Spinning to the Goal (Desert Ice Hockey #4)

Chapter 20

CHAPTER TWENTY

ZOMA

A s a horn blared through the stadium, I glanced at Nova, jumping out of her seat. “Goal!” She pumped her arms around her in a standing dance.

“You’re really into this tonight.” With a quick laugh, I hopped from my seat. We weren’t all that far from Buffalo’s bench. It figured Brody would make me sit on his side of the arena. It was weird seeing him all suited up in Buffalo colors.

As the players lined up at center ice for a faceoff, Mason shouted something at Brody.

He stood up straight for a beat and bent over with his stick to the ice.

What the hell was going on down there? Mason had to be chirping at him. I leaned in close to Nova. “What do you think Mason is saying to Brody?”

“Probably telling him what a douche he is.” She barked out a laugh. “Or a hoser. Isn’t that what they say in hockey?”

“Yeah, maybe.” A soft chuckle escaped me. I was sure I’d hear about it later. As I sat in my seat, I picked up my phone and refreshed the YouTube channel with the ASU game on it. I was keeping tabs on Ace too, and so far, he hadn’t let anything slip through his goal.

The ref threw the puck, Mason nabbed it, twisted, and broke away down the ice. He swept it to Volkov, one of his wingers, and Brody skated up low behind him, tossing him into the air.

Mason flew, skates first, and landed on his back. Jarvis, the other winger, helped him up.

Skating a circle around them, Brody threw his stick to the ice and then his gloves.

“Yeah? You want a piece of me shithead?” Mason barreled into Brody and they both went down, tumbling over each other, and then Mason sat on Brody’s hips, rearing his arm back for a punch.

Archer speed-skated to them and grabbed Mason, pulling him off and stopping the fight.

The refs blew a whistle.

“Oh my God.” I dropped my jaw open, covered my mouth with my fingers, and giggled. “Too bad Archer broke it up.” As my gaze slid to Nova’s, we both cackled.

“Does Brody know Mason is a friend of your boyfriend’s?” With an open-mouthed grin, she lifted her brows.

“I…I’m not sure. He has to know they all played together at ASU.” I watched Brody get onto his skates and find his gloves. Who were they going to give a penalty to?

The penalty was called on Brody, and he skated, head down, into the penalty box.

Mason skated by him and yelled, “Cheap shots don’t win games, loser.” Barking out a laugh, he skated away.

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll be hearing about this later.” I shook my head and glanced at the scoreboard. They were tied now, one to one. This was gearing up to be an exciting game.

After the game was over, I said my goodbyes to Nova and checked my phone as I stood in the parking lot by my car. Text messages had come in from Ace and Brody. I tapped on Ace’s first. Brody could wait.

Ace

Shutout, baby! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I’m heading to my flight now. I should be in bed around midnight. I’ll text you when I get in. Have a good night.

I texted him back.

Zoma

Have a safe flight and sweet dreams. Can’t wait to be together.

I tapped the text from Brody.

Brody

I heard there’s a nice little wine bar close by called Postino’s. Want to meet there?

The place was just down the street on Mill Avenue. This was good. I could get this conversation out of the way and maybe be home and in bed before Ace. Then I’d be well rested for tomorrow.

Zoma

Sure, heading over now. I’ll get us a table.

I was pretty sure he’d be held up with the press, a cool-down routine, and whatnot. This would give me a chance to settle my nerves with a glass of wine before he got there.

A glass of wine later, I sat in a lounge chair at a table in the corner of the quaint wine bar, done up like a Pottery Barn living room with low-light pendant lamps hanging from a ceiling of wood rafters. The room had a wall that was open to the outside patio since it was finally cooling off at night, and coffee house jazz music played over the hushed voices of the other patrons. I lifted my glass of chardonnay and sipped it. Would anyone recognize Brody? This wasn’t exactly a sports fan kind of place.

Brody strode through the heavy wooden doorway by the hostess stand, and his gaze snagged on mine. With a quick smirk, he made a beeline for me, a nice gray fleece shirt covering his wide shoulders and black slacks showing off his long legs. His dark hair was mostly slicked back, but a lock fell across his forehead.

