A New Season: Rules of the Game Book Six Read online

  "Hello, everyone.” Alex stands and gives me a kiss on the cheek, and so does Meg. I make my way to the other side of the table and reach my hand out to Cole, hoping he’ll shake it.

  With a firm grip, he takes my hand and gives it a shake. He doesn't say a word, but at least he didn't leave me hanging.

  I pull my chair out and take my seat. There's an ice water sitting in front of me. Ripping the wrapper from the straw, I tap it on the table to remove it and pop it in the glass. Several cool swallows later, the lump of tension in my throat loosens slightly.

  The waitress comes by and takes our orders. I’m so anxious that I don't even open my menu. When I tell her that I'd like lasagna, she jots it down on her pad and moves to Cole.

  The waitress leaves and I listen to the friendly banter around the table. At some time in the near future, I'd love to be a part of this instead of sitting in awkward silence with my hands folded in my lap.

  Despite his cold demeanor, I turn toward Cole. "Sir, I need to tell you how sorry I am that I hurt Lora. I've got no excuses for my behavior other than I was young and made a huge mistake." There, I said it.

  Without turning toward me, he says, "You did." He goes quiet and doesn't say another word.

  I clear my throat and take another gulp of water. Despite the cool liquid, my mouth still feels like I just ate a mouthful of cotton. "Lora and I were so close when we were younger, and now, we're close again. I value her friendship and I want to make her happy." I look around the table to see all three women, Lora, Alex, and Meg staring at Cole and me.

  He glances at me now, a crease still etched in his forehead. "You've changed? Because she has in the last four years."

  "Yes, we both have." I suck in a deep breath. "I love her, and I respect you and Mrs. Shaw very much. I'm asking you to forgive me for hurting her. I won't do it again. That's a promise."

  Beads of sweat form along my hairline. It feels like forever before he speaks. "If she's forgiven you, I will come around.” He clears his throat. “And I appreciate you helping her out when she was hurt. But my guard is up."

  "Thank you. That's all I can ask."

  The waitress brings over a charcuterie board and a basket of garlic bread.

  Someone pats my knee. Turning to my opposite side, Meg is smirking at me. "That went well," she says just above a whisper.

  "It could've been worse." But I am downplaying it. I'm sitting at the dinner table next to Lora's father and he hasn’t kicked my ass—he's giving me a chance. It's more than I could've hoped for.

  Meg rips her piece of garlic bread in half and takes a bite. "I've been talking to him. I'm in your corner. You can relax now."

  Joy engulfs me. It was only a week ago that I wasn't sure if Meg would even talk to me, much less share a meal with me. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me."

  "Congratulations on your goal tonight.” Alex smiles from across the table.

  I take a couple of olives and some cheese and put it on my plate. Suddenly, I’m very hungry. "Thank you."

  "Yes. You're a smart player with good hands. The Wolverines are lucky to have you," Cole says.

  My jaw might've hit the table. Shock and elation course through me in equal measure. It means everything to me to win back Cole's respect and it feels pretty damn good to have such an amazing hockey legend compliment my skills. "That means a lot coming from you, thank you," I tell him.

  Lora gives me a thumbs-up from across the table and I nod at her grinning from ear to ear. Yes, babe, things are going better than I expected as well.

  Eighteen

  Loralei

  Plunking teabags in each mug, I move the bags up and down until the hot liquid is the perfect rich, dark color. Taking the mugs to the table, I set one in front of my dad and have a seat across from him with mine.

  Without wasting any time, I begin. "I think I'm in love with Nick, but I want to be clear. I've got to have your blessing."

  Dad blows on the top of his mug but sets it down before taking a sip. "Are you sure? Because love is a very strong word, Lora."

  Sitting up straighter, I stare into my father's face. "I'm positive. I've always cared for him as a friend, but now it goes deeper. He's good to me, Dad."

  "He made a big mistake."

  And those words take the wind right out of my sails. Wringing my hands together under the table, I fidget in my seat. "I know, but he can't take all the blame for that. We were both young.”

