by Lila Moore
“Where are you going?” Astrid called after me.
I didn’t bother to respond. I had to get to Sledge and make sure he was okay. As soon as I left the stairwell, I ran straight into Chick.
“Chick! Thank God. I need you to take me to Sledge.”
“I was just coming to get you.”
Hot on my heels, Astrid asked: “What’s going on?”
“C’mon,” Chick said.
He led us to the locker room. It was empty for the moment. The game went on without Sledge. When we entered I was relieved to see he was conscious and sitting on the bench.
“Thank God,” I said a bit too loudly.
Sledge looked up at me with a smile. His lip was busted and his eyes were glassy. Sweat dripped down his face, plastering his hair to his forehead. He looked pleased to see me. I felt embarrassed by how obvious I’d been about my concern.
“He’ll be okay,” Chick whispered to me.
He wrapped an arm around my shoulders to comfort me. Chick was a sweetheart, but he was embarrassing me. I didn’t want Sledge to know how worried I was, though I suspected it was too late.
We stood back while the medics checked Sledge out. The crowd roared above us as someone scored. Shortly thereafter the game ended and the players started to file into the locker room. Astrid’s attention immediately went to the men as they started to undress.
I cleared my throat and tried to stay focused on Sledge. I won’t lie, though. I was distracted by their presence. They were totally unselfconscious as they peeled off their padding and stripped down to their jock straps. Some of the guys went further and got completely naked. It wasn’t lost on them that there were two girls in the locker room either. We garnered several curious glances and sly smiles.
Astrid returned their smiles and hard looks. She was in heaven. A completely naked guy walked right past us as he headed to the showers. Astrid’s mouth fell open as she watched him leave. I elbowed her in the side.
“You’re drooling,” I said.
She closed her mouth and gave me a harsh look. A tall, blonde guy with huge muscular thighs was standing in front of his locker and staring straight at Astrid.
“Excuse me,” she said.
I watched as she skipped off to talk to him.
“I’m fine,” Sledge protested, pushing the medics away.
The coach came over to get a closer look at him. “Concussion?” he asked.
“Probably. He won’t let us take him to the hospital to get him checked out though,” one of the medics answered.
“I’m fine. It’s not the first time I’ve taken a blow to the head.”
“Don’t be stubborn,” the coach replied. “You’re putting your life in your hands. Not to mention your career.”
“I don’t need to go to the hospital.” Sledge tried to stand and immediately fell back down onto the bench.
“Sledge, don’t be an idiot,” I said, stepping forward. Everyone turned to regard me, as if they were just now noticing I was in the same room. “Go to the hospital. You may have a concussion. I’ll go with you.”
As soon as I said I’d take him, he perked up. “Okay.”
They helped Sledge to a waiting ambulance. I motioned to Astrid. She waved me off, as if to say I’ll find my own way home. She must have made quite the impression on the hockey player with the meaty thighs. He was leaning in close and whispering to her. I wished them luck. At least one of us would be having fun tonight.
I followed Sledge into the ambulance. The trip to the hospital was short. We rode in silence. I tried not to look at him. I could feel his eyes drilling into me. Something about his stare made me paranoid. I was convinced if he stared at me long enough he’d discover the truth I was hiding.
When we pulled up to the hospital, the doctors greeted us at the ambulance entrance along with a team of nurses. It seemed a bit excessive to me, but Sledge was a celebrity. It wasn’t often they treated a famous athlete. They insisted he lay down on a gurney even though he’d regained his balance.
“Wait for me,” he shouted as they wheeled him off.
“I will. I promise.”
A nurse led me to a waiting area where I soon grew bored. The minutes turned to hours and there was still no word of Sledge’s condition. I decided to stretch my legs and see if I could find a vending machine. I asked the nurse where the cafeteria was. She gave me directions, but I soon found myself lost.
The hospital was huge. A maze of corridors opened up before me. I wandered around, feeling happy to be lost. At least I was happy until I came upon the nursery. I stopped in my tracks. The outside of the nursery was encased in glass. Rows of babies slept or fussed as nurses tended to them.
A man stood beside me looking in. A big, dumb grin was spread across his face as he looked down at his baby girl. I envied his happiness. I turned back to the babies. Only a few short months ago, my baby was in room like this. Nurses cared for him because my parents would not allow me to.
Then he was given away.
I was told it was a private adoption and assured that he was being raised in a good Christian home. The implication was that I was not a good Christian. My parents saw me as damaged goods now. They’d never look at me the same way again. And after the way they’d treated me, I would never look at them the same way either.
“They’re cute.” I jumped. Sledge stood behind me smiling. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Guiltily, I turned away. He joined me beside the glass.
“They’re so tiny,” he said, looking at the babies.
I cleared my throat. “How are you? Is it a concussion?”
“Yeah, but it’s minor. Nothing to worry about.”
I stared at the side of his face. His jaw seemed sharper than what I remembered. His features had become more masculine since we were in high school. He turned to me. I quickly looked away.
“Thanks for coming tonight,” he said.
“No problem. I wanted to make sure you were okay.” I looked at my watch. “It’s getting late. We should go.”
