A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance)

by Anna Sugden - A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance)

  Tension hummed through his body. Her hands rubbed his back, trying to soothe his taut muscles. His chest rose and fell with each ragged breath. Gradually, his breathing evened out and his rigid body began to relax.

  Tru gave a shuddering sigh. “I’m sorry. I should’ve said hello before I grabbed you.”

  Jenny smiled. “It’s nice to be needed.”

  She realized suddenly how much she meant that. Tru had always looked after her. For the first time, their roles had been reversed, making their relationship feel more balanced—like a partnership.

  Which was perfect—except he was leaving.

  She eased out of his arms. “You look like you could use a stiff drink.”

  “Several.” He led her through to the living room. “But not now. We’re going out later.”

  “Let’s cancel the reservation and order takeout.”

  “I promised...”

  Jenny interrupted, “You’ll still owe me dinner at the Greek place. We just don’t need to go there tonight.”

  Tru frowned. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “As long as we get pizza—hold the olives—I’ll be fine.”

  He kissed her. “You’re a wonderful woman.”

  “Can’t argue with that.” She laughed.

  After ordering the food, they settled on the sofa to wait for the delivery. His arm lay across her shoulders, as if they’d been together for years.

  “Which do you want to talk about first?” she asked softly. “Boston or the Ice Cats?”

  “Boston, for sure. I have a better handle on that.”

  He told her what had happened with his father. “You were right. I can’t make this decision for my family.”

  “Because you’re not sure whether he’s trying to hose you?”

  “It’s not as cut-and-dried as I thought. Whether it’s right or wrong to bring him back into our lives, everyone needs to know and come to their own conclusions.”

  “You’re doing the right thing, Tru.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “The way Ike feels about Dad, we probably won’t need fireworks on the Fourth.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better to speak with them right away?”

  Tru shook his head. “I want to tell everyone at the same time. Besides, they’ll be distracted over the next few days with the news about my career.”

  She laid her hand over his. “I can’t believe the Ice Cats screwed you on that contract.”

  “Me neither. I should’ve trusted Andy’s instincts.” He repeated what his agent had told him. “I was dumb to think the deal with Davidson had fallen through just because I hadn’t heard anything and there was talk about him re-signing with Vancouver.”

  “You suspected, but you never mentioned it?” She was a little hurt he’d kept it from her.

  “I didn’t see the point, unless it was a sure thing. I expected to hear about a move or deal from the Cats before it was released to the media.”

  “Hardshaw didn’t give you a heads-up?”

  “Nope. First I heard of it was when I landed. He claimed he’d tried to reach me earlier, but my phone was off. Like it was my fault. Apparently, they announced the news quickly to preempt rumors hitting the social media sites.” He shrugged. “I’m glad it’s finally done, so I can figure out where I’m going and move on.”

  Her chest twinged. It sounded so final. Would he be moving on from her, too? The thought hurt more than she’d expected. He’d come to mean a lot to her in such a short space of time. She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it. “What did Andy say?”

  “The pool of free agents—especially puck-moving defensemen—is light, so I’ll get to choose the offer and location that suits me best.”

  She heard the hurt beneath his casual tone.

  He continued, “After this afternoon’s announcement, he’s heard from pretty much everyone on the list I gave him and they’re all keen to upgrade their blue line with me.”

  “What list?”

  “I had to give the Cats a list of teams I’d be prepared to move to.”

  “Oh.” Though it was common practice, she felt put-out that he’d decided on a list without talking to her.

  Why would he have consulted her? She’d made it clear she didn’t want him around and she wouldn’t go with him if he left. Tru wasn’t a mind reader. If she wanted him to know her feelings had changed, she had to tell him.

  “Who’s on that list?” she asked casually, as if it didn’t matter.

  Her heart sank as he told her the teams.

  “Mainly Western Conference because I want to verse the Cats as little as possible. I know a team from the East would mean I could visit more during the season, but I don’t want to play for a divisional rival, so that limited my choices.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She added softly, “I’ll miss you.”

  He turned to study her face as her words registered. Jenny met his gaze squarely, letting him see in her eyes what she struggled to put into words.

  His smile lit up his face. “I promise I’ll find a way to make this work.”

  “I know you will.” And she did.

  “You could move with me.”

  Jenny started. “That wasn’t what we agreed,” she hedged, to cover her surprise.

  His words spilled out, like a kid negotiating for a new toy. “This could be a fresh start for both of us. I know it would mean big changes for you, with your house and your job, but we could figure it out as we go.”

  His eagerness faded when she didn’t respond. “You don’t want to?”

  “It’s not that. It’s just... It’s not something I’d thought about.”

  “Now that our relationship has developed, it makes perfect sense.”

  Why was she hesitating? Because it sounded too good to be true? “Do you need an answer right away?”

  “No.” His smile looked forced. “But if my family’s coming with me, that’ll affect how I look at offers and locations.”

  Happiness fluttered inside her at being part of his “family.” She wanted to reach out and grab the wonderful dream he offered, but something held her back.

