Liam
The Wolves are trading me.
My hands shake as I head toward the arena, trying not to let my nerves get the best of me. The July afternoon heat feels oppressive, and I’m already sweating, despite the short walk from the parking lot. The queasy churning of my stomach is getting worse, and I’m strung so damn tight I might snap any second, but I push it all down and will myself to ignore my body. Something every professional hockey player has learned to do. Reluctant to face what I know is coming, I deliberately slow my pace.
Maybe you’re wrong.
Probably not. Our new GM, Damon Hawk, has been making trades as if our team is holding a fire sale. Granted, we desperately needed an overhaul, and he removed the worst of the assholes. I was never gonna be sad to see Kiminsky go. He’s a monumental dick. I have to give it to him. With every move Damon’s made, he’s upgraded the caliber of players.
Which is the problem. I already know I’m not the best player. Sure, I’m a solid second-or third-liner, and I’ve gota good work ethic. I’ll never be a star, but I’m reliable and consistent.Let’s just say I know where I stand in the rankings after the new trades. I don’t like it, but I pride myself on being honest about my shortcomings, so while I’m dreading this conversation, I’m not surprised that it’s happening. But damn, does it sting.
It sucks to get stiffed out of the reward after you’ve spent years dealing with all the bullshit. The Wolves are my team. They’ve always been my team. Even before they drafted me right out of Michigan U. Sure, they’ve been a fucked up mess for the last few years, but things were finally looking up. It’s killing me I won’t be a part of it.
The thought of starting over in a new city with a new team... I can’t even go there. It’s never been easy for me to adjust to big changes, and I take a while to gel with new teammates, which makes this situation even more daunting. The thing is, regardless of how I feel, this is professional hockey. You get traded. It happens. Most of the time, it’s completely out of your control.
You don’t want to leave because she’s here.
Fair, because that’s the real reason, isn’t it? If I leave, even the slight chance I might have of making her mine disappears. I don’t want to give that up. I’ve been clinging to that hope since high school.
Opening the doors, I breathe in deep and steady myself. I’ll make it through this. Other players do it all the time. Right?
“Morning, Mr. Ferguson.” Eddie, the security guard manning the door this morning, gives me a wave as I enter. Eddie’s been here forever, and he’s a team favorite. He remembers everyone’s name, knows everyone’s wives, kids, and girlfriends. He always sports an encouraging smile. Just one more reason this place is home.
“Morning, Eddie. How’s Rosie been this summer?” Eddie’s smile brightens at the mention of his wife. He’s happily married, and any mention of his wife lights him up.
Someday you’ll have that.
Yeah, right. Not when the woman I want is with someone else. I try not to think about that since it’s not helping my mental state.
“She’s terrific! Took her on a cruise to the Caribbean this summer. Won the entire trip from a radio show. It was weird because I didn’t even remember putting my name in, but I guess I must have because I won. Crazy. The wife loved every minute of it.” He’s beaming with pride. I can’t help but smile because, yeah, who wouldn’t?
“Wow, that’s terrific. Sounds like you had a fun vacation. Glad to hear it.”
“You here to see the big bosses?”
“Yeah, got a meeting with the new GM in about fifteen minutes. You know me, I like to be early.”
“I do indeed. Good luck with your meeting. Oh... stop by on your way out, and I’ll show you some pictures from vacation, Mr. Ferguson.”
I sigh.
“You know you can just call me Liam. I don’t mind.”
“I know, Mr. Ferguson.”
Smiling to myself, I walk towards the elevator. Same old Eddie. I hope he never changes.
My smile slips as I remember I’ll be leaving. Fuck! My shoulders tighten up as the nausea makes a return appearance. Well, at least seeing Eddie gives me a break, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
The elevator door dings, and I move forward on autopilot as the doors open.
“Liam?” I jerk my eyes up at the soft, sweet tone that goes straight to my heart and my dick. As usual. Down boy, now is not the time.
Madison King can always stop me cold. Today is no different. I take her in, greedy for the sight of her, because I haven’t seen her for months and I’ve missed her. The olive green of her business suit matches her eyes, while the soft pink of her blouse softens the look, bringing out the pink in her cheeks. She looks polished, professional and so fucking beautiful it hurts.
“Madison? What are you doing here?” I can’t hold back my delighted smile because anytime I get to see her, it’s a good day, but I’m surprised to run into her here of all places.
“Are you going to let me out of the elevator?” She teases. A wide grin lights up her gorgeous face, showing off her adorable dimples. I can’t help but love her smile.
