7. Kalen
7
Kalen
T here’s five minutes left in the third period against New Jersey, and we’re up by one point. Not that I’ve been a whole lot of help this game. Fuck. I need to get my attention off the gorgeous woman beside my sister, and back on the game before it’s tied and we go into overtime. I turn my focus to Jesse as he moves down the ice like lightning, and I cross the blue line setting myself up for the pass.
Unfortunately, Dmitri Sokolov, New Jersey’s star defenseman, cuts in front of me, and the fucker is so big it makes getting around him hard. Instead of using brute force, I call upon the skating skills our new coach taught me, and the next thing I know, I’m around him. The crowd goes crazy, and I ignore it, keeping my focus on the puck.
Jesse shoots it to me, and I catch it on the tip of my stick, instantly taking the shot, but I miss. Jesse and Noah close in on it, and Noah picks it up, shooting it back to Jesse who slams it. The buzzer goes off and the guys all skate to him. As I make my way over, I glance up and spot Taylor and Sahara jumping up and down and hugging each other. Sahara glances at me, and I grin, giving a tip of my head before I’m swallowed up in the group hug.
After we celebrate, we head down the tunnel and into the locker room. Coach comes in to talk to us, and I try not to fidget. I’m really hoping to shower and get outside before Sahara leaves. Maybe she’d like to join us for our usual after winning game drinks at Kilting Around. Once the coach is done, we all head to the shower, and shoot the shit.
I notice Elias is very quiet beside me, and I can’t help but wonder if his family is giving him shit again. Although he played a fantastic game, and has been keeping out of the spotlight, so they have nothing to complain about. He must have something else on his mind, and as his roommate and buddy, I feel obligated to ask, though he’s a private guy so I don’t want to push. I can only hope he’ll come to me when he’s ready.
“Who’s up for a drink?” Tucker asks.
A bunch of guys cheer, but a few are anxious to be home with their wives and children, and while I’m happy for them, my loneliness and the craving for more sits like a lump in the pit of my stomach. Fuck, man, I want what they have, and while a part of me says get the fuck off your ass and go out and get it, there’s that damaged boy inside me who fears people just aren’t who they say they are.
Thanks, Dad…
A hard quiver goes through me as the image of him in bed with another man cuts deep. I don’t give a shit that he’s gay, or bi. Fuck, not one little bit. To each their own and love is love. What I fucking hate is that he decided to come out when Mom was sick. Not that he really came out, he was actually having a goddamn affair behind her back, instead of taking care of her and his two kids.
Jesus. Talk about fucked up. At least I was able to shield Taylor from it, and raised her the best I could. She still has a relationship with our old man, and I’m not going to take that away from her. I just don’t want her influenced by the cheating bastard. She deserves better, and I have high fucking standards for any guy she decides to date. Although I’m not sure anyone will ever be good enough for her.
“You good, Coolio?”
Ash’s voice pulls me back, and I nod and smile as I stick my head under the spray to clear my negative thoughts. Once done, I turn off the shower, and Ash catches up with me as we walk back to our lockers.
“I really appreciate you fixing Sahara’s door.”
“Not a problem. I was able to install the camera, but she needs to download the app.”
“What do I owe you?”
“Hey, any friend of yours is a friend of mine.” He grins, and reads far more into my relationship with Sahara than there really is.
“She’s my sister’s friend,” I point out, a scowl on my face as I try to stick to my story.
“Right.” His eye roll is a good indication he doesn’t believe me.
“She is, that’s how I met her. She’s the lead in Love Unbound, the same production my sister is in. Elias and I went to see it last night. It was great.” Do I sound like I’m rambling? Jesus, I think I do.
He waits until I finish, and continues, “Anyway, make sure she downloads the app to get it all set up. I gave her the box with the instructions inside.”
“You talked to her?”
“Yeah, she came home late this morning when I was installing the camera. It was really nice of you to put her up for the night.”
If he wasn’t one of my best buddies, I’d smack that knowing grin off his face. “Yeah. Like I said, Taylor’s friend.”
He nods. “She was super grateful. Gina even sent some carrot cake for her.”
“Really?” I don’t know why I’m surprised. That’s hockey culture. The wives are amazing and inclusive and are quick to bring in anyone we’re serious about. I guess since I asked Ash for help, Gina too must think there is more going on. “That was really nice of her. Tell her thanks.”
“You can tell her yourself. She wants to have a Halloween party before we head to Dallas the Monday after Halloween.” He pulls his clothes from his locker. “The weather has been nice, and she wants one last gathering before winter hits.”
