by Anne Stone
Copyright © July 2021 by Judith A Seligstein Living Trust
eBook 978-0-9997860-4-8
Print Book 978-0-9997860-5-5
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Editing, Cover Design, & Interior Format by The Killion Group, Inc
Introduction
Ryne Ferguson has always dreamed of playing for his hometown team, the Calgary Storm. A born leader and captain of his current team, he knows it’s bound to happen soon. He’s in the best shape of his career and playing better than ever. When he’s unexpectedly traded to the St. Louis Generals, his life is turned upside down forcing him to move from Canada to St. Louis, Missouri, crushing his dream of playing for the Storm. He has no interest being in St. Louis until a near accident changes his mind.
Jennifer Steele is a teacher in St. Louis, with a passion for hockey and photography—well, hockey anyway. When she lost her parents in a tragic car accident, she lost her love of photography too. Her father owned a photography studio, and now being behind the camera brings nothing but aching memories of loss. Instead, she focuses on her grandparents and work. When Jennifer is offered the chance to coordinate a huge fundraiser for her school showcasing her photos, she’s unsure. How can she reopen a chapter in her life that is so painful? Then hockey great, Ryne, is asked to assist Jennifer with the fundraiser and she convinces herself that all will be well.
As the couple work together, love blossoms and they become inseparable. Ryne discovers Jennifer’s talent and knows she’s happier behind the lens of a camera. How can he persuade her to chase her real dream when he’s not even achieved his own? Then an injury forces Ryne to question his future in hockey. He will do anything to play for his beloved Storm before his career ends, but a trade would mean moving back to Canada.
Jennifer doesn’t want to leave her grandparents.
Ryne doesn’t want to give up one love for another.
Will they both take a chance and follow their dreams?
To my grandmother, Gega, who lived to the age of 95. You were strong, independent and wanted to do everything your way. It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone for over thirty years. Here’s to Charlotte Russe and Snow Pudding! Miss you today and every day.
* * *
I’d like to thank my ever patient editor, Barb, from the Killion Group. My writing is so much better because of you!
* * *
To my sister, Isabel, who never let me give up hope that my dream could become a reality.
* * *
And as always, to you Dad. I wouldn’t be on this journey without your encouragement.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Epilogue
Author’s Note
About the Author
Also by Anne Stone
Prologue
“Ferguson’s on fire tonight, Ted. Watch him as he cuts in between players,” commented Kelly Rhodes as he leaned forward for a closer look. He turned towards his partner, Ted Lansing. They were the play-by-play television announcers for Hockey Tonight.
“I haven’t seen him play this well since he came back from his hand injury. We’re only a little over half-way into the first period, and he’s already scored two goals. I wonder if he has a hat trick in him tonight?”
Ryne Ferguson, the big center iceman for the Vancouver Eagles, raced down the ice, controlling the puck the entire way.
“He’s having a phenomenal year— the best of his career,” Kelly added with excitement in his voice.
“He is,” Ted agreed. “He’s reenergized the team since he returned. Unless the team falls apart, they’re a shoo-in for the playoffs.”
“Ferguson took a hard check into the boards. He’s a little slow recovering,” Ted stated with concern in his voice as they went to commercial break.
Kelly cleared his throat right before they went back on air. Then, “Ted, we’ve got three minutes left in the period. The Eagles are winning 2-0, Ferguson has two goals. The puck’s been dropped. Wiley passed it to Ferguson. He winds up and shoots…Did you hear that clang? Almost a third goal. I see a hat trick on the horizon. The puck bounced off the goal post and right back to Ferguson. He’s moved behind the net. He’s just skated out to the point. He winds-up, shoots, and scores. Hat trick, Ferguson. Look at that Ted–three goals tonight. He’s on fire.” Hats scattered across the playing surface.
Ryne skated off the ice. With less than a minute left in the period, he headed to the locker room where he was immediately greeted by Beck Randolph, the general manager for the team. “Hey Ryne, nice game. Follow me.” He motioned to the back. Ryne wiped the sweat from his brow and followed Beck into a small room off the locker room where he was surprised by his agent, Adam Cromwell. Adam represented Black Gold Management, a small but reputable agency that focused solely on athletes.
Ryne took one look at Adam and his stomach fell. He knew meeting with them mid-game was not a good sign. “You’re playing well tonight,” Beck commented. Ryne took one look at Beck and then focused his attention on Adam.
“Hat trick, way to go,” Adam said as he fist bumped his client. “Have a seat.”
