Empty Net

by Toni Aleo

  Looking deep in her eyes, she shrugged her shoulders, “It’s a long story.”

  “And I have all night. I want to know.”

  Audrey nodded, removing her hands from his neck to place in her lap, where she twirled a ring around her finger. “It’s basically the same story of Fallon and Lucas, minus keeping the baby and living Happily Ever After.”

  “Huh?”

  Audrey looked up, “Oh, Lucas never told you about him and Fallon?”

  Tate shook his head, “Parts.”

  “Oh, well here is my version,” she said taking in a deep breath, “I was twenty when it happened. I was messing around with this guy, Derek Rambles, he was tattooed up, spikes through his lips, total hottie and my dad hated him,” she said with a shake of her head, “We’ll we were careless and the next thing I know, I’m pregnant.”

  “But I thought you couldn’t have kids?” Tate asked confused.

  “Oh, I could have, but after Derek left me and my dad caught wind of it, he demanded that I get an abortion or he would take everything away from me. I was scared and young, so I went along with it.”

  Tate’s brow came together, he didn’t understand. How could a man do that to his daughter? “That’s insane.”

  “Yeah, well, I had to go to Kentucky to get the abortion because my dad didn’t want anyone in Tennessee to hear about it. So after a long, horrible, painful trip, I came home and a couple days later, I was in horrible pain. Apparently the doctor at the clinic had no clue what he was doing. It was his first day or week or something, I don’t remember, but I got a really horrible infection and they said I can’t produce eggs. My tubes are blocked and all this other crap I don’t remember. I don’t like to think about it, but I do all the time because all I want to do is hold a baby of my own.”

  Tate took her hands in his. He didn’t understand a lot of what she said, but he could see the pain on her face. He hated that and wished he could make it better. “So there is no fixing it?”

  Audrey shook her head, “No, I’m one of the 2.1% that this can happen to. It drives me insane because if I could have been strong like Fallon was when she came home pregnant, I wouldn’t be having this problem. I would be raising a child on my own, because Derek was an idiot but I would have a baby, and the option to have more, you know.”

  Tate nodded as she went on, “But now, I’m this woman who has spent the last eight years feeling like I am not a real woman because I can’t give a man a child. It’s hard, and I still haven’t coped with it. That’s why I’ve always dated assholes because they don’t want kids, they just want to have someone to fuck, and I was that girl-”

  “But not anymore,” Tate said interrupting her. He didn’t want her to feel like that, ever again. He wanted her to feel good about herself. Love who he knew was an amazing woman. “You will never feel like less than the gorgeous sexy woman you are while we are together. I like you the way you are, love, and that will never change.”

  “I want to believe you so bad, but I’m so scared.”

  Tate nodded, leaning towards her to dust her jaw with kisses. When he reached her mouth, he whispered against it, “Don’t be scared. Everything is going to be fine.”

  “I hope so,” she whispered, “Thank you for listening, I actually feel so much better telling someone.”

  Tate nodded, his eyes drifting shut as he said, “I’ll always be here to listen.”

  Moving his lips against hers, he deepened the kiss, holding her face in his hands as he held her close. He hoped that he was there for her, that he was supportive but he didn’t understand it all. That would change though, he planned on doing research and finding out if there was a way to help her, because if he could give her the world, he would.

  Parting, Audrey looked up at him through heavy lidded eyes, “Do I get kisses like that all the time when I’m your woman?”

  “All the time, even when you don’t want them.”

  Audrey smiled, “Then hell, where do I sign up?”

  Chapter 18

  A week later, Tate sat outside the office of Eleanor Adler.

  His palms were sweating.

  His heart was racing.

  And he was pretty sure he was about to have an anxiety attack.

  Beside him sat his agent, Koey Lefeber. Koey had been with Tate for the last 9 months. He was a good guy, honest, to the point, and knew how to get his players what they needed or wanted. He was on the small side for a guy, Tate thought, he only came up to Tate’s elbow but Tate would admit he was a good looking guy. With short blonde hair, blue eyes, and a killer suit, the guy knew how to work the ladies along with the guys.

