Lenny snickered. “Wouldn’t be the first time a chick beat you at something.”
“Shut up, Lenny.”
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“Do tell, Walton,” Brian said with a grin. “We want to hear how many other women made O’Freel their bitch.”
“No we don’t,” Troy cut in. “I think Marty’s had enough humiliation for one day, plus our meeting is due to get underway in ten minutes.”
Davy glanced at Alex. “So much for celebrating your moment of victory, love.”
“We’ll have plenty of time when you come back from Anaheim.”
“You should be the one heading on this trip, but…well…”
“Shit happens, Davy. Maybe I’ll get a second chance next year.”
“Don’t forget the Outdoor Arena Challenge in March,” Brian reminded them. “Word has it we’re playing the L.A. Beachcombers.”
“Ha!” Lenny chortled. “Those dumb asses won’t know how to handle playing an outdoor game in thirty-degree weather. What a bunch of wimps!”
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“Yeah, they bring out the coats, hats, and gloves when the temperature drops to sixty degrees!”
“I could never understand why California and Florida have hockey teams,” Lenny said. “Wouldn’t they be more suited for things like boating, tennis, volleyball, or surfing?”
“One would think so,” Brian replied.
“Hey, don’t knock tennis,” Jax voiced. “That’s more of a sport than you kids think.”
Alex nodded. “Not to mention fun once a person learns how to play.”
Troy gave her an annoyed look just as Coach Barry entered the room. “I think we should get down to business. You’ll have plenty time to goof off during the All-Star break.”
“Yeah, yeah, Talmadge; you’ve been named Eastern team captain. We get it,” Vince cracked.
“You didn’t tell me that,” Alex said to Troy.
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“I didn’t want to brag too much,” he protested.
“You goober! Far as I’m concerned, you don’t brag enough. Now I have another reason for Team Eastern to win.”
“Would you have it any other way regardless?”
She gave him a warm smile and settled down for the meeting to begin. “Come to think of it, I wouldn’t since I love all you guys. Yes, O’Freel and Beaumont, that includes the two of you.”
***
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Davy called Alex from Anaheim a few days later. “How are you feeling, love?”
“Great; hopefully I’ll know something definite by end of the week as to when I can resume playing. The doctor said everything’s continuing to improve, so I’m taking that as good news. If it wasn’t for tennis and light workouts among other things keeping me occupied, I would be going out of my mind with boredom. How’s the weather?”
“Comfortable; Troy played volleyball with a few other blokes and made some birds a bit randy. Shirtless Troy seemed to be the rage among lasses.”
“I think him shirtless thrills women worldwide. You didn’t play?”
“No, I’d probably been told to put on some clothes.”
“Oh, Davy, you’re silly. Did you call Jennifer?”
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“Not yet; I plan to after Game 1. I figured by then my noggin will be clear of all things hockey.”
“She’s looking forward to hearing from you. Don’t delay too long.”
“I won’t. Miss Barton’s one gorgeous lass judging from that head shot you gave me.”
“She’d be thrilled to hear that!”
“I hope she finds me as charming. Hey, I wanted to give you a heads up; Troy’s favorite nemesis is also playing on the Eastern team.”
“Claude Caldwell? I’m sure things will go well. They played together at Internationals without bloodshed.”
“Let’s hope such luck continues. I saw Troy and Caldwell shooting each other buggered looks at the airport.”
“You and I both know Troy’s a true professional, Davy. He’ll make efforts to put aside any personal feelings once Game 1 underway. Brian told me about Troy being a total mess in the locker room after I had my concussion, but managed to calm down long enough to finish the game.”
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“Yeah, Reggie filled me in on Troy’s locker room meltdown. He was ready to kill Ivanka for carrying you into the back instead of letting the trainers handle it.”
“I’m sure Troy was only freaked about me going head first into the boards. Fortunately I have no permanent damage, at least none visible to the doctors.”
“We still miss you, love.”
“I miss you all too! Good luck beating the Western team tonight.”
“Ha! They’ll get their arses kicked and then some. This game’s going to be for you. Make sure to watch.”
“I wouldn’t pass on seeing some of my favorite guys play for the world.”
Alex’s doorbell rang.
“Shit, Davy, I have to go; someone’s at the door. Talk to you soon. Have fun in Anaheim!”
