The Hockey Player's Heart
Page 3
“Of course.”
As Grant and Aaron began to lead the three of them to Caleb’s table, Terry suddenly stopped short.
“Wait up a second,” he said, before darting back to where he and his friends were working. Terry dug around in his Rangers backpack before pulling out an oversized action figure, Caleb’s number emblazoned on the little blue-and-white jersey. Terry quickly rejoined his friends, keeping up a constant but quiet discussion as they approached Caleb, their hometown hero.
Grant quickly went back to work, organizing the auction items as Aaron introduced Caleb’s admirers. “I’ve got three fans here. This is Hunter, Terry, and Josie.”
Caleb came around the table, smiling broadly as he saw the group approach. As each of them held out their fist, he bumped his fist with them. “Great to meet you all.”
“I’m a center, just like you,” Hunter said proudly. The ease he displayed in talking to Caleb led the other two to join the conversation, which quickly led to a chattering cacophony as the three talked over one another in their eagerness to tell Caleb all about their playing.
Aaron enjoyed watching Caleb interact with the kids. He seemed to take a genuine interest even as he was bombarded with information. He’d make a good teacher or coach, and that warmed Aaron’s heart.
“Would you like me to sign that?” Caleb asked, pointing to the figure Terry clutched reverently. Terry seemed suddenly hesitant.
Aaron could imagine that Terry wasn’t particularly crazy about an adult, no matter how famous, scribbling all over his favorite toy.
He watched as Caleb carefully gauged Terry’s reaction.
“How about this?” Caleb asked as he took three pucks off the table. Grant handed him a silver Sharpie. “Now, don’t tell Principal Carter that I gave you these or she’ll be mad at me. Keep playing, and hopefully I’ll see you on the ice at The Garden one day.” Caleb handed Hunter a signed puck.
“You sure will. Thank you.” They traded a fist bump.
“Wow,” Josie said as she got hers. “Thanks.” Another fist bump was exchanged.
“Awesome.” Terry fist-bumped Caleb again when he received his puck.
“You all should get back to our booth and help your classmates get ready,” Aaron said, bringing the moment to an end. “We open in about ten minutes.”
“Thanks, Mr. Price, for letting us meet him.”
“You’re welcome.”
The three darted across the gym in a state of overexcitement. Grant plucked three more pucks from a bag to rebuild the pyramid he’d made.
“You were great with them. Although, you’re right that Pam’s not going to like giving away the merchandise.”
Caleb smiled. “It’s okay. I’ll cover for those three.”
“Is it strange seeing your face on merchandise, like that toy of Terry’s?”
“It’s strange at first, but you get used to it, I guess.”
As one of the few out-and-proud players in the NHL, Aaron knew how significant it was that Caleb was so beloved by his fans and sought after by companies for merchandising and sponsorship deals.
“I’ve never known anyone who’s had a doll made in their likeness.”
“That’s not a doll,” Caleb emphasized. “That was a one-sixth scale, collector’s edition, premium action figure. The league did a series of them last year.”
Caleb certainly wasn’t a preening, macho sports star, but Aaron found his insistence on the precise masculine terminology for an NHL doll amusing. He couldn’t resist giving his old friend a hard time.
“It sure looked like a doll to me,” Aaron teased. “In fact, if we went back to your parent’s house right now and dug around in Pam’s old bedroom closet, we’d find a box full of Barbies who’d just love to go on a dream date with that miniature version of you.”
“Well, as long as Malibu Ken came along, I’d be okay with that.”
Aaron couldn’t help himself—he laughed out loud.
Caleb chuckled as well.
“In all seriousness,” Aaron continued, “Thank you for taking the time to talk to those kids. I know it meant a lot to them.”
