The Captain and the Broken Girl (New Hampshire Bears Book 6)

by Mary Smith

  He flashes his dimples at me as if he can flirt his way out of trouble with me. “What’s happenin’, Captain?” He eases out of the sports car. “Ready for some fishin’?”

  I cross my arms. “Why are you talking that way?”

  “I’m tryin’ to blend in with the natives.” He bumps my shoulder and winks.

  I turn to Henry and warn. “It’s possible I may throw him off the boat.”

  All the guys chuckle, including Alden. “I’m just kidding, Cap. I’m here to have fun.”

  “Okay.” Sometimes with Alden you can’t be too sure. He’s a huge prankster and always keeps us on our toes.

  “Who else is coming?” Vance asks.

  “I invited everyone, but I’m not sure who else will be here.” Henry and I strap on our backpacks, grab the coolers, and head down the dock toward my boat.

  The One.

  Most boats are named after a woman, but since I don’t have a significant woman in my life, I went with this. Altogether we load up my large boat. Henry calls it a yacht, but it’s not. It’s a simple boat, just a tad larger than others because it can hold about thirty people.

  Remember, I like big things.

  “Captain, nice yacht.” Alden tosses his bag onto the deck of the boat.

  “It’s not a yacht.” I grit.

  “Yes, it is.” Garrett slaps my shoulder stepping onto the boat.

  I roll my eyes as everyone keeps saying it’s a yacht. I give up by throwing my hands in the air.

  “Hamilton!” My name is yelled, and I turn to see Cabel and Dag coming up the dock.

  “You guys made it.” I grin because I actually like these two guys the most.

  “I wouldn’t miss you failing at fishing.” Cabel jokes and Dag chuckles.

  The reason I like them is because they’re older and understand about hard work. A lot of the team is hardworking, but some of the younger ones, and Alden, seem to forget it’s not all fun and games. It’s one reason why we had such a horrible season. I won’t allow it this year.

  Once we’re all onboard and somewhat settled, Henry unties the ropes, I crank the engine, and we head off toward the middle of the lake. I love being here in the quiet, where the cell phones rarely work. Henry, Cabel, Dag, and Garrett pull the poles out from underneath and start setting up and then show the others what to do. Well, mainly Vance and Bas. Alden seems to know what he’s doing.

  “Here you go, Ham.” Henry hands me my favorite pole.

  “Thanks.” I cast out my line and the guys do the same.

  “Alden, I see you finally finished your sleeve.” Cabel points out his right arm.

  “Yep, and I got my dick pierced,” he says.

  “What?” Bas looks as if he’s about to faint, and I cringe thinking of the pain.

  “Want to see?” He stands and tugs on his shorts.

  “No!” we all shout and he halts.

  “It’s totally cool, but I can’t have sex for six weeks. That’s the hardest part.” He looks as if he may cry.

  Vance chuckles. “You? You’re going to go six weeks without sex.”

  If there’s one thing we know about Alden Brockman, the guy can have sex all day, every day. He’s like a male bunny populating the community. He keeps going and going and going…

  “Is it possible for you to die from lack of sex?” Dag asks as he casts his line again.

  “I’m doing good so far, and it’s been about two weeks.” He grabs a beer from the cooler. “I think I can make it another four.”

  “I have a hundred bucks he dies before then.” Dag raises his hand and we all laugh.

  “You all are asses.” Alden grumbles. “I’ll live, but I bet two hundred bucks I’ll get laid long before Captain Tight Ass down there.” He nods to me.

  This isn’t the first time a teammate, or anyone for that matter, brings up the lack of women in my life. I’m not one to broadcast my life. In fact, I never talk about it. My private life remains exactly that… private.

  Until now…

  “You shouldn’t pick on him, his heart was just broken,” Henry blurts out and tells everyone on the boat.

  They all whip around and look at me.

  “Why would you say anything?” I’m on the verge of punching my own flesh and blood.

  Henry smirks.

  “You fucker.” I growl at him because his smirk means he’s up to something.

  Suddenly, I’m bombarded with questions.

  “Who was it?

