The Chase is Over: Nashville Assassins : Next Generation

by Aleo, Toni

  When she was in New York for Chicago, there would be days when we didn’t talk on the phone, only through text. She’d go out with friends for dinner, and I hated it because I wasn’t with her. She had a whole other life there, and I was jealous of it. I know I’m her number one, I know she loves me and wants only me, but what if that changes? What if she finds someone else better, and he’s able to line up his life with hers?

  Fuck, I hate how insecure I am over this. I know she thinks we made it work the first go-round, but I basically just agreed with everything she wanted because I thought it was her last show. I thought she would be coming home to me for good and we’d start our lives together. But who am I to hold her back? She’s right; she’s beyond talented and successful. She belongs in the spotlight. Damn it, I know this and I love her for it, but I don’t know how to feel. Or how to even navigate this.

  When Shea falls into the seat beside me, he pats my thigh as he gets ready to take off. “Alrighty, kid. Let’s play your last game of golf as a bachelor.”

  He laughs along with my dad as he sits down behind me. I bet we’re one hell of a sight. Three huge hockey players, all piled into a golf cart. That’s why Shea bought his own XXL golf cart, to fit him and his sons. We head down the course, Shea and my dad chatting as thoughts of Shelli flood my brain. My heart hasn’t slowed down since I saw the text from Miranda. My stomach hurts from our fight, and I want nothing more than to wrap my arms around Shelli and ignore it all. That’s not adulting, though, and I know I’m going to have to face off with her sooner rather than later. I exhale heavily as I lean back, polishing off what’s left of my beer.

  “Getting cold feet?” my dad jokes, and I shake my head.

  “Not at all. I know I want to marry Shelli.”

  “That’s good to hear since this wedding has cost me my left arm, leg, and testicle.”

  Dad scoffs. “That’s your daughter right there.”

  “I know. She’s lucky I love her so damn much.”

  “Same,” I say softly, throwing my beer in the trash bag hanging on the golf cart.

  I feel their gazes on me as I look out into the abyss of the golf course. I don’t want to be here. I want to be with Shelli. Damn it.

  “Wanna talk about it?”

  I look over at my dad, trying to buy some time. “What?”

  “You’re obviously troubled. Two beers in a thirty-minute span and lots of complex sighing. What’s wrong?”

  “Yeah, you’re very down for someone who is getting married in a couple days’ time,” Shea adds. “Trouble in your little paradise?”

  I exhale again deeply, lacing my fingers together. “Shelli and I got into a huge fight this morning. She was offered a role in Hamilton.”

  My dad grimaces, and Shea sucks in a sharp breath through his teeth. “What role?” Shea asks, and my shoulders fall.

  “Lead female role.”

  “No doubt,” Dad says. “She’s basically the best.”

  “I know.”

  “But you’re upset because you guys are building a life here?” Shea asks, and I nod. “I was under the impression she retired.”

  “So was I,” I groan loudly, cupping my face. “I should have known better. She loves performing. She loves singing. But I mean, we’re looking at houses, which would be stupid if we’re paying for an apartment up in New York. And I love having her on the road with us. I don’t ever miss a moment with her now, and if she’s in New York, I’ll miss them all.”

  When neither of them answers or even comments, I look up to find the cart has stopped, and the gazes of the two men I look up to most are piercing through me.

  My dad leans back, shaking his head. “Should I take this?”

  Shea nods. “He’s your kid.”

  “True, but you have a hand in raising him.”

  “I do,” Shea says with a laugh. “But I’m Team Shelli until I die, so I might hurt his feelings.”

  I look between my two father figures. “What the hell?”

  “Aiden, you sound like a spoiled child,” my dad says, holding my gaze. “I saw your mom and you kids consistently for maybe three months out of the year. I didn’t have you guys on the road with me. I had phone calls and that was it, and guess what? Your mom and I are fine, and you kids are loved, hard.”

  Shea nods. “Even with Elli running the Assassins, she didn’t travel with me the way Shelli does you. We didn’t say anything because you both were happy, but this isn’t how it is for most couples in the sport. And hell, Aiden, do you know who you are marrying?”

