TheGrinder_Kobo

by Steph

  Same could’ve been said about Riley last year. But Coach Scott had taken a chance on him and he thought he’d proven himself this year.

  “So how long do you think we’ll be up? I heard Vanderske’s injury won’t have him out long…and I’m bugging the shit out of you, aren’t I?”

  Riley glanced over to see CJ shaking his head and grimacing.

  “Sorry, man. I don’t know how to shut up sometimes. I’m—”

  “CJ, you’re not bugging me. Everything’s good. Just got stuff on my mind.”

  “Like the girl you’re seeing?”

  Riley shot the kid another glance and now the little shit wore a smart-ass grin. “Why the fuck do you think that?”

  “Everybody knows you didn’t go home last night and Justin said you can’t stop talking about her and—”

  “All right, all right. Forget I asked. And…” he sighed. “Yeah. She’s part of it. But I’m not sure she’s as…invested as I am.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Damn, was he really going to do this? Spill his guts to this kid?

  Well, he had no one else to talk to for the next two hours, did he?

  “I mean I don’t think she likes me as much as I like her.”

  CJ shrugged. “Did you ask her if she likes you?”

  He laughed. The kid really was young.

  “I’m pretty sure she likes me. I’m just not sure she likes me enough to keep me.”

  “Why? What’d you do?”

  “Good question.”

  “Did you piss her off?”

  “Not exactly. I asked her to come to the game tonight. She said she had to work.”

  “Well, she’s got a job, right? My parents can’t get to the game tonight either.” CJ shrugged. “It sucks but I know they’ll be watching. There’ll be another game. I know I just need to focus tonight. Probably better if they’re not here.”

  He huffed out a laugh then shook his head. “Damn, kid. Maybe you’re smarter than you look.”

  “Hey, what do you mean maybe? I’m way smarter than I look.”

  And maybe Riley needed to take a page out of the kid’s book and just focus on tomorrow.

  And when he’d made his mark in Philly, he’d be back to make his mark on Aly.

  Chapter Seven

  Aly had too much work to do Tuesday to let herself be distracted.

  That didn’t mean Riley didn’t creep into her thoughts at all.

  He did. More than she would’ve liked. Or would admit to. Especially to her sister.

  “He’s gone already.” Vivi snorted at the dinner table Monday night. “That didn’t take long.”

  Taking a bite of the corn bread Vivi had made to go with her homemade chili gave Aly a few seconds to formulate a response. The sharp edge in Vivi’s voice made Aly want to jump to Riley’s defense. Which was ridiculous. He didn’t need to be defended.

  “I’m really happy for him.” Aly nodded, deciding to ignore Vivi’s snark. “It’s what he’s been working toward for so many years. I hope they keep him. I can’t wait to watch the game tomorrow night. It’ll be amazing to see him on TV. I really hope he gets to play.”

  Vivi gave her a sidelong glance. “Huh. Guess he wasn’t that good in bed. You don’t sound all that broken up over him leaving.”

  Aly shrugged and spooned up chili, trying for nonchalant and probably ending up somewhere around pained wince. “We’ve known each other for four days. No one falls in love in four days.”

  Vivi went quiet and they ate in silence for at least a minute. Aly thought her sister would let it go. She should’ve known better.

  “No, you don’t. You’re too smart for that.”

  Aly put her spoon down. “What does that mean?”

  Vivi grimaced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that to sound…so bitchy. It’s just…I did. Fall in love in four days. Actually, it only took me one. And we both know how much disaster that ended in.”

  Yeah, that had been a disaster. “But none of that was your fault, Viv. He was the asshole. Riley’s not an asshole.”

  Vivi shrugged, her mouth twisting. “Maybe not. But athletes have this special power. They blind you to everything except what they want you to see. They draw you in and make you think you’re the most important thing in their world, when, really, it’s just all about how important they are to you. They see you as a reflection of themselves. And when they don’t see themselves being reflected back enough, they’re not interested anymore.”

