10
Several hours later, Reid stared out the window as the team plane soared above Massachusetts Bay and then banked to the right, gliding over Boston Harbor before descending toward Logan International Airport.
Every time the Rebels traveled to Boston to play the Bruins, Reid felt a sense of homecoming that no rivalry could ever diminish. He’d spent four years at Boston College, leading his hockey team to two national championships and breaking enough school records to secure his future induction into the Eagles’ Hall of Fame.
Returning to Boston always evoked fond memories of grudge matches against Harvard, Red Sox games at Fenway Park, rowdy St. Patrick’s Day keg parties and weekend benders at hole-in-the-wall Southie bars. Every time Reid came to town, he had dinner with his old coach and then hooked up with his former college girlfriend, Holly, who always gave him a satisfying welcome and sendoff.
But he wouldn’t be seeing Holly this time. For the first time in six years, he had no interest in calling her up and getting together. After the spectacular night he’d spent with Nadia, he couldn’t even imagine being with another woman. Not now, and possibly never again.
Nadia had rocked his damn world. During the flight to Boston, he couldn’t stop thinking about her and how utterly amazing she’d felt, how hot and tight her pussy was, so fucking wet he’d wanted to drown inside her. He remembered the way she’d clawed his back and dug her heels into his ass, the way her breathy moans had turned into screams of ecstasy as she’d lost control. She’d made him come harder than he ever had in his life.
Just thinking about it had him smothering a groan as his teammates dozed around him. He shifted in his seat, adjusting the fit of his pants over his growing erection.
Leaning back against the headrest, he closed his eyes and tried to distract himself by focusing on stats and game strategy. But his mind kept returning to Nadia. He’d never craved another woman as badly as he craved her. He was already counting down the hours until he could see her again.
Man, was he fucked.
After arriving at the airport with the coaches, trainers and beat writers that traveled with the team, the Rebels boarded a chartered bus that would take them to their hotel. On the way over Reid checked his phone, smiling when he saw the text messages from his siblings wishing him good luck on tomorrow night’s game.
He had just finished responding to their texts when he got a call from his agent. The moment he heard the excitement in Kyle’s voice, he knew he was in for some good news.
“I know you just landed in Boston,” Kyle said without preamble, “but I couldn’t wait to give you the latest update. We finally reached an agreement with Nike. They’re offering a long-term endorsement partnership that includes a signature shoe collection. You’re also gonna wear their performance products whenever you’re playing, practicing or training. The deal’s worth—”
A horn blared outside the window, but Reid still heard the seven-figure amount that Kyle quoted. His eyes widened, and he let out a long appreciative whistle. “Niiice.”
“Hell, yeah,” Kyle agreed with a laugh. “The company believes in you, Reid. They think you’re one of the most exciting athletes out there right now—and not just in the NHL. You’re chasing history with that scoring record. They’re also banking on your team making a deep run in the playoffs and hopefully taking home the Stanley Cup. If you’re named MVP, all the better.”
Reid chuckled. “No pressure.”
“Right.” Kyle laughed. “Anyway, you’re probably on your way to the hotel. So I’ll call you tomorrow so we can discuss the offer and hammer out the details.”
Reid nodded. “Works for me.”
“Good. And by the way, I spoke to Landrieu,” Kyle said, referring to the Rebels’ owner. “He’s very pleased that you decided to end your media boycott.”
“So I’ve heard,” Reid said dryly.
Coach Bohler had pulled him aside that morning to commend him on behalf of management. During the conversation, he’d reiterated how valuable Reid was to the organization, and reminded him that maintaining positive relationships with the media was integral to preserving the team’s image and visibility. Reid had merely listened and nodded, the company spiel going in one ear and out the other. He knew that as long as he produced results on the ice, Coach didn’t give a crap about him playing nice with reporters.
“Do you know why you’re one of my favorite clients, Reid?” Kyle asked.
Reid couldn’t help smirking. “I’m guessing it’s because I make you a shit ton of money.”
