8. Evie

Chapter 8

Evie

The lights came back on after the anthems—both American and Canadian—and the Speed, along with their opponent for the evening, the Quebec Cardinals, lined up for the opening face-off. The referee at center ice spoke to both centers briefly before they lined up their sticks opposite each other, and he dropped the puck.

I'd steered clear of hockey since the divorce. It was too painful to think about the life I'd left behind—the life I wished had been so very different. It hadn't been hard to do, considering Oklahoma wasn't exactly a hockey hotbed.

But seeing the game again after all this time had memories rushing back—hyping Jenner up before a big game, consoling him after a tough loss, or even watching other teams play each other during our nights in at home, calculating which ones we needed to win to help boost the Speed in the standings before playoffs.

Those all blurred together over time, but the one that stood out was when he'd convinced me to come watch him play for the very first time.

Coffee was life. There wasn't a soul alive who could convince me otherwise.

That's why I was currently standing ten people deep at my favorite campus coffee shop, impatiently tapping my foot and checking the time on my phone as the line moved at a snail's pace. I was going to be late for class, without a doubt.

Could I have bailed when I saw the line was out the door upon arrival? Sure, but then I'd have ended up face down on my desk while Professor Neilson droned on about calculus formulas. It seemed like such a pointless pre-requisite class. I was never going to use any of what was learned in real life.

Could I have hit up the coffee shop closer to the building where my class was? Definitely not. This was the only one on campus willing to make my favorite off-menu drink—a grasshopper frappuccino.

By the time I reached the counter and placed my order, I was twenty minutes late for an hour-long lecture. Deciding to borrow notes from a classmate, I grabbed my chilled coffee and sat down at a table near the window. Might as well enjoy this beautiful fall Arizona day.

I was still pinching myself that I'd not only gotten into the program of my dreams for international finance but that my parents had allowed me to accept and move almost a thousand miles from home. I couldn't deny the location's weather held a certain appeal when applying. The mid-seventy-degree weather in November was something I could get used to.

Accepting the change in my morning's schedule, I reached into my backpack for my laptop when a male voice spoke behind me, "Looks like we meet again, Evie."

Spinning around to find the owner of the slightly familiar voice, I discovered it to be the boy who'd so brazenly walked up to our group in the quad a month or so ago just to speak to me.

Jenner Knight.

He stood out in a crowd with his auburn hair—currently hidden beneath a backward-facing ball cap—and I'd assumed I would have seen him around after that day, but we'd never crossed paths again.

Until now.

Not wanting to appear too eager, I arched an eyebrow. "Did I miss the part where we became friends?"

I'd teased him the day we met, giving him my full name instead of the nickname everyone used. It was a test to see if he would pursue me. And for the past month, when I hadn't seen him again, I figured he'd moved on, perhaps forgotten about our brief encounter. It gave me a small thrill to know I'd been wrong.

Grabbing the empty chair at my table, Jenner spun it around to sit on it backward. Folding his arms over the back of it, his coffee-colored eyes sparkled in the sunlight streaming in through the window.

"You're right. We aren't friends yet. But I'd like to remedy that situation."

God, he was so sure of himself. I could use a man who matched me in that department.

Biting back a smirk, I eyed the Glendale State logo stitched on his track jacket. It was also visible on the T-shirt he wore beneath, and if I were a betting woman, I'd lay odds that if his hat were flipped the other way, I would find it there as well.

"Did you leave any merch behind at the campus bookstore for any of your fellow students?"

His hearty laughter filled the small coffee shop, and almost every head turned in our direction at the sound.

When he calmed down, he looked me dead in the eye. "You know, I thought you were beautiful from across the quad, but it was that bit of sass you hit me with that day that made you damn near irresistible."

Those dark brown eyes scanned me from across the table, causing my blood to heat and my thighs to clench.

I decided to make him work for it. "If I'm so irresistible, how has it taken you a month to approach me again?"

A corner of his lips tipped up. "It's a big campus. And if I recall, you barely wanted to offer me your name, let alone your phone number."

He had a point there.

"If I'm being totally honest, I've been training. There wasn't much free time to be trolling campus for the blonde who stole my breath away."

