1
VAUGHN
Oh no.
My sober state is doing absolutely zero to deter my wandering eyes.
I was stuck wondering about this curiosity last night at the wedding of my buddy Connor. And it seems that I’m doing it again at this brunch for out-of-town guests.
It might be a cliché, but damn, the maid of honor is hot… and single. Couldn’t tear my sight away if I tried.
I kind of ignore the tiny detail that she’s also the sister of my nemesis on the ice, but maybe I get my kicks out of the idea that Briggs Chase would flip.
Isla is beautiful and has natural blonde hair that has a bounce when she swivels her hips on the dance floor, because, yeah, I noticed. I’m sure she’s been to plenty of her brother’s hockey games, but I never really got a chance to notice because we only play the Spinners up here in Illinois so many times a season. And even though they’re technically a Chicago team, the owner just moved them to Lake Spark. I’m based down in Florida where the weather is warm and winter’s a dream.
Connor and Hadley had a Vegas wedding a few months ago that they didn’t quite remember, so they had a redo in Lake Spark, and now we are all thrown together for this over-the-top wedding weekend. The last few days have been kind of unreal considering Connor’s dad is a hockey legend, it’s his Uncle Declan who owns the Spinners, and Connor himself is making waves as a hockey star. This meant that the guest list was nothing less than the best of our league.
Then there is his teammate who wants to kill me on a normal day. I guess it’s fair, as I’ve thrown Briggs down in a few scuffles, including a penalty that cost him an important game. Which is why his glare is strong when I’m around.
His sister, Isla, doesn’t give me a glare, though. Instead, I was picking up flirty vibes from across the room. Unfortunately, she was on maid-of-honor duty most of the time, so I didn’t really get a chance to talk to her. My effort to take her back to my hotel room last night was thwarted when I heard her mention that she was going to stay at Hadley’s parents’ house to be up early to help prepare brunch. What kind of maid of honor does that? Shouldn’t she be partying into the early hours, drinking a tequila too many, and walking barefoot as she carries her heels, preferable back to my room?
I have three hours before I need to head to the airport because I have training tomorrow. This morning is my only chance to talk to the woman whose name is Isla, like an island. An island I would love to be deserted on… with her.
A hand lands on my shoulder, drawing me out of staring at Isla helping the bride’s mother adjust a few trays of coffee cake.
“How is Lake Spark treating you, Vaughn?” Declan asks as he hands me a mimosa. I’m sure he would want me on their team if I’m looking for a career change.
A knowing smirk hitches on the corner of my mouth. “You mean, would I be tempted to make this small little town a permanent spot?”
He grins. For the most part, he’s a good guy. Another hockey legend who retired young then bought a team because he was already worth probably billions from his family. “While I could tell you that you have a spot on my team whether you retire this season or not, we both know it wouldn’t be appropriate. Although, before you dive into that ridiculous table-sized charcuterie board, I should mention that in the event that you retire, if you're interested, our general manager isn’t very popular according to the media.”
The thought does create a mental note that I stick in the back of my head. I know my hockey career is dying down. I’m in my mid-thirties, and maybe I have one or two seasons left, but it depends on how I play this coming season. Still, I don’t want to think about it now. I examine the over-the-top charcuterie table, complete with fruit, cheese, meats, breads, and nuts, and that’s not even including the dessert table. My gaze darts back to Declan. “Oh, look at that, they have a quiche section.” I do my best to deter him. “You made your point.”
He smiles tightly. “I came to say hi and because I wanted to check in with you. I merely meant to ask if everyone has been hospitable.” Only partly a lie, I think.
“Sure, you did.” Okay, I sound skeptical, while my eyes scan the room to find the woman with a bright smile that could get me in trouble, but she disappeared.
“Isla went to check on Ace.” The man read my mind. My eyes sideline to him, and he shrugs. “It’s okay, your secret is safe with me.”
“Ace?”
“The dog. Connor and Hadley’s dog. My family has a thing for ensuring our Labradors dress for the occasion.” He shakes his head, as he seems to find it ridiculous.
“Right.” I spot my exit at the sliding door.
“Isla’s brother is helping Ford with something, so go quickly. It’s your window of opportunity, which is good because I need Briggs in tip-top shape for pre-season games, so I’d rather he doesn’t catch you within a ten-foot radius of his sister,” Declan gives me a warning, yet a smile is hinted on his lips.
“I’m going to get some fresh air,” I say and walk away.
“I’m sure,” Declan mumbles.
I make my way outside to find Isla grumbling at the Lab-mix dog that just wants to play.
“Come on, Ace. Can’t you do this for like one hour?” She’s talking to the dog as she tries to tie on his bandana that has the date of the wedding and Connor and Hadley’s names. Isla is oblivious that I’m approaching.
I wait for her to notice, and I soak in the view of Lake Spark, with pristine dark blue water and pine trees outlining the lake. The dock looks like it gets good use. I can’t imagine that the small power boat at the end of the dock stays out all year, as they actually have four seasons in Illinois.
Isla grumbles once more as she kneels down because the dog lies on his back with his paws in the air. “This shouldn’t be part of maid-of-honor duty.”
