by Kristen Echo
“It’s Hailey. Sorry to bother you.”
“OMG, I’ve been waiting to hear your voice. You’re alive. Thank God. Where are you? The police won’t tell me anything.”
Hailey stretched her arms and winced as her shoulder popped. “I think the Remand Centre. They wouldn’t say. I’m kind of hoping you can work some magic and get me out of here. I’ve been booked. They haven’t finalized the charges, but I’d guess possession and maybe more.” Being treated like a criminal sucked, but there was no point in arguing or fighting the system. She should have left the detective work to someone with a badge.
“I’m on it. Hang tight and I’ll have you out of there faster than a Montagne slap shot.”
They exchanged more information and Caroline told her she’d spread the news that she was fine. Hailey assumed that meant calling Meagan and Sylvie, but with Caroline it could mean a media blitz. They disconnected, and Hailey was transported to a holding cell with the rest of the girls. She found Renee and breathed a sigh of relief.
The justice system was not known for being fast. Hailey waited an entire day before a guard finally came and released her. Her phone was returned but nothing else. She tried to turn it on, but it was still dead. The last text rolled through her mind. Joe. She rubbed her belly and smiled.
She opened the doors. The daylight caused her to squint as she inhaled the fresh, spring air. In the distance, a crowd waited. Lights flashed. She noticed the cameras and reporters. Beside the media, she spotted Caroline, Sylvie, Carly, Beth, Meagan and half the NHL team. Except the one man she wanted to see. She shoved the disappointment away. It wouldn’t make sense for him to be there, considering she’d pushed him away.
Her sister ran and hugged her. Hailey wrapped her arms around Meagan and searched the faces again. Her parents were nowhere to be seen. That stung, but it was half expected. Questions were yelled at her from the journalists, but she didn’t answer.
“I was beyond worried. Never do that again.” Meagan slapped her arm.
“Okay. Relax. I had everything under control.” Mostly. They didn’t need to hear all the details. “I don’t see Rich or Mellie,” she said shuffling away from the cameras and towards the cars.
“They had to work. You can come stay with us instead?” Her sister batted her lashes, trying to look extra sweet and tempting.
“I’m good there for a while, until I secure my own place. Why is everyone here?” She pointed at the large gathering of people in the parking lot and stationed on the grass.
Caroline squeezed between the sisters and hugged her. “It’s a huge story. Are you up for giving a statement?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“I promised I’d get you out of there and this is how I got them to let you out. Idiots wouldn’t listen to reason. I had to pull my hockey cards. It worked.”
Hailey scrunched her eyebrows. “What does that mean, exactly?”
Joe stepped into view. He looked amazing, like a strong shot of whiskey after a hard day. “I’ve got great lawyers. On top of that, they didn’t want to hold the girlfriend of an NHL player right before the start of round two without cause.” His eyes crinkled around the edges as he closed the distance and pulled her into his arms.
She didn’t protest. It felt too good. His warmth spread over her as she rested her head against his heart. The steady beat relaxed her, helping the last of the adrenaline dissipate. He tilted her chin towards him and their eyes met. His mouth claimed hers with a fierceness that took her breath away.
“Wh… what are you doing? I’m not your girlfriend.” That word shocked her and thrilled her.
“Do you always have to do things the hard way?”
She laughed. “Nothing’s easy.”
His body rumbled as he laughed. “What am I going to do with you, Hailey?”
She pushed her hands against his hard chest. “What do you want to do?” A lump formed in her throat. She knew what she wanted, but was it too late? She stared into his eyes, and he severed contact.
Silence hung in the air for a minute while Joe looked down at his shoes. He said nothing. Provided no answer. She refused to admit she wanted that title. That when he’d said it her heart skipped a beat. But it was all for show. The kiss meant nothing. He didn’t want a girlfriend, and she wasn’t about to beg for the role.
Sylvie and the girls pushed him aside, taking their turns hugging her. She’d only met a few of them once, but they showered her with affection. Her body stiffened as they bombarded her with hugs. She smiled but wanted to get away.