"Training, huh? What major does that fall under?"

Jenner chuckled. "Not exactly a major, but it is the reason I'm at Glendale State. It also serves as an explanation for the university-branded apparel from head to toe. I play for the hockey team."

I already knew this information, mainly because Natasha had rambled on about him for the rest of the day following our initial run-in.

Tilting my head, I questioned, "You decided to come to the desert to play a sport that requires ice?"

He flashed me with a brilliant smile. "Sand or snow, doesn't matter to me, so long as I get to play."

Thanks to Natasha, I was more equipped for this conversation than I should've been, given that I knew very little about hockey.

"Drafted or still chasing the dream?"

Jenner lifted his chin. He seemed almost offended that I would even ask. "Drafted."

Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my arms, pushing my breasts up. I was pleased when his gaze dipped to stare at my cleavage. I had big tits. Sure, sometimes they made finding clothes difficult, and going braless was damn near impossible, but in situations such as this, they were a hell of an asset.

"So, you'd say you've mastered your stick-handling skills, then?"

Eyes snapping up, his mouth dropped open on a stunned exhale. Rubbing a hand over his jaw, he muttered, "Fuck me. You're gonna take me on a hell of a ride, aren't you?"

"Only if you're lucky, hotshot," I replied.

"Am I allowed to call you Evie now?"

I shrugged. "I suppose so."

He flashed me a victorious grin. "So, tell me, Evie." Okay, I had to admit my name sounded really good falling from his lips. "Where do you hail from? I couldn't help but notice you have a bit of an accent."

"Little town you've probably never heard of. Rust Canyon, Oklahoma. How 'bout you?"

"We moved to Boston for my dad's work when I was a teenager, but I spent most of my childhood in Toronto."

My eyebrows shot high on my forehead. "You're Canadian?"

Jenner scoffed playfully. "You say that like it's a bad thing. Technically, yes, since I was born on Canadian soil, but my parents are both American, so I have dual citizenship."

I was intrigued. Coming to college was my first ever move. My parents had brought me home from the hospital to the same house I'd lived in my entire life. My decision to pursue international finance was motivated by my desire to see the world.

"But if all goes to plan, I'll spend most of my adulthood in Indianapolis."

Unable to contain my surprise, I said, "That's a strange choice."

He lifted a shoulder. "Not really mine. The professional team that drafted me is located there."

"Ah. I see." I pretended like I understood, but I didn't really. I knew next to nothing about the lives of professional athletes or how the draft worked.

"Listen, since we're friends now, Evie." His smile was infectious, and I found myself returning it. "If I got you a ticket to come to our game on Thursday night, do you think you might want to come see me play?"

I chewed on my lower lip. He was cute, and he was interested in me. There wasn't any reason to say no, other than I knew nothing about the sport he had seemingly staked his future on.

"Make it two tickets, and I think I can free up my schedule."

Pulling on the back of his neck, Jenner sounded unsure for the first time since I'd met him. "Is the second ticket for a date?"

He was even more adorable when he was nervous. Normally, I'd make him sweat, but I'd already put him through his paces enough for one day.

"I was thinking of asking my friend, Natasha. Not sure if you remember her?"

The tension in his shoulders eased, and he breathed out, "Oh, yes. Of course. Two tickets it is."

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

His handsome face took on a confused expression. "Am I?"

"Pretty sure this is the part where you ask for my phone number."

Jenner dragged a hand down his face. "Right. Sorry. A pretty girl says she's coming to my game, and my brain shuts down."

I bit back a smile. This was going to be fun for however long it lasted.

"Fucking right, baby!"

A scream from beside me jarred me back to reality. Dakota was practically standing on her chair, cheering. When I peeked down at the ice, five guys in Indy Speed red and black were hugging against the glass. That could only mean one thing: the Speed had scored a goal.

The crowd inside Speed Arena was on their feet, screaming for the home team as they took the lead.

Dakota sat down, placing a hand to her chest. "Sorry, I get so excited when Braxton scores. He works so damn hard, you know? It's not easy being Jaxon's little brother."

