He couldn’t believe how different things had been between him and Jenny over the past two weeks. Ever since they’d agreed to allow their relationship to develop at its own pace, they’d relaxed with each other. For the first time in too many years, they’d enjoyed each other’s company without tense undercurrents. They’d also rediscovered what they’d liked about each other. And remembered why they’d fallen in love.
Free from the angst of the past, and the pressures of the future—even if only temporarily—he and Jenny had slowly, but surely, explored the attraction that simmered between them. It didn’t take much for the fiery passion to ignite, but having two tiny embryos to consider had kept things from going too far.
Still, as the days had passed, their kisses had grown more heated, more intense. Their caresses more daring, more frantic. As images of the two of them flashed through his mind, desire licked through his body, like flames over dried wood.
Need tightened his groin.
He turned the shower to cold. The icy needles, pummeling every exposed inch, did little to cool the fire within. Slamming off the shower, he grabbed a towel. When the softness against his skin intensified the tingling, he groaned. Time to get rougher towels.
Tru threw on a T-shirt and shorts, grabbed a beer, then turned on the Yankees game. Jake arrived soon after, with pizza, and they settled down to watch the boys in pinstripes.
At the seventh inning stretch, Jake turned to him. “Tomorrow’s the big day, huh?”
Tru tensed. Keeping his eyes on the TV, he said, “Yeah.”
“Are you ready for whatever the answer is?”
“The result will be positive and yes, I’m ready.” He was looking forward to what the months ahead with Jenny would bring.
“You’re sure this is the best way? You’ve got a lot to lose if it all goes belly-up.”
Not long after Maggie and Jenny had talked, Jake had stormed round to let Tru know he wouldn’t let him hurt Jenny. Once Tru had explained his side of the story, with Jenny’s permission, his friend’s bluster had subsided.
Tru had been shocked to learn Jake had suspected Pastor Boult wasn’t a saint, though his friend hadn’t imagined anything as terrible as the truth. Jake had also been sympathetic about Tru’s role in the events that had led to Jenny being hospitalized.
Even so, Jake had wanted to be sure Tru had thought the plan through carefully. Making things right was noble, but wasn’t fathering Jenny’s child overplaying it? Tru had convinced him it would be a win-win, for both him and Jenny.
Since then, they hadn’t discussed the subject again.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll make damn sure of that.”
“What happens if you’re traded?” Jake held up his hand. “Your contract hasn’t materialized yet. Even if it does, that won’t stop the Cats from shipping you out.”
Tru was worried about that, too. “Andy swore he’d have the paperwork to me tomorrow. He was at the draft this weekend. He said he’d tackle Hardshaw before he left Winnipeg.”
Jake grimaced. “There are a lot of rumors coming out of the draft. Hardshaw was seen with the Canucks’ GM, so the hot money is on a blockbuster trade for Davidson.”
Tru’s gut tightened. “Troy Davidson may be the highest paid defenseman in the league, but his numbers aren’t much better than mine.”
“He’s younger and better-looking.” Jake punched his arm good-naturedly.
“I have more experience and a Cup ring. Plus I’m ripped. Check out the abs.”
“Right.” His friend sobered. “Word is Vancouver’s looking for more than picks and prospects in return—like possibly a veteran d-man.”
It didn’t take a genius to work out who’d be the trade bait. “Doesn’t play for me. That’s a lot to give up for a guy who’s yet to have consecutive good seasons and who has limited postseason experience. He was injured for their past two play-off runs. And the Cats would need to shift wages to get under the salary cap for the start of the season.”
Jake shrugged. “Maybe management figures a shake-up now is better than rebuilding. I hear they’re not any closer to signing Larocque, either.”
“J.B. said they were low-balling him on salary and boosting his bonuses. He’s not prepared to lose money if they don’t have the team to even make the play-offs.”
“Smart kid. At this rate, the Cats will be hot garbage next season.” Jake rose. “I need another beer. Want one?”
Tru nodded. “Just when things are finally going right with Jenny, my career with the Cats is circling the drain.”
Before Jake could reply, Tru’s phone rang.
“Speak of the devil. Should get some answers now.” Tru answered. “Hey, Andy. Were your ears burning?”
“After these past few days, it’s not my ears I’m worried about.” His agent barked a laugh. “My gut’s a mess and not from the crazy deals some teams expect me to go for. I had a curry on Friday night that’ll have me chewing antacids for the next month. A couple of GMs wanted to try out this Thai place. What I do for my clients.”
Tru rolled his eyes. Andy loved schmoozing. “I take it you have news for me.”
“I’ve got good news and bad news.”
The back of Tru’s neck itched. “What, no middling this time?”
“Nope. It’s black and white. Which do you want to hear first?”
“Bad. How much longer will the Cats mess me about? Free agency is a week away.”
Jake handed him a beer. “You okay?” he mouthed.
Tru waggled his free hand to say “maybe yes, maybe no.”
“That’s the thing, Tru. I couldn’t tie them down. I don’t like how things are shaking out.”
