2-1 at the end of the second period.
All we have to do is get a lead and hold it. Two goals from us and zero from them. That’s all we want.
But you don’t always get what you want, right? That was like a summary of my life before hockey and even sometimes afterwards. What we want ends up getting reversed and we lose 4-1.
Game over.
Season over.
Another year without even a close chance at winning.
The bar is calling my name, that’s for sure. We’ll have to work harder next season. I don’t even know which guys will stay or who will go. I just hope we can work well together so we win it all. When I get to the bar, I’m actually torn between wanting to sulk or finding a girl to fuck. For some reason, Kinley comes to mind. I pull my cell out and text her.
Me: We lost because of you.
Ten minutes go by before she responds.
Kinley: How so?
Me: You jinxed it with what you said that day. Happy?
Yeah, it’s her fault. If she hadn’t have said what she did, if she hadn’t have jinxed us, then maybe I would be celebrating a win right now. Her reply this time is quick.
Kinley: You’re a dumbass, Carson.
My lips lift in a quirk. That’s a lot nicer than what I was expecting.
Me: And now, I’m officially your dumbass until this clothes shit is over.
Kinley: This clothes shit is helping your career, remember that.
I really don’t see how this is helping my career directly. Public image wise, maybe. As far as my actual job, yeah, it really makes a difference.
Me: I can tell. That’s why it’s actually improved my hockey skills already.
Kinley: Yeah right, I really couldn’t tell that on the ice tonight.
If she was sitting in front of me, I would glare at her instead of at my phone.
Me: Ha, ha. Surprised you were even there.
Kinley: I was there for work, not pleasure. I would much rather be home watching a comedy.
Comedy? She likes comedies? Briefly, I wonder if she likes them as much as I do.
Me: You sound like you should do more pleasurable things. Might make you stop being so grumpy and grouchy. And wouldn’t have thought you’d like comedy. Sounds too fun for you.
Kinley: I do pleasurable things all the time. You’re just jealous because it’s not with you. And for your information, I’m a lot of fun.
There are so many things I could say about her doing pleasurable things, but I decide to pass on it.
Me: I don’t do jealously of any kind. I don’t even think I’ve seen you smile! Kind of hard to think you might be fun. Utah could prove me wrong. Maybe.
Kinley: We have a fitting soon, and then we’re Utah bound. I do smile, by the way, just not around you!
Figures. I have been a jerk to her before, so it makes sense. I try to picture what her face would look like smiling. She’d probably look really pretty but kind of hard to be sure when she frowns so often around me. I decide to make her an offer, one that sounds like a win-win for us both. Me to make her smile, her to go to a game.
Me: Well…if I can manage to somehow make you smile twice within the first week, I’ll go to a crummy football game with ya once the new season starts?
Kinley: Ha, you’re not going to ruin football for me! All you would do is bitch and moan. However, let’s modify it a little. If you can’t get me to smile twice in the first week, then you have to do as I say the whole trip. No bullshit or remarks.
That could be hard, but I’m sure I could manage. But what if I do get her to smile? I think about it for a bit before replying back to her.
Me: Hmmm. Okay. But if I do, then you have to cook a meal of my choice for me. That work for you?
Kinley: I can’t cook for you. Pick something else.
Surely she can cook. Aren’t all southern women supposed to be able to cook? Maybe she doesn’t like to cook, so she says she can’t.
Me: Nope. That’s the deal. Not changing it.
Kinley: Well, since I’m going to win, you have a deal! Get ready, Hockey Player, I don’t lose.
Neither do I, Kinley.
Well, where bets are concerned at least. I can’t really say I don’t lose, seeing my current situation and all. I press the button to go ahead and put my phone to sleep before sticking it back in my pocket. Finishing my drink off, I decide to go home and enjoy my peace and quiet and aloneness while I can before this trip.
Chapter Eleven
Kinley
I push my hand through my blonde hair. When I was in college, no one ever told me I would be hauling boxes in my high heels. However, right now, that is exactly what I am doing. LSMP’s fall line is starting to roll in. We only get a few samples of each set of clothes, and those are for the models and friends of the company.
I fill my car with the three, very heavy boxes and quickly jump in to crank up the air conditioning. It’s May, and it’s already hot. I grab a tissue from my purse and pat the small beads of sweat around my brow, careful not to smear my makeup.
I hate to say it, but I have to take these items to Carson’s house. For whatever reason, he couldn’t come to my office where we have a fitting room. I’m sure it’s because of a girl, or maybe he’s hungover.
I push the button for the gate, and I’m buzzed in. I park my car close to the door, so I don’t have to carry the boxes so far.
“Well, good morning, Kinley,” Carson calls out from the front door. Of course, he’s in a pair of boxer briefs, looking hot.
“Shut up and help me,” I yell at him. I can hear him chuckling all the way from the door. However, he does come out and help me.
Once we get all the boxes inside, Carson hands me a bottle of water. I say thanks and rip open the first box. I pull out eight shirts, five sweater vests, and ten ties. The next box has all the jackets and accessories in it. The last box holds all the pants. I didn’t bring the shoes because that’s an easy part. I lay it all out on his long couch and on the chair.
