The Player and the Tattoo Artist (New Hampshire Bears Book 8)

by Mary Smith

  The puck drops, but Hamilton doesn’t get it. It goes to a Mustangs player. I cuss under my breath and then go on the defense to get it back. I want it and I will get it. I battle hard and the player I’m against makes a silly mistake. It’s a mistake that helps me and I gather the puck on my stick. As fast as my legs can carry me, I skate, with the puck, toward the goal. This was it. The point will be mine. Before I could get my stick up, I felt the push from behind causing me to lose my footing. I fell hard on my hip and a pain shot through me. I ignore it and get back up ready to fight the prick, but the penalty has already been called and he’s skating to the sin bin.

  Our chances just got better and there was no way we can’t have a point within these two minutes. Hamilton comes over and formulates a quick plan – one we know that will result in a goal. Vance and I line up with our sticks at the ready for the puck. The determination in me is fiercer than before.

  This time Hamilton wins the puck and gets it to Vance. I back off a bit and get into the position Hamilton wanted me in. I stand there and wait for my chance. I’m not a patient man, but in this instant, I am because I know the end result.

  “Playa,” Vance yells and just like all the times before I know what’s coming.

  I focus on the puck and with all the might I can muster in my body, I slap the puck when it touches the tape on my stick. Somehow, someway, the puck sails between the goalie’s legs and the red light goes off. My entire body breathes a sigh of relief. Even though we still have a lot of game left, it’s one step closer to round two and going home.

  Minute by minute begins to tick by. I don’t know how time can move so slow, but it does. Nathan is on fire and is using his talent to keep the puck away from our goal. The man is a genius goalie and we all have a deep respect for him. With the final minute approaching, I jump the boards again ready to ensure our win.

  Luckily we do!

  It’s a grand celebration on the ice and in the locker room. We all are elated, dancing, joking, and above all, we’re going on to round two.

  THE MOMENT I’M off the plane, I know exactly where I’m going. Baylor. I need to kiss her. I need to hug and hold her. I never knew I could miss someone as much as I did her. Even Kace. I can’t wait to see him either.

  I have a girlfriend. Those are words I never thought I would say. But I’m older now and my playa ways won’t last forever.

  Can I see a future with Baylor?

  Yes.

  I want it.

  Amara’s there to pick me up at the airport. It’s late and I’m sure Baylor’s asleep, but I have to see her. My sister hugs me tightly around my neck.

  “I’m proud of you, Big Brother.”

  “Love you too.” I pull back. “I need to see Baylor.”

  She shakes her head with a smile. “Come on.”

  Tugging on my hand, she turns me to my right. Standing by my car is Baylor and Kace. She leans down and whispers something in his ear. Kace takes off and runs to me. I lean down and catch him in my arms. I swear this kid is getting bigger by the second, and he’s going to be a helluva player in the PHL.

  “Hey, Buddy.”

  “Alden, you were amazing,” he says into my neck.

  “Thank you.”

  “I cheered extra loud for you too.” He pulls back and beams at me.

  This kid has a heart of gold – just like his mother. “It helps me when I know you’re cheering.” In some strange way, it’s true. “Come on. You have school tomorrow, and it’s late.”

  Amara pulls on my arm and even though I want nothing more than to get to Baylor I stop. “We need to talk.” Her face is serious.

  “Mom?” My heart falls thinking something has happened to her.

  “No, but it’s a private manner.”

  I nod. Amara doesn’t get serious unless it is. She’s not one to jump to conclusions or overthink a situation. She has a strong mind and manner on all topics and issues.

  “Right now?”

  “It can wait. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow.”

  I’m torn. I know she doesn’t want to wait until tomorrow to talk to me. I know I’ve not seen Baylor in several days, but this is my sister.

  “We can talk now.” I turn to Kace. “Go to your mom. I’ll be there in a minute.” He nods and runs off to Baylor as I face Amara again. “Talk to me now.”

