Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  “Thanks. I’d like to chat with you too, so I’d appreciate it if you could hang back for a moment,” Derek never looked at her as he spoke. His eyes remained glued to the worn laminate. The faux wood grain had scratches from the chair and the desk. No doubt some new lines caused by her recent actions.

  “Sure,” she responded, leaning against the desk and folding her hands in front of her.

  “I’ll wait for you by entrance doors.” Mr. Arrogant planted a kiss on the top of her head. His calloused fingers ran down the length of her arm as he stepped away.

  Those fingers had been inside and all over her. She’d miss the feel against her skin. That was stupid, and she shook those thoughts away. He wasn’t someone she’d ever see again. Nothing more than a stranger passing in the night. “I’ll be out in a minute,” she lied. She rubbed her thighs together as he stuffed her wet panties into his pocket and left the office.

  He’d be waiting a long time. After an awkward chat and scolding from Derek, she left through the back door and never looked back.

  Chapter 1

  ONE MONTH LATER

  Holidays were tough on the heart. Hailey sipped her water while she observed her mother from across the room. They resembled one another a great deal which had always bothered her younger sister, Meagan. Hailey inherited her father’s height and slender build, unlike her shorter and more voluptuous sister. Besides the curves, they weren’t so different. Except the last time she saw her sister, her cheeks glowed in a way that Hailey envied. Her little sister was in love.

  Any minute, she’d be meeting the man who captured her baby sister’s heart. She wasn’t looking forward to the introductions. Not much excited her these days.

  Love was overrated.

  It hadn’t done her any favors. If anything, she wished she hadn’t known the highs it brought into her life. Ignorance would be better than the pain. As quickly as that thought came, she pushed it aside. Her grip on the cup tightened until the cheap, clear plastic caved in and crumpled into a ball. A few drops of water dripped onto the dark, hardwood floors. In truth, she wouldn’t give up the love she’d experienced for anything. Even if it had the power to bring her to her knees.

  Hailey closed her eyes and saw him. Ryan’s big blue eyes often hid in the darkness and shadows. The light in them shone too strong to disappear. She never wanted him to fade away completely. Her heart beat faster as she put the pieces of his face together from memory like a jigsaw puzzle. She smiled, picturing his baby smooth chin that couldn’t grow hair. Her fingers itched to rub the softness one more time.

  The doorbell rang, disrupting her fantasy. Her eyes fluttered open. Both her parents made their way towards the front door. It wasn’t Meagan. Her sister wouldn’t have used the doorbell. She stayed put, leaning against the wall for support. Her fist continued to squeeze the cup. The sharp corners dug into her skin as she watched them answer the door.

  After two decades married to Colonel Spencer Rylen, her mother still worshiped the ground he walked on. Her eyes lit up when he approached, and she hung onto his every word. The pair were teenagers when they married. Three kids and several overseas deployments later, they were still together. Their love was stronger than ever. Hailey watched her father place a dominant hand against the small of her mother’s back. She missed the way it felt when Ryan used to do that. One touch conveyed so much emotion. Her mother melted into the subtle contact and her hair dark brown and gray hair hung down in loose waves, caressing the top of his hand.

  Her father opened the door and a rush of cool air wafted through the house. “Hello. Right on time,” he said, stepping aside and waving his hand for the person to enter.

  “Happy Easter,” her mother greeted the newest house guest. “Come in.” Today, she’d applied makeup thicker than usual to cover the puffiness from hours of crying. Lines creased the corners of her eyes. She wore a bright smile and a brighter apron over black slacks and a pink button-down blouse.

  Hailey rolled her eyes. Pretending to be happy became tiring when all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep. She pushed away from the wall and tossed the broken cup into the garbage by the kitchen. With an open concept living space, she remained in plain sight. Avoiding the guests was best for everyone. Saying nothing trumped telling everyone to get lost. The only reason she got out of bed was to see her sister and meet her leading man.

