Jack: An Enemies To Lovers Sports Romance (Bad Boys of Hockey Book 2)

by Violette Paradis

  Fuck it.

  I take the shot again.

  And it bounces off the goalie. Again.

  When I find the puck coming back to me for a third time, I change my strategy. I take another shot at the net, but this time I aim at the top left corner.

  This takes the goalie off-guard and the puck goes in.

  Goal!

  The Blades cheer while the disappointed Wolves fans slump into their seats.

  “Good job,” Connor says as he skates up to me, patting me on the helmet.

  Austin, Leo, and Barkley all skate up to me and we celebrate. I can see Austin’s annoyed expression through his visor.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask as we skate back to the bench.

  “You’re not passing it to me.”

  “You kept missing it!”

  “It’s your passing!” He says. “You’re not accurate enough.”

  “I was accurate enough to get a goal,” I mumble.

  Shaking my head, I hop over the boards and onto the bench. Austin sits next to me, pushing into me aggressively.

  I ignore him. Instead, I look up at the jumbotron where I watch my replay.

  “Good job,” Coach Murphy says. He squeezes my shoulder. “That puck went back and forth like a ping pong ball.”

  It’s true. I watch the replay as I take three shots at the goalie.

  Boom. Boom. Goal.

  The audience reacts to the video in unison. Even though they’re cheering for the other team, they can’t help but be impressed.

  I soak in my small moment of glory as the game continues. My goal seems to open the floodgates because Logan scores a goal not long after, followed by two players on the other team—Olsson and Bradberry.

  During the first intermission, I’m pulled out into the hall to be interviewed by a reporter. He’s a young clean-cut man wearing a blue checkered shirt and a gray sport coat. His cameraman holds a heavy camera on his shoulder and shines a blinding light into our eyes.

  “Justin here with Jack Lalonde.” The man turns away from the camera and looks at me. “Jack, you guys were having trouble in the beginning but you managed to have that amazing play which opened up the scoring. Can you walk us through that?”

  I’m out of breath and sweating like crazy but I blink into the light and start talking.

  “Yeah, I was trying to set it up for my buddy Austin but something just wasn’t clicking for us so I decided to do something else and that’s when I took the shot on net. As you saw, that wasn’t clicking either so I had to change up my strategy and go for that top-shelf goal.”

  “And change it up you did,” Justin says in his official-sounding reporter voice. “As everyone knows, you’re one of the rookies on the team this year. Is this adaptive style something you did on your old teams or is this something that Coach Murphy and the Blades have taught you?”

  “You know, that’s always been me. If something’s not working, you change it up. You can’t ever get complacent because that’s when your opponents take advantage of you.” I wipe my face with my towel.

  “Now one last thing. Many of the great hockey players of the past have had nicknames—the Wonderful One-One, Billy the Hammer, King Klaus. Are you aware that the internet is calling you Blackjack?”

  I laugh. “What? No, I’m not aware of that.”

  “You’re trending number one online right now. The commentator called your goals ‘hits’ and when you scored on the third hit, he called it a blackjack. It doesn’t hurt that you’re number twenty-one.”

  I laugh.

  “What do you think about your new nickname?” He asks.

  “It’s great. I mean, those other guys are legends. I don’t know if I’ve done enough to earn a cool hockey nickname but I won’t complain.”

  “I’m sure your friends and family watching at home are very proud.”

  The thought of Sylvie watching from home and Jemma watching from the bar me makes me smile. I look into the camera. “I hope they are.”

  “Thanks for chatting with us, Jack. Good luck out there for the second period.”

  “Thanks.”

  I pull away into the locker room and laugh to myself.

  Blackjack.

  I get chills thinking about it. I’m trending on the internet. Me. A big-league hockey player. I smile to myself.

  The smile doesn’t last long as Austin steps in front of me and pushes my shoulder.

  “What the hell, dude?” He asks. His curly blond hair is dripping with sweat. “You were supposed to pass it to me.”

  “I did! And you kept missing it.”

  He rubs his face. “What’s wrong with me today?”

  “We’re just not in sync tonight.”

  “Why not?”

  “You tell me.” I look at him.

  “No need to be defensive. Geez. Let’s just try again next time. I’ll be waiting for that pass.” He watches me with an intense gaze before pulling away.

  I sigh in defeat. I know there’s guilt churning in my belly over Jemma. I need to tell Austin that I’m dating her. Not that I owe him anything, but it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to deceive him.

  But not now. We’ve got a game to play.

  The distant sound of music is accompanied by cheers from the crowd.

  “Come on, boys,” Coach says. He’s in a sharp black suit. His white hair is perfectly styled. “More energy for the second period. First line, more offense. Second line, watch your man. Third line, let’s get that triangle going. Let’s go get ‘em.”

  The guys filter out of the locker room. As I take a swig of my water bottle and wipe myself off with a clean towel, Coach walks by me.

  “Good initiative out there, Blackjack,” he says.

  I smirk. “Thanks, Coach.”

  ***

  My performance after the first game is the big topic of the hockey world for the next few days as my nickname ‘Blackjack’ becomes common knowledge. I quickly shoot to the top of the list of top rookies to watch, especially since I outplayed the top-ranked rookie of the year, Sven Jonsson.