Kyle laughed unabashedly. “That you do. You’re one of the most bankable players in the NHL, Reid. You’re a game changer, a proven leader and a winner—with a pretty face to boot. Anything you can do to capitalize on your marketability is a win for us both. Never forget that.”
“As if you’d ever let me,” Reid drawled wryly.
When he got off the phone with his agent, Viggo, who sat beside him, bumped his shoulder and asked, “Good news?”
“Yeah. The endorsement deal with Nike came through.”
“For real?” Viggo grinned broadly and gave him a high five. “Congratulations, bro! That’s fucking fantastic!”
“Thanks, man.” Reid grinned, ducking his head in an aw-shucks manner. “I’m just a lowly defenseman trying to keep up with you, Mr. Reebok slash Microsoft slash Rolex slash IKEA slash—”
Viggo snorted a laugh. “Dude, you get more love from companies than most guys in the league. I’d say you’re doing pretty damn good for a ‘lowly defenseman.’ As if.” He grinned. “We’ll have to celebrate your new deal tomorrow after the game. Drinks are on me.”
“Cool.” Reid smiled. “If all goes well, that won’t be our only reason for celebrating tomorrow night.”
“Hells yeah! We’re kicking ass and taking names!” Pounding on the back of the seat in front of him, Viggo broke into the team’s signature “rebel yell” chant.
Heads turned in his direction, bodies straightened in seats, earphones were removed and slow grins spread across unshaven faces.
Viggo’s macho enthusiasm was contagious. Reid joined in on the chant, followed by Logan Brassard and Hunter Duchene, who actually put down his book and stood up, a rare boyish grin creasing his rugged face. Before long the entire team was chanting raucously and stomping their feet louder than a busload of high school football players celebrating a state championship victory.
It was these moments of camaraderie that made them forget about contract disputes, salary caps and heartbreaking losses that had ended playoff runs. These bonding moments made the grueling road trips bearable, and at times downright enjoyable.
When the team arrived at the hotel, a small crowd awaited them. As the players filed through the lobby in their suits and ties, a few Bruins fans heckled them good-naturedly while the rest clamored for autographs. Some puck bunnies tried to slip their phone numbers to Reid and several other players, but they were thwarted by hotel security.
After checking in at the front desk, the players headed up to their rooms to rest before dinner. They were on their own for the evening, but they had to be up early tomorrow for the morning skate.
As usual, Reid and Viggo were roommates. Reid entered the room first and carried his bag over to the bed by the window. While Viggo headed to the bathroom, Reid shrugged out of his suit jacket, pulled out his phone and sat down on the bed to call Nadia. He missed her and wanted to hear her voice.
He waited impatiently as her phone rang once, twice, three times. When the voice mail picked up, he was disappointed as hell.
“Hey there! You’ve reached Nadia…well, not really, since you’re listening to my voice mail. I’m sorry I missed your call. If it’s really important, please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you. Pinkie swear!”
Reid smiled at the whimsical, rambling recording. When the beep sounded, he murmured, “Hey, beautiful. Just wanted to let you know I’m here. I’m guessing you’re still at work. Hope you had a good day and weren’t too tired. Been thinking about you.”
He hesitated, wanting to say more. But then Viggo came out of the bathroom, so he settled for a gruff, “Call me back when you get a chance.”
As he hung up, Viggo gave him a knowing grin. “Really did a number on you, didn’t she?”
“Fuck off,” Reid grumbled.
Viggo laughed and shook his head, an awed expression on his face as he plopped down in the desk chair. “Never thought I’d live to see this day.”
Reid narrowed his eyes. “What day?”
“The day The Rocket became pussy whipped.”
Reid scowled. “I’m not pussy whipped.”
“Like hell you aren’t,” Viggo countered with a laugh. “You’ve got all the classic symptoms, bro. First you showed up for the bus this morning grinning from ear to ear. Then you hardly talked to anyone on the plane because you were too busy daydreaming. And then what’s the first thing you do when we get here? Call Nadia to tell her you’re thinking about her.” Viggo grinned. “You sure sound pussy whipped to me.”
