PUCK (A BAD BOY HOCKEY ROMANCE)

by Marx, Jessica

  * * *

  ————

  * * *

  I had a hard time falling asleep last night and woke up late this morning. I took my time getting out of bed and made a cup of coffee. While it was brewing, I sent Rachel a text to see if she was awake yet and ask if she could talk. She’s probably with Chris, but he’s cool and I don’t mind talking girl talk with him in the background. I also texted my mother to let her know I was home and to thank her for last night. I told her I really liked Tom and I was glad I got to meet him.

  My coffee is ready, so I take it over and settle in on my couch so I can call Rachel. She answers on the first ring and it takes me over ten minutes to explain my day and night to her. I rehash me and Michael breaking up, my mom’s boyfriend being Jayson’s father, and then drop the bomb about me and my future stepbrother’s passionate kiss.

  “That is crazy shit, Ashley!” she replies when I finally finish. “I mean, it’s just crazy. And what are you doing kissing that guy? He was such a dick! He’s also way older than you. And he could be your brother one day! That’s… crazy!” she says again.

  “I know it’s crazy,” I admit with a sigh, “but we just have this connection. I tried not to acknowledge it, but it’s there.”

  “If you say so. He was definitely a hottie, but be careful, Ash. You always seem to fall for the wrong guy.”

  “I know. I am being careful. I ended the night with the upper hand,” I tell her, smiling as I remember my award-winning goodbye.

  We spend a little more time on the phone chit-chatting. Rachel is excited for my mom and her relationship. Spending so much time together growing up, Cynthia has always been like a second mother to her. We enjoy a few minutes of gossip and small talk, and then end the call.

  I don’t have to work until the afternoon, so I enjoy a lazy morning and catch up on some reading and laundry before I get ready for work. I hear my phone signal that I have a text right before I get in the shower. It’s Michael.

  Ashley, I’m sorry. I’d really like to talk to you. I erase it just like the last one. He fucked up and it’s over. There’s no reason to talk.

  I put the phone down and continue into the shower. I mindlessly go through the same routine until I’m ready to leave. I pick up my things, walk into the hallway, and lock the door behind me.

  It’s a typical Sunday afternoon at work. We’re busy with families and friends gathering for a late brunch or early dinner. Time passes as I go through the motions.

  I am smiling at one of my tables as I take their drink order when I glance at the man walking through the door. It’s Jayson. I forget what I’m doing and start to trip on my words. I look again and see he’s made his way to the bar.

  What is he doing here? How did he know where I worked? I wish I could see what I look like right now. I’m sure the small amount of makeup I put on has worn off already and my hair must be a mess. This is so unexpected and it’s making me anxious.

  I can’t hide, so I have no choice but to pull myself together and walk over to the bar to say hello and get the drinks for my table.

  “Fancy meeting you here,” Jayson says with a smile, picking up his beer and taking a swig.

  “Are you a stalker now?” I joke. But seriously, what is he doing here?

  Jayson shrugs. “Maybe.”

  I decide to press him on the matter. I don’t remember telling him where I work, and frankly, it’s a little creepy. “How did you know where I worked?”

  “I know people,” he says as he winks.

  “Right. And you came here because…?”

  “Last night after you got me all hot and left me standing there, I decided to cool off with a walk home. I had some time to think of a good way to prove myself, so here I am,” he answers. He knows he’s been just vague enough that I’ll ask him another question. I can see the smugness in his eyes as he takes another pull from his beer bottle.

  I give in. I have to know. “So you’re proving yourself by stalking me?” He laughs.

  “Well, I thought it would be nice to ask you on an official date,, but you didn’t give me your number. I called my father and he asked your mother—one of the plusses of being quasi-related I guess.” He smirks at how red in the face that makes me. “Then I thought that instead of calling you, I would come here and ask you out in person. Cool idea, right?” He is so proud of himself. He is trying to one-up me for my goodbye last night.

  “I’ll have to talk to my mother about how freely she gives out my information,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him.

  “Your mother loved me the moment she met me. Must run in the family. I can’t help it—it’s part of my charm.” He’s on a roll now.

  “Well, thanks for coming,” I say as I take the tray full of drinks and walk toward my table. I know he’s screwing with me, and to my surprise, this time I am enjoying it.

  Jayson sits at the bar, nursing his beer and cracking jokes with Sam. I go about my business trying to pretend he’s not there so I can focus, but I keep stealing glances when I can. He is so hot. There’s no better way to describe him. Every woman in here has stopped to look at him, and I know he likes it. I notice he has another beer, so I guess he’s planning to stay for a while. I finish up with the few tables I have left and sit down across the bar to count out for the night.

  He waits a minute and then comes to sit next to me. Sam brings me a glass of wine. I take a sip and finally look up at Jayson.

  “So, this is our date?” I ask.

  “Oh, no. I told you what a real date with me would be like. I also don’t want to be ‘the other man,’ so I’ll wait until you decide to leave your boyfriend” He’s giving me a hard look and I realize he’s serious. Shit. I never told him the truth about me and Michael.

  “We… broke up,” I sheepishly reply. I hate saying it out loud.

