Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  “That’s fine. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy,” he replied, opening the door.

  Gwen stepped into the hall. He followed and his hand settled on the small of her back. She shivered as he stepped even closer. His scent tickled her taste buds. He smelled enticing. She needed to get away from him.

  “Are we headed outside?” Her voice sounded husky and unlike her. She cleared her throat. “I mean, can we get some air?”

  “I had planned to show you the main floor, but we can head out,” he replied, closing the door behind them. They were alone again. Spencer didn’t seem to notice her hesitation and pressed forward.

  “Do you play?” she asked, hoping to keep their conversation casual.

  His lighthearted chuckle did funny things to her stomach. “Can’t hold a tune or play a lick. Both my girls got their musical prowess from their mother. It’s a shame she never got to witness their talent while she was with us.” He smiled wistfully.

  “When did she pass? If I’m being too intrusive, don’t answer,” she added as they continued down the long corridor.

  “I don’t mind. I’m rather outspoken on the subject. My wife’s battle with anxiety and then post-partum depression took her from us nine years ago. Shortly after Connie was born, she ended her own life. She was an amazing woman, but she held so much inside. Mental health is fragile. I believe it’s a topic that needs to be discussed. If her passing has any silver lining, it’s the number of people we’ve helped since.”

  Hearing him talk so openly about his wife’s condition and depression made Gwen wonder if she was doing enough for Wes. Those wounds were still so fresh, but it was important to talk about them. Too many people suffered in silence.

  They stopped when they reached the doors. The sunshine beamed onto her legs, warming her. The light added some much-needed brightness to the somber turn their conversation had taken. “Do you donate in her honor like Cherie did for my dad?”

  “There is always more I could do, but I set up a foundation. We support numerous mental health initiatives.” He opened a set of French doors, leading out to a three-tiered deck. “It’s supposed to be a beautiful evening, and I planned for us to dine outside. Is that all right?”

  The backyard was an oasis. In the distance, she spotted a pool with a waterfall, a hot tub big enough to fit eight people, a tennis court, a large fire pit and several seating areas. There was so much to take in.

  Gwen licked her dry lips. “More than okay,” she answered.

  He took her hand, leading them towards the pool. “Let’s stretch our legs before we sit. Is Westlyn’s father still in the picture?”

  The sun beat down on them, and his touch was like a furnace, spreading heat. She wiped the sweat from her brow. “No. He died in a car accident before she was born. I like to think he’s watching out for her from heaven.” Over eighteen years had passed, and she still missed him.

  “I’m sorry. Being a single parent couldn’t have been easy. Did you have a lot of support where you lived?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Not really, but we made it work.” She didn’t want to talk about the hard times. Not with him. “You’re a single parent and it didn’t seem to hold you back. Look at everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve sure come a long way from the college dreamer I knew.”

  “I had a lot of help.” He filled her in on his startup company and how he turned his first million into several. He explained his continued growth. Trusting his gut, he surrounded himself with the right people and made the right investments. He made it sound easy. Spencer never let any obstacles get in his way. She admired his determination.

  After a quick walk, he led them towards a table set for four under a pergola overflowing with flowers. She followed him and welcomed the shade. When he pulled out a chair, she sat at the round wooden table. He sat next to her, sliding his chair closer.

  “So why didn’t you have more kids? I recall you were keen on a having over a dozen.” He bit the corner of his lip. The smoldering look caused her insides to liquify.

  She crossed her legs. “After Wes’s dad, the right man never came along. I met far too many jerks instead,” she added. “You only mentioned the two girls, do you have more?”

  “Well, Caroline is married to our team Captain, Nicolas. So, I’ve recently gained a son. Though, I considered him family before he went behind my back and dated my eldest.”

  “I sense a story there. Care to share?” She reached to the center of the table, grabbed the pitcher of lemon water and poured a glass. Without asking, she poured a glass for him too.

