Easy Puck

by Belle, Melissa

  More laughter. But then, Savannah smiles at me happily. “I think this is great news.” She holds up her glass of wine. “You two will have so much time to reconnect!”

  Hunter shakes his head. “Fucking nosy people.”

  Everyone relaxes then, and all of us but Hunter proceed to finish our drinks. And then we order more. And more.

  We talk about high school and grade school, and they catch me up on all the gossip I’ve missed out on over the years. It’s so nice not to talk about auditions and the latest fad diet or the best way to baby your voice leading up to a performance. I get to be a person again, and my whole body relaxes.

  Hunter and I don’t touch again for the remainder of the night. But I’m always aware of him, of his hand near mine when I reach for my beer, of his absence when a flirty redhead beckons to him from the bar and he goes and speaks to her. He’s not gone for long, and he doesn’t act flirty with her, but I hate the stab of jealousy in my chest as I watch them from the table. I need to get used to seeing him with other women because I can’t give him anything that he wants or deserves.

  “Who was that?” I ask him when he returns. “An old girlfriend?”

  His mouth lifts in a half-smile. “Nope. I don’t have those.”

  “Girlfriends?”

  “Right. She’s a friend of Cathy, and she wanted an autograph for her son. He’s six.”

  “Do you mind that? Always being on the job in a sense?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t mind. Especially when they’re our fans and not the other team’s. What about you? Do you mind the fame?”

  I take a large sip of beer. “I don’t get recognized much. Some, but not a lot.” And I don’t enjoy it.

  Hunter doesn’t miss a thing. “You don’t like it, though.”

  I swallow. “Not like I thought I would.”

  “How come?” he asks me curiously.

  “You know, I’ve been asking myself that same question. I’m not sure.”

  “Maybe you just need a break.”

  “Everyone keeps saying that,” I say. “And maybe they’re right.”

  I’m far past buzzed when someone taps me on the shoulder. “Winter Allen?” a smiling blond girl says. “I saw you in Seasonal Bliss—can I get your picture, please?”

  Hunter catches my eye. When I nod, he takes the girl’s phone from her extended hand and snaps a quick picture of her beaming next to me.

  Five minutes later, an older woman approaches. “My daughter just got your photo. Would you mind very much taking a quick one with me?”

  I feel like I’m floating up out of my body when I say yes. Almost like I’m watching the whole scene from the ceiling.

  “We flew to New York and saw you perform,” she confides. “My daughter wants to be a singer someday. You’re her idol.”

  “Thank you.”

  Hunter whispers in my ear that he’ll be right back. I watch him go up to the bar and gesture to Ike.

  Charly takes advantage of the moment to slip into Hunter’s empty chair. “I think you’ve got a secret,” she says.

  I whip my head over to her. “What do you mean?”

  I’m pretty drunk, but Charly’s really drunk. So drunk that she doesn’t notice my obvious panic. “You and Hunter. Fill me in. What made you decide to keep the job?”

  Ashley squats down next to us as she returns from the restroom. “Yeah. Spill it, Allen.” She shrieks. “Seriously, what are the odds that you’d become his housemate?”

  “Pretty slim,” I admit. “I think he was relieved in a way that someone he already knew showed up at the door. You know how private he is.”

  “He always was,” Charly says. “You and he made the perfect private pair, Winter. But living together? Do you think that will be weird?”

  She and Ashley look at me expectantly, their mouths partially open and their eyes bright.

  “I don’t know,” I say. “Nothing romantic has happened.”

  My two girlfriends both visibly deflate in front of my eyes.

  Then they try to cover.

  “Oh,” Charly says. “Well, that makes sense, of course. I mean, you two have a difficult history, and…and…”

  Ashley jumps in to help. “And you’re just so hot and stormy together, which would make a peaceful home life challenging if you started being more than friends. Hunter’s also a commitment-phobe, and I know you moved on from him long ago…”

  “I meant that nothing romantic has happened—yet,” I blurt out.