  Aly heard so much bitterness in her sister’s voice, she had to blink away the tears that popped into her eyes.

  “Viv…”

  Damn, Aly didn’t know what to say to that, wasn’t sure she could say anything to make her sister feel better.

  If Aly ever saw Jamie Dunbar again, he better have his running shoes on because Aly would beat him to a pulp for making her sister hurt like this.

  But of course that would never happen because the guy was now the star running back of the Dallas NFL franchise, who would probably sue her to hell and back if she dared lay a finger on the man. Which didn’t mean she hadn’t considered multiple ways to exact revenge.

  Vivi rolled her eyes and shrugged, as if it didn’t matter anymore.

  “At least the guy didn’t publicly humiliate you in front of his team when he dumped you. He gets points for that.”

  No, Riley hadn’t dumped her at the first sign of stardom.

  “He wanted me to be there.”

  Vivi frowned. “What?”

  “He offered to get me tickets for the game. But Wednesday’s my busy day. Meetings all day and I’ve got an evaluation after work and…”

  “And?” Vivi looked at her with raised eyebrows.

  “And I can’t imagine that he’d want some girl he just met there for the biggest night of his life.”

  Vivi sat and blinked at her for several long seconds. “He actually said he wanted you there?”

  She nodded. “I think he was disappointed when I said I couldn’t go.”

  “Do you want to go?”

  Yes. “I’m not sure.”

  Vivi’s eyebrows rose again. “What was your first response?”

  Aly bit her tongue because she’d wanted to say yes. Then she shook her head and dropped her spoon back into her bowl. “Of course I want to be at the game. But I have a job that I need. I can’t just drop everything and drive to Philly because some hot guy wants me to go to his game.”

  Vivi’s lips curved in a surprisingly bittersweet smile. “You’ve always been so much more grown-up than everyone else. Even our parents. When Mom and Dad used to have their shouting matches and they’d throw things at each other and slam doors, you’d be the one to go talk to them and get them to calm down. Some days, I still think you’re the only adult in the family.”

  Aly’s back stiffened. “That’s not a bad thing.”

  Shaking her head, Vivi sighed. “No, it’s not. I didn’t mean to sound like it was. I’m just saying…you don’t always have to be the grown-up. You don’t always have to be rational and sane and fair. Sometimes you need to cut loose.”

  “I did.” And see where it’s gotten you. “I slept with him. I didn’t even wait for the third date. Or until I had a background check done.” At her sister’s startled face, she rolled her eyes. “I’m kidding. Jeez, do you really think I’m that anal?”

  Vivi shrugged. “Sometimes, yeah, because you are. And that’s not always bad. You and I wouldn’t be able to live here if you weren’t because you’re the one that makes sure we have enough money to pay the bills.”

  “And that makes me the most boring person on earth.”

  “Oh please.” It was Vivi’s turn to roll her eyes. “Obviously you’re not or Riley wouldn’t want you at his game. And…I think you should go.”

  “No.” Aly shook her head. “I already told him I couldn’t.”

  Besides, she’d checked for tickets. The game was sold out and resales were way beyond her means.


  “Anyway, it’s better this way. He needs to concentrate and I don’t want to be a distraction. And I don’t even know if I could see him after the game. He’ll probably want to go out with the team and I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

  Vivi stared at her with a bemused expression. “You have it all figured out, don’t you?”

  “I have to. I’m an adult.”

  “And what if you’re wrong?”

  “What do you mean?”

  Vivi leaned forward, her expression intent. “I mean…what if he’s the one?”

  Her breath caught in her throat and she had to swallow before she could speak. “Then I guess if it doesn’t work out, I’ll have to be rational and move on.”

  “Or maybe it’s your time to do something just for you.”

  “No—”

  “Aly. Go to the game.”

  Smiling, she shook her head. “I wish it was that simple.”

  “Are you sure it’s not?”

  Yeah, she was. Because nothing in life was.