I gave her a genuine smile. "I totally get it. I think it's great you're so invested." Tilting my head over my shoulder at the handful of ladies milling around the suite, paying no attention to the game, I added quietly so as not to be overheard, "Not all partners care as much."

Chewing her lip, she eyed me shyly. "Can I tell you a secret?"

Oh God, if she tells me she's pregnant, I might just scream.

Bracing myself, I swallowed, nodding. "Sure."

Leaning in close, Dakota dropped her voice to a whisper. "I used to know nothing about hockey."

Sheer relief coursed through my veins as laughter bubbled up from my chest.

Dakota laughed with me. "Crazy, right?"

I used a finger to cross my heart. "Your secret's safe with me, darlin'. You'd never be able to tell the way you were hootin' and hollerin'."

Her blue eyes lit up. "Oh! I just love how you talk! Where are you from?"

"Oklahoma."

"Ooooh. Hearing you has me itching to write a small-town country series. If I did, would you help me with research? I'm a city girl, through and through."

Shrugging, I replied, "Why not? Could be fun to see my hometown portrayed in fiction."

She clapped her hands. "Awesome! I've gotta tie up my current work in progress while the guys are on the road, but maybe when they get back, you, me, and Bristol can catch up over lunch, and I can pick your brain and see if anything sparks inspiration."

"Sounds like a plan."

"And you're coming to Pipes tonight, right?"

"Um . . ." I struggled with how to respond. I'd come to the game to be seen, but I didn't want to impose on Jenner's life any more than I already had. Going out to the Speed's post-game hangout—a popular karaoke bar in Indy—with the team seemed like a step too far for our fragile arrangement.

Dakota didn't seem to notice my hesitation as she continued to chatter away. "If we play our cards right and sneak a few extra drinks to Bristol without Maddox noticing, you may get to experience the rare treat of her getting up on stage."

Intrigued, I asked, "How many drinks does it take for that to happen?"

A wicked smirk curved on her lips. "Depends on the kind of drink. We get her a double whiskey or two, and it won't take long."

"And her getting up on stage is a good thing?"

Dakota snorted, not bothering to hide her amusement. "Oh, it's fucking terrible. But entertaining as hell."

"Well, how can I say no to that?"

"You can't. Trust me when I tell you it's a show you don't want to miss."

Our conversation died off as we focused on the game being played. I grew mesmerized by the effortless skating and ease with which the players passed the puck perfectly onto their teammates' sticks. I knew how hard they'd worked to hone their skills, all with the hopes of making it to this professional stage and having the world view them as the very best.

Even if I wasn't the same wife I'd been to Jenner years ago, I was always so very proud of all he'd accomplished.

Pipes was exactly as I remembered, with its honky-tonk vibes.

The neon lights cast a glow over the dimly lit establishment as music blared from strategically placed speakers. On home game nights, the place was usually packed with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the players or perhaps celebrate a victory with them, and tonight was no exception. Thankfully, Larry, the owner, always set up a reserved section of seating for the team.

There had been a brief flicker of surprise on Jenner's face when I mentioned that Dakota had invited me to Pipes, but he covered it quickly, declaring that he would drive us there and we could retrieve my car from the garage when he had practice tomorrow.

The bar was only a couple of blocks from the arena, but I couldn't help but notice how Jenner's hand twitched where it rested on the center console of his SUV on the ride over.

Was he upset that I'd inadvertently inserted myself into his friend group? I could only imagine his life had been peaceful in my absence, and now I'd thrown it into chaos. That was why I didn't understand why he'd been so adamant about getting remarried and playing an active role in my—our—potential child's life.

I couldn't get a good read on the man whom I'd once known better than myself.

But if Jenner's inner thoughts were difficult to interpret, Maddox made no effort to hide his. When Bristol stood on a chair, waving us over to their table the minute we walked in, Maddox's green eyes narrowed as his lips thinned.

His cool glance had a shiver rolling down my spine, but I held my ground by Jenner's side.

Folding his arms over his chest, he challenged, "Are we all just pretending like the last four years didn't happen? That it didn't destroy Jenner when you left without a word?"