  “You’re nervous, I see,” Koey observed as Tate checked his phone for what seemed like the 100 time. For what, he didn’t know.

  Tate nodded, “Yup.”

  “It’s going to be fine. They aren’t going to let you go, they need you. You won them the cup, and you have the makings to do it again, so stop worrying.”

  It wasn’t that easy though. The dream team goalies from last year, Jordan Ryan and Matthew Haksson, were back. Both were healthy and ready to play. Jordan Ryan had been backing Tate up, not that he needed him, but he was there and Matthew was right behind Jordan. So what kept Tate there? He was young, he wasn’t as experienced as the older guys, and he didn’t have the connections.

  He was just some kid from Sweden who could keep the puck out the net.

  Taking a deep breath, and holding it, Tate closed his eyes as he leaned his head against the wall of Elli’s office. He was on a streak and that was great, but was it enough? Nine shut-out games. Over 270 shots on goal, and not one puck got past Tate. They were great numbers, but would they impress Elli?

  When his phone signaled a text message, he let out the breath he was holding and looked down at the display.

  Elli isn’t dumb, you’re the best, and she only wants the best for her team. So stop freaking out and be the confident, cocky guy I know. The one who I can’t wait to see and celebrate with. I’m not going to tell you what flavor the cupcakes are, but there’s a platter of them waiting for you. Good luck, not that you need it.

  Tate’s face broke into a huge grin as he re-read the text message from Audrey.

  His Audrey.

  Tate couldn’t believe how happy she made him. He couldn’t describe the feeling that she gave him. It was intense and made him feel that nothing in the world could touch him or bring him down. When she went back home from California, he honestly felt like she was taking a part of him with her. Tate didn’t know what that part was or why he even thought that, but for the past year, he had felt so empty, felt like he was going through the motions of life without really living. But from day one after meeting Audrey, he felt that he had lived more than he had his whole life.

  I really needed that, thank you. I can’t wait to see you, and your cupcakes.

  He couldn’t help but laugh out loud when her text came back, despite the looks from Koey.

  I’m not really sure if you are talking about my cupcakes in a dirty sense or not.

  Tate bit his lip, his body becoming hotter by the second as he typed back quickly.

  It would have been dirty if I asked to eat them off you. Jeez, get your mind out the gutter.

  After reading her next text, he was left hiding a hard on.

  So asking if you want to would be totally inappropriate, huh?

  Tate internally groaned as he typed her back.

  You are asking for it.

  Asking for what?

  You’ll see when I get home, love. It’s been a long week without you.

  And it had been. Exiting the team plane, he had come straight to Elli’s office for their meeting, which meant he hadn’t seen Audrey in person, touched her face, or felt her lips in six days. Their nightly chat on Skype wasn’t enough. He missed her. Bad. It was fun getting to know her and watching their shows over the computer together. But he’d much rather have her in his arms. When her text came back, he smiled a
s he read it slowly.

  Seriously, I. Can. Not. Wait.

  Just as he was about to text back that he couldn’t wait either, the office door opened and Elli came out with a grin on her face. Tate didn’t know why he always felt impending doom when he had to meet with his boss but he did. He admired her, thought she was gorgeous but she scared the shit out of him. He felt as if Shea Adler was going to appear suddenly and gauge out Tate’s eyes with the butt of his hockey stick every time Elli was around. It was a scary thought, so most of the time because Elli was so beautiful, Tate looked at the ground.

  “Janet, hold my calls, please,” Elli said to her assistant before she grinned over at Tate and Koey. “Gentlemen, please come on in.”

  Both men nodded, and followed her, taking their respective spots in front of her desk. Even though Audrey had calmed most of Tate’s nerves, he was still sweating like he was in the middle of game seven with a minute left on the clock and the other team had the extra man advantage. He hadn’t been this nervous since he had his first meeting with Elli nine months ago, but that had gone well, so hopefully this would too.

