Las Vegas Sidewinders: Jared

by Kat Mizera

  “He’s incredible,” Jared told Cody as they ended the game and headed to the locker room to shower and change. “You must be so proud.”

  “Yeah, he’s a great kid, both on and off the ice.” Cody grinned from ear to ear. “Brad’s going to be in charge of hockey this season, taking him to games and practices when I can’t.”

  “Brad is proud as hell.” Jared had known Brad for a long time and had known his son, Brian, before he’d been killed. Brian was CJ’s biological father though he’d never known Suze was pregnant. Seeing Cody embrace the boy as if he were his own gave him hope for himself and Braden, because their bonding process seemed slow.

  “I hate missing so many of his games,” Cody admitted, “but I’m thinking by the time he’s fifteen or so, I’ll be retired and will be able to follow him around like the helicopter dad from hell.”

  They laughed together.

  “I’m dying to teach JJ how to skate,” Jamie said, falling in beside them, referring to his two-year-old son. “But Emilie says I have to wait until he’s three.”

  “What about Simone?” Cody asked, referring to Viggo’s four-year-old daughter.

  “Skates circles around both Viggo and me every time we take her on the ice. I think she’s leaning towards figure skating, though. She really likes all the pretty outfits and stuff.”

  They talked kids and skating and the upcoming season as they all changed, showered and got dressed. Jared had arranged for lunch to be brought in and they sat around a table in one of the large conference rooms in the executive offices for over an hour.

  “So, Jared, you single again?” Tore Brekken asked him as lunch wound down. “’Cause social media is already on fire with the ladies wanting to know.”

  Jared froze. He’d been so busy with the new house, getting Braden settled and preparing for training camp, he hadn’t been on social media in weeks.

  “I thought you were dating Renee?” Toli asked, frowning.

  “We were,” Jared answered casually. “But—”

  “She’s gonna be my new mom!” Braden interjected, bobbing his head happily. “She’s awesome. So Dad doesn’t need a girlfriend.”

  Jared grimaced but gave a warning look to the guys around the table. “Buddy, we talked about this. Renee and I are super busy, so we haven’t seen each other in a few weeks.”

  “But you’re going to, right?” Braden looked up at him hopefully.

  “We’ll talk about it later, okay?” He got to his feet. “Now we have to get ready to go.”

  “Come on, Braden, I’ll race you to the parking lot!” CJ took off with Braden behind him and Jared let out a breath.

  “You owe my kid a big one,” Cody chuckled as they followed them, albeit much more slowly.

  “Totally dodged a bullet,” Jared agreed.

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work out with Renee. She’s a great lady. I thought you two would be good together.”

  “I did too.” Jared didn’t say anything else. He didn’t know Cody that well and though they’d gotten friendly, he was essentially Cody’s boss and this wasn’t the kind of thing he was comfortable talking about. Too bad the whole team would most likely be talking about it for days.

  Renee was packing for a weekend trip to a book signing when Daisy flounced into her bedroom, rolling her eyes.

  “Ben is coming to town next week and says he wants to see me. I told him I wasn’t interested, but he’s texted me six hundred times.”

  “Tell him you’re going to block him if he doesn’t stop.”

  “I already did. And then I blocked him.” She flopped onto her back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. “And Zio said we need to take a little break, at least until I get back to school, so we can talk in person. He’s dumping me, isn’t he?”

  “I don’t know,” Renee said, closing her suitcase. “But you hurt him terribly by shutting him out when you thought you were pregnant. You didn’t handle things well at all, honey, so most likely you’re going to have to win back his trust.”

  “Why are relationships so hard?” she moaned.

  “I wish I knew.”

  Daisy flipped onto her side and eyed her mother. “You haven’t been sleeping again.”

  “This is nothing new.”

  “You slept when Jared was here.”

  “What’s your point?” Renee didn’t want to talk about it, but Daisy appeared to have an agenda.

  “I feel like it’s my fault. You two were fine until that whole thing happened with me and Zio.”