  He tossed his head back and laughed. “It’s their story and Caroline loves telling it. I’ll let her fill in the details.” He sipped the water and sighed. “Thanks for the drink. Do you remember my dream to play in the NHL?”

  Like it or not, she remembered every moment of the months they dated. “Every boy dreams of playing. I distinctly remember you saying you’d either play, coach or own a team one day. I think it’s cool you’re living your dream. Not many people accomplish that.”

  “I lacked the talent to play and I wouldn’t have made a good coach. I fought tooth and nail to buy the team when the opportunity came up. Those guys are like my sons. We’re one big family,” he said, draping his arm across the back of her chair. His fingers grazed between her shoulder blades.

  The touch sent a signal directly to her core. A ripple of arousal trickled through her. Slow and sensual. She chugged the water and placed the empty glass on the table as she leaned forward.

  “Speaking of work, were you able to touch base with anyone in need of a social worker?” She reached into her purse and placed the phone on the table. “Oh and this belongs to you. Thank you for the offer, but I won’t be keeping it.”

  “We’ll see about that.” He matched her posture, leaning his elbows on the table. “We have all night to talk shop. Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything.”

  A nervous laugh escaped. She’d already revealed far more than she’d intended to and yet he wanted more. He was acting like they had parted on good terms. This… whatever it was, confused her. “I’m not sure what kind of games you’re into but rest assured I am not—”

  “I don’t play games, other than hockey. These days, I leave that to the professionals. It’s been over twenty years and I’m as attracted to you as the first day we met. You’re still gorgeous and smart. Gwen, I’ve thought about you often.” His hand covered hers.

  “Don’t say things like that.” She didn’t believe a word of his lies and rolled her eyes. “Your charms worked once, but not anymore.” She pulled her hand free and rested them on her lap under the table.

  “Again with the eye roll.” He leaned closer and her breath hitched.

  The girls chose that moment to join them. She relaxed into her seat and exhaled. “Hey, ladies.”

  Wes helped Connie with her chair before sitting across from Gwen. “Sorry we took so long. Connie wanted to show me her room and music collection. It’s really cool. We like a lot of the same bands. Mom, her sister plays in Altered Chords. They are my absolute fav. Can you believe it?” she shrieked.

  Spencer beamed like a proud parent. “I’ll introduce you to Caroline one of these days. If you’d like, I’m sure she can get the band to sign something for you.”

  Her daughter’s jaw dropped to the table and Gwen laughed. A few minutes later, dinner was served. Gwen counted over eight people working in the background as they ate. This wasn’t a typical backyard meal for her.

  The next few hours flew by. Spencer was a total gentleman. He charmed Westlyn. Maybe her too. Gwen hadn’t laughed that much in ages.

  Wes and Connie hit it off, and it was wonderful to hear them laugh. Connie’s autism was relatively mild on the spectrum though she had two staff who helped her with remedial stuff. One lady worked afternoons, and evenings and they’d recently lost their full-time day and weekend nanny. He was in the process of finding a new person and he questio
ned Wes a lot about her experience at the daycare.

  Her nerves had settled some time before dessert. Being in a mansion surrounded by Spencer’s employees was far from normal, but she wasn’t uncomfortable. He treated everyone with respect. The billions in his bank account hadn’t changed him that much, and that surprised her.

  Like when they’d met, she was mesmerized by his words and by his gaze. Those eyes had the ability to lure her in and make her forget all her worries. When Connie’s bedtime approached, she was glad she’d come. The four of them walked to the house together. The young girl hugged her goodnight and Wes went with her into the house. Spencer gripped her arm, keeping her back. He pulled her aside and away from the door.

  “I want to see you again,” he said.

  “We—”

  Their lips collided. He pressed his mouth against hers and she gasped. His tongue moved with lighting quick efficiency, searching and finding what he wanted.

  She had no idea what to make of the kiss or of him. The biggest confusion came from the way her body craved more. She melted against him and her tongue wrapped around his. He groaned and held her firmly, deepening the kiss.

