Hockey Holidays

by Toni Aleo

  “Ward eight?” That was the pediatric ward.

  “I’ll hang out with the kids for a bit, sign some pictures, hand out a few Viper shirts and that.”

  “Oh, okay.” I glanced at his empty hands. “Have you got any pictures or Viper shirts?”

  “I keep a stash up there. Cassandra, the senior nurse, doesn’t mind. In fact, she says it’s good for the kids, brightens their day when all they have to look forward to is being stuck in bed.”

  So he goes there often.

  Nathan ‘The Flash’ Walker had just surprised the heck out of me.

  “Two hours,” he said. “And then I’ll be thirsty.”

  Chapter Four

  The pediatric ward was brightly lit and strung with Christmas decorations. Every bit of wall had something festive on it, and a Christmas movie was playing in the recreation room.

  I’d changed into jeans and a soft white sweater, added a slick of pale pink lipstick, earrings, and brushed my hair. As I’d sprayed myself with perfume, I wondered what the hell I was doing. I could easily have been firmer with Nathan, told him no and ordered him to leave. But something inside me hadn’t really wanted to.

  What he’d said about being determined and persistent to be at the top of his profession had intrigued me. I understood that passion, that unwavering determination to succeed. It was the way I lived my life, too. And it wasn’t often I met someone else who had the same mind-set.

  He’s a hockey player and one Ben has warned me off and Nicola describes as red-hot trouble.

  It was okay. I was in control, as always. One drink, just to stick to my word. Then he could get on with his life and I mine.

  I paused in the doorway of the games room.

  Nathan sat on a sofa facing half away from me. Around him were about ten children, including one with an intravenous infusion who was sitting on his knee. It seemed they all wore Viper shirts with his name on the back. A wild hockey X-Box game was being played on a large screen. The digital players were being controlled by a boy and a girl who sat either side of Nathan.

  A nurse I recognized was checking a teenage boy’s temperature, and she looked up at me and smiled.

  “Yeah, go Carly, great shot,” Nathan called. “Come on, Joe, get around that defense and shoot.”

  “I’m trying, Flash.”

  “You’re doing great,” he said. “Watch out.”

  The on-screen player fell and slid over the ice as the score flashed up.

  “Ah, bad luck.” Nathan ruffled the hair of the boy to his right. Joe, I presumed.

  “My turn now.” Another child took the controller.

  “Yeah, see if you can beat that score,” Nathan said. “Carly has set a high standard.”

  “You reckon I could join a hockey team?” the girl, Carly, asked.

  “Don’t see why not. As soon as you get fixed up here.”

  “In six months then.” Carly shrugged.

  “It’ll fly by, you wait and see.”

  The nurse walked over to me and paused. “He’s great with them, isn’t he?” she said quietly.

  “Does he come often?”

  “At least once a month. Up here we’ve got kids in for long stretches. A visit from The Flash is always a big deal. Not that he likes it looked at that way, he just wants to hang out and hopes he makes a difference.”

  I nodded, and something inside me melted. The big tough player who’d stolen the show at the rink last night was clearly a hit with the kids and a bit of a softie, too. His ego wasn’t as big as I’d first thought.

  I cleared my throat.

  Nathan twisted around. “Ah, here she is, my hot date I was telling you about. I’m a lucky guy, right?”

  All gazes turned to me. Two of the boys giggled.

  “She’s really a doctor?” the boy on Nathan’s lap asked, twisting and stretching his IV line.

  “Yeah, and she’s pretty, ain’t she?” Nathan held the line so it didn’t tug out.

  “Sure is,” the teenager who’d been having his temperature taken said. He had dark rings under his eyes, and his cheeks were hollow, but he was smiling.

  I shifted from one foot to the other, feeling strangely self-conscious.

  “I have to go now, you guys.” Nathan carefully lifted the child on his knee and set him on the sofa. He pinched his chin gently. “But I’ll be back in a week or so, okay, so you keep on getting better, Sammy.”