Reid fought a grin. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”
“No? Then tell me this. Are you gonna see Holly this weekend?”
Reid hesitated a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t think so.”
Viggo burst out laughing. “I rest my case!”
Reid grimaced and tossed his phone onto the nightstand, then sat forward with his hands clasped between his legs.
Viggo observed him, gray eyes twinkling. “Damn, bro. One night with Nadia and you’re ruined for all other broads.”
Reid’s lips quirked into a smile he couldn’t suppress. The Swede wasn’t too far off the mark.
“It’s not just about the sex,” he confessed. “I mean, yeah, last night was absolutely amazing. But there was more to it than that. Nadia’s…different.”
Viggo looked intrigued. “In what way?”
“Well, not only is she beautiful, but she’s warm and funny and smart as hell. The way she talks, the way she laughs, the way she carries herself…Everything about her just fascinates me, you know? And she’s not caught up in dating a rich athlete. Hell, she’d probably like me more if I didn’t play hockey,” he said with a wry chuckle. “Jocks aren’t really her thing.”
Viggo grinned. “Then I guess you’re lucky she made an exception for you.”
“Yeah. I am.” Reid smiled quietly. “I’ve never met another woman like her before. She makes me rethink everything I’ve ever known.”
Viggo shook his head slowly, staring at Reid with a look of incredulous sympathy. “Dude. You are so fucked.”
Reid dropped his face into his hands and let out a helpless groan. “Tell me something I don’t know.”
Viggo laughed. “Seriously, man. You’ve got it bad. But I can’t really say I blame you. Nadia sounds pretty amazing.”
Reid sighed. “She is.”
Viggo grinned. “Does she have a sister?”
“Nah. But she does have a cousin who plays in an indie rock band. Ever heard of Off The Grid?”
Viggo shook his head.
“Nadia says they’re on tour in Sweden right now.”
“Really?” Viggo’s eyes lit with interest. “What’s her cousin’s name?”
“Scarlett.”
Viggo grinned. “Sexy name.”
Reid smiled. “If she looks anything like Nadia, she’s probably gorgeous.”
Viggo’s grin widened. “When does she get back from her tour?”
Reid chuckled. “I don’t know. But I can find out for you.”
“Yeah. You do that.”
They both laughed.
After a few moments, Viggo unfolded his long body from the chair and stretched. “I’m going downstairs to get some coffee. Want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.” Reid rose from the bed. “I’m gonna grab a shower before heading out.”
Viggo nodded. “If you’re gone before I get back, give my best to the legendary Coach York.”
“Will do.”
Shortly after Viggo left, Reid received a text from his father: I’d wish you good luck for tomorrow, but you don’t need it. You guys are the better team. Any news on the Nike deal???
Deal came through, Reid texted back. I’ll give you the 411 tomorrow.
Awesome, Roark Holden responded. Congratulations, son. Proud of you.
Thanks, Dad, Reid typed and hit send. Then he loosened his tie, toed off his shoes and removed his socks. After unfastening his watch and placing it on the nightstand, he headed for the bathroom, unbuttoning his shirt as he went. He’d made it halfway across the room when a knock sounded at the door.
He chuckled, assuming that Viggo had forgotten his key—which wouldn’t be the first time. He started back across the room, a smartass remark on the tip of his tongue.
But when he opened the door, he was greeted by the sight of a gorgeous brunette wearing a red leather trench coat and impossibly high heels. She was posing in the doorway with one hand on her hip and the other resting high on the door frame. Her long dark hair was swept over one shoulder, and her lips were painted a sultry shade of red.
“Hey there, handsome,” she purred, batting her eyelashes at Reid. “Welcome back.”
“Holly,” he said, caught off guard by her unexpected appearance. “It’s, ah, good to see you.”
“Good to see you too.” Her green eyes lowered to his chest, lingering on the bare skin exposed by his partially unbuttoned shirt. “Mmm. Looks like I showed up just in time.”
Reid chuckled. “I was about to take a shower.”