“It’s been a long couple of days and I’m exhausted. Thank you all for coming. Your support means a lot. As nice as it is to be outside, I’d love to get the hell out of here.”
Everyone laughed. More questions were directed at her from the media, but she turned away. “No comments,” Joe said as he placed his hand on the small of her back.
She melted into his touch and let him lead her away. Her sister walked on her other side holding Cameron’s hand. She noticed Joe’s car parked in the far corner while Cameron’s SUV was right there. She stopped. “Can you take me to Mellie’s?” She whispered to her sister.
“Unless you have a key, we can’t get in. Are you hungry? We were thinking of heading over to the diner where Carly works for a bite to eat. After that I bet she’ll be home from work,” Meagan said as she opened the passenger door.
“Whatever, just get me away from here.” Hailey slid into the backseat. She closed her eyes and shut the door. The cameras and questions she could handle. Being next to Joe was too much. She couldn’t catch her breath. She rubbed her eyes and sank into the seat.
Meagan and Cam talked about April and her new obsession with monster trucks. It felt good to hear their stories. They didn’t talk about the case or what came next. She’d have plenty of that coming her way as the trials started. They arrived at the fifties style diner before the rest of the crew. Hailey took a seat and watched a waitress several months pregnant approach.
Her blond hair was thick and glossy, her skin was glowing, and her baby bump made Hailey want to cry. How could she have a baby with a player who wouldn’t even look at her? Joe couldn’t even say the word girlfriend more than once without looking like he wanted to hurt someone. She rubbed her stomach and ordered water with lemon.
The group piled into several booths and ordered an abundance of food. She’d hoped Joe wouldn’t come, but he did. To add to her unease, he sat diagonally across from her. She avoided looking directly at him and joked around with the girls. It was the first big meal she’d had in weeks. Besides the grump in the corner, she enjoyed herself.
“Bring everyone a slice of chocolate pie. Then take a load off and join us.” Carly said placing a hand on her friend’s stomach and rubbing her rounded belly. “Dotty makes the best in the entire world little baby. You and I will share many when you come out.”
Miranda swatted Carly’s hand away. “Do not get my child hooked on chocolate. Chuck’s sweet tooth is bad enough. If my husband orders any more pies, we’ll go broke.”
“Whatever. I’ll get Sylvie’s baby hooked then. Right, baby Thomas?” She made a cooing sound towards Sylvie’s growing baby bump.
Martin placed his hands over his wife’s stomach. “Don’t listen to the crazy lady. Eat your vegetables and get big and strong.”
All the baby talk hit her like a ton of bricks. She would have to do all it alone. Her eyes glanced at Joe as he shimmied out of the booth. He hadn’t said more than two words through the meal.
“Soon, you’ll all be talking about diapers. What the hell happened to you guys?” Joe smiled and tossed his napkin at Martin before walking away from the table.
She pushed her plate away and her stomach flipped. “Excuse me. I need to use the washroom.” It felt like her meal was hovering in her throat. She rushed to the washroom in time for it to make a reappearance. She made a mental note not to eat large meals. After a few minutes, she rinsed her mouth, washed her
face and pinched her cheeks to bring color to her face.
When she stepped out of the washroom, Joe was leaning against the wall talking on his phone. “Not tonight. Another time, baby.” He saw her and turned. “We’ll talk soon.”
She rolled her eyes and tried to step past him, but he blocked her path. “Move.” A combination of fury, lust and jealousy coursed through her veins.
He slipped his phone in his pocket. “I’ll get out of your way, but you’re riding back to the city with me. Don’t argue.”
“I have a ride,” she spat back.
“They just left. April wanted your sister to take her to the park before bed. You’re stuck with me, baby. You and your attitude will have to deal with it. Ride with me.” His hand reached out to touch her, and she shrunk away.
“Me and my attitude,” she harrumphed, staring at his mouth. “I’ll get a ride from someone else.”
