Hockey Holidays

by Toni Aleo

  My cell trilled to life. I glanced at the screen. It was an unidentified number, but I recognized the last five digits from the card that came with the flowers.

  Nathan.

  “Wow, fast work, Casanova,” I muttered and switched it to silent.

  As I sipped my coffee, my phone rang again, vibrating on the work surface. Again, I ignored it and made my way to the shower. I didn’t need to go into work today, but I would. I wanted to see how my bypass patient from the day before was doing.

  By late afternoon, I’d had four missed calls from Nathan, which was ridiculous, so I switched the damn thing off. As I did so, I looked at the flowers on my desk then at the trash. If I could have gotten the huge bunch in the container I would have, but there was no way even with a bit of bashing they’d fit. And besides, it wasn’t the flowers’ fault the man who’d sent them was a douchebag.

  My day ended with another long hot soak in the tub. If Ben had been around, I would have joined him and Lisa for a barbeque on a Sunday evening, perhaps a swim in their pool. But without him, I was at a loose end. I could have rung Amanda and Richard and gotten myself an invite there—Richard was a childhood friend of ours, family almost. But I didn’t have the energy. In truth, I wanted to lick my wounds, sift through my thoughts, and be embarrassed on my own about the fact I’d very nearly fallen for the charms of the NHL’s biggest cad.

  Monday started with a ward round, then I spent the afternoon in theatre working on a valve replacement. It was a child, and the vessels so tiny it required all of my patience and concentration. I then spent time in intensive care going through blood results with interns. When I finally got up to my office, day was becoming night and Nicola was just leaving.

  “Hi, Dr. Delaney,” she said. “Good day?”

  “Long day.”

  “There’s a few letters on your desk which require your attention, a rep called and asked if he could present the new stents to your team, and…” Her sentence trailed off.

  “What?”

  “And Nathan Walker has called three times.”

  I groaned. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “He’s got it bad, wants you to call him as soon as you can.”

  “Which will be never.”

  “Why? He’s a hottie.”

  “And, to quote you right back, he’s also trouble.”

  Nicola shrugged. “What hockey player isn’t?” A giggle burst upward. “And besides, trouble is more interesting than boring.”

  “I really haven’t got time.” I sighed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “No, it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, I’m off. And I need to get myself organized for the big day. I’ve hardly done anything. Why is it always left to the mom?”

  Christmas was barely on my radar. “Happy Christmas, Nicola, and thank you.”

  “Happy Christmas to you, too.”

  She slipped from the room, and I walked into my office and up to the window. Lights from the bar on the other side of the lot twinkled through the darkness, and to the right of it a shop had balanced a reindeer and sleigh on its roof. My attention strayed to the place Nathan had kissed me.

  “Damn you.” I touched my lips. “How did you make such an impression so quickly?”

  After filing the paperwork Nicola had set out for me, I made the decision to go the Vipers’ stadium and pick up my torch. Fergal’s secretary had told me it was now in Ben’s office. I didn’t want to have it sitting around all over the holidays; there was more chance it would go walkabout if I did that.

  The stadium was in semi-darkness, nothing like the way it was lit when a game was on. As I stepped out of the car, the quiet wrapped around me, and I was aware of the lack of scents that had hit my nostrils last time I’d been here.

  After letting myself in through a side entrance, using the code Ben had given me, I strode down the maze of corridors. My feet ached, and a dull thud had made itself at home in my temple. I needed to eat and rest and finish my day off. This detour really was the last thing I wanted.

  Eventually, I located the office, and sure enough, my torch was on Ben’s desk. I slipped it into my purse then paused and looked around. I missed Ben so much; I’d be glad when he was home, but standing in his domain, his workplace, made me feel a little closer to him.

  My stomach growled, and I strode from the office, shutting the door up behind me. I wandered back the way I’d come, or at least the way I’d thought I’d come. I spotted the home team’s locker room door, suppressing a flush as I recalled who I’d stumbled across last time I’d gone in there and his state of undress.

