Kane

by Sawyer Bennett

  Blue and Erik are quite the story, too. She’s one of the team’s flight attendants. Together, she and Erik care for her brother, Billy, who has cerebral palsy.

  Pepper and Legend were feuding neighbors turned lovers, then a secret baby left on his doorstep had been thrown into the mix. Talk about crazy.

  Regan’s story is inspiring. When she was struck with a life-threatening and incredibly rare blood disease, Dax married her to give her health insurance. Oh, then they fell in love, too, of course.

  The team’s tragically struck hero, Tacker, lost his fiancée in a plane crash he was piloting. The story tugged at my heartstrings already, but add falling in love with his therapist, and it’s the perfect plot for a made-for-TV movie meant to make women cry their eyeballs out.

  In my mind, I can picture them all falling like dominos throughout the season.

  Oh, and there’s Clarke and Aaron, who have only been dating for a few months, but it’s easy to tell they’re going to go the distance. And I can’t forget to mention the team’s owner, Dominik, who fell for the sassy, defiant Willow.

  Maybe there’s something in the water here in Phoenix, but it appears Kane was next up to tumble. I’m just glad it was in my direction. I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be at this point in my life.

  “This isn’t your first time watching Kane play, is it?” Nora asks, nudging my arm to get my attention.

  I shake my head rapidly. “I’ve seen him play tons. In college, I hardly missed a home game. Even made it to some of his away games. Once he turned pro and I started traveling full time, I was able to catch maybe two or three a year.”

  “It’s thrilling, isn’t it?” she asks with a silly grin. “Watching your man out there, battling for every inch of ice?”

  I scan the arena, noting Kane’s currently on the bench while the third line has the ice. It’s halfway through the second period, and the Vengeance is up by one goal. Kane has played well tonight, but his ice time has been limited. After all, pre-season is about testing those who are questionable to decide on the final team cut. Kane played so well during the playoffs that his spot is virtually guaranteed.

  At least, that’s my thought.

  But it is thrilling to be here. Kane gave me a jersey with his name on the back, which I’m proudly wearing. In all the years I’ve been his best friend and a fan of his, I’ve never had a jersey. But it was clearly important to him that I wear it tonight, and now I wonder how I ever went without. In fact, I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to take it off.

  “You’re still good for tomorrow night?” Clarke asks, nudging me from my other side.

  “Damn straight,” I reply.

  We have a girls’ night planned. I’m touched to be invited because it won’t be the average girls’ night. We’re not going to be going out for drinks, dinner, and maybe a little clubbing.

  Nope.

  Blue has invited us girls over to her house—although I’m told it’s actually a mega-mansion—for a sleepover. There will be food and alcohol. Probably be our own type of clubbing right there in the house, but it’s going to be done in pajamas.

  I mean… it’s like an adult pajama party.

  It’s the most ridiculous and yet awesome thing I’ve heard about. I’m excited. I’ve had friends before, but never a close girlfriend. Once Kane filled the role of my bestie, I didn’t need anyone else to hang with or confide to. I was happy having lots of acquaintances and cool friends to go out with now and again. Once I was on the road, I enjoyed meeting people and hanging out at campsites.

  But I’ve never, ever had girlfriends I wanted to be close to. To share things with.

  And yet, I know these are the girls. I’ve had a lot of one-on-one time with each, as well as together in small groups—especially since my potential Matthew sighting—but this will be the first time we’ve all hung out together for an extended period. I’m psyched.

  “What’s Kane doing tomorrow night? Aaron asked him to come over to our place to hang, but he said he had plans.”

  For a moment, I wonder if I should keep this secret to myself, but then I figure I can trust these girls. I motion Clarke to come a little closer. “So… Kane and Jim are planning to follow Ella tomorrow night. She supposedly has a date, and Jim wants to get a read on the guy.”

  “But why?” Clarke asks, brows drawn inward.

  I give her a wicked smile. “Because he’s made up his mind he wants to get his wife back, and he wants to see what he’s up against.”