  * * * * *

  “Good practice, boys. Hit the showers, get some food then rest up for the game. New York’s a tough defensive team, but I’ve got confidence in our offense. Doesn’t mean I don’t want our defense to slack. I’m expecting you all to play hard and smart. Special teams are going to be crucial tonight and we’re down two of our regular penalty killers so everyone’s expected to pick up the slack. See you tonight.”

  As Coach Angstadt left the room, the team stood and most began to file out. A few hung back and two headed toward Riley.

  “Hey, man. Haven’t seen you for…what? Like a year?” Holding out his hand to Riley, center Colin Williams grinned. “It’s great to see you. Congrats on the call-up.”

  Riley smiled back as they shook. The blond Canadian stood an inch or so shorter but was built like a bulldog. Powerful body and a face that looked like it’d taken a few too many beatings, the scar from a horrific skate-to-the-face injury from years ago fading but still visible.

  “Been at least a year,” Riley said. “Heard the Crush traded you after I left. Glad to know it’s working out.”

  “Aw, yeah, it’s been great. Suki loves the area and at least we’re on the same coast as her parents now. With the new baby, that’s been a real help.”

  “I heard. That’s great, man. Congrats.”

  Colin’s grin grew even wider. “Thanks. You wanna see her picture?”

  The man beside Colin groaned, but the smile on his face was amused. “At least tell me you got new ones. The last ones I saw were at least two days old.”

  Colin flipped Travis Walker the finger as he dug out his phone, which made Travis bray like a donkey.

  Riley took Travis’s hand when he stuck it out.

  “Welcome up, bud.” Travis shook his hand with a punishing grip but Riley had been ready for it. “Good to see you again.”

  “Good to see you, too.” Riley and the defenseman had been teammates years ago in Grand Rapids, where they’d played in the ECHL right after Riley had graduated from college. Travis had been a hotshot with a huge talent until he’d taken a devastating hit to the boards that’d nearly ended his career. But the guy had bounced back to become one of the league’s steadiest defensemen.

  For a few weeks three seasons ago, the three of them had played for the same AHL team before being traded to different franchises.

  They caught up for a few minutes while Colin swiped through his phone for pictures of his adorable baby girl. Riley smiled at pictures of the hulking Colin holding a tiny human with his arm around his college sweetheart-now-wife.

  Riley had met Suki several times when they’d been on the same team and he’d liked her. She had that no-nonsense Canadian humor he’d grown accustomed to playing hockey. And she could swear like a man. Better than her husband, actually.

  It wasn’t until a few minutes later that Riley saw Travis glance over his shoulder and grimace.

  “Hey, man. Looks like your kid’s gonna need a watchdog. He’s…what? Twenty-one, right? He does not want to get messed up with the Strakas. Looks a little green to be messing in their shit.”

  Looking over his shoulder, Riley saw CJ nodding at something Hubert Straka had said. CJ didn’t look like he was in trouble but he didn’t exactly look comfortable either.

  Hubert and Christian Straka, Russian machines straight out of central casting, were tall, blond, and almost identical, from their intimidating faces to their wicked right-hand slapshots. They were great defensive wingers and racked up serious points every season, but they had a reputation for partying hard and had occasionally dragged some of the younger players down with them.

  Riley stuck his fingers in his mouth and whistled, catching CJ’s and the Strakas’ attention. “Kid, let’s haul.”

  Relief crossed CJ’s face but he covered it by turning his head to check his locker then grabbing his bag and nodding at the brothers before hustling over to Riley’s side.

  After he introduced CJ to Travis and Colin, they all walked out together. While Colin went home, Travis offered to take Riley and CJ to lunch before they went back to the hotel before the game.

  The hostess at the restaurant knew Travis by name, and the smile they exchanged made it clear she knew a lot more than that.

  Riley shook his head. Some things never changed. He and Travis had slept their way through half the population of women under thirty in Rapid City during their time there.

  When they were seated and had ordered, Travis motioned with his head toward the hostess.

