Crashing the Net

by Jami Davenport

  “Because,” Cooper said, sounding so much like a stern father that Izzy hid her smile, “we are going to eat dinner tonight as a family.”

  “Why? We aren’t a fucking family.” Riley’s frown deepened and his chin jutted out in a display of stubbornness so much like Cooper’s.

  Cooper jerked as if Riley had physically hit him. “Watch your language,” he growled.

  Izzy bit her lip and watched the two. This confrontation had been brewing for a long time, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Maybe it’d be better if they both aired their differences.

  “Whatever.” Riley rolled his eyes, which incensed Cooper all the more.

  “Wash your hands and sit down at the table. It’s time to eat.” Izzy gave Cooper points for not nailing Riley on his attitude.

  “I’m not some little kid you can order around. Legally, you don’t have any control over me.” Riley, behaving as a typical teenager, didn’t seem to know when to shut his mouth.

  “I have legal temporary custody until we find your mother and sort out this mess.” Cooper’s own jaw jutted out, and Izzy covered her mouth with her hand to stop the laughter from bubbling out.

  Riley seemed at a loss for words, as if he hadn’t expected Cooper’s response. “You do?”

  “Yes, I do. Now, let’s eat.” Cooper started carrying food to the dining room table. Izzy couldn’t recall ever eating in this large room with its formal table. She’d rather keep it casual and sit at the round oak table in the breakfast nook area. It’d be more comfortable for all three of them, especially Riley, but now wasn’t the time to argue.

  They ate in strained silence, but that didn’t dampen Riley’s appetite one bit, even though it did Izzy’s. Cooper caught her staring at him and winked. He ran his foot up and down her leg, and she shoved a chicken leg in her mouth to muffle her moan.

  Riley glanced up, finished chewing, and actually smiled at her. “This is awesome fried chicken.”

  “Oh, yeah, it is,” Cooper grinned, knowing exactly why she was moaning. “I especially like the legs and breasts.”

  Izzy kicked him under the table, and Riley actually laughed. Cooper laughed, too, and a second later, Izzy joined in. It was juvenile, but it broke the ice.

  “I have tickets for the game tomorrow night,” Cooper announced. Both Izzy and Riley stopped laughing to look up at him. “We’re all going together.”

  Now, wait a minute—Cooper was taking this family thing too far, and Izzy hadn’t agreed to attend anything tomorrow night. She bristled slightly, as did Riley.

  “Coach invited us over to watch the U-Dub-USC game tomorrow night.” U-Dub was what Seattleites called the University of Washington.

  A muscle ticked in Cooper’s jaw, a sure sign he was upset, but instead of being mad, Izzy caught the sadness in his eyes, the same sadness she’d seen earlier.

  Riley hesitated, as if debating whether to make Cooper pay for his neglect or to cut him some slack. “I really want to watch the Huskies,” Riley finally said.

  “Okay, that’s fine.” Cooper’s voice was tight and his expression closed off.

  “Thanks,” Riley pushed his chair away from the table. When he saw Cooper’s narrowed eyes, he paused. “Can I go now?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  Riley ran from the room as if he couldn’t wait to get away from the adults.

  Izzy reached across the table and held Cooper’s hand. “Don’t take it personally. He’s a teenager.”

  “I do take it personally. I’ve been a shit to him, so he’s paying me back. I deserve it.”

  “You’re a good man, Cooper Black, even if you forget to be one sometimes.” Izzy squeezed his hand, her heart going out to him.

  Their eyes met and locked. Something shifted sideways inside her, throwing her emotions off their foundation and leaving her disoriented. Her heart pounded with knowledge, and her head spun, as her entire world whirled off its axis.

  She loved this man.

  She’d known for a long time Cooper was special, even though she fought it with everything she had. She loved him, and she’d probably loved him since the night they first met, and she’d pretended to be his girlfriend, despite his protests. He loved her, too. Even if he hadn’t said the words, she saw it in his eyes.

  Yet, with love came a certain dependency on the other half of the couple, and Izzy wasn’t ready to be dependent on Cooper or anyone, if she ever would be. Independence, the freedom to make your own decisions, and living with those decisions was paramount to her. Loving Cooper would strip away her independence, and she couldn’t allow it.

