by Kristen Echo
“Good morning, Hailey. You’re up later than usual,” her father waved but didn’t look up from his newspaper. He was one of the few people she knew who still ordered the paper version instead of reading the news online.
“Hungry?” Her mother stood by the stove, stirring something that smelled heavenly.
Her stomach growled. “Morning. Whatever you’re cooking sounds great. I’m starved.” She sat next to her father and leaned closer to get a view of the paper. “Anything exciting happening in the world?”
He snapped the paper wider, and she saw he was reading the sports pages. Her parents weren’t sports fans. “If your sister insists on dating that man, then I plan to follow the team’s progression. Spencer Northcote’s offered tickets since we first went running together, shortly after we moved here. I might have to take him up on the offer one of these days. Though it all seems like a waste of time and money if you ask me. Money that would be better spent on national defense.”
Colonel Rylen believed the military was under funded. Hailey agreed, but she also thought sports had their place in the world. Seeing how fans admired Joe and the way his stories captivated their attention brought a new level of respect towards hockey. Though she couldn’t share that with her father.
“Cameron seemed nice and April is cute a button. As long as Meagan is happy, I think he’s a keeper.”
“Their team won last night. He’ll be heading on the road again soon. Only a few more games left in the regular season according to this report. They are number one as of now.”
“Yeah. It seems like they have a real shot at bringing home the Cup.” At least according to Joe. Hailey knew next to nothing about hockey, but she’d learned a lot the other night. “That would be great for the city. With all the doom and gloom everywhere, we could use some good news.”
“Food will be ready in five,” her mother announced, taking the seat opposite her.
Her father closed the paper and set it on the table. “What the country needs is greater military presence. Stiffer crime laws would nip these growing rates in the bud. There’s simply not enough enforcement and penalties.” He turned and faced her. Light brown eyes assessed her. She nodded in response as he cleared his throat.
“We need more soldiers like you.” He smiled. “I’ll be happy when you’re back on duty. This job you’ve taken until they clear you isn’t good for you.”
She’d been putting off telling him that his dream of her being a soldier again would never happen. She’d been placed on medical leave until the end of her contract. They knew that much. Once it ended, she was out. The forces didn’t want her back in the trenches and she had no plans to re-muster into an office setting where she’d see no action. Her skills would be better used elsewhere. This new job couldn’t have been more perfect for her mental and physical healing.
“I disagree. This job is putting all my skills to work and I’m making progress. At least I think I am. Our motto’s always been leave no one behind, but the city has left these teenagers behind. They may have run away, jumped in the river, or they may have been taken. Regardless, they deserve to be found. The work we’re doing is needed.”
“The police said they’ll drag the river once the ice breaks. As sad as it will be, I’m certain the answers are there. You’re on a wild goose chase, honey.” He picked up his cup of coffee and sipped it.
Hailey stood and poured a cup for herself, adding cream and a splash of water before taking her first sip. It burned her throat. She set the cup down on the counter. “I know suicide rates are sky high. There very well could be a few bodies in the river, but the evidence doesn’t support your theory. There have been numerous sightings and I believe—”
The Colonel screeched his chair back and stood. “It’s irrelevant.” He walked towards her and refilled his cup. “I’m done discussing it. You should resign immediately. You already have a career. Have you signed your new contract? I haven’t heard you talk about what your plans are once they clear you from the medical leave.”
The timing would never be right to break his heart. “Dad sit down. We should talk,” she said, taking the seat next to her mother and kicking the chair across from her out with the toes on her good foot.
He patted her hand and sat in the chair she’d pushed out for him. Her mother stared at her, waiting patiently for her explanation. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a low chignon. “What’s this about?”
Hailey exhaled and straightened her spine. “I’m out of the army.” The gasps that followed were exactly the reaction she’d expected and had been trying to avoid. She held up her hands to silence them. “They won’t ever let me into battle again. I got my report back from the doctors and it’s a done deal. According to them, I’m disabled and incapable of defending our country.”
Her father jumped to his feet, outraged. “We can appeal. You’re a damn fine soldier. We—”
“It’s done. Dad, you’re not listening. My time in the military is over and I’m moving on.”
“Sweetheart, what are you going to do?” Her mother appeared more surprised than distraught. She took her hand and squeezed.
The warmth spread through Hailey, giving her the courage to tell them everything. “I applied to the city police and I’m on their wait list. Until then, this investigative work will look good on my resume. Plus, I will be helping my community.” She didn’t want to get into the details of the case because she figured they’d worry. Her mother worried too much all ready.
“This is outrageous. I don’t understand.” Her father paced the kitchen like a caged animal.
“Sit down my love. Hailey needs our support. How are you holding up since you found out? Have you spoken with your therapist about all this? I worry about your mental state.”
“Me too, but I’m fine. I mean, I’m not happy about it. Devastated would be more fitting, or at least that’s how I felt a few weeks ago when I got the report.”
“How long have you known?” The fury in her father was boiling over.
