Power Play

by L. Anne Carrington

  “Yet you set up residence in South Side.”

  256

  “I like the neighborhood’s atmosphere; some parts remind me of London.”

  “You mean the occasional pub crawls?” Alex joked.

  “No, but I do partake in nightlife now and then.”

  “Lots of pretty girls in South Side; I’m surprised you haven’t met anyone. Who wouldn’t want to date a smart, witty, cultured, and good-looking Rebel who also happens to be an Olympic medalist? You’re the total package.”

  “I enjoy the company of Yankee lasses, but doubt short British chaps top their lists of ideal lovers. Most would likely go for Troy.”

  “Apparently he doesn’t have anyone in his life either, at least no one ever mentioned a girlfriend.”

  “He was seen with some twit a few times last season, but didn’t appear serious about her,” Davy said. “Troy’s not one to air his dirty linen and hockey’s been the chap’s only steady love since I’ve known him.”

  257

  “Sounds almost like Jax Ivanka,” Alex replied with a slight smile.

  “Perish the thought! How are you and the old arse getting along these days?”

  “He’s friendlier and a shameless flirt. I even overheard him tell Troy one day about me having a lot of fire and a ticket the team needs.”

  “Good God, flirting with you? The bloke could be your pater!”

  “Davy, what he and I do is innocent flirting, a couple quick kisses, and nothing more. However, I admit to enjoying an older single man’s attention.”

  “I hope Troy hasn’t gotten wind of your antics.”

  “Oh, he’s given me the stink eye a few times and we have plenty of arguments about Jax’s ‘intentions.’ He also has Brian riding my ass. Both of them need to back off; I’m more than capable of looking after myself.”

  “Brian views you as the sister he never had and it’s clear to me Troy cares about you, love. Neither wants to see you hurt.”

  258

  “Both their concerns are unfounded. I spent four years in New York and met a variety of jerks, so little surprises me anymore. Jax dated stunning foreign women and I doubt he’ll ever lower his standards despite a little harmless flirting and pecks on the lips. Naïve and vulnerable aren’t exactly in my character makeup.”

  “Then explain the necklace that wanker gave you when everyone learned you were staying.”

  “Oh for God’s sake, Davy! No one said boo when Troy gave me a bracelet, paid the security, first and last month’s rent on my apartment, and had furniture shipped from Nova Scotia. Meanwhile, Jax was tagged everything short of pervert for giving me a little gold necklace from Tiffany’s.”

  “Troy has a big heart and wants to make you happy. I can’t help but wonder if Jax only intends to get into your knickers.”

  “Now you’re confusing him with Lenny Walton. If I hear Walton brag one more time about how many girls he slept with following games, I will punch his teeth out. Jax is attractive, but not someone I’d choose to sleep with.”

  259

  “Wait a second. You openly flirt with and enjoy attention from a bloke for whom you’d never drop your knickers? I’m lost.”

  “Don’t you lecture me, Oliver David St. Cloud. What are you doing Saturday after practice? I need help moving and Troy’s scheduled for an appearance.”

  “I’m open rest of the day, love. I’ll ask Reggie and some of our mates to come along.”

  “Sure, more will be better. Everyone else has families or girlfriends, and I promised Troy I’d be out by first of the month.”

  “Any pre-move jitters?” Davy asked.

  “A few since this is the first time I’ll live on my own. I went from Papa in West Virginia to three other roommates in New York, and then staying with Troy.”

  260

  “You’ll soon adjust to everything. I shared a flat with four mates while working in Trafalgar Square and playing amateur hockey. Then Troy had me brought to America to play for the Rebels. As you can see, I acclimated well.”

  “Don’t you miss your family?”

  “Only during hockey season, but I call home at least once a week and spend summers with my parents in London. Mum’s cooking brings me back every time.”

  “Well at least one good woman’s looking after you.”

  “Yeah, I’m one lucky bloke. How are you enjoying the city so far?”

  “I had a hard time adjusting at first, but now like it here. Troy keeps warning me about people, but fans have been no less than welcoming.”

  “You’ve become the team’s most fascinating player since he arrived ten years ago.”

  “I only hope our fan base notices my skills more than the connection with Troy. I don’t exactly relish the thought of becoming a topic for gossip rags and web sites.”

  261

  “Don’t worry, love; I went through similar situations when I was in your position. Everything takes time.” Davy gave her a reassuring smile. “Now how about some coffee and sweets? I’m buying.”