  They could not have a forever love, just a right-now love.

  Chapter 16—Goal Tending

  The Sockeyes lost their home game that Saturday and left Monday on their road trip with a one and one record. Cooper played a decent game, but not enough to carry the team to victory, despite one last-minute goal.

  In his early twenties, Cooper had lived for road trips. He loved the different cities and different women in each city. Since he’d be leaving town, he never worried about some crazy female stalking him later or expecting more than a one-night stand.

  That was then.

  Izzy had ruined him for any other woman. It was funny how she’d essentially moved into his house even though neither of them officially acknowledged it. Yet more and more of her stuff appeared in his walk-in closet. In fact, she had more clothes hanging in there than he did. He didn’t say a word, for fear she’d get scared and bolt. Nor did she mention getting another nanny for Riley. She’d quit her barista job and taken on the role. Once a week, Cooper left cash for her wages in an envelope on the counter, and neither of them talked about that either.

  Tomorrow night the Sockeyes played their first game of the road trip. They’d flown to New Jersey earlier today, had a skate and a team meeting, and eaten dinner as a group in the hotel. It was only eight-thirty, and Cooper was restless. He texted Izzy a few times and received no response. He’d even texted Riley, a first for him. No response there either.

  He was worried. What if they’d been in a car wreck? What if one of them was in the hospital? What if they needed him? He’d never been much of fretter. He was a man of action. Just do it, don’t worry about it.

  Jesus. He was making himself crazy. Two hours later and nothing—not a word from either of them. They didn’t have to account for every minute of their lives to him, and he knew he needed to get a grip on himself. Izzy wouldn’t appreciate him hounding her, and Riley wouldn’t either.

  He finally grabbed his wallet and headed for the hotel bar. Since the hotel mostly catered to businessmen, he doubted he’d be bothered by fans or puck bunnies, but he hadn’t counted on being bothered by his own team.

  Cooper blew out a breath when he saw them. They’d pushed a few tables together in the back of the room and were sharing pitchers of beer. Brick, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and flip-flops despite the chilly weather outside, entertained the troops with one of his many stories. The guy was certifiably nuts, but then all goalies were, at least the good ones.

  Cooper could use a little craziness tonight so he headed toward the table. Halfway across the room, he noticed Coach Gorst sitting at the table with the guys.

  As team captain, Cooper took his obligations seriously. Even though he wanted to turn on his heel and head the other way, he kept walking toward them. Brick snagged a chair from nearby and dragged it between him and Rush, effectively putting him across the table from Coach.

  Cooper respected his coach. Who wouldn’t? He was the youngest coach ever to win the Stanley Cup, had been a tough player himself until injury forced him out, and he coached the game like Cooper played it—with everything he had.

  Any team would be lucky to have Mike Gorst. The Sockeyes lured him away from his former team by paying him more money than any coach in NHL history. Sure, Coach said it was about the challenge, but Cooper knew better. Money talked and so Mike had walked. If Cooper was being a littl
e honest with himself, the situation with Mike’s old team had gone south with new ownership who was cheap and interfered in every aspect of the team business. Gorst couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

  Cooper loved playing for Gorst; too bad it had to be in Seattle. The guy was tough, energetic, and a proven winner.

  “Cap, ready to kick some ass on this road trip?” Brick grinned at him and saluted.

  Cooper faked a cocky grin and saluted right back. “As ready as you are.”

  Brick grinned even wider and poured himself another beer. Cooper glanced at Coach who nodded at him. Coach stood and yawned, making a show of being tired. Cooper knew he was leaving because the team captain had shown up. Not that they didn’t get along—they both had enormous respect for the other—but their relationship was slightly strained since Cooper had made it clear to his coach that he wasn’t staying in Seattle.

  “Now that Coop’s here to babysit, children, I’m going to hit the hay. I’ll have four hours of watching film and hashing out game plans before any of you gentlemen hit the ice for the morning skate.”

