Rumors & Roughing: A Slapshot Novel (Slapshot Series Book 5)

by Heather C. Myers

  Madison gave him a look that was nothing short of floored. “Why wouldn’t I stay with you?” she asked. “I’m your alibi. I know you didn’t rape that girl, and even if I wasn’t here, I would have the same amount of belief in you.”

  “Why?” Alec seemed genuinely perplexed by Madison’s statements, as though he couldn’t quite believe someone like her would actually put up with everything he was going through. “Yeah, I’m innocent, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to put up with this shit.”

  “It’s not easy to put up with mine, either,” she muttered, more to herself than to him. “I’m not trying to compare it and God knows I’m not trying to downplay your situation. It’s just…” She shook her head. “I get so tense when I talk to my dad that I get pissed off about everything and suddenly, nothing matters and everything matters.” She laughed, a sardonic sound that echoed off of the walls. “I’m not even making sense.”

  “You are,” he murmured. He shifted underneath the covers and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her to him so her head was on his chest and she could feel him breathe underneath her. “Tell me what’s going on with you and your dad.”

  “He asked about graduation tickets,” she murmured into his skin. Her eyes were closed as she breathed him in. Somehow, he had this subtle scent of the ocean and it always calmed her down. It always made her feel as though everything was going to be okay. “He wants to invite this family friend but that’s the last thing I want.”

  “Why?”

  “The guy is an absolutely sleaze,” she told him honestly. “He makes me feel uncomfortable. He’s never touched me or my sisters. If he did, my dad would beat the shit out of him.”

  “I would beat the shit out of him,” Alec said. “Surprising, me and your father agreeing on something.”

  “Actually,” Madison said slowly, glancing down at her fingers tapping his chest. “I get five tickets. Four for my family, and the other… I know we’re not supposed to be seeing each other and we’ve done a good job at keeping everything under wraps, but I was hoping maybe you would come.” She chanced a quick glance at him, wincing as she did so. “You don’t have to answer right away. I know this is a serious step in our relationship but it’s probably the most important day in my life right now and it would mean the world to me –“

  Alec cut her off with a slow kiss. “Of course I’ll be there,” he told her. “I’m honored that you would ask me.”

  “Of course I want you there,” she told him. “I always want you around me. Even if we have to hide it.”

  “About that,” Alec murmured, interlacing his fingers with hers once more. “Where do you see yourself next year?”

  She furrowed her brow. “I’m not sure,” she replied, thrown off by the question. “I guess I still want to be here, somehow. I want to have a job –“

  “What I mean is,” he said slowly, “do you still see yourself being a Gulls Girl after this season? Once you’ve graduated?”

  Madison paused, letting his question sink in. She hadn’t really thought past graduation, if she was being honest. It had seemed so far off into the future and now it was a month away.

  “I really hadn’t considered,” she murmured, shrugging her shoulders and glancing back at him. “Honestly. I knew my family would expect me to go back to South Haven but I never really thought about what I wanted. Up until my father called me, of course.”

  “What is it you want?” Alec asked in a tentative voice. “Do you want to go back to your home?”

  Madison furrowed her brow. “That place is not my home,” she told him. “Not anymore.”

  Alec pushed up his brows to ask her a question but otherwise kept his mouth shut.

  “You’re my home, Alec,” she told him. “Orange County is my home now. I’m not going back there if I don’t have to. Maybe to visit my mom. My dad, on the other hand…” She let her voice trail off and she rolled her eyes.

  “Well, I can’t really speak for your father since mine left when I was young,” Alec pointed out. “Our system is so broken that he hasn’t paid her one cent of child support and still hasn’t been punished for it.” He kissed her bare shoulder. “I’m also not going to tell you how lucky you were to have a father in the first place because, even though it was hard, I loved the fact that it was only me and my mom. There wasn’t someone who wasn’t involved in my life making financial decisions. Anything I needed, I could count on my mom. I don’t know your dad and I won’t speak for him, but I do hope he loves you in his own way.”

  “He does,” Madison told him. “But that doesn’t mean it’s right.” She looked at him. “I was hoping to get my teaching credentials over the summer, get some experience under my belt in the fall. I really can’t do much else with a literature degree except teach.”

  “You could write,” Alec pointed out.

  Madison felt her cheeks turn red. “Writing isn’t something that’s going to make me a consistent paycheck starting out,” she said. “Plus, I haven’t even written anything worth publishing.”

  “Writing is your dream and you know it,” he told her. “Remember that night last summer when we were drinking sangria and watching the sunset over the ocean? You turned to me, totally tipsy, and told me you wanted to write. So why don’t you?”

  “I…” Madison let her voice trail off, thinking for a moment. She had so many stories she wanted to tell, full of romantic whimsy. And Alec was the perfect hero to base her heroine’s love interest on. “I don’t know. I guess I really haven’t felt creative, what with school. But maybe… I just need to worry about getting a job and making some money.” She almost added finding a place to live but didn’t want to open that door. Not when they were both dealing with their own issues.

  Alec gripped her face gently, ensuring she looked deep into his eyes. “We’ll figure this out, Maddy,” he promised. “Once this is over, we’ll figure this out together.”