  ***

  262

  Chapter 45

  “My buddy Mark told me he saw a bunch of guys at your place all weekend,” Troy thundered before Monday morning skate. “Christ, you’re not completely out of my house and already going wild.”

  Alex gave him one of her ‘are-you-serious?’ stares. “Before you get your jockstrap in a twist, those ‘bunch of guys’ were Davy and Reggie’s friends, all who helped me move.”

  “Mark said Ivanka was there too.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Your friends need to mind their own damn business. Jax stopped on his way home from working out and helped with heavier stuff. What’s with you complaining today? Are you still pissed about me missing goals this past weekend?”

  263

  “No, Al. I don’t want people drawing wrong conclusions and gossiping, especially since the PR team is making efforts to market you with a clean image.”

  “Troy, just because I’m living on my own doesn’t automatically mean I’ll adopt a hedonistic lifestyle. If you’re worried about me holding wild parties or hanging out in bars, rest assured neither will happen. You’ve known me long enough to understand the partying nightlife, getting drunk in public, and picking up strange men are not my style.”

  “Things are going to be lonely at home without you.”

  “You somehow managed before I came from New York, and I’m sure lots of pretty girls will volunteer to take my place.”

  “Jesus, now you sound like Boris and Preacher.” He gave her a quick hug. “No one could ever replace you.”

  “I’m twenty-five minutes from your house, yet you’re acting like I moved to another country. We’ll see each other at games and practices, and I’m always available when you need a date.”

  264

  “You’d still like my company?”

  “Of course; I’ll always make time for my favorite cute and charming goober. I don’t put anyone in the first slot of my speed dial, you know.”

  “I’m number one on your speed dial?”

  “Only my best people in the first three slots. What are you doing for the Center Ice dinner dance benefit next Friday night?”

  Troy stared at the floor and awkwardly shuffled his feet. “Uh…I’ve already made arrangements to bring someone.”

  Her eyes widened. You take me to casual places and your hangouts, yet haven’t escorted me to one Rebels benefit. Then you pitch a fit because some guys helped me move? “Anyone I know?”

  “Kelly Stafford. She’s a model and done some TV spots.”

  Big surprise; another tall blonde. “Oh, yeah; I’ve seen her on a few commercials. I’ll stop and say hi to you guys.”

  265

  “You’re okay with me taking someone else?” Troy asked.

  Alex barely kept the ice out of her voice. “Sure, you’re a grown man and can do whatever you like.”

  “You’re going alone?”

  “Looks that way unless
Davy’s added to the list of guys appearing.”

  “Oh yes, that dapper little English fellow. Good show, lass!” Troy replied in a mock British accent.

  Alex gave him a playful shove. “He’s my best friend!”

  “You couldn’t pick a better guy for your BFF.”

  “Davy looks up to you, not that I blame him. He’d probably still be working in Trafalgar Square between amateur games if your teams hadn’t faced each other in the Olympic finals.”

  “You two are going to give me a big head. Al, I’m sorry for riding you about the missed goals. I wasn’t perfect my rookie year either. I’m still not.”

  266

  “You’re forgiven, my captain.”

  “Are you free for lunch?” he asked as they headed to morning skate.

  Why not ask your blonde? She’s good enough to take to the Center Ice benefit, why not lunch? “Sure.”

  “Cool, we’ll leave after I meet with Coach.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Another plan unhatched in Alex’s mind and she hoped everything worked out.

  ***

  Coach Dean Barry implemented the idea of adding music to the Rebels’ morning skate, something that helped Alex step up her game.

  267

  She sped across the ice with several other players, hitting pucks with fervor and plowing several past Pierre into the net.

  “You need to slow down,” he said during a break. “You were a little too enthusiastic with making practice goals.”

  “Sorry,” she replied. “I don’t want to catch hell for missing any more where they count.”

  Pierre didn’t appear convinced. “Are you sure something else isn’t wrong? You and Troy argued earlier.”

  “Oh…sorry you overheard him blowing something out of proportion. Reggie, Davy, and some of their friends helped me move over the weekend and Troy’s buddy Mark made it sound like I was hosting an orgy. What’s with him lately? He throws fits every time I go somewhere, do or don’t do something, and make mistakes during games. Then he asked me earlier if I’d still go out with him after I moved to my new place only to say he’s taking some model to the Center Ice dinner.”

