by Amy Brent
Aaron was particularly close to his father Glen and his mother Janice, only in their sixties and still very active and currently into traveling. That had made it easier for him to sulk until they arrived back from Australia, a trip they’d planned before the surgery. He’d insisted that they stick to their plans and that he’d have help, becoming a recluse immediately afterward. Once they got home and stopped over at his Manhattan apartment to see how he was doing, both parents became immediately concerned. Their son was clearly not taking care of himself; not eating well, sleeping too much and not doing the exercise required for the healing or any other kind for that matter.
Glen started taking him to see a therapist to deal with the changes in his life as well as one of the best physical therapists in the world, both things that Aaron should have been taking care of himself. There were many long talks about his future that he hated during the course of them, though they left him with more love and respect for his folks than he’d ever guess he’d have when he was younger and thought that he knew it all. He eventually pulled himself out of the blackness and started exercising again per strict doctor’s orders to regain his health as close as he could to when he’d played.
Six months after the day he retired, Aaron found out that his former team was for sale after having a couple of bad years in the books. The current owner was older and planning to retire, which is when Aaron consulted with his father and made the plan to make an offer. He had a lot of money saved, several contacts in the sport to fill the spots needed to make a better team and the knowledge from playing himself. Aaron was also well-liked and he was one of the favorites in the fight for the team. He was both pleased and slightly resentful when he became the new owner, knowing that it was going to hurt seeing them play the way that he couldn’t. Aaron had to move on and this was a good way to stay in something that he loved and lived for as well as bringing in some good income for his future.
He was honest with his therapist Lydia how much it hurt him to make the decision, something that she helped him through just like everything else. Aaron had taken care of the unpleasantness of the necessary firings himself, using his connections to get a new head coach in a friend who had played a few years longer than him as an aggressive and excellent goalie. He’d be tough and inspiring for the team that had been sinking lately under the scandal of the former owner, leaving them with low morale and little motivation. The assistant coach was someone that he knew from the college circuit, leading his team in several championships before he’d accepted the position.
Those were easy choices for Aaron. He’d also looked to fill a few other positions, including a sports therapist for the team. The former had a pattern of calling in and leaving the team with recurring injuries. There were the usual older applicants with incredible experience but when the pretty redhead walked into the room to sit before the panel, he and his coaches and father had all sat up a little straighter.
Holly Miller was only twenty-two, but she’d been working with one of the best UFC teams for the last couple of years before she’d graduated. Holly had been involved in sports for years in school and had chosen early on to pursue therapy as a degree choice, taking whatever classes that she could to gain early credits for college. She’d moved here to attend school in the city after two years at the University of Southern California, choosing to follow her fighter and continue to work with him. She knew her stuff and her energy was almost contagious as she impressed them with every answer.
Apart from that, Holly was gorgeous. She had red curls that were pulled back to go with her professional power suit of a skirt and a jacket over a white blouse, topped off by some of the sexiest heels that Aaron had ever seen. Her skin was pale and flawless with deep green eyes that sparkled with passion as she spoke about her field, flexing her perfect legs from time to time as he forced himself not to watch. Holly obviously understood the need to be in as good of shape as her clients, if not better, and she took care of herself. She was curvy at all the right places and her body radiated a dangerous confidence.
She had won them all over and despite concerns about the players being a little too into their care, Holly was hired. She accepted over the phone, making Aaron harden at the sound of her throaty voice as she apologized for the allergies that were wreaking havoc in her throat before she assured him she was taking care of it. He thought of a lot of things that she could take care of for him as he hung up, rubbing the erection under his track pants slowly. It had been a while since he’d been with a woman, both due to injuries and his lack of interest. But there was something about Holly that he almost instantaneously knew he wanted!
Aaron knew that he was appealing to women from school and his playing days with his dark indigo eyes and tousled Blonde hair that he’d grown out over the past year. He’d been with many in his years but now he was just turning thirty-two and wasn’t looking for the one-night stand thing as much.
Nor was he foolish enough to fuck his sports therapist but the idea was tempting as he remembered her hot, curvy body and green eyes that had rested on him more than once during the interview. Holly had some depth that most women didn’t, especially at her age. She was also intelligent and that had always intrigued Aaron, even during his period of lots of women that didn’t offer that at all.
CHAPTER TWO
Aaron got out of his car and shut the door, locking it and setting the alarm with the button. He knew that it was safe in here with the intense security that the arena offered, but he liked the sound of it echoing in the garage that he and a few choice others got to use. He greeted the guard at the elevator that would take him the few stories he needed get to work, taking in his size and intimidation level as he asked Aaron for his badge with a severe look. Aaron knew that he’d be showing that often and happily pulled it from the pocket of his slacks before boarding the car. He entered into the hallway that led to the main part of the arena as well as holding the room for Holly and her assistant that was fully furnished with state-of-the-art machines that she would need along with an open budget. Aaron strolled down the thick flooring used for the skates of the players, hearing voices coming from the ice.