  In her peripheral view, she caught her mother’s glare for not coming over. They were big on appropriate behavior and conditioned responses. Living with her parents became harder with each passing day. At first, she’d needed their support and help as she underwent rehab for her lost toes. Those days were behind her. The time had come to move on. Their expectations were clear, and she hadn’t lived up to them; another tough pill to swallow.

  “Hailey! Come say hello to Warrant Officer Benedict Gilchrest,” her father bellowed from the entryway.

  She smiled and did as instructed. “Hello.” Her voice lacked enthusiasm. Gilchrest looked to be in his mid twenties and single. His invitation had been orchestrated by her father against her wishes. “I’d be happy to get you a drink.” Hailey motioned for him to follow her down the stairs.

  “It’s Ben. No one calls me by my full name.” He trailed her to the bar near the back of the rec room. When she faced him, his eyes were still low, staring at her boot covered feet. He opened his mouth but said nothing.

  Her father had most likely briefed him regarding her injury, and she saw no point pussyfooting the issue. “It’s all right to ask questions if you’re curious. I might be missing toes, but I’m healed.” At least physically, she was as good as she’d ever be.

  His eyes shot to hers and his cheeks pinked. Men who blushed weren’t her cup of tea. Neither were men who served in the army; not anymore. “I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable. When my brother lost his arm, people treated him differently, and he said he hated talking about it.”

  “It doesn’t bother me. I lost a couple of toes and my leg is scarred, but I survived the attack. Not everyone in my company was that lucky.”

  “Yeah. I’m sorry. I’m aware of what you went through, and I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. Your father told me all about your recovery and I admire your tenaciousness. When you set your mind to something, you really go after it.” He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders. The conversation was clearly awkward for him and Hailey didn’t make it any easier, standing with her hands on her hips while staring him down. “Beautiful and resilient. Wicked combo.”

  “Thanks,” she replied with a huff. He seemed like a sweet guy. She wasn’t interested in sweetness. At all. “Let me grab you a drink and make a few things clear.” Hailey walked behind the bar and pulled a beer from the fridge.

  Ben took it gratefully and took a large swallow. “Blind dates are more nerve wracking than I expected.” His smile seemed genuine, and his big blue eyes sparkled as she caught him eyeing her chest. “Are you as relieved as I am to be past the meet and greet?”

  There was no spark of attraction on her end. Nothing. “My dad told you I was single but let me be very clear about that. This isn’t a date. He only told me five seconds before you arrived that he’d invited you. I plan on staying single for a long time. I’m not interested in you or anyone else. No offense.”

  “Oh. None taken. Any chance I could change your mind?” He stood taller, and she had to admire his determination. “I am a decent guy. So I’ve been told.”

  She smiled. “I bet you are, but it’s never going to happen. You should go mingle with the others. I’m only staying for dinner. After I see my sister, I’m out of here. I’m sorry the Colonel lured you here under false pretenses.”

  “Free dinner was my primary reason for coming. Meeting you was a bonus. I wasn’t interested in being alone today.” He sipped his beer and relaxed. “Thanks for being honest about the date. I feel way less pressure now, actually.”

  “Good. There’s plenty of people to mingl
e with and you won’t be lonely.” Hailey passed him another beer once he finished the first. Then he headed towards a group of men. She hung back and eyed her watch. Once dinner finished, she planned to head to the shelter. They planned to serve a special holiday dinner. She suspected it would lure in a larger crowd. She’d networked with some of the street kids and she’d made headway. Her new job as an investigator had only one task: find the missing teenagers.

  “Hailey, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend.” Meagan’s voice was filled with happiness.

  She looked up and her eyes narrowed. Her sister’s smile rivaled the moon in size. The face next to hers seemed familiar. The hockey player was tall and when he smiled his dimples appeared. Recognition struck immediately. They’d met at the bar close to a month prior, and she’d thought he wanted a threesome. It hadn’t been one of her finest moments. She scratched her chin as she pondered how to address him. She opted for ignorance. “It’s nice to meet you.” She extended her hand, and he followed her lead.

