Power Play
Page 23
“So that's what you want to do?” he asked with a laugh and flecked a little water into her face.
Undeterred, Alex moved forward and again sent water towards him. He responded in kind, but she grabbed his wrist before he beat her to a third attempt.
Jax pulled her against him so neither could do anything but kiss. With the switch on, their lips and tongues went fast and furious.
Before long, Alex was sandwiched between him and the pool’s wall while he gave seductive kisses and hands slid into her bikini bottom.
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She pushed him away. “Jax…stop. We’re teammates; we shouldn’t be doing things like this.”
“I don’t recall seeing anything in our contracts to that effect, sweetheart.” He released her and climbed out of the pool. “Stay here; I have another little surprise.”
Alex gazed at him quizzically, wondering what else he had in mind. Maybe I shouldn’t resist Jax. Troy runs hot and cold so it’s hard to tell where I stand with him. It’s time to consider my other options, and can’t help but think about how experienced Jax must be. Aren’t older men allegedly the best lovers?
Jax returned with two glasses and a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut nestled in an ice bucket, his voice bouncing off the walls. He set everything poolside, immersed himself back in the water, filled both glasses, and handed one to Alex.
“A little celebration for your quick recovery progress is in order.”
She glowed from his thoughtfulness. “How sweet, but I’m a long way from being one hundred percent, and isn’t it swimming and drinking kind of a dangerous combination?”
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“Live a little, sweetheart; don’t let Talmadge’s boring vanilla image rub off on you.”
Hmmm, perhaps a ‘bad boy’ type could make my life spicier. “I suppose one glass wouldn’t hurt.”
***
Troy lay awake with his mind more focused on failing to contact Alex than basking in the Eastern team’s shutout victory over Western in All-Star Week’s Game 1.
He glanced at the bedside clock, which read 12:30 a.m., and dialed his phone with intent on leaving Alex a voice mail to call him the next day.
A giddy voice picked up on the other end. “Hiiiii…talk to me!”
“Al, where the fuck have you been? I’ve tried calling since noon and kept getting the voice mail.”
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“Hey, baby! Just having a little fun with Jax over here!”
“Have you been drinking?”
Troy heard Jax’s inebriated laugh in the background. I’m killing his ass once back in Pittsburgh. He’s supposed to look after Al, not feed her booze and God knows what else.
“I had…I had…I had…a little champagne,” she giggled. “Jax got good stuff.”
“Sounds more like a little too much. Al, you can’t drink alcohol while healing from a concussion even if you considerably improved since the injury. We discussed that, remember?”
“You know what, Troy? You know what you are? “Boring. You’re boring, no fun, and embarrassed to be seen with me. You never take me out anymore except to practices and games. You suck!”
“For the last time, I’m not ashamed of you. You’re still recovering from a serious injury and shouldn’t exert yourself. I promise to make up everything once you’re cleared for full workouts and contact.”
“Uh, uh…I saw pictures of you on the Internet with a couple blonde models. How come…how come you don’t have pictures with me in a bathing suit?”
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“That was taken after a charity Battle of the Sexes volleyball game yesterday, Al. There’s more happening than just hockey during All-Star Week.”
“Yeah…whatever. Party with the pretty girls but leave me at home. Jax thinks I look good in a bikini, so fuck you.”
“You don’t even own one!”
Alex giggled again. “I do now, but it’s on the floor.”
Oh shit, things are worse than I thought. You’re so dead when I get home, Ivanka.
“Look, Al, I’m tired from a rough game, you’re drunk out of your mind, and neither of us is in position for a rational discussion. Go to sleep and I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon before heading to the arena.”
“Only boring people sleep. Nighty night, dull little man.”
She hung up before Troy could respond. He stared at the phone for a few moments, wondering what the hell had gotten into her the last couple days.
Maybe having Ivanka check on her wasn’t such a good idea after all. Something tells me I’ll regret making that decision…
***
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Chapter 64
Alex woke up nude the next morning in an unfamiliar bed. She started to rise, but strong arms wrapped around her waist prevented any free movement. She turned, saw Jax and spooned against her, and felt one sudden movement away from hurling.
Oh God, I will never drink again even if last night was the hottest sex I’ve had in ages.
She jabbed his sleeping figure with her elbow. “Jax. Jax.”