  “Being young isn’t an excuse.” His voice raises.

  Resting my hand on his forearm, I say, “He didn't force me and I didn't take the initiative to reach out to him or show him how much I wanted our friendship to last.”

  “Why didn’t he reach out to you? As a man, I think he should have at the very least talked to you afterward. It’s the least he could have done.”

  “Dad. No,” I warn. “I need you to understand that what happened between Nick and me was a mutual, consensual act and the same goes for after that night. We knew each other’s phone numbers, yet neither of us called. Yes, I was hurt, but I was also afraid. I thought if I got in touch then I’d be putting myself out there to get hurt worse. We both knew that the timing was bad, and we had to live our lives. Could things have been different? Sure. But they weren’t. And we are both at fault, so please stop blaming him because I don’t. And we've both changed."

  He swallows hard and presses his lips together. "I see that."

  "He was also hurt while he was away. His girlfriend cheated on him. And you know about Tyler. Now we're both ready to move on."

  Dad nods and sits for a moment. It's what he does. Always contemplating what he's going to say. The man doesn't waste words. "I'm sorry that happened to you while you were away. And I did thank Nick. He took care of you, and I appreciate that." He reaches across the table and takes my hand in his. "You seem lighter than you were when you got home from college. Do you think that's because of him?"

  Unequivocally, without a doubt. Nick has given me my confidence back and he's shown me real love. "Yes. It is."

  The corners of Dad's mouth begin to turn up. He's warming up and joy shimmers inside me. "All I want is for you and your sister to be happy."

  "I’m better. And I owe that to him. He makes me feel good. We'll see how it goes, but I've got a really good feeling about it. I'm glad that you support me."

  "I'm here for you no matter what. Never forget that."

  * * *

  Joe’s Deli down the street has a line out the door, but I don't care. I'll wait all day if I have to to grab Nick and my favorite lunch. He brought it to me when I was laid up with my sprained ankle. Before long, I was addicted to the paninis there.

  Scrolling through emails on my phone, it seems like no time and I'm at the counter placing our order. It could also be that I’m happy as a clam and nothing, not even a long line will get me down. After waiting for our order, I stroll to our apartment building, bag in hand.

  Our food smells delicious. I can’t wait to dig in. Giving Nick’s door a firm knock, I wait for him to answer. When he does, he's on his cell phone holding up his finger signaling for me that it will only be another minute.

  His face is tan and his teeth are pearly white in a huge grin when he sees the bag I’m holding.

  "Braeden, my girlfriend just got here, but I can't wait to hear all about your trip when you get back. Give me a call, and tell Jackson and Patrick I say hello." Nick nods and then says, "Goodbye."

  "I stopped at the deli and got our favorite lunch."

  Nick pulls me in close and twines his hands around my waist. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

  My stomach swirls around like all the insects in the animal kingdom have been set loose in there when I hear him tell me he loves me. I look at my watch. "Not in the past few hours."

  He puts his hand on the back of my head and pulls me in close for a kiss. It's short and sweet with the promise of more to come later.

  "I’d hate to have
our sandwiches get cold. Let's eat." Nick grabs my hand and leads me to the living room.

  We sit next to each other on the couch and I pull the food out of the bag, setting his hot roast beef sandwich in front of him and my chicken panini in front of me. "Who were you on the phone with when I got here?"

  "That was my buddy, Braeden. We used to go to the same summer camp every year. We've tried to keep in touch ever since. He just called to congratulate me on the season so far. He's a great guy; you'd love him."

  This is the first time I've heard him mention this friend. But if it's someone who Nick has kept in touch with over the years, he must be a good guy. "You mentioned that he was taking a trip?"

  Nick lifts half of his sandwich toward his mouth. "Yeah, he's got two brothers and they’re going to Ireland to motorcycle around the country. Three single guys living it up over there. I can only imagine what they’re going to get themselves into.” He raises his eyebrows. “Let's plan a vacation as soon as my season’s over."

