by Kristen Echo
“I told you I wouldn’t run anymore.”
He tilted his head and furrowed his brows. “If that were true, why did you move to your friends without a word? Took your bag and never talked to me again. It’s like one step forward and ten back. Are you afraid of being happy?”
“You confuse the shit out of me, Joe.” Hailey slammed her hands on the dashboard. She stared out the windshield, watching the budding trees flash by. “You say you want to know me and keep pushing for more. So, I caved. I gave you everything. It must have scared you when I told you about… doesn’t matter. Hashing this out changes nothing.”
“Keep going. This is good. I want to know why you ditched me and never showed up at my game.”
“I showed up. Late, but I was there.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I got a chance to meet your other lady friends. The ultra-sexy ones you invited to the game and then back to your place for an orgy. Yeah. I wonder why I split? Hmmm!” She tapped her chin and narrowed her eyes.
“Are you fucking serious?”
“As a heart attack,” she spat back. “I thought to myself, why would he invite other women to his game after everything we’d shared? It didn’t make sense. So, I asked one of them to explain it to me. Her words spelled out the celebrations ahead. No mistaking the meaning or your intent for inviting them.”
The tires crunched over the gravel as he pulled the car over on the side of the road. They hadn’t reached the city limits. He threw off his seat belt and cupped her face. His eyes locked onto hers. “Read my lips. I want you. Those women are friends of mine. Have I fucked them in the past? Yes, but that was over a year ago and nothing happened that night or any time since. They wanted to see the game. Period. If they expected more, then they left disappointed because I never saw them. I spent my night driving around, looking for you. Is it sinking in?”
Her brain raced to process these facts. Joe hadn’t slept with them because he wanted her. Did it change anything? Hell yes, it did. “Shut-up and kiss me.”
She puckered her lips, and he pressed lightly against them. Her eyes drifted shut as his lips caressed hers. She placed her hands over his. He kissed her softly over and over. Those gentle kisses were far more intimate than anything that came before. More meaningful than the sex.
“I’m sorry,” she said as she opened her eyes. “I missed you. A lot. My gut is always right, and it keeps telling me to trust you. I like you too. I want you in my life. Whatever kind of craziness comes from this, from us being together, I want it. I know I’m a lot to handle, but don’t give up on me.”
His smile brightened his face, smoothing the stress lines she’d seen earlier. “Stay with me and we’ll figure it out; together. You challenge me like no one else. I never thought I’d meet one woman who could hold my attention, but you’ve got it. You fucking own it. We’re alike in so many ways that we’re bound to butt heads constantly.”
“There will be no shortage of make-up sex in our lives,” she joked.
“All kidding aside, I’d like to keep seeing you. But I’m done chasing. I don’t want a challenge, I just want you.” He grabbed her hand and placed it over his chest. “This is me. I’m asking you to be my girlfriend.”
Hailey laughed. “When we met, you guaranteed you wouldn’t ask me to be your girlfriend. So, now you want the chance to sweep me off my feet and steal my heart?”
“If I recall, you told me there are no guarantees in life,” he said, sitting back in his seat. “I’m still certain I’m the last guy you want to give your heart to.”
She leaned over the console, chasing him. “Let me be the judge of that.” Her lips covered his, and she released all the fears that held her back. “My answer is yes to everything. Take me home.” Hailey rested her head on his shoulder and Joe merged into traffic.
The miles passed, and they arrived at his condo to find a media frenzy surrounding his building. The moments of peace and tranquility were over. They had a shit storm ahead of them, but she planned to hold his hand through it all. He’d done nothing wrong, and neither had she. Together they’d set the record straight and clear both their names.
Joe squeezed her hand. “The dust will settle on this story and we’ll keep moving forward in the meantime.”
She squeezed him back. “We'll handle it together.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
R ound two, game one, was scheduled for the next day and Joe’s status was questionable. He acted as if it didn’t bother him, but Hailey saw the worry in his eyes. His faith that things would work themselves out concerned her. Especially, when Rex had avoided capture, and the police refused to release the details about the case. They wouldn’t confirm or deny Joe’s involvement which painted him guilty in the public eye.
Hailey peered outside at the news station vans and crews that littered the parking lot. They’d been there for two days. Under Joe’s direction and his PR team, they laid low and stayed in. He only left the condo for practice, training and team meetings. She hadn’t stepped foot outside since she arrived.
“Are you going stir-crazy, baby?” Joe nuzzled his face in her hair and inhaled as he pulled her back against his chest. “I can see the wheels spinning in that big brain of yours which can only spell disaster. I know something we could do to keep you occupied.”
She laughed and rested her head against him. “My vagina needs a rest. Never thought I’d say something like that. Between your cock, your hands and that wicked mouth, I’m spent. There isn’t a surface in this place we haven’t claimed.”
“Are you saying you’re bored with me already?” He pushed her hair aside and kissed behind her ear.
“Never. You and boring should never be used in the same sentence. I’m… maybe stir-crazy is the right word. I feel like keeping quiet isn’t helping anyone. The media should focus on those kids. They should discuss the lack of resources available for vulnerable youth. They should condemn the Reeza family, not you. If I could spit nails at them, I would.”