Never let it be said that Maddox tiptoed around a subject. He'd played nice on our "wedding day," but it would appear that my stay of execution had been revoked. It was time to answer for my sins.

Bristol's bright blue eyes widened, and her jaw dropped open before she shrieked, "Maddox, what is wrong with you?"

I held up a hand. "It's okay, Bristol."

"No, it's not." My head whipped to the side at Jenner's dangerous tone. He was openly glaring at his best friend, jaw clenched tight. "You don't fucking speak to my wife like that. Ever . Do you understand?"

My eyes volleyed between the two men, the air thick with tension. I'd never seen them square off like this before.

And it was because of me.

My selfishness was ruining Jenner's life.

"Maybe we should go." I tugged on Jenner's arm, but he wouldn't budge.

"Maybe Maddox should leave. You have more of a right to be here than he does. He's not a player anymore."

Bristol's hand flew to her mouth on a gasp, and she peered up at her fiancé. The cracking of Maddox's knuckles as he tightened them into fists was audible even over the loud music in the bar.

I might not have been around these past few years, but it didn't take a genius to figure out that when Maddox went after Jenner's sore spot, Jenner had no problem returning the favor.

Green eyes glittering with rage, Maddox asked, "You want me to leave?"

"You're my best friend, but so help me God, if you disrespect my wife ever again, we're gonna have a problem."

Maddox grunted, turning away and taking a seat.

Bristol shifted on her feet. "I'm really sorry. I don't know what's gotten into him."

Jenner sighed. "I do, but he's going to have to get over it."

I nudged him gently. "Go buy him a drink."

"A drink isn't going to fix this."

"It can't hurt."

Bristol looped her arm around my elbow before speaking to Jenner. "Yeah, go hang out with Grumpy Gus, and I'm gonna steal your wife for a bit. Okay?"

He gave us a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Have fun."

Bristol led me to the bar, where she ordered herself a whiskey neat. When the bartender turned to me, I waved him off. "Just water is fine."

The young woman by my side groaned. "Don't let Maddox ruin your night. In fact, the best way to get back at him is to order the most expensive drink on the menu." She whipped out a black credit card stamped with his name before relinquishing it to the man behind the bar. "Open a tab, please."

A lowball glass of amber liquid was placed on the bartop, and Bristol threw it back in a single gulp, twirling her finger to signal another. Pressing that finger to her lips, she said to me, "Our little secret, yeah?"

"Of course."

Maddox was a broody asshole sometimes, but I never saw him as controlling. Why were Dakota and Bristol trying to hide how many drinks she consumed in front of him?

Once her glass was refilled and a bottle of water was handed to me, we made our way back to the table. Dakota was waiting for us, and the three guys were at the opposite end, leaving some space between the two groups.

Bristol dropped onto a chair with a dramatic sigh before tossing her second drink—or at least what I'd seen as her second drink—down her throat.

"Seriously, Evie, I've never seen the two of them like that before." She paused, her forehead wrinkling. "No, wait. Once before. They were arguing at Dakota's wedding." Bristol pointed a finger at her dark-haired friend.

That must have been the wedding he'd been headed to when I showed up on his doorstep unannounced.

Dakota leaned her elbows on the table. "What did I miss?"

Bristol rolled her eyes. "Maddox was a dick to Evie, and then Jenner threatened to revoke his invite to hang with the players post-game."

"What? Why would he be mean to Evie? That makes no sense."

I sighed sadly. "Unfortunately, I know."

"Care to share with the class, Mrs. Knight?" Bristol teased.

"He's trying to protect Jenner. I get it. The way I left . . ." I blew out a heavy breath. "I've come to accept that it wasn't right, but it was one of those things where, in the moment, I was hurting and needed to get away."

Sympathy shone in Bristol's blue eyes. "I know a thing or two about running away. I'm not sure if Dakota mentioned it, but we're both from Connecticut. She followed Braxton out here after the Speed traded with the Comets to bring him here, and when things went south in my love life, I followed them both. I got out of a bad situation, and I won't apologize for it."

Nodding, I muttered, "Yeah, me too."

Dakota gripped my arm, eyes darting to the guys. "Do you need help?"

"Help?" I blinked at her.