  “Alden, stop being an Alpha.” She rolls her eyes. “Go be with Baylor. This is something we can talk about tomorrow. I promise.” Her expression softens a bit.

  “You swear?” My big brother side is telling me not to leave her.

  “Absolutely.” She smiles.

  I stand there for several more seconds and wait for some sign telling me it’s okay to move.

  “Go.” Amara pushes on my shoulder and I make my way to Baylor.

  She’s stunning in her relaxed jeans and vintage Def Leppard t-shirt. Her long hair hanging in soft waves. When I put my arms around her, the smell of soft petals fills me and instantly the emotion of love comes over me.

  I have to tell her.

  “Let’s get you home.” She kisses my cheek before grabbing Kace’s hand and leading him to the car.

  We all load up and I drop Amara off first at the house. I want to beg Baylor to stay with me, but I know she won’t do it. I love her stubbornness and need to be independent. At the same time, I feel as if she should listen to me.

  When I pull up to Baylor’s house, Kace is already asleep in the back. I carry him into the house and put him to bed. As I look down at him, I wonder if my father ever put me to bed. He was around a lot before he ran off but did he ever care about us.

  “Hey.” Her soft arms come around my waist. “You look sad. Are you okay?”

  I nod and head out of the room. I might love her but I’m not going to tell her all about the fucking asshole whom I carry half of his DNA.

  “Alden.” She grabs my wrist as I walk into the kitchen. “Are you sure? You look extremely sad.”

  “I’m not,” I answer her, mentally brushing away the emotions trying to rear their ugly head.

  “You don’t have to snap. If you’re tired or something just go home and rest. Or you can stay here.” She touches my shoulder.

  “I didn’t mean to snap.” Maybe I was more tired than I thought.

  “Come on. Stay here tonight and go to bed. You might be too tired to drive.” She laces her hand with mine. “Let’s go to bed.”

  “Okay,” I say and follow her to the back bedroom.

  “Here.” She closes the door and then saunters over to me. She takes my breath away.

  Slowly she pushes her hands up my chest. She removes my blazer first. There’s a gleam in her eyes, and it makes me forget about everything. My body is only thinking with one head right now, and it wants to be in between her legs. She begins to unbutton my shirt and I help her get it off my shoulders. With her eyes still on me, she kisses the middle of my chest and begins to lower herself to the floor.

  Once she’s in position, her hands are on my belt tugging it off. My cock is harder than I can ever remember it being. How does she turn me on like this? It’s to the point where I’m not even sure of my own name. She drops my pants and boxer briefs and before I could blink I was fully in her mouth.

  Air chokes me as I dig my hands into her hair. Her tongue runs on the underside, and my head falls back. She grips me harder, jerking my shaft as she sucks harder on the tip. I shouldn’t be this close to coming, but the more she moves and sucks I feel my knees growing weaker and I can barely stand.

  “I’m going to come,” I tell her holding her tighter. “I’m shooting it right in your mouth.” She moans in agreeance and I blow my load.

  “That was fast.” She giggles as I fall back on her bed.

  “Too fast.” I try to catch my breath. You would have just thought I ran a marathon instead of getting a mind-blowing blowjob.

  “Now, you can relax and go to bed.” She pats my thigh and then goes off to the bathroom while I cr
awl under the covers and do as I’m told.

  I’M GETTING OLD. One blowjob and I sleep like a small child who had played all day. There were many of nights I would play a game, go to a bar, and fuck every girl I could get my hands on. Now...not so much.

  After Baylor made us breakfast, I took Kace to school and went to the weight room. We were having an optional skate and practice since we don’t know who we’ll be playing in round two. I called Nathan and Teo to join me.

  For the next couple hours, we work out and spot each other through the heavier elements, until I realize it’s time for me to meet Amara for lunch. She decided to meet me at the deli near the arena.

  When I walk in she’s sitting at a table in front of the window. She’s staring out and for a second, she looks younger than ever. And thin.