  “Mr. Odder I want to congratulate you on your streak. Very impressive, my uncle and I are thrilled with your performance.”

  Tate smiled as he nodded, “Thank you.”

  “Alright, so we won’t keep you long, Mrs. Adler,” Koey started, handing her a file, “we have four different offers right now. Detroit is offering a salary of eight million a year for five years.”

  They are?

  Tate had no clue of this, but man, that sounded nice. The only problem was Detroit didn’t have Audrey, but maybe she would go? She could leave here, leave her dad and maybe open her cupcake place in Detroit. It was a thought, but he hadn’t been able to talk to her about it. He couldn’t make that decision without asking her. They had just started. There was no way he could leave.

  Looking up, Tate saw Elli giving Koey a very evil looking grin. Tate had noticed that the two had never really gotten along. From what Erik had told him, Koey tried flirting with Elli at first and when she shot him down, he tried to low ball her. Since then she hadn’t been the easiest to work with. Erik was considering going with different representation because of it and with the way Elli was looking at Koey now, so was Tate.

  “Now, now, Mr. Lefeber, you’ve been dealing with me for the past year and I think you know by now that I don’t take kindly to being pressured when we have at least four months before Mr. Odder becomes a free agent. Detroit, California, Florida, and even New York will have to wait, or we can do this now, and go into the New Year with our heads on straight, ready to win another cup. Totally up to you.”

  Koey’s eyes narrowed before he nodded, “I see you’ve been on the phone?”

  Elli nodded, the same grin on her face, “Yes sir and I’m not the least bit worried, for you see, I have a very promising deal here, that my uncle and I feel will be perfect for Mr. Odder.”

  Tate looked back at Koey to see him reaching for the file he had given Elli at the beginning, before taking another one. Opening it, Koey nodded before meeting eyes with Tate, “Seven million a year for seven years.”

  Confused and shocked, Tate quickly looked up at Elli, “You want me for seven years?”

  Elli nodded, her eyes full of compassion as she said, “I would have offered more if my uncle would have let me. You know you’re not only the best goalie in the league, but you are also part of my family. I know that you put your heart out there for our team every game, and I don’t want anyone but you in my goal.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Adler. I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else but you,” Tate said from the heart even with Koey shaking his head beside him. Tate didn’t care though. He had felt like a part of the Assassin family since he arrived. He enjoyed being on the team. He loved the guys like brothers. Elli was a great owner, and even though Coach Baxter scared the crap out of Tate, he was a great coach. But most of all, Nashville had Audrey Parker and that alone was enough to keep him there.

  Elli flashed him one more winning smile before glancing back at Koey. Tate could tell she was back to business and with a raised brow, she asked, “So now, Mr. Lefeber, is my deal enough?”

  Sounding defeated, Koey nodded as he said, “It is.”

  After signing the proper paperwork, Tate left Elli’s office feeling like he was on top of the world. Shaking hands with Koey, he parted ways and brought out his phone. There was one person who he had to tell and within seconds, her voice filled his ear.

  “Tell me that my boyfriend just signed an amazing deal and he is making billions while never leaving me?”

  Tate chuckled, “Seven million a year for seven years.”

  “Yehaw! Get it, babe! That’s awesome, I’m so proud of you!” Audrey gushed.

  Tate smiled, leaning against the wall by the elevator, “Thank you, I am really excited.”

  “You should be! When are you coming home? I think this calls for a kiss!” she giggled.

  “I was thinking of more than a kiss, love.”

  “Mmm,” she cooed in the phone, “please describe what it calls for, in detail.”

  Tate chuckled, shaking his head, “You are going to kill me, you know?”

  “Why’s that?” she asked innocently. Even though she wasn’t in front of him, he could see her twirling a piece of her hair around her finger, with her eyes wide while biting on her bottom lip. She drove him mad and he couldn’t wait to see her.

  “You know why,” he said just as the other Parker sister came into view, “but that doesn’t mean I won’t show you when I get there. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Fine, rush me off the phone!” she teased.