  “I will. Is it my go on the X-Box next?”

  “Yes, after Gabe it’s your turn.”

  “Okay.”

  A chorus of goodbyes started up as Nathan headed my way.

  I tried to beat down a wave of something strangely like excitement, or maybe it was the anticipation of being in his company that had sparked a thrill in me, but I couldn’t. Nathan Walker looked as hot as the trouble he was, and his attention was very much set on me.

  Fifteen minutes later, as Nathan had promised, I was sitting in a quiet corner of the bar opposite the hospital. It was frequented by medical staff, though right now, there wasn’t anyone I knew. But I tended to keep to myself, and relationships with other medics were purely professional.

  “Yum, cola” Nathan said, sipping from his pint glass.

  “You could’ve had a beer.”

  “Nah, I’m driving.” He nodded at my drink. “You ever partake in a glass of wine?”

  “Occasionally, but mostly I’m on call, even if I’m not actually on call.”

  “How so?”

  “I guess it’s a constant sense of responsibility to my patients.”

  “But you’re not the only doctor in the hospital.”

  “True, but if I’ve earned my patients’ trust, and they’re having a major problem, they like to see me, day or night. It’s why I live only ten minutes away.”

  “You really should try and relax more.”

  “I relax plenty. This evening I was planning a long bubble bath and losing myself in a good book.”

  “Wow, you live the high life, sweetpea.”

  “I had a late night, if you remember.” I frowned. Being reminded that I didn’t have much on my social calendar stung. And there was even less on it with Ben and Lisa out of the country. “You know my brother quite well then?”

  “Yeah, he’s been around for as long as I have on their team. He’s a mate as well as our medic. We started as newbies together.”

  “He loves his job.”

  “So do I.”

  “I can tell.”

  “What did you think of the game last night?” He folded his arms, his knuckles pressing on his biceps, and sat back

  “Loud, fast, violent.”

  “True, it’s all of those things. The Vipers are a great team to play for, not least because Rick Lewis is such an awesome captain.”

  I nodded. “Strong leadership is essential in any team.”

  “I’d like to be captain one day, but he’s got a few years left in him yet. I’ll make a bid for it then, though I’ll have to fight Phoenix for the top spot.”

  “What happens to hockey players when they quit being pro?”

  He shrugged. “Coaching, commentating, kicking back and enjoying the break.”

  “And you? What will you do?”

  “That’s a few years away, but most likely coaching, kids, you know.”

  “Yes, you’re good with kids.”

  “Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.”

  “Why me?”

  He tipped his head and studied me. “Because I respect you, Sophie, and what you do for people.”

  I glanced away. It was the first time he’d said my name with his deep voice, and I liked the way it had rolled softly from his mouth. “They’ve gone over the top in here with the decorations.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, it’s a Christmas overdose, even for Christmas.”

  “Where are you from originally?”

  “Toronto. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to a hot Christmas. It’s weird.”

&nbs
p; “Are you going home for the holidays?”

  “No, this is home, and I’ve got practice right up to Christmas Eve, and then again before New Year. I’m stuck here, though to be honest, my bachelor pad is not exactly uncomfortable.”

  The conversation turned to his home in Canada and his family. I discovered he was the youngest of three boys; the other two were married with children and lived in the same suburb they’d all grown up in. I told him about being a twin, something everyone was interested in, and about my medical training in New York.

  Eventually I spotted the time. “I need to go.”

  He held up his arms and grinned. “I’m going to count this as a victory.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you’ve had two Diet Cokes and stayed an hour longer than I’d bet myself you would.”

  “I had a nice time.” In spite of myself, I’d enjoyed his company, his intelligence, and his interest in me. I’d also enjoyed listening to him talk, studying his mouth as he’d spoken, and catching the odd whiff of his aftershave.

  “You did?” He seemed a little surprised. “Have a nice time, that is.”

  “Sure. It’s…festive to be out this close to Christmas.”