  “I want to,” she admitted. “But there’s a lot to consider. Can I risk such a large upheaval while I’m pregnant?”

  “We’ll get Making Your Move to relocate us. They’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”

  “That would make things easier.”

  Disappointment filled his face. “You’re not sold on the idea?”

  If she wasn’t careful, she’d lose this chance to get everything she’d always wanted. “We need to be sure our relationship can work longer term before making such a big commitment. You said we’d take it one step at a time. We’ll have enough pressures on us over the next twelve months, as it is.”

  A muscle twitched in his jaw. “You know how I feel about you. That won’t change, whatever the pressures. But you’re not sure of your feelings, so I won’t push.”

  His stiff words nipped at her heart. “I care about you a lot and I want to give our relationship the best chance of working. All I’m suggesting is we see how next season goes and then think about making the move.”

  Tru brightened. “That would work. You could visit and we’d be able to figure things out together, like where we want to live.”

  His enthusiasm melted away the worst of her concerns. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Great.” Tru sobered. “You realize this means I’m off the memorial committee, too.”

  Her stomach rolled. She hadn’t considered that ramification of the news. “I suppose that’s a silver lining, of sorts. Although, it’ll mean the project will likely go ahead now.”

  “Just because I’m not involved directly doesn’t mean I’ll g
ive up trying to stop the memorial,” he said earnestly. “I don’t know how, but I’ll find a way. At least Sherman and his cohorts will continue to fight the plans.”

  “There are enough powerful people who want it to happen that I doubt they’ll be able to delay the inevitable for long.” Bitterness edged her voice.

  “I still think the best way to stop the memorial is to tell the committee the truth about Douglas Boult,” he said gently.

  She knew he was right, but bile burned her throat at the thought of people knowing what her uncle had done. At the thought that no one would believe her; just as he’d warned. She’d rather they built their damn park, than have to go through that humiliation.

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Please, drop it.”

  Tru studied her face, clearly wanting to push. After a few moments, he touched his forehead to hers and said, “Okay.”

  Relief filled her. “Thank you.”

  “So,” he said brightly, “you should’ve heard what Andy had to say about Hardshaw. I’ve never heard so many expletives used so creatively in one sentence.”

  Jenny laughed shakily, grateful for the change of subject. “Go on, surprise me.”

  * * *

  THE CLOCK IN Andy’s office edged a minute closer to noon.

  With fifteen minutes to go, all was quiet, but Tru knew once the free-agency window officially opened, it would be chaos. Andy’s assistants were in the conference room, ready to field calls and messages. Meanwhile, he and his agent were reviewing their strategy for the next few days.

  Tru tried to calm his nerves and get his game head on. He wished he’d had longer to convince Jenny that they could make things work if she moved with him. He was thrilled she thought their relationship might have a future, but he wanted her thinking “when,” not “if.”

  He’d tried to involve Jenny in the selection process; as an important part of his life, her opinion mattered. But while she’d been happy to be his sounding board, she’d insisted he had to decide based on what was best for him.

  Tru puffed out a frustrated breath. It still felt like two steps forward and one step back—as if she was holding a part of herself back.

  “Are you okay?” Andy’s voice broke into his thoughts.

  “Yeah. I’ll be happier when the whole thing kicks off.”

  “The waiting is the hardest part. Once the madness starts, you won’t have time to piss.” His agent laughed. “The key is don’t rush your decision. We’re not in a hurry to sign on anyone’s dotted line. This may be the last deal of your career and you have to be 100 percent happy with what you’re getting.”

  Tru drummed his fingers on his thigh. “I still feel like a cow about to be auctioned.”

  Andy shook his head. “Enjoy today. This is the one time everyone will tell you how freaking awesome you are.”

  “That’s better than the usual negotiations. One of the reasons I hired you was because listening to my coach and GM tell me how much I sucked was brutal.”

  “You should hear what they say in arbitration hearings. I’ve seen grown men in tears over the crap their teams have said, all in the hopes of saving a few million per.” Andy tilted his chair back. “Today, you’ll be choosing between great packages and planning which teams to visit for further talks. If L.A. offers, we should go. Those guys know how to show you a good time.”

  Tru’s laugh was forced. “I’ll go wherever you recommend.”

  Andy rolled his eyes. “Lighten up. This’ll be a blast. You’ll wonder why you didn’t explore free agency before.” His agent jumped up. “Let’s go grab some sandwiches in the conference room. You’ll feel better once you’ve eaten.”

  As Tru followed Andy out of his office, his phone beeped with yet another text. He’d already had messages from his family, friends, former teammates and other pals from around the league. This message was from Jenny.

  His heart kicked.

  Expecting “good luck,” he was surprised to see a list of teams. Beside each one was either a smiley or a grumpy face. His heart kicked harder. She’d come through for him. For them.

  Now he was ready. Whatever happened, he couldn’t lose.

  One minute to go.

  In his mind, he said goodbye to the Ice Cats, then as he did after a bad game, closed the mental door and prepared to face his future.