She made a gesture toward Jenner. "Do you feel unsafe?"

Realization sank in that she thought my bad situation meant my husband was abusing me. A hand flew to my chest. "Oh God, no. Sorry if I made it seem like something else. Jenner has always treated me well." Probably better than I deserve. "I promise."

Relief passed over her features. "Thank God. Would have shaken me to the core to hear that Jenner was one of those guys really good at hiding his ugly side."

Bristol leaned across the table. "She took a deep dive into dark romance a little while back. Now everyone is morally gray or worse in her mind."

Morally gray. Seemed more of a fitting description for me than Jenner, especially these days.

"She's right." Dakota nodded. "My imagination runs away with me sometimes."

I gave her a smile. "Probably a good thing for an author, I bet."

She laughed. "It does come in handy sometimes, I'll admit."

A waitress stopped by the table, and Dakota and Bristol ordered another round of drinks. At their insistence, I joined them, ordering a Long Island iced tea. I figured if I was playing catch-up, I needed something strong.

There was a rowdy cheer from the crowd, and I noticed a tall man with long, blond hair almost down to his chin taking the stage. He was easily in his mid-twenties but had a boyish grin on his face as he winked at his fans. Defined muscles were visible through his tight T-shirt, and one arm was covered in tattoos down to the wrist.

The music kicked on, the heavy electric guitar indicating it was a rock-and-roll classic. Immediately, the man began jumping around on stage, his hair flying around his face as he sang like he didn't have a care in the world.

Dakota wolf-whisted, and Bristol's head dropped back in laughter.

"Do we know him?" I asked the two ladies.

"That's Goose," Bristol explained. "He's our goalie."

"How much has he had to drink?"

"Goose doesn't drink," Dakota answered.

"Seriously?" That seemed doubtful. He was way too uninhibited for me to believe that.

"Nope." She shook her head. "Sober by choice."

"Is he always that hyper?"

It was closing in on midnight, and the man had played an entire hockey game. I knew the guys had adrenaline to burn off after a win, but this guy took it to a new level.

Bristol peeled her eyes away from the display he was putting on. "Yup. He's a total golden retriever."

"A what?"

Dakota smirked. "It's a book thing. Sorry if it sounds like we are talking in code. We're used to it being the two of us. It means a guy who is peppy and happy and energetic all the time. Like a golden retriever. Get it?"

Huh. Now that she said it, I could kinda see it.

Sighing, Bristol remarked, "Can you imagine how that kind of energy translates to the bedroom? Phew." She pretended to fan herself as our server returned with a tray carrying our drinks.

"Yeah, well, you can't be all swoony over the young guy and his never-ending supply of stamina when you decided to settle down with an older man," Dakota teased.

Bristol scoffed at her friend. "Trust me, that is not an issue with Maddox. And even if he did lack in endurance, he certainly makes up for it in girth and length."

My eyes about damn near bulged out of my head.

Dakota noticed my distress, covering for her friend. "Don't mind her. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone knows she's got the guy with the biggest dick on the team. Or, I guess not ‘on' the team since he doesn't play anymore, but it doesn't matter; he'd still win."

Bristol let out a pornographic moan. "What can I say? Maddox puts the ‘big dick' in big dick energy, and I am so here for it."

Trying not to make it too obvious, I slid my gaze to the opposite end of the table. When I locked eyes with Maddox himself, glaring at me openly, I quickly turned back to the girls.

Even though it had been years since we'd last slept together, I hadn't forgotten that Jenner wasn't exactly lacking in that department. So, to hear that Maddox was bigger ? Bristol was a tiny little thing; it was a miracle he didn't split her apart if that were true.

The redhead must have read my mind as she continued to overshare. "Most days, it's a struggle not only to walk but sit down." She winked. "If you know what I mean."

Dakota groaned. "We all know what you mean."

"Just saying. You need more spanking in your stories, babe."

Rolling her eyes, Dakota muttered, "I'll keep that in mind." When she noticed me sitting there, gawking at the two of them, her cheeks darkened visibly, even in the dimmed room. "If we're speaking too freely and you're uncomfortable, please stop us. When you write sex for a living and your bestie is your sounding board, there's really nothing off-limits."