The conversation took on a meaning he probably hadn’t intended. All she could think about was sex. Each time he said ride, she envisioned herself sliding up and down his cock. She blamed the pregnancy for making her hormones loopy. Dammit. What the hell was wrong with her?
“You’ll ride with me. End of story.” He moved towards her, caging her against the wall. “It’s only one ride.”
He wasn’t her future; he’d made that clear. Joe couldn’t be the man for her, but his words aroused her, charging over her like an avalanche. She gripped his shirt and pulled him towards her, mashing their mouths together. She pushed against him, moving him backwards into the ladies room.
They stopped moving when his back hit the Formica countertop. Her hands opened his pants and gripped his erection. Joe was always ready to go. She stroked him as he pulled down her pants and panties. He lifted her onto the counter and slammed into her.
Quick, dirty and angry sex.
There was nothing loving about the way they attacked each other. Vicious and demanding. She refused to let go of his mouth and he punished her pussy with long hard strokes. She came so hard she nearly broke the countertop. He followed right after, flooding her womb with his seed.
He smiled at her. After the volatile sex they’d had, the man smiled. She had no words. No idea what to do after something like that. Hailey threw her hands in the air and buried her face in them.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“H ailey, talk to me,” Joe wrapped her in his arms, hugging her to his chest.
She kept her hands over her face and sobbed. Not a few minor whimpers; she released a mad, ugly cry. Her body shook as her eyes and nose leaked. She followed the raunchiest sex with the most vulnerable moment of her life. Hailey was a total mess.
“Go,” she sniffled and wiped the tears.
“Don’t tell me to leave because I’m not going anywhere.” He hugged her tighter. “Get used to it.”
He wasn’t making any sense, but then neither was she. One second, she couldn’t get away from him fast enough and then she’d kissed him. Talk about mixed signals. That was the problem. She wanted him, but they were like a fire with gasoline and kerosene mingled together, burning too hot. One accelerant was enough. Two was overkill.
“We’re not having another heart to heart. It didn’t go well for us last time.” She tried to turn away from him, but he refused to give her an inch.
The door opened. They were still bare from the waist down. She heard a sharp intake of air as she dropped her forehead to his chest. “Sorry. I’ll come back,” the woman said. The voice was soft and sweet. Hailey suspected it was Beth and hoped she wasn’t right. A stranger would be less embarrassing. Beth and Carly were roommates, which would mean it was only a matter of time before everyone knew she’d become another notch on Larson’s bedpost.
Joe huffed and ran his fingers through her hair. “Somewhere, somehow I fucked up. Only I didn’t do jack shit to deserve your cold shoulder. I’m not a patient guy, but I’m trying. Work with me, Hailey.”
“To do what?” She finally managed to wriggle free. She bent over, stepped back into her panties and jeans, and pulled them up. As she stood, her arm grazed his penis and a drop of fluid landed on her arm. “What do you want from me?” she yelled, smearing the reminder away.
He grabbed her forearms, forcing her to face him. “You. Dammit. I’ve wanted you since the second I saw you. Every time I’m with you, I want more. You have a strength and fiery spirit that draws me in.”
Part of her heart swelled at his openness, but the other half read between the lines. She shouldn’t confuse attraction for affection. “You want everyone, Joe.” She pushed against his chest. It was like trying to move a boulder with a toy shovel. “Save your pick-up lines and pull up your pants before someone else walks in.”
He released her. “I don’t care who sees us together,” he said, bending over and lifting his pants. “You’re wrong about me. I’m not sure what I have to do to convince you because I’m running out of ideas.”
Hailey walked over to the sink and washed her face. Her skin was blotchy from crying. Joe handed her a paper towel, and she wiped away the excess water. She closed her eyes and shook her head. When she glanced forward, his reflection filled the mirror. His eyes stared at her expectantly.
She leaned against the counter, gripping the edge and wishing she could wipe away the scene in front of her and the ones leading up to it. “If you’re driving me, can we go? I’m exhausted.”