Joe hugged her tighter. “It pisses me off too, that the real story got swept away because of me. Those kids are fighting real problems like depression and drug addiction. They need our help and support. Just like when they went missing, they are once again being forgotten. My press release said as much, but it hasn’t helped. I don’t know what else I can do.”
Hailey turned, took his hands and led him towards the couch. “We have to do something because hiding isn’t working.”
“Spencer Northcote and other funders are breaking ground next week. They’re building a facility in the downtown core that addresses some of our concerns. There will be counseling and recreational activities. It’s a step in the right direction.”
They sat down facing each other. “He’s an amazing man and his daughter really came through for me. They aren’t pressing any charges for drug possession which means I’m in the clear. Which also means I have to step up.”
“Baby, you’ve done plenty. Because of you, those kids will get real help. Not an endless supply of drugs to mask their issues.”
“Will they get help? From what I gather, they were released with zero support. No rehab, nothing. Renee called me and she’s freaking out. You know how much she idolizes you. She wants—”
Joe shifted and rubbed the back of his neck. “I want to help her, but the optics aren’t good. Any money or help I provide to her or any of those teens will be twisted.”
She cupped his face, running her thumbs across his baby smooth, freshly shaved jaw. “She wants to help you. We want to help you. Don’t get mad and shoot me down before you hear me out.”
“Hailey…”
“I called Caroline. She’s setting up a press conference for this afternoon. Renee and I will make a statement.”
He jumped to his feet and paced the living room. “Hell no. You’ll make things worse. I can’t let you two get eaten by the wolves. They will twist everything you say. Just lie low for a little while longer, it will settle.” He ran his fingers t
hrough his dark mane, tugging on the ends.
“You said that days ago. It hasn’t changed. Giving them my story and hers will take the spotlight off you and put it where it belongs. I’m not asking your permission,” she said, rising to her feet.
“What time?” He tossed his hands in the air. “Arguing with you is pointless. You won’t change your mind. I love… that you want to help. Keep your words brief and concise. Better yet, run your statement by my people. Can you do that for me?”
Hailey wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m doing all of this for you. I don’t care what they say about me. But you’re an amazing man and a kick ass hockey player. I won’t let them tarnish your name and career because of some overzealous reporter who got his facts wrong. Trust me.” She kissed him.
A moment later her back hit the couch. Her skirt drifted around her waist. He moved her panties to the side, and he pushed two fingers into her. Her walls clenched then softened. “Tell me if you need me to stop,” he said as he unzipped his jeans and released his erection. “I don’t want to hurt you, baby, but I need to be inside you right now.” He removed his hands and entered her with one fluid motion.
“I need you too,” she moaned as he picked up the pace. Hailey pulled her knees over and up towards her chest, letting him sink deeper. She wanted more. “Let me ride you.”
Joe shifted into a seated position with her on his lap. They remained joined, and she ground her pelvis against him. She leaned back and shifted until he hit her sweet spot. He ripped open her blouse and feasted on her breasts. She loved the way he couldn’t get enough. Her moans filled the silence in the room as she ran her fingers through his hair.
He claimed her body and soul. There was no more holding back. She gave him everything and took just as much in return. She rode him hard, letting the moment, the connection and the friction catapult them both into an orgasm that broke through the darkness and showered them in light.
Hailey rested her forehead against his as her breathing returned to normal. “I… I should go shower.” The word love flashed like a neon sign in her brain, begging to be set free. She kissed him and climbed off his lap. He sat there with his jeans open and a smug expression on his face. Freshly fucked with a happy twinkle in his eyes. He’d never looked hotter. Her knees buckled, and her heart expanded.
She loved him.
She never dreamed she’d be able to love again, but it’d happened.
His arrogance, his swagger, his lips and his heart. She loved every piece of him. He’d let her see parts of him that no one else was privy to and those were the parts she loved the most. His imperfections called to her and connected them.
This man had given her so much. More than he even knew. She placed one hand over her stomach and smiled. Hailey never expected to find love again. A second chance at happiness was unattainable because what she had with Ryan was once in a lifetime. What they shared was young and light and eternal. But this was different. The love she had for Joe was unique, raw and it consumed her.
“You okay, baby? Did you get something in your eye?”
She blinked back the moisture. “Do you call everyone baby?”
He gifted her with his lopsided grin. “I do. It’s a habit. My dentist, store clerks, pretty much any female will get that term of endearment. Does it bother you? Make you feel less special or something.”
“No. It’s you. And I love… I mean, I wouldn’t change a thing about you.” She blew him a kiss and headed for a shower. A long cold shower.
By the time she rolled around in the bed with Joe, had another shower and got dressed, it was time for the press conference. Caroline was used to being in front of a crowd since her band was getting more popular. She set the stage along with Joe’s public relations people. Only a few stations were granted access to Joe’s lobby where she and Renee would give their statements. The media were told no questions, but that was unlikely.
Renee came through the garage entrance and hugged Hailey. They hadn’t seen each other since being placed in the holding cell. After all the people had been processed, Hailey and the other adults had been transported to a different facility. “Is Joe here?” She looked around and knotted her fingers.
