Line Change: Utah Fury Hockey Book Three

by Mulliner, Brittney

  I texted her back and asked if she test drove them.

  She responded right away. She and Chloe agreed on the Audi. That was fine with me.

  The phone rang, and I answered it. “Hi Colby.”

  “What color do you want?”

  I hadn’t thought about it. My parents bought their cars based off the price. No one in my family had ever bought brand new. I guess this was how the other half lived.

  “Um black?”

  “Okay. I’ll let the salesman know. We’ll need your signature on a few documents, but I’ll text you and let you know when they’re ready, so you don’t have to wait around here.”

  “Oh. Thanks.” She hung up and I looked around the room. She must expect me to be super busy. So busy I can’t wait at the dealership for my own car. I didn’t know what to do with myself.

  I should work out, but I was dead from practice. Weight lifting sounded like a nightmare.

  My parents were at work, so I couldn’t call them.

  I flipped through the channels until I found Sports Center. I wasn’t really paying attention. Should I text the guys and see what they’re doing? Maybe we could hang out?

  No. They all had lives. I was probably the only one staring at the wall. Bored.

  Just then the TV shut off and all the lights went dark.

  What on earth?

  I pressed the power button on the controller, but nothing happened. I stood and went to the light switches, but they stayed dark. Had the power gone out? What if the bill didn’t get switched over and they turned it off? How long could I last without electricity?

  I grabbed my keys and wallet and went into the hall. There were a few emergency lights on, but it was dark there too.

  Well, at least it was the whole floor. Maybe the whole building. They’d have it fixed soon.

  I took the stairs down, grateful I was only on the sixth floor, and got in my car. I texted Colby asking where she was and started my car. She responded with the name of the dealership, so I typed it into my phone and followed the directions.

  She might not expect me there yet, but I should probably see the car I was buying. Maybe sit in it, see if I even like it.

  I got there a few minutes later, and saw Chloe and Colby standing just inside the doors. I walked in and they both turned at the same time.

  “Hi Noah.” I smiled at Chloe but stopped when I saw Colby’s look. She didn’t look confused. She looked annoyed.

  “Hi, Colby. The power went out in the building, so I figured I’d come down and see the car.”

  “The power went out? Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry, Noah. I’ll call right away.” She stormed off, already on her phone.

  “I didn’t mean for her to try to fix it. I was just telling her why I was here already.”

  Chloe smirked. “It’s her job to make sure your life runs perfectly.”

  I shrugged. I didn’t want that to be her problem. No one could prevent everything.

  She leaned toward me. “Do you want to see it?”

  It took me a moment to realize what she meant. The car. My car. Right.

  “Yeah.”

  I followed her out of the building to one of the front parking spaces. There she was. An all-black SUV, complete with black wheels and dark tinted windows. “This is nice.”

  I held my hand up to see inside. The interior was white. The contrast was cool, and I knew I’d appreciate the light leather in the summer.

  “It drives really well, too.”

  “Can we take it out?”

  She shrugged. “Sure. I’ll go tell the salesman.” She left while I continued circling the SUV. It was really nice. Much more luxurious than anything my family had ever owned. We weren’t poor by any means, but my parents didn’t splurge on things. Not with three kids, especially one with costly hockey lessons and team fees.

  I knew they supported me and never held the money against me, but I felt bad owning this before them. They were the ones who deserved a nice house and fancy cars. After all they did for me. All the money and time they spent on me and my career. I owed them the world. And I would give it to them. As soon as I was on the team for good. I would buy them everything I could.

  “Here you go.” Chloe tossed me the keys and got in the passenger side.

  I got in behind the steering wheel and touched the smooth leather seats. “No Colby?”

  “No, she’s negotiating with the sales manager.”

  I started the car and smiled as it purred to life. “Why?”

  “She wanted to get the price down. She told them you’ll be photographed in it a lot, so they’ll be getting free publicity. She told them if they came down, you would keep the license plate frame on so people would know where you shopped.”

  That sounded ridiculous. I laughed but stopped when I saw Chloe’s raised eyebrow. “What?”

  “You’re in a position of power now, Noah. You need to be aware of that. Not only because of what you can get using that power, but the influence you have. You’ll be watched. Make sure you’re on your best behavior. Not only for yourself and your family, but for the team.”

  Those were heavy words. I let them sink in as I drove around the block.

  She was right. People would start to take notice of me. I didn’t want to make a bad name for myself, or the team. I didn’t want to give them any reason to kick me off, or not offer me a contract at the end of the season.

  I pulled back into the parking spot and got out.

  “What did you think?” Chloe asked as we walked back into the dealership.

  “I love it.”

  “Good, cause we’re ready to sign.” Colby came up from behind us with a wide smile.

  “Did you talk them down.” Chloe asked with a grin.

  “Oh yeah. I had them eating out of my hands. They practically want to give the car away.”

  Was she being serious? She was really able to negotiate? “Thanks Colby.”

  She nodded. “Just doing my job. Come on.”