  Damn it. I’d taken a wrong turn.

  I passed a set of offices, then pushed through two wide doors, and the moment I did, I knew I’d made an even bigger mistake.

  The cool scent of ice filtered up my nose, and the chill air washed over my cheeks. The sound of blades slicing over the rink filled my ears, and a blur of red and white streaked past me.

  I’d accidently ended up in the same compartment by the rink as I’d sat in when I’d been acting medic.

  The right thing to do would have been to quickly slip out again, but I was held hostage by my curiosity as two players battled for the puck. I had no idea who they were, they didn’t have names on their shirts, but they were going full throttle toward a padded-up goalie.

  Suddenly one flicked the puck, hard, and it hit the back of the net.

  There was a whoop, and the player who’d scored the point held his stick aloft and spun. He spun toward me. Stopped. Stared.

  It was him. Nathan Walker.

  What were the chances of walking in and him being one of only three players working on their moves? Just my rotten luck.

  I remained frozen.

  All that was going through my brain was he’d think I was here for him. To see him. To speak to him. And that was the last thing I wanted. I’d been trying to avoid him and make a break from whatever it was we had going on.

  He pushed forward, whizzing my way, closing the distance between us with alarming speed.

  I finally managed to get my traitorous body to move and twirled around, my heart clattering. I had to get out of there.

  Shoving the door so hard it whacked up against the wall, I raced from the rink.

  “Sophie!”

  His deep voice rattled through my brain. I knew I should stop and speak to him but I didn’t trust myself not to be seduced by his charm again.

  “Sophie, wait!”

  Wait for what? To fall for him then have my heart broken when he moved on to the next conquest? Another blonde bombshell I could never compete with? No, thank you.

  The door slammed shut, and I spotted a sign for the exit. Tightening the strap of my purse over my shoulder, I sped up to a jog.

  Soon I was back outside. The air was still hot, despite it being late, and cicadas had set up their song in the bushes around the lot. The moon was full, and a silvery light spread before me, over the tarmac as I made for my car. I half expected Nathan to suddenly appear.

  But he didn’t. Thank goodness skates took some time to remove.

  I headed for home with the image of his face behind his helmet haunting me. He’d been surprised at first to see me, then a smile had tugged his lips.

  I should never have gone to the stadium. Ben could have brought my torch to me.

  It was too late. The damage was done.

  After a microwave meal for one, I sat in front of the television in my lounge pants and a t-shirt.

  Flicking through the channels, I came across a show about hockey. I tossed the remote aside and watched. The commentator was talking about The Islanders but quickly moved to The Vipers. An image of Nathan flashed up on the screen. First his face, wearing a helmet, and then a medley of shots of him on the ice scoring points.

  “Jeez! I can’t get away from him!” I reached for the remote again and turned the television off.

  The doorbell sounded.

  I frowned, stood, then padded barefoo
t to the front door and pulled it open. “Ben!”

  “Hey, Soph.” He stepped in and scooped me up into a hug.

  I clung to him, my heart racing. “What are you doing here?”

  “Get me a coffee and I’ll tell you.”

  “Is everything okay? Lisa?”

  “Yes, she’s fine.” He kept his arm over my shoulder as we walked to the kitchen. “There was a problem with her mother, though. She broke her hip in a fall at Winter Wonderland.”

  “Oh no, is she all right?”

  “They’ve operated, and she’s doing well. But Lisa couldn’t stand the thought of being so far away from her. She’s an only child, isn’t she? Responsibility weighs heavy.”

  “Yes, I suppose that makes a difference, being an only one.”

  “As soon as she heard the news she stopped enjoying herself,” Ben went on, “so I booked us a flight home.”

  “You’re such a good husband.” I stared up at him. “I can’t believe you’re really here.”

  “I’m really here.” He reached for two mugs. “And I tried to call you, but your cell is off.”