  “Perhaps that means I’ll persuade you out again.”

  He was rubbing his forearm, just above the strap of an expensive-looking silver watch. For a moment I watched the dark hairs springing back into place from where he’d disturbed them, then, “Maybe, if there’s time.”

  “Oh, there’ll be time, don’t worry about that.” He stood and held out his hand to help me down from the small step our corner bench was set on.

  A small fizz of delight traveled up my arm as our flesh touched.

  For a moment he paused, as if he’d felt it, too, then he smiled, released me, and led the way from the bar.

  I followed him, watching him walk with his head slightly bowed and his shades on as if hoping not to be recognized.

  Night had crept over Orlando, and as I made my way to my car, Nathan stuck with me. “I’ll be okay to walk alone,” I said.

  “That would be very un-gentlemanly of me.” He paused. “I’d really like to take you home but—”

  “But I can drive, and my car is here.”

  “Yeah that and…”

  I came to a halt at my silver Lexus and turned to him. “And what?”

  He smiled and slipped his arms around my waist, tugging me close.

  The gesture took me by surprise, not just because of how intimate it felt, but also how comfortable it was to be close to him—there was no doubt about it, Nathan Walker was strong and fit, and it was no hardship to feel his body against mine.

  “And,” he said, “if I was taking you home, perhaps I’d get lucky and you’d invite me in for a nightcap.”

  “I don’t think so. I have a date with the tub and my book, remember.”

  “Of course, your usual wild Saturday night, eh.”

  “I can do wild.”

  “I just bet you can,” he whispered and dipped his head lower. “And I’d really like to see it sometime.” His lips brushed mine.

  I stilled, hardly even breathing as I looked up at him. My heart rate had increased, and a delicious tingle ran up my back.

  He must have taken my silence as compliance because he did it again, his lips soft against mine. I opened up, and his tongue dipped into my mouth. He moaned slightly as he found mine.

  There was something deliciously powerful about having such a big guy hungry for my kisses and touch. So I gripped his polo and returned the kiss with enthusiasm. I couldn’t resist, couldn’t stop myself. Trouble he might be, but Nathan ‘The Flash’ Walker tasted divine and kissed with the same talent as he played a puck.

  He ran his hands from my waist, upward. I wondered if he’d touch my breasts, but he didn’t, just skimmed his fingertips over the outer curve then rested them on my collarbones. But only for a second because then he slid up the column of my throat and cupped my face.

  “Sophie,” he murmured, the tip of his nose touching mine. “I want you.”

  God, I wanted him, too. Heat had pooled between my legs, and the rest of the world had faded away.

  “Come back to my place.” He tightened his hold, and something about the action screamed possession and dominance.

  I wasn’t complaining. It felt damn good.

  Temptation gnawed at me. My body screamed to agree to go with him, get naked, and find some relief from the ache, the need, growing in me. But my head had other ideas. “No.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “I’m not going to come back to your place and jump into bed with you on a first date.”

  “So when’s the damn second date? Let’s go do it now. Dinner?”

  I smiled and tugged his polo. “No, another time perhaps. After Christmas.”

  “You really think I’m waiting that long to see you again?” He set his lips over mine and delivered another breath-stealing kiss that had my head spinning.

  What was I doing? Making out with a famous hockey player in the lot? Any one of my colleagues might see.

  I pulled back and swiped my tongue over my damp lips.

  He smiled. “So can I have your number?”

  “So you don’t have to feign illness again to get my attention?”

  “Yeah, something like that.” He released me and reached for his cell.

  As I gave him my number, I studied the way the glow from the hospital and a street lamp sent sharp angular shadows over his cheek and caught the tips of his hair.

  Maybe I should go with him. It’s been so long since I had the pleasure of a man in bed.

  I dragged in a deep breath then delved into my purse for my keys. “Thank you for the cola.”

  He grinned and slipped his phone away. “I’ll take you somewhere grander for our second date. No bar staff dressed as elves, no corny Christmas music.”

