“That’s a late night.”
He nodded and pulled at his tie. “Yeah, it’s been busy.”
Of course. He walked up and kissed my cheek. “I’m exhausted, honey. I’m going to go to bed.”
Not a chance. Not after I waited hours for him.
“I got you dinner. Mi Costa. Your favorite.”
“Oh, we called in dinner.”
“We?”
He nodded. “There were a few people that had to stay late.”
“Right. Well, I had some things I wanted to talk about.”
He cringed. Oh. Was I inconveniencing him?
“Can it wait? I’m really tired.”
“We haven’t really seen or talked to each other in days, Clark.”
He shot me one of his signature smiles. The kind he used in front of crowds. The one reserved for when he was trying to get what he wanted. The one that drove me crazy. I used to love that smile. I believed it. But now I knew better.
“What is it?”
That was what I was going to get? I wanted to storm off. Tell him never mind. But I knew he wouldn’t be thinking about it all night like I would. He would go on without a second thought. He would feel like he got let off the hook. Not tonight.
“I miss you, Clark.”
He threw his arms up. “What do you mean? I’m right here.”
I shook my head. “No. You’re not. You’re never around. And when you are home, your mind is somewhere else.”
He dropped his head. “Madi, look. Things have been crazy. We knew that was going to happen before we moved here.”
“I know. I’m busy too, but it’s like we’re living in two separate worlds.”
He stepped toward me and placed his hands on my shoulders. It made me feel like a child. “I’m sorry. I’ll try harder.” He closed his eyes. “I’ll come home early on Friday. We’ll make dinner here and spend the night together. Okay?”
It was all I could ask for. If he tried just a little, I would know he still cared. “Thank you. That sounds perfect.”
He kissed my forehead and walked back to our room. I went through and cleaned the kitchen and living room before picking up his jacket. I was tempted to search the pockets. Sniff the fabric, but I refrained. I needed to trust him.
The lights were off in our room. He was laying on his stomach on the bed in just his briefs. His pants a pile on the floor. I picked them up and hung them up with the jacket. I got ready and crawled into bed as carefully as I could.
He made a promise. Now I just had to wait to see if he lived up to it.
Chapter Fourteen
Erik
I’d always liked Coach’s house. It was large but homey. You never felt out of place or like you couldn’t touch anything. The highlight was the backyard. It was gigantic with a full basketball court, pool, and three mini-golf holes.
He said the yard was what sold his wife. She thought it would draw us out of the house, so when the team came over, her house wouldn’t get totally destroyed. She was half right. During the spring and summer, we were out there, but with Utah weather, we were stuck inside quite a bit.
I wasn’t clear on what the plans were. Chloe sent out invitations to everyone on the team last week and the only information was that we were supposed to be at the house at seven and to not tell Madeline about it.
“Five minutes! Places, people!” Chloe clapped her hands and everyone shuffled out of the entryway and living room.
It was quite the experience. Thirty grown men, most of them players, and just as many women crammed into the kitchen and hallways.
“Quiet!”
I laughed. She expected us to be quiet? Now that was something I’d never seen.
“She’s pulling onto the street. We have her coming in through the front door.” Coach was grinning like a kid that just got away with stealing a cookie before dinner. What a goof.
“Erik, come here!” Chloe whisper-yelled at me, and I weaved my way through the tightly packed crowd to the front.
“What?”
She just smiled. “I just wanted you up here with me.”
I rolled my eyes. I hadn’t told her about what happened at the housewarming, but it was like she somehow sensed that there was something.
Headlights flashed into the darkened room and everyone went silent. I almost held my breath to keep from making noise.
The handle was being turned. It swung open and everyone screamed “surprise” at once.
Madeline jumped back with her hands over her chest. She looked stunned for a moment before smiling.
She turned around and swatted at her mom behind her. “I should have known you were up to something!”
Chloe ran forward and hugged her. “Were you really surprised?”
Madeline looked a little shell-shocked. I was pretty sure we pulled it off.
“Yes! How did you guys plan all this?” She looked around, shaking her head. “Everyone’s here? How did you guys keep this from me?” She met my eyes and smiled before looking away.
I wanted to go over and give her a hug, but I wasn’t sure where we stood. Things had been awkward at our training, and as much as I wanted to ignore it and move on, I had a feeling she wasn’t ready.
She has some serious decisions she needed to make and I didn’t want to push her.
Music started playing and people disappeared.
“Food’s in the kitchen, everyone,” Coach yelled and then moved out of the way as his players barreled past him.
He walked over to me and patted my shoulder. “How’s the knee?”
“It’s a lot better.”
“Good. Don’t rush the recovery though. We need you healthy for the playoffs. I’d rather you sit out now than mess it up again and be out for the season.”
“I agree.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You’ve never been this easy to bench before.”
I shrugged. “I just know how important it is. This was a serious injury, and I don’t want it to effect my career long-term.”
He studied me before looking away. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with the three sessions a week with a certain blonde?”
I nearly choked, and I didn’t even have a drink. Probably a good thing since I would have spit it on him. “No, sir.”
