by Gina Azzi
The Risk Taker
Boston Hawks Hockey
Gina Azzi
The Risk Taker
Copyright © 2021 by Gina Azzi
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Contents
1. Easton
2. Claire
3. Easton
4. Claire
5. Easton
6. Claire
7. Easton
8. Claire
9. Easton
10. Claire
11. Easton
12. Claire
13. Easton
14. Claire
15. Easton
16. Claire
17. Easton
18. Claire
19. Easton
20. Claire
21. Easton
22. Claire
23. Easton
24. Claire
25. Easton
26. Claire
27. Easton
28. Claire
Epilogue
Hey Reader!
Broken Lies
Also by Gina Azzi
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1
Easton
I hate that she’s here.
I hate that she’s staring at me like she doesn’t know me anymore. Her eyes, a brilliant shade of blue, are too wide in her face. Her mouth, luscious lips I’ve dreamt of tasting, are pressed tightly together.
Of all the people I’d hate to see me leaving rehab, Claire Merrick is at the top of my list. She’s my best friend’s little sister and has been affectionately adopted as such by all the guys on my hockey team.
I’ve known Claire since she was a seven-year-old brat with pigtails and a crooked smile, but somewhere over the years, she became a hell of a lot more than just Austin’s kid sister. Not that I’d ever let her know that.
Not that I want anyone to know that. Especially not now that I’m a washed-up NHL player completing my second stint in rehab in two years.
Moments ago, Claire’s parents, Mary and Joe, welcomed me back with their open arms and accepting smiles. They are more of parents to me than my own, and disappointing them aches almost as much as seeing the hurt in Claire’s eyes.
Damn it. This isn’t what I need right now.
Claire steps out more from behind Austin and my eyes drop to the curves of her frame. Jesus, she’s beautiful. Too fucking innocent and sweet to be standing inside of a rehab center. She flips her hair over her shoulder, her fingers playing with the ends nervously.
I narrow my eyes. Why is she here? How many people do I have to disappoint today by being the asshole who got tossed in rehab for a second time, practically ruining my career?
Claire drops her eyes to the ground and I look away.
“You look good, East.” My brother clasps his hand on my shoulder before pulling me into a man hug. “Happy you’re home.”
“Thanks, Noah.” I smack my brother’s back before turning to his girl who I haven’t seen in ages. I mean, I saw her a handful of months ago but I haven’t really spoken to her in years. “Hey Indy.”
She smiles softly, wrapping her arms around my waist. “Good to see you, Easton.”
I wrap my arm around her and don’t miss the way my brother’s eyes widen, filled with happiness at seeing me get along with his girl. His pregnant girl who he wants to wifey. Damn. Witnessing Noah be so open with his emotions hits me with a pang. He’s healing, moving forward with his life, on from our parents’ bullshit. Yet I’m still struggling, barely keeping my head above water. In this moment, the differences between us are staggering.
Indy slips away and begins to shrug into her coat, my brother quick to help her.
Austin shakes my hand and bangs his fist against my shoulder, grinning at me. “Team’s missed you.”
I nod and chuckle, the feeling in my chest giving way to a blaze of panic.
The team. Do they even want me back after how everything went down? Aren’t they going to keep the new guy Sims playing in my position? At least Sims is reliable, dependable; he shows up.
“No pressure but we’d love to have you back at practice whenever you’re ready.”
I nod, clearing my throat. “Hell yeah, man. Can’t wait to get back on the ice.” It’s the truth; I really can’t wait to get back on the ice. But it’s not the full truth. Because then I’d have to admit that I’m petrified to get back on the ice in front of thousands of people and listen to all their jeers and taunts and fuck, my stomach feels sick, I don’t know if I’m ready for it. I sure as hell don’t feel ready for anything right now, but everyone expects me to be better.
Healed. Recovered. Whole. So that’s what I’ll try to be. Better.
I turn my attention to Claire. She offers me a small wave and an unsteady smile. It pisses me off the second I see it because there’s nothing unsure about Claire. The girl oozes confidence, calls people out on their bullshit, and never seems hesitant, the way she is right now. “What are you doing here?” I ask.
She stiffens at my tone and I hear the inhale she sucks in. Her eyes narrow and a thrill shoots through me. There she is. “Came to see you.”
“Why?” I scrub my hand over my forehead, my fingers swiping over the scar that cuts through my eyebrow like a warning. A reminder.
She crosses her arms, staring at me. “Because I’m not a dick.” She pushes past me and I snicker, keeping my back to her.
If only Claire knew how much she gets under my skin. If she had any idea how much I feel for her, how much I crave her, she wouldn’t understand why I’ve spent years of my life keeping her at arm’s length.
But it’s for the best.
Claire is Austin’s little sister.