“The day I went out with Richard and Mellie. I planned to tell you sooner, but I had to wrap my head around it first. Don’t be too mad. I’ve come to terms with their decision, and I get it. They want perfection. The old me. In their eyes, I’m no longer the perfect soldier, but I’m not useless. My skills are transferable. When I spoke with the city, as long as I can pass their physical tests, I’m a great candidate. I did the trial run, and I aced it.”
“You’re still perfect in my eyes. This country is indebted to you and if you’re ready to move on, then I support your decision one hundred percent. Though, I don’t like you becoming a police officer. Leaving one dangerous mission for another doesn’t sit well with me.” Her voice wavered and cracked.
Within an instant, her father kneeled at her mother’s side. “This is unacceptable. I don’t understand how you can sit here and tell me this. Why?”
Hailey shook her head. Once she’d heard their decision, she was done with the army. She didn’t want to be around people who considered her less somehow because of her injury. Missing two toes was nothing. She was still living and breathing. “They don’t want me, dad. I’m not begging anyone to take me. It’s their loss. If this city won’t hire me another one will. I’m confident I’ll be able to secure a position within the coming months.”
“You’re talking nonsense. This is a military family. Always has been and always will be.” His hands shook as he stared at her.
“There is no one left serving,” she barked. Her father had retired, her brother was dead, and she’d been forced out.
“I’ll talk to—”
“No. I don’t want you to speak with anyone. It’s over. Screw the army!” She didn’t mean that. Her pride for her country ran deep. She would have continued serving if it hadn’t been for her foot. She loved her country as much as her father.
“Get out! You’re a disgrace! Get out of my house!” His face had reddened with anger as he pointed towards the door.
“No! You don’t have to leave. He doesn’t mean that!” Her mother rose to her feet as her eyes filled with tears. “Hailey, reconsider… like your father said, you could appeal.” Even her voice had risen a few octaves.
Hailey stood and smiled sadly. This reaction she’d expected. Army all the way. “I can’t, Mom.”
“Get out!” Her father repeated.
“Don’t worry, I’m gone! I’ll be out of your hair shortly. I knew this would be your reaction, but I hoped for better!” Her anger spiked at their unwillingness to accept her.
Her mother’s face dropped to her hands, but she said nothing.
“I won’t let you talk that way about this country and disrespect our soldiers. I didn’t raise you to be a quitter. Return when you’ve come to your senses, Hailey.” Her father’s eyebrows caressed his hairline.
“Not going to happen,” she spat back.
He shook his fist and kicked a chair across the room. It collided with the wall, causing a loud bang. “Leave. You’re no longer welcome!” His voice boomed through the house.
She stepped away before she said more things she’d regret. Reasoning with him would be pointless. “Fine,” she yelled back. “You want me gone. I’m gone!”
Them booting her out benefited her though it struck like a blow to her chest. This hadn’t been how she saw it going down, but the outcome was inevitable. Until she found those kids, living on the streets would become her life. She wouldn’t tell her parents of her plans because they didn’t care.
As she neared the door, she looked over her shoulder at her folks. “I’m sorry to disappoint you both. I’ll show myself out.” The stare down between her and her father ended when she turned and walk away.
They never replied or asked her to stay. Hailey ventured downstairs to her room and grabbed the bag she’d already packed. When she returned upstairs less than a minute later, her parents were gone. They hadn’t waited to see her off and wish her well. Figured.
She donned her coat, stuffed warm mittens into her pockets and squared her shoulders. She wasn’t looking forward to what came next. Being homeless hopefully wouldn’t last too long. The spring made it tolerable, weather-wise, but it still sucked. If not for the case, she’d have found an apartment. It’s not like she had no money. She’d been looking for a place, but there was little vacant. The good places all had waiting lists, and she’d added her name. Buying a condo was next on her list if something didn’t open soon.
Hailey checked her phone. One missed call from her sister and one from her therapist. She wasn’t in the mood to deal with either. That drama would have to wait for another day. Explaining her mistakes was not on her to do list today. She opened the front door to leave and standing on her parent’s stoop was none other than Joe Larson, looking hotter than ever in worn jeans and a black leather jacket.
Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. The shock lingered as she closed the door. This wasn’t a coincidence.
His lips thinned, and his cheeks had a tint of redness to them. He had his arms by his side as if he wasn’t sure if he was coming or going. When their eyes met, a shiver raced down her spine. He looked sexier than ever with the sun at his back. Her blood was still pumping faster from the fight with her parents, and now temptation greeted her. She licked her lips and smiled. He’d be the perfect outlet for the energy coursing through her.
CHAPTER FIVE
S eeing him provoked a purely sexual response. All the dreams and the desires flooded her senses. “How did you find me?” Hailey was a private person, and she had shared no personal details with Joe, other than her first name.
A sheepish look crossed his features; a look she imagined he rarely gave. “Small world. It turns out your sister is dating my best friend. I asked him for your number and he shot me down, but he gave me your last name. There aren’t too many Rylen’s listed. This is the second house I’ve tried. Hi.”
Damn Cameron Smith. Why did he have to be a hockey player? Hailey narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. Even though she admired his resourcefulness, it bugged her that he’d shown up uninvited. “What do you want?”
He stepped closer and shoved his hands in his pockets. “To see you; obviously,” he said and rolled his eyes.
