2. Drake

Emma Matthews.

I chuckle to myself as I think back to those pouty red lips and that gorgeous, toned body of hers.

She has really glowed up since the last time I saw her.

My mind instantly goes back to that night in college when I'd met up with her at a Frat party. Damn, if she didn't take my breath away that night.

I was the fool though. I left a note on the refrigerator, telling her I had an early class and that I'd bring back coffee if she wanted to stick around. Left my cell phone number on that note too.

She was gone when I got back, the note was still on the fridge. I had no way of contacting her.

She had no intention of sticking around, that much had been clear. I'd gotten her number from Chasity, but then saw that she was dating someone and I left her alone.

Man, did I ever have a crush on her. Seeing her that night was like my wildest fantasies coming true.

What is it they say? You should never meet your heroes?

In this case, you should never hook up with your childhood crush; the sex will be phenomenal, but you'll be disappointed after the fact when you learn who she really is.

Yeah, I have followed her skating career but so much of that is edited and airbrushed, I didn't imagine she'd be even more gorgeous than she was that night.

Time has been good to her, unfortunately.

"Oh look, another complaint about Zane," Callie groans as she walks into my office. "That's the third one this week."

Stop daydreaming about Emma. She broke your heart once, you aren't about to let it happen again, are you?

"What is it this time?"

"Got into a fight with Jimmy."

"Verbal or physical?"

"Both. On the ice."

"Do we know why?"

"Jimmy's girlfriend."

"Did Zane sleep with her?"

"That's to be determined, but I'd go with yes. The bar next door also said he was being rude to female customers and staff."

"Lovely. Where is he?"

"Just came in the building for practice."

"Can you call and have Coach send him up before he gets dressed?"

"Already did," she smiles.

"Thanks, Callie."

"He's such a gifted athlete, too bad he's an ass."

I nod. He reminds me of me a long time ago. Arrogant, bullheaded, and a know-it-all. He needs someone to help him see the light.

He has such a promising hockey future ahead of him, but his attitude and behavior could end it all for him.

Emma's gorgeous blue eyes pop into my mind. I wonder how long she's home for.

I pull out my phone and go to the text thread with my sister, Chasity.

Did you know Emma's in town?

I did not

She didn't text you?

I haven't talked to her in forever. You know this. Why are you asking?

She looks incredible

Looks don't matter if she's a jerk

There's a knock on my office door and I look up to see Zane standing there. There's a scowl on his face and he looks as though I'm bothering him.

Zane was a cocky little brat in high school, he was an incoming freshman when I was a senior and, even back then, he thought he was God's gift to the world.

He and Emma dated for two years in high school and even some in college I believe too. I never understood what she saw in him.

"Zane," I motion for him to come in, and he begrudgingly complies. "Have a seat."

"What"s up, Drake?" Zane mutters, his tone already defensive. "I'm going to be late for practice."

"We need to talk."

"Talk? About what now?" he scoffs, his body language tense. "Did I offend you when I scored four goals last night?"

I fight every urge to roll my eyes at him. I lock eyes with him, my gaze unwavering. "Your behavior, Zane. It"s been getting out of hand, and it"s affecting the whole team."

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "I play hard. It"s what makes me good."

I shake my head, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "There"s a difference between playing hard and being aggressive on and off the ice. And today, this has nothing to do with how you play, and you know that. The team can"t function if you"re constantly at odds with everyone."

Zane rolls his eyes. "I"m not here to make friends. I"m here to win."

"Winning is important, Zane, but so is teamwork. You can"t let your aggression get in the way of that. You and Jimmy were pretty tight."

"I don"t see what the big deal is. I"m doing what it takes to win."

"It"s not just about winning. It"s about respect, both for your teammates and the game. Your behavior is creating a toxic environment, and it"s affecting our performance on the ice. What happened between you and Jimmy?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

I clench my jaw, my patience wearing thin.

"What happened between you and Jimmy?"

"Nothing happened. He thinks that I slept with his girl, and I told him if I was going to get accused of things I might as well do it. He didn't like that and charged at me."

"You and Jimmy were really good friends. You can't goad your teammates. You're looking for chaos and that's a recipe for disaster."

"I don"t need a lecture from you, you're not my dad. I know what I"m doing."

"This isn"t a lecture. It"s a warning. If you continue down this path, it"s not just about the team; it"s about your future in the sport. The league is watching, and they won"t tolerate a player with a reputation for being uncontrollable."

He looks at me, a mix of annoyance and arrogance in his eyes. "I"m not doing anything wrong. I play the way I play, and if they can"t handle it, that"s their problem."

"You"re an incredibly talented athlete. Your skills on the ice are undeniable, but your attitude is holding you back. You need to check your ego at the door before it ruins your chances of a long, successful career. And they are watching what you do off the ice too, Zane. We can't afford a media nightmare."

