Shutout (The Renegades Series Book 5)

by Melody Heck Gatto

  Leaving everything in his past back in Canada was his best move yet. A fresh start with a new team hadn’t healed his trust issues, but who needed trust when he had so many bunnies who didn’t want more than a few hours of his attention? He was a hot new name in the league, and they knew that; a night with him meant serious bunny status for them.

  No one back home talked about Hailee, and he was fairly sure they were all under a hush order from her brother. He could be a bully when he wanted; he was large and bulky and could look scary. The one time Dom did try to reach out to her, her number was disconnected. There was no trace of her anywhere — if she’d wanted to get lost, she had sure accomplished that. She was even nonexistent on social media, and nowadays that was hard to do.

  He was a different story. Paige was good at cleaning up the messes that the team got themselves into, but it wasn’t always so easy. The girls, the alcohol, the parties, it could all be ugly if it got on social media. Being pegged a party boy was the one thing the Renegades wanted to avoid — Dominic Zanetti was their franchise’s future.

  Alcohol sounded like the perfect way to spend tomorrow evening, and honestly, the female attention would surely be welcome. His last girlfriend was more of a distraction than anything — because she wasn’t Hailee — and that wasn’t enough for her, not that he blamed her. He wasn’t ready to trust anyone else with his heart yet. His only interest was a hot body to tend to his, all night. That was the end of that.

  Focusing back on reality, Dom found the locker room was full of energy, everyone high-fiving Tyler and voicing that they’d be there.

  “So, you going?” Kaden asked.

  “Not sure…”

  Before the words exited his mouth, Matt was badgering him. “Of course you’re going, Meatball! I’ll even buy you a lap dance.”

  “Nah I’m good, Matt. Thanks anyways.” Some bimbo dancing up on guy after guy, then on me? No thanks. He could find his own girl to take home, and not one from the strip club. All he had to do was look out into the parking lot of the arena.

  “Yeah, Dom, even Kris and Pat are being let out of the house to go, so you better be there too!” Tyler called from across the room.

  “It’s not like we needed permission or something, damn.” Kris shook his head. Tyler always ragged on them about that.

  “Maybe you didn’t…” Patrick laughed. Patrick had a bad history of womanizing before meeting his wife, Gia. And his new missus didn’t like taking chances with him, even though he had proven his love to her over and over. He was a love-struck fool and everyone knew it, even his new wife.

  “Yeah, that couldn’t have been easy, considering…” Tyler commented with a laugh. Everyone knew the history. Gia used to be with Tyler. Long story short: after an ugly situation with Pat and Tyler, she ended up as Mrs. Patrick Dubois. The details of what happened were no longer important, since the two men had made amends, and Tyler had met the real woman of his dreams, so now it was Tyler’s turn to get hitched.

  “Dom, if I’m going, you are too. I’ll keep you out of trouble.” Patrick winked. For some reason, Patrick saying he’d keep Dom out of trouble was laughable. Pat used to be the guy that needed kept out of trouble. He was a media nightmare when he stole Tyler’s girlfriend. But somehow, everything worked out.

  “I’m not sure how I feel about that,” Dom responded. Getting drunk and leaving his fate in Pat’s hands didn’t seem like a very responsible decision. “Kris, you got my back, right?”

  “Absolutely, my friend,” Kris said.

  Over the last year, Dom and Kris had found what the media liked to call a real bromance. Maybe it was their Canadian heritage, or maybe it was just because Dom was the newbie and Kris was an upstanding teammate, always willing to lend a hand.

  Or maybe it was because once, very briefly, Kris had thought his girl Kat, now his wife, was having an affair with Dom. When Kris finally learned she was just writing a story about Dom and his family, that was when the two men started to bond. That article got Kat a promotion and a spot as a feature writer for a popular hockey magazine.

  Dom always thought Kris felt bad for his assumptions, and Dom being the newbie on the team, Kris had gone out of his way to make him a big part of the Renegades. But all that was in the past. This team had more drama than an afternoon talk show.