  With every ounce of willpower, she broke away. His kiss left her panting for air. “Stop. We can’t,” she breathed, removing his hands from her arms. The night had been perfect until he ruined it with that kiss. She refused to be his plaything twice.

  His eyes widened as if he was surprised to be shot down. That probably never happened to him. Too bad.

  “Tell me why not?”

  She raced into the house without answering. Westlyn was in the foyer and Connie stood at the top of the steps. She waved at the girl. “Let’s go,” Gwen said, grabbing her daughter’s hand.

  “What’s the rush? I never said bye to Spencer,” she protested.

  “Thank you both for coming,” he said from behind them. They turned. “You’ll need this.” He slipped the cell phone into her purse.

  “I told you—”

  “That you’re looking for work and I’ve given out that number to a few of my contacts. You’ll need it. Trust me.” His smile made her want to smack him. And kiss him all over again.

  She glared and kept her mouth shut. A simple nod was all she could muster.

  “Thank you for the phone and for dinner.” Westlyn let go of her mom’s hand and held it out for Spencer. “I’m sure you’re looking for someone with more experience for the full-time gig, but if you ever need someone to watch Connie, I’d be game.”

  He shook her hand. “Deal. We’ll be in touch. And you’re welcome back anytime. It was great meeting you, Westlyn.” He let go of her hand and crossed his arms over his chest. “The driver will take you back to Cherie’s. Good night, Gwen.”

  She left without saying another word. Her lips still tingled from the kiss. If she opened her mouth, the word more would be all she’d say. That wouldn’t be good for either of them.

  Chapter 5

  The next morning, Gwen followed the scent of freshly brewed coffee into the kitchen. “Hi,” she yawned. “You’re up early again.”

  Cherie was dressed for another day at the office. “I work,” she replied.

  “Well, you look pretty. I see you got my note.”

  Cherie’s bedroom door had been locked when they’d arrived home. Gwen had left her a note on the kitchen counter, letting her know they were with Spencer for the evening. The crumpled page in was tucked in her sister’s hand.

  “Yeah,” Cherie said, without making eye contact.

  “We hadn’t made plans for dinner and Spencer insisted we get together,” Gwen said, helping herself to a cup of coffee. “You went to bed pretty early cause it wasn’t late when we returned.”

  “Did you have fun?” Cherie’s tone was clipped, and her posture matched. With her hands on her hips, her lips pursed as though she’d sucked something sour.

  A smile tugged at the corner of Gwen’s mouth as she sat at the island, wearing an old tank top and pajama shorts. She traced the outline of her lower lip. The kiss had replayed in her mind all night. “It was an interesting evening. How was your night?” She blew on the hot coffee before taking a sip.

  “I worked past dinner, but came home earlier than usual. You’d seemed interested in talking before I left. I figured we’d have a nightcap, but you obviously had more important things to do than hang out with me.” She tossed the balled paper into the waste basket.

  Gwen set the cup down. “I wished I’d known. We moved to Winnipeg to be close to you. I want to hang out with you.”

  “Sure you do,” she countered. “You came here because you want something. Are you sure it wasn’t to… never mind,” she said, shaking her head and looking down at the floor.

  “Finish your sentence. Why else would we be here if not for you? You’re the reason we’re here.”

  Cherie inhaled, gripped the counter and leaned back. “This isn’t working out.”

  Gwen blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “You can’t stay here. If I’m the only reason you’re here, then you should go.”

  “Where is this coming from? Did we wake you last night? We were extra quiet when we got in so we wouldn’t disturb you. I’m sorry—”

  “You’re always sorry,” she mumbled and then looked her sister right in the eye. “This isn’t a good time for your surprise visit. I don’t need you here. Please, leave the key and be out before I’m home tonight. I’ll go say bye to my niece before I head to the office.”

  “Cherie be reasonable. We have nowhere to go. Please let us stay for a little longer while I figure things out,” she begged.

