And Scott isn’t a bad alternative either. Not that he deserves an asshole like me.
“But Addie?”
His serious tone instantly has my attention. He’s the fun-loving uncle, the goofy one, so this is out of character. I brace myself, waiting for him to impart wisdom I might not be ready to hear.
“If your Aunt Lennox had been my coach or my boss. If she’d held any position that made her unavailable to me, I would have moved heaven and earth to figure it out. Because there was no way in hell I wasn’t getting my second chance with her.”
“She was your wedding planner,” I rasp, words suddenly hard to find.
Expression softening, he squeezes my hand. “And I dumped my fiancée the moment I found out.” He holds eye contact, letting that sink in. “Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m proud of you. I know how hard it is to give up those skates and be on this side of the boards during games, but we’re damn lucky to have you. So enjoy tonight. You’ve fucking earned it.”
Emotion clogs my throat, but I can’t help but snort. “Don’t you mean ducking?”
He wraps an arm around my shoulder, guiding me out of my office. “You’re in the NHL now, Addie. It’s fucking.”
I was very clear with my family before my first game. I made sure they understood that I did not want any type of ceremony or party to celebrate after. While they’ve assured me they have nothing planned, the entire crew is here, seated right behind the players’ bench, screaming their heads off when I come out. At the ridiculous hooting and hollering, I turn and glare at them, holding up a finger to quiet them. Naturally, that only makes Aunt Lennox and Aunt Sara scream even louder.
Winnie and Hope are laughing hysterically at my distress. I’d be annoyed, if not for the little girl holding up a sign and wearing the biggest smile. “Kick some hockey player butt, Coach Addie. I love you.”
I point to my chest, make a heart sign and point to Avery. “I love you too,” I mouth.
She dances on Vivi’s lap, and when she spots JJ on the ice, she perks up and screams, “Hi, Daddy. You kick hockey butt too.”
JJ skates over to the bench and waves at her. When he turns, he’s grinning. “She’s proud of you,” he says, voice low so only I can hear him.
“Thank you for letting her be here tonight,” I say, internally reminding myself not to stare into those blue eyes of his. Trying to hold back memories of last night, of the way he made me feel when they were fixed on me, telling me how beautiful I was as I came.
“She wouldn’t have been anywhere else.”
“All right, enough emotional stuff.” I take a step back and scan the ice. “Go warm up.”
His eyes warm and he smirks. “Okay, Coach.”
And there goes my stomach flipping over again.
After the game, Bobby insists that I join the team for a drink to celebrate our 3-0 victory. Fortunately, the bar they frequent is not only owned by my family, but it’s also on site, located underground beneath Langfield Corp. It sits between the hockey arena and the baseball stadium in an area that can’t be accessed without a code.
I give in easily when Josie and Vivi agree to join in too. One drink to celebrate is warranted.
I assumed since Vivi was off duty tonight, JJ would go straight home. It’s rare that he goes out. I’ve learned that over the last few months. Maybe I knew that even before then. He’s always put Avery first.But tonight, he walks into the bar with Brayden and Sidney a few minutes after we arrive.
Beside me, Josie asks a question, but I only catch the tail end of it.
“What?” I ask, still watching JJ.
How is it possible for a man to look that pretty after playing three periods of rough hockey? After games, I’d braid my hair and swipe on a little lip gloss. He’s in a navy suit, the top of his dusty blue shirt undone, exposing a gorgeous neck that I’d really like to rest my head against.
Fucking him was such a bad idea.
It’s awakened a beast inside me. That feral part of me is desperate for him and I can’t go there again.
He laughs at Sidney, and then his gaze is on me, making my heart thump wildly. The laughter dies and his smile falls into a warmer one. He gives me a small nod, then his focus returns to the guys. As it should. Just like I should be paying attention to Josie, who is now waving her hand in front of my face dramatically.
“Huh, I really thought you’d have made it until at least a home game.” With a shake of her head, she glares at Vivi.
My cousin laughs, tossing her head back. “Told you it was only a matter of time.”
“But she was on a date with someone else last night. When was there time?” Josie sighs.