  “No, we weren’t fine. I was struggling and he was struggling, but neither one of us wanted to admit it.”

  “Mom, it’s kind of time to let go of Dad.”

  Renee’s head snapped up and she eyed her daughter warily. “What does that mean?”

  “I think you’re afraid to move on because it’ll mean he’s really dead.”

  “He’s been dead a long time, Daisy. Almost sixteen years. And his ashes are on the mantel. I’m pretty sure I believe he’s dead.”

  “Then why aren’t you willing to fall in love again? If I was older and stuff, I’d totally go out with Jared.”

  Renee raised her eyebrows. “Seriously?”

  “You know what I mean! He’s wayyyy too old for me, but he’s good-looking, has a real job making serious money, is sweet whenever I see you two together, and you said he was good in bed.”

  “He’s all of those things but… How would you feel about having a nine-year-old little brother?”

  Daisy cocked her head. “It would be fine. I mean, I’m pretty much out of the house now, but I wouldn’t mind having him around when I come home.”

  “You wouldn’t?” Renee had assumed Daisy would hate the idea of a new little brother.

  “Why would I? He’s cute, despite being kind of loud, but he’ll grow up. And again, I live in Switzerland nine months of the year.”

  “Yeah, exactly. While I would be here, with him underfoot all day.”

  “He has a nanny, Mom. And a dad. And he goes to school all day. You’re not going to be a starving single mom working two jobs and going to school, you know? I don’t get you. You’re sabotaging something really awesome and so far, you haven’t given me a single valid reason why. Unless there was something bad between you and Jared that you haven’t told me, like he’s verbally abusive or something.”

  “Oh, hell no.” Renee shook her head. “He’d have been gone immediately. I’m way too old and independent to put up with abuse of any kind. It’s just…hard.”

  “Why? Is it really about Braden or is it about fear of commitment, letting go of Dad, being stuck in your routine? Talk to me, Mom. I can see how much you miss him.”

  “I do. I just…” She gave a little shrug. “When things got hard, he kind of walked away instead of trying to work it out.”

  “And you let him.”

  “I did.”

  “That’s the thing—why?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I think you need to think about all that while you’re at the signing this weekend.”

  “You sure you don’t want to come with me?”

  Daisy shook her head. “Honestly, I haven’t seen any of my friends since I’ve been home so they’re coming over for pizza and girl talk Saturday. And I’m going shopping with Chelsea on Sunday ’cause she needs a new bathing suit and I just want to do something normal. It feels like the whole summer was about Zio and then the pregnancy drama.”

  “I’m glad you made plans with your friends.” Renee kissed the top of her head. “And I promise to think some more about Jared while I’m away. Do you need money?”

  Daisy laughed. “Mom, I’m a teenager and I’m going shopping.”

  “You haven’t spent anything at all this summer so go ahead and use your emergency credit card. I trust you not to be stupid or this will be the last time that happens.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you too.” Renee watched her go thoughtfully. Wh
en had the child become the adult?

  36

  Her weekend signing event in San Francisco was exhausting, especially since she only slept a total of three hours over two nights. She saw friends, spent time with readers and other authors, and had a good time, but it wasn’t the same. In the past, she’d gone out drinking, dancing and partying with the others, yet somehow that didn’t seem nearly as much fun anymore. She’d been single for so long, it wasn’t novel anymore, and after spending the summer living and sleeping with someone like Jared, other men seemed to pale in comparison now.

  “You weren’t yourself this weekend.” Her friend Tiffani Lynn was a fellow romance author and she glanced over at her as they walked through the airport towards separate gates. “Are you okay?”

  “Just a lot going on at home,” Renee admitted, smiling at her. “I hope I wasn’t too much of a dud at the party last night.”

  “Nah, it’s always fun when we hang out.” Tiffani hugged her. “This is my gate, but text me and let me know you got home okay.”