***
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Chapter 62
“I’m fine, Jax,” Alex said and invited him inside. “Troy’s only been gone a few days and everything went well at the doctor’s office.”
“I assured Talmadge I’d come by daily until he returns, and intend to keep that promise.” He dropped a pile of paperwork on the table. “Here are those ownership documents we discussed for the Prague team.”
She slipped on a pair of reading glasses and pored over the paperwork’s contents. “Took you long enough to get this stuff together.”
“Shit tends to get delayed when I wait for other people. When did you start wearing glasses?”
“I only need them for reading and driving. The concussion screwed up my vision.”
“Will you still see okay when you return?”
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“Rest assured I’ll have no problems finding the puck, but had special contacts made just in case.”
“Thank God. No one cherishes the thought of losing one of our greatest assets since Halloran took primary ownership of the Rebels.”
“You’ve come a long way from deploring the idea of women playing in the AHC to considering me a team asset, Mr. Ivanka.”
“Even the best of us can be wrong sometimes, sweetheart. Besides, I don’t want another incident of a five-foot tall woman dragging me to the locker room by my ear. That was humiliating!”
Alex laughed at the memory. “You’re welcome.”
“Do you have any plans for today?”
“Not really, so I’m open to any and all ideas.”
“How do a few rounds of indoor tennis sound?”
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“Great! I’ll change and get my racket.”
“Put on the white tennis dress you wore last time,” Jax suggested. “You look perfect in it.”
“Good God, now you sound like Troy giving me clothes advice.”
“He and I know what we like, and you looking senzační while recovering from a concussion top both our lists.”
“I never thought I’d live long enough to see a day no one had to hide sharp objects while you two were in the same room.”
“Well, I guess I’m mellowing with age and Talmadge exercised good taste in choosing a woman for once.”
“The only reason he ‘chose’ me was strictly professional, Jax.”
“Whatever his intentions, Talmadge made the right decision in bringing you to Pittsburgh. We needed another young player and you fit the bill nicely.”
“You should actually thank your old friend and current boss Jonathan Halloran.”
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Alex returned from changing into her white tennis dress. “Do I pass inspection?”
Jax appreciatively eyed her figure. “You certainly do.”
“My face is up here, Ivanka.”
“I’d rather take time to soak in the entire package.”
She smacked the top of his head. “Dirt
y old man.”
“You need to accept compliments more often, sweetheart.” He rose from his chair. “My indoor court awaits us.”
“Sure, let me get my stuff. Troy’s supposed to call around noon California time. I either need to keep the phone nearby or wrap up our game before he’s due to check in.”
“Let it go to voice mail. Are you joined at the hip or something?”
“Troy tends to be a bit protective. I don’t want him worrying unnecessarily if he can’t get me on the phone.”
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“That’s putting it mildly. I rarely see you without him nearby.”
“Present company tends to be almost as bad.”
“Talmadge brought up the idea of me keeping an eye on you.”
Alex gave Jax a teasing smile. “I’m sure he had to twist your arm.”
“Maybe a little.”
“Uh, huh; how about not at all?”
“Okay, you got me.” Jax opened the car’s passenger door. “After you, sweetheart. I hope you’re up on your game today, because I’m in the mood for a few mighty swings.”
“Don’t worry about me, Ivanka,” she said. “I’ll eventually beat you at tennis when you least expect it.”
***
395
“Shit,” Troy muttered, dropped his phone, and flopped back on the bed.
“Everything okay, mate?” Davy asked.
Boris looked up from his laptop. “What wrong? You sound worry.”
“I’ve been calling Al for the past hour and keep getting her voice mail,” Troy replied.
“She’s probably taking a kip and didn’t hear her phone,” Davy said.
Boris furrowed a brow. “Taking what?”
“A nap,” Troy clarified and again dialed Alex’s number.
“Sorry, mates,” Davy apologized. “I tend to forget some people aren’t up on British terms.”
“You need speak better American, Davy,” Boris scolded.
“Jesus, Al, pick up your phone!” Troy cried with exasperation.
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“Alex good,” Boris assured him. “You calm down, okay?”
