Hayley #2
“Mom,” Camden screams out, running toward me and breaking me from my thoughts. “I’m gonna stay with Gram tonight.”
“Oh, okay…”
“He wants to talk strategy with your father. God knows that boy won’t put down a hockey stick to save his life.” She’s right. “Plus, it will give you some time to go out tonight with Cassie.” She winks at me before pulling me into a hug.
I smile at what she really means. “Gee thanks, Mom. But that’s just a little bit inappropriate.”
She waves her hand at me. “Nonsense. Well, I’m going to go find your father. He was dealing with some bullshit from Coach Stevens… again. Cam, darling, meet me in your grandfather’s office when you’re done here.”
“Cam the man.” Brooks’ voice sounds from behind us. “You enjoy the game?”
“Uh, does a bear shit in the woods,” Camden responds, fist bumping Brooks.
“Language,” I scold. “God, you really need to stop hanging around your grandfather. You’re a sponge and will repeat anything he says.”
“Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you that he calls you a spinster.
I don’t know what that means, but Gram smacked him for it.
Said that he needed to stop interfering in your personal life.
” Cam shrugs as I pull him into my side and kiss his head.
“I’m gonna go find Gram now. See you tomorrow after school. ”
I kiss the top of his head again before he fists bumps Brooks. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”
“So, I take it you’re available to go out with me tonight. A few of the guys are going out for drinks tonight. Would you like to join me?” He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close and burying his nose in my neck as he waits for my response.
I grip his arms, removing them from my sides. “Brooks, not here. It’s bad enough you kissed me before walking out of the tunnel in front of everyone.”
“Hey, you turned out to be my good luck charm. I think it’s going to be my new tradition.” He places a chaste kiss on my lips.
I gaze into his eyes, my core lighting on fire with desire for him. “Well, unless you want to answer to Coach Stevens every time you kiss me, you may want to keep this on the down low like we had agreed.”
My brows furrow as I replay my conversation with Coach Stevens. My hand instinctively rubs my arm, which is slightly tender from his tight grip.
“Hey, what’s going on right now? Did he say something to you?”
“It doesn’t matter. Let’s just get out of here. That way I can actually put my mouth all over you.”
“I like the sound of that,” he says, taking my hand in his and making our way to the garage.
◆◆◆
“So, you two are kind of a thing?” Halloway says, drinking his third glass of whiskey.
I laugh as Cassidy takes his glass from him. “Slow down there. Don’t need you getting all banged up before the next game, Channing. And to answer your question…we’re being discreet.”
“Yeah, that kiss he gave you before the game was about as discreet as my puck bunny hookups,” Deane says, pulling his latest flavor of the week into his side.
“And her name is?” Ivan says, pointing his glass in her direction.
“Dia.”
“That’s nice, sweetheart, but seriously, man… that kiss sent a message to everyone,” Campbell says, taking a long pull of his beer. “Coach was pissed.”
I look at Brooks as his jaw ticks, tensing. “Don’t know why Coach would give two shits about my personal life.”
Cassidy drapes her arm over Halloway’s shoulder as she makes eye contact with Hayley. “Hayley, why would Doug care about you and Miller’s relationship?”
“He doesn’t,” I respond.
“I think he has a thing for you,” Denizen says, joining our group.
As if right one cue, Coach Stevens walks up to our group stationed at the bar. Hands in his trousers as if he owns the place. His eyes connects with mine the entire time as a smirk plays on his lips.
“Hayley. Miller.” He nods toward the others. “Miller, I was wondering if I could have a word with you?”
“In regard to? I’m off the clock, Coach.”
Doug’s demeanor changes as he runs his gaze down my body. “Well then, I’ll do it right here. Stay away from Hayley, Miller.”
Seriously? This again.
“All due respect, Doug, but you can’t decide who I or Brooks see,” I interject, interrupting their stare off. “Doug, a private word please.”
“With pleasure,” he snarls before smiling triumphantly and following near the emergency exit.
I glance over my shoulder, noting that Brooks isn’t far from me, yet I still position myself so I can make a quick escape if need be. Being near Doug has always made my skin crawl, but something about his actions today rattles me to the core.
“What the hell is your problem.”
“My problem?” He chuckles in amusement. “My only problem is Miller.”
“And what’s your problem with Miller?”
“Besides the fact that he’s fucking the girl who should be mine? Everything,” he says, moving in closer to me. Backing me into a wall, whispering in my ear. “When are you going to wake up and stop fucking the players and get with a real man? The man who’s deserved you all along.”
I push him away before attempting to walk away when his hand tightens around my wrist, pulling me back toward him.
“First you fuck that piece of shit Cameron and get knocked up with his spawn. I could overlook that little oversight being that Camden is a pretty knockout kid, but now you’re fucking Miller, the worst of them all,” he says, his grip tightening as he looks me in the eyes.
“How about you stop fucking around and let me take you for a ride for once?”
“In your dreams,” I spit as I try to pull my wrist from his grasp. “Ouch… you’re hurting me. Doug, stop.”
“I’ll stop when you quit being a cock tease, acting like a little whore who’s willing to open her legs for any NHL player.”
Before I have a chance to push him away again, Doug is pulled back and punched in the face. He stumbles back, cupping his jaw as he tries to regain his footing. Miller cocks his arm back again, ready to lay another blow, just as Halloway and Campbell pull him back.
“Hit me again, Miller. I’ll see to it you never play for the Skipjacks or the NHL again,” Doug spits as he rubs his sore jaw.
Miller laughs, fighting to get out of Halloway and Campbell’s grip. “You don’t have that much pull, Doug. We all know it. Hitting you again will be well worth it.”
“Hey!” I shout as they start at it again.
“Hey… Hey!” I yell as loud as I can before stepping into the middle of them.
“Enough. Both of you. Coach Stevens, if anyone here should be losing their job, it’s you.
And don’t think I won’t hesitate to tell Mr. Richards if you continue these threats on Miller’s job.
Not to mention continuing to talk to me in this inappropriate manner. ”
“Whatever,” Doug says, backing away from us but continuing his threats. “But don’t think he won’t hesitate to fire you or your little boy toy here if and when he finds out.” The devilish smirk plastered on his face before he walks away sends shivers down my spine.