Fuck, he looked good, as always. I shifted in my seat, fingering the stem of my wine, my pulse rocketing through my veins.

“Look at you, starting without me?” He stopped at my chair and held his arms wide. “Come on, give me a hug.”

Was he serious? I stood and extended my hand. “How about a shake?” Last thing I wanted was for him to come in here thinking we were going to pretend nothing had happened.

He choked out a laugh. “Yeah, fine. If that’s what makes you happy.” He gave my hand a firm shake and dropped into the chair across from mine. “I’m starved. Have you been here before? What’s good?” He picked up a menu from the table.

“They have bruschetta boards. I think it’s their specialty.” I drank more wine. I was on my second glass. I should watch it. I hadn’t drunk at the game to keep my wits about me. But this felt like a date. It was not a date.

Rubbing his chin, he scanned the menu. “Are you drinking chardonnay?” He peeked at my glass. “You always liked it when we went out for dinner.”

“Yes, the house one. It’s not bad.” Fuck, and I could use a third. “So, what did you have to tell me?”

He set the menu down, flagged the server, and ordered a wine with a few bruschetta boards. His stark blue gaze met mine. “Jumping right in, huh? How about we catch up a little first?” He flashed me the charming smile I used to love. “I haven’t even had a drink yet, and I’m hungry as hell.” With a shake of his head, he asked, “How’ve you been?”

“I’ve been great, actually.” Holding my chin high, I straightened my shoulders. “I’ve got a good group of kids down here I’m working with and a fantastic boyfriend.”

A smirk wound across his lips. “Ace?” As he scratched his temple, he said. “Ace’s buddy tried to clock me out there tonight.” Through a nod, he said, “Nice group of guys.”

“Seems to me you were the one who got the penalty.” Touché. I gave him my best grin.

“Yeah, okay. But the guy wouldn’t shut up. God, he’s a fucking nag.” Shaking his head, he huffed. “Anyway, I don’t care about the game. We took the loss fair and square, and I’m sure those guys are out partying tonight.”

Maybe, except I was pretty sure Archer was getting a delicious home-cooked meal from his boyfriend, Leo. I watched the server set down Brody’s wine and food. Shit, he’d ordered all the things I liked. Of course he did.

“Got your favorite here.” He held up a slice with artichoke hearts and pesto on it. “Want a bite?”

Twisting my lips, I dipped my gaze to the table and back up. Shoot, I was hungry again. “Sure.” I made to grab the slice.

He pulled it back. “Uh-uh. Open your mouth.” A wide smile swept over his lips. “Like old times.”

Lowering my brows, I glared at him. “No, forget it then. I’ll get my own.” The guy could definitely finish off double the food he’d ordered, especially after a game.

“Oh, come on, don’t be that way.” He set the slice on the plate and sucked pesto from his fingers.

What the hell was he trying to do here? I studied him. “What did you want to tell me?” I lifted my phone from the table. “I have a busy day tomorrow and need to get to bed soon.”

He inhaled deeply. “Okay, you win.” He ate a bite of bruschetta, set a slice on an extra plate, and slid it toward me. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this past year.”

My heart jolted like lightning had struck it. Oh, fuck no, not this again. “You have, huh?” Picking up the slice of bruschetta, I ate a bite. The taste of it went flat in my mouth.

“Yeah.” He sipped some wine. “We didn’t end things well. I know a lot of it was my fault, but I’ve changed.” He set his hands on the table next to his plate and leaned in. “I’m looking to settle down, and where I’m at now, there’s a figure skating center not far away.” He wrinkled his brows. “I’ve talked to the coaches there, and?—”

“No, I’m not moving back east.” I crossed my arms over my chest. Where the hell did he get off thinking I’d even consider such a thing? Moving across the country to be close to him? Was he insane?

“Really? What are you going to do when Ace moves to Detroit then?” He wiped his hands on a napkin.