“I think I’ll stand,” Ryne said. The trading deadline was upon them and rumors always flew this time of year. His name hadn’t been in the mix but one look at Adam spoke another story. He braced himself searching Adam’s eyes for answers.
“Ryne, I know you are definitely blindsided by this meeting and my presence.” Ryne nodded, running his hand through his damp hair. He took a deep breath, waiting for the words. “You’re being traded to the Generals.” He clenched his fists and his heart dropped. Ryne saw Adam’s lips move but didn’t hear everything he said. He was shocked by the news. What the…why? Traded. “Did you hear what I said? You’re headed to the Generals.”
Ryne held his expression in check. He didn’t want to overreact with the news, but he was stunned. He took one, then a second calming breath and dropped into the chair beside him.
“I’d like to thank you for everything you did for the team,” Beck said. “You’ve been a role model to everyone.” Beck stopped, pausing as if he didn’t know what to say to his captain and star player. Albeit ex-player now. “This is a business, Ryne. The Generals need you.” Beck didn’t know what to say. He started to ramble when Ryne raised his hand.
“I fully understand that this is a business. I guess I’m done for the night.”
“You are.”
“At least I ended on a high note, then.” Ryne stood and started to leave the room. Adam blocked his exit. “I need to change, Adam. Pack my things.”
“Yeah, I know. When you’re done, stop back by, and we’ll conference in Jacob Niles, the GM for the Generals.”
Ryne ducked his head and pushed past Adam. He felt dejected. The hat trick he’d fought for was the farthest thing from his mind. He’d felt his blood pressure rise as his future changed right before his eyes. His jaw throbbed from clenching it so tightly.
He was leaving the team that drafted him into the NHL. He’d known this could be a possibility at some point in his career, but he was totally taken aback after recently signing a three-year extension. After an early season injury, he’d fought hard rehabbing, returning to the team earlier than expected. All the hard work and dedication he’d given this team would be pushed aside. He didn’t think he deserved being traded. But what did he know? It was a business.
Ryne returned to the locker room after the team returned to the ice. He didn’t want them to lose focus on a win. He packed his stuff and returned to the adjacent room where Adam was waiting. Ryne glared at his agent. Running his hand across his face, he shook his head, then began to pace about the room. “You could have given me a heads-up.”
“It all came down in a matter of hours.” Ryne stopped mid-step and glanced over his shoulder at Adam. “I was lucky to make it to the arena before Beck pulled you in. If I’d had an inkling you were on the trading block, I would have prepared you.”
Ryne spun towards Adam and looked him directly in the eyes. “I know. It’s just a shock, that’s all.”
Chapter One
“Have fun at the game, Ms. Steele,” Jeremy said as he slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed out of the classroom. Stopping in his tracks he called back, “Maybe you’ll see Ferguson tonight. I still can’t believe we got him in that trade.” She smiled and waved as her fourth-grade student ran to catch his bus. Jennifer Steele had taught at Lakeview a private school since graduating from college. It catered to the wealthier families in the St. Louis area.
She zipped her backpack closed and smiled. She was a season ticket holder and loved the game of hockey. Generals fans were all a buzz with the unexpected trade that led to Ryne Ferguson joining the team.
Jennifer was running behind. She often met her best friend, Lauren Masters, for a quick pregame bite to eat at Faceoff’s located inside the Generaldome; then, they’d have an after-game celebration at Union Central, the local hangout frequented by the players. As she hurried from her classroom, Lakeview’s principal, Johnston O’Bryan, called to her. “Are you in a rush, Jennifer?”
She stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn’t heard Johnston approach. “I’m meeting a friend before the game. Do you need something?”
“I won’t keep you, but tomorrow stop by my office. I’d like to discuss something with you. Don’t fret while you’re at the game, I just want to run an idea past you, that’s all. Have a nice evening.”
Jennifer hurried home, changed, and jumped right back into her car. The Generaldome was about a half hour from her house. She preferred to get there early so she could park close to the gates.
Jennifer was still running late and was stuck in stop and go traffic. If I know Lauren, she’ll worry about me… She pulled out her cell phone and punched in her friend’s number. Focused on making sure the call went through, she wasn’t paying attention as she drove through the entrance to the parking lot. That’s when she heard the loud voice and felt her car jolt.
She wasn’t exactly sure what had happened, then she heard someone yelling at her. She glanced up and threw her car in park. There, standing beside her car, was a man who didn’t look too happy.
She rolled down her window. “Is there a problem?”
“There most certainly is,” he stated. “You almost ran over me.”
“I don’t know how that could have happened. I didn’t see you.”