  I blink. “Yeah. Shelli.”

  “Who is she?”

  Oh. I see where he is going with this. “She thrives even when she isn’t trying.”

  “Exactly. She has goals. She is constantly wanting to be the best at whatever she is doing,” Dad says. “I’ve never seen a girl hustle the way she does. If she wants something, she gets it, and you knew that from the start. I mean, she’s been in love with you since she was a kid, and look who she is marrying.”

  “I couldn’t say it better,” Shea adds. “She may have everything she will ever need financially, but she has to fill her soul. You can’t keep her from doing that, or she’ll be unhappy. And you don’t want that.”

  “I don’t, and I’d never keep her from her dreams,” I promise. “I know that she’s going to go, and I’ll be front row opening night. But she lied, she tried to keep it from me, when we both know she’s going to do it.”

  Shea whistles, and my dad shakes his head. “She is probably struggling with it, too. I’m sure she also loves the life you two are building. With her leaving for half a year at the least, that throws a huge wrench into your plans. She doesn’t want to be the one to do that.”

  “Yeah, but she also can’t ignore her dreams,” I add with a sigh. “I just miss her so much when she’s gone.”

  “But it makes being together when you are even better,” Shea supplies with a grin. “But now, there is so much technology, it’ll be way easier.”

  “And you guys were great through the last stint she did. You traveled to each other when you could and talked at every waking moment. What are you worried about?”

  That she’ll love New York more than me.

  I swallow hard, knowing good and well they’re right. Problem is, my insecurities are fucking with me. I can’t say that, though; I don’t want them to think I’m weak. They already think I’m spoiled, which I guess I am. Spoiled by the love and time of a great person whom I want to thrive and live her dreams. I love that she is talented. I love that when she sees something she wants, she works to get it. I love her drive, I love her passion—these are all qualities that make me fall for her over and over again. Everything she does, she does with passion, and it’s incredible to see. I know she’ll knock that role out of the park. She’ll leave people in awe because of her talent and need to be the best.

  I just wish her dreams were here with me. Or of me with her.

  “I just thought we were gonna focus on us, moving forward and all.”

  “But you have to remember, you’re two individuals becoming one. That doesn’t mean that your drive or her dreams stop, if that makes sense,” Dad says, holding my gaze. “For shits and giggles, if you got traded, would you expect her to go with you?”

  My stomach clenches. “I would, but I also wouldn’t want her to give up her ownership of the team.”

  “Precisely. She’s young. She’s still trying to figure things out.”

  “The great thing is,” Shea adds, cupping my shoulder, “she wants to do it all with you by her side. I know it’s hard to grasp. I know it’s frustrating that she lied, and that’s something you’ll need to discuss with her, but you also need to decide before you walk down that aisle if you are able to accept her being who she is as your wife.”

  My heart stops at his accusation, but before I can even mutter anything, my dad is right there. “I don’t think there is an issue with that. He doesn’t want to be apart. He
is very much behind her dreams and her desires.”

  “Absolutely. I love Shelli, Shea. I want nothing but for her to have all the joy in the world. Like you guys said, I’ve been spoiled with her around so much, and it’s going to be hard to switch gears again.”

  Shea nods slowly, though his gaze never leaves mine. “I trust you.”

  His words are heavier than a frozen puck on a sheet of ice over a pond.

  And I feel them as if he is shooting that puck straight into my nuts.

  I swallow hard as I look away. I don’t want to let Shea or my dad down. I can’t even fathom doing that. Like Shelli, I strive to be the best. I regret walking away this morning. I should have stayed and talked. I should have fixed this before either of us could have let our minds wander and our fears jump in. I may not want to let my dad or Shea or even myself down, but I sure as hell don’t want to let Shelli down.

  And I think I might have done just that.

