Colliding Hearts (Colorado Wolves Hockey #2)

Chapter 1

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 got a 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.

“Oh! Uhhh, yeah, sorry.” I mumble, my face flushing. Am I ever not going to feel like a twelve-year-old boy in front of his first crush around her? Apparently not.

Well, she was your first crush, so...

I step back, letting her out. I’ll catch the next one.

No way I’m missing a Madison hug. They’re few and far between, and at this point in my life, I’ll take what I can get.

She opens her arms, and I pull her in with a grateful sigh.

Her signature scent of wildflowers envelopes me, and I try not to huff her neck.

Those sweet curves of hers feel way too good, and I hold the hug for a bit too long because sometimes, like today, it’s just too hard to stop.

“You okay? You look stressed.” She says as she pulls away, studying me closely.

I let her go, reluctant to leave her warmth. It’s for the best. She’s not mine to hold. I need to remember that.

“Just having a day. Meeting with the GM this morning. Not sure what it’s about yet.” I don’t tell her about being traded. It’s my issue to deal with, and I’m not sure I can handle her reaction. Or non-reaction. I can only take so much today.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve got this.” Her soft laugh is a caress, and I can’t help the glow that spreads through my body. I’m so gone on this woman.

“Thanks, Mads. I needed that today.”

“Glad I could help.”

“What’s with the suit? Not that you don’t look amazing.” Why am I so awkward?

“I had a meeting with the GM too. Mr. Hawk asked me to do a Yoga class every morning for pre-season training. I can’t believe they picked me out of all people!

” Of course they picked her. She’s a terrific instructor.

She even has her own YouTube channel. Which, of course, I don’t follow.

Under a different name. Like a weird stalker.

Right.

“Well, I can. How could they possibly pick anyone else? You’re clearly the best choice.” I reassure her. I already know that she’s amazing, but I love that she’s getting recognition from the Wolves as well.

“Aww. Thanks, Liam! I have to go. Got another class in an hour but let’s get together for dinner sometime soon, okay? I’ll check with Kenji about our schedule.”

She gives me one more quick hug before she heads out the arena door, blonde ponytail swinging behind her, high heels clicking across the floor. I don’t even bother pretending I’m not admiring every single step. I am. See, pathetic.

Kenji Lee, aka The Steel Dragon. Not a name I enjoy hearing.

He’s her current boyfriend and the reason I don’t have a shot with her.

I mean, who can compete with a three-time MMA champion whose muscles have muscles?

Not me. I mean, I’m in decent shape, but Kenji is on a whole other level.

It would be easy if I could hate him, but that’s the worst part about this.

He’s a close friend. All of us are. Kenji, Madison, Walker and I go all the way back to high school.

So, it’s hard to hate one of your best friends.

Although I walk the line every time I see them together.

If I were a good person, I’d just be happy she’s got a terrific guy who treats her right.

Spoiler alert. I’m not a good person, because if they broke up, I’d be thrilled.

Sadly, they probably won’t, because they’re actually perfect for each other.

They always seem so in love, and I’ve never seen them have a disagreement. It’s annoying. And frustrating.

Wonderful train of thought, Liam. Way to make yourself feel like more of a loser today.

I tap the elevator button again, grateful when it opens right away. I check my watch. Two minutes until my meeting. No time for a pity party. Let’s not add tardiness to my already shit day.

The elevator opens on the administration floor, and I stop to stare.

They’ve redecorated, and it’s stunning. This is the first time I’ve seen the windows uncovered, and the view of the Rocky Mountains is breathtaking.

Gone is the heavy wood furniture, and in its place are plush chairs in teal, black and white, our team colors.

The coolest part, by far, is the mural of a black and teal wolf, our team mascot, on the wall behind the huge receptionist’s desk.

It’s cool as hell. The boys are going to love it.

The admin floor has always been a scary place for us players. In the past, if you had to come up here, it was only by necessity. Not only was it dark and depressing, but if you had a meeting with management, it meant that you’d fucked up or were getting traded.

Behind the enormous desk is a young, attractive brunette with a friendly smile and kind eyes. No dragon lady in sight. That’s what we called Matilda, the former receptionist. Everyone was terrified of her. A memory of the last time I saw her pops up unbidden, her snarky voice echoing in my head.

“Oh, you’re early, Mr. Ferguson. Wouldn’t your time be better spent practicing? Your forecheck could use some work.” She had the dubious gift of making you feel about two feet tall. Just thinking about it makes me wince.

“Mr. Ferguson? So nice to finally meet you. I’m Mel.” The new receptionist comes out from behind her desk to greet me. Holding out a hand, she gives me a firm but friendly shake. It pulls me out of my musing, centering me back on the current crisis.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mel. Liam’s fine. Mr. Ferguson is my father.” I say with a smile. “Well, then, Liam. Can I get you something to drink while you wait? Water? Coffee or Tea? Damon is running a bit behind schedule. The call he’s on is taking longer than anticipated.”

This is new. I’ve never experienced this kind of courtesy from management before, and it throws me for a second. It’s the kind of change that the players will appreciate.

“Can I get some water, please?” I hesitate. I don’t want to put her out, but she doesn’t even blink.

“Of course. Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. He might be a few minutes. I’m sorry about that.” I shrug off her apology. Not like I want to rush. The longer it doesn’t happen, the longer I can convince myself that I’m still part of the team. Delusion is where I currently live.

I take a seat in one teal-colored chair, sinking into the super soft cushions. I roll my shoulders a few times to relieve the tension as I breathe deeply. Nausea rolls through me despite my attempt at relaxation.

Players do this all the time, and so can you, I tell myself on repeat. It’s going to be fine.

Mel returns a minute later with my water, then quietly leaves to return to her duties. My confidence bleeding away as I wait for my entire universe to be upended.