  “Hey.” I pull out the chair and sit down, trying to put on my best smile.

  “Hi.” Her sad smile tells me this isn’t going to be good. “I already ordered for you.” She pushes the glass of ice water over to me.

  “Talk.” I order her.

  She takes a deep breath. “You need to remain calm throughout this whole conversation and don’t you dare jump to conclusions. Do we have a deal?”

  I cross my arms and lean back. This is going to be worse than I thought.

  “Do we have a deal?” Asking her question with firmness.

  I nod once.

  She clears her throat and sits up taller. “Okay. Mom received a phone call yesterday.”

  “From who?”

  “Jack.”

  My blood runs cold and then begins to boil with rage. “Excuse me?”

  “Apparently, when he left Mom he ended up getting remarried and had a son.”

  All the air left the room.

  “His son knows about us and wants to meet us both.”

  “What?” I shake my head. “He’s calling and…what?” My brain stops working. It can’t process this. Jack has a whole other family.

  “The boy is eight and he’s a big hockey fan. Jack told him about us and he wants to meet us.” She explains again.

  “I sure as fuck don’t want to see Jack or whatever fucking family he’s created since he left us while you were hooked up to a chemo machine.” I slammed my chair back standing up. “I’m going home and if you talk to him, tell him I said to fuck off and die.”

  I leave the deli in a rage I can’t explain. I’ve been mad and upset before, but this is an entirely different level. I’m ready to explode and no one better be in my way when I do.

  Chapter Twelve

  Baylor

  MY DAY HAS been going perfectly. Actually, it’s probably the best day ever. My clients are happy and smiling. My coworkers are beaming, singing, and dancing around the shop. I picked up Kace from school and we headed over to his hockey practice. I figured Alden would show up but he didn’t come. He must be busy. I had texted him a couple of times but he’s not responded. Kace even said he texted him with no reply.

  “He’s busy. The playoffs are growing tougher.” I make an excuse for him and hope I didn’t just lie to my son. “Come on, you have to get ready for practice.” I shoo him toward the locker room.

  As he goes off to change and get ready, I find a spot on the benches and pull out my phone.

  Me: Is Alden okay? I’m not trying to put you in the middle but I’ve not heard from him all day.

  Amara: I’m not sure. He received some bad news today.

  I gasp. Is it something to do with hockey? Is he hurt? Is it worse?

  Me: May I ask what it was?

  Amara: I’m not sure what he told you about our father, but the short version is our father wants us to meet his new son. Alden didn’t take it well. He’s home, in his room, pouting like a kid.

  He hasn’t told me a lot about his father. All I know is he’s gone and that’s about it.

  Me: Is there anything I can do?

  Amara: Let him come to you first. Alden is hardheaded.

  I can’t argue with her because I know this part of him firsthand. I thanked her and went back to focusing on Kace’s practice. I’ll give him space until he’s ready.

  KACE FINISHES HIS homework as I do the dinner dishes when the knock on the door brings a surprise to us both.

  “I’ll get it.” I walk past Kace and I look out the peephole. I doubt Rocco is around but I do it just in case.

  “Who is it, Mom?”

  I unlock the door. “Hey.” I see Alden’s tired face looking back at me. “Come in.”

  “Alden.” My son jumps up and runs toward him but stops suddenly. “Are you sick?”

  “Something like that.”

  I could smell the vodka. He’s drunk. “Kace, go get ready for bed,” I say and he quickly listens to me. “Alden, are you okay?”

  “Do I look it?” He snaps at me, heading into the kitchen.

  I follow him and watch him grab a bottle of water. I thought he was going for a beer. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I’m not one to talk about feelings.” He sneers at the word.

  “Then what are you doing here?” I step up closer to him.

  “I fucking hate him.”

  He must be talking about his father. “What happened?”