  Mr. Dimple’s real name was Cameron Smith. Meagan had been gushing about the NHL player for weeks. “We would have arrived sooner, but April had three outfit changes. She reminds me of you with her fashion sense,” Meagan added.

  It had been ages since Hailey put more than a passing thought into her wardrobe. Her new staple was combat boots, jeans and whatever was clean. She tried to focus on the conversation, but her mind wandered back to the night she’d first met Cameron. No wonder he and his friends had so many admirers. She’d guessed movie stars, but professional hockey players made more sense.

  A memory of strong hands and a devilish smile flashed before her. Her thighs pressed together as she recalled the dark-haired stranger she’d screwed in the back office. His lips were strong and firm like the rest of him. If the manager hadn’t interrupted them, she would have tossed him on the ground and… Hailey rubbed her shoulder to loosen the sexual tension that’d built. Her attention returned to the conversation she’d been ignoring.

  “You can’t be sure of that. The Cup isn’t ours yet, but playoffs will begin soon.” Cameron said, hugging Meagan. His charm was evident. The pair looked happy and so in love it made her chest ache.

  Hailey passed Cameron a beer. Since starting her new job a few weeks back, Hailey hadn’t touched a drop of liquor. She needed all her wits to crack the case. Her fingers danced along the rim of her water glass. She wasn’t thirsty but needed to keep her hands busy.

  “What’s new with you? Made any progress with the missing kids?” Her sister excelled at making people feel comfortable. A skill Hailey lacked.

  “Not much. I’ve got a lead I’m following, but it’s been slow. The cops aren’t chasing after runaways and I can see their point. Once the river thaws, they’ll drag it for bodies. It’s hard to find people who don’t want to be found.” That didn’t mean she’d give up looking because those teens were out there. Something in her gut told her they were alive. The circumstances surrounding the disappearances left too many unanswered questions. Plus, numerous sightings had been reported recently.

  “The police might be wrong. You could find them. If April went missing—”

  Hailey reached across the bar and patted Cameron’s hand. “I don’t think the kids were taken. The evidence doesn’t lead that way. Your daughter is safe.”

  “With the growing crime rate and increased gang violence, I don’t feel safe. When my hockey career ends, I’m packing up my girls and moving back to the farm.” His eyes were on Meagan as he spoke.

  “Is that what you want? Like a decade from now when you’re done with hockey.” Meagan chewed her lip.

  Hailey wondered why her sister was so insecure. This man loved her. If he hadn’t said the words yet, his body language conveyed it.

  “One day, I’d like to take over from my dad.” He pulled Meagan closer and stared into her eyes as he spoke. “Would that be something you’d consider?”

  “I’d love that,” Meagan replied. Then they kissed. Their mouths fused together, and Hailey looked away.

  Rather than disturb the happy couple, she slipped away from the bar and headed upstairs. Dinner would be served shortly and then she could leave. It was sad that hanging out with the homeless strangers was more appealing than being with her family. It’s not that she didn’t love them, but something had broken inside.

  “Okay, that’s enough chocolate for now. Your dad will never let you come visit again if you get a tummy ache,” her mother said to the little girl seated beside her. It was the first genuine smile she’d seen on her mother’s face in ages. Her parents needed grandbabies to dote on. Maybe that would help fill the emptiness her brother’s death left behind.

  “Okay. Can I help set the table? Daddy lets me add the napkins at home.” April slid off the chair and looked up at Hailey. Her face and hands were covered in chocolate.

  She giggled and waved the little girl over. “Come to the sink. I’ll help you wash up, then you can add the napkins. My mom uses fancy cloth ones,” she said, pulling a chair over to the sink for April to climb on.

  “Cool.” Tiny blonde ringlets bounced towards her.

  “On that note, I’ll freshen up. The food’s ready to go. Be a dear and call the others once you two finish setting up.” Her mother patted her shoulder on her way towards her room. Hailey could already see her eyes watering.