He took a moment to remember the times that he’d been on this, going to or from a game with his team as adrenaline rushed through all of them. Nothing would ever compare. Aaron heard footsteps next to him and glanced over to see Holly and the man that walked with her, deciding that there could be something that might compare as he took in her loose braid and yoga pants with a matching thin jacket. “Mr. Neller. Good afternoon. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
She was make-up free and glowing and he watched as she took him in with a lingering up and down gaze before he answered. “I wanted to see the first practice and make sure everything was going well. How are your facilities, Miss Miller?”
“They’re fantastic and call me Holly. Miss is way too formal. I loved working with Manny and what they offered but this place is amazing.” Holly responded enthusiastically, smiling as she glanced over at him again. “Thanks again for giving me free reign of the machines. I do a lot of yoga but sometimes the gym is what I need and you have the best here.” Aaron noted the small bracelet around her arm that many people used now to track their workouts and nodded as their eyes met.
“I am still going to use it myself. I live close and I always enjoyed working out here.” Aaron wanted to ask what her usual time was to work out but he held the question back as they entered into the arena to the team skating on the ice.
It would be incredible to watch such a curvy, confident, beautiful woman workout! Aaron felt himself growing hard, yet again, but dismissed the thought of working out with her as they moved towards the team.
It was their first practice and they were going to make some introductions as well as lay the groundwork for the following season. Pat and James, the head and assistant coaches saw them and flagged them over as Pat called out to the team. “Guys, head over here for a minute. You know this guy, I think. He’
s the new owner and looking forward to seeing a playoff win here this year. Aaron Neller, these are the guys.” He introduced them by name and position, many of them looking familiar to Aaron from games as well as still knowing some. They all shook his hand, skating forward in an informal line as he told them hello and hugged some of the ones that he’d played with. That took several moments and Aaron stepped back to see Holly step forward with her assistant and glance at the group. “This is Holly Miller and her assistant Tanner James. They’ll be working with you as far as injuries and the therapy that comes along with them. She used to work with Manny Hernandez. Heard of him?”
“Hell yes. That guy can fight.” Walter called out, making some of the other guys laugh. He was the new center and showed a lot of potential with the right leadership, something that made Aaron’s stomach twist as he glanced at the floor. Walter was twenty-four and a great player, having good control over the team when he wasn’t the only one offering it. He felt eyes on him and glanced over to see Holly glancing at him with curious green eyes as he met her gaze.
“Good, good. She’ll be working closely with the medical staff here and make sure to keep you guys healthy. We don’t need to have any players out on injury.” Pat’s eyes scanned over the team as he glanced at Holly, Tanner and Aaron.
“I’d like a chance to speak with all of you about any problem areas I need to know about. I’ll be in my room all day, so feel free to stop in if you can.” Holly told them, and Aaron saw the look in their eyes as they nodded and looked her over. She didn’t back down a bit, meeting their eyes as she kept her tone serious while shooting them down. They seemed to understand, exchanging glances as Aaron shook his head and they were told to take to the ice. He watched enviously, moving to the glass as he felt someone step up beside him. “You miss it, don’t you?”
Aaron nodded as he looked over at Holly, who was watching them as well. She stood straight with her perfect breasts curving underneath the jacket that she wore over a perfect waist only graced by the pants. He suspected she had a good bra on, since it was smooth in this cold temperature. “You know me.”
“I did some research after the interview. You’re a young owner, Mr. Neller.” Holly replied, just a few feet shorter than his height of six feet two inches. “I was curious.”
“You have me there. The chance came up and I took it.” He glanced at her, shivering a bit as he smiled. “Call me Aaron.”
“Really?” Holly asked him, giving him a disbelieving glance. “Okay then.”
“We’re a family here. I don’t want it uncomfortable or even formal. This is a tough game and I don’t like to sugarcoat things.” Aaron told her, seeing her nod. “I want everyone involved and I want you to feel like you can come to me with anything, Holly. I am going to be a very involved owner.”
“I can see that.” She replied, meeting his eyes again. “I like that in a boss.”
“I prefer colleague.” Aaron corrected her, holding her eyes longer. This wasn’t some restaurant where he’d be asking her to clean. Aaron was putting her in charge of a big part of his team’s life.
The team started taking shots on the empty goal before the new-to-the-league goalie stepped in to stop them. The media that was allowed in took the seats and spaces for filming, excited about the new Rangers. Holly sat down as Aaron’s interviews started, something he’d dressed for in slacks and jacket with the shirt and tie underneath. He sold the new coaches and staff, assuring the reporters of a very good year with the charismatic smile that had gotten him through several player interviews during those days.
Aaron smiled when his parents stepped inside to see the action, taking a seat with them as he looked over the tough practice that he’d known Pat would give them. Everyone kept it clean for the cameras and guests, having fun with each other as they honed their skills. He noticed Holly leaving towards the end, feeling her eyes on him a few times during the practice as he watched her leave.
That ass. Oh…that looked sooo…tempting.