  He leans against the counter and stares at the floor. I know Alden isn’t one to express himself, which I know very well. His face was full of sadness and anger. I can’t stand to see him in such pain. I love him, even though I never said the words out loud.

  “Alden.” I touch his shoulder in hope to bring him some comfort – to let him know I’m there for him.

  Before I can blink, his lips are on mine. It’s not a passionate kiss. It hurts as he spins me around, pushing my lower back into the counter. His touch isn’t the same sweet but firm touch as before. There’s anger in it and bringing pain to me. He yanks at my top and I begin to fight.

  This isn’t my Alden.

  This isn’t the man I love.

  I bite down as hard as I can onto his lip. When he groans in pain, he releases me, and I clock him in the jaw. I’m certain my fist hurts more than his jaw, but I have his attention.

  “What the fuck?” I yell at him, adjusting my top. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”

  “Are we going to have sex or not?”

  The blood drains from my entire body. His question cut right into my soul. Is this all I am to him? A fuck toy? Have I been blinded by his charms to see his words to me were nothing more than lies to get me in bed?

  “Get out, Alden.”

  “You’re throwing me out?” He moves closer to me, but I stand my ground.

  “I will not be treated as some fucking whore. I fell in love with you, but I won’t let you use me like some type of dog’s chew toy.” Saying the words I love you is something I don’t take lightly. And I just said them out loud.

  “What?” For a moment, my Alden is back with a shocked expression. He knows what I said and there’s no reason for me to repeat it.

  “I told you to get out.”

  He stares at me for a brief second before the anger returns. “I don’t need you anyway. I can find anyone to fuck me.”

  “Then go do that.” The stabbing pain of his words are making my soul bleed more, but I know I’m stronger, and I can get over the heartache that’ll be coming from him leaving.

  “I won’t be back.” He threatens.

  “And I won’t care because I sure as hell deserve better.” There’s no wavering in my voice, even though my insides are shaking. “Get out and don’t come back.”

  He glares down at me but says nothing as he walks out of the kitchen and out the front door. The roar of his engine brings my tears.

  NATHAN SMILES AT me as he comes into Ink Palace. Amara isn’t here, but I’m certain if she was, she’d be drooling.

  “Hey, Baylor.” He greets me.

  “Hey, Nathan. Have a seat and let’s go over a few things.”

  I grab my stool and try to focus on my task. The prob
lem I’m having – exhaustion. I barely slept last night because I kept replaying what happened between Alden and me in my head. This isn’t difficult for me to figure out. He doesn’t want me. The end. It’s time for me to move on. I have other priorities and responsibilities. I have Kace and he’s my world. I have my shop and that’s my passion. I don’t need a man.

  “Are you okay?” he asks taking a seat in the chair.

  “Fine. Why?” I pull out my sketchbook.

  “You look tired. If you want to reschedule, I’m cool with it.”

  “No need.” I give him a fake smile and open to the page where I have his creation. “Are you sure you want to start a tattoo when you play soon?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. I had my back piece done right before the win of the minor league cup.”

  “Great. Let’s go over this design.”

  There’s one thing I now know about him as we texted about his tattoo...he’s a huge comic book nerd. His favorite character is Thor. He sent me pictures of certain scenes and items. I tried to create something with all the elements he wanted.

  “Are we still doing black and gray with just a few pops of color?” I ask.

  “Please.” He nods.

  “Let me see your back piece.”

  I move my book over and he stands, removing his shirt. I thought goalies were smaller than other hockey players, but he’s ripped. Not as deep as Alden but still cut. He turns around, and it’s a stunning piece of art. It’s Thor and several other guys, whom I don’t know, in a large battle scene. I need to learn these characters since Kace seems to watch the movies a lot.

  Maybe I should buy him the comics?

  “Is something wrong?” Nathan breaks me out of my reverie.

  “No, just admiring the work.” It’s really stunning. “I think this piece will work great.”

  He puts his shirt back on and we go over my design again. There are a few small changes we made, but overall, he loves it.