Caleb waved it off as if it were no big deal. “When I was their age, I met Gideon Roark after a game. His team and coach were trying to hurry him along to get on the bus, but he stopped, signed a puck, and talked to me for a few minutes. Dad was with me, and even he said we needed to let him go, but Roark continued to talk and even offered some face-off tips. I still have the puck, and because of him, I always take time for kids. Sort of a ‘pay it forward.’”
That was a side of Caleb that Aaron had never seen in the press. “That’s a great story. Ever thought of working with kids?”
“I have. Realistically, I’m only viable in the NHL for a few more seasons. Not many play into their forties, and while I’m still a few years away from that, I do think about the future. Maybe I’ll coach. I’ve got good role models. There’s my sister… and you.”
Aaron was glad he didn’t blush easily—fluster, yes, blush, no—because his insides certainly fluttered at that compliment.
Caleb wasn’t flirting. Was he? He couldn’t be. Caleb had always been nice and that’s all the compliment was.
“I, um, should go check on my table.” Aaron checked his watch. “I’ve got parents and kids trying to organize a bake sale that also involves whack-a-mole. They’re going to think I’ve abandoned them.”
“We can’t have that.” Caleb smiled broadly. “Catch up after? I’d like to know more about what you’ve been up to all these years.”
“Um. Sure.” That was the last question Aaron had expected.
At the third-grade table, Aaron saw that everything was well organized. He only half paid attention to Susan and Heather, the parents who were helping out, as they told him how they’d arranged everything. Playing whack-a-mole and winning tickets to buy baked treats was fine by him.
Why was he fixated on Caleb? He’d been around him for less than an hour and he felt like he was back in high school and struggling to hide a crush. Caleb might get along great with kids and want to help them, but he was famous and must have his sights set higher than what went on in a small-town elementary school—even one where his sister worked.
After a rough time, things were finally going Aaron’s way. His new calm, quiet life suited him. Caleb would be here for a short time, and then he’d be gone and everything would be back to normal.
Chapter Four
TWO and a half hours passed quickly, and as far as Aaron could see, the carnival had been a resounding success.
From the moment they’d opened the gymnasium doors, every fund-raising table and game station had a boisterous line of enthusiastic community supporters. Everyone involved, kids and parents alike, seemed to have enjoyed themselves.
As the last of the people finally departed, Aaron was pleased to see their bake sale table and all its tasty offerings were fairly decimated.
Pam rallied the proverbial troops—a few teachers and some parent volunteers—and the cleanup crew got to work.
Caleb had proven to be a big draw and had a long line at his table from the time the doors opened. Grant helped a lot—collecting tickets, keeping the line moving, and even making sure Caleb got a couple of breaks. Despite the line, Caleb talked with everyone, took pictures, and signed a ton of stuff.
As Caleb and Grant approached his table, Aaron noticed that Caleb had ditched his cane at some point during the event and was walking without it.
“So, what’s left to do?” Caleb asked. “I’m happy to help.”
There really wasn’t much because the crew was so focused. “The tables go into the storage room and chairs get racked so we can roll them in.”
Caleb and Grant nodded and headed toward a stack of tables folded against the wall. They each picked up one, but Caleb only made it a few steps before he stopped and set it down. Aaron heard the faintest grunt.
“Caleb?” Grant asked, stopping next to him.
Aaron joined them. “It’s the foot, isn’t it?”
Caleb nodded. “Little bit. I may have stood around too much.”
Aaron thought about it, and every time he’d looked over at his table, Caleb had been on his feet. “You should take it easy.” Aaron took the table from him. “We don’t want your coach coming up here pissed off because you reinjured yourself helping with the school carnival.”
Caleb laughed.
“What’s so funny about that?” Aaron asked, setting the table down.
“Sorry. I had this image of the team coming up here and marauding through the streets to avenge me.”
“Wow,” Aaron said, smirking. “You might be a rich and famous athlete, but you’ve still got that weird imagination.”
“This from the guy who played every role-playing game known to man.”
“Exactly, so shouldn’t I be the one coming up with the marauders?” Aaron could no longer hold back a laugh.