“He’s upstairs. His people thought it would be best for him to stay away. How are you? Are you holding up okay?”
“I’m famous,” she scoffed. “I hate that everyone thinks I’m Joe Larson’s under age mistress. He’s such a good man. It’s bullshit what they said about us. Hailey you know nothing happened, right?”
Hailey hugged her again. “I know, sweetie. That man is all mine. We just have to explain it to the world.”
“Let’s get this over with,” Renee took Hailey’s hand, and they walked out into the lobby.
The bright lights blinded her for a moment. They stepped up to the podium as Caroline finished her spiel. Hailey cleared her throat. “Thank you all for coming. My name is Hailey Rylen.”
“How long have you been a prostitute?” Someone yelled.
“She’s not a whore you idiot,” Renee said, grabbing the mic. “Neither am I. I was going to let Hailey go first, but I need to get this off my chest. You’ve all spread your lies and, in the process, you’re hurting the people I care about.”
Renee exhaled and shook her hands. “I’ll start from the beginning. My name is Renee and I ran away from home. A few months ago, I started experimenting with drugs. I met Joe Larson at the shelter where I lived off and on. He was a volunteer. I met Hailey there too, and she was there like me because she needed a place. I’m not proud of my actions lately. The mistakes seem never ending; like using drugs and trusting the wrong people.” She glanced at Hailey and shrugged her shoulders.
“Those two people you’re smearing with your lies are probably the nicest people I’ve ever met. They are my heroes. Hailey and Joe have been nothing but kind to me and everyone they meet. They’ve been trying to help me get clean and back in school. The picture you all think is tawdry was the night they saved my life. Hailey could have left me behind, but she didn’t. Joe could have driven by, but he didn’t. That’s not who they are. They saw a young kid with issues and didn’t turn a blind eye. Joe let me stay at his place while he was away.”
She stepped away from the microphone and pointed at the reporters. “That’s right check your dates, morons, he was away playing hockey while I detoxed in his guest room.” Renee shook her finger, shaming them and Hailey held back her laughter.
“He gave two homeless people a place to stay. Joe never once touched me in an inappropriate manner or said anything sleazy. He cared, and that’s it. He hasn’t paid me to say this. It’s my statement and these are my words.” She stepped away and then turned back. “One last thing. If there were more men like Joe Larson, maybe there would be fewer kids on the streets. The next story you write should be about all the work he does for our city when he’s not winning hockey games. That’s it.”
Renee turned and closed her eyes. Her body was vibrating. Hailey moved closer and rubbed her arms, helping her off the podium. It took an enormous amount to guts for her to tell her story like that. Hailey hoped she was half as brave. The room was warm, almost stifling. She squared her shoulders and stepped behind the mic.
The chatter stopped as she cleared her throat. “I had a statement all typed up. The facts you missed.” Hailey held it up and crumpled it. “Instead I will tell you what’s in my heart.” She placed her hand over her heart. “I served in the Canadian Army for close to four years and the bravery Renee displayed just now blew me away. My adult life has been plagued with tragedy and I’m only twenty-two.”
Hailey had a hard time expressing her feelings to herself never mind a room full of reporters. But she could work past her anxiety and get it out. She had to for Joe. She inhaled and rolled her shoulders. Picking one spot on the far wall, she focused and let it out. “I met Joe Larson close to two months ago, and he’s changed my life for the better. He’s selfless and kind. He’ll say he’s
not patient, but he takes the time to listen to people. Joe cares about this city and the challenges facing today’s youth. He’s not one to shy away from the ugly. That’s why I love him. I love that he donates to countless charities not just money but his time. I’m proud to be his girlfriend.”
She stopped staring at the mark on the wall and scanned the crowd. A sea of strangers stared at her. They wanted more. They wanted dirt on the hockey hero, and she couldn’t give them any. “You’re looking for a story to sell your papers and increase your ratings, but you missed the big picture. My love story with Joe isn’t newsworthy. The missing teenagers was newsworthy, and you let them down. The bust at the Reeza property was a huge story, and you missed it. I realize gangs and drugs aren’t as sexy as Joe. Hell, nothing’s as sexy as him,” she snickered, and several people laughed.
“The real story is what are we going to do to prevent something like what happened at the Reeza farm from happening again. Our teenagers are crying for help and no one is listening. Give them a voice and let’s hear them. Drugs aren’t the answer. Living on the streets isn’t the answer. Suicide isn’t the answer. I’m going to sound like my therapist here but talking is the start.”
People mumbled, and cameras flashed. She pushed past the distractions “We need to be more open. That’s why I choose to speak out today. Also, Rex Reeza’s face needs to be broadcast far and wide. He’s a master manipulator, and he’s dangerous. Keep the reports on the things that matter, like catching the criminals and making our city safer. Thanks.”
Her heart raced a mile a minute. The knot in her stomach grew. There was a chance she’d gone too far. Maybe professing her love in front of millions wasn’t the best idea. She stepped down from the podium and smacked into Joe. She couldn’t see his face with her nose buried in his chest, but it was him.
“Are you and Joe going to get married?” Someone yelled.