18. Rachel

CHAPTER 18

RACHEL

T rue to his word, my lawyer takes care of the Charles issue. After I file the official police report, I give a copy to Grant and he requests the judge revisit our custody agreement. The judge acquiesces, and Grant immediately sends the new paperwork to Charles’s lawyer.

I can pinpoint the exact second Charles finds out because he blows up my phone. I ignore the first ten calls, then Xander picks it up.

“You bitch!” Charles screams so loud the cell rattles in Xander’s enormous palm.

“It’s actually Xander, but that’s cool. What do you want?”

“Where’s Rachel? I need to talk to that stupid whore.”

“Stop right there. You will not call her or anyone else names or I’m disconnecting. Got it, champ?” Xander glares at the cell.

“Whatever. Where is she?”

“I’m right here, Charles. What do you want? Make it snappy because it’s almost dinnertime.” I thrum my fingers on the kitchen counter, anxiety humming through me. Talking to Charles has that effect, even when he’s miles away.

“How dare you go to the police. We had a little argument. You’re overreacting.”

I bite at my lip, blow out a quick breath. “I’m not. The police didn’t think so, the judge didn’t think so, the lawyers didn’t think so. You have a copy of the new agreement. I expect you to abide by that. Hopefully, the anger management classes will help you better yourself and you can see Jett again eventually.”

“You bitch!” Charles spits out the words.

“That’s a penalty. Bye-bye.” Xander clicks disconnect on the phone and the line goes dead. Predictably, Charles calls back multiple times, but I send him directly to voicemail.

“He won’t bully you anymore, Rach.” Xander rubs soothing circles on my back, and I relax under his touch.

“Thanks, Xander. I like the plan in place now, with no contact between me and Charles and supervised visits once a month. But what happens when he jumps through the hoops the court set up? He’ll do anything to get revenge.”

“He’ll learn from his mistakes, like you said. I’ve got your back, no matter what. He’s one dumb son of a bitch if he messes with me.” Xander cracks his knuckles, the sound echoing around the spacious kitchen, and I laugh.

“That’s true. Although the man’s not widely known for his intelligence.”

“He’ll get it together. Or he won’t see Jett.” Xander shrugs and I know he’s right.

The phone rings again, but this time it’s not my cell. Xander checks the caller ID and snatches the phone up.

“Hi, Coach.” Holding up his index finger, Xander wanders away to take the call in private.

The sense of calm from moments ago vanishes, anxiety chugging through my veins. I’m not sure what Xander’s coach will say, but I know our cozy cocoon will be rocked either way.

Pacing the kitchen, I’m glad Jett’s with Harper and Jackson right now. I open the fridge and pour myself a glass of wine, take a long sip.

Finally, Xander wanders back into the kitchen.

“You want the good news or the bad news?” He spreads his open palms and I point to his right hand.

“The good news first.”

“The suspension is lifted. The GM and my coach saw the photos of the hockey team after our first win and liked the positive press. I’m back on the Blades.”

“I’m so glad.” Winding my arms around his neck, I kiss him on his warm lips. “Congrats.”

“Thanks. The bad news? I have to leave tomorrow. We have a series in Detroit coming up. I’ll be gone for ten days.”

“Oh.” My heart sinks. Ten days without Xander feels like an eternity.

“Babe.” He strokes my cheek with his thumb. “It’ll fly by and I’ll be back before you know it.”

“I know. I’m going to miss you, though.”

“I’ll miss you, too. You and Jett both. But we’ll make this work, yeah?” He gazes down at me and my pulse races.

For this man, anything.

“Absolutely.”

“Good.” He claims my mouth with his and heat unfolds deep in my belly as his hands move down to my ass. He squeezes and I giggle against his lips.

“I’m going to miss this.”

“Me too. But I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Xander flies out the next day and I try to go about my daily routine, pretending everything’s normal. Jett and I stay at his house—he thinks it’s safer, with the security cameras and all—and I’m not about to argue. I go through the motions of our routine, trying to distract myself until Xander returns: work, school, hockey practice. Repeat.

But life feels empty without Xander here, especially at the hockey rink. It’s just not the same being there without him.

After practice on Wednesday, I’m shoving through the front door with Jett’s gear bag slung over my shoulder. I kick something with my foot and bend down to snatch up the envelope lodged beneath the door.

Tearing it open, I rifle through and pull out two first-class plane tickets to Detroit for this Friday, along with family VIP passes for the hockey game. There’s also a handwritten note:

Rach—

I miss you guys. Hope you can make it to the game on Friday.

Love,

Xander

Tears fill my eyes as I stare down at the tickets. “Jett, we’re going to Detroit on Friday.”

