by Kristen Echo
He opened the door, and she stepped out. His hand moved to the small of her back. The commanding touch meant nothing she reminded herself. Joe lead them past the group of hockey players and their partners without stopping. Hailey waved. Benny and Beth did the same, and she noticed the smirk tugging against his lips and the blush on her cheeks.
“I’ll pay and then we can leave.” He directed her towards the cash register.
Miranda greeted them with a warm smile. “Don’t cry, sweetie. The papers don’t always get it right. This will pass,” she said, reaching over and patting her hand.
“What are you talking about?” Hailey straightened as Joe’s fingers dug into her back.
“Oh, I figured someone had shown you an article or two by now.” Miranda reached under the counter and pulled out a newspaper. “For the record, Joe, I don’t believe a word of it.”
Front page was a picture of Joe, Hailey and Renee from weeks earlier. The night he brought them back to his place. Joe snatched the paper and crumpled it before she could read it. “Vultures. They’re chasing a story that doesn’t exist instead of printing facts. I’m not worried,” he said, dropping a hundred-dollar bill on the counter. “Keep the change, Miranda.”
Her smile widened. “Thanks. You two enjoy the rest of your evening.” She winked and added the cash to the till.
Hailey ripped the paper from Joe’s hand and her mouth fell open. They claimed Joe was involved with the shady activities going on at the farm. His NHL money funded the operation, ripping teens from their homes to fill the city streets with narcotics. It was craziness. They called him a deviant who had sex with minors and prostitutes.
“Joe.” Hailey covered her mouth as she continued to read the lies. The article mentioned evidence of his strange behavior, roaming the streets after dark looking for young women to pray upon. The reporter had been following him for weeks citing frequent trips outside the city and holding the women in the picture hostage in his condo before bringing them to the farm. Her hands vibrated with rage.
“Put it down,” he said through clenched teeth. His lips thinned as he tugged on the paper.
“Why would they print these lies?” Hailey gave him the paper, and he set it on the counter.
He scurried her out of the diner and into his car without answering. Only after they were buckled in and sailing down the highway did he open his mouth. “Let it go. Did you like the diner? That’s where I wanted to take you on our first date. Do you remember when I picked you up at your parent’s place?”
Hailey angled her body towards him. “I remember that day, but we didn’t go on a date. We’ve never been on a date.”
“Whose fault is that?” He smirked.
“Joe,” she said, placing her hand on his lap. “Tell me about that article. How can you sit there so calm? I’m boiling over with anger right now. I’d like to find that reporter and rip him to shreds.” Her fists clenched, bunching his jeans in her hand.
“It will blow over. My lawyers and PR team are working on it. There’s no sense in getting all worked up about it. I won’t let it deter my focus from what’s important.”
“They called me a whore and mentioned you might not play in the next game. The NHL is looking into things. What the fuck!” Hailey threw her hands in the air. At least this explained his brooding at the diner.
“I’m playing. They can print whatever bullshit they want. I will be dressed and on the ice for the next game.” His knuckles turned white as he gripped on the stirring wheel.
She stared at him, watching his jaw flex and his Adams apple bob. Stress seeped from his pores even if he wouldn’t admit it. She’d caused it. If they’d never met, he’d be humming a happy tune, not fighting to save his hockey career. She sunk back into her seat and looked away. It hurt to see the pain she’d caused.
“I get why you called me your girlfriend for the cameras now. I’m not an unnamed prostitute if I’m your partner. It doesn’t look as bad for you though it still doesn’t explain Renee. Did your PR rep tell you to say that?” She kept her eyes on the dotted lines as they rolled down the road.
His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her face towards him. “My PR team told me to stay away from you, but here I am. I said that because it’s what I want.”
Her eyes searched his and within the darkness she found truth. “Then why didn’t you tell me when I asked you what you wanted? You looked pained and ready to break something.”
Joe exhaled and released her chin. “I’ll be honest with you. This is new territory for me. A guy can only take so much rejection before he should admit defeat, but I’m not a quitter. You spook so damn easily, I thought if I told you I wanted you, you’d run. You have a tendency of doing that.”
“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 16
Round 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 through 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 a
ny 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.”