She’s larger than life, outgoing, and authentic.
The last thing she needs is an alcoholic who keeps falling off the wagon.
After all, it’s only a matter of time ‘til I’m back here. With so many people on my list to let down and disappoint, I can’t afford to add another.
I catch the way Indy’s lips purse and how she slips from Noah’s grasp to trail after her cousin. My brother shoots me a confused look but I ignore it. The truth is, I’ve busted Claire’s balls for years. The only reason why my brother cares now is because his girl seems affected by it.
Sighing, I tilt my head toward the parking lot. “You guys want to get out of here?”
“Yeah.” Austin clasps my shoulder. “Let’s go grab a bite. What are you in the mood for?”
My mouth waters just thinking of all the amazing food I’ve missed out on. “Mexican.”
Noah grins. “I know just the place. It’s close to Indy’s apartment. It’s Mexican fusion with some flair. I think you’ll like it.”
I snort, lifting an eyebrow at Noah. “Mexican fusion with flair? Where did my growly brother who only eats sandwiches go?”
Austin chuckles. “See what I mean?” He points to Noah. “Noah’s a who
le new man now. My cousin elevated his tastes.”
I snicker but Noah lets our ribbing roll off his back.
“I swear it’s really good. Torsten introduced me to the restaurant,” he continues, mentioning one of the defenseman on our team who is a massive foodie.
“All right, let’s try it,” I agree. I don’t really care where we go—or what we eat—as long as I can kick it with my brother and best friend and regain a little social normalcy.
When we push into the cold air, I close my eyes and breathe in. It’s sunny today but crisp and cold. The kind of cold that makes your breath escape your mouth in little white clouds but turns the sky bright blue. I stride beside Austin as Noah leads us to the cars.
Mary and Joe are already sitting inside theirs with the heat blasting. Mary waves again when she sees me and I can’t help but smile at the woman I probably love most in the world. I know I shouldn’t admit that since I have a real mom but Mary Merrick is worth ten Debra Scotch’s if you know what I’m saying.
Mary rolls down the window of her car and holds out a Starbucks cup. “Here, Easton.”
I take the cup and shake my head when I read the white sticker label. “You brought me hot chocolate?”
“It’s your favorite.” She shrugs. “With whipped cream.”
“How’d you even remember that?”
Mary grins, tipping her head toward Claire who stands next to the driver’s side window, chatting with Indy. “Claire did. She thought you’d want something warm on such a cold day. And something that would make you smile.”
I do. Smile, I mean. I raise my cup toward Mary and Joe and say, “Thank you,” even though my eyes are trained on Claire.
Something feels strange in my chest as I process that Claire did something thoughtful for me. Hell she showed up today, and I immediately pissed her off.
I take a gulp of the hot chocolate, closing my eyes as I savor the taste.
Claire’s always been extra like that. Always going out of her way to do something kind for someone—one of the guys on the team, her best friend Rielle, her cousin Indy—if she thinks they need a pick-me-up. The weird thing is, she never wants credit for it. It’s as if seeing that person smile is all the thanks she needs.
I both revel in and despise the fact that she would do something thoughtful, even if it’s small and simple, for me. Because I’ve rarely, if ever, been considerate of her.
“Okay, let’s head out. Mom and Dad, we’re going to grab a bite at that Mexican spot near Indy’s if you want to come?” Austin bumps my shoulder as he leans down to talk to his parents through the car window.
“That’s okay, guys. You go and enjoy,” I hear Joe say.
“We can set things up at home for Easton?” Mary asks, her voice softer.
“Nah, I think Noah’s got everything ready,” Austin replies. “I’m going to toss East’s bag in the other car.” He butts his fist against the roof of the car as he says goodbye to his parents.
I swallow against the tightness in my throat. I hate that so many people have gone out of their way to make my transition smoother. I hate that I am essentially a big man-child who still needs babysitting. Someone to make sure the house is emptied of liquor. Someone to make sure my room is cleaned and my bed freshly laundered. Jesus, when will I stop being such a fuckup and start manning up?
“Thanks again for coming. It means a lot.” I wave to Mary and Joe as Joe puts the car in reverse and begins to back out of the spot.
As their car pulls away, Indy smirks. “Think we can all fit in one ride?”
Austin groans as he closes the trunk of a small Honda Civic.
“Whose car is this?” I ask.
“Mine.” Indy raises her hand.
“You’re not sitting in the back.” Noah points at her.
She rolls her eyes, muttering to Claire. “You get pregnant and suddenly you’re an invalid. Can’t even sit in the back seat.”
Claire smirks. “I don’t know why you’re complaining. Now you can ride up front with me.” She takes a set of car keys from Indy’s hand and dangles them.