  We continue our road trip as we travel up north to Canada where we play against the Victoria Peaks.

  The team gets into the rhythm of traveling, sharing hotel rooms, and playing—lather, rinse, repeat.

  We’re in between games as we sit in the hotel room.

  After an intense training session, I’m showering and getting changed so that I can have lunch and rest before that night’s game.

  “You coming to lunch?” I ask Austin as I pull on my jeans.

  He nods. “After my shower.”

  “Hey, you okay, man?”

  “Yeah,” he grumbles before pulling into the bathroom.

  As I pull on my shirt, I check my phone and see a message from Jemma.

  She’s been quiet since I sent her the flowers. Maybe it was too much. I was trying to be cute and flirty without scaring her away. It’s hard to hold back after being in relationship limbo with her for what seemed like forever. Why would I hold back, anyway? Life is too short.

  I hesitate before opening the message, hoping to every god out there that I didn’t scare her away.

  JEMMA: Blackjack… I didn’t realize I was sleeping with a celebrity.

  I smirk.

  JACK: I didn’t know you were sleeping with one either.

  I see her typing. The shower starts running in the other room.

  JEMMA: All that yoga did you good

  I laugh.

  JACK: It’s not just the yoga that does the body good ;)

  More sex innuendo? What is wrong with me? I’m like a teenage boy when I’m talking to her. But she does this to me. There’s some sort of primal energy that comes out when she’s on my mind.

  JEMMA: When can I see you again?

  My grin widens.

  JACK: I get back in a few days.

  JEMMA: Perfect :)

  JACK: Is that… a smiley face?

  JEMMA: I don’t use them often so
enjoy it while it lasts.

  JEMMA: ;)

  The shower stops in the other room. As I slip my phone back into my pocket, I find myself grinning from ear to ear.

  Austin walks out of the bathroom already dressed. His curly blond hair is already drying atop his head. He moodily walks over to his side of the room and pulls on his socks and shoes.

  “Ready?” He asks.

  “Yeah.”

  I make sure I have my wallet and room key before we step out into the hallway and make our way to the elevator. After pressing the button, I look over at Austin and see the tension in his jaw and his heavy fists.

  “Is everything alright?” I ask.

  He looks at me with a scathing stare.

  “I saw the text message,” he says.

  “What?” I furrow my brow.

  “The text message from Jemma. I was reaching over the table to get my watch and your phone lit up. I saw what it said.”

  I swallow. “Oh.”

  “You two are sleeping together?” He faces me and squares his shoulders. His nostrils are flared and the vein in his forehead is bulging.

  “Yes,” I say. “We’re dating.”

  The truth disarms him. He wasn’t expecting me to come clean so quickly. He clears his throat and regains his composure, getting back into his aggressive stance.

  “That night at Logan’s condo when we all had dinner together,” he says. “I was flirting with her. You guys left together. Was that the night you two hooked up?”

  He’s speaking loud enough to draw a small crowd. They’re not intentionally watching us but they’re waiting for the elevator. The crowd includes an old lady with her pet dog and a bellhop with an empty suitcase rack. It’s clear that we’re making them uncomfortable.

  “Austin, can we go back to the room?” I ask.

  “No. You broke the bro-code, man! You saw me flirting with her!”

  The elevator rings and the doors spring open. The bystanders filter into the elevator, leaving us out in the hall. I wait until the elevator closes and we have privacy again before I continue the conversation.

  “No, I didn’t,” I say. “I had already slept with her by that point.”

  Austin knits his brow and his expression twists into one of confusion. “What?”

  “Yeah, I met her the first night we moved to Seattle. Remember? That night at Barrel and Boots?”

  His eyes grow wide. “That was her?”

  I nod. “Sorry, man. I thought you knew. And when I realized you didn’t know, I didn’t know what to say. Jemma and I already had a history by that point and I wasn’t sure what was happening between us—”

  “You guys are dating?” There’s a hurt look in his eyes.

  “I mean, it’s not really official but yes? We’re not really calling it dating. It’s like a flirtmance that sort of turned into a romance.”

  Austin shakes his head. “I’m so sorry, man. I just… I really liked her.”

  I squeeze his shoulder. “I know.”

  He looks up. “Is this why we’ve been out of sync lately? On the ice?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Oh, what does it matter?” He rubs his face. “You don’t need me to be amazing. You’re Blackjack, the rookie phenomenon. And Johnny got that goal in the pre-season… I’m the only sucker who hasn’t scored yet.”

  He looks away in frustration.

  “No, don’t get down on yourself,” I say. “It’s just growing pains. We’re barely a week into the regular season. You can’t expect us to be perfect right away.”

  He swallows and looks away. “I guess.”

  There’s an awkward silence between us.

  “Lunch?” I ask.

  He shakes his head. “I’m going back to the room. I need a nap.”

  “Oh. Okay.”

  Austin pulls away, shoulders hunched, as he sulks back to the hotel room.

  Not knowing what else to do, I make my way down to the hotel restaurant alone. I thought sharing the truth would make me feel better but right now I feel like crap.