"I'll be fine."

"I see your potential. But I've also seen a dozen other guys just like you. You could go far in this sport, but only if you get out of your way. Swallow that ego of yours before it costs you everything you"ve worked for."

He glares at me, the tension between us reaching its peak. "I don"t need anyone telling me how to play my game. Especially not a washed-up college athlete who couldn't hack it in the professional world."

I can't smack him. Swallow it. I know better.

"Then play your game, Zane, but remember that it"s a team game. You"re not alone on the ice, and your actions affect everyone around you. You can be a great player and a great teammate, but you have to make a choice."

"Is that all, Sir? I have a practice to get to."

"That's all," I reply evenly.

Zane stands up and saunters out of my office. I blow out a breath.

Arrogant douchebag.

I feel a twinge of disappointment. Zane has the potential to be a star, but he"s letting his ego overshadow his talent. I shake my head, determined to help him see the bigger picture. The team needs him, but more importantly, he needs to realize that success in hockey, and life, requires more than just skill—it requires humility and the ability to work as part of a team.

I log back into my computer and go to my internet browser. I type in Emma's name.

"What is she doing home after all of these years of being gone?" I say out loud.

You'd think that with her being my little sister's best friend I'd know a little more, but I've been so focused on my own goals that I don't pay attention to anyone or anything outside of that. Following Emma's career had been a distraction and I had stopped following her over the last few years, especially after my sister and her had a falling out. When Emma didn't show up for my sister's wedding I figured I'd never see her again and there was no point in fantasizing about a reunion.

There is a sign on the edge of town announcing that Willow Creek is the hometown of Olympic Gold Medalist, Emma Matthews. When the Olympics are on, the town goes crazy with watch parties and the rink has always made a big deal about it as well, since this is where she first found her love of the sport. Unfortunately, Emma has never made a big deal about her hometown. She left and never looked back, my sister has probably been the one most affected by that and I know she struggles with it.

When I approached Emma's father about selling, he asked that I allow her the option to buy, train, or work here for free if that ever came up in the future. I, of course, wholeheartedly agreed. I don't need the rink or the hockey team, but I do love having them both.

Olympic medalist rushed to the emergency room after a fall.

Emma Matthews was forced into early retirement due to injury.

What's next for Emma Matthews?

The headlines were there, but I had to search for them. Why didn't anyone in Willow Creek know about this? The entire population loves to gossip, and they let this slide? There's got to be more to the story.

I sit back in my chair and stare at the computer screen.

If Emma is retired, does that mean she's back here for good? I definitely want to see more of her, how can I arrange that?

I text my sister, even though I already know the answer.

Didn't Emma play on the hockey team in high school?

Yeah, had a lot of scholarship offers too. She was really good. She was on a junior Olympic hockey team too

How did I not remember that?

She wasn't on your radar then. Why are you asking all of these questions now?

If she's retired and back for good then I can use her to help out the hockey team. She used to be involved in dance too, right? Didn't you guys do ballet or something together?

Yes, but Emma doesn't help anyone unless it helps her first and foremost. She's not going to stick around, Drake

I hear you

I take a deep breath and stare back at my phone. I'm going on a gut feeling that my sister's anger is clouding her judgment. I can get Emma to stick around, and this will be a win-win situation for all involved.

Me especially. I cannot get her out of my head.

I'm bound and determined to find out why she ghosted me.

Emma's background in dance, hockey, and figure skating suggests a well-rounded expertise in movement and agility. I decide to do some more research before approaching her with a proposal.

A quick online search reveals that Emma not only excelled in figure skating but also shined in speed skating. It"s like finding the missing piece of the puzzle. Speed and agility training could be just what our team needs to up our game.

I don't have contact information for Emma, but I bet I can find her at her family's restaurant. I gather my things and head out of the office for the night.

As I enter the restaurant twenty minutes later, the inviting aroma of cooked food fills the air. The cozy atmosphere is punctuated by the low hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery.

"Drake, so good to see you," Susie smiles as she greets me.

She opens her arms and I move forward and hug her. "You, too. I will never get over how great this place looks. You guys have done such a great job. And it's so busy in here."

"Thanks to you," she winks. "Are you dining alone, or will someone be meeting you?"

"Alone, I'll take a seat at the bar with a menu, if you don't mind."

"Perfect, I can't wait for the day that you come in with a beautiful guest. Life isn't all about work and goals. Those things are meant to be shared with someone who supports you."

"Just as soon as I find a woman who is confident enough to be with a busy man," I chuckle.

She squeezes my shoulder and gestures for me to go to the bar. I place my drink and food order with the bartender and pull out my phone to reply to emails.