  “Great, it’s settled!” Tyler, now fully dressed, swung his hockey bag over his shoulder, grabbed his stick and headed to the door. “I’ll see you all tomorrow night!”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Hailee

  “Knock, knock!” Alison called, as she entered the loft with a handful of colorful balloons and a bottle of wine. “Hey there, birthday girl!” Alison’s heels clicked against the hard floors and echoed in the large open space.

  “Well don’t you look like you’re ready for the club versus a restaurant?” Hailee narrowed her eyes and looked her friend up and down. Alison’s stripper heels and short, tight skirt did not go unnoticed, and the bulky sweater with the loosely woven fabric did nothing to hide her gorgeous figure.

  Alison shrugged. “It’s a night of celebration. You look pretty hot yourself, lady.” She handed Hailee the balloons and wine. “Your favorite wine.”

  “Well, thank you. We could just stay here and share that bottle?” Her joking tone was half-serious, seeing how she had no idea what Alison had planned or where they were going.

  Not knowing tonight’s itinerary, and with the addition of Ali’s stripper heels, Hailee didn’t trust that innocent smile on her friend’s face. She had dressed in her usual casual but sexy way, her white one-piece mini t-shirt dress hugged her curves and covered just enough before ending high up her thighs. The half sleeves had the shoulders cut out and exposed her artwork.

  “Hailee! C’mon, it’s girls’ night out. It’ll be fun.” Alison flopped down on the gray couch and crossed her long legs.

  Since they were both single, it was always girls’ night out. But Alison was trying to make Hailee’s birthday special, so she went along with it. “So, where are we going? I’m starving. Did you bake me a cake, too?” That last comment was an inside joke. Alison was not the best cook. Last year she had tried to make Hailee a birthday cake but forgot to put the eggs in. It was dense and tiny, and very hard to eat. Hailee never let her forget it; therefore, Alison had never made another cake.

  “Shut up. No, I didn’t make a cake. Anyways, grab your purse and your keys and let’s get to dinner. I’m starving!”

  Hailee’s phone buzzed. She paused at the bottom of the step to check the text message. It was her bestie from back home, Mia, wishing her a happy birthday. I should get back home soon. It’s been too long.

  Alison was parked right outside the loft. “I still think you should move. You know I hate driving here,” Ali said, as they walked to her Nissan SUV. The lights flashed when she turned off the alarm. “I’m always afraid my car is going to get stolen or vandalized.”

  “God, you’re dramatic. I park my car here every day.”

  “Yeah, but you drive an old coupe, and no offense to the car itself, but it’s ancient.” Alison and Hailee slipped into the car, and Alison quickly locked the doors.

  “So you’re saying because my car is ancient, that I shouldn’t worry about it being stolen or vandalized?”

  “I’m saying I don’t think anyone would take the time to steal it or vandalize it, so you’re safe.” She turned and smiled sweetly. “But you know I love you.”

  “Whatever.” Hailee groaned. She loved Ali like a sister, but she was tired of the concern about where she lived. It was no one’s business, but she had her eye on the apartment above the space she was hoping to lease. Alison would flip if she told her, since it was in Alison’s neighborhood, and that’s why Hailee was keeping it to herself. She just needed a little more money for the deposit and the entire first year’s lease. Then she could be secure in knowing it was hers. After that, she would just be working for start-up money. “Where are we going, anyway?”
>
  “You’ll see.”

  Alison stayed quiet as she drove to their destination, and sang to every song that came on the radio instead. After a few songs, Hailee relaxed and sang along with her. It didn’t much matter where they were going; it was going to be a fun birthday. Good food, good company and good drinks. Yes, it’s time to get my drink on!

  Dinner ended up being at a Japanese steakhouse where the food was cooked right in front of them. It was fun and delicious. Both girls ate way more than they should have, but it didn’t matter. A few hours of talk and gossip easily cured a full belly. A few drinks for the birthday girl didn’t hurt either.

  “Ready for dessert?” Alison asked, with a huge grin on her face.

  “Please don’t tell me you baked that cake?” Hailee took a drink of her remaining wine.

  Alison waved her off and stood up. “Don’t be silly! Get your coat on, we’re off to the next stop!” Grabbing Hailee’s arm, she pulled her out of her seat.