  I followed her back and signed where I was told. They were taking my old car as a trade in and giving me more than I expected. I was sure that was due to Colby as well.

  “You’re all set, thanks for coming in Mr. Malkin. We look forward to seeing you play tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.” I felt awkward not knowing the salesman’s name, but he didn’t seem to mind.

  Colby handed me a set of keys and put the other set in her purse. “Just in case you get locked out or need me to move your car.”

  She didn’t need to explain herself. I trusted her.

  From the very beginning I had. Which was strange for me. I felt like I was an easygoing, open person. But I had a hard time letting people in. Probably because I moved around so much and was always on new teams. I didn’t get to know most people well enough to trust them.

  That wasn’t the case with Colby. The first time I saw her was enough. Maybe it was her take-charge personality or her stunning looks that she didn’t seem to notice. Whatever it was, it got to me.

  Chapter Six

  Colby

  My other clients’ work was finished for the week, so I was able to focus on Noah. His first game was tonight, and I made sure to let him know I was available all day for whatever he needed. I wasn’t expecting any emergencies, but I wanted to help calm his nerves.

  “Are you sure I don’t need another suit?”

  He was standing in his living room turning while looking in a mirror. I shook my head. Again.

  “That one looks perfect.” I wasn’t exaggerating. Noah looked so handsome. It was one thing to see him in his uniform, but there was something about a guy in a suit.

  “The guys all wear designer, though. I don’t want to look cheap compared to them.”

  I looked to the ceiling, willing patience. “They all have tailors who custom make their suits, Noah. What you have is fine. Plus, it’s not like we could get one fitted for you in the next three hours.”

  He looked at me through
the mirror. “If I were more demanding I’d make you do it just to prove you wrong.”

  I raised an eyebrow and waited for him to apologize. He’d been saying things like that all morning and usually realized his mistake minutes later.

  “Colby, I’m sorry. Again. I wouldn’t do that. I’m just nervous.”

  “I understand, Noah, but you look great in that suit and it’s not going to change how the game goes.”

  I wanted to lecture him about spending money he didn’t have, but I’d been through it with him several times. He saw what the other players had and wanted it. Not that I could blame him. He’d been thrown into a completely different world. He wanted to fit in. Unfortunately, the job of being the voice of reason fell on me.

  “Maybe, but I’d feel better going in.” He said quietly.

  He wasn’t going to drop it. If it was in his head that he needed a custom suit to look the part of a professional player, there wasn’t anything I could do to talk him out of that idea. I could drop a truth bomb though.

  “Noah, your contract with the Fury is only through the end of the season. That means you can’t live like the rest of the team. The best thing you can do right now is focus on you, and how well you perform. That’s all that matters. You need to work to prove to them that you deserve to be here next year.”

  Not that I knew that was even a possibility, but it seemed logical. If he proved himself, he could stay. In an ideal world.

  He nodded and finally turned his back to the mirror. “Hopefully I get to play.”

  This was his second focus so far. He kept saying that like it was a possibility. I’d already learned that everyone on the bench plays. The game is too fast-paced for even the best player to stay on the ice for the whole game. He’d get rotated in plenty.

  “You need to get that out of your head.”

  He came closer and sat down next to me. “I just want to get out there. Once the game starts I’ll be fine.”

  “I know you will. You just need to focus on that.” I checked my watch. We still had an hour before he needed to leave. “Let’s take your mind off it for a bit.”

  I reached for the remote and scanned through the channels. I was going to go fast through the sports channels, but Noah’s hand shot out. “Stop!”

  I froze and looked at the screen. It was him. Noah was on the TV.

  “Noah Malkin is a fresh face joining the Utah Fury tonight following the devastating injury to their defensemen, Andrew Howe. All eyes will be on him tonight to see if he can live up to the spot he’s taking over.”

  I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye to see his reaction. He was sitting there, slack jawed, staring at the screen.

  “That just happened,” I said.

  He nodded.

  The topic changed to basketball and Noah fell back against the couch. That had to be a shock. It wasn’t everyday you’re being discussed on national TV. People would be watching him and talking about him later. No pressure. I waited for a reaction, but he was practically catatonic.

  “Noah?” I poked him, but he remained unmoving. “Buddy?”

  He blinked which I accepted as a sign of life. “They said my name.”

  “Yes, they did.”

  He blinked again. “They showed my picture.”

  “They did that as well.”

  “They’re going to be watching me.”

  “Several thousand people are going to be watching. That’s kind of the point of professional sports.” I tried to inject some levity to the situation. I didn’t want him to start freaking out.

  Note to self, don’t let Noah watch or listen to anything before a game. He would have to sit in an empty room. Alone.

  That wouldn’t psych him out. Too much.

  “Yeah, but they’re going to be watching me. Me.”

  I reached for his arm and patted it. “You’ve got this, Noah. I’ve seen you play. You’re amazing. Now is your chance to show everyone else.”

  He turned his head to look at me. “You think I can do this?”

  I tried to focus. He was my client. My boss. I had to ignore his baby blue eyes that reminded me of summer days. They were sucking me in. It was like he knew his effect on me. He blinked, and I snapped out of it.