“Is this all of it?” He stands next to me observing the clothes.
“Yep, what do you think?”
He doesn’t answer because a gaggle of giggles comes from down the stairs. It’s two very large breasted girls. One has red hair and is very thin. The other has black hair and is just as small.
“I thought I told you two to leave,” Carson barks at them.
“We thought,” the red head starts.
“Well, you thought wrong. Leave. I have work to do.” He uses the same tone.
“Well, I hope you’re not doing her because I didn’t think you were into fat girls,” the other girl says, giggling with her friend.
My mouth drops for a second, and I’m about to lay into her, but Carson is quicker. “Get the fuck out of my house now. I don’t know who you think you are, but you don’t insult my guest.”
The girls don’t say anything else. Instead, they leave.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know. I could have handled it myself.”
“I have no doubt that you could, but no one is going to insult you in front of me, especially not in my own house.”
“Well, thanks.” I slightly smirk and turn my head.
“Wait, is that…a smile?”
“No,” I quickly say. “It’s a twitch, there’s a difference. May we now get to the clothes?”
“Let’s play dress up,” he jokes.
After three hours and taking numerous photos of the clothes on Carson, I make a note of a few measurements changes, and then we’re done. Even though I had to haul all of this across town, it’s my favorite part of my job. It’s the clothes that I love. The feel of the material, trying it on, and seeing how someone lights up when they see themselves for the first time. I know how I feel when I shop; the rush is always the best high.
“Hungry?”
“Nah, I’ll just head back to the city and get this stuff off to the seamstress.”
“Come on,” he somewhat w
hines. “You know you want food. We’ve been at this for a while, and I’m starving.”
I hate to admit it, but I am a little bit hungry. “Okay, fine,” I give in.
He nods and goes to order some food. When he comes back, he helps me pack up all the clothes and load them into my car. By the time we finish, the food arrives. Of course he orders pizza, he’s such a bachelor.
We sit at his kitchen table, and he uses paper plates. To have all of this money, a nice house, and even a hockey rink, he still acts like a college kid.
“How’s Elliott doing on your addition? I figured he would be here today.” I had mentally prepared myself in case I saw him today.
“I told them to have the day off with you coming and all. Figured you’d both rather not have a repeat of last time.” He folds his pizza slice and almost devours the whole thing.
“Elliott’s not a bad guy. It’s my fault we’re divorced,” I reveal to him. “But thank you for that.”
He looks at me every few seconds, chewing all the food in his mouth. “The details aren’t any of my business, but you’re welcome. And for what it’s worth, I think if it takes two people to make a relationship, then it probably takes two to end one. Even if it’s mostly one person’s fault, I think there’s still fault in the other also.”
“I’m impressed. I didn’t know you were so wise.” I’m not joking either. It’s nice to think that someone might understand my situation. “However, it was me that ruined it all. Elliott wanted a wife, kids, and the white picket fence dream. I thought I wanted that, long ago, but once I graduated college and started at LSMP, everything changed for me. Elliott paid the price.” I sound like a sad Lifetime movie, but it’s the truth. I know how much Elliott wanted all of that, but I’m not the one who could’ve given it to him.
“You mean your job, right?”
I nod.
“So you don’t want kids at all? Or he wanted you at home with the kids and not working with kids?”
Poor Carson. He doesn’t understand traditions down here. It’s like we’re in a different world. “Us southern girls are raised to know our place is at home with our kids and working in the community and church. That’s what my mom did. That’s what every female I know does. However, times have changed. I don’t want that right now. Do I want kids? Maybe. I’m twenty-seven. I have time to worry about that later.” I can’t believe I said all that to him. I need to get the focus off of me. “What about you, Yankee? You want the perfect housewife and kids?”
“You had me until you added wife and kids. I want the perfect house though. So, where did you go to college?” he inhales another piece of pizza.
“Are you serious?” I stare at him. Yankee. “This is Alabama. There’s only one school you go to, and that’s the University of Alabama. Roll Tide, sweetheart.” I smirk at him.
“Roll tide?” He thinks about it for a quick moment. “What’s that exactly?”
“You’ve been here how long?” I shake my head at him. “It’s our saying. It’s our battle cry. It sort of means to fight on and don’t give up. You really need to go to a football game.”
“You had the chance to possibly take me, but you turned it down.” He winks, reminding me of our bet. “There’s no hope for me going now.”
“Figures.” I roll my eyes. “So, Carson Lee, what’s it like to be a yankee in the south?”
“I like it here. Mostly good people, good weather, and plenty of space for all my stuff.”
“It’s your offseason. Do you have big plans with your parents? Do you have any siblings? I’m sure you figured out that I’m an only child.”
“Me too.” I catch a sad expression on his face, but he wipes it away with the napkin. “My offseason usually includes a vacation and then back to preparing for next season, but someone’s dragging me out to Utah, so…” he trails off.
“Well, it sucks that I’m taking you away from your family time.” I hate to do that to him. Everyone needs to spend time with loved ones. “My parents and I take at least one vacation together. Even though my mom nags me a lot, we’re very close. Are y’all close?”
