Chapter 25 Case
Case
Faceoff & Worries
One week later…
“I like this one,” she points at the charcoal grey sedan. I wrinkle my nose and she slaps my arm. “Stop judging. You are a star hockey player. You can afford the luxury. Not that I can't, I just choose not too. So I want this one.” she pouts and I roll my eyes.
“What about an SUV? Something bigger than this tin,” I snicker and she laughs.
“I guess so.” She sighs and I wrap my arms around her waist pulling against me before she gets too far.
“Baby, I just want you in something safe. That’s all.” I whisper, running my nose up the column of her neck, making her giggle and squirm in my arms.
“Okay, okay. How about an Escalade?” I ask and she rolls her eyes.
“Nope, too big,” She replies and I grin.
“What is that look for?” She asks and I shake my head.
“Oh nothing, nothing at all.” I say and her eyes narrow, trying to figure out what is going on in my head.
“Listen, if you are trying to get me to buy a fully loaded SUV because you plan on knocking me up. I got news for you buddy…” she trails off, digging her nail into my chest. “I am not a baby-factory and certainly not any time soon. You won’t get in between my legs anymore if that’s the case.
Fuck no!” She growls and I hunch over laughing.
“Oh toots. If I wanted you pregnant. It’ll happen and the fact that you think you can take sex off the table because of it—is hilarious.
You wouldn’t last five minutes and you know it.
” I tell her and her eyes widen. She spins and takes off, stomping as she looks at other vehicles.
God, she’s such a brat. I laugh as I continue to follow her around for the next hour when she finally chooses a deep maroon Range Rover.
“Do you like it?” She asks and I smile.
“It doesn’t matter whether I do or don’t. As long as you love it. That’s all that matters to me.” I say hugging her then hand the salesman my card.
“Whatever you say. I guess I can put half down and make payments on the rest.” She says looking up at me and I smirk. “What is that look, Case?” She asks and I just kiss her on the nose and walk over to the man waiting for us.
“You’re all set, Mr. Nicoletti. I just need your signature on these spots and she’s all yours.” The man says, Lyla’s jaw drops as I take the pen from his hand and sign my name. Once the paperwork is handled. I grab the keys and hand them to her.
“For you, Doll.” I smile and she slaps my arm.
“You didn’t have to buy me a damn car, Case. I could’ve done it myself,” she huffs making me laugh. “But, thank you, thank you, thank you,” she squeals, wrapping her arms around my waist, hugging me. I reach down and lift her chin.
“I can think of a few ways you can thank me,” I smirk and she winks, taking the keys from my hand and walking towards her new ride.
“I’ll race you home,” She says and I smile.
“You think you can beat me?” I ask and she nods.
“Yeah I can. Let’s go!” she shouts as she turns on the radio, hooking the bluetooth to her phone. I fucking love this girl.
The next morning I leave Lyla a note and my jersey for her to wear to my game tonight.
I have an early practice and wanted to work out before I get with the rest of the team.
Something is off this morning though. I’m not sure what it is, but I feel off.
Driving to school I almost got into a wreck twice and when I went to gas up my gas cap was missing from my car.
Just a really odd morning. Finally I arrive at school and my spot is taken. Lovely. Can this day get any worse?
After I work out with some of the guys from my team, we head straight for the rink.
We go through play after play until I feel we are ready to win this shit.
Once practice is over. I take a hot shower to really loosen my muscles more and relax before the game.
I really need to check on my girl so I head to my locker and take out my phone seeing that she's already texted me.
Doll:
I love you. Thank you so much for the jersey.
Doll:
Multimedia Attachment.
Clicking it open it’s a picture of her in my jersey kneeling in my bed. Her hair is wild, lips pouty and legs open. Goddamn she’s gorgeous.
Me:
Damn you look sexy. I can’t wait to ravish you in that tonight.
Doll:
Me either. What time should I leave?
Me:
In an hour. I can’t wait to see you.
Doll:
You better win tonight or else…
Me:
Or else what?
Doll:
No surprise for you then.
Me:
I fucking love you. I gotta go. See you soon baby.
Doll:
I fucking love you too.
Placing my phone back in my locker, I turn to see my brothers sitting on the bench both looking at me and I raise a brow.
“You’re fucking her aren’t you,” Crew accuses and I smirk.
“Oh, he totally is. When is he ever this happy?” Cruz adds and I roll my eyes.
“Both of you shut up. Don’t worry about what and who I’m sticking my dick in.” I fire back and they both look at one another and laugh.
“You owe me fifty bucks,” Cruz tells Crew and I shake my head.
“And you bet on me? Assholes.” I laugh then look at Crew raising a brow. He looks around before he begins to speak.
“She’s serving him papers tonight,” he whispers and I nod.
“What does he think her reasoning is?” I ask and again he looks around before looking at me.
“That he’s a drunk. There’s no passion or love anymore.
He literally goes home, drinks, coaches us but there’s nothing between them.
There hasn't been for years. It’s a long story.
I just don’t know how this is going to work even after they are officially divorced.
I can barely look him in the eye as it is.
I’ve been to his house. Man…” he trails off and I step closer to him.
“What do you mean you’ve been to their house?” I question and he runs his hand down his face.