  “Er, yeah, sorry. I’ve been in surgery all day anyway.”

  “Ah, okay.” He poured coffee. “So of course you’ll come to us on Christmas Day, right?”

  “Are you still doing it? With Lisa’s mum in hospital?”

  “Yes, of course. Gotta have a turkey.”

  “Thank you; yes, I will.” Suddenly the thought of Christmas Day didn’t seem so bad.

  Ben is home!

  “And tomorrow,” he said. “We’re throwing a bit of a party. I’m trying to keep the honeymoon feeling going. Keep Lisa’s spirits up.”

  “A party? Is Lisa okay with that? Hosting is a lot of work.”

  “I’ve planned it so it’s not. She’ll spend the day with her mother, and I’ve got the caterers in, so all she’s got to do is put on her lipstick and enjoy herself.” He sipped his drink. “Come over about nine, dress to impress.” He laughed.

  “I don’t know, I’ve got—”

  “You have not got to be at the hospital at nine o’clock on Christmas Eve, Soph. I know your rota, and you’re not even on call until the twenty-eighth.”

  “But if I’m coming to you on Christmas Day, you don’t want me there Christmas Eve as well.”

  “Hey.” He stroked his hand over my hair. “I might be married now, but you’re still my twin, the person I shared a womb with, grew up with, and I’ll always want you there.”

  “Thank you.” I paused. “For saying that.”

  “Never doubt it.”

  I slept better that night—no dreams of The Flash and his hot body doing even hotter things to mine—and rose just before midday on Christmas Eve. After a call to the hospital to check in with the senior nurse in intensive care and my interns, I threw open my wardrobe.

  What to wear to Ben’s party?

  I sifted past a black dress, a red blouse, and a flowery number I’d worn to a friend’s wedding a year ago. They were the only things that were vaguely party-ish, and I didn’t want to wear any of them. Okay, it was only a house party, and I’d probably spend most of the time catching up with Lisa in the kitchen but I still wanted to look nice.

  There was only one thing for it—a trip to the mall. It was long overdue.

  I grabbed my purse and slipped on a pair of comfy sneakers. A glance at my cell told me I had no missed calls from my would-be suitor. Thank goodness.

  He’s finally given up.

  Eight hours later, I stood at Ben’s and Lisa’s front door wearing an emerald green dress that was strapless, hugged my slight curves, and stopped just above my knees. The material was shiny and soft and worked well with my skin tone and brown bobbed hair. Teamed with a pair of silvery heels, dangling silver earrings, and matching green purse, I was pleased with my new party look.

  It took a minute for Ben to come to the door. There was music playing fairly loud, and I had to knock twice. “Hey, sis, you look amazing,” he said as he pulled it open and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “You invited a lot of people.” I gestured to the driveway full of cars and the road, also packed.

  “If you’re going to throw a Christmas party, might as well do it properly.”

  “That’s true.” I stepped inside.

  The house was warm despite the air-con and smelled of cooking food. Elvis’s White Christmas was booming out, and guests, standing around, were talking loudly over the noise.

  “Sophie.”

  Lisa appeared before me and dragged me into a hug. “I’m so glad you could join us. Sorry for the short notice.”

  “That’s not a problem at all.” I smiled and glanced around. There were quite a few people I didn’t recognize, though I did spot the Vipers’ coach, the one I’d sat next to a few evenings before. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. How is she doing?”

  “Much better. I’ve been with her most of the day. They’re getting her out of bed tomorrow. What a Christmas present, a new hip!”

  “Yes, she’ll remember this one.” I took a glass of orange juice from a passing waiter holding a tray. “Thank you.”

  ‘Ben’s gone all out,” Lisa said. “He didn’t want me doing a thing. Caterers are cooking the food— only nibbles, not a sit-down meal—and as you can see, we have waiters.”

  “It’s a good idea. After the long journey from Cape Town and the worry of your mum, you need to relax and enjoy yourself.”