“Hmmmm?” he groaned.
“Move over. I want to get up.”
He began kissing her neck and caressed her breasts. “What’s the hurry, sweetheart? Neither of us has to be anywhere today. How about some morning loving?”
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Alex pushed away his hands. “Behave yourself.” She got up and scanned the room. “Where are my clothes? I need a shower.”
“Probably in the bathroom where you left them. Want to share a shower? No point wasting water by using separate bathrooms.”
She smiled and declined the offer. “I should go alone and then head home. Troy’s probably ready to pop an artery because I missed his call yesterday.”
“Why should you care? He knows I’m checking on you while he’s out of town. Hell, it wouldn’t surprise me if Talmadge and his All-Star buddies are too busy chasing blondes or pulling pranks on one another to give you a single thought.”
Alex shook her head. “Doubtful; you and I know how Troy has strict routines. Wouldn't it be something if he was still a virgin because he didn't want to throw off his game by having sex?”
“Talmadge is one odd duck, but hardly a virgin.”
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“Heaven help any girl who sleeps with him before a losing game. I can almost imagine the break-up call: ‘Umm, baby? It’s not you…it’s....you really fucked up my hockey game.’ It’s like Troy’s whole life is focused on hockey. Kind of like present company.”
He sat up in bed and tossed aside the covers. “Guilty as charged.”
“For the love of God, Jax, put some clothes on!”
“You didn’t say that last night,” he leered.
She turned to head towards the bathroom. “I probably didn’t say lots of things, but too much champagne clouded my judgment.”
“By the way, nice white lace panties and matching bra you wore under that tennis dress yesterday. Put them on again the next time we visit.”
Alex laughed and tossed Jax his clothes. “Get dressed, you old fool. I’ll come downstairs in twenty minutes.”
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He lay back on the bed and smiled. Talmadge and I may now be on the same page about Alex, but if only he knew how much a little wildcat she is in bed as a hockey goddess on the ice…
***
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Chapter 65
Alex’s stomach churned as she listened to the near-endless messages from Troy on her voice mail. She vaguely remembered some of their conversation the previous night but didn’t want Jax to know she recalled speaking with Troy.
She sensed some jealousies existed between the two men despite their newfound civility and didn’t want to contribute any additional aggravation.
Alex dialed Troy’s number. I better pray I didn’t say anything last night I’ll regret.
“Good morning,” he answered coldly.
“Hey…I heard your messages and wanted to let you know I’m okay.”
His tone
remained frosty. “Good.”
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“Troy, about last night…”
“You were drunk with a bikini on the floor.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You went on about Ivanka saying how great you looked in a bikini. I reminded you that you never owned one and you told me something to the effect of ‘I do now, but it’s on the floor.’ Then you called me dull and boring before hanging up in my ear.”
“Troy, I’m swearing off drinking anything stronger than Diet Pepsi as of today. I don’t want wake up somewhere else naked and–”
He cut her off. “Did you sleep with Ivanka?”
“What?”
“You fucked him, didn’t you?”
“I…I’m not sure what happened,” she lied.
“Christ, Al, the PR team is marketing you as a positive role model for girls; meanwhile, you’re sleeping around and drinking while on injured reserve. What are you thinking?”
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“Cut the white bread act; I’m well aware of your past frolics of bedding a few puck bunnies. I’ve also heard other stories, but not rude enough to rehash them. As for ‘sleeping around and drinking,’ I had a few glasses of champagne and Jax is the only guy I’ve shared a bed with overnight. Don’t try to paint me as a slut, Troy.”
“I have to wonder after the way you behaved last night. Did you bother to use protection?”
“Troy!”
“So you did fuck him. Keep in mind Ivanka doesn’t exactly have a clean and saintly history.”
“Neither does anyone else on the team – save Byron, Johann, and Pierre – for that matter.”
“You’re missing the point! What if you get something not cured by a pill?”
“I’m fine but will get tested anyway.”
“Probably the smartest thing you’ve said since calling.”
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“Why does my sex life concern you, especially when you’ve posed shirtless on California beaches with big boob, half-naked models?”
“Al, I said that photo was taken after a charity volleyball game. I’ve mostly hung out with Davy and Boris when not at practice or games. Ask either of them if you don’t believe me.”