“Good.” She slipped her palm inside his shirt to stroke his chest. “I’ll join you.”
“Uh, not so fast,” he said, stepping away from her.
Her hand dropped to her side, confusion flickering in her eyes. After another moment, she smiled seductively and drew her arms around his neck.
“No problem,” she breathed, backing him into the room. “We can shower afterward.”
“Not this time,” Reid murmured, removing her arms from around his neck.
She stared at him with a bewildered frown. “What the hell’s going on, Reid? Why are you acting like you don’t want me here?”
He gave her a steady look. “We need to talk.”
Her eyes narrowed. “About what?”
Reid stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter the room.
She hesitated a moment, then tossed her head and strutted forward.
Reid met Holly at a frat party during their freshman year at Boston College. She was one of the hottest sorority girls on campus, the first of many he’d bagged over the next four years. They’d dated only briefly because he was too focused on balancing hockey and academics to commit to a relationship. Right before graduation, he and Holly ran into each other at a nightclub and hooked up for old times’ sake. After that night, Reid never expected to see her again. But Holly apparently had other plans. When the Rebels came to Boston during his rookie season, she sought him out after the game. He took her to dinner, one thing led to another, and they wound up back at her apartment. That was the beginning of their no-strings-attached affair, an arrangement that satisfied both their needs.
Reid closed the door, then turned around slowly to face Holly.
She stood there toying with the belt of her trench coat. He knew from experience that she was practically naked underneath.
“If you’re worried about Viggo interrupting us,” she drawled, “I saw him in the lobby getting cozy with some blonde. I think he’ll have his hands full for a while.”
“Good to know.” Reid motioned to the desk chair. “Have a seat.”
Ignoring the chair, Holly sauntered over to the bed he’d claimed, her hips swaying provocatively beneath the leather trench. She sat on the end of the bed and crossed her long legs, watching as he walked toward her.
“You usually call me the day before you arrive,” she explained, unbuttoning her trench coat. “When I didn’t hear from you, I figured you were busy and just forgot to touch base. So I decided to come over and make sure you weren’t planning to skip town without seeing me.”
With that, she pulled open her coat to reveal the red lace teddy she wore. Her large breasts were spilling out over the top, her erect pink nipples visible through the sheer fabric.
Staring up at him, she licked her lips into a brazenly seductive smile. “I got a new teddy from Victoria’s Secret. Do you like it?”
“It’s nice,” Reid said. He’d have to be blind to think otherwise.
Satisfaction filled her eyes. “I bought it just for you.”
“You shouldn’t have. Really.” He reached down to button up her coat, covering her exposed breasts.
She pouted up at him. “Why did you do that?”
“Because.” Reid sank to a crouch in front of her, maintaining eye contact. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
A look of dread crossed her face. “What is it?”
“We can’t do this anymore.”
She frowned. “Why the hell not?”
Reid held her gaze. “I’ve met someone.”
Hurt flared in Holly’s eyes for the briefest moment, but then she smirked. “You’re always meeting someone,” she retorted dismissively. “The Internet is filled with pictures of all the ‘someones’ you’ve met.”
“This one is different,” Reid said quietly.
She snorted. “New pussy always feels different.”
“No.” He shook his head at her. “This isn’t about new pussy. I’m really into her, Holly. I want to see where things go with her.”
Holly searched his eyes. “Are you serious?”
“Very serious.”
She stared at him in wounded disbelief. “So what the hell are you saying, Reid? That you’ve been using me all this time until something better came along?”
Reid frowned. “C’mon, Holly. You knew what this was. We had an understanding, remember? We agreed to hook up when I came to town because we’re two mature adults who enjoyed sleeping together. But we also agreed that we could call it off any time and for any reason, no hard feelings.”
Her lips twisted bitterly. “Forgive me for not being a fucking android. Forgive me for not having ice in my veins like you obviously do!”
Reid grimaced. He felt like a dick. But it wasn’t his fault that she’d expected more from their fling. He’d been honest with her from the start, and he’d never made any promises he didn’t intend to keep.