I started to walk away. Sledge grabbed my hand, stopping me. I’d forgotten how strong he could be. His grip was gentle, but I could feel the strength in his big, rough hands.
“I want to see you again,” he said. “Can I take you out? I know this great all-night diner. We could go drink some coffee, eat pancakes, like in the old days.”
The idea was tempting, but I couldn’t let Sledge get close to me. The secret I carried was too heavy a burden. If he learned the truth he would be devastated and he would hate me. It was unforgivable to keep a baby secret. He would never forgive me, or understand how much I wanted to tell him. Could he understand that it was my parents who’d forced me this secret was the best for everyone?
“I can’t,” I said.
His face fell. “Is there another guy?”
He tried to keep his voice neutral, but I could see the anger boiling beneath the surface.
“No. There hasn’t been anyone since you.”
I doubted there ever would be again. I couldn’t imagine starting a relationship with another guy. I knew I’d spend the whole time comparing him to Sledge. Would I ever meet a guy as protective as Sledge? With a smile like Sledge? Would I meet a guy with a body like his?
My eyes drifted over Sledge. He’d changed into a jersey and sweat pants before leaving for the hospital. The pants were made out of a thin material that clung to his muscles tightly. Heat rose inside me.
“There you are. I was so worried.”
Svetlana appeared at the end of the all. Her eyes immediately drifted down to Sledge’s hand. He still held mine. She glared disapprovingly. Strangely, Sledge didn’t let go. I had to pry my hand from his grip.
Svetlana wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. I watched as her lips parted and her tongue slipped into his mouth. Stiffly, Sledge let her kiss him. He didn’t look like he was enjoying it much which gave me a small spark of satisfaction.
He opened his eyes and looked at me, then managed to push her away. Svetlana had a death grip on him.
“I was worried about you. I saw you get taken away off the field,” she said in a heavy Russian accent.
“It’s not a field. It’s an ice rink,” Sledge said. “And since when do you watch my games?”
“I always watch your games, silly boy. I love hockey.”
“That’s news to me.”
She slapped his chest playfully. “Such a kidder.” Then she turned to me. “Bobbi, you may leave now,” she said, dismissing me.
I didn’t appreciate being treated like the help, but I was grateful to have an excuse to leave.
“Thanks for the tickets,” I said to Sledge. “I’ll see you around.”
I turned to leave.
“Wait!” Sledge called after me. “I’ll give you a ride.”
“I’m fine. Thanks.”
“How are you going to get home?”
That was a good question. I’d have to call Astrid and have her come pick me up. She’d be pissed. I was sure she was trying to score with her hockey player. She wouldn’t want to be pulled away from him.
“I’ll get an Uber.”
“We’ll drive you.”
“She said she will take Uber. Let her go,” Svetlana said.
“We’ll take you home,” he said. “No arguments.”
The three of us climbed into Svetlana’s car. I sat in the backseat alone. She took her time starting it and pulling out of the parking lot.
“This is a nice car,” I said just to make conversation.
It looked expensive. The interior was lit up with digital displays. The outside was sleek and streamlined. It was an amazing car, sexy, expensive and a bit obnoxious-just like Svetlana. She must have been making a ton of money as a model.
“It was a gift from Sledge,” she said.
“Oh… that was nice of him,” I said trying not to sound bitter.
“Sledge will do anything for a girl he loves,” she said gazing at him with faux-adoration. “Isn’t that right?”
His eyes were focused out the passenger side window. “What?” he said, not listening.
“You bought me this car because you love me. Tell her how you spoil me.”
“It was a birthday present,” he replied drily.
I waited for him to tell me how infatuated he was with Svetlana, but he didn’t. She looked irritated. Suddenly the car accelerated quickly.
“Easy,” Sledge said. “This isn’t Russia. Don’t kill us.”
She smiled at him, but the look was pure venom. The car accelerated faster. Somehow, we managed to make it back to my dorm without crashing.
“This is where you live?” she asked disdainfully.
“Yeah.”
“It is a small building.”
“It’s a dorm. I’m in college.”
“Looks more like a prison.”
I cleared my throat. “Thanks for the ride,” I said, pushing my way out of the car. “It’s been… interesting.”
“I’ll walk you up,” Sledge offered.
“No, really, I’m fine. Goodnight.”
I walked off quickly before he could insist on joining me. I ran up the stairs to my dorm and threw open the door. I stepped into a dark room. I felt half a second of relief. Astrid wasn’t back yet. She must have been out having fun with that cute hockey player, I thought. Then I heard a moan.
“Oh God…” I whispered.
I tried to turn around and leave but I was too slow.
“Bobbi!” Astrid said with a laugh. She was naked with her hockey player in bed. He turned to look at me from on top of Astrid.
“Hi there,” he said with a big dumb grin.
“I’m sorry! I had no idea you had company, Astrid. I’ll go.”
I had no idea where to go. It was late and I didn’t have any other friends. I could head to my aunt’s, though I really didn’t want to.
“No rush,” the hockey player said.
He rose out of bed. He was completely naked. My eyes drifted down to his cock. I quickly turned away. His body was insane. Every muscle was perfectly defined. I could see him flexing out of the corner of my eye. He could tell I found him hot.
