“He left a minute ago.”
“What?” How did Erik know that?
“I watched him talk to the mayor for just a moment, then he got in his car and left.”
He didn’t say bye? He didn’t even let me know? I pulled out my phone but there weren’t any notifications.
I tried not to let my disappointment show. Maybe he had an emergency or an urgent meeting.
“Something must have come up.”
Chloe nodded and took another sip, but Erik just watched me. I almost asked if I had chocolate on my face, but he turned and walked off.
“Did you have fun today?” Chloe was always asking how other people were, if there was anything she could do for them, and offering to help in whatever way she could. At least when it came to the team. I’d been told by some of the other Pride women that she could be ruthless to outsiders, but I’d yet to see that side of her. Well, except the first time we’d met at the arena.
“I did. Thanks for inviting me.”
She smiled. “You have an open invitation to everything, Madeline. You’re family.”
It felt good hearing that. I had a place where I belonged. Living in Clark’s shadow for the past few years had been hard. His family ran in a different social circle than the rest of the world. They were upper class, old money. I never felt like I fit in. I was just his plus one. The shiny toy for him to show off at events. I was meant to smile and look pretty next to him. No one ever asked me what I was studying or where I worked. It was all about him, the golden child. It was different here. I was my own person. Even if I was the coach’s daughter. Every person from the team made sure I knew I was welcome.
“Thanks, Chloe.”
Chapter Four
Erik
I don’t know why I cared about who Madeline was dating. I didn’t know her. Her boring boyfriend might be perfect for her. I was giving her too much credit. She could be some mindless trophy that belonged with him.
I doubted it.
Chloe told me how awesome Madeline was. Plus, she was Coach’s daughter. He was a great person, so his daughter had to be.
Why was he letting Madeline date that cocky jerk anyway?
I didn’t know if he was a jerk. But I’d never treat a woman the way he did.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” I looked up from the TV to where Chloe was standing. She was dressed for a nice night out. Not something I wanted to third-wheel.
“I’m good.” Reese and I had worked things out and had become good friends, but that didn’t mean I wanted to sit across from them all night as they stared into each other’s eyes and cooed I love yous. Hard pass.
She looked at me like I was her child and she didn’t like my behavior. “What are you going to do?”
I didn’t have to tell her. She wasn’t my babysitter. “Nothing that will get me into trouble.”
I’d learned my lesson after my first season. I didn’t do anything worth talking about. I kept my head down and didn’t drink during the season. It was surprisingly easy to stay out of the press when you’re sober.
“Well, if you meet someone tonight and bring her back, let me know. I’ll stay at Reese’s.”
I narrowed my eyes at her
“I won’t bring anyone home.”
I’d been a bit of a party boy through my early twenties. I was a young, rich, famous athlete. Sure, I’d had my fun and took advantage of all of the perks my status came with, but I wasn’t as bad as Chloe thought. She assumed I was with a different woman every night of the week. I didn’t bother correcting her. She could think what she wanted, but I hadn’t actually been with anyone in months. By choice.
Chloe getting together with Reese had been a slap in the face. Not because my twin was moving on with life without me. That did hurt, though. It just made me realize how little my life had changed since I was drafted. Sure, I had two championship rings and made a name for myself in the league, but my personal life was the same. I was surrounded by the most beautiful women, but I was left wanting more.
I couldn’t talk to those women about my life, my struggles, my dreams. They didn’t want to know me, they wanted to brag to their friends later. I was just a name to them.
Now, I went out with the guys when they called, but I didn’t take anyone home. Being alone made me realize that soon it was going to be just me. I’d be coming home to an empty house once Reese got his crap together and asked Chloe to marry him. I wasn’t stupid. Deep down, I knew it was going to happen soon. She was in love and the happiest I’d seen her in years. He treated her like a queen and that was the only reason I was okay with him taking her away from me.
I guess I was a little bit jealous.
I wanted what they had.
What Olli and Porter had with Emma and Sophia.
Instead I was known as the playboy. The playboy that stayed in and watched game highlights alone at night.
I needed to get out. I needed to stop thinking.
I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Brassard and Hartman. We wouldn’t do anything crazy. I was fine just grabbing dinner. Anything to keep Madeline and my lack of a love life off my mind.
We agreed on pizza and met at our favorite place, The Pie, a half hour later.
“I’m surprised you didn’t have anything better to do.” Brassard teased me after we ordered and found a table in the back.
“Says the guy that agreed to come.”
I slid into the booth, leaving room for Hartman.
Brassard laughed. “I never claimed to be the playboy or partier like you. You all know I’m more of a shut in.”
Hartman shook his head at us. “Just admit we’re the single losers of the team.”
“I refuse to admit that. We’re not losers. We’re single by choice.” I looked to Brassard to see if he agreed and he nodded.
“Yeah, I’ve got girls fighting back at my place over who gets to date me first. I didn’t bring them this time ‘cause it was a guys’ night.”