I hear a commotion and realize that Zane is at a booth with some of his friends. They're loud and obnoxious in an otherwise relatively calm, family atmosphere.

I exhale and look around. Maybe Emma will be around somewhere to distract me from Zane's antics.

"Can you guys take it outside? We"re trying to enjoy a meal here," an older gentleman asks as he covers the ears of a young child at the table next to theirs.

Zane glares at the man, his anger bubbling to the surface. "Mind your own business, old man."

The man, clearly offended, stands up, and before I can react, he throws a punch at Zane. The situation spirals out of control faster than I can comprehend. The man is bigger and stronger, and Zane stumbles backward, crashing into a nearby table.

I move swiftly to prevent further escalation. I don"t throw a punch, but I manage to restrain Zane, holding him back as he struggles against my grip.

"Why don't we just calm down and …" I start.

"I'm sick of you hockey players thinking you can do whatever you want," the old man growls as he takes a swing at me.

I duck and dart out of the way, shoving Zane into the booth at the same time. I put my hands up in surrender and try to show the man that I'm not looking for a fight. He lunges and swings again. This time I parry and come around the backside of him. I grab his arms behind his back and wait for him to calm down.

"I'm not looking to get into a fight with you or anyone else, especially not in front of children," I say in a low growl at his ear.

He struggles to get free just as the police come inside the restaurant.

"Drake, what's going on?" The Chief of Police asks. Daven and I went to high school together.

"Just trying to keep the peace."

He nods and looks at the man I'm holding. "That track?"

"No, officer. I was attacked by these two men. I'm sick of these hockey assholes getting away with everything. I was trying to enjoy a peaceful meal with my family and …"

"Attacked?" Zane snarls. "The entire restaurant will tell you that this douchebag attacked me."

"He swung first at Zane and Drake, Daven," Susie interjects as she comes up behind us.

The man chuffs and shakes his head in disgust. The officer starts walking him out of the building, his family following behind as he continues to run his mouth.

"Does anyone want to file charges?"Everyone shakes their heads.

"I've never seen him before today," Susie replies.

My eyes dart up to Zane's. The door opens and Emma walks in. Zane's face instantly changes.

"Emma Matthews," he breathes as he walks forward and picks her up into a bear hug. "You are a sight for sore eyes."

"Hey Zane," she murmurs. "How are you?"

"Better now that you're here. Why didn't you tell me you were in town?"

"I didn't tell anyone."

Her eyes land on me, her gaze locking with mine.

"Have a drink with me, let's catch up," Zane offers as he walks into her line of sight.

"I don't drink, you know that," she snaps.

He holds his hands up in the air. "Sorry, I thought maybe you loosened up a bit."

She shoots him a dirty look before she turns to her aunt.

"Wild night I see."

"Welcome back," Susie giggles. "You want a menu?"

"Yeah, I'll sit at the bar though."

Susie's eyes dart to mine as she smiles back at me. I chuckle and make my way back to my seat now that the commotion has died down.

As luck would have it, Emma sits down two stools from me. I smile inwardly.

Fate is on my side.

"Oh yay, you're here," she says sarcastically as I sit down. "My day couldn't get any better."

"I see your attitude hasn't changed."

She rolls her eyes before looking up at the bartender and asking for water and an order of tacos. Her demeanor toward the bartender and me is completely different.

"How's Chas?" she asks as she looks at the glass of water in front of her.

"She's great, she'd love to hear from you."

"I doubt that."

"You here for good or just passing through?"

"Only time will tell."

"Well, the team could use someone with your expertise on staff. You could be the missing piece to get us that title we can't quite grasp."

She laughs and shakes her head. A family with two little girls walks up and asks for an autograph and pictures.

There's another group that walks up behind the first family. She's going to be occupied for a while.

I motion to the bartender for my bill and then pay for her meal as well. I leave without her even noticing.

***

The next morning, my phone is blowing up with news articles where the man from last night is claiming that I attacked him and put him in the hospital.

I walk toward my office and Callie gives me a sympathetic grin. She flashes her tablet at me so I can see the newest headline.

Hockey owner and player jump an innocent customer in a local restaurant.

"This is great," I groan as I unlock my office door. "Someone finds out I have money and they want to spin the story to make me look bad."

"Get-rich-quick schemes at their finest," Callie interjects.

My cell phone starts ringing, and I look down and see it is my partner, the team's majority co-owner.

This can't be good.

When I first bought the rink and wanted to buy the Battle Hawks, the league's stipulations were that I have a senior co-owner with experience in owning a professional team. Daniel Loughlin approached me with the offer to be my silent partner. He showed me the ropes for the first year and hasn't reached out for much more than something that lines his pockets.