  Why the hell did I just say that? God, I’m definitely drunk.

  Silence. Before—

  Loud squeals, hugs and “oh my God,” and “this is going to be so much fun.”

  “No, wait!” I shake my head. “Darn beer. I didn’t phrase that right. Nothing is going to happen between Hunter Storm and me. Nothing but a few months of possible friendship and polite…” I can’t remember what I meant to say. “What’s the word? I can’t remember my words. How drunk am I?”

  “I think you mean you want sex with Hunter,” Ashley says. “Is that the word? Sex?”

  “Sex.” Charly nods. “I love sex.”

  “Oh God, me too.” Ashley sighs. “I always have casual sex. But I think sometime I want the real kind of sex. You know, the type that lasts. Like you and Simon have, Charly.”

  Charly claps her hands. “Yay! You just made a resolution for love!”

  “I did?” Ashley wrinkles her nose. “Isn’t that just for New Year’s?”

  “Hey!” I snap my fingers in front of their faces. “Help me find the word I can’t remember. It’s not sex—it’s the opposite. Like non-sex.”

  “Companionship?” Ashley suggests.

  I point at her. “Genius. Yes, that’s the word: companionship. Hunter Storm and I will have companionship in his townhouse. And, that’s it.”

  “Yay for companionship!” Ashley says.

  I smile at them. “I’ve missed you girls sooo much. I love you, and even though I’m drunk, I really do mean it.”

  “We love you too.” Charly and Ashley hug me, and for the first time since I moved home, I feel at peace.

  When Hunter returns to our table, I ask him what he and Ike were talking about. “I thought I saw you guys look over at me,” I say.

  “I just told him you deserved to enjoy a night out without anyone asking for autographs or selfies. He said he’d make sure you got your privacy.”

  I stare at him. I can’t believe he did that for me.

  “Win?” He furrows his brows. “Did I overstep? I’m sorry. I thought you wanted…”

  “I did. I do.” I smile at him. “That was so incredibly thoughtful of you. Thank you.”

  “Anything for you, Princess.” He says it so quietly I have to strain to hear him.

  * * *

  When Ike calls out closing time, Hunter turns to me. “If you took a cab, I’ll drive us home.”

  “I did. You drove here?” I say.

  “Keeps me from drinking when I have a big game the next night,” he says.

  I hug everyone else good night, and Ashley, Charly, and I make plans to go to Hunter’s game tomorrow night.

  We’re all walking to the door when I have the feeling somebody’s watching me.

  I glance back at the bar.

  A man has swiveled on his stool so he can follow me with his gaze as I walk. I stop in my tracks and stare at him.

  He smiles and waves in a flirty way then gestures to his drink.

  “Let me buy you one,” he mouths.

  I don’t know him. I know I don’t know him, and over the last year, I’ve gotten used to being recognized for my work. But something in his face looks eerily familiar; he reminds me of—

  “Shit.” The word comes out of my mouth too loudly and unexpectedly.

  Hunter’s immediately by my side. “What is it?”

  The blood drains from my face as I point a shaky finger at the man. “He…”

  “What? Did he say something to you?�
�� Hunter’s got his arm around me now and he’s staring hard at the bar. “Tell me what he did, Winter. I’ll go make sure he never does it again.”

  I shake my head. “I have to go home. Please take me home.”

  Hunter turns me toward the door. “Okay.”

  * * *

  I don’t think any of the others noticed what happened as we were leaving, and Hunter doesn’t say anything in front of them. But he helps me with my seat belt after I climb into the front seat, and I can feel his gaze on me every time we hit a stoplight.

  I spend the time focusing on my breathing like the therapist said to do.

  Long breath in through the nose, longer breath out through the mouth. Just relax. I’ll be okay. This too shall pass.

  When we reach Hunter’s place, he parks next to my mother’s BMW and shuts off the engine.

  “I’ll help you inside,” he says as he opens his door.

  By the time he makes it around to my side, I’m already out of his truck and heading for the front door.