Caleb took the good-natured ribbing with ease. His warm, open smile was disarming, and Aaron felt as if no time at all had passed between them, despite the fact that their lives had taken very different directions over the past fifteen years.
“Maybe Grant should get you home so you can rest?” Aaron eventually said.
“I can….”
“No.” Aaron shut down Caleb’s protest with the authoritative tone he used with his students. “Just hang tight here, maybe sit down. We’ll put these away.”
Caleb did as he was told while Aaron, Grant, and a couple of parents made quick work of the tables and chairs. It was only a few minutes before they returned, and Aaron was in his jacket and had keys out.
“Come on. Let’s get outta here,” Aaron said.
Caleb cocked his head in disbelief. “Really? Pam’s letting you go before she does?”
“You see her over there.” He pointed toward the bleachers against one wall where Pam stood surrounded by a small group. “She’s going to be trapped for at least another hour with those parents bending her ear.”
As they stepped outside, Aaron braced himself against the crisp evening breeze. Caleb carefully navigated the steps and curb with his cane, following Aaron through the parking lot. Grant jogged ahead to get Caleb’s SUV since it was parked farther away.
“So, what brought you back to Foster Grove? If you don’t mind me asking?”
After high school graduation, Aaron had felt the need to take a few risks and step outside the small-town box he’d always lived in. He’d packed his bags and headed to California. After getting his degree, he’d stayed, found a good teaching position, and was happy—for the most part. “LA kind of… well, it kind of went bust. Budget cuts slammed down hard and, luckily, Pam swooped in like my guardian angel and offered me the job here. How about you? What’s it like being back after so much time in New York?”
“I love my life, but sometimes you need to escape, know what I mean? I’m enjoying the quiet of being home,” Caleb said before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, “and spending time with old friends. For it being so close, I don’t get back nearly enough.”
Aaron was struck silent. Caleb’s intense gaze left no doubt that he was the old friend that Caleb was most interested in spending time with.
“You want to go out sometime?” Caleb asked without breaking eye contact. “Grab dinner or something?”
Aaron deflected the offer because he didn’t know what else to do. “Wouldn’t you enjoy that more with you sister? Spending time with her, I mean? Give you guys time to catch up?”
“Pam and I talk all the time. I was thinking that you could show me some places that you enjoy or discovered since you’ve been back in town.”
Show him some places?
Aaron didn’t know what to say. Caleb’s simple invitation sent his brain into overdrive, his thoughts scattering in a thousand different directions. He swallowed, then opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Despite the chill in the air, he felt heat rising in his cheeks and his pulse tick up a notch. Caleb apparently could force him to blush.
A date? With Caleb Carter? Wow.
Wait. Why did he think that? Caleb didn’t say date. There was no way Aaron could go on a date with him.
“I mean, we don’t have to if you’re busy or something,” Caleb backpedaled and poked at the pavement with his cane, moving some pebbles around. The crestfallen look on his face was proof that Aaron had let the question hang for too long. “You’ve probably got papers to grade or a boyfriend to hang out with or something.”
Tires crunched on the loose gravel of the parking lot as Grant pulled up. Caleb turned to the passenger-side door and opened it. He tossed his cane inside and, careful of his foot, angled himself to get into the seat.
“I’m single,” Aaron offered lamely. “I mean, I don’t have a boyfriend. Though my relationship status doesn’t really matter, since if we got a bite to eat, we’d be, um, going out as friends.”
Caleb flashed that gorgeous smile of his. “Okay, then. Two single friends having a night out. Or at least what passes for a night out in Foster Gove.”
What would that even be? Aaron was never good at coming up with things to do.
“Let me think about it. Not the getting-together part,” Aaron quickly added before Caleb could misunderstand. “Gotta figure out where to go.”