  Shaking his head, he said, “Bye, love.”

  “Bye,” she sang as he hung up the phone.

  When Fallon looked to see Tate, her face brightened as made her way towards him, “Well, isn’t this a nice surprise.”

  “It is,” Tate agreed, hugging Fallon tightly. “Is there a time when you are not gorgeous?”

  It had to run in the family because both the Parker sisters were simply breathtaking. Fallon wore a black power suit with killer red high heels. Her hair was in curls framing her face while her makeup was done softly, bringing out her lips and eyes. Even though she was gorgeous and Lucas would probably murder Tate if he wanted Fallon, Tate wanted no one but Audrey.

  With a grin, Fallon’s cheeks warmed, “Oh hush, you’re making me blush!” she giggled, “How are you?”

  “Good,” Tate nodded, “Yourself?”

  “Just fine, thank you,” she said, “I see you are killing in net. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thank you,” Tate said shyly.

  “I’m upset with you though.”

  “You are?” Tate asked confused.

  “Sure am, I haven’t seen you for dinner in weeks. You owe me, Mr. Odder. Even Aiden misses you.”

  Tate smiled, “Do you put that guilt trip on your husband?”

  Fallon laughed, “Actually I do. He promised me a dinner when y’all get back, can you promise me too?”

  “Sure,” Tate nodded.

  “Fantastic, I’ll make something yummy.”

  “Sounds good. Can I bring a date?”

  Fallon’s expression showed surprise, “I didn’t know you were dating anyone. Of course you can, who is she?”

  He was surprised Audrey hadn’t told her. Smiling Tate said, “It’s a surprise, but she is gorgeous, amazing and I know for a fact that you will love her.”

  Fallon returned his grin, her eyes bright with excitement, “I’m excited to meet her.”

  Tate nodded, moving to hug her tightly, “You should be,” he said as he let her go and started to walk away.

  “Off to go see her?” Fallon asked.

  Tate looked over his shoulder, “Yup and I can’t wait.”

  ***

  Audrey had been so excited to see Tate, it had been a long week without him, but when Piper called the only thing Audrey cou
ld do was worry about her. Piper hadn’t ever been upset when she’d called Audrey before, and it worried Audrey to the core.

  “Hey you, I’ve been trying to call you all week!” Audrey scolded.

  “I know, and I’m sorry, but I need you,” Piper said. She sounded distraught, and it scared Audrey because Piper was always calm, cool, and collected.

  “Where?”

  “Reese’s studio, Allison has dance.”

  “Harper still isn’t feeling well?”

  “Not really.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there in a few.”

  Audrey rushed out the house and into her car, driving north to reach Reese’s studio. After pulling in beside Piper’s car, Audrey got out and sent a quick text to Tate that she would be back at the house in a few. He answered back that he was going to take a shower and that he couldn’t wait to see her. With a grin, Audrey felt like her heart was going to explode. It was crazy how much Tate meant to her in such a short amount of time. He was funny, sweet, and everything Audrey could want in a man. She had wanted a person who would make her forget her past and, boy, had she found him. Even with spontaneous texts from Levi, Audrey could only think of one person and that was Tate.

  For once, Audrey was beyond happy.

  Walking up to the door of Reese Allen’s Dance Studio, Audrey pulled the door open and entered the modern looking studio. Everything was yellow, and almost blinding, but it worked. With the black vintage accents and awesome lighting, Reese had put together one hell of a studio. From what Piper had told Audrey, Reese was already surpassing a lot of the already established studios in Nashville. She had brought a lot of business from New York, and from all around the world. It was crazy because Audrey thought Reese was a bitch and had no clue why anyone would want to take dance from her.

  Audrey went to the front desk and after finding out where Allison’s dance room was, she made her way over there. Along the way, Audrey took in the décor. The walls were filled with pictures of Reese, in costume, dancing various rolls she had performed. Audrey always wondered why Reese decided to open a studio instead of staying with the dance company she was in, in New York. She was obviously good; maybe something had happened to bring her home.