“Perhaps I will.”
Troy changed the subject to extinguish their argument. “When are your next appointments?”
“I see my neurologist on Tuesday and regular doctor in a few weeks. Chances look good I could play by end of next month.”
“Then aim for that target date by not doing any more stupid shit like last night. Keep up your recommended workouts; lay off the alcohol, no overloading on junk food, and for the love Christ, use protection if you’re going to fuck anyone else.”
“I’ll make many efforts as possible, but can’t guarantee anything.”
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“That’s my little star; I want you in optimum condition before hitting the rink again.”
“I’m still your ‘little star?’ Oh, Troy, now I really feel terrible for acting like an ass last night. I’m sorry for saying anything that may have been out of line.”
“No more apologies needed; let’s chalk up everything to you having too much champagne and move forward. What are your plans for today?”
“I want to get in a short nap and maybe do some laundry before Donna comes this afternoon for work on the documentary.”
“Awesome! Has she shown any edited parts?”
“Not yet; we’ll probably watch some today. No, I’m not giving you any spoilers.”
“I never asked!” he said with merry laughter. “I need to go, shorty. I’m meeting Boris and Davy for breakfast before we head to practice. Have a nice nap and I’ll check back with you after tonight’s game. Hope you’ll watch!”
“I will,” Alex promised. “Go Eastern team!”
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“No more trouble you’re getting a spanking when I come home.”
“You’ll have to catch me first, goober!”
“I always welcome a challenge. Talk to you tonight.”
“Take care and tell the others I said hello.”
***
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Chapter 66
Davy jabbed Troy’s ribs. “Earth to Captain.”
Troy almost jumped out of his seat. “Oh…sorry; I have a lot on my mind.”
“I figured that much, mate. Anything you wish to share?”
“You be distracted all morning,” Boris said. “You okay?”
“I talked to Al again before meeting up with you guys.”
“She good?”
“Yeah, the doctors think she could be back by end of next month.”
“So why your mind all over the place?” Boris asked.
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Troy took a deep breath. “Before I say anything, you guys have to promise to keep things between the three of us.”
Boris nodded. “Can do.”
“Sure, mate,” Davy said. “Why so gutted?”
Troy’s eyes swept the dining room to make sure anyone they knew was out of earshot. He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Al and Ivanka slept together last night.”
“What!” Davy exclaimed. “She dropped her knickers for the old sod?”
“Shit, Davy, quiet down. I don’t need the whole universe to know.”
“What I tell you?” Boris asked with a frown. “I say you need tell Alex how you feel. Now you lose her to Jax. This what happen when you no listen to people.”
“We don’t know for sure, Boris. Al only slept with the guy once, at least according to her.”
“That all it take, Troy.”
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“What in the Queen’s name made Alex give her end away to Ivanka?” Davy asked.
“I’ll say the combination of too much champagne and his smooth talk.”
“He had to get her blotto before they shagged? That should tell you something.”
“Al and I talked several times about drinking while recovering from a concussion–”
“Talk or argue?” Boris interjected. “You argue lots with Alex.”
“Talked, Boris. I know she’s improved over the last several weeks, but drinking could hide other symptoms. What if she’s not ready by end of next month?”
“We’ll have to take things one day at a time like the staff does,” Davy answered. “When we get back to Pittsburgh, I suggest you try spending more time with the lass. She probably feels ignored and neglected, hence another reason she shagged Ivanka.”
“Come to think of it, Al’s convinced I’m ashamed to be seen with her outside of games and practices.”
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“That’s a bunch of bollocks! You’re nothing but a good chap to her.”
“All Al had to do is see one picture of me with a couple of females after a volleyball game and she was all but ready to slit my throat.”
“Yet you have fit because she sex with Jax,” Boris said.
“That’s a whole different scenario!”
“No, no, does not work two ways. You either get act together or Alex gone forever.”
“Boris has a point, mate,” Davy said. “You mess around, miss every opportunity to make your true feelings known before some other bloke sweeps Alex off her feet, and you’re going to be mad at yourself.”
“Both of you are right. While part of me wants to kick Jax’s ass, I’ll take some of the blame for Al’s recent actions. I wanted to dismiss her strange behavior since the last benefit to earlier concussion symptoms, but…”
“Better hope not too late,” Boris advised.