  The guys turned back to swapping tales, and Cooper sat back to listen, but his mind drifted to Izzy. He really missed her, and he’d never missed a woman like this before. He missed her so much that his stomach ached thinking about it, and they’d only said goodbye this morning. He was a sorry lovesick sap, and hell if he knew what to do about it. He fished his phone from his pocket, relieved to see a message from her.

  Hi, what’s up?

  Wish you were here or even better, I was there, he texted back to her.

  Me, too.

  He grinned when he read that.

  How’s Riley? It occurred to him that he’d never asked about Riley before.

  Fine, we just got out of a movie with Betheni.

  Oh, so that’s where they’d been. He was an idiot. Did he do his homework?

  Of course, he did. He’s a good kid, and you’re turning into a good uncle.

  Cooper blushed. Yeah, he actually blushed. Thanks. What’re you wearing?

  Nothing, wanna see?

  Oh, crap. A smart man would say no, considering he sat at a table full of jocks who’d enjoy razzing him, but Cooper wanted to see.

  Yeah.

  Several seconds later a picture came through of Izzy completely naked in the bathtub. The suds covered strategic parts and made it even more erotic than if she’d been stark-ass naked.

  You’re fucking beautiful.

  Your turn.

  Shit, he couldn’t exactly strip in front of the boys to take a photo of the goods. In hotel bar with the guys.

  Go back to the room. I need text sex.

  Cooper stood and pushed back his chair so quickly that it fell to the floor. Every guy at the table stared up at him in open-mouthed shock.

  “Gotta go. Don’t miss curfew,” Cooper said as he hurried from the room.

  He heard Brick say, “Must be a woman.” The rest of the guys chuckled. Cooper didn’t care. He punched the Up button on the elevator, punched it harder, punched it again. A beautiful leggy blond slid up next to him. Her over-powering perfume filled his nostrils.

  “That won’t make the elevator come any faster, but that kind of forcefulness might make me come faster,” she whispered in his ear in a low, husky tone.

  “Thanks, but no thanks.” Cooper backed away from her and stepped into the elevator as the doors opened. She followed him in, not the least bit deterred and ran a hand down his arm. Cooper shot her a murderous glare.

  “What part of ‘I’m not interested’ do you not understand?” He was being rude and didn’t give a shit.

  Her pretty face turned damn ugly as she frowned at him. “Fine.” She turned away, hands across her chest and focused on another man who stepped into the elevator after Cooper.

  When his floor was reached, Cooper shot out of the elevator and ran for the room, praying Cedric was still out with whatever woman he’d picked up earlier. Even if he was there, Cooper would lock himself in the bathroom.

  I’m in my room, Cooper texted.

  What are you wearing?

  A smile. He grinned as he pulled off his clothes.

  Show me.

  Cooper hopped on the bed and took a picture of himself sprawled on it with his dick standing up proudly. He pressed Send and waited while he stroked himself and wished it was her.

  God, I miss you. And Dick.

  Ditto, he typed.

  Call me and turn on the video.

  Fuck, but Cooper loved technology.

  * * * *

  Cooper wouldn’t appreciate Izzy dragging his nephew to the party she was crashing, but she didn’t have a choice. Besides it was Tanner’s party, and she wouldn’t let him down. She’d helped him plan every aspect, and he’d invited his teammates’ families which guaranteed the event to be G-rated.

  Riley was having the time of his life hanging out with some of the other kids, especially a cute little redhead who stared at him as if he were the hottest guy in the room. To a teenage girl, he probably was with those deep blue eyes and messy, almost black hair. Riley had a face that made teenage girls swoon along with being taller than most boys his age. Izzy saw Cooper in him especially in the way he smiled, how he walked, and in his profile. No wonder people thought Cooper was his dad.

  Cooper was over halfway through his five-game road trip, and she missed him like crazy. Video sex was no substitute for the real man despite how much fun it was. The team had won their game tonight, winning two out of three so far, and she’d texted him a congratulations, but that was all she’d had time to do.