“What? Why?”

“Xander sent us tickets to the game.” I hold out the plastic badges for Jett.

“That’s so cool!” Jett glides his hand along the badge in awe, tracing the Kovac at the bottom. “I can’t wait!”

“Me neither. It’s going to be great. Go wash up for dinner, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.” Jett trots away and I whip out my cell and call Xander. He doesn’t answer—he’s probably still at practice—so I shoot him a text.

Rachel: Got the tickets. SO excited. Thank you

A few minutes later, my cell vibrates.

Xander: Can’t wait to see you, babe. Love you

Rachel: Love you and miss you

Xander: Same

Friday can’t come soon enough.

First class doesn’t disappoint. I accept the sparkly champagne offered by the flight attendant, along with an apple juice for Jett. We settle in and before we know it, we’re landing in Detroit.

We head to baggage claim to get the luggage, and Xander has a car waiting for us. The driver helps us maneuver the luggage through the airport, then we speed down the interstate to the team hotel.

At the front desk, I give Xander’s name and, after checking my ID, the concierge slides a key to me. Taking Jett by the hand, we wheel our suitcases over to the gold elevator doors. Inside, I mash the button for the fifteenth floor, and we rocket to the top of the hotel. The doors slide open, and we walk down an airy hallway, finally finding Xander’s room.

Unlocking the door, we step into the largest hotel room I’ve ever seen. Everything’s white—the couch in the sitting room, the wet bar, the beds in both bedrooms, and the massive en suite bathroom.

“Mommy, this room’s huge!” Jett turns around in circles, taking in the view of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

“I know, it’s beautiful.”

“Oh, what is this?” Jett holds up two shiny silver packages, each topped with a blue bow. “It has my name on it! And yours!” He hands my gift over to me. “Can I open it now? Please?”

“Yes, but then we have to hurry to the game. It’s starting soon.”

Jett tears through the paper and holds up a dark blue jersey with KOVAC written across the back.

“Cool! It’s Xander’s jersey. Number 23. Open yours, Mommy!”

I follow Jett’s lead, ripping through the gift wrap to reveal an identical shirt, only bigger.

“Wow—we have matching jerseys! I love it.” Jett throws the new shirt over his sweatshirt and beams up at me.

My heart is so full right now. I haven’t seen my child this happy in forever.

“Put yours on, too.” He tugs at my arm, bringing me back to reality.

I drop the luggage in the main bedroom and change my shirt out for the jersey, then we head back downstairs to the lobby. The driver from the airport’s waiting for us, and he ushers us out to the car. He darts into traffic and we make it to the arena five minutes before the game starts.

“Here’s your badge.” I slip the plastic nameplate over Jett’s head. “Stay close, I’m not sure where we’re going.”

Taking Jett by the hand, we climb the stairs of the arena to the security line. As soon as they glimpse our badges, a security officer steps over and guides us to the escalators. He escorts us through the crowd, depositing the two of us in the family area. There’s a crowd of people, and Jett and I make our way over to empty seats.

“Are you Rachel?” An older woman leans over, tapping me on the shoulder.

“I am.”

“I’m Molly, Axl’s mother. Axl’s a defenseman and he and Xander are good friends. Xander asked me to be on the lookout for you and your son. Oh, hello there.” Molly reaches out and shakes Jett’s outstretched little hand. “What fine manners you have. Your mom must be so proud.”

Jett grins up at her. “Thank you. Did you know Xander’s my hockey coach? I love hockey. I play goalie, just like him.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m sure he’s a fantastic coach.”

“He is. He taught me to stay low and cover as much of the ice as I can.”

“That’s solid advice.”

The lights dim and the crowd starts cheering, the floor vibrating beneath our feet as people stomp and shout. The Detroit players skate onto the ice and the arena gets even louder. Then the Boston players skate out one by one. When Xander’s announced, Jett jumps up and down, waving wildly.

“Xander!”

Miraculously, Xander somehow hears and glances up into the crowd. Jett flails his arm and Xander grins, winking at us.

Heat creeps up my neck into my cheeks and I’m warm all over, smiling and waving back at him.

I love this man.

All six-foot-six of him. His body, but also his huge heart and protective nature.

The game begins, with Detroit winning the face-off. Xander shifts in the goal, singularly focused on the puck. Jett’s watching raptly and every inch of me is tense and ready, as if I’m in the game.

I want this win for Xander.

The puck flies toward him and he crouches down, stopping it with his stick. He slaps the disc to his left defenseman.

“That’s it, Axl!” Molly cheers for her son and Jett joins in.

