Goal Line (The Dartmouth Cobras Book 7)

by Sommerland, Bianca

  She nodded as she fixed her coffee so it was actually drinkable. “Dominik wants me there. I want to spend time with him. I was kinda worried I’d be a distraction too, but he’s been doing this long enough to know what he can handle. And he can handle me just fine.” She choked on her coffee, realizing she’d just blurted out way too much. “I mean—”

  “I know what you mean. And you’re right, Mason will have no issue doing whatever is necessary. With you and on the ice.” A movement near the table had his eyes narrowing. He snapped his fingers and let out a sharp “No.”

  Luke’s puppy, Bear, dropped her paws back to the floor and slunk up to Sebastian with a hesitant wag of her tail.

  He patted the dog’s head and continued. “I’m surprised it took you both so long to realize how well you’re suited. Perhaps I shouldn’t be. You share the same aversion to considering your own best interest.”

  Sahara blinked, joining him at the table and picking up one of the empty plates to serve herself at his pointed look. “We do?”

  “Yes. Mason was comfortable training subs for a time. Too comfortable. I was not surprised to hear he rushed to the hospital when Oriana was hurt. I expect it had more to do with either Perron or Callahan, but I may be mistaken. The point is, he keeps all those he cares for. Has a need to watch out for them.” Sebastian lifted his mug to his lips, studying her face as though gauging her reaction. “You found shelter with one who does the opposite. Pischlar cares for many, but he holds them at arm’s length. He can’t hurt you and you can’t hurt him. I believe that’s very important to you.”

  “It used to be.” She put her mug down beside her untouched plate full of food. “I’m a wreck. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Grant and the trial. I don’t know if I can do a real relationship. But…I want to try.”

  He inclined his head. “This is good. Because I believe Mason reached the same decision. I would warn you to guard your heart if I believed Oriana still owned most of his, but she doesn’t. He is not a man to play games. He enjoyed training because he could invest himself fully in his students. He is a man who does nothing halfway.”

  “So you approve?” She wasn’t sure why Sebastian’s approval mattered, but it did. Her friends were biased. He wasn’t. So maybe a different perspective was exactly what she needed. “He’s the captain of your team. He needs stability, and I’m not sure I can give him that.”

  “He knows what he needs. He’s no different than you in his hopes for the future. None of us are, really.” Sebastian cut a piece of sausage with his fork. Snapped his fingers and smiled when Bear came to sit beside him. When the puppy held still for a full minute, he tossed her the piece of meat, which she caught in midair. “Happiness doesn’t always come when we’re in the right place in our lives. All we can do is latch on to what we’re offered and not waste a single moment. Know that, whether things are hectic or calm, those who truly love you will be there in the end.”

  Sahara took a bite of toast, nodding as she thought over his words. “You’re not just talking about Dominik. I pushed Jami and Akira away for a bit. That was a mistake.”

  “It’s good that you’re aware of this. I try not to meddle, but I don’t take kindly to those who make my girl sad.” His tone sharpened, just a little. “Don’t do it again.”

  She bit her lip, not sure if he was mad at her for upsetting Jami or if his warning was just that. Sebastian had always been pretty easygoing, but if it had been him in the parking lot instead of Cort that day when Grant showed up? She wouldn’t have been able to get rid of him so easily.

  And if she’d treated him like she had Cort, they wouldn’t be having a pleasant conversation right now. He gave respect where it was earned.

  She was just happy she hadn’t done anything to lose his.

  “I won’t.” She took a few more bites and cleared her throat. “So, you guys played better yesterday. What are you expecting in New York?”

  Before Sebastian could answer, Jami shuffled into the dining room with Luke a step behind her. They both slumped into their chairs.

  Sahara took the opportunity to go grab them some coffee.

  “It’s too early for all the serious talk. You’re both nuts.” Jami mumbled thanks when Sahara handed her a mug. “The team has to win the next two games. Take the series back home and end it. Anything other than that will piss me off.”