  “I’ll look forward to it.” I got into my car and shut the door.

  As I drove off, I glanced in my rear-view mirror.

  He was standing in the spot I’d parked, hands shoved low in his jeans pockets and watching me leave.

  I flicked on the radio. Wham’s Last Christmas was playing. I thought of the video that went with it—couples in love, spending Christmas together, heartbreak, longing, memories.

  “Damn it.” Nathan Walker could be a walking heartbreaker for all I knew. He certainly had the looks, the moves, and the ability to chip away at my usually solid armor. I’d have to be careful. Make a plan before the second date and stick to it.

  I arrived home and did as I’d promised myself. Ran the tub, filled it with spiced cinnamon bubble bath, and climbed in with a book. I could barely concentrate, though. Usually if my mind wandered when trying to read it was because I was concerned about a patient or working through a complex diagnosis, but this time it was none of those things. It was Nathan. He’d filled my thoughts, and memories of that kiss kept rolling over me and making my entire body tremble.

  Chapter Five

  I woke early the next morning—too early for a Sunday—and reached for my laptop. I needed to know more about the hockey player who’d hijacked my evening, lodged himself in my thoughts, and sneaked his way into the very hot, very kinky dream I’d just had.

  I typed his name.

  A string of search results came up, and I glanced at the headlines.

  Nathan The Flash Walker is top scorer of the season so far. The Flash does it again for The Vipers. Nathan Walker showing his true value and why he was worth THAT contract. The Flash is unstoppable. Nathan Walker spotted with yet another beauty on his arm.

  “What?”

  Beauty on his arm?

  I clicked the link. A Huffington Post article appeared. At the top was a photograph of Nathan with a woman. She had flowing blonde hair, perfect make-up, and a red dress that showed a daring amount of cleavage. He was leaning close and had his arm set firmly about her waist.

  I started
reading.

  Since his divorce from Wendy Schnider, Nathan ‘The Flash’ Walker has wasted no time getting back in the ‘lurve’ saddle. He’s been spotted with up-and-coming actress, Naomi Teller, and now with Rachel Brent at a charity ball hosted by The Vipers’ owner, Fergal Gunner.

  I pressed my fingers over my lips as my guts rolled and nausea washed over me. He was a player in more than one sense of the word.

  Walker is flying high right now and taking the Vipers to places they’ve only dreamed of in the past. His on-ice presence daunts every opponent who faces him, and his speed and skill is awe-inspiring. He’s clearly a hit out of the stadium, though, and enjoying life as a single man. This picture of him with an unknown beauty was taken the very next night after the charity ball at the premier of Under Attack.

  I studied the image. Nathan stood with a young woman; too young for him by far. She was tall and slim, her hair long, dark, and glossy, and her make-up subtle which was perhaps why she looked so young. Her black dress was more conservative than the other woman’s, and she had her hand linked through the crook of Nathan’s arm. He was smiling broadly.

  “Oh God. What am I doing even thinking about dating this man?”

  It was clear Nathan was exactly what Ben and Nicola had told me—trouble; trouble for my heart, my concentration, and my life. There would be no second date. The last thing I wanted was to be another image in an article like this. There were three more shots at the end. One of him on the ice, one with a woman who appeared much like the blonde in the first picture, and one with a female with dark curly hair who he was talking to outside the Vipers’ stadium.

  I flicked the laptop closed and stomped to the kitchen. How easily I’d been duped by a hot body and a charming smile. He was good, I’d give him that. The flowers, hanging out with the kids…that heart-stopping kiss.

  I tutted and made coffee. This was why I didn’t date. It was a waste of time and emotional energy. I didn’t want to be single all my life, of course I didn’t. The thought of a special person to share experiences with was a dream of mine, the same way I suspected it was for most people. If I could fast-forward five years, have a tall, dark, handsome husband who was hard-working and loyal, good in bed, too, that would suit me well. The in-between bit, finding someone, I could do without.