Attacking Zone (Utah Fury Hockey Book 4)

by Brittney Mulliner

  “It’s a good thing you’re cute.” She cocked her eyebrow. “You wouldn’t have gotten this far without those looks.”

  Joey looked serious. Then again, she usually did. The Main Street Café was her baby. Her pride and joy, her livelihood, and I’d just pissed off a very influential customer.

  “I’m so sorry, Joey. I…I…” I didn’t have an excuse. I behaved like a child. On my very first day at my new job. The job that I really, really need. It’s surprisingly hard to find a decent paying job that worked around class schedules.

  I should have planned for that. I should have saved more money before moving here. Maybe taken a year off. I had gotten tunnel vision when I received my acceptance to Utah for grad school. I just wanted to get here and get started so I could graduate and start working with children. Counseling them through the hardest time of their lives meant so much to me. I couldn’t delay.

  My uncle, David, told me I should wait a semester, but I didn’t listen. Now I was paying for it. Literally. I shared an apartment with a girl I’d never actually met in person and it smelled like moldy rice. It was all I could find in my price range on short notice.

  Yeah, maybe things would have been better if I’d waited, but that would be another five months I’d have to wait before I could start helping. That was too long for me.

  “You just violated one of our best customers? One that comes almost every day, sometimes with a trail of cameras and fans? A customer that’s increased our revenue by one hundred and fifty percent since he put this place on the map?”

  I nodded. That about summed it up. She’d warned me that some of the Fury players lived in the area and came here. I was told to treat them with discretion. Give them their privacy. I planned on following directions. I really did, but when Wyatt Hartman walked in I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. He’d been the cause of my broken heart that season. The Harbor hasn’t been the same since they lost that series.

  I regretted my decision now. I could have just given him a cold muffin rather than heating it. I could have made a sly comment and left it at that. But no. I reverted back to a child and pulled a gross prank.

  My stomach was on the ground. I’d made a terrible mistake and I felt like scum.

  Uncle David would be disappointed in me, even if it was some of his buddies that had taught me the old salt switch.

  “Next time he’s here, if he dares coming back.” She shot me a glare. “You apologize to him and his order is on you.”

  I deserved that. “Okay, Joey. I’m so sorry.”

  She gave me another stern look before cracking a smile. “At least you made an impression. He’s not likely to forget you. I wouldn’t mind that.”

  I picked up a cloth and began wiping down the prep area, stalling for time. I knew what she was talking about, but I wanted to play it cool. “What do you mean?”

  “I might be a bit outside his age range but I’m not blind. He’s one sexy man.”

  Even though she was right, it felt wrong having her say that. She was at least twice his age, and while it was fine to look, it felt a little weird.

  “If you’re into mediocre players.” I looked up and smirked. The cold look he’d given me before walking away flashed in my mind. I hated myself now for making that perfect smile of his disappear. I shook the thought away. He was the rival. I couldn’t think of his smile, or broad shoulders, or sparkling eye.

  She gave me a look that said she didn’t believe me. I didn’t even believe me. “Oh honey. Hartman is one of the best in the league. You need to accept you’re in Fury territory, stop fighting it.”

  “I’ve been here for a week.”

  She shrugged. “More than enough time to adjust.”

  It wasn’t. I’d lived in Maryland my whole life. It was my home. Utah felt off. Hard to warm up to.

  “I’ll apologize next time he comes in.” Hopefully, he wouldn’t. I’d probably offended him enough to never return.

  The worst part was that the thought of never seeing him didn’t make me as happy as it should have.

  Wyatt Hartman had been right. He was a person. A normal guy who came in for his morning cup of coffee and I treated him horribly. It was one thing to make a funny meme or complain about him to my uncle, but it was entirely different to be rude to his face.

  Not saying he didn’t deserve it, just maybe not from me. Not on a normal Tuesday morning. My vendetta against him and the Fury was something better handled by the Harbors on the ice.

  “Good girl. Now stop wiping the counters before you wear them out. Matt will be in for his shift in twenty minutes. I’d like everything restocked before you leave.”

  I nodded, and she went to the back office. I started with the straws, stirring sticks, and cup holders. Once the customer side was full, I moved to the prep area. I checked the levels on the milks, syrups, and whipped cream. I cleaned all the machines and finished restocking the cups when Matt walked in. His long, black hair falling in front of his face.

  “Hey.” I waved as he joined me behind the counter and pulled on an apron. This was my first time meeting him as an employee. He’d been working when I came in for my interview, but I didn’t get the chance to talk to him.

  He nodded at me and pinned his name tag to his black shirt.

  “I’m Kendall.”

  I stepped to the side as he moved toward the register to clock in. I felt awkward hovering around him, but I wanted him to say something. Anything. We were coworkers. Coworkers often became friends. I needed friends.

  Joey was nice, and I was pretty sure she liked me, but she was older than Uncle David. If I needed maternal advice I’d go to her, but hanging out after work? Not so much.

  “It’s my first day.” He gave no indication that he heard me. “I just moved to Salt Lake.”

