Alden
“SHOOT HIM, YOU fuck. Shoot him, Nathan.” I’m screaming at him as I hold the game controller tighter. “You suck.”
“Stop being an ass, Playa. I’ve never played this game.” He knocks himself into my shoulder.
“How can you be twenty-two years old and never played Call of Duty?”
“Because I have other things to do.”
I shoot him again and he falls dead.
“Forget it.” He tosses the controller down and throws his hands up. “You win.”
I laugh loudly. He isn’t a guy who plays video games. He likes comics and action movies. He’s strange.
“Nate, you need to expand your palate.”
“What?” He goes over to his side of the hotel room and lays out on his bed.
“You need to get out of the world of superheroes and comics and into the world of girls. Hot girls.”
He shakes his head. “I’m doing fine in the female department.”
“Really?” His comment catches my attention. “Are you seeing someone?”
He clears his throat and pales a bit.
“Shit you are. Who is it? Is it someone I know?”
“I’m just talking to someone.”
“Well, what’s the deal? You two hook up yet?”
He shakes his head. “No, we’re just texting. I’ve not even taken her out yet.”
That doesn’t sound like Nathan at all. He seems like the type to romance a girl until she’s sick of it. “How come?”
“Her...her brother doesn’t want us together. He has a thing about her dating hockey guys.” He looks up at me.
“Fuck him. If you two are meant to be together then nothing should stand in your way. If he starts being a dick, punch him in the mouth and then grab the girl and go.”
He scoffs. “It’s not that easy.”
“Yes it is. I won’t let anyone stand in my way when it comes to Baylor.”
Now it’s his turn to stare at me in disbelief. “Wait. Do you love Baylor?”
I stop talking. I know I love her, but I’ve not admitted it to anyone. Not even Amara and she know me better than anyone.
“You do. Have you told her?”
Without saying a word, I simply shake my head.
“I never thought I’d see this day. Alden Brockman, the man who’s had more women than Wilt Chamberlain, is in love.”
I rub my face hard with my hands. He’s right. I’m in love, which I know, but how do I say it? When do I say it? Should I ever say it? The only females I’ve said it to is Mom and Amara, but they don’t count. Yes, they have my heart, but Baylor is the other half of my soul.
Shit, is it true?
It is true!
THIS HAS TO be the hardest game I’ve ever played. Seriously. We’re about to head into second overtime, and I’m ready for the game to be over with another win in our favor. I want to be the one to make it happen.
Hamilton, Vance, and I come up with a quick plan and we’re ready to get this play executed. Normally, we’re not on the same line together, but Coach Long thought for this overtime we’d make a good team. Hamilton skates up to center ice and nods to Vance and then me. We’re ready as our captain focuses on getting the puck.
And he does.
He shovels it over to Vance, and I push the player in front of me away and bolt toward the net. I see Vance out of the corner of my eyes, and I know getting into position is key right now.
And it is.
Vance quickly passes me the puck and I slap it with all my might to the net. Suddenly everything moves in slow motion as the puck sails effortlessly past the goalie and hits the back of the net.
I leap into the air and shockingly land on my skates. The entire Bears bench rushes me with open arms. I’m smiling, laughing, and feel as if I’m on top of the world. I wish Baylor and Kace were here with me.
The moment I get into the hotel room, I fire up my laptop and call up Baylor. She has texted me a lot today letting me know she’s back at her house. I hate not having her in my bed and I worry about that ass Rocco. If he hurts another hair on her head, he won’t be able to ever walk again when I’m done with him.
“Hi, Alden.” Kace’s face appears. “Mom, let me stay up to watch the game.”
My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I’ve done. “Hey, Buddy. I’m glad you could stay up. How was your game?”
“We lost, but it was good.” He shrugs.
“You’ve got to lose games to know how to win the next one,” I tell him. Suddenly, my blood runs cold. I just said the same thing my father had once told me. I imparted wisdom on Kace from something that asshole told me long ago.
“You’re right.” Kace smiles. “I’m going to bed. Night, Alden. Great game.” He waves his hand in front of the camera and heads off.
I can hear Baylor talking to him before she appears on the screen.
“Hello, beautiful.”
She rolls her eyes but there’s a soft red rising to her cheeks. “You did great tonight. How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” I admit.
“I won’t keep you long then.”
“You’re fine. How’s everything at your place? Any signs of Rocco?”
“It’s all great. I told you he was long gone.”
“He better be.” I grumble.
“Oh hey, is Nathan there with you?”
I shake my head. “No, he’s in the shower. Why? You and him playing behind my back?”
She laughs. “No, you dork. He emailed me about his tattoo and I wanted to clarify a few things. He’s a nice guy.”
“I know and he’s an even better goalie and I’d hate to kill him.”
This makes her laugh harder. As soon as her laughter died out, she tells me about her day at work and how there’s buzz for the INK America article. I had heard a bit of it too, but I’m glad it’s promoting Baylor’s amazing talent and work.
“I need to head to bed as you do too.” She smiles. “I miss you.”
My heart swells. “I miss you.”