  Jayson smiles. “Well, that’s convenient.” Then he flashes me a look of concern. “Are you okay? I honestly didn’t believe there was a real boyfriend, but I can see you’re hurt.”

  “I am. He cheated. It’s over. I ended it when I found out, which happened to be the day we had dinner at my mom’s house.”

  Jayson looks like he doesn’t quite believe me when I say I’m all right, but then he smiles. “His loss, my gain. I guess I can ask you on a date, now that you’re single.”

  I smile back. “I guess you can.”

  We sit for a moment, each taking a long sips of our drinks. I’m twirling my glass in my fingers.

  “Well?” I prompt him.

  Jayson’s eyes are glittering in that devilish way again. “Well what?”

  My face and ears are burning. “Are you going to ask me?” Jayson rolls his eyes in mock annoyance and gets off his stool. He stands in front of me and takes my hand in his.

  “Ashley Porter, will you have dinner with me?” he asks as he kisses the top of my hand, overselling the concept of him being a gentleman.

  I roll my eyes right back at him. “I guess so.” I know that secretly, we’re both enjoying the banter. I have to admit that Jayson’s sense of humor is starting to grow on me.

  We continue to talk and joke with each other as we finish our drinks and I get my shift work done. There are no more patrons left, just us and Sam and a couple of other employees who are getting ready to leave. Jayson excuses himself and goes to the men’s room. Sam walks over to my side of the bar.

  “You look like you’re having fun,” he says.

  “I think I am.” That reply surprises even me.

  Jayson is striding back to the bar, so Sam goes about cleaning the last of the mess that’s left. I slide my glass to him so he can rinse it and be done. We toss the beer bottle in the recycling bin and I say goodnight to the few coworkers left. Jayson and I head to the door and exit into another beautiful summer night.

  “Okay, well, thanks for coming to see me,” I say. It’s always awkward trying to end a night around this guy. I know he wants more.

  “You know I’m walking y
ou home, Ashley, so don’t think of trying to ditch me now. It’s not going to work,” Jayson answers, and without any debate, we start walking toward my apartment building.

  “So, when are we going out?” I ask. It sounds a little pushy or desperate, or something, but I’m excited—so sue me.

  “I can make myself available any night this week. One of the benefits of being the boss,” he answers and winks at me.

  “Well, unfortunately I don’t, so it would have to be Thursday or Saturday night. I have classes during the day and usually work Saturday nights, but this coming one I’m on the lunch shift.”

  “I don’t think I can wait that long. It will have to be Thursday, if that’s the best you can do.” He’s teasing me. It’s equal parts infuriating and hot as hell.

  “It is the best I can do. You’ll just have to be patient, I guess.” What I don’t tell him is that I’m looking forward to it, and that means that I’ll have to be patient, too.

  We are back in front of my building and I envision the night before when Jayson and I kissed, right here in this very spot. My heart skips a beat, but I need to ignore it for now. We have a date and I will wait and see how that night goes before I get any more involved in this strange thing we have going on.

  Jayson turns to face me and I know he is going to kiss me again. He smiles at me as his bright hazel eyes glow in the moonlight.

  “Have a goodnight, Ashley. I can’t wait to see you again.” He leans over and kisses me gently on the cheek. “Now, go inside so I know I got you home safe.” Then he steps back, gives me a mock salute, and stands and watches as I walk to my lobby in a daze.

  That was definitely not the kiss I was expecting. I look back at him before I open the door and he is still standing there, waiting for me to enter. I go in, say hi to the doorman, and press the button for the elevator. Dammit, he really knows how to play the game.

  Maybe even better than I do.

  10

  JAYSON

  * * *

  This woman may be the death of me. I need to have her, and I am going to do whatever it takes to prove to her that how I feel runs deeper than it has with any woman before her.

  Ashley’s right—I’m a player. I always have been and thought I always would be—until I met her. When I’m with her, I don’t even think about other women. I don’t need to, and I don’t want to. I see chicks looking at me as I pass them by, checking out my body, offering themselves to me with their eyes. I just don’t care anymore. I only want Ashley. I need her to see that and I need her to believe me when I tell her she’s the only one for me.

  When we kissed in front of her building last night, I felt something that I’ve never felt with anyone—and never from just a kiss. Just feeling her up against my body was enough to drive me wild. I wanted her. I wanted to be inside of her. But I also respected her enough to hold back. I don’t mind taking my time. She is worth it.

  Seeing her at work tonight, dressed in her uniform with no makeup on, plain as could be, made her so much more real to me. Sitting at the bar and laughing together about nothing just felt right. She makes me feel like I can be myself. I can joke and be inappropriate and she just gets it. She gets me. She may not want to, but she does.

  I have always thought things like “love at first sight” or “meant to be” were complete bullshit, but now I feel differently. I care about Ashley and I want her to care about me. I want to know everything about her and make her happy in every way.

  These feelings are new and scary and completely out of character for me—but they are real. I’m going to show her just how real on Thursday. I’m going to do all the things I told her I would, and then some. I will wait as long as she wants, but as soon as she gives me the okay, I am going to rock her fucking world.