He wanted her on his desk upstairs, spread out and waiting for his hardening cock. She turned her head once to look at him, her skin flushed pink before she turned forward again. Aaron looked back at the ice, feeling his father look at him. “The league doesn’t need a scandal, son. You’re an owner now.”
“Just looking, Dad.” Aaron responded, locking his gaze on the center as he skated the puck around several players and scored a goal. “She’ll have her hands full with these guys.”
“She’ll handle them just fine. That girl has spunk but it’s not meant for you.”
“She’s lovely though, Glen.” His mother gushed, her cheeks pink with the cold and excitement as she snuggled against her husband. They’d been in love since they first met and she was always ready for her son to meet a nice girl, since his sisters were married with two kids each now.
“Simmer down over there, Mom.” Aaron teased her, keeping his tone light as he agreed silently with her. He took them to his office after practice was over, offering a generous view of the ice and the best technology that money could buy. That had been just a slight upgrade on Aaron’s part, since the old owner was set up with televisions and a large monitor when he left. Aaron also had the owner seat high in the crowd if he chose to sit there, as well as some of the best box seats that he knew the family would love. He talked with them as he imagined the guys coming in to see her, using all of their charm to try to get into her pants like he wanted. Aaron had been that player once and had quite the tryst with one of the therapists back in his day. The thought it her doing it made his stomach twist and he offered to take his folks to lunch to distract him from it.
Aaron went home afterward, watching the night’s game as he googled Holly on his laptop. She had indeed worked for the UFC and kept her fighter going for a long time and a few championships before choosing to move on. She was smart to gain that kind of experience while she was still in school and Aaron glanced over pictures of her at various events. She had a beautiful smile and her hair was silky and curly when she wore it down, though not so far at work. Holly seemed to be a natural girl, not wearing a lot of make up like some women did. She knew how to play herself up and he admired several pictures as his father’s words played through his mind.
There was a story about an assault after an event, one that Aaron read closely. Manny’s security had stopped it before it became a full-fledged rape but she’d been sent to the hospital with some injuries and the photo of her with a black eye and split lip filled him with rage. That was about the time she’d decided to leave the job, something he couldn’t blame her for with all of the publicity. She’d worked for a private firm until applying for this job, seemingly ready to be in the public eye again. Aaron had two sisters and hated the idea of anybody hurting them and the protective blood filled his veins as he forced himself to move past that picture and look at others where she was all dressed up and appeared happy and smiling.
CHAPTER THREE
There was no need to reason to go to the arena the following day aside from the fact Aaron wanted a good workout and it was the best gym in the area. He belonged to the one in his building as well but he’d always loved the team gym and he was hoping that some of the guys might be there. Better yet, he hoped that Holly was there even though she’d told him that her focus was on yoga. He could tell in the pictures too. Her legs were toned and body lean with the perfect curves, showing that she didn’t starve herself or be unhealthy about things.
Aaron cleared his mind of the thoughts as he entered into the lower level and took an elevator to the top, using his key to get into the building. There was usually someone here to prepare for one of the many events going on or just handling orders for them. He was already dressed for the gym and walked into the large room with his bag, glancing around the room as he decided what to do. It was fairly empty except for someone on the treadmill in the corner and he looked closer to see red curls bouncing as he grinned. She was here.
Aaron settled on
weights to start, sliding in his ear buds as it seemed she had done the same. He set the high weight that he’d stuck to his whole life, since his arms were fine and he wouldn’t give up everything. He grabbed his cold water and rested back on the weight bench against his towel, shirtless in only a pair of workout shorts now. He’d noticed that Holly was wearing figure hugging tiny shorts and a fitted tank top as she walked, moving her head along to some beat. He tried to forget that she was there looking that good and started lifting smoothly as he let his breath in and out. It felt good to strain his muscles and he pushed himself today since he might just stick with weights and a little treadmill. He was just finishing when he looked up to see her looking down at him, her eyes bright and wide as she watched him set the bar back and reach for his water. “Morning.” Holly greeted him, reminding him of the news story as he tried to fight his attraction towards her. “Easy for you to get here too?”
“I walked. How about you?” Aaron replied easily, enjoying the way she skimmed over his body slowly.
“Yep. I have a place with a roommate close to here. I can actually afford it now that I have a decent job.” She smiled at him as she pressed the towel around her neck up to the sweat that was pooling in her hair. “Thank you for that.”
“You had all of the qualifications. Just try to keep the guys away from you.” Aaron warned her lightly as his eyes darkened.
“It takes one to know one, right?” She shot back in her own teasing tone, catching his gaze with a smile. “I encountered a lot of that in the other job, Aaron. I handled it and I’ll handle this. I might be younger, but these testosterone- minded players are not my thing.”
“What is your thing?” Aaron asked her, unable to stop himself as their gazes locked.
“I like older guys personally. Someone who can balance me.” Holly said, pressing her full lips together. “I was never into those quick casual things, since I like to actually talk as well.” She let her eyes rest on his abs for a long moment. “I used to have a crush on you in high school, you know. Posters and the whole thing. It was always kind of my goal to work for the NHL.”