Austin snatches them from her grasp. “No way. The three of us won’t even fit back there.” He tosses the keys to Noah. “East and I will sit in the back. Claire’s so tiny she can fit anywhere.”
Claire’s cheeks redden and she shoots me a surreptitious glance, her eyes darting away as soon as she catches me looking at her. I take another sip of my hot chocolate before Noah swipes it from my hand and slides behind the wheel. He places the cup in a cup holder and I fight the urge to laugh. Indy sits in the passenger seat and Austin climbs into the back.
I hold the door open for Claire. “After you.” My voice is lower than it was in the rehab center, less biting.
She shoots me a look I can’t decipher over her shoulder. For a breath, it’s like she can see through me, all the way down to the dark thoughts I keep hidden. Then she sighs and slides into the car.
I get in after her and shift my weight, trying to get comfortable. Claire is completely squished between her brother and me, contorting her body to balance her weight on her hip.
Noah turns on the car and a Meghan Trainor song blares from the speakers. He chuckles, Indy sings along, and Claire grins, not even embarrassed when her brother starts making fun of her and Indy for their shitty taste in music.
“You know you secretly listen,” she tells Austin. “How else could you have gotten any dates in high school if it wasn’t for your snooping whenever Vanny and I had girl talk?”
Indy laughs and asks a question about Claire and Austin’s older sister Savannah. But I stop paying attention because Noah breaks hard at a stop sign and Claire’s body swings toward mine, her ample cleavage nearly in my face.
She flushes as she grips the back of the passenger seat, trying to steady herself. Her breathing ticks up, her chest heaving, and I can’t tear my eyes away. Shit. I force myself to glance up and her blue eyes latch onto mine, swirling and complicated. For a breath, the tension between us swells like a thundercloud and my skin tingles.
Swearing, I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her into my lap. My other hand clamps down on top of her knee to keep her steady as Noah makes a turn.
“You okay?” I murmur.
She wiggles her ass against my lap and I swallow against the swear I want to let loose. Because just feeling Claire rub up against me has my thoughts running and my body reacting. My hand grips her knee tighter and her wiggling stops. Instead, she sits ramrod straight and nods. “I’m fine.”
2
Claire
“I can’t believe you’ve never taken me here,” I scold my cousin Indy as we step into the little Mexican restaurant she frequents.
Indy shrugs. “I usually come to your house.”
“We need to change that. My parents are driving me insane.” I wrinkle my nose.
“Still no luck with the job search?” Indy asks, tipping her head in the direction of a table.
I trail her. “Nothing permanent. Still just freelancing. Although the last job I did should lead to some more work.”
“You’re an amazing graphic designer, Claire. You will find something.”
“Nothing that will let me get out from under my parents’ roof,” I mutter, instantly swelling with chagrin. It’s not that I’m not thankful to Mom and Dad, because I am. It’s just that they still treat me like I’m in high school, and after four years of being away at university, it’s been hard to fall back in line when I’d rather do my own thing.
Indy shoots me a sympathetic look as we sit down at a table in the back.
Noah passes out the menus. For a few moments, it’s silent. Stifled. Everyone studies their menu but it’s more than that. No one knows what to say, how to act, now that Easton is here, sitting with us. A lot has changed in the past ninety days. For starters, Noah hooked up with Indy and got her pregnant. Eddie Sims has taken over Easton’s position on the Boston Hawks as the starting left winger. And, I’m still livin
g at home. So I guess nothing major has happened in my life, but for some reason, things between Easton and me feel different now too.
Gone is the easygoing sibling-like teasing he used to spit my way. Instead, he glares now, calling me “kid” with an edge instead of as an endearment. We’ve barely spoken since he left rehab the first time, a year ago now, and while my torch for him continues to burn, he glowers at me like he doesn’t understand why I’m here.
I pinch the menu tighter between my fingertips, feeling my shoulders tense as I duck my head. I’ve never been shy around guys. I grew up around way too many of them as Savannah and Austin’s little sister. But Easton Scotch has always caused me to grow tongue-tied and giggly. Another thing I dislike.
“Hey guys. My name is Shell and I’ll be taking care of you today.” Our server stops at the end of the table and all eyes swing toward her. “Can I get you started with drinks?”
Austin opens his mouth and snaps it closed again. Noah and Indy exchange a look. Easton swears. “For fuck’s sake, get a beer or a margarita or whatever. I’m fine. Really.”
I sigh. “I’ll take a Diet Coke please. On the rocks, with a twist of lemon.”
Shell grins but I feel the death glare Easton pierces my cheek with. The rest of the table orders drinks and Noah tacks on a bunch of appetizers to start. As soon as Shell is out of sight, Noah sighs and leans back in his chair.
Easton glances at his brother. “You okay? Noah, I swear, I’m good.”