He opened the door, and she stepped out. His hand moved to the small of her back. The commanding touch meant nothing she reminded herself. Joe lead them past the group of hockey players and their partners without stopping. Hailey waved. Benny and Beth did the same, and she noticed the smirk tugging against his lips and the blush on her cheeks.
“I’ll pay and then we can leave.” He directed her towards the cash register.
Miranda greeted them with a warm smile. “Don’t cry, sweetie. The papers don’t always get it right. This will pass,” she said, reaching over and patting her hand.
“What are you talking about?” Hailey straightened as Joe’s fingers dug into her back.
“Oh, I figured someone had shown you an article or two by now.” Miranda reached under the counter and pulled out a newspaper. “For the record, Joe, I don’t believe a word of it.”
Front page was a picture of Joe, Hailey and Renee from weeks earlier. The night he brought them back to his place. Joe snatched the paper and crumpled it before she could read it. “Vultures. They’re chasing a story that doesn’t exist instead of printing facts. I’m not worried,” he said, dropping a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. “Keep the change, Miranda.”
Her smile widened. “Thanks. You two enjoy the rest of your evening.” She winked and added the cash to the till.
Hailey ripped the paper from Joe’s hand and her mouth fell open. They claimed Joe was involved with the shady activities going on at the farm. His NHL money funded the operation, ripping teens from their homes to fill the city streets with narcotics. It was craziness. They called him a deviant who had sex with minors and prostitutes.
“Joe.” Hailey covered her mouth as she continued to read the lies. The article mentioned evidence of his strange behavior, roaming the streets after dark looking for young women to pray upon. The reporter had been following him for weeks citing frequent trips outside the city and holding the women in the picture hostage in his condo before bringing them to the farm. Her hands vibrated with rage.
“Put it down,” he said through clenched teeth. His lips thinned as he tugged on the paper.
“Why would they print these lies?” Hailey gave him the paper, and he set it on the counter.
He scurried her out of the diner and into his car without answering. Only after they were buckled in and sailing down the highway did he open his mouth. “Let it go. Did you like the diner? That’s where I wanted to take you on our first date. Do you remember when I picked you up at your parent’s place?”
Hailey angled her body towards him. “I remember that day
, but we didn’t go on a date. We’ve never been on a date.”
“Whose fault is that?” He smirked.
“Joe,” she said, placing her hand on his lap. “Tell me about that article. How can you sit there so calm? I’m boiling over with anger right now. I’d like to find that reporter and rip him to shreds.” Her fists clenched, bunching his jeans in her hand.
“It will blow over. My lawyers and PR team are working on it. There’s no sense in getting all worked up about it. I won’t let it deter my focus from what’s important.”
“They called me a whore and mentioned you might not play in the next game. The NHL is looking into things. What the fuck!” Hailey threw her hands in the air. At least this explained his brooding at the diner.
“I’m playing. They can print whatever bullshit they want. I will be dressed and on the ice for the next game.” His knuckles turned white as he gripped on the stirring wheel.
She stared at him, watching his jaw flex and his Adams apple bob. Stress seeped from his pores even if he wouldn’t admit it. She’d caused it. If they’d never met, he’d be humming a happy tune, not fighting to save his hockey career. She sunk back into her seat and looked away. It hurt to see the pain she’d caused.
“I get why you called me your girlfriend for the cameras now. I’m not an unnamed prostitute if I’m your partner. It doesn’t look as bad for you though it still doesn’t explain Renee. Did your PR rep tell you to say that?” She kept her eyes on the dotted lines as they rolled down the road.
His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her face towards him. “My PR team told me to stay away from you, but here I am. I said that because it’s what I want.”
Her eyes searched his and within the darkness she found truth. “Then why didn’t you tell me when I asked you what you wanted? You looked pained and ready to break something.”
Joe exhaled and released her chin. “I’ll be honest with you. This is new territory for me. A guy can only take so much rejection before he should admit defeat, but I’m not a quitter. You spook so damn easily, I thought if I told you I wanted you, you’d run. You have a tendency of doing that.”