  JEMMA

  Early afternoon sunshine is streaming through the windows of The Zen Garden. I’m standing at the front counter with the new yoga instructor, Liz, as I show her how the studio runs.

  Liz looks like a pixie. She has short red hair and a cute upturned nose. She’s watching me with big green eyes.

  “This is where you reserve a block of time in the studio,” I say, showing her the system on the computer screen. “Once you select your schedule, we’ll put the classes up on the website.”

  “Great!”

  “Do you already have times in mind?”

  She doesn’t respond. Instead of looking at the screen, she’s staring out the window.

  “Is everything alright?” I ask.

  She leans in and whispers, “I don’t mean to alarm you but there’s a really hot guy looking into the window.”

  I look up to see what she’s looking at.

  Jack!

  He’s holding his hands up to the window and peeking in.

  “Oh my goodness,” Liz says, fanning herself. “He’s hot!”

  He finally spots me and waves.

  “Excuse me,” I say. “Why don’t you take a look at the booking schedule and select your slots.”

  “K.”

  I pull toward the door and step outside, closing the door behind me.

  “Hey.” He smiles. He’s in a casual hoodie and jeans. His hands are in his pockets as he looks up at me.

  God, he’s even more handsome than I remember.

  “Hey,” I say.

  “Did you miss me?”

  I smile shyly. “A bit.”

  He smirks. There’s that quiet tension between us. A light October breeze blows down the lane. I tuck my hair behind my ears.

  “Nice debut,” I say.

  “Thanks. So, you watched me play?”

  “Of course.”

  “All the games?” He raises his eyebrows.

  “Well… I watched one and a half.”

  He laughs. “That counts.”

  “I’m still trying to learn all the rules,” I say. “And I don’t have a TV. I went to Barrels and Boots the first time, and then I went to the sports bar down the street to watch the other one.”

  “You went to A Hard Shot?”

  I nod.

  “You? In your sun and moon jewelry and bamboo fabric skirt?”

  I laugh. “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

  “It’s just funny imagining you in a sports bar.”

  “There’s only one person I’d do that for.”

  “But only for one and a half games.”

  “In my defense, it was a really good half. But I can only eat so many wings before they kick me out.”

  He laughs. “The trick is to leave your glass a quarter-full so they won’t clear your table and force you out.”

  “I have a hard time moderating myself when there’s a glass of wine on the table. But I’m learning. Slowly.”

  “Wine and wings. Pure class.”

  I playfully poke him. He smiles as he looks down at his sleek black sneakers.

  “There was something about the games that surprised me,” I say.

  “What’s that?” He looks back up at me.

  “Before the game—you guys walk into the arena wearing suits.”

  “Oh yeah, we always do that. Something about maintaining the integrity of the game.”

  “Well, you looked really good in that blue suit and those brown shoes.”

  His smirk turns into a grin. “You like me all dressed up?”

  I nod. “You looked very handsome.”

  “Maybe I should wear that for you sometime.”

  I bite my lip. “And what would I wear to look just as good next to you?”

  “You don’t have to wear anything at all.”

  “Oh my god.” I look down to hide my smile as I touch my warm cheeks.

  He steps forward and lifts my
chin so that I’m looking up into his eyes. Leaning closer, he presses his lips against mine.

  Mmm. He tastes delicious.

  When he finishes the kiss, he pulls back and touches my cheek.

  “I thought you weren’t supposed to be here until later tonight,” I say.

  “We got in early and I wanted to see you.” His gaze looks up through the studio. “The flowers look nice on the counter.”

  “They’ve last a long time,” I say. “But again, you didn’t have to get me flowers.”

  “Okay, well… I’ll think of a different gift next time.”

  “Next time? No, you don’t have to buy me gifts at all!”

  He smirks. “I’m just playing with you. I already know what I’m going to get you next time.”

  “Jack, no! Don’t buy me any gifts.”

  “Why not? I want to give you gifts.”

  I put my hand on his chest. He places his hand over mine. I can feel his heart beating.

  “Are you free for coffee?” He asks. “I missed you.”

  I smile. “In ten minutes. Meet me around back?”

  “Okay.”

  He leans in and kisses me again. His lips are impossibly soft and strong at the same time. I close my eyes and kiss him back, letting the endorphins rush through me.

  When I pull back, I look through the window where I can see Liz staring at us from the counter.

  “I should get back to her,” I say.

  “See you soon.” He smiles before pulling away down Apple Tree Lane.

  Smiling to myself, I pull back inside.

  Liz is staring at me with wide green eyes.

  “Oh my gosh! The way that guy looks at you is like… whoa.”

  I try to control my smile. “Yeah.”

  “Is he your boyfriend?”

  “I—” I’m momentarily thrown off guard by her question. “We’re dating if that’s the question.”

  “I see…”

  “Umm.” I clear my throat as I look at the computer. “Did you pick your times?”

  She nods as I check the screen and update the website right away. After giving Liz her key to the studio, I wish her goodbye and lock up after she leaves. No more classes today.

  Heading through the back of the studio, I walk through my kitchen and open the door leading outside. Jack is standing there patiently.