  Hailee spilled her drink as Alison yanked her up. “Okay, okay. Let me finish this first.” Leaning over the table, she downed the rest of her wine before sliding on her leather jacket.

  Alison looked at her watch. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

  “Wow, you’re in a hurry. Is dessert going to disappear if we aren’t there before eight?”

  “No, don’t be silly!” Alison looked at her watch again before quickly pulling Hailee to the door. “Off to dessert!”

  They ended up on the same street that Alison lived. She parked right in front of her building.

  “Ah, the Pink Ribbon Cupcakery?”

  “Of course. Is there any better bakery?” Alison asked. In their eyes, there wasn’t.

  As they walked towards the business, the aroma of cake and sugar teased Hailee’s senses, making her moan. “My favorite.”

  The bakery lights shone bright against the dark night sky. Inside, there was a line at the counter, but there were a few empty tables and available seats at the soda fountain counter. The walls were painted a light pink that matched the pink and white counter tops, and all the appliances behind the counter were either white or pink. You’d think it would be like being inside of a bottle of Pepto-Bismol, but it felt more like everything was sweet and made out of candy.

  “Let’s sit over here in the corner.” Alison pointed to a table wedged between the wall and the large plate glass window.

  “Man, you’re bossy tonight. Are you going to order for me, too?”

  “Don’t be silly,” Alison said, but her attention was outside the window instead of on Hailee or the girl behind the counter.

  “You looking for something? ’Cause last I heard, we were here to celebrate me.”

  “Yeah, of course we are. Look, here comes the girl now.” Alison danced around oddly, then directed her attention to the young girl coming to take their order.

  “Hi ladies, what can I get you tonight?” the young girl asked.

  “I’ll take a Birthday Cake milkshake and Champagne Kisses cupcake,” Hailee said.

  “I love your hair!” The young girl squealed. “Purple is really your color.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Hailee felt her cheeks warm. Normally people couldn’t get past her tattoos to mention her hair, if they even noticed the color.

  “I’ll also take a Champagne Kisses cupcake and a water, but can we also get two Vanilla Mocha Dream cupcakes?”

  “Wow, two cupcakes tonight? What’s the occasion? Oh yeah, that’s right, it’s my birthday!” Hailee sang happily. “I love Vanilla Mocha Dream; it’s my favorite.” Her mouth watered at the mere thought of it.

  “Oh yeah?” the girl asked. “Have you had the Champagne Kisses before?”

  “No. It got rave reviews from this one though.” She motioned to Alison.

  “Well, you might have a new favorite after you try it! And happy birthday! Have a seat and I’ll bring your desserts right over.” The server went behind the counter to gather their treats.

  Hailee watched when she went over to the soda fountain and mixed up the Birthday Cake milkshake. She loved watching them make their homemade milkshakes; the sound of the mixer took her back to when she was little. Her grandpap used to take her and her brother into town for homemade shakes at the little corner store on Wednesdays. She’d get an Egg Cream each and every time. A chocolatey, delicious Egg Cream.

  “Alison?” A blond, Ken doll looking man walked up to their table, and a dark haired guy followed behind him.

  “Kurt?” Alison asked.

  Kurt held out his hand to her. “Alison, it’s nice to finally meet you! This is my buddy, Dex.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Kurt.” Alison shook his hand. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smiled. Turning her attention to the other man, a sly smile crossed her face. “Hi Dex. This is Hailee.”

  Hailee followed the glances between Alison and Kurt. Something was off. What is happening here?

  “Hailee, nice to meet you.” Dex held out his hand to her and waited.

  This didn’t’ feel right. Why were these guys interrupting her birthday celebration?

  “Hailee.” Alison’s whispers were short and direct, as if the men couldn’t hear what she was saying. Obviously, they could. “Don’t be rude. Shake his hand.”

  “I’m never rude,” Hailee said snarkishly. “Hi Dex, nice to meet you. Now what am I missing here?”

  The server delivered her milkshake and their cupcakes. Hailee didn’t waste any time before she dug into the Vanilla Mocha cupcake. The mocha chocolate icing was piled so high that when she took a huge bite she got a smear on her nose.