“Cool. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at seven.” Caleb got in the SUV. “See you then.” He pulled the door closed, lowered the window, and leaned out. “What’s your number?” After Aaron recited the number, Caleb entered the number and in a couple of seconds Aaron’s phone rang. “Now we’re connected.” Caleb raised the window and waved before Grant drove them away.
Aaron stood alone in the elementary school parking lot.
He’d just agreed to go out “as friends” with a man who was the best-looking and one of the most famous players in the entire NHL.
A “friend” whose smile sent Aaron’s pulse racing.
He was so screwed.
Chapter Five
CALEB had been looking forward to his friendly date with Aaron all day. He couldn’t help but smile as he rounded the street corner and pulled up to the curb where Aaron stood in front of his apartment complex. He wore a sage green sweater and a pair of well-tailored slacks that, despite their conservative style, looked damn sexy on him.
Caleb had spent an inordinate amount of time selecting his wardrobe for the evening. It was important that he looked good, but not like he was trying too hard. He’d chosen a blue pullover and dark jeans, an ensemble that, stylewise, was nearly identical to his date’s.
Wait. Totally not a date.
Just two guys having a friendly meal together.
Aaron got into the SUV and buckled his seat belt.
Caleb pulled into traffic and headed toward downtown. “I know part of tonight was for you to show me what you like,” he said, “but I thought we might try this new place that Pam took me to the other morning—FG Plate.”
“Great. I’ve had coffee at their café a few times and have always wanted to try the food. I hear their menu is fantastic.”
As he drove, Caleb searched his brain for another topic of conversation. He glanced at Aaron in the seat next to him, and all he could think about was how terrific he looked.
“So, how’s your foot?” Aaron asked.
“Good. I iced it when I got home and took some ibuprofen. Honestly, today is the best it’s felt in weeks. I’m checking in with my physical therapist on Monday, and I’m confident that they’ll report my recovery is going just as they hoped.”
“Happy to hear it. I’m sure the team will be glad to have you back, especially since it means they won’t need to maraud their way up here from New York. I didn’t want to have to get my armor out of storage.”
“Do you really have armor?” Caleb stole
a look at Aaron to see if he was serious.
Aaron looked at Caleb and then to the back seat, as if what he was about to say was a secret that needed to be closely guarded. “Maybe.”
“Really?”
“It’s not like an entire hulking metal thing. It’s just some leather armor and chain mail.”
Damn. Was he serious? Flashes of Aaron in armor ran through Caleb’s imagination. He’d once dated a guy who sometimes asked him to wear his jersey while they were having sex. Aaron dressed as a knight would be very hot, maybe more so if Caleb was in a jersey. Role-play wasn’t usually his thing, but this had potential.
“I used to go to renaissance fairs in college,” Aaron explained. “I paid a lot of money for it. I keep it for Halloween because the kids seem to love it, plus it’s perfect for any parties I might go to because—well, who doesn’t like a knight?”
“That’s more clever than what I do if I’m pressed into Halloween events.”
“Let me guess,” Aaron jumped in. “Hockey player?”
“Or hockey coach, which only requires a suit and a dry-erase board with a rink diagram on it.” Caleb pulled into the parking lot of FG Plate. “We should do Halloween sometime and you can be the knight who rescues the hockey player—some sort of a temporal displacement mashup.”
“I’m sorry—temporal displacement mashup? Did you really say that?”
The idea was ridiculous, but if Caleb was honest, it still sounded fun.
“I’ve watched enough Star Trek to know weird shit can happen with time travel.”
Aaron laughed and shook his head. Caleb actually wasn’t sure where he wanted things to end up with Aaron, at least from a relationship standpoint. The fact that Aaron seemed relaxed and at ease meant that, to Caleb’s mind, their evening was off to a pretty good start.
“I hope this is okay.” Caleb changed the subject as they got out of the car. “Pam’s rarely wrong about food.”
“I have no doubt it’ll be great. They’re all about farm-to-table, getting most of the ingredients from area growers.”