by Toni Aleo
Ty reared back as if he'd been slapped. “Toronto defenseman Sebastian Stone?”
“Yes.”
His dark eyes blazed with anger. “We've been rivals since juniors, Ella. He's always had a thing for you. Did you pick him just to hurt me?”
“I didn't pick him,” she said hotly. “I saw him at Sherry's party months after you dumped me. Besides, isn't the best way to get over someone to get under someone else?”
“Did it work?” Bitterness laced his words. “Getting under him?”
The pain Ella saw on his face at that moment was almost too much to bear. She'd seen the same expression on her own face every single time she looked in the mirror.
Ella choked back a sob. “N-no.”
Ty slid his hands around her waist, then lifted her onto the counter. “No?” He tenderly brushed a lock of hair from her face.
Ella bit down on her lower lip as she met his gaze, then shook her head. “Nothing's ever worked.”
“Because you're mine,” he whispered. “And I'm yours.” He cupped her face, tracing his thumbs along her jaw. “I can't quit you, sweetheart. I can't. I'll never stop wanting you. Craving you. Needing you.”
The naked adoration on his face stole the breath from her lungs, and she let out a soft gasp as their lips touched. Ty hauled her against his body with a ragged groan, and all rational thoughts fled.
The gentle press of his lips gave way to needy, deep, out-of-control kisses as their mouths met over and over.
“El,” he gasped. He kissed her again, tangling his fingers in her hair. “Don't let go. Please, don't stop touching me.”
Ella trembled in his arms at the pleading sound of his voice. She'd never seen him like this before. All she wanted was to get lost in this with him and let it take her under. But deep down, nothing had changed. And her fear of getting hurt again consumed her.
Ella shivered as he kissed her neck. “Ty, we should stop.”
He froze. “Is that what you want?”
“It's just… It's not that simple.” She leaned her forehead against his. “I'm reeling from everything.”
“I'd never push you, El. I know I made a huge mistake. I've made a lot of them. But I'll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I've changed. I've got a way to go before you believe me, but I'm trying. I’m trying because I love you, Ella.”
“Oh,” she breathed, staring up into his handsome face. Ty usually kept his feelings to himself, along with his problems. And he'd never been big on “I love you's.” He'd always touched her with sweetness and kissed her with passion, but sometimes, she'd been desperate to hear him say the words.
Ty pressed a kiss to the back of her fingers. “I’m leaving in twenty minutes for the children's hospital. You’re coming with me to take photos, right?”
“Oh. Yes, of course.”
Ty gave her a sexy little smile before heading back to his room, and she remained on the counter, emotionally wrecked, wondering what he'd surprise her with next.
Chapter Five
Ty pulled on his jersey and a Santa hat as they exited the elevator to the fifth floor of the children's hospital.
“I'm glad you're the one here with me today,” Ty said. “Kids love seeing the players, but sometimes it's uncomfortable having the Kingsnakes media department snapping photos while we chat with patients. I know you'll be discreet. I've developed friendships with a few kids who've been here a while, and I visit by myself sometimes.”
“You come here on your own time?” she asked, surprised.
“Yeah. The Kingsnakes have a special play area on this floor for the kids, but I try to go to a different floor each time I visit.”
He'd always been a willing participant when it came to children's charities and community service with his various teams while they were together, but he'd never used personal time to participate. This was a side of him she’d never seen before.
“Thought we'd visit my buddy Avery today. She's been in and out of here a lot. Car accident. She's had to have specialized care and multiple surgeries, but she's almost ready to bust out of this place.”
Ella touched his arm. “Car accident?”
Ty had lost both of his parents to a freak car accident when he was twelve. He'd been in the backseat and injured, but he'd survived. It had to be a harsh reminder of that when he visited Avery.
“Yeah. Avery was the only one injured in the accident, but she's going to fully recover.”
Ty waved to a few nurses, then pulled a stuffed Kingsnakes mascot from a bag. He held it out so it peeked around an open door. “Special Christmas delivery for Avery Winters!”