  Her sister shook her head and walked past her, dismissing her plea. Gwen dropped her forehead onto the cold counter and exhaled. Cursing under her breath, she tried to formulate a plan. They had no family other than Cherie and knew no one in the city other than her and Spencer. Calling him for help was out of the question.

  A massive headache formed at the base of her skull. Gwen rubbed the ache and racked her brain, trying to figure out what she’d done to piss her sister off now. The list was long, but it was all old stuff. Nothing new came to mind that would cause such a severe reaction. With no rhyme or reason, they’d simply worn out their welcome. Shit!

  The front door closed a few minutes later. Cherie left with no further explanation. Gwen knew better than to test her sister. It wasn’t worth shredding the tiny thread of a relationship they had by pushing her luck.

  Wes padded into the room a while later and found her slumped over the counter in the same position. “What did you say to her this time?”

  “I was hoping you could tell me,” she said.

  The relationship between Westlyn and Cherie was good. They weren’t close, but they talked every month. Her sister made an effort to get to know her daughter. It was better than nothing.

  “Well, all I know is that she seemed sad. She apologized to me, and said you’d left her no options. I told you nobody likes surprises,” Wes said, rubbing her mother’s shoulders. “Where are we going to go? Back to BC?”

  “No. We’re staying in Winnipeg,” Gwen replied. “I’m going to fix things with your aunt. We came here to be closer to family. Maybe expecting her to put us up for a few weeks was asking too much. I realize I’m not her favorite person, but I had hoped… it doesn’t matter anymore. We need to find a place to live.”

  Wes sat on the stool next to her and opened the laptop. “What kind of budget have we got?”

  “None,” she joked and sat upright. If she hadn’t trusted her ex, they’d have savings and would have been able to afford an apartment. “I’m sorry I put us in this mess.” She leaned her head on her daughter’s shoulder.

  “It’s okay, Mom. We’ll figure it out together. I’m as much to blame for us being here,” she said, lifting her hands. The bracelets jangled, drawing attention to the marks hidden beneath.

  Gwen’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re in no way responsible.” She
grabbed her daughter’s hands and kissed the scars. “We left because it was time to go. A fresh start for both of us. I stand by my decision one hundred percent.”

  Wes gifted her with a weak smile. “Okay. If we don’t have enough for a hotel, we could buy a tent and camp somewhere. It is summer.”

  The idea wasn’t so bad, but she needed to be in the city for interviews. “It might come to that, but first let’s pick a cheap motel. The credit card should carry us for a little while. If I need to, I’ll take a job waiting tables or something. Thanks for being such a great kid,” she added, hugging Wes.

  Before the afternoon turned to night, they checked into a cheap motel. Finding anything for less than one hundred dollars per night proved to be difficult. This place was located in the seedier part of downtown. Even with the cheaper price tag, the cost wouldn’t be something she could sustain for more than a few days. The front of the building was layered with graffiti and grime. The inside was just as dirty. It appeared as if the floors had never seen a vacuum. The carpets lining the hall were black though patches of red poked through. A pungent scent of urine and bleach percolated through the lobby and their room wasn’t much better.

  The worst part of the day, besides getting kicked out of Cherie’s, was no one called about work. Not a single phone call all day. She hadn’t expected to hear much on the weekend, but it left her deflated. Looking around the dark and barren room, Gwen buried her head in her hands.

  Wes sat crossed legged on the queen-sized bed and pulled her headphones off. “Are you okay?”

  Gwen shook her head. “Do you want my honest answer or my optimistic one?”

  “Truth,” she replied.

  “I hate it here,” Gwen said, peeking through her fingers.

  “It’s not so bad. Kinda reminds me of that place on East Hastings Street where we stayed a few years back while the apartment was being fumigated for bed bugs.” Wes picked at something on the covers.

  Gwen cringed and scratched her hair as if the creepy crawlers were all over her. “Gross and that place sucked too. I’m not really acing this mom thing, am I?”