  "Now that sounds like a plan,” I tell him before taking a bite of my hot sandwich. "Guess where I was before I came over here?"

  His posture perks up. "I have no idea. Where?"

  "I was at my parents’ place. My dad and I had a nice chat."

  Nick wipes the corners of his mouth with a napkin and nods slowly. "And?"

  "And he supports us." I nearly squeak with excitement.

  Nick throws his napkin on the coffee table and pulls me in close. "He said that?"

  "He did. I'm thrilled."

  His mouth is on mine, and this time the kiss is deeper.

  I rest my hand on his cheek and pull back. "I don't think I can let another second go by without telling you that I love you, Nick. So much."

  His blue eyes sparkle and he runs his hands through my hair. He knows how much I love it when he does that. A hum starts between my legs.

  "You've got no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that."

  He crashes his mouth against mine and plunges his tongue inside. He lifts me up off the couch and leads me toward the bedroom. I guess our food is going to get cold after all.

  Epilogue

  Nick

  “If you need any help with your financial planning, you know you can always call me,” Teddy says, giving my hand a shake.

  “Thanks for coming tonight. And I know who to call when Lora and I get settled in the new house. Tell Bri thanks again for helping us out find the place. We love it.”

  He gives me a proud nod. “She loves what she does. And we’re so happy for you kids. Congrats.” Teddy gives me another pat on the back before he walks away.

  Wes Jacobsen and Dad come up to me next. It looks like Dad and all his friends are bailing on my bachelor party early, old men that they are.

  “Had a great time tonight,” Wes says, putting his jacket on. “I’m going to head back to the hotel. Lydia and I have plans early tomorrow morning before the wedding.”

  “Thanks for flying in. We’re honored that you could join us.” Wes is coaching an NHL team, the Chicago Pumas. He’s been there for two years now. He and Lydia moved there. I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to make it to the wedding, but it is off season, so he was able to come.

  He gives a smile. “Wouldn’t miss it. Now don’t you guys go getting into too much trouble tonight.”

  “Wouldn’t think of it,” I say. We all got together to play golf today and now we’re finishing up dinner at the country club.

  “See you tomorrow,” my dad tells Wes.

  “Goodnight.” Wes waves and makes his way out the door.

  “That was fun. Thanks for inviting my friends tonight.” Dad’s eyes are glossy. He’s been nostalgic all day.

  Just then, Cole makes his way over to us. He puts one hand on my back and one on Dad’s. “If I remember correctly, wasn’t it Slick Rick’s bachelor party at The Preston where you and Cora had your reunion?”

  “It was.” Dad lets out a hearty laugh and so do I. They’ve told me all of their stories. How Mom was Dad’s tutor in high school. They lost touch after he left for prep school in eleventh grade. When my grandmother fell ill, Mom quit college to go home and take care of her. The first time they laid eyes on each other after ten years was when Mom was doing a strip-a-gram at Dad’s friend’s bachelor party. The job paid her well and she was able to provide for Grandma. Sparks flew when they saw each other again and the rest is history.

  “No strippers tonight though, right?” Cole says. He knows I told everyone that I didn’t want any tonight.

  “Of course not. A couple of beers with my buddies, then I’m headed home.”

  Cole gives me one of his classic smirks—not quite a full smile, but from where we were to where we are now, it’s worlds better. It took some time—not as long as I suspected it would—before Cole started to relax around me. But now that he has, it’s been great.

  “Maybe we should head out, old man, and let the young guys have their fun,” Dad says to Cole.

  Cole glances at his watch and yawns. “Agreed. It’s almost my bedtime.”

  “I’ll see you both in the morning,” I say.

  “Looking forward to it.” Cole leans in. “You make my daughter so happy and I’m grateful for that.”

  Joy ripples through me. “She’s the best woman I know.”

  Cole smirks again and nods.

  “Goodnight, son. Have fun, but get some sleep. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.” My dad and Cole head toward the door.