“I fucked her while he was passed out piss drunk in his recliner. This woman makes me do things….” But I interrupt him.
“You what? Listen I’m not one to judge but if this gets out. Your career is over and we’ve worked too hard. We’ve got scouts coming tonight. Don’t fuck that up over a girl.” I tell him and he snarls.
“She’s not just some girl, Case. I fucking love her.” He states and I take a deep breath. I’m no fucking better. I’m in love with our stepsister who was an escort. But me fucking an escort isn’t as career breaking as having an affair with your coaches wife. I look at Cruz and he’s just smiling.
“And what about you? What’s the smile for?” I ask and Crew laughs, batting him on the back as he walks away.
“Good luck,” he says and I raise a brow.
“Um, are you sure you want to know?” he asks and I fold my arms over my chest waiting for an answer. “Fine, I’m fucking Deryn.” he states but I just stare at him not knowing who the hell Deryn is.
“Am I supposed to know who that is?” I ask and he smirks.
“Weston’s sister,” he says and I laugh.
“No way? Does she know who you are?” I ask and he drops his head. Fuck!
“Nope. She despises hockey and doesn’t follow sports at all. She’s a little on the…ditzy side but man…she’s really good with her mouth.” He laughs and I shake my head. Either he’s right and she doesn’t pay attention to sports or she’s playing him for a fool. Guess we’ll eventually find out.
“Well, that’s not nearly as bad as what our brother is into. Just keep an eye on him.” I say and he nods.
“I know. I’ve been meaning to ask you. Are we doing anything for Christmas? When is Dad coming back?” he asks and I shrug.
“I’m not sure. When he left we weren’t really on speaking terms. He just wants me to take over the business and forget about hockey. You know how I feel about that.” I say and he nods and takes a deep breath.
“I think our old man is jealous and resents us. Mom died when we were so young and because of that, he had to give everything up for us. He loved hockey just as much as we do and I think watching us go damn near pro—kills him. He sees us taking the future he wanted for himself.” He states and I close my eyes for a second and take a deep breath.
“I know but…let’s talk about this another time. I have a lot to say on the matter, but I need to get my head in the game and not worry about how much Dad hates us.” I spit and he nods.
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get ready for the game. Oh, did Coach tell you, who you’re facing off with tonight?” He asks and I shake my head.
“No, what the fuck?” I say and he smirks.
“Oh, this is going to be so much fucking fun.” he says laughing as he walks away.
“Wait, what the fuck? Spill asshole,” I yell after him but he keeps it moving whistling as he leaves the locker room. Who the fuck could I be facing off with?
The game is about to start and I keep looking in the stands for my girl and she’s still not here. I can’t fucking focus not knowing where she is. The lights dim and an array of color lights go wild in the packed out arena as the announcer yells out our guest star for tonight’s faceoff.
“Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls. The moment we’ve all been waiting for…
.” he trails off as we make our way onto the ice.
Still not fucking focused I don’t hear the announcer yell his name until he’s standing infront of me, ready to face off to see who gets the puck first. I look up and my eyes widen when I see Hayes fucking Valentine with a smirk spread over his face. HOLY SHIT!
“Nicoletti, it’s great to finally meet you. You ready my man?” He asks and I swallow thickly.
“Fuck yeah. Let’s do this,” I laugh. Holy shit.
Hayes…Hayes Valentine is facing me off. Holy fucking shit.
Is all that I can manage to think at the moment.
The whistle blows and our sticks slam against one another as we fight for the puck.
I get control of it only for him to take it from me.
Damn he’s quick, but if this isn’t the most fun I’ve had in a long time.
Shit. I skate down the rink regaining the puck as he talks shit to me.
“I underestimated you tonight.” he yells and I laugh, weaving in and out of the other players while Hayes gives chase.
“You’re in my house now baby. Come take it from me.
” I fire back making him laugh. The crowd roars in excitement, if I’m being honest this feels like it's just me and him playing against one another and there’s no one else on the ice.
The timer buzzes and we skate off. Hayes comes over and fist bumps me.
“I’d love to play with you again man, that was fun.” he states and I nod.
“Definitely. Next time you’re in New York.
Look me up.” I tell him and he smiles, leaving the arena.
I look over at my brothers who are fist pumping the air and I laugh looking up at the stands.
My heart drops when I see her seat empty and Annie just sitting there.
Walking over to the partition I try to get her attention.
When she finally takes her eyes off Brantley.
She looks over at me and shrugs. I take off my gloves and bring my fingers to my ears and mouth making a phone motion and she nods, lifting her cell to her ear.
When I don’t see her mouth move she looks at me and shakes her head.
I roll my fingers telling her to do it again in which she does and still nothing. Fuck!
Something is definitely wrong and I can’t get through this fucking game fast enough.
Everytime I get back out on the ice, I pray she just ran into traffic or couldn’t find anywhere to park.
But when I look up and see she still isn’t here.
My heart drops in my chest because I know.
I fucking know something is wrong and I can’t do fucking shit about it.
I hope to God that she’s not hurt and she has a legit excuse as to why she isn’t here. I need to win this game and get the fuck out of here. I don’t like this. Not one fucking bit.