  Nothing. “From Maryland. The Baltimore area. Actually, Fort Meade to be specific.”

  He looked away from me walked to the back without a single word.

  Great. There goes my chance at making a friend. He probably thought I was some crazy chick. I looked around the empty café, I’d already cleaned the tables and straightened the chairs. Maybe I should mop? No, I was off soon and I didn’t want to start something and have to pass it off to Matt.

  I checked the clock. Three minutes left.

  Perfect.

  I could hurry home to the stinky silence. School hadn’t started yet, so I didn’t have homework to occupy my time.

  I needed a hobby.

  “You pulled a prank on Wyatt Hartman and lived to tell the tale?”

  I looked around to see Matt showing confusion. It was the first emotion I’d seen him display.

  “Yeah.” I was surprised Joey had told him, and that he cared.

  “Why?”

  I looked at the ground. How many times would I have to repeat that I was sorry and made a mistake? “A very stupid reason. I’ve seen the error in my ways and will be apologizing to him.”

  Matt shook his head. “You’d better.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He moved to the register and I stepped away.

  “Wyatt is not only a loyal customer, which is good for business which is job security for you, but he’s also one of the best people I’ve ever met.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “Oh really? He’s walking old women across the street and getting kittens down from trees?”

  Matt looked at me like I was an idiot. Not really surprising. Joey had given me the same look earlier. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he did but he also donates a good chunk of his salary to charity, visits the children’s hospital weekly, and is always willing to meet fans and give autographs.”

  Okay, that was a little better than I was expecting.

  “But he doesn’t publicize any of that,” Matt said.

  “Then how do you know?”

  He folded his arms. “My friend writes a sports column for the newspaper. He did a whole exposé on Hartman last year, but when Hartman�
�s agent found out that they were going to publish his secrets they asked him not to and gave him an exclusive interview after the championship. He told my friend he does that stuff because he enjoys it. He doesn’t want it to turn into a media circus and prevent him from being able to continue to visit.”

  “He sounds like a superhero.” I couldn’t keep the skepticism out of my voice.

  “To a lot of people, he is.” He surprised me in his passion defending the local hero. I thought he was one of those people who sleepwalked through life. “You might not like him as a player, but there’s no reason not to like him as a person.”

  So even Matt, the punk-possible-stoner was more mature than me.

  No, wait. That was rude. Just because he wore a lot of black didn’t mean he was punk, or a stoner.

  I was on one today. Maybe going home to be by myself would be a good idea. I was in a strange mood, and isolation might be the cure.

  “You’re right. I’m going to apologize to him the next time he comes in.”

  “Cool.” He paused and stared at me. “You’re off.”

  “Oh.” I jumped and turned to the register to clock out. They were probably excited to have me gone. I wouldn’t be able to ruin any more drinks or enrage any more customers.

  “I’ll see you later.”

  He didn’t even look up as I walked out. Oh well. I’d grow on him, eventually.

  I hoped.

  Uncle David told me I had the kind of personality that took some getting used to. I think that was a nice way of saying I was mean. Or prickly. It was a bummer since I was actually trying to become friends with Matt and Joey. It’s not like I could turn my personality off, though. I was a little rough around the edges. Likely, the product of being raised on an Army base. I was used to being blunt and direct. Uncle David wasn’t exactly the most open or cozy person, either. Somehow, though, we worked together. He was more than just my pseudo parent. He was my best friend.

  The one I’d left behind.

  Was all of this worth it? Moving across the country, leaving behind everyone I knew, starting a new job. I could have found a school closer to home. Granted, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the same scholarships, but maybe a little debt would be worth being near Uncle David.

  I looked around at the downtown streets and the mountains behind us. It was beautiful. I’d worked hard to get here, and Uncle David had made a lot of sacrifices to make sure I did.

  I got in my old, gold Camry and sighed. David’s dog tags hung from the rear view mirror. I’d begged him for them when I was sixteen. I wanted a piece of him with me, always. Now they were a reminder of how far he was. I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. Now wasn’t the time to feel bad for myself.

  I pushed down the sorrow that was trying to take over and headed home. It was only ten in the morning and I’d already worked six hours. What was I going to do with the rest of my day?

  Nap.

  Yes, that was a given.

  Maybe I should explore my new city.

  No. That sounded exhausting.

  I could go walk around campus. Find my classes and get familiar with the library.

  Yeah, that was the most likely choice.

  When I got home, I opened the door hoping my roommate would be home, but it was silent. The kitchen looked exactly how I’d left it and her door was open, so I assumed she still hadn’t come home.

  I didn’t know her or her routine well enough to be concerned, but if I didn’t see her in another twenty-four hours I’d call someone.

  No need to worry about that now. All I saw was my bed, waiting for me with open arms…well, sheets.

  I slipped off my shoes, removed my socks, and changed into the pajamas I’d worn last night. I set an alarm for two hours out and laid down. First day of work done. It wasn’t the best, but at least it could only get better.

  Chapter Three

  Wyatt

  After waiting a while, I finally went back. I managed to avoid any reporters and the barista from the other day. Maybe she got fired so I’d never have to deal with her again. Or maybe she lost some of her hatred for me over the last week.