He shook his head slowly at her. “I’m sorry you’re upset, Holly. But you had to know this arrangement had an expiration date.”
“Why?” she demanded, her eyes flashing with anger. “Why does there have to be a damn expiration date? We’ve known each other for ten years, Reid. Ten years! Is it so crazy that I was hoping we would eventually become more than fuck buddies? Is it so impossible for you to see me as a woman you could love even more than hockey? My God, Reid, that’s all I’ve ever wanted!”
He frowned at her. “What’re you talking about?”
“Seriously?” she shrieked, shoving at his chest. “I’ve always had feelings for you, you asshole! How could you not know that?”
Shit. Reid rubbed a hand across his jaw and let out a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. You never told me.”
“Would it have made a difference?” she challenged hotly.
He held her gaze for a long moment. “You’re a beautiful woman, Holly. You deserve better than a once-a-year fling. You deserve a man who cherishes you and wants to be with you.” His tone gentled. “Unfortunately, that man will never be me.”
A flicker of pain crossed her face, tightening her mouth.
“All these years,” she said bitterly, “you never had time for a relationship because hockey consumed your whole life. Now all of a sudden you’ve met someone new, and your tune has totally changed.”
Reid said nothing.
As if struck by a sudden realization, Holly stared at him. “Oh my God. I just saw photos of you with some random black chick. Is that the bitch you’re dumping me for?”
Reid’s expression hardened. “Don’t call her that. You don’t know a damn thing about her.”
“I know she’s not even your type! Do you really expect me to believe you want her over me?”
“I don’t give a fuck what you believe.”
Holly’s face reddened. She shook her head at him. “You’re insane.”
Reid straightened from his crouch and stepped back. “It’s time for you to go.”
She met his eyes with sneering contempt. “Don’t come crawling back to me when you get bored with your little slave-girl fetish.”
“I won’t,” Reid said sardonically. “Trust me, darlin’, it’ll be a cold day in hell before you hear from me again.”
“Bastard!” Blinking back tears, she jumped up from the bed, shoved past him and stormed across the room. At the door, she turned and spat maliciously, “I hope you have a shitty season and miss the fucking playoffs!”
With that she slammed out the door.
“All righty then,” Reid muttered with a grim chuckle. That hadn’t gone as well as he’d hoped. But at least he’d gotten it over with.
At that moment his cell phone rang.
Welcoming the distraction, he walked over to the nightstand and picked up the phone. When he saw Nadia’s number, his pulse skipped two crazy beats. He found himself smiling even before he pressed the answer button and murmured, “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.” Her sweet voice was a soothing balm to his nerves after the ugly confrontation with Holly. “Just got your message. I was meeting with a student.”
“Yeah, I figured you were still at work,” Reid said.
“I just left. We get off early on Fridays—one of the perks of working at a community college.” There was a smile in Nadia’s voice. “I’m glad you made it safely to Boston. Did you get some sleep on the plane?”
“Not really.”
“No? That’s too bad. I know you need your rest. I’ll feel guilty if you play badly because you were sleep deprived.”
Reid smiled, touched by her words. When was the last time any woman—other than his mother and sisters—had showed concern for his well-being?
“I’ll catch up on sleep tonight,” he promised.
“You’d better,” Nadia said.
His smile deepened. Tucking one hand into his pocket, he sauntered to the window and stared out at downtown Boston. “So what’re you doing tonight? Got any plans?”
“Nothing special. Just hanging out with Jess.”
“Yeah? Where?”
“We’re going to happy hour. I owe her a rain check since we were supposed to go on Tuesday night.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Well, Nelson and I were on our way to meet her at the bar when his editor called to tell him that he had to cover your team’s practice. That’s why I was there with him.”
Reid smiled. “So that’s who I have to thank. Your brother’s editor.”
“Yes.” He could hear the answering smile in Nadia’s voice. “He’s the one who made it possible for our paths to cross that night.”
“How can I ever repay him?” Reid murmured.