He grinned. “I know I told the team to stay away from her, but I wouldn’t mind if one of you swept her up.”
What about Clark? I thought he liked the suit. “I don’t think her boyfriend would appreciate that.”
He scoffed, and I fought the urge to smile. Guess he didn’t have Coach fooled after all. “I love my daughter and try to respect her decisions, but that guy needs to go. If it takes one of you to make her realize that, then fine by me.”
Interesting. So, I had his blessing. I just had to win over Madeline.
He gave me another solid pat and moved on. I found her in the crowd and watched. She was smiling and laughing. She looked happy. I didn’t want to mess up this night for her.
An hour later, Chloe brought out a cake that looked like a mini ice rink, complete with little hockey players. I had to laugh. It looked like something a young boy would have at his birthday party, but with the way her eyes lit up when she saw it, I knew she loved it.
We sang happy birthday to her, then cake was served. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had birthday cake. It felt like I was a kid again, and I didn’t mind. All we needed now was pin the tail on the donkey or a piñata. That would be a sight.
Chloe burst into the room shooing people out of her way. “Move over, boys. It’s game time!”
Of course.
She held up a poster on the wall and Reese moved in to tape it in place. It was a life-size picture of Hartman. I burst out laughing with the guys around me.
Madeline was doubled over laughing while Hartman sat on the edge of the couch rolling his eyes. “Funny guys.”
Chloe turned around and smiled. “For some reason, your picture was the only one we could fi
nd.”
“Long live the captain!” Someone shouted, and laughter erupted again.
“We’re going to pin your stick.” She held up a bunch of cutouts and a blindfold. “Who wants to go first?”
To my surprise, several guys jumped up. I glanced at Madeline and was glad she was still smiling. I felt like my sister had hijacked her party and was turning into something she missed out on in her childhood.
Reese was a little over enthusiastic as he spun each person around. He didn’t bother pointing them in the right direction, so Olli ended up running into the front door. Brassard ran full force into the couch and landed on Hartman who shoved him off. It was a mess, but it was making Madeline laugh, which was all I wanted to see all night.
“Erik! Your turn!” I stood up and walked to Reese. There was no point in arguing. I was outnumbered, and I didn’t want to disappoint the birthday girl.
The blindfold went on and a paper stick was shoved in my hand. Reese spun me at least a dozen times before letting me go. I stumbled and almost fell before someone caught me. “Thanks, I don’t want to mess up my other knee.”
Olli chuckled. I knew his laugh anywhere. He turned me and pushed me forward. I stuck both hands in front of me taking careful steps. I found the wall and ran my hands along it until my left hand found the smooth poster. I didn’t really pay attention to how high they had put it up or how close other people were to finding Hartman’s hand.
I rubbed the poster trying to gauge its size.
“Hey now, Erik. That’s enough.”
The crowd behind me laughed, and I pressed the stick where my right hand was. I had no idea if I was in the right area, but I didn’t want to keep caressing my friend’s picture.
I pulled off my blindfold and sighed. I put it on his left leg. Perfect.
“Oh. Good try!”
I waved and gave a small bow to the laughter before taking my seat. Chloe made sure everyone had a turn, whether they liked it or not, and declared Sophia the winner.
It felt a little weird playing kid’s games, but everyone was a good sport about it and Madeline seemed to be having a good time and that was all that mattered.
Chloe jumped up. “Everyone, make sure you eat, there’s a ton of food. I’ll leave you all alone. No more embarrassing games.”
I started clapping and the others joined in. Chloe bowed and offered her hand to Madeline. They went into the kitchen as Coach was walking out.
“You missed a good game.” Hartman laughed and pointed at the poster.
Coach shook his head and took a seat. “Chloe called and asked us if we had plans for Madi’s birthday. When we said no, she took over. She asked about Madi’s favorite parties growing up and brought them all together.”
It was sweet, and I was proud of my sister. I felt a little guilty I had no idea about it. I would have helped if she asked, but that was Chloe. She was oddly organized and thrived on planning events. Madeline should be glad it didn’t turn into a full-blown ball.
I stood and made my way through the crowd to the kitchen, but stopped when I heard a voice in the hall. When I recognized it as Madeline’s, I pretended to watch the room while listening.
“I know you were invited. Why aren’t you here?”
There was a pause.
“Work? Really? At nine?”
She must be talking to Clark. I’d noticed his absence but hadn’t really cared.
“You said that last week, and you didn’t show up. It’s my birthday, Clark. One day out of the year I’d expect you to leave early.”
I shook my head. That jerk didn’t deserve her.
“You’re on a team. Can’t someone else cover so you can stop by?”
The hurt was evident in her voice. There was no way he could ignore it. If she were my girlfriend, I’d be here in a heartbeat.
“Fine, Clark. Don’t bother. I’m staying here tonight.”
Footsteps got closer and I realized I was about to get caught, so I pushed my way into the kitchen and picked up a slice of pizza like I’d been here all along. Madeline walked in and wiped under her eyes once before smiling. She was good at faking it, but I could tell her heart wasn’t in it.