  “She’s got a sister.” Travis smiled at Riley. “Dude, we could relive Wilkes-Barre.”

  CJ’s eyes rounded and he glanced between Travis and Riley but kept his mouth shut, shoveling bread like they wouldn’t bring more.

  With a soft huff, Riley shook his head. “Nah, man. I’m turning over a new leaf.”

  Travis looked stunned before he started to smile.

  “Yeah, right,” Travis scoffed. “You’re too young to be tied down. And when you lock down your slot on the team, you’re gonna want your freedom. Dude, women will be crawling all over you. And I’m not just talking small-town sweethearts. I’m talking Victoria’s Secret models and fucking porn stars. You will think you’ve died and gone to heaven. The sheer amount of ass and the quality available for the taking will be overwhelming at first but you’ll learn to weed out the ones who want to land a husband fast.”

  Actually, that sounded…like hell.

  He shook his head. “Maybe I’m actually looking for a wife.”

  Travis blinked, like his brain was trying to process input and couldn’t. Riley started to laugh, which actually made CJ pause with a piece of bread halfway to his mouth.

  “Just keep eating, kid.” Riley grinned at CJ. “You’re gonna need the calories for tonight. And Travis, more power to you but if I stay, I think you’re gonna be chasing women without me.”

  With a bemused smile, Travis started on the second basket of bread the server had brought. Apparently, Travis was a regular here. “Well, damn, I can’t wait to meet the woman who brought you to heel. Is she coming to the game tonight?”

  Riley shook his head, the subject still tender. And one he’d have to shelve until later. “No, she has to work. Besides, I need all my concentration focused on the game tonight.”

  “You’re absolutely right. Try not to overthink it. This is your time. You’re gonna nail it.”

  Travis looked so damn confident, Riley had to smile even as he shook his head. “Let’s hope I’m not the one getting nailed to the boards.”

  “Nah, that’s your specialty, man. You’re a grinder. Go out there and fucking grind them into submission. And if that doesn’t work, you do some of your best work with your mouth. Mind-fuck ’em. New York won’t know what hit them. And if you really want the girl, same thing applies. Talk until she agrees just to shut you up.” Travis shrugged. “Or punches you in the mouth. With you, it can go either way.”

  *
* * * *

  Aly glanced at the clock, her heart pounding a mile a minute.

  Six-fifty. If she left now, she’d still get to see the start of the game.

  But as her boss droned on about performance issues to one of the men in Aly’s office, she knew she wasn’t going to make it home for puck drop.

  Yes, she was recording the game and the pre-game show but she’d wanted to be home to see if Riley made the lineup.

  She hadn’t heard from him overnight but he had texted her earlier today. He must have sent it before he left for the arena this afternoon.

  Getting ready for the game. Hoping like hell I don’t forget anything. Hope you get to watch the game. Let me know. Talk to you soon.

  Since then…nothing.

  So why do you feel slighted?

  Because she was a bitch who couldn’t be bothered to drive two hours to his first NHL game.

  Grr.

  Hell, even she knew that wasn’t fair. This, her job, was important to her and so were the people she worked with. Which was why she was in this evaluation. Because her job mattered.

  But when her boss finally wrapped up the meeting after they’d managed to resolve at least a few of her coworker’s concerns, she excused herself and took off as fast as her heels would let her.

  She was tempted to take off her pumps and run but figured that’d be a little too out of character.

  Grabbing her stuff from her office, she swapped out her pumps for sneakers and now she took off at a restrained run. Okay, more like a hurried shuffle because her damn skirt was so tight, but she cleared the building in two minutes and was home in ten.

  “Vivi! Do you have—”

  “Don’t worry.” Her sister called back from the TV room. “The game’s on. You didn’t miss anything.”

  “Is he on the bench?”

  Breathless from her sprint from the car to the house, Aly fell onto the couch next to Vivi and started to scan the players on the ice. The game was in motion so she couldn’t tell who any of the players were. She could barely see their numbers much less their names on their jerseys.