“Let’s just say I’ve never had a family vacation.”
“Well, I guess every family is different.” I get the impression that his family and him aren’t close as I pictured. I guess the name Gracie on his arm isn’t his mother or sister. “Now, didn’t I read that you went to college? Did you major in girls, partying, or hockey?” I didn’t want to bring him down anymore.
“All three.” He puts on his tough guy smirk again. “And maybe finance too, so I could handle my money myself.”
“You handle all your money?” I had read that his empire was large. He’s one of the highest paid hockey players ever. Plus, that doesn’t include his endorsements. “I’m surprised by that. I can barely balance my checkbook half the time. Is there a reason for that, or do you do it to make sure you know where it is?”
“I do it because I trust myself more than anyone else. Plus, it ensures I know what’s going on. There’s no middleman, I guess is one way to put it.”
I look down and see that I still haven’t eaten my one slice of pizza, but Carson has polished off the rest. I guess talking to him made me forget that I was hungry.
“Well, I guess you do have a point.” I push the plate away. “So, I think we’re done. I need to get this all back. I’m going to email you in a few days when I finalize the schedule. We are going to shoot three commercials instead of two, and we have a short amount of time to do all this in. I need you to be on top of your game,” I point my finger right into his chest, “and try not to get anyone pregnant while we’re there, okay?”
“No worries about that, sweetheart. Hey, who is the photographer for this?”
“Well, the first guy pulled out because of your temper, but I was able to convince my best friend, Cassie, to do it. She’s amazing, and I think they’ll be great.” Cassie has a lot of talent, and I know this shoot is going to be the best ever.
“Is she single? And you know, not uptight like you are?” He waves his hand at me.
“Stay away from her,” I growl at him. “She’s a sweet girl, and I don’t need you to corrupt her with your testosterone.”
“So the answer to my questions is yes? Good to know.”
“We’re done, Carson Lee.” I stand, gathering my purse. “Watch for my emails. And I’ll see you in Utah.”
“Hey, Kinley, before you go, I’m curious about something.”
I put my hands on my hips. Like I haven’t already told him my whole life story. “What?”
“Have you ever had a threesome?”
“Carson Lee!” I gasp. What the hell kind of question is that? “I can’t believe you would even ask me a question like that?”
“Is that a yes?” His sly smile appears. I know he’s trying to bait me into a bickering match. “Because I didn’t hear a no or a denial of any kind.”
He obviously doesn’t know who he is messing with. I lean close to his ear, taking in his clean smell. I lightly whisper in his ear, making his breath catch. “A good sorority girl never tells her secrets. See you in Utah.”
Chapter Twelve
Carson
I have no clue why, but I can’t stop thinking about Kinley’s answer about having a threesome. She didn’t say no, but she didn’t say yes either. I’ve been trying to figure out if Kinley could even be the type of person that would, but I’m not sure. Sometimes, it seems likely, but then again, probably not likely in the least.
We’ve made it to Utah and our first day here doesn’t have an itinerary, which stunned me. Tomorrow, that’s when it all starts. I think the reason I keep coming back to this threesome deal is because I met the photographer, Cassie, today. She and Kinley together would be pretty great. Not like that would ever happen. Kinley still despises me and Cassie does by default. I just need to put it all in the Do Not Think About folder in my brain.
I haven’t forgotten about my bet either and tonigh
t, since I’m bored out of my mind, I figured I would try to get Kinley to smile. She likes comedies. I like comedies. Surely if I invite her to watch one and she smiles, then I’ve made her smile. Indirectly, but it still counts, right? Her room is across the hall from mine, so I leave mine to knock on her door.
She groans when she opens the door and sees that it’s me. “What do you want, Carson?”
“A better hello, for one.” I fold my arms and lean against her doorframe. “Are you going to groan every time you see me? I much rather make you moan, you know.”
A flicker of surprise passes before she narrows her eyes at me. “Hello, Carson. I’m thrilled to see you,” she says with zero emotion. “Now, why did you knock on my door?”
“Our bet, remember? My mission is to make you smile twice. Let’s go watch a movie.”
“With you?”
“It’s a comedy,” I semi-sing, hoping that will persuade her.
She matches my stance with her arms over her chest. “It has to be you, not a movie.”
“Was that a rule, Kinley? I don’t think you said that. Besides, I can do it all on my own.” The no is on her lips, I can tell. “Cassie can come too. And I promise I won’t even mention a threesome.” I grin, but she rolls her eyes.
“Cassie went out with a few of the models.”
“So you have no reason to turn me down?”
“Aside from the fact that I don’t like you?”
“Oh, come on, sweetheart. Just come watch a movie with me.”
Kinley sighs, but then sends me a glare. “Only if you stop with the sweetheart crap. I hate it.”
“I can do that.”
She retreats into her room to grab her key and then pops back out to cross the hall into my room. Kinley goes straight for the chair by the window. I grab the remote and lay on the bed with my arm behind my head, scrolling through the channels.
“Ooh, what about that one?” Kinley speaks up.
“This one?” I clarify with the correct movie highlighted. Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Finding Carson Lee (Oh Captan, My Captain #3) Page 5