  “Do we know her?”

  “Did you have sex?”

  “So, you’re not gay?”

  “Stop!” I reel in my line and throw my pole down. “I’m not going to answer any questions.”

  “You know about our lives,” Dag says. “Why are you closed off about this discussion?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” I clench my jaw so tight, I’m afraid I may break my teeth. I go over to the cooler and grab a beer. Fishing isn’t on my mind anymore but getting drunk is.

  “He doesn’t talk about it because he thinks it makes him look weak.” Henry rattles on.

  I storm up to my brother and stare him down. “Shut the fuck up.” I’m not sure what’s gotten into him, but right now, I’m close to throwing him over the side. “Have you lost your mind?”

  He simply smirks at me. Again.

  “Hamilton, there has to be a reason why you don’t speak of your relationships? Is it really a big deal?” Garrett asks.

  “Did you talk about yours? With Vance’s mother? The married woman?” My questions were harsh and cut deep by the glare coming from Garrett. “I’m sorry.” I add, feeling bad for saying that. I don’t want to offend anyone. I’m not that type of person. “It’s complicated.”

  “Why?” Cabel asks.

  “Because it’s Janan. Coach Long’s daughter.” Henry, again, jumps in and tells them.

  “Isn’t she underage?” Alden scrunches up his face.

  “No, she’s nineteen,” I answer.

  “And that’s the reason why she broke up with him. He thought she was too young.” Henry keeps spouting off.

  “Say one more thing and I’m going to cut you from my will.” I’m livid with him right now, and he will hear about it when we’re alone.

  “I’m the only person in your will. You need to be more personable and stop being an oversized, hockey robot.” My twin stares at me.

  “I’m not.” I counter back to him.

  “Um... you are,” Dag says and when I look over at my teammates, they’re all nodding.

  “There’s nothing wrong with being a hard worker, Hamilton, but your brother is right.” Cabel adds.

  “Look we’re teammates and nothing more.” Now, why did I say that?

  “Wow, that’s harsh,” Bas mumbles and sets down his pole before taking a seat on one of the benches.

  “I just mean you all are much more different than me.” Words are spinning around in my head for me to try to explain myself, without actually explaining myself.

  “Captain, you’re a good guy, but you do realize you spend more time with us, your teammates, than your own twin brother.” Alden points out.

  “I know.” I nod.

  “Then why treat us as if we mean nothing to you.” Vance puts in his opinion. “I look up to you as a role model, my captain, and my friend. So, I thought.” He takes a seat next to Bas and grabs a beer.

  I push my hand through my hair and sigh. “I’m not one to open up and spew my feelings like you guys. I’m very introverted.”

  “Why not answer their questions?” Henry suggests.

  Seriously, I’m going to throw him overboard.

  “Fine.” I moan and sit down on the bench. Everyone is no longer fishing but staring at me. I don’t know why I caved so easily, but here I am-on trial, so to speak. “Ask me.”

  “I’ll go first since this is my area of expertise.” Alden reaches for another beer and leans against the rail. “Did Coach Long know?”

  “
Yes, he knew.”

  “Why did you break up with her?” Dag is the next one to ask.

  “Well.” I sigh. “Things were moving quickly and I thought too fast considering she was only nineteen. I told her that fact, and she blew up in my face. After thinking about it for a while I knew she was right. I tried to win her back, but she told me I needed to move on.”

  “Since then he’s been a moping mess.” Henry volunteers more information about my personal life.

  “Thanks.” I sneer at him.

  “So, go win her back.” Alden suggests.

  “That’s going to be hard for him.” Cabel jumps in.

  “Why?” Bas questions Cabel, and I’m intrigued by his statement as well.

  “Because you insulted her. Deeply. Coach’s girls have been through a lot. We all know this, especially you Hamilton since you’ve been there for them. Now, some people can take their life experiences and become more immature or learn and grow from them. I believe Janan and Nova have grown from theirs. I’ve heard Coach talking about Janan and her work at the domestic shelter and doing the rallies for women’s rights and such. That’s not some immature party girl. Plus, you told her her age was a factor and that’s one thing you can’t change.”