  “Which is what I intend to do.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Would you excuse me? Our new neighbors have just arrived. I need to make a good impression and let them know we don’t have parties all the time.”

  “Of course, go.”

  I watched her flit off, her long hair swishing down her back. My new sister-in-law was a wonderful woman, and I adored her. She’d also made my brother a very happy man.

  Ben was nowhere to be seen now, so I wandered farther into the house, hoping to find a familiar face. Surely Amanda and Richard were here. Perhaps they were in the snug. I’d go look there.

  The snug door was shut. As I opened it and peered into the empty room there were footsteps behind me.

  “Hey, sweetpea.”

  Chapter Six

  My heart lurched at the sound of a familiar deep voice. I turned. A drip of orange juice splashed onto my hand. I ignored it.

  Nathan Walker stood before me wearing a white open-necked shirt and black jeans. As was his habit, his hands were shoved into the pockets of his denims and his feet set hip-width apart.

  I gulped. “What are you doing here?” His sudden presence was a slap to my emotions.

  “Taking up a friend on his kind invite to a Christmas party.”

  “Ben asked you here?”

  “Sure. Why wouldn’t he? I told you, we’re mates.” He stepped closer, reached past me—his arm almost brushing my ear—and set his palm on the snug door. “Let’s go in here.” He pushed it wide. “We need to talk.”

  “I don’t think so.” Damn it, I could smell his cologne, which was divine and reminded me of the kiss we’d shared.

  “It wasn’t a request, Sophie, you owe me a couple of explanations.”

  “For what?”

  “Why were you at the stadium yesterday?”

  “I’d forgotten something. I had to collect it from Ben’s office.”

  “And you accidently stumbled into the rink?”

  “Yes, the place is a labyrinth.”

  “And your excuse for running off? Even though I know damn well you heard me call you. Why’d you do that?”

  I didn’t speak. I couldn’t begin to articulate why I’d run like a teenager having an emotional meltdown.

  “Silence, great. Okay, onto the second explanation. Why are you ignoring my calls?

  I pressed my lips together, knowing I was being childish but really just wanting the floor to open up and swallow me.

  “We’d agreed to go on a second date.” His voice had so
ftened. “How the hell is that gonna happen if you won’t communicate with me?”

  “I don’t want to communicate with you. I thought maybe you’d get the hint that I don’t want a second date.”

  He lowered his face to mine. “Hint. You really think I’m the kind of guy to give up so easily?”

  “You’ll have to.”

  “No. Not a chance.” He paused, and his eyeline sank down my body, hovering on my breasts and the slight flare of my hips. “When we kissed there was something special there, you must have felt it, too.” He set his attention on my eyes again. “And in the bar…I can’t remember ever enjoying someone’s company so much. You intrigue me. You’re so like me but not. I want to get to know you better, Sophie, and you made me think the feeling was mutual.”

  My mouth was dry, my breaths coming quick. He was right, I did want to get to know him better, and his hot body, that I would seriously like to get to know better, but I had to protect my heart—and my sanity.

  “What’d I do wrong?” he asked. “Have I got bad breath? You don’t like how I kiss, how I smell, the way I dress? Maybe I don’t look good in the shower.”

  “No, no, of course not, none of that.” Why’d he have to bring up the shower? As if I wasn’t feeling flustered enough.

  “So you’re saying you like how I kiss?” He raised his eyebrows. “And how I look in the shower?”

  I sighed. “Okay, let’s take this conversation into the snug.”

  His lips curled into a triumphant smile.

  I glanced around, hoping Ben wasn’t about to see me slipping into his snug with the man he’d told me to steer clear of.

  Luckily he wasn’t in sight; in fact, no one was. The snug was at the back of the house, and like most parties, guests had drifted toward the kitchen, which luckily was huge.

  I stepped into the quiet room. It had a flat-screen TV on the wall, several bookshelves, a low burgundy sofa, and a small oak table which held a pile of medical journals.