal to be ready to re-present it to Marty had meant ensuring everything in her own business was in tip-top shape. Just because her plans had changed, didn’t mean her clients should receive anything less than the first-class service she prided her company on providing.
But it had been necessary to take the extra days to organize it all, so she’d flown into Jersey on Friday afternoon.
Sapphie was supposed to be using the drive to her place to check her emails, but she didn’t have the concentration to deal with them. So she gave up and let her mind wander to Scotty and their postponed brunch.