  “Guys, have a seat. Hailee, we’re on a double date. Surprise.”

  A crumb from the vanilla cake slid down Hailee’s throat as she took in an unexpected gulp of air. Her cough was so violent she spat a piece of cupcake onto Dex. After catching her breath, she apologized. “Oops, my bad. Sorry.” She handed him a napkin.

  “Hailee!” Alison gasped.

  “I said I was sorry. It’s your fault anyway. Don’t do that to a girl when she’s eating a cupcake.”

  Dex pulled out a chair beside Hailee, and Kurt sat beside Alison.

  How did I not see this happening? Damn Alison. With her mouth full of more cupcake, Hailee studied Dex. He was tall, with dark short hair, military cut, and blue gray eyes. He was clean shaven and dressed well in a gray polo, dark jeans, and dark quilted bomber jacket. A bit pretty-boy for her liking, and no facial hair was a turn off. Did Alison know her at all?

  “So, I hear it’s your birthday, Hailee. Happy Birthday.” His smile was wide and very toothy.

  “Cupcake?” Alison offered her Vanilla Mocha to Kurt.

  “No thanks.” He waved her off.

  “Dex?”

  “No thank you, Alison, I don’t eat sweets.” Dex answered.

  He doesn’t eat sweets? Where in the hell did she find these two?

  As if Alison read her thoughts, she quickly replied. “I signed up on one of those online dating sites, and that’s where I met Dex and Kurt for us.”

  “For us?” She didn’t mean to say that out loud, it sounded rude. “I mean, what?”

  “So, Hailee…” Dex rested his arm on the back of her chair. “I see you have tattoos. How many do you have?” He pushed her hair aside to reveal the ink on her neck and shoulder.

  A chill ran through her. He wasn’t just being flirty. The way he just swooped in as if they had some immediate connection was annoying and gross. It didn’t help that she had never consented to this date, and he was the opposite of what she would even look for in a man. “Higher than you can count, I’m sure.” She added the last part with a fake grin, hoping she sounded playful instead of disgusted, like she actually was, at the fact that he was touching her. As she pulled away from him, her hair fell back where it belonged.

  “I like the purple hair.” His voice was light and playful and his breath warm on her cheek. A strange smile was plastered on his face, making it difficult
to tell if he was serious or being sarcastic.

  “It’s actually Vibrant Violet.” Her tolerance for him was already wearing thin. Is this date over yet? She just wanted to go home and down a bottle of Rumchata. She should’ve made pudding shots as a backup in case her birthday outing sucked. She’d remember next time. And maybe next time Ali offered a surprise outing, she’d opt for a quiet night in with those same pudding shots.

  The next hour consisted of Hailee listening to college frat stories. Could the dynamic duo be any more cliché? Her stomach twisted and rumbled in disagreement. Possibly ordering this third cupcake wasn’t the best idea.

  Hailee grabbed for her coat. “Well, it’s been fun, but I really need to go.” She flashed a look at Alison. I want to leave NOW. “It was a nice evening, Dex, and it was great to meet you, Kurt.”

  “Ali, I’m going to get a few birthday treats to go.” Ordering more sweet treats for her overly full tummy at the counter sounded like a better idea than sitting at the table with those guys.

  “Okay, I’ll meet you at the counter.”

  Hailee was done spending her birthday time with frat boy and his Ken doll friend. It was time to go home.

  “Excuse me, Hailee,” a male voice rumbled close behind her.

  She turned her head to see who was breathing down her neck while she was waiting for her sugary treat. It was the Ken doll. Alison’s blind date.

  “Hailee.” He stood too close to her. His frat boy friend was still seated at the table, talking Alison’s ear off. She knew that, because Alison wasn’t even looking at him as he spoke. She was drawing imaginary circles on the placemat with her finger.

  “Oh hey, just waiting on Alison then we’re out of here.” Why was Alison still at the table? Looking away from Kurt, she attempted to get her friend’s attention, but Alison was working too hard to avoid eye contact with Dex to look in Hailee’s direction. She didn’t blame her.

  “So Hailee, do you think I could get your number?”