Hartman snorted. “Yeah, nice of you to respect us enough to leave them at home.”
I rolled my eyes. “Like you have any problems getting a woman to go out with you.”
Hartman shot me a look, but I didn’t back down. Brassard needed some tough love on this topic.
“Just because you had one bad experience doesn’t mean all women are horrible.”
Brassard shrugged. “They’re not horrible. I am. I’ve ruined every relationship I’ve ever had. I had the perfect girl. We were going to have a future together, but I blew it.”
“You tried to fix it. She wouldn’t listen.” Hartman looked across the table to Brassard with a compassion I hadn’t expected.
I knew about the girl that burned Brassard, most of us did. But I didn’t know the full story. I’d never wanted to. “Hey, no getting sucked into the mistakes of the past. We could sit here all-night regretting things we’ve done. We’re here to relax and eat good food.”
Hartman held up his water cup. “Here. Here.”
Brassard laughed and shook his head. At least he wasn’t stuck in his dark mood for long. We all had our pasts. We’d all been hurt before, and tonight wasn’t the time to reflect on that.
“Here’s your pizzas, guys. Let us know if you need anything else.”
“Thanks, Tom.” I waved as the server walked back to the kitchen. The staff was good about us coming in and hiding in the back corner when there was just a few of us together. They didn’t draw attention to us and tried to keep customers away. I didn’t have a problem with fans talking to us, but it was nice to have a night out where we’re just a couple of guys grabbing a bite to eat. Normal.
It doesn’t happen all that often, so we savor the times it does.
We ate in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the greasy, cheesy slices in peace. It wasn’t until I caught Hartman looking at me out of the corner of his eye that I stopped.
“What?”
He shrugged. “Just wondering.”
<
br /> “About?”
“If I need to have a talk with you about staying away from certain off-limits people.”
I eyed him before responding. I wasn’t playing his game. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Brassard scoffed, but when I looked at him he was taking another bite of pizza, looking away. Coward.
Hartman smiled. “You know what I mean. I saw you watching her yesterday. You don’t normally waste time looking at women you’re not interesting in.”
I sat up and cleared my throat, but he continued.
“I hope I don’t have to tell you how stupid that would be to even think of pursuing her, right? You know Coach would kill you. Plus, she has a boyfriend.”
A really crappy one. One that shows up late to events, schmoozes, and leaves without telling her goodbye.
“I know, Cap. Don’t worry. I’m not interested.”
Lies.
He nodded once and went back to eating. I couldn’t tell if he believed me, but he dropped it. I’d just keep having to remind myself that I’m not interested in her.
Nope. Not at all.
Chapter Five
Madeline
I watched my patient walk on the treadmill, taking notes about his stride. “You’re looking great, Kyle.”
The soccer player smiled at me. “Thanks, Madeline. Do you think I’ll be ready for the season?”
I nodded. “As long as you don’t do anything to stress your ankle in the next few weeks, you should be cleared.”
“So, no snowboarding?” He winked and increased the speed. I didn’t want him pushing himself too hard, so I watched him closely.
“Definitely none of that.”
He laughed and turned the speed to a full sprint. I cringed but didn’t say anything. He knew his body and the risks. I trusted him to know his limits.
He wasn’t the only professional athlete that came to this office. It was our specialty. Being downtown near all the arenas made it easy for them to come to us for treatment. Some people thought I went into sports because they assumed I wanted to meet the athletes, but they usually didn’t know who my father was. I chose this path because of him.
His physical therapist saved his career several times when he played in the NHL and now the careers of his players. He told me that it takes more than just the guys on the ice to win games. It was the coaching staff, equipment managers, massage therapists, physical therapists, and the entire front office. They were all required to keep a team going. Since I only played hockey through junior high school, this was my way of being connected to the team and other athletes.
Kyle slowed back down to a walk.
“You’re looking great.”
He winked at me. “You too, Madi.”
I rolled my eyes. “Alright, Casanova. You’re done for the day.”
I finished my notes for his session while he got off the treadmill and stretched.
“You’ll give into my charms soon enough.”
I set the clipboard down. “You know I have a boyfriend.”
“Just because there’s a goalie doesn’t mean you can’t score.”
I’d heard cheesy lines before, but that was one of the worst. “Just no, Kyle. Have a good week.”
I smiled and walked away before he could say anything else. Guys like him were the reason I didn’t date athletes. I’d grown up around them. I assumed I’d end up with one eventually. Until David. He played for the local NHL team, the Chicago Lakers. One of Dad’s players, that I had been friends with, was traded to the team and invited me to come hang out. That’s where I met who I thought was the love of my life. I know now it was infatuation. David was all sweet words and attention until I was out of sight. He wouldn’t know how to be faithful if someone promised him a billion dollars. He didn’t see the problem with dating more than one woman. He needed to spread the love. He thought he was just too good to limit himself to one girl.