  Hunter takes a hold of my arm and walks with me. Once we’re inside and I go to disappear into my suite, he says my name quietly.

  I look up into his emerald eyes. “I’m fine. I just need to sleep.”

  “You’re not fine. You’re white as a sheet. Let me help you.”

  I don’t fight him, partly because I’m so drunk and partly because I don’t want to be alone. Theo scampers out from wherever he was and rubs his body against my legs.

  I scoop him up into my arms and bury my face in his soft fur. “Hi, buddy. You want to sleep with me tonight?” I look up at Hunter, who’s watching us. “Is that okay with you?”

  His eyes fill with affection. “Of course. I don’t let him sleep on my bed.”

  “Why not?”

  “I need to make sure I get uninterrupted sleep during the season. So he’s not allowed in my room.”

  “You’re such a strict daddy,” I tease him.

  He chuckles and leads me into the kitchen. I put Theo down, but he stays close to me as Hunter gets me a bottled water. Then he makes me my favorite hangover remedy—a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

  “You remembered,” I say softly as he hands it to me.

  “Of course I do.” His hand goes to the small of my back as he guides me toward the guest suite.

  Theo happily follows.

  When we reach the bedroom, I take Hunter’s hand in mine and pull him into my room. I sit cross-legged on my bed up by the pillows, and Theo jumps up to join me. Hunter takes a seat at the end.

  I devour my sandwich and drink half the bottle of water. Then we look at each other in silence. Until Hunter breaks it.

  “What’s going on, Princess?”

  His eyes lock with mine, and I can’t avoid his piercing gaze. But I can’t give him what he’s looking for.

  I give a little shrug. “I don’t want to talk about it. Is that a sufficient answer? Because it’s all you’re going to get out of me on the subject.”

  “All I’m going to get out of you tonight or forever?” he asks me.

  “Forever.” I tighten my hands into fists on my lap and lift my chin defiantly.

  He sighs and runs a hand through his dark hair, causing the errant wavy lock to fall over his forehead again. He pushes it out of his face impatiently, and I resist the urge to do it for him, to brush it off his forehead tenderly and then kiss him as hard as I can.

  “Winter, I won’t push you. But just know that I can’t help you if you won’t let me. And you look like you need some help.” He stands up. “You coming to the game tomorrow night?”

  I nod. “Can’t wait.”

  “I’ll be sure to score a goal for you.” He kisses my head so quickly I almost think I imagined it. “See you in the morning, Princess.”

  He leaves, shutting the door behind him.

  Chapter 8

  Hunter

  “Hey.” Liam lets me into his house the next afternoon. It’s five hours before our big game. His dark hair is damp from the shower, and he’s got a towel around his neck. “Give me ten minutes to finish up.”

  “No problem. We’ve got some time.” I break into a smile as Cathy comes into the living room with Lulu in her arms.

  My niece starts wriggling in her mama’s arms and sticking out her hands toward me.

  I walk closer and kiss her on the cheek, and she giggles. With her blond hair and big blue eyes, she’s the cutest freaking kid I’ve ever seen.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” I say to her. “How are you?”

  “She’s been cranky all morning.” Cathy sighs. “This is the first time she’s acted happy. She’s got a serious crush on her Uncle Hunter.”

  “Are you going to watch the game?” I ask Lulu. “Your daddy and I are playing our rival team tonight. Between you and me, we’re definitely going to win.”

  “God, you better beat Montana,” Cathy says. “Liam’s been talking about this game against the Wild Kings all season.”

  “That’s because our two brothers are on the team and nothing would give us more pleasure than to kick their butts,” Liam says as he comes out of the bedroom. “Right, Hunt? You ready for tonight?”

  “More than ready,” I say seriously. “Max and Jared have been giving us shit since they beat us last year on their ice. It’s our turn now.”

  “Damn right.” Liam reaches for his bag and hugs Cathy and Lulu. “See you after the game. Love you.”

  I try not to notice the fact that Cathy pulls back from my brother’s kiss, or the eye roll she gives him when he whispers something in her ear.