  With a clunk, the two hands met at the twelve and the first phone rang. Before it had finished the first ring, two more started.

  Andy grinned. “We’re off.”

  * * *

  “STOP FUSSING AND pick something to wear already,” Jenny muttered, as she stripped off another outfit and tossed it onto the bed.

  Her bedroom looked as if a bomb had hit it—clothes everywhere and shoes spread higgledy-piggledy across the floor.

  Clad only in bra and panties, she jammed her hands on her hips. “It’s a barbecue, not the NHL Awards. No one will care what you’re wearing.”

  She’d never worried about how she looked before—especially not with the Badolettis and Jelineks. They were like family. The family she’d always envied and wished she could be part of. And that was the problem.

  Soon, they’d be her family. Jenny gulped.

  This was her first official outing as Tru’s girlfriend and she was nervous. Which was crazy. What was the worst that could happen?

  They’ll think you’re not good enough for him. Her uncle’s taunt voiced her fear.

  “No,” she said firmly. “Not today.” She wouldn’t let Douglas Boult spoil the day for her.

  Besides, there was no reason for Tru’s family to reject her. They’d never cared that she was a puck bunny and her uncle couldn’t rise from the dead to share her mortifying secret.

  Jenny grabbed turquoise capris, a matching cami top and white blouse—the first outfit she’d tried—and got dressed. The cheery color suited her and boosted her confidence.

  She was sliding on her favorite strappy wedge sandals when her doorbell rang.

  Her heart gave a happy skip. She hadn’t seen Tru for several days and though they’d spoken on the phone every evening, she’d missed him. He’d been traveling since July 1; he planned to visit the four teams on his short list before making his decision. Chicago and Vancouver before the party, then Denver and Detroit after.

  Jenny grabbed her purse, then picked up the bowl containing the dessert she’d made. Tru had requested it specially. Jersey Mess—her version of an English dessert containing meringue, heavy cream and sliced chocolate-dipped strawberries—was one of his favorites.

  “Oh.” Her smile faded as she opened the door and saw Jake on her doorstep. “Hi.”

  “That was an enthusiastic welcome.”

  She hugged him. “I am pleased to see you, it’s just that...”

  “You were expecting Tru,” Jake finished for her. “His flight from Vancouver got held up in Chicago and he’ll be late, so he asked me to give you a ride.”

  “He didn’t need to bother you. I could have driven myself.”

  “We go past your house and it saves you guys having two cars at the party.” Jake took the dessert from her so she could lock up. “Besides, Maggie wants to talk nursery stuff with you.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll owe you big-time if you’ll help her kit out the nursery.”

  She frowned thoughtfully. “How big are we talking?”

  He winced. “The red-soled shoes of your choice.”

  “Deal. Triple-strap Mary Jane 120s, black patent.”

  “What, no item code?”

  “Five-five-five... Just kidding.” She winked and followed him to the car.

  Once in the backseat, she pulled a small jar of strawberry preserves from her purse and gave it to Maggie. “In case they only have ketchup at the party.”

  “You’re
a true friend.” Maggie clapped delightedly.

  “Hey, what about me?” Jake opened the glove box to reveal a jar of jam.

  Maggie kissed him. “To quote my daughter, you rock.”

  “Where is Emily?” Jenny asked, as Jake started the engine and pulled away.

  “She spent the night with Nonna and Poppa.”

  “She wanted a head start on Mom’s cannoli,” Jake grumbled. “I told Em she’s grounded if she eats it all.”

  “Because you’re such a tough guy.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “He’s a pussycat—all Emily has to do is bat her eyelashes at him.”

  Jenny laughed. “Your secret’s out, Bad Boy.”

  “As long as you don’t print it in The Journal.”

  “Don’t worry. Your player profile is already done.”

  “You’re doing a wonderful job,” Maggie said. “I love reading them.”

  Jenny glowed with pride. “Thanks. Tim’s pleased with them, as well as my blog posts.”

  “The pieces you wrote about the Davidson trade were really good.” Jake nodded. “Will Tim keep you on, once the season starts?”

  “I hope so, but it’ll depend on budgets. One thing in my favor is that I’ve boosted the paper’s social media profile. Sam’s not comfortable with the internet, so I’m trying to carve out a niche for myself and justify a full-time position.”

  “Well-done you,” Maggie said. “But won’t you go back to working for Harry, when he wakes up? That could be any day now, right?”

  “The signs suggest he’s trying to wake up. The doctors think he’ll have no permanent issues, but it’s hard to know until they can assess him when he’s awake.” She’d mulled over her job situation a lot after that conversation with Tru. “I guess so, if it’s available. Though I’m not sure it’s an ideal job for a single parent.”

  Jake frowned in the rearview mirror. “You won’t be a single parent—what about Tru?”

  “Once he’s decided which team he’s going to, he won’t be around much.”

  “You’re not moving with him?” Maggie asked.

  “Not straightaway.” She explained what she and Tru had agreed on.

  Maggie exchanged looks with Jake. “I thought with you guys going public about your relationship, you’d changed your mind.”