  “You’re fucking kidding me, right?” Clarke exclaims, a little too gleefully. Loud, too.

  Nora’s attention snaps our way—Blue and Brooke’s, too. “What’s going on?”

  I huddle the women in—each taking periodic glances at the action on the ice—and explain Kane and Jim’s reconnaissance mission tomorrow.

  “Oh my God,” Brooke exclaims, covering her wide grin. “That’s priceless.”

  “It’s adorable,” Blue chirps. “I didn’t think Jim would ever do anything like that, but right on.”

  “What’s Ella like?” I ask. I mean… is this effort going to be worth it?

  “She’s great,” Brooke says. “She and Jim married young because she got pregnant with Lucy. She was a stay-at-home mom for a while, but once Lucy started school, Ella went to college and got a degree in graphic design. She works for an ad agency based in New York, but she works from home.”

  “Impressive,” I murmur. “Anyone know why they broke up?”

  All the women sort of shrug, but Brooke says, “We haven’t really hung out with her. She’s always so busy between Lucy and work, and now with juggling most of the work raising Lucy when Jim’s on season because of his travel.”

  “Well, whatever the reason, I know it’s never too late to amend and make things right,” Nora says. She should know as she’s a therapist.

  “I’m rooting for them for sure,” Blue says.

  Before anyone can reply, the buzzer goes off, the Vengeance crowd erupts, and we realize we missed a goal.

  “Who scored?” Brooke calls as we surge to our feet and start cheering. The second line is on the ice, huddled in a small group in front of the visiting net, giving pats on the helmet to someone in the middle.

  Shit! What if it was Kane and I missed it?

  Our gazes fly to the jumbotron screen above the ice when a replay comes on. It’s a slow-motion nearside view of a breakaway.

  Kane and Riggs against one defender.

  Classic hockey.

  They were streaking down the ice, passing the puck back and forth, while the defender skated backward, trying to cut off any potential shot. The goalie weaved from side to side in an effort to see around the defender.

  Kane, Riggs, and back to Kane, who then faked a pass to Riggs, but gave a sharp wrist shot to the left of the defender. It ended up going over the goalie’s shoulder into the net so fast he barely had time to react.

  I start jumping up and down, shouting Kane’s name. The girls all give me high fives and hugs. I’ll have to confess my sin to Kane later that I was gabbing with the girls and not watching when he scored.

  I’m watching now, though, and my skin tingles when he skates out of the crowd toward the bench, his face angling up toward where we sit. I don’t know if he can see me exactly, but I start waving like a maniac. He holds his stick up and smiles, then he’s at the bench accepting backslaps from all his teammates.

  “That was an amazing play,” Brooke says, turning back. “Your guy is looking hot out there.”

  “So is Riggs,” Blue says constructively. “Word is that his addition to the second line might give the first line a run for their money.”

  “What’s his story?” Nora asks. “Tacker says he’s even more prickly than he was even at his prickliest.”

  “I find that hard to believe.” Blue snorts, and I find myself lost during these intimate friendship details. I don’t feel left out… just a bit in the dark. But I figure I’ll catch up soon.
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  “Kane invited Riggs to dinner,” I inform the ladies. “But he hasn’t committed to anything.”

  “I know he’s raising a younger sister on his own,” Brooke says as we all take our seats again.

  “Really?” Nora asks, leaning forward when Brooke turns in her seat to face us on the row behind. “How old is she?”

  “Seventeen, I think my dad said. Starting her senior year of high school.”

  “Wow,” Nora murmurs. “That’s a lot of responsibility for a single man to take on, particularly one with such a hectic travel schedule.”

  “He should talk to Regan,” Blue suggests. “She’d have some great advice.”

  “Why’s that?” I query.

  Brooke leans farther over the seat. “Regan’s brother was a professional hockey player, too. He was best friends with Dax growing up. He raised Regan while still playing hockey after their parents died.”