  Chapter 6

  Shelli

  It’s extremely hard to concentrate on the social media campaign I’ve been working on for months when I’m not sure where my fiancé’s head is at. I know Aiden, and I know when he gets truly upset, he can sometimes say things he doesn’t mean. There is no way in hell he feels that he isn’t enough for me. He is everything for me, and it really pisses me off that he said that. He has every right to be upset; I should have said something about the offer weeks ago, but instead, I sat on it. In all reality, I shouldn’t have expected anything less. We’re in love, truly and wholeheartedly. Long-distance sucks ass, but if anyone can make it work, it’s us.

  Problem is, I’d said I’d retired. I’d made it seem like I was fine being home and working here. While a part of me loves my life here, I miss the stage. I understand the false sense of security I gave him. He was under the impression that I would be right there beside him, and while I intended to, I feel, deep inside of me, I would have been living a lie. The email with the offer proved that. I had to completely shut my phone down when I received it to keep from saying yes immediately. I want this role and I know I’ll be incredible in it, but if it comes down to my relationship with Aiden or the role, I’ll choose Aiden a million times over.

  And I hate that I feel that’s where we are.

  I don’t think he would make me choose. He isn’t like that. He loves me and wants whatever I want, but we’ve fallen into one hell of a routine. We are living a life not many hockey players are granted. No player gets his significant other at every waking moment when they’re on the road. No player gets job security like Aiden has. I’m a consistent pillar in his daily routine, and if I’m in New York, I won’t be there for him. I’m not saying he needs me or depends on me, but we enjoy each other. He’s my best friend. My love, my everything. So, it’s easy to see why he is so upset. He’s been given the best-case scenario, and I’m about to blow that all to hell.

  And the fear of the unknown is paralyzing.

  When my friend Lacey King comes toward me, though, I push Aiden to the back of my mind. This is for her. For her fight against a breast cancer that has come back, and her need to educate and bring awareness to women all over.

  It doesn’t matter what cancer takes. You are still a queen.

  Damn if I’m not proud of that line. Aiden is too, said it was the best he’d ever heard.

  He’s my ultimate hype dude.

  Lacey looks absolutely stunning in a flowy lace number that is see-through to show the scars on her chest. She has on nude underwear, but in reality, all you see is the crown on her bald head. It’s so bright, so sparkly, and I’m in awe of her. “My God, you’re gorgeous!”

  Lacey grins. “Thanks, Shelli. I feel gorgeous.”

  I beam. “Good. You ready?”

  “I am, but are you sure you don’t want me to go last so I can greet everyone?”

  I shake my head. “No, I want you to go first so your incredible confidence fuels everyone else. You’re such a role model.”

  Her face fills with color. “Thanks, Shelli.”

  We hug, and I squeeze her extra tight while I squeeze my eyes shut just as tight. I can’t think of my world without Lacey in it. She’s inspiring, so I need this campaign to be well received and raise a lot of money. Helping others is what fuels Lacey to fight, along with her awesome husband and beautiful children. When I open my eyes, I see Aviva and Callie Pearce walking through the door. Aviva is the fiancée of Nico Merryweather, the goalie for the IceCats. I called every team to send me women associated with their organizations who are battling cancer. It’s scary how many women signed up. We have volunteers from twelve teams out of thirty-two.

  But I am most excited to have Aviva and Callie. While Callie and Aviva haven’t had breast cancer, they both had double mastectomy surgery since they are genetically predisposed to getting it. ’Callie’s only eighteen, I think, and part of my plan is to show that cancer has no age limits. Aviva had the surgery after her mother’s long battle with breast cancer and is currently pregnant. I want to show that after the storm, there is sunshine. Add in the fact that both Aviva and Callie are courageous and stunning women, and I know their pictures will be inspiring.

  I kiss Lacey’s cheek before heading toward Aviva and Callie. I plaster on one hell of a grin since I know Aviva is wary of me. Thankfully, she smiles as we shake hands. “It’s so good to see you. Thank you for coming.”

  “Of course. It was great to be able to see Callie, even though we just dropped her off at Bellevue a couple weeks ago.”

  Her sister beams. “Hey, I’m not complaining,” she says as she shakes my hand. “Thank you for having us.”