I stared at him, my mouth dropping open. What did he say? “Uh, what?” Nausea balled in my gut, and my heart stammered against my ribcage.

“Zoma, I have a buddy over at the Red Wings, a D-man. He told me they’re looking at your boy, Ace.” With his brow arching, he narrowed his eyes. “He’s supposed to visit them over the Thanksgiving holiday.” He drank more wine.

I cleared my throat and dropped my gaze to my hands, fisting on my thighs. Brody had it wrong. Ace would have said something about it. We were supposed to be in Colorado with my family. My vision blurred, and I blinked the wetness away. I wasn’t going to let him win. I couldn’t let him know Ace hadn’t told me. With a fake chuckle and fighting to keep my voice steady, I said, “Oh yeah. Well, we’re talking about that. We only just started dating about six weeks ago.” I clenched my teeth.

“Yeah?” He cocked his head, fixating on me. “So are you thinking you two will do a year of long-distance while you finish school?”

“We’re not sure yet.” I forced a stuttered grin and flashed my eyes at him, the restaurant fading away. This wasn’t happening. How the hell could I have trusted Ace? He’d seemed like such a nice guy. “We’ll have to see how the year pans out.”

“Well, if you’re solid with him at the end of the year, then I guess I can’t get in your way. But if you’re not…” He angled in his chair, wagged his brows at me, and drank more wine. “Let me know, and I can hook you up in Buffalo. It’d be like old times, Zoma. We could start new and take it slow.”

I rocked once, fighting to keep my wits about me. “Okay,” I croaked. I didn’t even know what I was saying anymore. It was like my worst nightmare had come true. “I, uh, need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” I stood, strode to the back of the restaurant, and ducked into the men’s room. After a quick look around and finding it empty, I let out a strangled cry, my heart breaking in two. “Fuck, Ace. Why?” Slapping my hands on the counter between the sinks, I stared into the mirror.

As I blinked, a hot tear rolled down my cheek. No, I wasn’t going to cry about it. I knew this would happen. Isn’t this what I’d planned on? But fuck, I loved Ace. I didn’t want him to leave me in May. Clutching my shirt over my heart, I tipped my head back and took deep breaths. I had to calm the fuck down and face Brody. I needed an excuse to leave. I texted Nova.

Zoma

Call me in a few minutes. I need a reason to leave Brody at the restaurant. Be frantic about something.

Nova

You got it. Where are you? I’ll come get you.

Zoma

No, that’ll look too staged. Just call and be loud enough for him to hear.

Nova

Okay, but you better call me when this is over. I want to know what’s going on.

Zoma

Okay

Lifting my chin, I straightened my spine and shut the pain deep inside me. I’d have time to deal with it later. I strode back to the table, sat in my chair, and sipped my drink.

“Good, you’re back. Almost thought you’d taken off on me.” He chuckled.

“No, I wouldn’t pull something like that. That’d be rude.” And something he’d try. My phone buzzed in my hand, and I held it to my ear. “Hey, Nova?”

“Oh my God, Zoma! I fell in the shower, and I think I sprained my ankle,” she yelled.

“Are you kidding? Is it swollen?” I glanced at Brody, pursing his lips. She was going all out on this one. I held the phone a little ways from my ear.

“Yes, and bruised. Shit, I need to go to the hospital, but it’s on the foot I use to drive. Can you come get me?” Her voice carried into the room. “I’m so sorry, but I don’t know who else to call.”

“Shit, that sounds serious. Let me get the bill, and I’ll go with you.” Brody twisted around, looking for the server.

“I’ll be right there, Nova.” I held my hand over the phone, facing Brody. “No, I don’t think she’d want you there.” I puffed out a choked breath. “She’s not too fond of you after what happened.” No way he’d try to force this, would he?

He stopped, his gaze locking on mine. “Still?”

“Yes, still.” Into the phone, I said, “Hold on, I’ll be right over. Try and get some ice or something.” It was working like a charm.

“I can’t walk. How am I supposed to get ice?” She huffed.