“I’ll leave you two alone,” I said turning for the door.
“You don’t have to run off,” he said, stepping in front of the door and barring my exit. Standing a foot away from a completely naked, gorgeous man left me a bit breathless.
“You could join us?” he said, lifting his eyebrows. “What do you say?”
Astrid giggled behind me.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“No? You sure?”
My eyes drifted down over his body. He was tanned, ripped and his cock was nice and big. After breaking up with Sledge, I fell into a deep depression. My sex drive completely disappeared. Now that I stood a foot away from a guy who looked like he was carved out of wood, it returned like a force to be reckoned with.
“As tempting as that idea is… I can’t. I’m sorry,” I said.
The hockey player sighed and looked to Astrid. “That’s too bad. The three of us could have gotten into some trouble.” He turned to Astrid. “Looks like it’s just the two of us tonight, babe.”
He brushed past me as he went to join Astrid on the bed. I blushed as my arm touched his abs. I was suddenly wet, but I knew I couldn’t act on my impulses. It felt like a betrayal. This was silly, of course. Sledge and I had been broken up for over a year. But the secret I kept from him made me feel strangely loyal. We shared an intimate connection that could never be broken because of our baby.
But on the other hand… I would never move on from Sledge unless I experienced life with other men. I glanced over my shoulder and checked out the hockey player’s ass. It was tight and round, complimenting his meaty thigh nicely.
I shook the dirty thought away. I could never have a threesome. I’m not that adventurous. Besides, I’d never be able to look Astrid in the eye again.
“Have fun,” I said, trying not to laugh.
I slipped out the door and headed to the elevator. I did not want to go to my aunt’s, but what choice did I have?
A door opened behind me. Astrid came running out with her sheets wrapped her around her like a toga. Her hair was wild, like she’d been rolling around in bed and she had big, goofy grin on her face. She looked like she was in a state of total bliss.
I smiled. The look suited her well.
“Don’t run off,” she said.
“I can’t-”
“It’s cool. I know. Just give me, like, five or ten minutes to finish with him. I’ll get rid of him, then we can talk.”
I laughed. “Five or ten minutes?”
She shrugged. “He’s a bit quick on the draw if you know what I mean. He is gorgeous though. Did you see that ass?”
“Go. I’ll wait in the study room downstairs then come back up in twenty minutes. Hopefully, that will give you enough time to finish up with your gentlemen caller.”
“You’re the best,” she said, skipping off back into our dorm.
I sighed and headed back down the stairs. I sat in the study room downstairs looking at my Google News Alerts. The internet was abuzz with news of Sledge’s injury tonight. Speculation ran wild. Some sites were reporting him as being out for the rest of the year. Several comments on a popular hockey message board said it was a conspiracy. They claimed Sledge was about to be fired, so he faked an injury. This way he could save face and quietly retire.
I rolled my eyes. Nothing would keep Sledge from the ice. Besides, he would never fake an injury. It was ridiculous.
I checked the time. Twenty-five minutes had passed. Surely that was enough time for Astrid to get her hockey player out of our room. I put my phone away and headed back upstairs. Slowly, I opened the door.
“Hello?” I called loudly. “Are you decent?”
“Come in.”
I put my hand over my ey
es as I walked into the room.
“He’s gone,” Astrid said.
I peeked between my fingers. The bed was in disarray. Astrid’s skirt was lying crumpled on the floor. She wore his hockey jersey. It fell around her like a tent. If Astrid was wearing his jersey, then what did he leave wearing?
“Your cars in the parking garage,” she said. “We drove it back. I made Harley get a cab home.”
“Harley, huh?”
I recognized his name. The girls went wild for him online. He had a lot of fan sites devoted to him. They were rabid in their devotion to him. They tracked his every move just like Sledge. Astrid of course had no idea who he was.
“Are you going to see him again?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know. Tonight was fun, but…”
“But…?”
“Like I said, he’s a bit quick on the draw.”
“Maybe he’s just really into you, like, he thinks you’re super-hot so it’s hard for him to last?”
“I’m flattered, but I don’t think so. Anyway, tell me about Sledge. Is he okay?”
“Yeah, it was just a minor concussion. He’ll be fine.”
“And?”
“And, what? Nothing happened. I waited for him at the hospital, then Svetlana showed up. They drove me home and that was it.”
“Did he ask you out?”
“No. Svetlana was there. Not that it matters. I would have said no.”
“Why?”
“Sledge and I are ancient history.”
“Sometimes, history repeats itself.”
“He has a girlfriend. I’m not going to get involved with a guy who’s taken.”
“They’re not that serious.”
“How can you tell?”
“They have no chemistry. They’re together because they look good together, and it’s what people expect. It’s like when you’re in high school and the two most attractive people start dating. It’s inevitable because people expect it. The two hottest people always hook-up.”
“Yeah, exactly. She’s way hotter than me and so is Sledge for that matter. Why would he waste his time with me when he already has her, not to mention all those other girls who drool all over him?”
“Don’t be such a Debbie Downer. It’s not that serious. I’m not saying you have to marry him. I just want you to have a little fun.”