A little girl about eight years old with bright green eyes and brown pigtails let out an excited, happy shriek as they entered the room.
Ella's heart sank when she noticed the burn scars tracking up Avery's neck and arms—the worst which extended up to her right cheek. How much had she suffered?
“Quinn! You came to see me!”
Ella snapped a few photos with her phone as Ty walked over to the little girl.
He grinned. “Couldn't visit the hospital without seeing my biggest fan.”
“Is that Kingsley the Kingsnake?” Avery asked, giving him a huge, gap-toothed smile. She looked longingly at the stuffed animal.
“Yep. Not as good as the real Kingsley, but it'll do until you get to a game to meet him.” He handed Kingsley to Avery, then sat down on a nearby chair. “Avery, this is my friend, Ella. She's visiting kids with me today and taking photos.”
Avery gave Ella a shy smile. “Hi.”
“Nice to meet you, Avery,” Ella said, waving. “Are your parents here?”
“No, they’re at work,” Avery explained. “But that's okay because I'm going home today as soon as they get here, and then we’re going to decorate our Christmas tree together.”
Ty held out his hand to Avery for a fist bump. “All right! It's about time. Are you excited?”
“Yes! I miss Snuggles and Charlie so much.”
“Who are they?” Ella asked.
“My dog and my hamster.”
“Charlie's the hamster and Snuggles is the pit bull,” Ty said, grinning at Ella.
“They miss me, too,” Avery said. “I'm taking Snuggles for a walk tonight with my dad so we can look at all the Christmas lights on our block.”
“Awesome. Avery, you know the Kingsnakes Holiday Charity Carnival is coming up, right?” Ty asked.
Avery nodded. “I want to go! Will you be there, Quinn?”
“Yep. We're having a special skate for friends and family beforehand. Would you want to come skate?”
Avery's eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Sure. You'll have to ask your mom and dad first.” He pulled a card from his wallet. “Have them call this number to put you guys on the guest list, okay?”
Avery clutched the card in her hand. “I don't know how to skate,” she said, worrying her lower lip.
Ty winked. “We'll have you flying around the rink in no time, I promise.”
Avery giggled, then glanced at Ella. “Will you be at the Carnival?”
“Yes,” Ella said, smiling. “It's going to be amazing.”
“Will you skate with Ella too, Quinn?”
“Yep.” He tugged on one of her pigtails. “We'll all skate together.”
“Okay.” Avery looked over at Ella again. “You're pretty.”
“Thank you. You're very pretty, too,” Ella said, sitting down on the edge of Avery's bed.
“Not anymore,” Avery said, looking away. “Not since the accident. I've got burn scars. And the one on my face… I hate it.”
Ella glanced anxiously at Ty. Nothing she could say would make Avery feel better about her scars. She was a beautiful little girl, but it had to be hard handling such a significant change to her appearance at such a young age. At any age.
“I wrote a letter to Santa and asked him to make me look like I did before. That's all I want for Christmas,” Avery said sadly.<
br />
Ty got up and sat on the edge of the bed next to Ella. “Avery, I hope Santa doesn't listen to your letter.”
Avery jerked her head up, her green eyes wide. “Why?”
He raised his shirt a little to reveal a large faded, white jagged scar on his back. “See that?”
Avery nodded.
“When I was little, I was in a car accident, just like you.”
Avery's eyebrows rose. “You were?”
“Yep. The doctors didn't know if I'd be able to play hockey again because of my back injury. But I did. You know why?”
Avery shook her head.
“Because every time I looked in the mirror and saw the scar on my back, it made me work extra hard to get better, so I could live out my dream someday. Scars give you character, Avery. Now, when I see my scar, I remember how hard I worked to get here. I wouldn't be where I am today without going through all that stuff.”