  Making my way to the bar, I find Michael ordering a drink. “Order me a beer while you’re at it,” I tell him.

  “Sure, man. You’ve got it. You all ready for tomorrow?”

  “I am. All I’ve got to do is put on the tux and show up.”

  Michael takes the beers from the bartender and hands me one. “Tell me something. How do you know when you’ve found the one?” He makes air quotes.

  Leaning back against the bar, I take a drink. “It sounds really cliché, but you just know. With Lora, we were friends first. Sure, we had a hiccup along the way, but we got past it. It’s a feeling you have when you’re with her.”

  “Yeah, I’ve never felt that before.” He chuckles.

  I point my beer bottle at him. “You will and when you do, no other woman will compare. Meaningless hook-ups are no longer appealing and all you’ll be able to think about is her.”

  “I’ll take your word for it. I’m happy that you’ve found it, though. She’s a great woman and I can see how happy she makes you.”

  “Thanks, man.” I clink my bottle against his.

  Harrison, a teammate, comes up to Michael and me with a tray of shot glasses full of amber liquid. “Take one, we’re having celebratory shots for the groom-to-be.”

  I grab one and my group of friends surround me, all stand-up guys, teammates and old friends.

  We raise our glasses and Harrison shouts, “To Nick Parker, a friend and a damn good hockey player. May you and Loralei have a long, happy life together.”

  My heart throbs with happiness to the point that it could crack open my chest as we touch our glasses together. I’m honored to be here with these men and thrilled to be marrying the love of my life tomorrow.

  Loralei

  To say I felt like a fairytale princess today would be an understatement. From getting up this morning and getting pampered and dolled up with my girlfriends, to the most lavish outdoor beach ceremony, it’s everything my little girl brain could have dreamed up and more.

  It’s been just over two years since Nick and I reunited, and he proposed a year ago.

  “You look gorgeous,” my new husband says as he takes me in his arms and twirls me around the dance floor to our song, “I’ll Back You Up”, by the Dave Matthews Band.

  “And you’re the most handsome husband a wife could ask for.” I giggle because I’m still not used to calling Nick my husband, but I love the way it sounds coming out of my mouth.

  “Everything went perfectly.”
>
  I run my fingers through the back of his hair. “The sun was shining all day long.” The forecast was predicting rain all week, but when I woke up this morning and pulled the curtains open, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

  “And to think in forty-eight hours, we’ll be enjoying the sun in Ireland,” Nick says, his blue eyes shining bright.

  Letting out a little squeal, I pull him in close. Ever since one of Nick’s friends told him all about Ireland and the adventures he had there, Nick has wanted to take me, but we just haven’t been able to work it out in our schedules. Now that it’s our honeymoon, there are no more excuses. “I can’t wait.”

  “Ten days exploring Ireland and every inch of your body sounds like the perfect vacation.” Nick’s voice is low and gravelly, and I can’t help the pulse that builds between my legs.

  “Well, you don’t have to wait for Ireland to explore every inch of me.”

  Grazing his finger along the bare skin of my shoulder, a rush of shivers run down my back. “Oh, don’t worry, baby. All I’ve been able to think about is that from the moment I laid eyes on you in this dress. It’s like it was made for you.”

  I’m pleased he loves it. When I saw the off-the-shoulders mermaid lace gown in the boutique, I knew immediately that it was perfect and that Nick would think it was beautiful. As soon as I tried it on and my mother cried, well, that sealed the deal.

  Our song comes to an end and Nick kisses me sweet and soft before my dad makes his way on the dance floor. He pats Nick on the shoulder and they shake hands.

  “Do you mind if I have this dance with my daughter, son?” Dad asks.

  Nick nods and contentment fills my heart. To see my father and my husband getting along so well is what I’ve always wanted. My family embraces him with open arms and it brings me more joy than any one person should feel.

  Dad puts his arms around my waist and I lay my hands on his shoulders. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac begins playing.