  I rest my elbows on my knees, leaning forward.

  “I told him the same damn thing.” Henry practically cheers.

  I shake my head at his reaction.

  “Did you try to win her back?” Vance asks.

  “Sure. I sent flowers and called—”

  “Dude, wrong way to go.” Alden cuts me off. “You’re working with a woman who has been through a lot. I believe she thinks of herself as a feminist and they don’t want to be viewed in the stereotypical way. The chicks I fuck, I’d send them flowers the next day. But that’s because their IQs aren’t very high. You have to show your chick, your feminist chick, she’s your equal.”

  I furrow my brow. “What? Janan isn’t a bra burning, hippie woman. She’s an activist.”

  “I kind of agree with Alden.” Garrett, of all people, agrees with the cocky sex fiend.

  I glance around the boat and everyone is nodding.

  “Look, I’m not saying Janan is one of those hippie girls, but all women, I don’t care who they are, love all that romance shit. They read those damn novels and watch all those equally stupid movies. To win her over you have to, one, make her feel as if you’re equal and then two, give her all the romance.” Alden instructs.

  “Well, how the fuck do I do that?” I’m not even sure I understand him.

  “You’re the only one who knows her the best. You know all her likes and dislikes, right?” Dag stares at me.

  “Sure, I mean we did talk a lot.” I shrug trying not to think of all the nights we stayed up talking. Those had been some of the greatest nights of my life.

  “Here’s what I would do.” Alden chugs a bit of his beer. “If I wanted a real relationship, I’d send things anonymously. Her favorite books, songs, poetry, movies, all that shit. Get her feeling special. Then I would attend all her rallies and stuff she’s interested in. This way you can show you support her cause. After that, swoop in and tell her it was all you. She’ll see you in a whole new light.” Alden smiles brightly.

  “What the fuck?” Dag chuckles. “When did you become the expert in love?”

  “I get more pussy than all of you. I know how to woo a girl.” He winks.

  “Hate to agree with Alden, but he’s right.” Cabel adds.

  I lean back and the hot sun makes me feel warmer. I could do this, right? I can win her back, right? Fuck, I have no idea, but I have to try. I miss Janan. I miss talking to her. The way she smells, her lips, and her little laugh. I’m nothing without her. Nothing.

  I have to try.

  Chapter Three

  Janan

  I TURN OFF the vacuum and fluff the pillows once more before putting all the cleaning instruments and supplies away. I hate cleaning because it reminds me of when Sharon would force me to scrub all the floors with toothbrushes, but I don’t want to live in a dirty house either.

  “Hey, Jan,” Nova calls out when she comes in.

  “Hey.” I shove the vacuum into the closet. “How was work?”

  Nova blushes.

  “Oh. Was a certain sous chef at work tonight?” I tease her.

  She giggles. “Yes.”

  “Oh my God, tell me everything.” I drag her to the couch and force her to sit.

  “Nothing happened. We just keep flirting with each other.” She shrugs, but her cheeks turn a brighter pink.

  “Did he ask you out?”

  “No.” She shakes her head.

  “Then you should ask him.”

  “I can’t do something so bold.”

  Nova is the polar opposite of me. She’s shy and never talks out of turn. She never stood up to Sharon, but I protected her when Daddy wasn’t around. Well, the best I could.

  “Sure you can.” I bump her shoulder. “I know there’s a fire in you dying to be released.”

  Nova shakes her head. “I’m fine with flirting.”

  “You don’t want more?”

  Nova shrugs again causing me to roll my eyes.

  “Fine. If you’re happy then I am too.” I stand up. “I’m going to the bar tonight. You want to come?”

  “Nah. I’m going to shower and read. I had a long day on my feet.”

  “Okay.” I head off to my room to get ready.

  THE BAR IS right down the street from our place. It’s really a sports bar, and I like it. Of course, I’m nineteen and I don’t drink, but I tend to come down here to watch whichever games are on the TV and eat a lot of wings.

  “I’m guessing one large pop and a large basket of mild boneless wings.” DJ the female bartender smiles.