Ty reached out and touched the scar on her face. “And you wouldn't be who you are, and who you're going to be, without your scars. I like your face. It shows me that you're one tough cookie, Avery Winters. You're awesome and funny and strong, but most of all, you're a survivor. Every time you look in the mirror from now on, you remember that, got it? Scars are roadmaps that show us where we've been. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. So I hope Santa doesn't take yours away.”
“You like me better with my scars?” she whispered. “Really?”
“Yep. Really.”
Avery flung her arms around him. “I like you better with your scar too, Quinn.”
Ella blinked back tears as Ty returned the little girl's hug. Seeing him open up to Avery, to build her confidence and make her feel good about herself again? She was more than moved—she was proud of him. Proud that he'd shared his own pain to help someone else in need.
“Thanks, kiddo.” He released her and picked up the iPad next to her bed. “Got any new games?”
“I got two new ones. One is a Christmas game.”
“Cool, let’s play it.” Ty caught Ella's gaze and gave her an easy smile, making her tummy flutter wildly.
Was it possible Ty really was trying to change? That he'd stopped burying his feelings and was beginning to let people get close to him? His “I love you” admission earlier in the day, and now this sweetness toward Avery made hope plant a seed in her fragile, wary heart.
One that was desperately trying to take root and bloom.
The next day, after practice ended, Ty, winger Tristan Mattisson, and defenseman Caleb Steele remained on the ice, taking shots.
“Who's the blonde with Penn and Zoe?” Tristan asked. “I wouldn't mind getting to know her better.”
“Back off, Matty. That's Ella.”
Tristan gaped at him. “Your Ella?”
Ty took a shot at the net. “Working on that, but yeah.”
“Why isn't she in Canada?”
“She works for the Brynnley L. Morrow Foundation. They're helping put on the Kingsnakes Holiday Charity Carnival, along with the children's hospital.”
Caleb grinned. “That's why you volunteered.”
“I didn't even know she was here, and she didn't know I played for Vegas.” Ty skated over to the bench and squirted water into his mouth from a water bottle. “She's staying with me for a few days. Her place got robbed.”
“Robbed?” Caleb asked. “That sucks, man.”
“Is her staying with you a good idea?” Tristan asked. “Shit's going good for you now. Stirring it up—”
“I broke up with her, Matty. She had nothing to do with my problems. Besides, you know I want her back.”
“If things go south between the two of you…”
“They won’t.”
Caleb clapped Ty on the back. “Man knows what he wants. Gotta respect that, Mattisson.”
“I guess,” Tristan muttered. “You guys hanging out for a while?”
Ty flipped a puck on his stick. “Yeah. Gonna work on some stuff until Ella's meeting is over.”
“K. See you later.”
Ella closed her notebook. “I think I have enough information to start my article.”
“Are you staying for the entire Carnival?” Zoe asked.
“Absolutely. I want to get pictures of the Foundation kids playing games and having fun. I love seeing their faces light up. I heard that Santa will be making a special visit. They’ll love that.” Ella said, smiling. “Okay, my coffee is catching up to me. Where's the washroom?”
Penn laughed. “Down the stairs, to the right.”
“Thanks.”
After using the facilities and touching up her makeup, she headed back out to the concourse.
A guy with short blonde hair stood nearby, studying his phone. She gave him a quick smile when he glanced in her direction.
“Ella?”
She paused. “Yes?”
“I'm Tristan. Quinn's teammate.” A faint Swedish accent laced his words.
“Oh, hello.”
“Quinn and I became roommates when I got traded to Winnipeg. After you guys split up.”
“Um, okay…” she said, confused.
“Look, I have no right to say this, but I will. Don't lead Quinn on. He's finally doing great. If you're not taking him back, then don't play head games with him. He doesn't need anything fucking with his head.”
Ella crossed her arms. “Wow.” This guy had majorly big balls. “My relationship with Ty isn't your business.”
“Maybe not, but Quinn's my best friend. He's finally clean. No drugs for well over a year. His painkiller addiction was bad enough, but the coke and all of the other shit was awful. It's not fun finding your friend lying on the floor of the bathroom, totally fucked up. He's sober now, and I won't let anything jeopardize that. Not even you.”