  Matt handed me my coffee, only making eye contact for a brief moment. I wondered if he would say anything about his coworker, but he maintained our status quo.

  The café was packed but my spot was open, so I took my coffee, with sugar this time, and sat down. No one around me even glanced up. It was what I loved about this place. It was a haven for introverts. We all kept to ourselves and let each other enjoy the peace and quiet.

  Most people didn’t know that about me. Since I was a leader on the team and often interviewed, people thought I enjoyed the attention. I didn’t. My entire life had been in the spotlight. My parents made sure of it with their fancy fundraisers and Dad’s political campaigns. I valued my privacy and living a normal life, without all eyes on me. I also accepted it was a necessary part of my job. I didn’t complain. I didn’t try to avoid it, except when I was outside of the arena trying to live a semi normal life. As long as they were polite, I was too.

  I didn’t have to worry about any of that here. I was pretty sure no one cared who I was, if they even recognized me.

  My face was plastered on banners, billboards, and bus stops through the city, so it would be a miracle if they didn’t know who I was. I didn’t care though. They could even take pictures of me and post it on their social accounts, as long as they left me to my coffee and book.

  Another surprise to most people. I was a reader. I loved mysteries and suspense novels. It might seem like a waste of time to some people, but it was the only time I could get away. Immerse myself in a different world and forget about everything else.

  My assistant made sure I had a new book each week. It was one of the few things I was adamant about.

  I opened my book, getting right back into the crime. I took a sip of coffee and sat it back down on the table.

  The detective was interviewing the prime suspect when someone tapped my shoulder. I looked up to see the barista with a vendetta against me. I leaned away. Needed space between me and another potential prank. I was lucky it was only salt she put in my drink. It could have been a lot worse.

  Okay. I might be reading a little too many murder mysteries. I couldn’t connect the beautiful woman before me with her actions. She looked too sweet to be so conniving.

  “Yes?” I said through clenched teeth.

  She bit her lip and sat in the chair next to me. I cringed. This wasn’t going to be short. “I want to apologize about the other day.”

  “Okay.” I picked my book back up, hoping she would take a hint, but she kept talking.

  “I shouldn’t have switched the sugar. It was juvenile. You were right.”

  I glanced to the counter hoping Matt would come reign in his crazy coworker, so I could drink my coffee in peace, but he was busy with other customers. I gave up and looked back at her. “Thank you.”

  She remained sitting. Looking at me. What else did she want? She’d done what she came for. Did she really want to chat?

  “I shouldn’t have taken my frustration with the Harbor out on you. If anything, Ollisac got his payback last season.”

  He hadn’t. He tried, but I was faster than him. He couldn’t get close enough to check me.

  “The team hasn’t been performing well, and I need to stop blaming other people.”

  I narrowed my eyes. There were very few people outside of the team, staff, and family members that cared this much about a team.

  “Are you related to a player?”

  She shook her head. “No. I just grew up going to the games.”

  I nodded. She was a super fan. Oh good. Those were always the stable, sensible people.

  “That’s nice.” I picked my book up again, but her body turned rigid. As if she were entitled to indignation.

  “I thought you’d be nicer than this.” She stood up. “Sorry to bother you, Mr. Hartman.”

  I dropped my book
and stood, too, flustered. “Wait, now you’re turning the tables on me. You ruined my drink, and I’m supposed to apologize?”

  “I don’t expect an apology, just at the very least some understanding.” Her voice softened. “I’m a person like you, too.”

  “I get that. I’m sorry. I guess neither of us have been on our best behavior.”

  She laughed once. “Yeah, but I started it.”

  I sat back down, hoping we were done.

  Her smile grew as she mimicked me and took her seat again, leaning back comfortably. “I heard you spend a lot of time at the hospital.”

  Dread washed over me. What did she know? Was that what all of this was about?

  “I like to keep all that private.” I emphasized the last word.

  Her smile vanished in an instant.

  She sat up suddenly. “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by that.”

  “How do you know I go there?”

  She gestured to the register where Matt was standing. “One of the other employees mentioned it. He said his friend wrote an article about you but didn’t end up publishing it.”

  I eyed her. What was her angle?

  “It’s not for the public to know.”

  She nodded. “Of course. No, I wasn’t going to tell anyone. I just thought it was nice. It seems like you understand wanting to give back.”

  I blew out a breath and nodded. “Yeah, just keep it to yourself, please. Once things like that get out it makes it harder for me to go.”

  She looked down. I really hoped she understood. I could forgive the salt prank, but I wouldn’t be as understanding if this was leaked.

  “I promise. I won’t tell anyone.”

  “Okay.”

  She smiled once before finally standing. “Again, I’m really sorry about the other day. It won’t happen again.”

  I took her in. It was the first time I’d really noticed her, well, without being angry. She was pretty. No, that’s too bland. She’s striking. Her curly blonde hair bounced when she spoke, and her aqua eyes were full of life. Something I hadn’t noticed before.

  If she wasn’t slightly evil, I might even be interested in her.