As she fades from the screen, I want to tell her I love her.
MOST WOULD THINK walking into game four should be a cinch. We’re three games ahead and only sixty minutes away from going on to the next round. Simple, right?
Nope. It sucks.
I hate games like these. Sure, if we lose we have a second chance to come back in game five, but I don’t want to have a game five.
The first period sucks because none of us could get the damn puck to the net. There were a lot of shots on goal but nothing crossed the line.
The second period...worse than the first.
When the puck drops in the third period, I don’t care what I have to, I will get a goal for us and I will win. There’s no other options and I will make it happen tonight. Hamilton, Vance, and I are on the same line tonight and the look in our eyes says it all...we’re doing this.
“Playa.” Vance head nods to me and I know he wants the puck.
I tap my stick on the ice letting him know I received the message. Hamilton already planned on chucking the puck to me on the drop. I’m ready for it. This is our time. I can see the ref’s mouth moving but the roar of the crowd is drowning him out. I don’t care because my eyes are on the puck and nothing else. I’m going to get it, then I’m giving it to Vance, and then we’re getting that goal.
The puck drops, but Hamilton doesn’t get it. It goes to a Mustangs player. I cuss under my breath and then go on the defense to get it back. I want it and I will get it. I battle hard and the player I’m against makes a silly mistake. It’s a mistake that helps me and I gather the puck on my stick. As fast as my legs can carry me, I skate, with the puck, toward the goal. This was it. The point will be mine. Before I could get my stick up, I felt the push from behind causing me to lose my footing. I fell hard on my hip and a pain shot through me. I ignore it and get back up ready to fight the prick, but the penalty has already been called and he’s skating to the sin bin.
Our chances just got better and there was no way we can’t have a point within these two minutes. Hamilton comes over and formulates a quick plan – one we know that will result in a goal. Vance and I line up with our sticks at the ready for the puck. The determination in me is fiercer than before.
This time Hamilton wins the puck and gets it to Vance. I back off a bit and get into the position Hamilton wanted me in. I stand there and wait for my chance. I’m not a patient man, but in this instant, I am because I know the end result.
“Playa,” Vance yells and just like all the times before I know what’s coming.
I focus on the puck and with all the might I can muster in my body, I slap the puck when it touches the tape on my stick. Somehow, someway, the puck sails between the goalie’s legs and the red light goes off. My entire body breathes a sigh of relief. Even though we still have a lot of game left, it’s one step closer to round two and going home.
Minute by minute begins to tick by. I don’t know how time can move so slow, but it does. Nathan is on fire and is using his talent to keep the puck away from our goal. The man is a genius goalie and we all have a deep respect for him. With the final minute approaching, I jump the boards again ready to ensure our win.
Luckily we do!
It’s a grand celebration on the ice and in the locker room. We all are elated, dancing, joking, and above all, we’re going on to round two.
THE MOMENT I’M off the plane, I know exactly where I’m going. Baylor. I need to kiss her. I need to hug and hold her. I never knew I could miss someone as much as I did her. Even Kace. I can’t wait to see him either.
I have a girlfriend. Those are words I never thought I would say. But I’m older now and my playa ways won’t last forever.
Can I see a future with Baylor?
Yes.
I want it.
Amara’s there to pick me up at the airport. It’s late and I’m sure Baylor’s asleep, but I have to see her. My sister hugs me tightly around my neck.
“I’m proud of you, Big Brother.”
“Love you too.” I pull back. “I need to see Baylor.”
She shakes her head with a smile. “Come on.”
Tugging on my hand, she turns me to my right. Standing by my car is Baylor and Kace. She leans down and whispers something in his ear. Kace takes off and runs to me. I lean down and catch him in my arms. I swear this kid is getting bigger by the second, and he’s going to be a helluva player in the PHL.
“Hey, Buddy.”
“Alden, you were amazing,” he says into my neck.
“Thank you.”
“I cheered extra loud for you too.” He pulls back and beams at me.
This kid has a heart of gold – just like his mother. “It helps me when I know you’re cheering.” In some strange way, it’s true. “Come on. You have school tomorrow, and it’s late.”
Amara pulls on my arm and even though I want nothing more than to get to Baylor I stop. “We need to talk.” Her face is serious.
“Mom?” My heart falls thinking something has happened to her.
“No, but it’s a private manner.”
I nod. Amara doesn’t get serious unless it is. She’s not one to jump to conclusions or overthink a situation. She has a strong mind and manner on all topics and issues.
“Right now?”
“It can wait. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow.”
I’m torn. I know she doesn’t want to wait until tomorrow to talk to me. I know I’ve not seen Baylor in several days, but this is my sister.
“We can talk now.” I turn to Kace. “Go to your mom. I’ll be there in a minute.” He nods and runs off to Baylor as I face Amara again. “Talk to me now.”
“Alden, stop being an Alpha.” She rolls her eyes. “Go be with Baylor. This is something we can talk about tomorrow. I promise.” Her expression softens a bit.
“You swear?” My big brother side is telling me not to leave her.