Ella stepped away, her back slamming into the wall as she stared up at him in shock. “What? Drugs? Is this some kind of sick joke?”
He studied her for a moment, then bowed his head. “Oh, fuck.”
Fear stole through her at his reaction. “Ty… He was on drugs?”
Tristan scrubbed a hand down over his face. “Ella, I thought you knew.”
“Well, I didn't.”
She had to get out of here. Now.
Zoe and Penn walked through the nearby doorway and stopped short.
“Ella?” Zoe peered between her and Tristan. “Everything okay?”
“Would one of you give me a ride home?” she asked, her voice shaking.
“Absolutely.” Zoe turned toward Penn. “Can Ryder grab a ride home with you and West?”
“Of course,” Penn said.
Tristan gave her a sympathetic look. “I'm sorry, Ella.”
She nodded as Zoe led her away toward the parking garage.
“I don't want to pry, but I'm worried,” Zoe said.
“Tristan dropped a bomb on me regarding Ty. I'm just rattled. Thanks for the ride. I feel unprofessional even asking.”
“Nonsense,” Zoe said. “If you need someone to talk to, I'm here. Let's get you home.”
Ty wandered the concourse, looking for Ella. He spotted Penn nearby, talking to Tristan.
“Have you guys seen Ella?”
Tristan shoved his phone into his pocket. “Yeah.”
Penn glanced at Tristan, then went back into the practice viewing area.
“Where is she?”
“Quinn, I fucked up.”
Ty frowned. “What?”
“I talked to Ella.” He hung his head. “Fuck.”
“What?” Ty asked, alarmed. “Matty?”
“I told her not to lead you on. I don't want things going badly for you, Quinn. Jesus. Why the hell doesn't she know what happened to you?”
“Fuck! Where is she?” Ty fought down his rising panic, but anxiety rose up hot and strong. Beads of sweat trickled down the back of his neck.
“Zoe drove her home.”
“To my house or Wendy's? You know what? Forget it.”
“Quinn,
I'm sorry.”
“Not now, Matty,” he said grimly.
Ty yanked his keys from the pocket of his jeans and jogged toward the parking lot. He had to find her and explain.
He could only hope she'd be willing to listen to what he had to say.
Chapter Six
Ty threw open the front door of his condo. “Ella!”
He hurried into the living room and found her sitting on the couch, her eyes red from crying.
“Is it true?” she asked tearfully. “T-that you were on drugs?”
Ty inclined his head. It wasn't the way he'd wanted to tell her, but that chance had come and gone. “Yes.”
“Painkillers? Cocaine?”
Ty swallowed. “Yes.”
Ella covered her face with her hands as he sank to his knees in front of her.
“Ella, listen—”
“That isn't the man I know. Who I loved for three years! Were you getting high before we split up?”
“After I got hurt, yes. El, I'll tell you everything. When I said I needed to talk to you this morning, this was what I meant.”
Ella stood and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “No. I need some time. I'm going to head over to Wendy's to clean. I'm also meeting the locksmith so he can replace the deadbolt.”
“Let me drive you.”
“No. I'll call a cab. I need time to digest this, Ty.”
“Okay,” he said reluctantly. “We'll talk when you get back.”
Hours passed as he waited for Ella to return. He paced around the condo like a caged dog, his thoughts running wild.
This was the last step in the process for him to move forward. The secret had hung over his head like a thundercloud for way too long.
A soft knock alerted him to Ella's arrival, and he met her at the door. “Everything okay over there?”
“Yes.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I'm going to shower. I'm a mess from cleaning.”
“I'll order dinner, and then we can talk.”
“I'm not hungry.”
Ty ran a hand over his face. “Okay. Shower, but then we have to talk.”
“I know.”
He went into the kitchen and made himself a smoothie just to have something to do while he waited. Twenty minutes later, she emerged fresh-faced and with damp hair, wearing blue pajama shorts and a tank top.