  Chapter 8

  Alec Schumacher was familiar with the office that now belonged to Seraphina Hanson. When Ken Brown was the owner – when he was still alive, that was – he called Alec in here for many reasons, the majority of them being about his behavior off the ice, rather than on it. Ken drafted him to the team when he was still in high school and playing for a Triple A team. Granted, Alec still had to go to the draft – his was in Philadelphia at the time – and act surprised when Ken drafted him in the first round – his granddaughter, Seraphina, read his name out loud, he remembered, but he was so excited to be playing for his hometown team, he didn’t need to pretend.

  Alec also had a natural charm with women. He loved and appreciated each one he came in contact with simply because each woman had something that made them perfect. Of course, he did have a type – blonde hair, dark eyes, a mysterious smile. Usually, they were the sort of girls that threw themselves at him at the clubs or hung out after the games in order to get face time with him.

  He also loved the Gulls Girls. They were handpicked by Ken Brown to represent the team and were required to have at least a three point zero minimum to participate – if they were in college. Alec didn’t particularly care about their brains, per se, but their bodies were always rock-solid. He loved that new ones came in every season, that there was literally a rotation of beautiful women falling at his feet.

  Until he met Madison Montgomery. She was different in every way possible and was one of the few that not only did not fall for his charm, but didn’t care less about him. She challenged him she pushed him, and she refused to back down.

  He knew he had to have her.

  At first, even he could admit he was going after the chase rather than the girl. But then, he got to know her better and he fell for her. Hard. Probably harder than she fell for him.

  Which was fine.

  He realized he wasn’t exactly a catch as a boyfriend. And if he wanted to keep Madison as his, he would need to rectify that immediately. So he did. Nobody else even tempted him away from her. She had him, wheth
er she knew it or not.

  In fact, Madison made him a better person. He started a scholarship for her in order to keep her on the team in case her father ever pulled funding for college. Alec had never met the guy but he sounded like a character. He would never tell this to Madison out of respect, but if he ever did meet her father and her father did say something completely out of line, Alec would have no problem socking him in the face in hopes to force him to learn his lesson about speaking of Madison like that at all.

  To this day, he thanked his lucky stars he was smart enough to know that Madison was a keeper, that she was worth the risk and the sacrifice of his former life.

  “Alec,” Seraphina said as he walked in the always-open doors. Alec’s brows pushed up when he saw Brandon Thorpe sitting in a seat next to an empty one. Alec assumed the meeting would be between him and Seraphina only. But here was his captain, looking at him with a reserved expression on his face. Alec did not take the look personally; it was just part of Brandon’s regular facial expressions.

  The guy was the best goalie in the league but he couldn’t socialize for shit. He was an inspiring captain, and every now and then, he made some great speeches, but he rarely hung out with the team or threw parties or hosted events at his place. Rumor had it he was dating Seraphina Hanson but nothing had officially been confirmed save for the fact that he didn’t look like he was walking around with a stick up his ass anymore.

  Which meant he was probably getting laid.

  “Hey,” Alec said with a nod.

  He knew Seraphina from before but he wouldn’t, exactly, say they were friends. He had briefly considered dating Katella, her older sister, just because Katella was gorgeous and flirty, but that never panned out and then she started dating Matt Peters seriously. Then, that went to shit, then she was messing around with Xander Vane, and that fizzled out, before she finally started dating James Negan.

  That one was probably going to last.

  Which was good.

  Alec was happy for her.

  “I’m guessing you know why you’re here?” Seraphina said, the corner of her lips curled up with amusement.

  “The allegations against me,” Alec stated. He looked regretful that the three of them were in this room together because of this and at least he had the wherewithal to look shamed, even if he hadn’t done anything wrong. Hell, it was actually the first time in a while where he went straight home after an important win. The one time he did something right… Alec nearly shook his head and cracked a grin.

  “Are they true?” Thorpe asked, furrowing his brow as he regarded his player with an inscrutable look on his face.

  “Brandon,” Seraphina said, cutting a look at the Gulls’ captain.

  “What?” He didn’t take his eyes off Alec. “We have to document that we asked him, Sera. Even if we know he didn’t do anything, we still have to cover our asses. Especially if you want him to keep playing.”

  “He’s right,” Alec said before snapping his eyes up to lock with Seraphina. “Wait, are you saying I can still play?”

  Seraphina peered at him, a curious look on his face. “Do you have any idea why this girl is accusing you of rape?” she asked. “Do you even know who she is?”

  “No!” Alec exclaimed, running his fingers through his hair. “That’s the crazy part of this whole fucking thing. I don’t even know her name. I don’t know why the hell she would accuse me of something like this at all. Apparently, the cops are waiting for surveillance from John Wayne, but I have no idea who this person is.”

  “What happened when you were taken in?” Seraphina asked, crossing her arms over her chest and narrowing her eyes. “I know Drew Stefano is good at this criminal stuff. Do you think it might help talking to him?”

  “I have my lawyer,” Alec pointed out, running his fingers through his hair once again. “But I can probably talk to Drew and see what his input is.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m completely at a loss. I can’t even face my accuser until this goes to court. And that’s the last thing I want, especially now.”