  Luke snickered, inclining his head when Sahara gave him his coffee. “No pressure, right? Just for that, boo, we’re gonna bring both games to overtime.”

  Jami groaned. “You are a pain in my ass!”

  “Not lately. You’re always ‘too tired.’”

  “I have a real job.”

  That escalated quickly. Sahara stared into her coffee, wishing she had a newspaper to hide behind. Or her phone. Maybe this was karma for what she and Dominik had pulled in front of Ladd.

  The smile disappeared from Luke’s lips. “Seriously, Jami? You want to talk about this right before we leave?”

  “You brought it up. She should go back to school so she can get a ‘real job.’”

  “She”. They were discussing Samantha. Nothing seemed to get Jami and Luke butting heads more than anything involving his pregnant sister. Sahara refused to take sides. Jami thought Luke should forgive his sister for stealing from his mother—and Jami—because she was family.

  But family often left wounds that took the longest to heal.

  “She got fired again! She got caught stealing from one of her coworkers!”

  “She has issues!”

  “Clearly!”

  “Enough!” Sebastian smacked his hands on the table as he stood. “Why am I only hearing of this now?”

  “Because Jami texted me last night. I saw the text this morning and she said not to be mad. So I was trying not to be.” Luke gulped down his coffee. Rubbed his lips with the back of his fist. “I mentioned Sam going back to school, and now Jami’s throwing it in my face. Because I’m an unreasonable asshole when it comes to my sister. Well, we know whose side Jami’s on.” He pushed away from the table. “I’m going to the gym for a bit.”

  Sahara shrank into her chair as Sebastian reached out and grabbed Luke’s arm. She shouldn’t be here. They had too much going on to deal with yet another person in their home. She should have considered that before accepting Jami’s invitation to spend the night.

  “This will be resolved before you leave, niño.” Sebastian gave Sahara an apologetic look. “You must catch your plane soon. I will drive you. Chicklet informed me earlier that Cort has been assigned to watch over you, so we will be picking him up and he will be on your flight.”

  Oh fuck. Sahara had planned to talk to Cort, but…not yet. In the near future. Next week if absolutely necessary?

  But Sebastian was pissed and she wouldn’t aggravate him more. So she simply nodded and watched him drag Luke, with Jami following, to their bedroom.

  Her phone buzzed. She pulled it out of the pocket of her borrowed sweatpants and grinned.

  Dominik: When is your flight leaving?

  She checked her watch.

  Sahara: Three hours. I’ll have to chill in New York for a bit before you get there.

  Dominik: Not alone?

  Sahara: No. Seb just said Cort’s coming with me.

  Dominik: Good.

  Sahara: Yeah, not so much. I was horrible to him. We haven’t talked since. It’s gonna be…weird.

  Nothing for what seemed like a long time. Then she saw that he was typing.

  Dominik: Cort’s a good guy. But if he gives you a hard time, let me know.

  Sahara: Why? This is my mess.

  Dominik: Call me. I’m tired of typing. And I need to hear you’re all right.

  She took a deep breath, then clicked his number on speed dial. For some weird reason, just hearing “Hello” from him put her at ease.

  “Hey. I’m sorry if you’re worried. I’m really fine.”

  He snorted. “A ‘fine’ from you could me
an many things. You’re finally letting me in, pet. I don’t take that lightly.”

  “What does that even mean? I’m going to spend time with you, but you’re not taking on the drama that follows me everywhere.” She sighed. “I’ve decided not to pack it. I’m not checking a big bag. You said to pack light.”

  “I did. But I want you, Sahara. All of you.” He spoke softly, choosing his words carefully. “The team is less worried about Higgins at the moment than they are of his fans. I’m grateful that Cort can keep you safe. He will understand why you pushed him away. You pushed everyone away. You will resolve the situation. My only concern is you make the trip in one piece.”

  “You get that you’re worried about puck bunnies, right? He hasn’t come near me. His lawyers are doing a good job keeping him away.”

  “But you will accept the protection offered.”