  “Will do! Fly safe.” Renee continued on to her gate and settled into a chair to wait. She missed Jared so much it hurt, and instead of getting easier, it was getting harder. She desperately needed someone to talk to, but it felt like her entire world was biased. Everyone wanted her to be with Jared, but she wasn’t sure what he wanted. The rational thing to do was to call him, of course, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to take that leap.

  Impulsively, she texted him.

  Hey, how are you?

  There was no answer right away so she stuffed her phone back in her purse and pulled out her laptop. She had an hour to work and that would be far more productive than agonizing over a man.

  Sitting at a bar watching the Cowboys play the Giants on twelve different TVs, Jared had sucked down a couple of beers with Jamie, Viggo, and Zakk. Jared had always loved football and was glad to have found locals who loved it too, so it was a nice afternoon watching the game, eating wings and drinking beer. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d hung out with guys his own age for purely social purposes. He’d had a moment of guilt that he wasn’t spending the day with Braden but Dot had told him to go, that he would be a better father if he had a little downtime that wasn’t work.

  “You’re a million miles away,” Jamie said to him during half-time. “How’s Braden?”

  “He’s good. He and Dot, the nanny, are in the pool today.”

  “You need to get him on the ice soon.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to put him in the Sidewinders’ learn to skate program so he’s with other kids. As much as I’d love to teach him myself, it’ll be next summer before I have time for that and I think he’ll have more fun with other kids anyway.”

  “Probably.” Jamie took a pull from his beer. “So anything else on your mind?”

  Jared raised his eyebrows. “Like what?”

  “Dude, you’re distracted as fuck. You don’t want to talk about it, it’s cool, but we’re going to be spending a lot of time together over the next nine months and if there’s something going on, it might feel good to get it off your chest.”

  “There’s this woman, she doesn’t want to be the mom of a nine-year-old, so it’s not working out. End of story.”

  “You’re talking about Renee?”

  “Yup.” Jared drank deeply. When his phone buzzed, he was surprised to see Daisy’s name pop up on the screen.

  Can you call me? I might be in some trouble and Mom’s out of town.

  He frowned. “Hang on, something’s come up.” He got up and walked outside where it wasn’t as loud, calling Daisy back. “Hey, kiddo, what’s wrong?”

  “Jared!” Daisy sounded breathless. “Thank you for calling back.”

  “Sure. What’s going on?”

  “My ex is kind of a jerk and started texting me, saying he’s coming to town and wants to see him. I’m over him, so I told him to stop and finally blocked him, but one of my friends from high school just called and said she saw him at a party last night and he told everyone he was going to camp out at my house until I agreed to get back together. I don’t want to be here alone if he comes over. I’m really sorry to bother you, but Mom’s not back from San Francisco yet, and he makes me kind of nervous.”

  “Hang tight. I’m at a restaurant, but I’ll be there as soon as I pay the bill, okay? If he gets there before I do, don’t open the door.”

  “Thanks, Jared.”

  He hung up and ran inside to settle up with the others.

  Renee unlocked the front door after the Uber dropped her off and was startled to see Daisy run straight to her arms.

  “Hey, are you okay?”

  “Ben told Sarina that he was going to camp out at our house until I got back together with him! I was so scared he might show up while I was alone. I’m so glad you’re home.” She hugged her tightly.

  “Fucking prick,” Renee muttered. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. I’ll put a restraining order on his sorry ass so fast he won’t know what hit him.”

  “Mom, he can be scary when he’s mad.”

  “So can I. Don’t worry. Go on up to your room and watch TV or something. I’ve got this.”

  “Mom, I called—” She froze when the doorbell rang.

  “Go on upstairs. Don’t worry.” Renee pulled out her phone and opened the screen to the keypad before putting it in her pocket. If he refused to leave, she’d call 9-1-1. She opened the door and sure enough, Ben stood there with a dozen roses.

  “Hey, Mrs. D. Is Daisy around?” His smile would have been beguiling if she didn’t know better.