Nadia laughed softly. “I think you already have. Giving Nelson a quote for his column did wonders for the Dispatch. You put the paper on the map, and Nelson says they’ve had a sharp increase in online subscriptions.”
“Yeah?” Reid said with a chuckle. “Glad I could help.”
“So is Nelson. He’s more popular than ever, and now he’s the envy of every hockey reporter in the world.”
“Couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy,” Reid said sincerely. “I’ve been reading his columns. He’s a great writer.”
“He is,” Nadia said proudly. “I’m thrilled to see him getting the recognition he deserves. And I’m grateful to you for making it happen.”
Reid grinned mischievously. “How grateful?”
“Very grateful.”
“Can you be more specific?”
She purred seductively, “I’m so grateful that I could just lay you down and…mmm. How about I just show you when you get home?”
That was all it took to get Reid hard. “Damn, woman.”
Her naughty little laugh sent a shiver through his body and a burst of heat to his throbbing groin. Closing his eyes, he leaned his forehead against the cool window and groaned. “You’re driving me out of my damn mind.”
“Am I?” She sounded wickedly pleased. “Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you about the sexy lace thong I’m wearing under my—”
At Reid’s tortured groan, she let out a peal of laughter. The sound was soft and melodic and so bewitchingly sweet it brought an ache to his chest.
He stared at his reflection in the cold glass, fascinated by the sparkle in his eyes and the smile softening his face. He looked so happy and relaxed, he almost didn’t recognize himself.
“I know I haven’t been gone even a day,” he murmured, “but I miss you.”
He heard Nadia’s breath catch, and wondered if he’d said too much, too soon. But then she whispered, “I miss you too.”
A rush of warm pleasure spread through him, making him smile before he shook his head. “It’s gonna be a long ass season.”
She sighed. “I know.”
For the first time ever, Reid found himself envying other guys whose jobs didn’t require them to travel so much.
“Since you attended college in Boston,” Nadia said, changing the subject, “do you catch up with old classmates while you’re in town?”
Reid grimaced, thinking of Holly. No way was he telling Nadia about her. “I always have dinner with my old coach, and he comes to the games.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Nadia said warmly. “It’s great that you’ve kept in touch.”
“Definitely.” Reid smiled. “Coach York was an amazing mentor. He made me a better hockey player. I owe him everything.”
“That’s so sweet, Reid. He must be so proud of you and the awesome career you’re having.”
“He is.” Reid chuckled. “But he still gives me constructive criticism after every game.”
Nadia laughed. “Gotta keep you humble, right?”
“Something like that.” Turning, Reid propped his shoulder against the window, keeping one hand tucked inside his pocket. “You’re gonna have to change for happy hour. You can’t wear that thong.”
Nadia chuckled. “What should I wear instead? Some granny panties?”
Reid grinned. “Works for me.”
“I only wear those during that time of the month,” she said, her voice tinged with amusement. “Why can’t I wear my sexy thong to the bar?”
“Because the thought of you wearing that around a bunch of strange guys makes me jealous as hell. Have pity on me.”
Nadia laughed. “Well, I certainly don’t want to cause you any mental anguish.”
“I appreciate that.” Grinning, Reid stole a reluctant glance at the clock on the nightstand and then sighed. “I’d better grab a shower and get ready for dinner. Coach York’s always been a stickler for punctuality. If I’m one minute late, he’ll probably ream my ass out like he used to back in college.”
Nadia giggled. The sound made him smile. He was falling for her and hard.
“Good luck on the game tomorrow night,” she said warmly. “I’ll be cheering you on.”
“Thanks, babe. What time do you think you’ll be home tonight?”
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“I’m calling you after I get back from dinner.”
She sounded pleased. “Are you, now?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, then, I guess I’d better make sure I’m home.”
Reid grinned. “You do that.”
She laughed. “Yes, sir.”
“Talk to you later, beautiful.” Reid hung up and grinned harder, counting down the minutes and hours until he was back home with Nadia.
Oh, yeah, he was in trouble.
Serious fucking trouble.