“Absolutely.” She smiles.
I stand there for several more seconds and wait for some sign telling me it’s okay to move.
“Go.” Amara pushes on my shoulder and I make my way to Baylor.
She’s stunning in her relaxed jeans and vintage Def Leppard t-shirt. Her long hair hanging in soft waves. When I put my arms around her, the smell of soft petals fills me and instantly the emotion of love comes over me.
I have to tell her.
“Let’s get you home.” She kisses my cheek before grabbing Kace’s hand and leading him to the car.
We all load up and I drop Amara off first at the house. I want to beg Baylor to stay with me, but I know she won’t do it. I love her stubbornness and need to be independent. At the same time, I feel as if she should listen to me.
When I pull up to Baylor’s house, Kace is already asleep in the back. I carry him into the house and put him to bed. As I look down at him, I wonder if my father ever put me to bed. He was around a lot before he ran off but did he ever care about us.
“Hey.” Her soft arms come around my waist. “You look sad. Are you okay?”
I nod and head out of the room. I might love her but I’m not going to tell her all about the fucking asshole whom I carry half of his DNA.
“Alden.” She grabs my wrist as I walk into the kitchen. “Are you sure? You look extremely sad.”
“I’m not,” I answer her, mentally brushing away the emotions trying to rear their ugly head.
“You don’t have to snap. If you’re tired or something just go home and rest. Or you can stay here.” She touches my shoulder.
“I didn’t mean to snap.” Maybe I was more tired than I thought.
“Come on. Stay here tonight and go to bed. You might be too tired to drive.” She laces her hand with mine. “Let’s go to bed.”
“Okay,” I say and follow her to the back bedroom.
“Here.” She closes the door and then saunters over to me. She takes my breath away.
Slowly she pushes her hands up my chest. She removes my blazer first. There’s a gleam in her eyes, and it makes me forget about everything. My body is only thinking with one head right now, and it wants to be in between her legs. She begins to unbutton my shirt and I help her get it off my shoulders. With her eyes still on me, she kisses the middle of my chest and begins to lower herself to the floor.
Once she’s in position, her hands are on my belt tugging it off. My cock is harder than I can ever remember it being. How does she turn me on like this? It’s to the point where I’m not even sure of my own name. She drops my pants and boxer briefs and before I could blink I was fully in her mouth.
Air chokes me as I dig my hands into her hair. Her tongue runs on the underside, and my head falls back. She grips me harder, jerking my shaft as she sucks harder on the tip. I shouldn’t be this close to coming, but the more she moves and sucks I feel my knees growing weaker and I can barely stand.
“I’m going to come,” I tell her holding her tighter. “I’m shooting it right in your mouth.” She moans in agreeance and I blow my load.
“That was fast.” She giggles as I fall back on her bed.
“Too fast.” I try to catch my breath. You would have just thought I ran a marathon instead of getting a mind-blowing blowjob.
“Now, you can relax and go to bed.” She pats my thigh and then goes off to the bathroom while I crawl under the covers and do as I’m told.
I’M GETTING OLD. One blowjob and I sleep like a small child who had played all day. There were many of nights I would play a game, go to a bar, and fuck every girl I could get my hands on. Now...not so much.
After Baylor made us breakfast, I took Kace to school and went to the weight room. We were having an optional skate and practice since we don’t know who we’ll be playing in round two. I called Nathan and Teo to join me.
For the next couple hours, we work out and spot each other through the heavier elements, until I realize it’s time for me to meet Amara for lunch. She decided to meet me at the deli near the arena.
When I walk in she’s sitting at a table in front of the window. She’s staring out and for a second, she looks younger than ever. And thin.
“Hey.” I pull out the chair and sit down, trying to put on my best smile.
“Hi.” Her sad smile tells me this isn’t going to be good. “I already ordered for you.” She pushes the glass of ice water over to me.
“Talk.” I order her.
She takes a deep breath. “You need to remain calm throughout this whole conversation and don’t you dare jump to conclusions. Do we have a deal?”
I cross my arms and lean back. This is going to be worse than I thought.
“Do we have a deal?” Asking her question with firmness.
I nod once.
She clears her throat and sits up taller. “Okay. Mom received a phone call yesterday.”
“From who?”
“Jack.”
My blood runs cold and then begins to boil with rage. “Excuse me?”
“Apparently, when he left Mom he ended up getting remarried and had a son.”
All the air left the room.
“His son knows about us and wants to meet us both.”
“What?” I shake my head. “He’s calling and…what?” My brain stops working. It can’t process this. Jack has a whole other family.
“The boy is eight and he’s a big hockey fan. Jack told him about us and he wants to meet us.” She explains again.
“I sure as fuck don’t want to see Jack or whatever fucking family he’s created since he left us while you were hooked up to a chemo machine.” I slammed my chair back standing up. “I’m going home and if you talk to him, tell him I said to fuck off and die.”
I leave the deli in a rage I can’t explain. I’ve been mad and upset before, but this is an entirely different level. I’m ready to explode and no one better be in my way when I do.