“Let’s go, Boston!”

Axl and the other defenseman get the puck over to the wings and they take it from there, scoring the first goal of the night. Everyone around us whoops and hollers, Jett hugging me.

“Yes!” Molly high-fives Jett and a shiver of excitement ripples through me. I can’t believe how much fun it is watching a professional hockey game, especially now that I’m dating the goalie.

The first period flies by with no more goals. Xander stops everything that comes near his net, staring down every puck. I take Jett to get food during intermission and by the time we’re back the second period’s started.

“Did we miss anything?” Jett asks Molly.

“Not really. We made an attempt, but their goalie stopped it.”

“Shoot.” Jett’s lower lip juts out, his eyes glued to the ice. The puck flies by, heading straight toward Xander. He gets wide and I hold my breath as the black disc hurtles toward the net.

“Yes! Go, Xander!” Jett pumps his hand into the air, screaming, as Xander hits the puck away from the net.

“He’s playing great tonight.” Molly smiles at us, and heat flows through me. I’d love to believe it’s because we’re here, but I doubt it. Xander always plays well.

Neither team manages to score during the second period and we roll into intermission. After a quick bathroom break and more snacks, we’re back in our seats for the end of the game.

Jett munches popcorn happily while I stare at Xander, marveling at how fantastic he is. Strong and powerful, he’s in his element out on the ice.

He was right—he is a protector. And right now, he’s defending his house.

Boston scores two more goals in the last three minutes and Xander makes four more saves. The final score: Boston three, Detroit one.

“We win! We win!” Jett hops up and down like a jackrabbit on speed and I pray he’ll be able to sleep tonight.

“Well done, boys.” Molly packs up, giving Jett a quick squeeze. “It was great meeting you both. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other from now on.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Jett says in his most polite voice.

“Oh, call me Molly. You be sure to tell Xander what a wonderful job he did tonight, okay?”

Jett nods and drinks the last slug of his fruit punch from the concession stand.

“It was nice to meet you, Molly.” I smile at the woman and she leans in, hugging me as well.

“Likewise. We’ll have you over for dinner next time you’re in Boston. You better get down there—I think someone’s waiting for you.” Molly points at the ice, where Xander’s still skating laps, cooling down after the game.

“Oh, right. Come on, Jett.” I take his hand and follow the signs down to the lower level.

We walk through the nearly empty rows, heading over to the glass partition. Xander spots us and skates over.

“Hey, buddy. What did you think of the game?” he shouts through the glass.

“Loved it! Great win. Thanks for the jersey too.” Jett spins around, modeling for Xander.

“It fits you great. Looks good. On both of you.” Xander lifts his gaze, locking eyes with me, and my pulse picks up speed.

I twirl around like Jett did and Xander presses his hand to the glass. “I especially like the back. KOVAC looks good on you.”

I blush, heat flaming my face. “Thanks. For everything. The plane tickets, the game, the jerseys.”

“You bet. I missed you.”

“Same.” I lift my hand up, joining my palm with his on the glass. We stare at one another for a long second, my heart pounding.

“Hey, Kovac.” A player with dark, wavy hair skates over, thumping Xander hard on the back. “You gonna introduce me to your new lady or what?”

Xander half-scowls at him, then his face breaks into a grin. “Axl, this is Rachel. She’s way too good for me, which means you need to keep your distance.”

“Whoa!” Axl throws his palms up, acting innocent. “Brother, you know I’d never disrespect you like that. And you must be Jett.” Axl smiles at Jett. “This guy’s told me all about you. Said he needs to practice extra hard or you’ll be coming for his position.”

Jett beams at Axl, then up at Xander, shrugging. “Maybe. He’s still a little better than me, though.”

“He’s got a lot more practice under his belt. Give it time. Nice to finally meet you both.” Axl winks at me cheekily and Xander shoves him.

“Watch yourself,” Xander warns, and Axl chuckles.

“You coming out with the team to celebrate?” Axl asks.

“Don’t think so. The little dude needs to get some sleep. Maybe next time.” Xander pats Axl on the back and he shakes his head, his dark waves brushing over his jersey.

“Already domesticated. Nice work, Rachel. You tamed the bad boy of hockey.”

“Get going before I check your butt,” Xander snarls playfully at Axl and he skates off, waving.

Xander turns back to us. “You ready? I have to grab my stuff, then we can head out. Order room service, watch a movie.”

“Yeah!” Jett cheers, and my heart’s about to burst with love.

I never thought I’d be this happy again, but here I am with the two guys who matter most to me in the world.

“Sounds perfect.” I smile at Xander and he winks one more time before skating away to the locker room.