  “Yes, I know you can.”

  “Can we head in yet?”

  I checked my watch as if it had been more than ten minutes. “I’m just going to freshen up then we can go.”

  He looked back to the ceiling, so I took that chance to go. I went to the hall bathroom and closed the door. I was wearing a Fury T-shirt I’d gotten from the fan store at the arena and jeans. I was technically on the clock, but I figured Noah would rather I look like a fan than a business woman. Plus, I was sitting with Chloe and the Pride at the game, and I knew they would be decked out in gear.

  I fluffed my hair and applied some lip gloss before walking out. “Ready?”

  He jumped up and walked to the door. “Yeah.”

  I picked up my purse as he grabbed his bag and opened the door, waiting for me.

  “Do you want me to drive?” I eyed him on the way down the elevator. He was rubbing his hands together and tapping one foot. It was a short drive, but I wanted to get to the arena in one piece.

  “Would you mind?”

  “Of course not.” I watched him get in on the passenger seat before settling in. As we drove I tried to think of the perfect thing to say. I glanced over at him, but he was staring out the window. He was in his head, and I didn't want to interrupt him. When we got to the arena there were a few fans taking pictures and Noah seemed to sit up when he saw them. He waved, and the crowd returned with cheers.

  I pulled in past security and parked. He was grinning widely when we got out of the car.

  “That was pretty cool.” I nudged him with my elbow.

  His smile grew and reached his eyes, making them sparkle. “Yeah it was.”

  “You’ve officially arrived, Noah Malkin.”

  He turned bashful and looked away. “Thanks Colby.”

  When we got to the elevator I stopped. He needed to go down to the locker room and I needed to go up to the main floor. As much as I wanted to stay with him and tell him everything was going to be just fine, he was on his own now.

  “Noah.” He turned and looked down at me. It wasn’t often we stood next to each other, and it was a reminder of how large he was. At least six inches taller than me and built like a wall. I swallowed. “You’re going to do so great today.”

  He nodded.

  “Don’t stress. You’ll be fine once the game starts.”

  He smiled briefly. “Thanks.”

  I didn’t know what to do next. Hug him? Pat his shoulder? Tell him to break a leg? “I’ll see you after?”

  “Yeah.”

  I pressed the down button for him and stepped aside. When the doors opened he stepped in and held it open for me.

  “Let’s do this.”

  I stepped in and we rode down in silence. When the doors opened to the lower levels, Noah walked out. He stopped and looked over his shoulder and smiled before walking away. I felt like I was watching a little baby bird fly from the nest for the first time.

  The doors closed, and I flashed my pass to the security guards on the main level. There weren’t too many people around yet, but I checked to see if anyone from the Pride was there. We had an hour before game time, and I should probably eat. Even though my stomach was in knots. I didn’t want to show it in front of Noah, but I was nervous for him.

  This was a big deal. A major night for him. This was his chance at his first impression on the league. He had one chance. I had my fingers crossed that he’d make a good one.

  “Colby!” Chloe waved at me from the front row. She was sitting with Emma and Sophia, two of the wives I’d met at practice.

  I took the stairs down to them while looking around. There were only a few other people sitting.

  “Hi ladies.”

  They were each wearing their
significant other’s jersey, making me just a little bit jealous. Not of who they were with, but that they were with someone. The life of a personal assistant was a lonely one. I lived the life of my client, rarely my own. I didn’t have a lot of friends. I had contacts. I didn't have time for myself. I had to be available at any time for their needs.

  I hadn’t minded all that much, until recently. I was getting sick of seeing my high school and college friends grow up, move away, get married, have kids, all while I was living alone.

  I loved my job. I did. But I wanted more.

  Maybe these women could be the solution. Maybe they could be my friends.

  Chloe started to stand. “Have you eaten yet? We were just about to head up to the banquet level.”

  “What’s up there?” They were picking up their purses, so I kept mine on my shoulder and waited for them.

  “They have food and drinks for VIPs.” Chloe headed up the stairs and I followed behind with Emma and Sophia.

  “And we’re VIPs?”

  Emma laughed. “Friends, family, agents, invited guests, reporters. They’re all included.”

  I paused on a step. “I’m not really any of those.”

  “Invited guest. Plus, you’re our friend.” Sophia turned and winked at me.

  I’d never admit how much that meant to me. They included me. They considered me a friend.

  “Can we see the ice from up there?”

  Emma nodded. “You can see everything.”

  Sophia turned to me before pressing the elevator button. “Why?”

  “I wanted to watch Noah warm up.”

  The three of them looked at each other, smiling. Chloe was grinning like a fiend. “Why is that, Colby?”

  I shrugged. “He was nervous before. I just want to make sure he gets it out of his head.”

  They slowly nodded, almost in sync.

  “Is that all?” Sophia asked.

  “Yeah?” What were they trying to hint at? Of course, I wanted to see him warm up. Not that I could do anything at this point, but I wanted him to know I was there.