  “Hmm.” Seraphina pressed her lips together and glanced at Thorpe. He pushed his brows up but did not say anything. They seemed to be communicating with just their eyes, which was something Alec only did with Madison. “Maybe we could hire a private investigator and do some digging.”

  “Is that,” Alec began, cocking his head to the side. “Is that allowed?”

  “Why wouldn’t it be?” Thorpe asked, though his tone wasn’t defensive. Rather, it was curious. “It’s not illegal for us to do our own investigation. Someone is alleging this happened and since the police aren’t giving you information, why not see what a PI can find? If it were illegal, PI’s wouldn’t be allowed to be in business, right?”

  Alec shifted his eyes to Seraphina. “Do you know a PI that would be able to help?” he asked.

  Seraphina nodded. “Yup,” she said. “She went to college with my sister. Clara Paige. Lives in Balboa now, I think. A tiny little apartment she’s had for years. I can set up a meeting with her the day after tomorrow, if she’s free. I know we have an important game tomorrow, so it’s key that we stay focused.” She glanced back at Thorpe before looking at Alec. “Is there anything we can do in order to ensure you keep a fresh mind and can focus on the game?”

  Alec blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected a question like that, hadn’t expected Seraphina would care about his well-being when this scandal was partially his fault. And it wasn’t just him that was affected. It was the team and Seraphina, the organization, and even Madison, to a degree. She would have to put up with it. After they came out as an official couple, her name would be thrown into the mud with his, for choosing to be with an alleged rapist. They would call her a gold digger, a slut, a puck slut, anything they could to hurt her. Her family would probably disown her. They wouldn’t even give him a chance. And Alec couldn’t blame them. They had three daughters so it was likely her parents would sympathize with his accuser rather than with him.

  “I guess the whole media thing coming to interview is out of the question,” he said.

  “The media has to go to the locker room after a playoff game to interview some of the players,” Seraphina said. “Since Harper is our official blogger, she gets the majority of the questions. However, you do not have to be there to answer those questions.”

  “But you should be,” Thorpe put in, locking his pale green gaze with Alec’s.

  “Brandon,” Seraphina murmured, a soft warning to her tone.

  “I’m being serious, Sera,” Thorpe responded, though he kept his eyes on Alec. “You didn’t do anything wrong, right? Then why avoid the scrutiny? It’s part of being a public figure. People are going to kick you when you’re down. Those same people are going to help you stand when you’re picking yourself up. You’re better than being afraid, Alec. Don’t fucking run just because they’re going to ask you questions about your personal life.”

  Alec blinked. If anyone knew about that, it would be Brandon Thorpe. The media crucified him, even after he had been cleared of the charges the police suspected him of.

  “So you’re saying I should respond?” he asked. As far as Alec knew, Thorpe hadn’t actually answered any questions. But he did deal with them. He never avoided them no matter what they said. And Seraphina backed him.

  “I’m saying you shouldn’t run,” Thorpe told him. “It’s up to you and Sera whether or not you actually respond to the questions. But if you aren’t there, it’s going to look worse than you saying something. Man up. Face the questions. Don’t let some mystery girl dictate your behavior.”

  Alec clenched her jaw and nodded his head. He looked over at Seraphina. “Is there something PC I should say if they ask?” he asked, perking his brow.

  Seraphina shrugged. “Brandon didn’t say anything,” she replied. “If you feel the need to say something, you could always go with the typical, I can’t comment on on-going investigations. I’m just here to speak about the game, my
team, and my play. That’s always safe.”

  Alec nodded. “That sounds like a plan,” he said. He looked at Seraphina. “What about you? I’m sure you’ll be asked about it. Cherney, too, especially in the press conferences that usually follow a game. Will you guys be all right?”

  Seraphina waved his question away. “Don’t worry about us,” she told him. “We know how to handle the press. I care about you and what you’re going through. I’m going to call Clara and hopefully set something up after your skate when you get back from Game 1. Focus on the game, okay? Can you do that?”

  Alec felt his lips quirk up. “I can do that,” he said.

  At least it would be the perfect way to let out some aggression.

  Chapter 9

  The first game would be in Vancouver. The Vancouver Mountaineers were a force to be reckoned with, if somewhat underestimated by the Canadian sports press. They had bigger, older experienced guys. In fact, it was where Seraphina obtained defenseman Arthur Jackman before the trade deadline, an older thirty-something defenseman that seemed to be built of solid muscle and stood at exactly six feet even. He was on the quiet side and always minded his business, but there was something dangerous brewing in those hazel eyes, something Madison felt he was currently keeping restrained. She had seen him get into one fight and only one fight since Seraphina picked him up off waivers, but it was a brutal fight and she still remembered the player from the opposing team had blood running down his nose and a cut over his eyebrow. Jackman, on the other hand, did not look as though he hadn’t been affected by it at all, except maybe the sweat that had accumulated on his brow.

  Madison wondered how Jackman would react playing his former team. She talked to Alec about it before but he didn’t have that experience since he, like Kyle Underwood, had been playing for the Gulls since they had been drafted.