They stood on the stoop staring at each other for several minutes, neither giving an inch. The attraction flowed between them like a current. If she reached out, she might get burned. If she did nothing, her parents might poke their heads to see if she’d left and she wasn’t ready to face them yet.
“So… my stunning personality caused you to become a stalker. Oh wait, it’s not my personality you want.” In his presence, everything else faded until he became her only focus.
“What’s with the bag?” The subject change was a common avoidance tactic.
“Answer my question and maybe I’ll answer yours. Why do you want to see me so badly you’d invade people’s privacy to get here?”
His fingers scrubbed the dusting of hair that lined his chin. It wasn’t a beard, but more than a five o’clock shadow. It suited him, making him appear rugged with a wild side. “You make it seem worse than it is. I feel like we started off on the wrong foot or something, and I can’t get you out of my head. Last night didn’t end as I’d hoped.”
“I’m sure it didn’t,” she said, fighting the urge to touch the hair along his jaw. She suspected it would be prickly and would feel like heaven between her thighs. Something she would have experienced if she’d followed him the previous night. She was losing her resolve and finding it hard to remember why she should stay away.
“Look, I came to talk. Then… I’ve been standing out here for a while. I overheard the yelling from the street. Are you okay?” Joe reached out and rubbed her arm. “I get why you’d rather not be here.”
Her eyes followed his hand, and she shrugged her shoulders. She hated that he’d heard them tear into each other. It hadn’t been civilized. “I’m fine. It’s not always like that. We… I told them… it doesn’t matter. It’s none of your business.”
“It’s not. You don’t have to tell me, but I’m here if you want to talk or just not be alone. We could chill together and do whatever. Get your mind off the things said in there. Maybe have fun.” He offered her solace from the storm.
An escape from her parents and her problems when he didn’t know all the details. The offer was sweet. Hailey wasn’t sure how to take it. The wound from her parent’s rejection was too fresh. She had to get out of there.
“Fun. Right. The only reason you’re here is because you can’t figure me out. I’m a challenge you need to conquer. I turned you down when every other woman falls at your feet. Am I right?” She brushed off his hand and stepped past him.
“For the record, not everyone bows down at my feet,” he said, following her down the steps. “Just most. I can’t help it. But you’re not right about everything. My interest in you started before you turned me down. Again, you haven’t explained why that is.”
When she reached the sidewalk, she debated which way to go. “I don’t have to explain shit to you. Dammit. I’m sorry if I’m being rude and bitchy, but I’ve got a lot on my mind and you’re distracting me.” With him in her face she couldn’t think straight. Her mind traveled to the gutter and slowly undressed him. Under those layers, she’d find tanned muscles and hard lines. Each word he uttered made it hard for her to keep away. “You’ve made a sweet offer, Joe; but—”
“Sweet,” he chortled. “Far from it. Our paths will keep crossing since your sister is with Cam. Before you turn me down, again, at least get to know me. I don’t know your story and you don’t know mine. Let’s fix that. Grab a bite to eat with me.” He waved his hand towards the silver Tesla parked across the street.
She exhaled and nodded because it was the quickest way to get away from her parents. It would also be the swiftest way to push him away for good. Her story wasn’t fascinating or glamorous like the celebrities he probably hung with.
Hailey stepped towards his car and he pressed his hand to the small of her back. The commanding pressure made her breath hitch.
This guy kept showing up at strange moments in her life. She wasn’t mad or pissed to see him. In fact, she was glad, which threw her off. She gripped her bag as it hung off one shoulder and let him guide her to the passenger seat.
“Hailey, breakfast is on me. Don’t argue like you do about everything else.” His refusal to take no for an answer turned her on. Dominant men checked off her boxes. As she looked up at him, he looked good enough to eat. After the confrontation with her folks and the banter with Joe, she was charged. Only the hunger in her belly wasn’t for food.
“I won’t argue,” she said as she sat in the passenger seat. “I’m ready to eat. If you are?” Her voice took on a sultriness she hadn’t used in ages.
Joe closed her door, and she watched him round the car. His jeans hung low on his hips. The leather jacket hugged his body like a glove. He sat and gripped the steering wheel without looking in her direction. She unzipped her coat. His eyes darted towards her chest. The energy in the car crackled with sexuality. Her breaths were shallow. She noticed the bulge in his pants grow. It tugged against his zipper, begging for attention.
He turned on the car and switched off the radio. Nothing but silence filled the electric sedan. Hailey ran her hands over the soft white leather and tried to collect her emotions. Every cell in her body vibrated with adrenaline.
“I don’t live in his area, so do you have any restaurant recommendations?” He pulled the quiet car onto the street, keeping both hands on the wheel. Hailey remained silent, mesmerized by his mouth. “There’s a diner outside the city that’s awesome, but it’s far. My buddy Theo’s woman works there. It’s probably best if you don’t meet Carly.”
“Ex-girlfriend?” Hailey figured men like Joe probably had a million exes. A trail of broken-hearted women pining after the hockey star. One list of women he’s fucked and forgotten, and a list of women in line to be fucked. She rolled her eyes, knowing she was in the latter category waiting to be moved to the first.