“I don’t know. Just stay put, and I’ll be right there.” I hopped from my chair, downed the last bit of my wine, and stepped away from the table. “I gotta go.”

He rose and grabbed my arm, his forehead wrinkling. “Zoma, I’m leaving in the morning. Can we keep in touch?”

I’d taken so much of everyone’s bullshit, I was so fucking done. With flames engulfing my chest, I said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m done with your games. Leave me the hell alone.”

He could pay my fucking bill too. He was an NHL player. He had plenty of money. I stomped out of the place, climbed into my car, and sped off toward Nova’s apartment, barely holding myself together.

After arriving at Nova’s apartment complex, I scurried across the sidewalks, past grass and tall trees, to her first-floor apartment and knocked. I breathed in deeply. It smelled like rain. I didn’t even remember the drive over here. I looked up at the sky. Low clouds hung over the trees. It was finally going to rain. It figured.

Nova threw the door open, grabbed my elbow, and hauled me inside. “Zoma, shit, what the hell happened?” She handed me a bottled water. “Here, hydrate.”

With a hard swallow, I twisted the cap off the bottle and gulped it down. My brain was still processing everything that had happened. Ace…why? A hot poker rammed through my chest, and I sputtered and then crumpled onto her couch. “Fuck, Nova, Ace is leaving for Detroit, and he didn’t tell me.”

“What?” Planting her hand on my shoulder, she fell in next to me. “Where’d you hear that? Fucking Brody? You can’t believe a word he?—”

“But he knows defensive guys with the Red Wings.” As I fought to breathe, my gaze darted to hers and my eyes prickled. “He said it so nonchalantly, like, of course, I should know since Ace is my fucking boyfriend. Of course he would tell me something like that. Especially when…” My breath hitched. With my voice cracking, I said, “When he was supposed to be meeting my family the same weekend.” I choked on an inhale, and tears tumbled down my cheeks. “Oh fuck, Nova. Why didn’t he tell me?” I threw my arms around her and buried my face in her neck.

“Shh…” Wrapping her arms around my waist, she held me and brushed her hand down the back of my hair. “If it’s true, and I mean if , since this came from Brody, there’s probably a good reason Ace hasn’t told you about this.”

As I struggled to get control of my emotions, I took a sharp inhale and said, “Do you have any idea what it was like to sit there with that asshole and pretend like I knew about the fucking Detroit thing?” With a sniffle, I raised my head and swiped the wetness from my eyes. “Brody thought he was being all smart and shit. I think he knew about Ace all along and orchestrated our meeting because he knew I’d be at a weak point in my relationship with Ace.” Instead, Brody might have flat-out destroyed it.

“I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s a conniving prick.” She brushed my bangs from my forehead. “Tell me the whole thing.”

I snuck a peek at her, creasing her brows. “He wanted me to move to Buffalo to be close to him?—”

“No, not that part. The part about Ace. I don’t care what sordid plans Brody had for you two. Ace was going to Colorado Springs with you over Thanksgiving, right?” She watched me.

“Yes, and Brody said Ace is scheduled to visit with the Red Wings that weekend. So, he must have accepted something with them.” As my heart lurched, I cut my gaze to hers. “Maybe he already signed a contract with them, or he’s going out there to sign a contract?” Fuck, how could he get so far along and not talk to me about it?

She scratched her temple. “Yeah, I don’t know how those contracts work.” She pressed her lips into a grim line. “You’re supposed to see him tomorrow, right? You two need to talk.”

I stared at her, my head exploding with thoughts. How could I ever trust him again? Withholding information was the same as lying, wasn’t it? He’d lied to me. He was just like Brody. “He’s coming home tonight. It ends tonight.” No way I was going to sleep anyway.

My phone buzzed, and I slid it out of my pocket.

Ace

Just landed at Sky Harbor. We got in a little early. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Sleep tight.

I stared at my phone.

“Zoma? What are you going to do? I know that look, and it’s not good.” She squeezed my forearm. “Don’t do anything stupid.”