  Party crashing was one thing, party planning was a whole different ball game. Despite the challenges, Tanner and the guests declared the party a resounding success. By the time the last guest left, it was too late to call Cooper. Izzy couldn’t wait to soak her tired body and aching feet in a nice warm bubble bath, but Emma approached her as Izzy and Riley left the building.

  “Izz?” Emma seemed nervous.

  “Yes?” Izzy couldn’t keep the weariness from her tone.

  “Why don’t you and Riley come to our studio? You haven’t talked to Avery since—well, since…” Emma looked everywhere but at Izzy.

  “I know how long it’s been. She can call me, too, you know?” Izzy tapped her toe impatiently on the sidewalk, more than ready to go home. She glanced at Riley who stood beside her in silence, while his keen gaze watched the two sisters and Izzy interact.

  “I know, but you’re our big sister. It’d mean a lot if you went to her first.” Emma looked up at her with luminous blue eyes full of unshed tears. She’d always been the peacemaker in the family and hated conflict among the sisters.

  Izzy opened her mouth to say no, tired of being the one to make concessions and extend the olive branch, but she couldn’t bring herself to break Emma’s heart. Her sisters were her world, and she’d do anything to keep that world together, even come begging at Avery’s door.

  “Okay, I’ll do it.”

  Emma’s huge smile was reward enough for doing a little sisterly groveling.

  A half-hour later, Izzy followed Emma into a gravel parking area in front of a large horse barn. Riley’s eyes widened as he took in everything. Walking down the barn aisle, he stared at each horse, leaving Izzy to suspect he’d never seen a horse up close and personal before. He didn’t touch any of them, just stared at each one as if in complete awe of the large animals.

  Izzy didn’t much care for horses or the smell. She couldn’t fathom anyone quitting college to work in a barn. Even now, it angered her. Avery was throwing away her life, for what? Some broken bones and a job that didn’t pay benefits or have any job security. Riding horses was a hobby, not a profession.

  As they mounted the stairs to the apartment, Izzy trailed behind Emma and Riley, holding back in the hope Emma would warn Avery she was here.

  Izzy walked through the doorway and stared at the surprisingly tidy little apartment with its worn furniture co
mplete with a black barn cat lounging in a ratty easy chair. The flooring was a wood-type laminate. A short hallway led to at least one bedroom and a bathroom. Sliding glass doors opened onto a small balcony. It was actually nicer than many of the apartments Izzy had rented over the years.

  Avery stood across the room, wringing her hands and ignoring Izzy. Emma introduced Riley, who smiled shyly and studied the shelves of horse trophies on the plywood and concrete block bookcase.

  “Wow, did you win all these?” Riley said to Avery in wonder.

  Avery nodded. “I love horses. I’ve been showing horses since I was your age. I worked at barns after school to earn the money for lessons.”

  “I’ve never seen a real horse until today,” Riley admitted.

  “City boy,” Avery teased, and Riley blushed.

  “I guess.”

  Avery turned to Izzy. “What do you think of the place?”

  “It’s nice. Especially for an apartment in a horse barn.” Izzy cringed at her disparaging words and was about to apologize, but Avery interrupted.

  “That’s the problem, isn’t it? It’s in a horse barn.” Avery rounded on her sister, eyes blazing, hands fisted. Anger reflected in the tight stance of her body.

  “You are a straight-A student. You could be anything. A doctor. A researcher. An engineer. Anything at all.”

  “This is what I want to do. My grades are irrelevant.”

  “You have the brains to do so much more than this,” Izzy countered.

  Avery closed her eyes for a moment. When she spoke again, she was much calmer. “I don’t expect you to understand, but I expect you to accept my choices instead of criticizing and belittling me.”

  “I’m not. I just don’t want you to make mistakes you’ll regret for the rest of your life.”

  “Seriously?” Avery rolled her eyes. “Guess what, Izz, this is my life. You do not get a vote. I’m done living the life everyone else expects of me. I’m living my life, my way. I love horses.”

  “Just like Mom and Dad love music? At the expense of everyone and everything else in their lives?” Izzy propped her hands on her hips and stared down her sister. Her glare usually intimidated the twins and caused them to back down. Only it wasn’t working right now.