  Most days her mother was fine, but two years wasn’t enough time to heal after losing a child. Holidays were the toughest. No amount of time would ever make things better, but Hailey had to believe things happened for a reason. Denis died while on a mission to create peace in a war-torn country. His sacrifice had to mean something. Her own injury happened while trying to save a child from being blown apart. That kid ran away fully intact because of her. She had no regrets, but that one move cost her more than she bargained for. Her military career was over and her next steps unclear.

  Her therapist kept harping at her to live and follow each adventure that presented itself. His new age mumbo jumbo preached looking for signs and coincidences. Following your path or something about crossing paths. Hailey listened, but tuned him out mostly. She only went because it got her out of the house, but she didn’t believe in destiny. The only thing of value that came from her sessions was his insistence she stays busy. An active body was good for the mind and spirit.

  After setting the table and calling the guests. She’d tried to sit next to her sister but ended up next to Cameron. They served family style dishes of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. There was so much food and each person filled their plate. The conversation around the table revolved around the army and hockey. Hailey stayed quiet and soaked up the laughter. The happiness in the air did wonders for her sour mood. She was almost glad to be there. Halfway through the meal, Meagan excused herself to take April to the washroom. The way the hockey player kept looking at her, he obviously wanted to say something. She let him make the first move.

  “Why don’t you want to tell your sister we’ve met before?” His whispered question went unanswered. “I know you hooked up with Joe and for whatever it’s worth you made an impression. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  The name Joe suited Mr. Arrogant, but it was best to leave the past behind. Hailey didn’t want to know anything more about him. “I’m not embarrassed. We were two consenting adults. That said, I don’t want to talk about him. My sister doesn’t need to know about my mistakes.”

  “Fair enough.” He leaned closer, so no one would overhear. “Since he’s one of my best friends, I’ll tell you he doesn’t think of it as a mistake and your disappearing act has messed him up.”

  “Poor baby. He’ll get over it.” She pushed her empty plate away.

  “Who will get over what?” Meagan sat down and leaned on the table. Her eyes locked on Hailey.

  “No one… I mean, it’s not important.” Thinking about Joe, his dark eyes and full lips, caused her to squirm in her seat. She glanced at her watch. “Look,
I’d love to stay and catch up, but I have work to do tonight. Awesome meeting you, Cam, and April too. I’m sure I’ll see you both around.”

  Hailey stood before Meagan or Cam could argue. Her sister had more questions and there’s no way she wanted to discuss a one-night stand at Easter dinner. She gripped the back of her chair to steady herself before taking her first step. Her balance was still a work in progress. She made her way around the table and politely excused herself for the evening.

  Ben gave her a high five, not seeming the least bit upset with her early departure. Her father’s scowl, however, was less than pleasant. Once upon a time, he’d been all smiles and encouragement, but those days were gone. Their relationship had become strained since she’d been placed on medical leave. It would only get worse when he found out she would never be going back. That conversation would wait for another day.

  Darkness greeted her when she stepped outside. She welcomed the stillness and quiet of the night. The temperature hovered near freezing. The snow hadn’t fully disappeared with the arrival of spring. It crunched under her boots as she walked to the bus stop. Most of the houses in the neighborhood had their lights on, giving the impression of safety and serenity. The bus was near empty and she closed her eyes.

  Instead of seeing Ryan, a pair of dark brown eyes filled her mind. It had been this way for the past month. She tried to shake the thoughts of Joe away, but he lingered like a bad rash. She looked out the window for the rest of the ride. The downtown core looked very different. The city lights didn’t give off the same tranquil atmosphere. Even on a holiday the streets were busy. Traffic whizzed by as she headed towards the one place she knew she’d find people tonight.

  One step inside the shelter and her spine stiffened. So did her nipples. There in the back, stood Mr. Arrogant. She couldn’t believe her eyes, but it was him. His big hands held a bowl and soup ladle as he served food. He looked as sexy as he had the night she’d fucked him. A flood of heat swept through her core.