From his agent’s tone, worse was still to come. Damn. “Tell me straight, man.”
“I don’t think you’ll get the contract. My feeling is they’ll let you walk on July 1.”
Bile burned Tru’s throat. The pizza he’d eaten threatened to reappear.
Andy continued, speaking faster. “Hardshaw blew off our meeting for a session with the Canucks’ GM. When we did get together, he refused to talk about your contract. He won’t discuss you until he and I firm up some other business.”
Tru finally found his voice. “Not even a trade? What happened to the done deal?”
Jake slammed down his beer bottle and swore.
“I told you there was no guarantee they’d keep you, even if they signed the contract.”
Anger surged, sweeping away the nausea. “Is this definite? Am I done with the Cats?”
“There’s still a few days left.” Andy sighed. “But don’t hold your breath.”
For several moments, Tru battled the urge to rail at the same mystical powers he’d been grateful to earlier. After everything he’d done for the team, they were playing him like a cheap fiddle.
Enough. Time to stop wishing for what wasn’t going to be and start living the reality.
“Tell the Ice Cats they can take their contract and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I’m through with them.”
“Now you’re talking.” Andy laughed. “Though we’ll keep that message between ourselves. No point burning bridges or showing our hand. We’ll just let things ride. Don’t worry, I can get you a great deal. You’ll have your pick of the teams and some major money, too.”
“Great.” He wished he could be more enthusiastic, but he was still raw.
After he’d hung up, Tru took a long swig of beer, then swore. He filled Jake in on what Andy had said.
“I’m sorry, bro. I thought they’d come through for you,” Jake said quietly.
He puffed out a frustrated breath. “I knew the odds of staying in Jersey were pretty long once Max went.”
“They manipulated you.” Jake scowled. “Doesn’t make me confident ab
out my contract negotiations next year.”
“They won’t let you go. You’re the heart of the defense corps. They’ll stick the captain’s C on your sweater as soon as Scotty Matthews retires.”
They sat silently for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.
“Won’t be the same without you,” Jake said.
“At least we had a few seasons playing together,” Tru said finally. “And the Cup.”
They clinked bottles. “It won’t be so bad. Like when I played for Chicago.”
“I know. It just makes the next few months more complicated than I wanted. Not least because of Jenny.”
“Maybe she’ll go with you.”
He should be so lucky. “The plan is for her to stay here, with the babies, during the season and I’ll get back when I can.”
“You agreed to that before you started dating. Things have changed.”
Somehow, Tru didn’t think they’d changed that much. His chest squeezed at the thought of being far away from her and their babies. “We’ll see after the first, when I know where I’m headed.”
Jake shot him a suspicious look. “You will tell her what’s happening, won’t you?”
“Sure.” Tru rubbed his jaw. “But not right now. No point worrying her until I know how it’s all shaken out.”
“She might want to know, to be involved in the decision.”
“She needs to concentrate on herself and the pregnancy.”
Jake shook his head. “Presenting her with a done deal is a mistake, bro.”
“Fretting about what may or may not happen won’t be good for her. Better to tell her the final outcome and take things from there.”
His friend’s expression said he didn’t agree, but wouldn’t push it. “She’ll be happy you’re not on that memorial committee anymore.”
“Yeah. I’m glad about that, too. That whole saga was giving me an ulcer.”
“Aunt Karina won’t be too pleased, but you won’t be trying to sabotage her project anymore.”
Tru’s stomach dropped. If he wasn’t around, how the hell would he get the memorial canned? He’d promised Jenny he’d make sure it didn’t go ahead. He couldn’t break that promise. He’d have to come up with another plan, fast.
“Talking of things that’ll upset your mom, what’s the situation with your old man? You still planning to go to Boston?”
Tru nodded. “On Wednesday. I want this done, one way or the other, before your parents’ Fourth of July party.”
“You’re playing with fire, with all these secrets you’re keeping. I know you’re trying to protect everyone, but people have a right to know.”
“They will. But the last thing Ma needs is for Radek Jelinek to raise his ugly head if he’s only after money. She seems happy with that Rory guy.”
“What if your dad contacts Ike or one of the others? They’ll be pissed you’ve kept this from them. You’d be mad as hell if the situation was reversed.”
“You’re right.” Tru sighed. “Whatever the outcome, I’ll tell them everything after the Boston trip. At least then, I’ll have all the facts.”
“The sooner, the better.” Jake nodded. “By the way, are the Bruins on your list of approved teams?”
“They are.” Tru groaned. “Playing in the same city as my father—wouldn’t that be a fun twist of fate?”
* * *
THE LONGEST TWO minutes of her life.
Jenny sat on the bathroom floor, waiting for the little white stick to do its thing. Memories churned her stomach.
At least she wasn’t alone. Tru sat behind her, leaning against the bath. His arms were wrapped around her and his legs stretched out on either side of her.
She tilted her head back against his shoulder. “What if...”
His hug tightened. “Whatever the result, we’ll handle it. Together.”
Jenny allowed herself to relax a fraction. “I hate this bit of the process.”