“I guess you didn’t as you were looking at your phone.”
Jennifer wasn’t sure what she could say to deny the true fact that she was focused more on her phone. “Sorry about that. You’re right. I wasn’t paying attention. Are you alright? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“I’m fine but promise me that you will stop using your cell when you drive.”
“I don’t use my phone when I drive.” The man looked at her with a half-smirk. “I don’t.”
“Fine. I’ve gotta go. I’m already late,” he called over his shoulder before he jogged off in the direction of the players’ entrance.
She had no idea who he was. What just happened? She sighed. Thank goodness he’s okay. She raised her hand to her chest, doing the best to slow her speeding heart.
Jennifer parked, took a calming breath, and rushed into the dome. She’d been to Faceoff’s often over the years and could find the restaurant with her eyes closed. As she rushed through the doors, she spotted Lauren standing at the bar, tapping her foot.
Lauren pulled her into a tight hug. “Hey, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.”
Looking down at her phone, Jennifer said, “I was trying to call you and ran into a man on the parking lot.”
“He didn’t hurt you, did he? Let’s call the police before he can get away.”
“No, I almost ran into him with my car.”
“You what?”
“You heard me. I was trying to phone you to let you know I was on the way when I glanced down to make sure the call was going through. I lost focus and the next thing I knew I heard someone yell out.”
“Was he injured?”
“He said he wasn’t. At least I don’t think he was.”
“Where’d he go?”
She sighed. “Funny thing, he headed towards the players’ entrance.” Gripping the countertop to still her shaking hands, she added. “I could sure use a drink.”
“Yep, I’m sure you can.”
They seated themselves at their usual table.
“What’s new outside of almost running someone down in the parking lot?” Lauren asked as she sipped her water waiting for the waitress to take their order.
“Not much. Johnston stopped me on my way out the door. He wants to see me in his office tomorrow. He wouldn’t tell me what he wanted, but that’s not unusual for him. He likes to keep us in suspense. What about you?”
“Same old, same old. We’re pretty slow right now. I’m thinking about taking a trip to some warmer climate. I can’t wait for spring. I thought Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow and winter was supposed to end sooner rather than later. I guess he got that wrong.”
“Yeah, I think so. I still don’t understand why we rely on a ground hog to tell us how much longer we’re going to endure the winter months. That’s crazy!”
Jennifer had barely finished her thought when they were greeted by Wanda, their longtime waitress. “Hey there ladies, how goes it? What can I get for you this evening?”
“After the day I’ve had, I’ll just take a glass of water with lemon.”
“Must’ve been pretty bad— you never drink water.”
“I know but after almost running someone down, I need to keep my wits about me.”
“Oh honey, was anyone injured?”
“No, but it scared the living daylights out of me. I’m still recovering.” She raised her shaking hands.
“I’m sure it did. What about you, Lauren?”
“You know, I think I’ll have the same. I don’t want my friend here enjoying her drink too much.” They laughed as Wanda headed off to get their waters.
Jennifer was still rattled and had lost her appetite. So instead of ordering a burger like she usually did, she chose a bowl of French onion soup instead. Lauren decided on a chef salad. They ate their meals then headed out to the rink where they could watch the Generals warm-up.
Their seats were Club Level, just high enough so they could enjoy watching the players move the puck across the ice
. They took their places as the Generals skated out. Jennifer became distracted and didn’t notice the team members standing along the boards.
“Jen, do you know that guy?”
Jennifer wasn’t paying attention to where Lauren nodded and perused the stands. “Not over there silly, down there. See, one of the players is gesturing at you.”
Jennifer followed Lauren’s gaze to the men standing below them. Gasping, she said, “That’s him. That’s the guy I ran into.”
“Jen?” she asked questioningly. “Do you know who that is?”
“He looks familiar but you know me, I’m really not good at putting faces to names.”
“Well, my dear, I think you almost upended our new star player.”
“That can’t be. Why would he be walking across the parking lot? He should have been here hours ago.”
“Can’t say, but I’m sure that’s him.” As they discussed the player, he smiled at her.
“Yep, that’s got to be him. He’s smiling at you like he knows you.”
“He doesn’t know me.” And then he waved.
“He thinks he does. See? Look at him waving at you. You need to wave back.”
“I can’t. I’m embarrassed.” She covered her face with her hand.
“You have nothing to be embarrassed about. It was an accident, and it looks like he’s forgiven you.” Lauren grabbed ahold of Jen’s arm and raised it, forcing her to return Ryne’s wave. He pointed back at her then returned to his warm-up skate.