It took me almost a year to figure that out. It helped that his teammates liked me and decided to break the bro code by telling me. I didn’t want to believe them at first. It took me almost two months to catch David in the act.
My heart was shattered.
I stayed away from athletes after that. When I met Clark my first year of PT school, I was drawn to him because he was nothing like David. He was focused and steady and predictable.
He was going to have a normal job with normal hours. His face wouldn’t be on billboards. He wouldn’t be hounded by fans. He wouldn’t have women throwing themselves at him. He was safe.
Not that I’d actually seen him in the past few days. He told me things at work were crazy, but it was getting a little ridiculous.
I checked my phone while waiting for my next patient. Nothing from Clark, but I had a text from Chloe asking me to call her.
I had a few minutes, so I walked into my office and called her back.
“Hey! I’m so glad you got my message. We have a kids’ event tonight and I need more volunteers. Are you free?”
All that was waiting for me was an empty apartment. “Yeah, I’m free. What’s the event?”
“We’re hosting some of the kids from the cancer unit at the hospital to come down to skate and paint the ice.”
“That sounds so sweet. What time do you need me?”
I could hear people yelling in the background. “Put it down over there, Erik.” I could faintly make out his voice. “Ugh. Sorry. I swear they can’t do anything without being told exactly what to do. I could use you as soon as possible.”
I looked down at my polo and yoga pants. I might have a shirt to change into in my car. “I can be there at 4:30.”
“That’s perfect! Thank you!”
“I’ll see you later.”
“Bye.” I could hear more yelling before she hung up. Poor girl. She sounded like she needed the help. I checked my watch. My patient should be here, then only two hours until I was done for the day.
Having plans to look forward to was a nice change.
I hated going home to an empty house every night. I went to my parent’s house when I knew Clark would be late, but lately that was every night. Not that my mom minded. She was involved with the team and some charities that kept her busy, but she never turned me down.
“Madeline, your next patient is here.” I looked up to see one of the receptionists at my door.
“Thanks.” I walked out with her and greeted Travis, a professional basketball player. “Hi, Travis. How’s it going?”
“It’s going.” He passed me on his crutches. He’d been coming for the past three months, so he knew the drill.
I followed him and went through the motions. One of the best parts of working with athletes was how serious they took their healing. Their bodies were their tools. Their profession was based on it functioning in optimum condition. Unlike other people, they were dedicated to their treatment. I didn’t have to push them. Most of the time I had to tell them to back off and give their body a chance to heal. His session went quickly, and I left soon after him.
I was surprised by how many people were hanging around the arena when I got there. I found Chloe at the entrance to the tunnel by the locker room.
“You’re here!” She gave me a side hug and handed me a stack of plastic wristbands and a team shirt. “Put this on, then head upstairs to the north entrance. You’ll pass out the bands. Security will clear people before they come in, so you don’t have to worry about checking IDs. Just let them know to come down through portals Q and R.”
“Got it.” I walked up the stairs and changed shirts in the restroom before finding the crowd waiting to come in.
Erik and Reese were sitting at a table with stacks of papers in front of them.
“Hey, guys, do you know where you want me?”
Reese smiled while Erik raised an eyebrow. “Interesting word choice.”
I glared at him, and Reese laughed.
“Just behind us. We’re checking people in, then we�
�ll direct them to you.”
“Sounds good.”
The security guard by the door nodded to us and opened a door, waving the line in. It was a smooth operation. Erik and Reese were great with the kids and families coming in. I was surprised they were up here instead of some volunteers until I realized they were greeting several kids by name. The team worked with the cancer center close by, so the players probably know some of them pretty well. It was a nice gesture to have the guys there greeting them. We got through the line faster than I expected, and once everyone was checked in, I followed them back down to the ice.
Reese glanced my way. “We’re going to get our skates on. Did you bring any?”
I hadn’t thought of it. “Um. No. I didn’t know I’d be skating.”
Erik nodded over his shoulder. “Let’s go see if we can find some for you.”
I doubted there would be any ladies’ skates in my size hanging around. It’s not like the arena had a rental area.
He led me to one of the team meeting rooms where some of the families were still talking.
“We brought in skates for the families. I’m sure they have an extra pair you can use.”
Huh. They’d thought of everything. Of course, these kids and their parents didn’t have their own skates. I never should have underestimated Chloe.
“What size?”
“I’m a seven.”
He nodded and walked over to one of the other volunteers. He came back with two white skates. “For you.”
“Thank you.” His mood swings were giving me whiplash. How could he be so snarky one day and act like this the next? He was acting like we were friends suddenly.
“I’ll see you out there.”
I nodded and walked away. I planned on keeping my distance if possible. As confusing as he might be, his looks were not. His smile drew me in and I was pretty sure if I saw him being sweet with kids today my resolution would disappear, and I might actually start liking the guy.
Match Penalty (Utah Fury Hockey Book 2) Page 3