  “Yes. I’m not stupid. One of those fans spray-painted my door. And the threats online…” Goose bumps rose on her arms and she rubbed them to warm herself. “I won’t take chances, but I won’t give them any more power than they’ve already taken.”

  “I’m not asking you to. But let us help, Sahara. Whether it’s Akira, Jami, their men…or me.” Dominik sighed. “Indulge us. We couldn’t stop Grant from hurting you. But we want to believe we can prevent him from doing it again.”

  This isn’t your problem. I chose him. I let him back in! Her eyes teared as she considered how willing she had been, all of a week ago, to believe Grant was a new man. She thought of his mother. Such a sweet woman. There had been times she’d talked to her about things she wasn’t willing to go to her own mother with. Sahara had a normal relationship with her parents. Regular calls. Visits at holidays that could be trying, but still nice.

  Her mother wasn’t one Sahara could discuss anything unpleasant with. She was fragile. Always had been. Her father was proud of Sahara’s every accomplishment. A little more focused on her brother who was sixteen and in the minors, but they had a legacy to carry on.

  None of this was what Dominik wanted to hear. He was worried about her. And she’d given him plenty of reason to be.

  That had to stop if they were going to have anything worth holding on to.

  “I’ve already promised not to drop the charges. Whatever security the team decides I need, I’ll accept.” She sighed. “But I miss things being simple. The worst outcome being whatever people said about pictures of us together online.”

  He let out a rough laugh. “You haven’t seen the comments, have you? Wait…don’t you dare look for them. But I want you to promise me one thing.”

  “I can do that. Depending on what you want, Sir.”

  “You’re incorrigible. All I ask is you come to me if anyone brings up anything that you think will be a problem. We are doing this together.” His tone was strained. “People can be cruel. But you’re not alone.”

  She dropped onto the sofa in Jami’s living room and pulled her knees to her chest. If Dominik was willing to deal with all the craziness she was bringing into the relationship, she could handle whatever his fans had to say about her. She’d grown up hearing crude remarks at school about her grandfather, her uncles, and her father. Her mother had never “lowered” herself to acknowledging any of the fan mail or the way girls threw themselves at Dad, but Sahara had to deal with her own friends acting like idiots. She was prepared for just about anything.

  “I know that. But I can’t wait until I’m actually with you. Maybe then all the press and the mess I’ve gotten myself into won’t seem all that important.” She was going to sound like a selfish bitch, but she needed to make one request before she let him go. “Just promise, when we’re together, you’ll let me be useful? I don’t care if it’s washing your feet or ironing your clothes, I really, really, don’t want to be a burden.”

  “That has to be the simplest thing you’ve asked of me so far.” There was a smile in his tone, one that warmed her almost as much as his arms did when he held her. “You’ll be in New York a few hours before me, but I’ve put your name on my room so you can check in if you’d like.”

  “I’d say they won’t let me check in that early, but you guys probably have the whole floor.” She’d never gone on road trips with Grant, so she wasn’t sure what to expect, but she’d been around the hockey lifestyle enough to know about the special privileges given to the team. As a child, she’d experienced some of them. The league had changed though. So she’d just have to wing it. “And I guess the pictures will help.”

  “Don’t forget your promise, Sahara.”

  “What promise?”

  “The comments. No reading them. I won’t have anonymous assholes upsetting you.” His voice was soft, but firm. “And one more thing.”

  He wasn’t holding back with the orders. And she loved it. She twirled her hair around her finger and grinned. “Are you gonna tell me not to pack any panties?”

  A sharp laugh, then he groaned. “Brat. No, I’d like you to pack everything you normally would. With one addition.” He paused. “Bring the red dress.”

  Less than an hour later, in her apartment with both Sebastian and Cort standing guard, the red dress was the first thing that went into her suitcase. She packed in record time, sure her cheeks must be beet red from her thoughts of Dominik’s reaction to the silk nightgowns she’d chosen. She had a feeling her suitcase would be lighter on the way home if even half of her fantasies played out. The delicate straps wouldn’t survive her lust, never mind his.