  “Yes, please.” I sit on the stool right in front of the Manchester Cats baseball game. I like baseball but not as much as hockey. Hockey is in my blood. I’ve had ice skates on my feet since I could walk.

  But it’s harder to watch since everything happened with Hamilton.

  He had always been my favorite player. He came to Manchester the same year as we did. Gosh, has it been almost six years? Hard to believe.

  DJ sets my drink in front of me as Keon Thomas hits a homerun. I hear loud cheering from behind me. I turn to see a large group of guys, possibly frat guys, rooting on Keon’s play. My eye catches one of them. The taller of the group with coal black hair and what appears to be hazel, or lighter color, eyes.

  He doesn’t look like Hamilton.

  I turn away. Not because he’s not a nice looking guy, or because he’s not Hamilton, but... well... for no reason. Thankfully, DJ comes over with my basket of wings and ranch dressing. I turn my attention back to the game as Crew Patterson comes up to the plate. I know some of the Cats players because Uncle Oliver owns them, along with the Bears, and the Concord Rams, a football team.

  “May I get another pitcher of beer?” A voice right next to me calls over to DJ.

  I glance and see it’s the guy.

  “Hi.” He nods to me.

  “Hello.” I try to keep my focus on the TV but fail at it as I do a quick one over.

  “Hot wings, eh?”

  “No, just mild,” I say, my eyes still locked on the game.

  “Don’t like things hot and spicy?” He teases.

  I furrow my brow and look at him.

  “Sorry, that was all kinds of bad.” He backs away a bit.

  “Yes, it was.” Why can’t guys be normal? Why try so hard to impress us? Just be nice. “Sorry, I tend to get nervous around pretty girls.”

  Girls? I’m guessing he doesn’t see me as a woman either. “It’s fine.” I wave him off and fork my wing.

  “I’m Alexander Eubanks the third.” He holds out his hand. “My friends call me Alex.”

  I finish my food in my mouth and ignore his hand before saying, “Janan Long.”

  “Janan? Nice name.”

  “Thanks. T
hird is a nice name too.” I joke.

  He smirks and a dimple appears. “I didn’t have a choice in the matter.” DJ puts the beer in front of him. “Nice to meet you, Janan.”

  “You too, Third.”

  This time he chuckles and both his dimples make an appearance. I love dimples. As he walks away I go back to my food and game. My mind wanders to Hamilton. Is he at some bar flirting with some girl? Does he have a girlfriend already? I’ve tried not to dwell on the past and our time together, but somehow he creeps right back in.

  I finish my food as the game is almost over, and I wave DJ over to pay my tab.

  “It’s already been paid.”

  “What? By who?”

  DJ points over my shoulder to Third, who is sitting at the table with just a couple of friends now. I guess most left when the game ended.

  “Thanks, DJ.” I slip her some cash. “Keep it for yourself.” I smile and hop off the stool, strolling over to his table. “May I speak to you?” I tap his shoulder.

  He looks up. “Sure.” He stands and follows me outside into the humid night air.

  “You didn’t have to purchase my dinner.”

  “I just was trying to be nice and apologize for being a little bit awkward.” He slides his hand through his hair.

  I wonder if it’s soft like Hamilton’s.

  “There’s no need to do it. I’m capable of taking care of my dinner and expenses.” I snap at him. I don’t like it when people, especially men, think I’m not able to take care of myself. I’m more than capable.

  He takes a step back from me. “It was just a kind gesture. Nothing more. I’m sure you’re able to handle your own business. I was just trying to be nice.”

  My shoulders deflate. Do I really need to be this big of a bitch? “Well, thank you. It was a nice of you to do it.” I give in.

  “Maybe”—he comes closer again—“maybe next time I can take you to dinner.”

  He’s asking me out. When was the last time I’d been out on a date? Hamilton and I didn’t go out in public, except the one time at the hotel, but it turned out to be a disaster.

  “Unless you have a boyfriend or something.”

  I shake my head. “No, I’m single.” As much as it pains me.

  “So, dinner?” He stands close to me waiting for my answer.