  268

  “Uh, oh; do I see green around your collar, Alex?”

  “What?”

  “You sound annoyed with him taking Kelly.”

  “Oh sure, like I give a shit he wants to be seen with a yet another blonde. Don’t all players with his status?”

  “Not really.”

  “Pierre, I’m really not in the mood today.”

  Davy skated over to the pair. “Alex, there you are! Listen, I’m flying to London tomorrow for my great-aunt’s funeral and to help Mum with some things. I’ll be gone a few days.”

  “Sorry to hear about your loss, Davy. Will you call me when the plane lands?”

  “Certainly; can’t worry my best mate. I should be back by Sunday.”

  “Who’s covering while you’re gone?” Pierre asked.

  269

  “Hank Stover, a nice chap from the Scranton Revolution.”

  “We’ll make him welcome as possible.”

  “Sorry I can’t stay longer, but I need to go home and pack for my flight. I’m leaving bright and early.”

  “Stay safe, man. Give your family our condolences,” Pierre replied.

  “Well, there goes another Center Ice date prospect,” Alex said as they watched Davy skate toward the dressing area.

  Pierre cracked a smile. “Marty’s available.”

  “No way would I go with that Howdy Doody if he was the last man on earth, and don’t bother suggesting Lenny or Vince. Both give me the creeps.”

  “Vince and Marty are going stag and Lenny’s bringing some redhead he met last week.”

  “You mean that tacky-looking yoga teacher and obvious puck bunny? No offense, but some of these guys have bad taste in women.”

  Pierre raised an eyebrow. “Like a certain pretty Canadian hockey robot?”

  270

  She punched his arm. “Stop! You know I adore Patti.”

  “I wasn’t talking about me or my wife, Alex.”

  “Pierre, I don’t need another Troy lecture.”

  “You and he may fool a lot of people, but I know a lot more is going on under the surface.”

  “You’re full of shit.”

  “I beg to differ, Miss Galloway. Your reaction to Troy taking Kelly wasn’t lost on me.”

  “I recall saying I didn’t care.”

  “What was said and the tone of voice you used are two different things.”

  “Do we need to talk about this?”

  “Let me throw out one more question and then I’ll shut up.”

  “Fine, ask.”

  271

  “Do you have feelings for Troy?”

  Alex stared at the goaltender as if he’d taken leave of his senses. “Are you insane? No!”

  “Then why is your face turning red?”

  “It’s warm in here.”

  “Make all the excuses you like, but some of us know better.”

  “I thought you were dropping the subject, Pierre.”

  “Yes, I’m done. We should head back to work.”

  Greise strode over to Pierre once Alex was out of earshot. “Is Galla okay? She looked pissed about something this morning.”

  “Can I trust you to keep something under wraps, my friend?”

  272

  “Sure, what’s happening?”

  “I think one of my fellow Canadians and his American protégé are falling for each other.”

  Greise nodded. “Ja, Troy and Galla are almost like an old married couple; they’re fighting one minute and playing nice-nice the next.”

  “If we can see what’s happening, how long do you think it will take for the other guys to figure out everything?”

  “Let’s stay quiet and see what happens. Who knows, one or both may break by end of the season.”

  “I hope so, Greise. The yet-unveiled chemistry between them is killing me.”

  ***

  273

  Chapter 46

  Alex walked into the locker room with several teammates through their section to reach her quarters and spotted Jax bent in front of his stall.

  She smiled wickedly, put a finger to her lips to shush the others, tiptoed behind Jax, and gave his ass a healthy pinch.

  He yelped as the room filled with laughter.

  “Looking good, Jax!”

  He chuckled. “Hey, Galloway, looking good too. You gave an outstanding performance on the ice today.”

  Alex became flustered by his compliment and blushed. “Thanks.”

  Jax winked. “Keep proving me wrong by doing more excellent work.”

  274

  She floated on air while preparing to meet Troy for lunch, no longer caring about being dateless for the Center Ice benefit.

  Someone knocked on her door. “Are you decent?” a familiar accented voice asked.

  “I don’t know; you tell me,” she teased in reply.

  Jax laughed. “Behave yourself, sweetheart. Some of the guys are hanging at my place. Do you want to come over?”

  Alex pondered the invitation. Hmmm, should I be Troy’s backup date as usual or Jax’s first choice to join his friends? I think the answer is obvious. “Sounds like a lot of fun! Let me finish something, and then I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”