“This isn’t like her at all. She knew I was going to call around three Pittsburgh time, and she never took late afternoon naps long as I’ve known her. Maybe I can call Jax and have him swing by her place.”
“Why you ask him? Other people on team at home help.”
“He lives closest, Boris, and can get there quick if something’s wrong.”
Davy nodded. “Might not be a bad idea to call Ivanka, especially with Alex still recovering from that hit to the noggin.”
“Exactly; I don’t need images in my head of her suffering some reoccurring symptoms no matter how much she insists she feels okay.”
“Maybe she go shopping,” Boris suggested. “Girls like shopping.”
“Al isn’t into a lot of girly stuff like that. Maybe she got bored and went to the library or having what Greise calls a kaffeeklatsch with some neighbors. At least I hope she’s doing something innocent instead of being in distress and not finding help.”
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“I think Ivanka would’ve contacted you if something’s bad, mate; least that’s what he told me,” Davy answered.
“Maybe you’re right. No news should be good news.”
“Try calling Alex after the game. I’m sure she’s all right. No point getting worked up before, especially if we plan to kick some Western arse tonight.”
***
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“Good thing I brought extra clothes,” Alex said after her tennis game with Jax concluded. “I’m sweaty and smell like a pig. Mind if I use your shower?”
“Don’t bother, since you’ll get wet again anyway. My indoor pool’s repaired, so how about a swim?”
“Jax! You should’ve said something before we left my place. I don’t have a bathing suit.”
“No worry; I have everything covered.”
She looked at him with disbelief. “You actually keep women’s bathing suits on hand?”
“A few former girlfriends left some behind. I tried to return them, but couldn’t find any of the owners. Anyway, I’m sure there’s something you can wear. What are you, American size ten?”
“Twelve.”
“Hmmm, nice. I shall return.”
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Alex shook her head and chuckled. He has to be the strangest yet most interesting person I’ve met since Troy.
She pulled the phone from her bag and checked for calls. No incoming numbers appeared on the Caller ID and her voice mail box remained empty.
Well, it’s not quite noon in California and Troy’s probably still at practice. I could call later tonight if he has no time to contact me.
Jax returned several minutes later wearing swim shorts and holding a plum-colored garment trimmed in pink. “Here, try on this.”
Alex gingerly held and studied a skimpy bikini. “You didn’t find anything that covers more skin?”
“Sorry, but your only other option is skinny dipping.”
“I might as well be naked with so little material.”
“I bet you’ll look great in that suit.”
“Okay, but this better not be another one of your jokes.”
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“I learned my lesson after you raised hell about the rubber snake in your locker. Meet me downstairs in the pool.”
***
Alex studied her reflection in the full-length mirror anchored on a bedroom door. Oh God, why did I agree to wear something leaving little to the imagination? Troy would shit bricks if he saw me like this, let alone in Jax’s house.
She grabbed a robe, wrapped it around her body, and plodded downstairs to where Jax waited in the gargantuan indoor pool.
“I thought you got lost,” he greeted her. “Drop the robe and let’s see how that suit fits.”
She clutched the terry fabric around her neck. “I look awful.”
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“Come on, don't get shy on me,” Jax teased.
She reluctantly shed the robe. “Fine, but If I hear one laugh, I’ll come in there and drown you.”
An approving wolf whistle escaped his lips. “Damn, Galloway, I had no idea you had a killer body.”
“Save it, Jax; I’ve seen pictures of your past women. I’m a fat ass in comparison.”
“More like athletic. You’re a knokaut. Now are you joining me or not?”
Alex gave him a shy smile and descended the pool’s ladder, still uneasy about the near-miniscule material barely covering her breasts and ass. Once inside, she pushed off the wall and swam backwards, her chest protruding from the water.
Jax secretly wished at that point he’d worn goggles so he could view her underwater without having chlorine seep into his eyes. He kept a towel near the pool’s edge to wipe his eyes, and then became content to swim and float around with her for a while.
401
Alex’s chest was large and wet enough to keep her afloat. Jax secretly prayed she didn’t see him eyeing her, but she made no comment either way. They swam and then kneeled in the shallow end, wordlessly staring up at the skylights while remaining mostly submerged in the warm water.
Jax teasingly pinched her rear and braced himself to be slapped at any moment. She instead giggled, smacked the water, and splashed him.
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