  At the airport, after going through security and finding her gate with Cort, she settled in to wait for the flight to board. Her mind wandered to how things would be now that she and Dominik were taking the next step. Maybe she was thinking about it too much. He’d been tender with her, but even before their first date he’d warned her that she wouldn’t get more than a kiss. What if the same restrictions applied? He’d mentioned wanting to spend time with her. And he wanted her to bring panties.

  “Stop that.” Cort leaned back in his seat, rubbing one hand over his shaved head. He scowled when the man beside him cringed. Then sighed when Sahara blinked at him. “Sorry, you tapping your foot like that is driving me insane.”

  She hadn’t even realized she was doing it. She crossed her legs and smoothed her flowy, white and blue knee-length skirt. They hadn’t exchanged more than the barest pleasantries. She didn’t want to annoy him. Especially when she still hadn’t figured out how to apologize.

  “I’m sorry.” She brought her fingers to her mouth absently but caught herself before she started chewing her nails. She hadn’t done that since she was a teen. Not a habit she wanted to start over.

  There were about ten minutes left before they boarded and were stuck in separate seats. Cort wasn’t a big talker. She might as well get the apology out there so their time together wouldn’t be awkward.

  “I should have told you before, but I really am sorry. I shouldn’t have been such a bitch to you.” She stared down at her hands on her knees. “You’re a better friend than I deserve.”

  He gave her a sideways look. “You consider me a friend?”

  “Yes. I know part of what you did was because Akira was worried, but you risked going back to jail because you were worried about me.” Talking to him was getting easier. The weight of guilt lifted a little from her chest. “And, now that I think about it, you scaring him off was probably the best thing that could have happened. Who knows how much worse things would have been if…” Her throat tightened. It wasn’t hard to imagine how bad. If Grant hadn’t lost his temper so quickly, if he hadn’t broken in to her apartment, she’d still be convinced he’d changed.

  “Hey, shit happens. I ain’t even mad.” Cort took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. “I’ve seen situations like this end badly. I’m just happy you’re all right.”

  All that worry for nothing. She should have known Cort wouldn’t hold a grudge.

  But it seemed almost too easy. Like she should have to earn his forgiveness
. Or at least explain herself a bit more. She took a deep breath.

  He held up a hand and shook his head. “Don’t. You’ve been through enough. Akira is over it. I’m over it.”

  “But—”

  “But you can’t forgive yourself. Not sure how to help you with that, sweetheart.” His lips quirked up to one side. “How about you buy me a beer when I get my ankle monitor off? You can be part of celebrating my freedom.”

  She smiled at him, loving the idea. “Deal. It shouldn’t be much longer, right?”

  “Next week I go before the judge and either get pardoned or go to jail.” He didn’t seem upset by the prospect, so he probably expected the judgment to go in his favor. His grin widened as though he’d seen her thoughts playing out on her face. “They let me travel with the team now. So long as I don’t fuck up, all that’s left is the paperwork.”

  So long as he doesn’t… She bit her bottom lip hard. If Grant had pressed charges, the outcome might have been very different. She would have been responsible for Cort losing his freedom.

  “You’re doing it again. Stop.” He stood and slung his black rucksack over his shoulder. “Don’t dwell on what might have happened. It didn’t. Let’s just get on this plane and see where things go from here.”

  “To New York.” She joined him in line, rolling her small suitcase behind her. “Other than that, I have no clue.”

  He chuckled, putting his arm around her and giving her a quick hug. “Ever think there’s nothing wrong with that? Change don’t happen when you’re doing the same old shit.”

  “Very true.” She gave him a little nudge with her elbow. “Anyone ever tell you you’re pretty smart for a thug?”

  With a loud snort that got a few startled looks, Cort shook his head. “Not lately. But thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” She giggled when he rolled his eyes at her, then held out her ticket and passport to get scanned before heading down the jet bridge to board the plane. She was happy and relaxed, more than she’d been in a while. The people who mattered to her hadn’t abandoned her, no matter how many reasons she’d given them to. She was out of Grant’s reach. For good this time.