  “She doesn’t want to see you, Ben. She asked you not to come over.”

  “Aw, she didn’t mean it. I know she’s upset with me, but I’m trying to make it up to her.”

  “I understand, and it’s a very nice gesture, but she doesn’t want to have anything to do with you.”

  His face darkened slightly. “Look, she belongs with me, we’re soulmates, and she knows it. If you just let me see her, we’ll straighten everything out.” He pulled out a small box from his pocket. “I’m serious, Mrs. D. I plan to pop the question.”

  Renee didn’t even know how to respond to that so she merely shook her head. “Ben, while she might want to see you again at some point, she’s definitely not interested in marrying anyone right now.”

  “I’ve been her first and only everything. We’re destined to be together, and you can’t stop us.” He wasn’t trying to hide his contempt anymore as he started to push past her.

  Renee stood her ground. “Back off, Ben. Don’t make me call the cops.”

  “I haven’t done anything,” he laughed. “I’m just standing here bringing flowers to my girlfriend after an argument. Go ahead.”

  “Ben, this is the last time I’ll ask you to leave.” Renee was getting a little nervous but refused to show it.

  “I always get what I want, Mrs. D. And I want Daisy.”

  “Over my dead body.” Renee slowly reached into her pocket for the phone. “I mean it, Ben. Leave before you do something you regret.”

  “She was the best I ever had and I’m not giving it up.” The smirk on his face made Renee want to throat-punch him, but she wasn’t too keen on the idea of going to jail.

  “Unfortunately for you, I don’t feel the way you do anymore.” Daisy came down the stairs slowly, her eyes blazing despite the calmness she portrayed. “I’ve moved on, Ben.”

  “Have you been fucking other guys?”

  “What do you think I’ve been doing since you dumped me? Waiting for you?”

  The ugliness on his face was a little frightening and Renee fumbled in her pocket for her phone.

  “You little slut.” Ben was snarling now.

  “The only person you have to blame for that is yourself. I mean, you’re the one who told me that a couple could be in love and still need to sleep with other people. So even though I loved you, I’ve discovered all my hidden sexuality since I went to Lugano
, and it’s been lovely.” Daisy leaned against the wall, her eyes never leaving his. “And you were totally right about anal—it’s the best.”

  “You little whore—”

  “That’s enough.” Renee gave him a nudge. “You don’t come to my house and talk to my daughter like that. Get out.”

  “You can’t make me.”

  “No, but I can.”

  37

  Jared’s voice made Renee jump but not nearly as much as Ben did. He whirled around. “Who the fuck are you?”

  “The guy who’s going to kick your fucking ass if you say one more word to Daisy.”

  Ben seemed to waffle but finally nodded. “Yeah, whatever. She’s a little slut anyway.”

  Jared grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him off the ground even though Ben was just as tall as he was. “Apologize.”

  “I’m not doing shit and you know you won’t hurt me because my dad’s a senator.”

  Jared didn’t even blink. He merely threw him down the front steps. Ben landed in a heap, cursing a blue streak. Jared folded his arms and waited, not moving, not saying a word.

  “Yeah, well, fuck all of you.” Ben got to his feet and glared.

  “You know I won’t think twice about going to jail if it means I get to kick your ass, right?” Jared stared back.

  “Asshole.” Ben walked to his car, got in, and squealed out of the driveway.

  “You okay?” Jared was looking at Daisy, but his hand moved to Renee’s forearm.

  “I’m fine.” Daisy ran and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you for coming. I was so nervous he was going to do something.”

  “Of course. I’d never let anything happen to you.” Jared hugged her.

  “You called Jared?” Renee turned to her daughter in confusion, trying to ignore how lovely it felt to have Jared stroking the skin of her arm.

  “Ben told people he was coming over even though I blocked him on my phone, and you weren’t home yet, so I texted Jared, asked him if he could be here just in case.”

  Renee looked at Jared. “Thank you so much for coming. It was getting to the point I really thought I was going to have to call the cops.”