“I think it’s all hellish.”
She turned to look at him. “I’ve enjoyed our celebrations.”
“Me, too.” Tru leaned forward and kissed her.
As she parted her lips to allow him entry, her pulse skittered. Her arm crept up around his neck, holding him close. Her fingers slid through his hair.
His hands caressed her, from her hip to just below her breast. His tongue teased hers in an erotic game of cat and mouse. Until she turned the tables and the mouse captured the cat.
Desire shot from every part of her, merging to form a fiery core of need deep in her belly. Between her legs, a familiar ache demanded attention. Moist and heavy, she was ready for his touch. She shifted against him, silently seeking satisfaction.
As he had numerous times over the past two weeks, Tru gentled the kiss and eased his mouth away.
Jenny let her hand slide down and rest against his chest. His quickened breathing and the heavy pounding of his heart beneath her palm confirmed he was as turned on as she was.
When they’d started this new phase of their relationship, Jenny had been embarrassed that the minute Tru touched her, she seemed to lose all rational thought, while he was able to maintain some semblance of sanity. But it hadn’t taken long to see beneath his game face to the truth. His passion-filled eyes, his husky voice and his unsteady hands had reassured her that she’d affected him, too.
Though it had cost him physically, he’d been prepared to do what was necessary to protect her and her babies. Few men would have pulled back from sex when it was so readily offered. How many more ways could he show her she was special?
Jenny realized she’d finally forgiven him for the past.
Not that she believed Tru was perfect, but then, neither was she. She was still cautious about trusting him fully—he hadn’t stopped trying to fix everything for everyone. Look at his stubborn refusal to tell his brothers about their father. She may not approve of his methods, but she couldn’t deny his motives. His worst fault was caring too much.
Over the past few days, she’d begun to feel ready to move their relationship to the next stage. Sure, there was a chance that sleeping together could ruin what they had and she wasn’t naive enough to expect happily-ever-after, but if she’d learned anything from the past few months, it was that if you waited for everything to be perfect, you could miss out altogether.
Besides, the window of opportunity for them could be closing. Though Tru hadn’t said anything, the rumors about him leaving the Ice Cats had gained momentum. He wouldn’t be in Jersey come October. She’d regret the missed opportunity if they didn’t explore how far they could take their relationship before he left. So, as soon as it was safe for them to have sex, she planned to tell him her decision.
But first, they had an important piece of business to deal with.
Tamping down the ardor still pounding through her veins, she said softly, “Time’s up.”
Tru blinked, momentarily confused. Then his eyes cleared and his gaze narrowed. “Then let’s do it.”
Jenny stood on shaky legs. The little white stick seemed to pulse on the edge of the sink.
She stepped forward, picked up the tester and turned it over slowly. Her stomach dropped to the floor. The result was unmistakable.
Her throat tightened as she tried to find the words. The stick fell from her nerveless fingers and tumbled to the floor.
Tru’s arms came round her, holding her tightly. How quickly she’d come to rely on him. On his solid, stable presence. On his support.
“Come on, Jenny-fair. Tell me.”
But the words wouldn’t come. Instead, she pointed to the floor.
With a sharp nod, Tru loosened his hold and bent to pick up the stick.
* * *
“ARE TWO PINK lines good or bad?”
/> Tru didn’t wait for Jenny’s response, as the answer hit his brain.
“Yes!” He fist-pumped the air, grinning, then grabbed Jenny in a bear hug.
After a few seconds, her stiff body registered.
Crap. He hadn’t made a mistake, had he? He peered down at her. “That stick thing did say you’re pregnant, right?”
Jenny nodded slowly.
“Gretzky and Orr made it through training camp.”
She stared at him. Her shell-shocked expression reminded him of a player who’d been blindsided. Tru frowned. “You’re worrying me, Jenny. Say something, please.”
“I’m pregnant.” She burst into tears.
Whoa. That wasn’t supposed to happen. He patted her back awkwardly, unsure what to say or do. “Uh, Jenny. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” The tears kept falling.
That made no sense. He smoothed his hand over her hair, trying not to panic. “It’ll be all right. I promise.”
She raised her head, her blue eyes glistening. “I know.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“I’m so ha-happy.”
He shook his head, confused. “You’re crying because you’re happy?”
Jenny nodded.
Okay. He’d have preferred no tears, but whatever. He handed her a handkerchief. “Dry your eyes and celebrate becoming a mommy.”
“A mommy.” Wonder filled her voice. “Can you believe it?”
“I told you if we changed the momentum, it would work.”
“Do you think Biscuit and Basket will both make it?” She bit her lip.
“They have Jelinek genes in them. They’ll be good-looking, strong and healthy.”
She rolled her eyes. “They have my genes in them, too.”
“Yeah. They’re the perfect blend of you and me.”
“I could be having twins.” Her face fell. “What if I can’t manage twins? What if I’m a terrible mother?”
The seesaw of emotions made his head spin. “You’ll be a wonderful mother. You took care of Lizzie and she turned out great.”
A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance) Page 22