  I wave goodbye to her and kiss Lulu on the head. “See you soon, baby girl.”

  Liam and I leave the house and get into my truck. We drive for about ten minutes before I say what’s on my mind.

  “What’s up with you and Cath?”

  Long exhale followed by a curse before he says, “Stay out of it, Hunt.”

  “Is everything okay?” I press. “I’m just checking in. Seemed like there was some tension.”

  “None more than usual.” I can feel his hard glare even though I’m not looking at him. “You’ll understand when you have a kid. It’s tough.”

  “I’m sure it is. Why don’t you two go on a date night? I can babysit whenever you need.”

  He goes silent, and I’m sure he’s going to ignore my offer. My oldest brother is a pain in the ass, but he’s got his reasons. He and Cathy were high school sweethearts, but I never thought they’d marry. Something always seemed off between them, but when she got pregnant unexpectedly, they decided to tie the knot. It was none of my business, but I worried they were marrying for the wrong reasons.

  “Standing offer if you ever need the help,” I say.

  He waits until I’m pulling into the hockey arena before he says, “You free tomorrow night?”

  “Sure.” I turn off the truck, and we step out.

  He punches my arm. “Thanks, Hunt.”

  * * *

  Sometimes, a game goes well. Sometimes, it’s shit.

  And sometimes, on rare nights, it goes exactly how you would draw it up in your dreams.

  Tonight is one of those games.

  The Montana Wild Kings come into New Orleans, and we’re ready for them.

  And I’m more than ready to get out of my damn slump.

  During warm-ups, I look up into the stands where I know Winter will be.

  There she is, sitting next to Charly and Ashley. I raise my stick in greeting, and Winter waves back.

  “Hey!” Murph skates over to me and nearly checks me into the boards. “Don’t get distracted, remember? I still can’t believe your pet sitter is your fucking ex!”

  “She won’t distract me,” I assure him. “And she’s not my ex.” Not exactly.

  “Oh, yeah? Winter Allen and you may not have officially dated, but come on, man. Your history isn’t exactly platonic. And what’s she doing right now?” he says. “She’s giving you that flirty-as-fuck wave. For al
l you know, she’s rooting for the other team!”

  I laugh. “Winter’s on our side, Murph. Chill the hell out, will you? I’m coming out of my slump tonight. I can feel it.”

  As if to prove my point, I tap the puck at my feet, and with a short wind-up, slap that sucker twenty feet into the net. Right past the goalie’s outstretched glove.

  Coach whistles from the bench. “Looking better, Hunt! Let’s keep it up!”

  I turn to Murph. “Talk to me after the game if you don’t believe me now.”

  * * *

  Winter

  It’s been so long—too long—since I’ve watched Hunter play hockey in person. His games have been my guilty secret since he hit the pros, but I haven’t been to a game since high school. Bayou Enterprises owns season tickets to the Fire, and because Charly’s brother, Eli, is the CEO of their family company, Simon, Charly, Ash, and I are sitting at center ice just a few rows up. Simon’s got his arm around Charly, and Ashley’s flirting with the two guys on her other side while I sit and watch Hunter warm up with his teammates.

  I’m so excited, and having Charly and Ash with me brings back a lot of memories.

  “Remember how we’d have to drive to Baton Rouge to watch him and his brothers play?” I give them a wry smile. “A bunch of southern boys playing ice hockey.”

  “I know. It’s amazing the four of them were able to make the pros,” Ashley says.

  “Their dad saved up for them to travel north and go to hockey camps every summer,” I say. “He took out a second mortgage on his house in order to afford their training, and it ended up paying off.”

  “Mr. Storm would be flipping out to see a professional team in New Orleans,” Charly says. “I hope they last.”

  “It’s been three years now, which is three years longer than I would have thought it would stick.” I glance around at the arena. “And it’s packed tonight.”

  “It is.” Ashley laughs. “People come to socialize and relax. I don’t know if they really understand the sport yet. It’s growing on them, though.”