one
CLAIRE
“You’re going to befineAngel, I promise” Chris says through the phone. “Tony wouldn’t let you anywhere close to them if he thought you wouldn’t be okay.”
I groan in response, “that doesn’t mean I’m excited about it.”
Tony asked me a couple weeks ago if I would help coach his hockey team, and of course I said yes. That man is like a father to me, he was there when my own family wasn’t. Besides, I owe him for letting me live with him these past years.
He’s a big part of the reason why I had the chance to leave Vancouver in the first place, he got me out of that fucking house, I owe him everything. He offered me his home when I told him I got into the school he coaches at, without hesitation I might add.
I think both of us knew it would be a fight, my parents kept me under their thumb, and with me in another country it would be pretty hard to have complete control over my life.
We had a plan, my grades were good enough and I got a full-ride scholarship, and I had a place to live. Even if they told me they wouldn’t fund it, I could still go.
I wanted so badly to get away from my parents, but I mostly wanted to be closer to my brother and my not-father.
The whole not-father thing started a couple years before Chris left to attend Livler, the same school I attend now, and it’s stuck ever since.
Chris graduated college, and got drafted into the pros, he’s one of the top players and currently plays for Dallas. Even though he travels a lot for work, he’s closer than he has been for a really long time.
Tony was his coach growing up, and when he found out his favourite coach —and mentor— was moving to the United States to coach university level hockey… he moved right with him.
There is about a five year difference between my brother and I, and even though we grew up two completely different ways, we’re as close as can be. Although, sometimes guilt eats away at me, gnawing at the raw secrets I keep to myself.
“He thinks you’ll be a good influence on them, and this way he has eyes and ears to make sure they stay out of trouble” Chris laughs, “Tony sees you as nothing but a sweet little girl, but I know that you can be a devious little shit sometimes, so maybe you won’t be as forthcoming with that information as he thinks.”
I can’t help but chuckle at his dig, “I’ll try to make the best of it.” We both go silent for a second while I put my car in park, staring at the three cars sitting in the driveway in front of me, “I guess I’ll call you later then, maybe show you the new place?”
“Sounds good to me. Oh and also, are you still planning on coming to the game tomorrow? I sent the tickets to Tony, you should’ve gotten them by now.”
“I’ll be there” I confirm, placing my phone between my ear and shoulder so I can grab the boxes from my back seat, “I gotta go though.”
“Alrighty Angel, if any of them give you a hard time, you let me know. I’ll be there to kick their ass’s faster than you can blink.” I roll my eyes, he’s a scary guy but I’ve only ever seen him get into fights on the ice… he’s harmless. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” The line disconnects and I drop my phone into the box I’m holding before finally taking that first step towards the unfamiliar front door. I tap a couple times against the wood with my foot before waiting anxiously for someone to come greet me.
How bad can this be? Sure they’re a bunch of dudes who are probably gonna be a little pissed that some random girl is coming in and shaking everything up, but they’re gonna be nice.
Right?
The door swings open and I’m greeted by the one person I’m the most nervous about meeting, Lucas St. James. I’ve seen him on campus a couple times, or flashing a smile to some camera at a party that inevitably gets plastered all over social media, but nothing compares to seeing him in person. He’s so much… prettier than the photos.
Standing at a whopping six-foot-three, he stares down at me with dark brown eyes. His dirty blonde hair is damp, like he’s taken a shower recently, and it’s messy in the best way possible. I’m really trying not to picture him shirtless with water dripping down his abs right now… but fuck it’s hard when he’s looking at me like I’m his next fucking meal. That smirk on his face makes me want to melt into a puddle and disappear.
“Uh hi, I’m Claire” I manage to choke out, heat crawling up my neck.
He cocks an eyebrow, “Okay… and what are you doing hereClaire?”
I stay silent, not quite sure what to say and wondering if Tony told them what was happening.
I swear to god if this is some sick joke I’m going to kill him.
“St. James, who’s at the door?” someone shouts, followed by footsteps heading our way.
Nicholas Blair suddenly appears in front of me, pushing his friend aside to see what’s going on. He’s easily just as attractive as Lucas, with similar heights and award winning smiles, but that’s where their similarities end. His hair is jet black, and his eyes are a bright emerald green… the same eyes that manage to catch girls attention with just one look, and for good reason.
Nicholas and Lucas are best friends, from what I’ve heard they have been for averylong time.