  “Absolutely. How much longer you got, Aviva?” I ask, pointing to her belly.

  She beams as she holds it. “Four months. I almost can’t believe it.”

  “My sister and cousin are pregnant. You know Amelia.”

  Callie lights up. “Yes, she’s my coach. She’s actually meeting us for dinner tonight.”

  “Isn’t it funny how we’re all connected somehow?” I ask as I smile widely at both of them. “I am so excited. You guys are going to kill these photos,” I gush, and then another voice joins us.

  A throaty one. One that belongs to a guy I was with for a hot second.

  “Of course they will. No one is as gorgeous as my girls.”

  Nico Merryweather towers over us as he hugs Aviva. He’s a beautiful man and a very talented goalie. He was also great in bed, but I knew from the beginning that he wouldn’t last. He wasn’t Aiden Brooks. Thankfully, though, he found Aviva, and I know he’s found true happiness. I wanted nothing less for him. He’s a good dude, just not my dude.

  “Agreed. They’re stunning for sure. How are you, Nico?”

  “Fantastic. You?”

  “Same. I’m very excited for this campaign.”

  “Surprised you are doing this days before your own wedding, but then, you don’t ever stop working,” he says, though his eyes never meet mine. I think that was one of my biggest pet peeves about Nico. Eye contact. Aiden doesn’t look anywhere but my eyes, never has, even when we were kids. I love that connection. I crave it. Jesus, even when I don’t want to think of Aiden, I do.

  I always do.

  “I want this to hit before the season starts, so we had to do it now. I’m managing.”

  “You always do.”

  “Evan and Owen said the same,” Aviva adds with a smile. “We had dinner with your brothers this weekend. They told us all about the wedding and how you don’t even sleep.”

  I grin. “I sleep. They just don’t see it. I’m sure everyone is ready for it to be over except me.” I laugh as I cross my arms. “How are my knucklehead brothers doing up there?”

  Nico nods as we head toward the dressing area. “I feel they’re a shoo-in. If Evan can get his head out of his ass. He overthinks everything.”

  That worries me. That was one of my mom’s biggest fears about sending Evan off to the NHL instead of having him go to college first.
“He’s known to do that. He’ll figure it out. He’s a great player.”

  “He is,” Nico agrees. “But then, I hear all Adlers are forces to be reckoned with.”

  I flash him a grin. “We sure are.”

  Before I can direct Aviva and Callie to hair and makeup, I see Aiden standing only feet from me. He looks a mess, his hair in a bun, but it’s leaning to the side as if he’s run his fingers through his hair despite his bun. My heart falls at the sight of him. I can tell he’s upset, and I hate that I caused that. I watch as his eyes move between Nico and me.

  Easy to say, Aiden’s not a fan of my past lover.

  I clear my throat and say, “Oh. Hey. I thought you were playing golf?”

  He shrugs. “I wanted to see you.”

  My heart flutters. “Okay, give me a second,” I say, turning to Aviva and Callie. “Hey, so these are the dressing rooms. Your rooms are labeled with your names, and your outfits are waiting for you. First, though, hair and makeup are waiting for you. It’s right through there.”

  “Thanks, Shelli,” Aviva says, patting my arm as she walks by, Callie and Nico in tow.

  I lick my lips as I turn to Aiden. “Um, let’s go into the hall,” I say, and I don’t wait for him as I head toward the corridor. We’re in one of the large conference rooms at the Luther Arena, the perks of working for the Assassins organization. I go out the back where I know no one is. When I turn, Aiden is there, shutting the door behind us. I cross my arms over my chest as I look up at him. He matches my stance, clearing his throat when our eyes meet. We stare at each other for what seems like hours, though it’s only seconds.

  “I should have told you,” I finally say, and he slowly nods. “I just wanted to get through the wedding first so you couldn’t leave me at the altar,” I joke, and his lip curves at the side.

  “I couldn’t if I tried,” he says, almost as a vow. “I’m sorry for what I said. I know I’m more than enough in your life.”

  “You’re everything,” I promise as tears fill my eyes.