I wasn’t going to let that idiot ruin her night. I finished my slice and made my way to her.
“Hey, birthday girl.”
She spun and smiled up at me. “Hi.”
“Will there be gift bags before we leave?”
She laughed and shook her head. “It honestly wouldn’t surprise me.”
Me either. I wouldn’t put it past Chloe.
“I know it’s a little silly, but this has been one of the best birthdays I’ve had in years.”
“What could go wrong with pizza, cake, and pin the stick on the captain?”
She giggled. “Exactly.”
“Do you know if there are plans now?”
She shook her head. “I have no idea what’s going on with this party.”
“Then let’s make this a full-blown kid’s birthday.”
One of her eyebrows rose. “What do you have in mind?”
“Follow me.” I took her hand and led her to the entertainment room at the back of the house. I knew from last summer that Coach had Mario Kart set up on the projector, and there were very few things better than watching professional athletes competing in video games.
I opened a panel at the back of the room and turned on the game console and took out the remotes.
“Get ready.”
She looked at me, confused.
The intro music to the game started and I turned it up. Within thirty seconds, a flood of guys took over the room.
“I demand a rematch.” Olli grabbed one of the remaining controllers and tossed the other one to Brassard.
Madeline looked around with a smile on her face.
I leaned over and whispered. “If you think we’re competitive on the ice, you wouldn’t be able to imagine what’s about to happen.”
Chloe walked through the doorway and stopped. “Oh no.” Without another word she turned and walked out.
Madeline laughed and nudged me. “I’m pretty good, so watch out.”
I’d let her win every game as long as she kept laughing and smiling. We went five rounds without her losing. The guys that were playing entertained us by pitching themselves at their opponents and throwing tantrums when they lost. I’d been kicked off after the second round, but I didn’t care. Madeline was in a ball on the ground laughing uncontrollably as Reese and Hartman had an argument over cheating.
This was all that mattered.
Keeping the team happy had always been a priority, but since I’d seen Chloe and Reese together, I realized there was more. I wanted a partner. I wanted someone to put before myself. I wanted someone to spoil and spend my time making sure was happy.
I wanted to stop living for myself. Up until recently, I’d been my number one priority. That’s what it took to make it to the NHL. I couldn’t let other worries hold me back. My focus had to be on me and my game.
Now, I knew there was more to life than that. Seeing happy couples helped me realize I could have more. I could have a relationship and hockey. And I wanted it.
I looked at Madeline and smiled. I wanted her.
After three hours of playing, people began trickling out. Madeline hugged each person as they left and thanked them for coming. I watched, waiting until it was just us.
“Thanks, Erik.”
I sat next to her and stretched out my leg. “For what?”
She shrugged. “For making this a perfect birthday.”
I had to laugh. “Most women would want jewelry or at least a fancy dinner.”
She smirked. “I’m not most women. I prefer simple. Tonight was really everything I could have wanted.”
“Everything?” I watched her. She’d been so upset that Clark wasn’t here.
She sighed. “Yeah.”
I didn’t question her. If she wanted to talk to me about it, she would.
I nodded. “I’ll put things away in here.”
She smiled and left. I watched until she disappeared around the corner. She seemed happy until I reminded her. What a moron. I should have left it.
I put away the controllers and turned everything off before making my way to the kitchen. No one would have known the house had been full just minutes before. It was spotless. Chloe was leaning against the counter talking to Marie, Coach’s wife. She waved and nodded toward the back doors. I looked over and saw the back of Madeline. It was freezing outside. What was she doing?
I grabbed my coat and slid it on before stepping outside. She didn’t turn around when I sat next to her on the steps leading to the backyard. I didn’t say anything. I just wanted her to know I was there.
She sniffed twice. Each time made me tighten my fists. She didn’t deserve this. That idiot didn’t deserve her.
I put my arm around her shoulder and, to my surprise, she leaned into me. With her head on my shoulder, she cried for a few minutes.
“If you give me his address, I’ll go beat him up for you.”
She huffed and shook her head. “I don’t doubt it.”
“He doesn’t deserve you, Madeline.”
She pushed away from me and turned until our eyes met. “I think I see that now.”
I wanted to jump up and cheer, but I kept my arm around her. “I’m sorry.” She started to shake her head, but I continued. “I’m sorry that anyone has ever made you cry. If I could take the pain away from you, I would.”
She blinked and another tear escaped.
I wiped it away and reached for her hand. “You deserve the world. You deserve to be happy. To never wonder. To never question. You should be loved and worshipped every single day. If he’s so dumb that he doesn’t realize that, then he’s not right for you.”
She sniffed. “You hardly know me.”
It was my turn to shake my head. “I know enough.”
She blinked, and when her eyes opened, they were looking at my lips. I sucked in a breath, waiting. She leaned forward an inch. It was all I needed to know.
The second my lips touched hers, something in me clicked into place. It was like my body, my soul, knew she was it. There she is.
Match Penalty (Utah Fury Hockey Book 2) Page 9