  11

  ASHLEY

  * * *

  This week is dragging on. Thursday seems to take forever to get here. I have already filled Rachel in on what’s happening. She still thinks I’m crazy, but she also believes that if I really feel this deeply for Jayson, then it’s worth a shot. She swears she won’t be there to pick up the pieces if and when I fall apart, but I take comfort knowing she will anyway.

  Michael has left me two voicemails filled with apologies. His last said he wished he could explain, but if I don’t call him back, he’ll take the hint. I hope so, because I have no intention of returning his call. There is nothing left to talk about and I don’t need an explanation.

  I also spoke briefly with my mother again to try and plan a lunch date. She suggested one afternoon next week, which sounds be perfect. I told her I will let her know when I get my shift schedule and we will plan a date. I also promised I would come see her the following week. I’m happy about it, too. I miss spending time with her. It’s even better now that she is happy with Tom and in a much better place in her life.

  I trudge through the next couple of days, going about my business and my regular routine. I feel like a teenager in love. I can’t stop going through scenarios in my head and imagining what my date with Jayson will be like. I already know what it’s like to kiss him, and that alone has my interest piqued. The heat between us is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I want more.

  Part of me is trying not to accept these feelings because I know it’s wrong. I shouldn’t feel this way about him, given what the future may hold for our parents, but I can’t stop myself. I just feel like we belong together, and I hope we can work it out. I know every woman thinks she will be the one to get the womanizing seducer to settle down, but I truly believe Jayson and I have something special.

  I can barely concentrate during my class on Wednesday because I just want it to be over already. At least I only have one class to worry about in the summer. That night while I’m at work, I am literally counting the hours until closing. I want this day over so I can see Jayson. Almost every time the door has opened this week I looked up, hoping it was him, but true to his word he has successfully stayed away. I’m almost disappointed.

  I take a break to eat a quick bite and pull out my phone to waste some time as I do. Less than a minute later, my phone vibrates with a text from a number I don’t recognize. Can’t wait to see you again. I start to dismiss it, but then out of curiosity, I decide to answer back.

  Who is this?

  Seriously, Ashley? How many men do you have waiting to see you again? I thought I was the player? I laugh out loud at that. I think Jayson’s sense of humor is as sexy to me as his body.

  Just checking. Looking forward to seeing you too, I write back. It’s a massive understatement.

  Bello Giardino at 7, he replies and adds the address.

  I program his number into my phone so I know for next time, finish my salad, and bring the plate into the kitchen. This night cannot end soon enough.

  * * *

  ____________

  When I wake up on Thursday morning, I almost jump out of bed. I am in a great mood and find myself humming as I brew a pot of coffee. I take my time drinking it while I carelessly flip through a magazine. My thoughts are only on tonight and Jayson. I think the anticipation of waiting these last few days has made it that much more exciting for me.

  I throw on some clothes and go to the supermarket to pick up a few staples since I’m almost out of everything. On my way back to my apartment, I stop in one of the cute little boutique shops I love. I see a flirty little summer dress that I know would be perfect for tonight. I try it on and decide it’s pretty enough to splurge on.

  I smile the whole way home and continue to as I put my groceries away. I clean up my apartment just in case I decide to invite Jayson up. Not that that’s the plan, or anything, but still. If it happens, I want to be prepared.

  I still have time left to waste, so I give Rachel a call. I’m not sure if she has a class this afternoon, but if she’s busy I’ll just leave her a message. She picks up and cheerily says, “Hey, Ash!”

  “Hey, Rach. What’s going on?”

  “Not muc
h. Left the studio a little while ago and I’m just running some errands. You’re not working today?”

  “No, I’m off. Going to dinner with Jayson,” I answer trying to sound casual about it.

  “Oh! That’s right. The date with your boyfriend slash soon-to-be brother.” No matter what happens with Jayson, or my mother’s relationship, Rachel will always love calling him that. I know her.

  “You’re never going to let that joke go, are you?”

  She laughs. “No. Definitely not.”

  “I’m actually really excited. I like him. He makes me laugh.” I can’t help but smile as I think of him.

  “Just be careful. That’s all I’m saying. He’s a skirt-chaser—you know the type. Make sure he’s for real before you give him your flower.” The way she says it makes me giggle.

  “My flower? Who are you, my grandmother?”

  “Just keeping it light. Anyway, I have to get going, I’m next up at the register. You better call me in the morning and let me know what happens tonight.”

  “Of course I will. Have a good night, Rachel,” I reply.

  “You too,” she says and I end the call.

  I decide to shower now so I can take my time and not have to rush around to get ready. I shower and shave then brush my hair and pull it back in a clip. I decide “just in case” to put on my red lace bra and panties. I always feel sexier and more confident when I have something like that under my clothes.

  I slip my new sundress on look in the mirror, impressed with how good I look. I pat myself on the back for a job well done and by six o’clock, I’m putting on my makeup.

  My door buzzer goes off unexpectedly right around six thirty. I walk to the intercom and press the button “Who is it?”

  “The man you’ve been fantasizing about all week,” Jayson answers.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask. I’m not mentally prepared to see him yet and he’s caught me off guard.