  Oh my God… so tragic. But yes, Regan would probably have great advice for Riggs. Still, I can’t help but wonder why he’s so standoffish. A team is a family. The bonds that are formed directly mesh with the skills and talent, making for even better performances. I’m sure of it.

  Maybe he just needs someone to talk straight about it, but I’m not sure Kane is the guy. That’s probably best left for Bishop perhaps, since he’s the captain.

  It’s amazing how complicated this team is, yet also wonderful. Such rich stories, diverse backgrounds, and a whole lot of care, loyalty, and respect.

  I never thought this would be a gift I’d receive just by being with Kane. I never saw it as his best friend, but I wasn’t around a lot then.

  I’m simply grateful to be here now, feeling secure in this new sisterhood and brotherhood I’ve become a part of. I wonder if these are relationships I can maintain, especially if I start traveling again. Friendships are like gardens, needing care and maintenance. Will I continue to be welcomed into this tight circle if I’m not here to continually forge these bonds?

  More importantly, the same could be said for my relationship with Kane. Yes, we already have an incredibly secure connection. We have a deep history, and our bond is rock solid.

  And yet… I know distance can weaken those things.

  It’s something to think about, but not any time soon.

  For now, I’m incredibly happy right where I am.

  CHAPTER 19

  Kane

  This plan seemed not only brilliant when we concocted it, but it also sounded fun. Like we were back in high school, doing something both foolish and thrilling, with the prospect of getting caught making it even more exciting.

  But now I’m thinking this might have been the dumbest plan we could have come up with.

  It all started with Ella calling Jim to inform him that she had plans on Friday night, and, as per their custody agreement, Jim got the first crack at spending time with Lucy if he wanted. Jim, of course, would have wanted it, but Lucy had been invited to a friend’s house for a sleepover, and she wanted to do that.

  While I know it hurt Jim’s feelings just a bit—to be passed over by his daughter—he also knew if his wife had plans to go out with that guy, it would be the perfect opportunity to do some sleuthing to see what he was up against.

  A casual conversation with Lucy gave him the information he needed—her mom should be leaving the house around six that evening.

  By fifteen to six, Jim and I were in my truck—thank God for tinted windows—and parked half a block down from Ella’s house. It’s where Jim, Ella, and Lucy had lived as a family before the separation. While it’s in an excellent neighborhood with gorgeous homes, they’re not the big super mansions pro-sports players usually buy to show off their money. Jim’s not a flashy kind of dude. He drives a nice car—a Range Rover—and he purchased a Mercedes for Ella. But their house is probably half the size of some of the other players’.

  Who knows… maybe Ella wanted more and he refused to give it? But I somehow doubt that had anything to do with it based on Jim placing the blame for everything on himself.

  Jim came prepared for a lengthy stakeout. He had a thermos of coffee and a bag full of snacks. I took one look at them, then asked if he had his camera with a telephoto lens too.

  With a good-natured grin, he merely said, “The new iPhone has a great zoom feature on its camera.”

  Right at six, a silver Lexus SUV pulls into the driveway. We watch as the same guy who’d been with Ella two weeks ago heads up to her front door to get her. He carries no flowers or chocolate—bad form, dude—but they’re probably past those rituals. It’s been at least two additional weeks since we realized she’s been seeing him, though we don’t know how often. I suppose their behaviors will tell us something.

  I can feel Jim go stiff in the passenger seat when Ella opens the door, greeting the man with a broad smile before giving him a big hug. There’s no invitation in. Rather, he grabs Ella’s hand and leads her to his vehicle. He opens the door for her—bonus points, dude—and they pull out of the driveway.

  Luckily, they go in the direction we’re already pointed, so, once they’re past us, we slowly pull onto the road to follow at a discreet distance.

  “What did you make of that?” Jim asks.

  “Make of what?”

  “They hugged, but there was no kiss. Maybe they’re just friends.”

  I know what it’s like to be friends with a girl, and ‘just friends’ don’t hold hands like they were. “It’s more than friendship,” I regretfully inform him. “But the fact they didn’t kiss does seem a little odd. I mean, they’ve been seeing each other for at least two weeks, right?”