I crinkle my nose. “Isn’t she like twelve months pregnant?” A group Halloween party is a hell of a lot of work.
He laughs, and puts his hand on my shoulder. “No, she’s six months. Besides, everyone helps.”
Just then, Elias walks up to his locker on the other side of me, and he looks like he has something troubling on his mind. I put my hand on his shoulder. “You look like you could use a beer.”
He gives me a smile as fake as the one I just gave Ash. “Yeah.”
We finish dressing and I gesture toward the door. “Let’s go.”
Elias, Ash and I follow the guys outside and we’re greeted with numerous familiar women who always meet us after the game. Every now and then I go home with one, but tonight, I’m searching for someone else. I scan the parking lot and the street, and find Taylor waving at me.
“Kalen, over here,” she yells. I wave back, and disappointment lumps in my stomach when I don’t see Sahara.
Beside me Elias stiffens. “You okay, man?”
“Yeah, I’m tired. Maybe I’ll just head back and catch up on some sleep.”
“You sure?”
He nods and hikes his bag higher over his shoulders. Before he walks away, he grins and nudges me. “Say hi to Sahara for me.”
Shit, did he hear us last night? Not that it matters. It’s my little sister who doesn’t need to know what goes on in my bed. Yeah, okay sure, I might be overprotective when it comes to her dating, and who she dates, but hey, I’m the older brother and that’s how things work.
I turn to Ash. “What can I bring to the party?”
He nudges me, but his gaze moves from my face to someone closing in beside me. “Your new girl.”
“She’s not?—”
“Hi.”
The low, familiar voice curls through my blood, and raises it from simmer to inferno. I turn and dip my head to take in the two blue eyes shining up at me.
“Sahara,” I say, wishing I didn’t sounds so fucking anxious to see her.
She smiles and turns her attention to Ash. “Thanks again for helping me. It was so nice of you and please tell Gina I loved the carrot cake. I hate to admit it, but it’s almost gone.”
Ash laughs easily and holds his hand up. “I confess. It wasn’t that long ago I ate three quarters of a cake in one sitting. Gina is pregnant, and I think I’m sympathy eating or something.”
“It’s called couvade syndrome, and don’t worry, it’s normal.” She laughs and glances at his body. “I don’t expect you’ll gain pregnancy weight, though. You’re in great shape.”
“I didn’t know it had a name but I’m glad to know it’s normal because there are a dozen cinnamon buns on my counter at home.”
She casts me an almost shy glance as I angle my head. “I read a lot,” she tells me like she’s admitting a dirty secret.
“I read too,” I announce, like I’m an idiot. Maybe I just want to be a part of the conversation, or to let her know I think knowledge is sexy.
“Anyway,” she continues, turning back to Ash. “I really appreciate you helping me, and please thank Gina for me. I really need to get into the Nook one of these days. I pass by it a lot.”
“Yeah, you’re just around the corner.”
As they talk easily, my head bobs back and forth and I feel a strange sense of jealousy at their comradery, which is insane. Not only was conversation between Sahara and me easy last night, it was intimate, and very informative. Too bad she said we could only have one night.
“Actually, why don’t you thank Gina yourself, Sahara,” Ash suggests. “She’s having a big Halloween party at the end of the month.”
She plays with the zipper on her coat. “Oh…I…I don’t think…” Her gaze strays to me, like she’s looking for help.
I shrug. “It’ll be fun.”
“Invite Taylor too,” Ash says, and waves to someone in the distance. “I gotta run. See you later, and Sahara, don’t forget to download the app for your new video doorbell.”
He walks away, and I angle my body, leaning into Sahara, my words for her alone. Her eyes are narrowed, deep with concern. “It’s just a Halloween party, a great way for you to meet more people. The players’ wives are really nice. I think you’ll like them.”
“I’m not sure I belong.”
“You’re with me. You belong.” Her mouth inches open, and she wraps her arms around herself.
“Kalen—”
“We’re friends, Sahara,” I remind her quickly. “Taylor will be there, too.”
“It’s really nice that you include Taylor.”
There’s a measure of sadness—does she not have siblings?—in her eyes and when she turns her gaze, I follow it and find my sister on the sidewalk talking to Elias. He’s leaning into her, probably to be heard over the crowd. “Just think about it.”
She nods. “Do I dress up?”
I take a trip back in time, my mind revisiting the last ‘dress up’ party I went to, and the girl I found myself with in the secret room. “Only if you want to.”