I offered them a smile. "You're totally fine. No need to censor yourselves for me."

They were both so young, happy, and in love. While initially shocking, I couldn't deny that it was a breath of fresh air that they seemed to have a judgment-free relationship.

It made me miss Natasha.

When life got tough, I'd closed in on myself, shutting out everyone close to me—including my best friend. We hadn't spoken in years by the time I left Jenner, and at that point, I could have used someone to talk to. But I'd figured too much time had passed, and she wouldn't pick up the phone.

I hated how much infertility had stolen from me.

Taking a big sip from my drink, I winced at how strong they'd made it. At least I'd sleep good tonight.

Hmm. Maybe if I indulge a little too much, Jenner will carry me to bed.

Shit. Had the alcohol hit me that fast? Or maybe it was seeing him play again and hanging out post-game at Pipes with the team that made me forget all the pain of the past.

I wasn't na?ve enough to believe he could ever forgive me for the mistakes I'd made, for how poorly I'd handled my grief, and for refusing to talk to him when I ran away from my problems like a coward.

"Okay. I think I'm ready," Bristol announced, standing suddenly and drawing me from my mental pity party.

"Ready?" I asked.

Dakota leaned over to bump her shoulder against mine. "Now, it's time to sit back and enjoy the show."

Bristol was still professionally dressed from the game in a blouse and pencil skirt, but as she approached the steps to the stage, she untucked her blouse, undoing the bottom buttons so she could tie the ends, baring her midriff. Next, her hands tangled in her long copper hair, twisting it into a bun at the top of her head. She kicked off her heels and sauntered boldly to the microphone.

Jenner's groan was so loud I turned my head to peek at him. He dragged a hand down his face as he muttered to Maddox, "Not again."

Maddox punched him in the arm. "If I don't get to say a negative word about your wife, the same goes for mine."

Jenner must have felt the weight of my stare because he shifted his gaze to meet mine, mouthing, So bad .

The music changed to whatever song Bristol chose, and she shimmied her hips, swaying to the beat. Her eyes slid closed as her head tipped back. She was definitely feeling good. I wondered how many drinks she'd had tonight because Dakota made it sound like the threshold was pretty high for her to get on stage to sing.

When she opened her mouth, I winced instantly. Jenner was right. She was terrible. But she didn't seem to care. I guess enough alcohol would do that to a girl.

A quick peek at Maddox showed him leaning forward in his chair, his eyes never leaving his fiancée. He didn't seem to mind her singing. In fact, she held his attention like she was putting on an award-winning vocal performance.

I felt a slight ache in my chest, having known that kind of love—where you accepted a person for all their strengths and flaws—and then losing it.

I would never have that again.

The song ended, much to the crowd's relief. When Bristol stepped toward the touchpad to choose another song, Maddox stood, reaching out to her, coaxing. "Baby, one was enough. Come on down."

Bristol spun on her bare heel before launching herself into Maddox's arms. He caught her easily, and her limbs wrapped around him before her mouth descended on his. I couldn't tear my eyes away as they made out like teenagers in public. Maddox dropped into a chair as Bristol shamelessly writhed on his lap.

A voice spoke in my ear. "And that is why Maddox isn't a fan of her getting drunk enough to sing. He might be the only person alive who doesn't mind that she's tone-deaf, but now he's going to have his hands full tonight."

Maybe it had been too long since I'd had a man's hands on me, but I was getting a little overheated watching the two of them paw at each other like there wasn't another soul in the room.

"Doesn't seem all that bad," I breathed out.

Dakota's voice carried a trace of amusement. "It's not, but he hates his players seeing her like this. But she's too far gone now, and he wouldn't be able to stop it if he tried."

Her husband, Braxton, whom I'd been introduced to earlier in the evening, approached where we sat. "Babe, it's time to go. You know I love Bristol, but the only woman I want to watch come tonight is you."

Dakota pulled me into a hug. "Well, I'm off. Enjoy your post-win sex. I know I will."

The only post-win sex I'd be having would involve a partner made of silicone.

Lucky me.