  “Maybe longer,” he says glumly.

  “But it could be only once a week for all we know.”

  “Or…” Jim grumbles. “It could be several times a week.”

  We ride in silence as we follow Ella. Our assumption was they might be going out to a restaurant, but they head to downtown Scottsdale instead. We follow them into a parking garage, then follow at a reasonable distance on foot as they walk down near the canal where we can hear live music.

  “A fucking culinary festival,” Jim grumbles when we see food stalls set up.

  “Good place for a date,” I observe, and I suspect that’s why Jim grumbled. I’m guessing he hasn’t taken Ella to many places like this.

  We stay several paces behind Ella and the man as they meander along while holding hands, checking out the various food offerings from some of Phoenix’s best restaurants. It’s a gorgeous evening and the crowd is thick, so we start to feel a little less conspicuous as we tail them.

  “What’s Mollie doing tonight?” Jim asks as we stroll along. I can hear the tightness in his voice. Seriously doubting he cares about what Mollie’s up to, I realize he needs something to distract himself from the fact his wife is smiling, laughing, and walking hand in hand with a man who isn’t him.

  “Girls’ night out,” I say. “Actually, more like a pajama party in at Blue and Erik’s house.”

  Jim’s attention snaps my way, his eyes wide. “Women do stuff like that?”

  I shrug. “I think they’re eating bad food and drinking wine. Pajamas are comfy, too.”

  “I bet Erik’s in hog heaven.” Jim snorts. “Beautiful women in pajamas parading around his house.”

  “He was banished. I think he’s crashing at Bishop’s tonight.”

  “I wonder if Ella would ever do something like that?” Jim murmurs as we continue along.

  Ella and her date stop at a stand serving sushi. We hang back, watching them order. While they wait for their food, they carry on a running dialogue with lots of smiles and laughter, which I imagine has to be hard on Jim. He hasn’t made his wife smile in a long time, and I’m sure he has an uphill battle to fight for even a small chance to do so again.

  They’re finally handed a bamboo tray laden with sushi, two plates, a bottle of saki, and two small cups. Ella’s date leads her over to a picnic bench overlooking the canal. It’s sur
rounded by poles hanging with colored lanterns, providing a romantic glow. The crowd thins a little away from the food stalls, so we have to stay a bit farther away. Setting post at the corner of a donut truck, Jim peeks around every so often to check them out, giving a running commentary to me as he does.

  “They’re just eating and talking,” he says out of the corner of his mouth.

  “Wait… he’s offering her a piece of sushi,” he grouses. “He’s actually fucking feeding it to her.” He practically cackles then. “He’s a slob. She had to point out that he has soy sauce on his chin.”

  My skin prickles when Jim rears backward with an, “Oh, shit.”

  “What?” I demand.

  He peeks around again, then whips back my way. “Fuck… we’re busted.”

  For some reason, I have the urge to take flight, as if a stampede of buffaloes were coming my way. Jim takes the lead and we start to melt into the crowd, but we don’t make it far.

  Jim is pulled up short when Ella snatches him by the arm. “What in the hell, Jim?” she angrily demands. “What are you doing?”

  Rather than sheepishly apologize, he goes on the attack. “What am I doing? What are you doing? Moving on pretty quickly, I’d say.”

  I notice Ella’s date approaching us with a worried expression, but he thankfully stays several feet away. I don’t feel like having to pull Jim off this dude.

  Ella sighs with frustration. “What I do is none of your business, Jim. We’re separated.”

  Jim glares over at her date, then leans slightly toward her. “You could have told me you were seeing someone.”

  At this moment, I wish I were anywhere but standing here. That had been genuine pain in his voice, and this is a conversation they should be having alone. Yet, I dare not take a step away in case Jim decides to go after her date in a fit of jealousy.

  Ella releases her hold on his arm. In a quiet voice I can barely hear, she murmurs, “This wasn’t something I sought out; it was a blind date set up by friends.”