“Are you?”
I wink at her. “I might go as a hockey player.”
Chuckling, she jerks her thumb out. “I should head home.”
“How did you get here?”
“My car. Over there.”
I guess I didn’t realize she had a car. I didn’t see one in her driveway but that doesn’t mean anything. “Why don’t you come out for one drink? Taylor is coming.”
“Yeah, she asked me to join her. I’m kind of tired, though.”
Just then my phone pings, and I pull it from my pocket. “It’s Taylor.” I run my finger over the screen and read the message. “Taylor is going to give Elias a drive home. She said she has some homework she wants to get at.” I tuck my phone away, lift my head and give her a wave. Both she and Elias wave back. “I guess I might as well head home too.”
An almost stricken look crosses her face. “Actually, I think I will have that drink.”
I almost ask why the change of heart but instead say, “Meet me there?”
“I think I’m going to drive my car home and then walk. I’d like to change into something that’s not so big and bulky.” She laughs and I glance at her oversized sweatshirt. I don’t think she needs to change. I think everything about her is perfect, but if she’s not comfortable, I have no problem with it. “Plus, I’m so close and I won’t have to search for parking.”
“Okay, I’ll follow you and then give you a lift downtown.” I put my hand on the small of her back. Did she just quiver? I’m not sure. Her sweater is so thick I’m not sure I could have felt it. “Let me walk you to your car.”
“I can get to my own car, Kalen,” she huffs out.
I shrug. “I know, but if you were Taylor, I’d want someone to walk her to her car. People are rowdy after games, and I don’t know…” I take in her smirk. “Fine, I’m overprotective. Shoot me.”
“I think it’s adorable.”
“Adorable and sweet. Wow, I might soon have to hand over my man card.”
She laughs at that. “Come on, I’m this way.” We move through the crowd and I tug my hat low.
“I’d really like to pay Ash back for the work he did,” she tells me.
“He won’t take money. He doesn’t take it from any of us.” I think about it for a second. “If you have tickets to give away to your play, I know Taylor said you guys have more shows coming up, I’m sure Gina would like that.”
Her face lights up. “Kalen, that’s a great idea.”
I grin. “Sometimes I have great ideas.” I tell her.
We walk away a lamppost and it’s hard to tell in the dark, but I think her cheeks are turning pink. Is she thinking about last night, and how I suggested sleeping together again was a good idea, and that she probably shouldn’t have vetoed it? Even though that was probably for the best. Doesn’t mean I don’t want her again, though.
Someone bumps into us and for a second I lose her in a big group. Shit. As the group moves past us, I reach out and capture her arm, bringing her to me. Her body presses against mine, and I hold her tight. I hate the panicked look on her face, one she’s trying to hide. She’s absolutely not over yesterday’s break in and why should she be? That shit is scary.
I keep her close as we reach her car and once she’s safely inside, I tap the roof. “You go on ahead.” I jerk my head to the left. “I’m back there.” I pause and, in a casual tone, I add, “Why don’t you wait for me in your driveway.”
Knowing exactly what I’m getting at she squares her shoulders. “I’m fine, Kalen.”
“Okay.” I don’t want to press the issue. “See you in a few minutes.” I practically run back to my car. Even if she doesn’t want to admit being a little wary after yesterday, I know it’s messed her up, fuck it would mess me up if someone broke into my house, so I want to get to her place as fast as possible.
I find my car, jump in and curse under my breath as I hit every fucking red light in the city. By the time I reach Sahara’s, I park in the driveway behind her and find her at her door. I’m surprised she got here only a few minutes before me. I watch her, and note her odd stance. What the fuck is going on? How long has she been standing there with her key in the door? I’m about to get out of my car, stopping when she glances over her shoulder and holds her finger up.
“I’ll just be a second,” she yells out.
Okay, so no invite in. I can live with that, and it’s probably for the best.
I relax into my seat as she opens her door. Tapping my steering wheel, I glance around the neighborhood. Like I said before, it’s not the best neighborhood. But as an actress, who is probably still getting her footing and building her career, it might be all she can afford.
As I wait, and wait, I grow anxious. Dammit, I should go make sure she’s okay. But I don’t want her to feel incapable of taking care of herself. She’s a grown ass woman who no doubt does everything for herself, but still.
I shift uncomfortably, debating on what to do as a breeze blows down the street, shaking the branches of the big oak tree in her front yard. My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket, to see that it’s a text from Sahara.
What the…