AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Finally! We get to the juicy part of why you really called. I knew you didn’t just call to tell me you were eating more of that fast food. Is it about a boy, maybe? Please let it be about a boy. You’ve had your nose buried in books for so long, and I was hoping you’d find some romance soon.”
Her mom knew her so well. Not just any boy. Not that Luc was a boy. “Kind of.” How was the best way for her to go about this? Did she come right out and say she had a thing for Kaden’s teammate? Or did she ease into this? Her mom always stood up for her, but she stood up for Kaden, too. So, this could get sticky. But she knew her mom could help.
“I didn’t know you were dating anyone? Are you?”
“I’m not. It’s… it’s complicated.” I sound like a Facebook status. “We’ve just been hanging out as friends. But I like him. And I’m pretty sure he likes me. But there’s a problem. Kaden knows him.”
“How does Kaden know him?” There was no judgement in her mom’s question; it was merely a question, and that was why Kassie had gone right to her with this.
Her mom had made mention in the past that Kaden should hook her up with one of his hockey friends. It was obvious that she wasn’t opposed to the idea the way Kaden was. “Promise me this will stay between you and me. At least for now. Till I figure this all out.”
“I promise, dear. Trust me, I know your brother can be overprotective. But he means well. He’s just looking out for you. That being said, whatever you discuss with me will stay between us until you decide to tell your brother.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Kassie made herself comfortable on the couch, tucking a foot up under her. “I met this guy on Kaden’s team. He’s one of the younger guys. I like him. He’s cute and funny, and a major flirt.”
“Sounds like a winner so far. Who is he?”
“Luc Marcella.” Saying his name out loud triggered her anxiety over this.
“I’ve heard of him, but don’t know much about him. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen him, or if I have, I couldn’t pick him out in a crowd. So, he’s cute, huh?”
“Very. He’s got this child-like playfulness to him, and his smile is more like a devilish grin. He’s intriguing and adorable, and fun to be around.”
“Sounds great.”
“Yeah, but…” But he’s a Renegades player.
“But what, dear? He sounds like he’d be good for you. You spent so much time taking care of me and concentrating on school, don’t you think you deserve a little fun?”
Her mom wasn’t wrong. Luc could be fun. So much fun. “I agree with that, but he’s Kaden’s teammate. Aren’t those murky waters to be treading in?”
“Your brother’s bark is worse than his bite. You should know that by now. He might yell and scream, but if he doesn’t have a choice other than to get over it, then what more can he do? It’s your life, hon. Let’s get together for lunch next week sometime. Take the day off work and I’ll call Ali. We’ll have a girl’s day out.”
Her mom made it sound so easy. Maybe she was the one making this confusing. Or maybe her instincts were right?
***
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Luc
The plane sat on the tarmac, waiting to take off from the Chicago airport. The Renegades were flying home after their loss to Chicago. Coach Walker hadn’t yelled too much after the game. They only lost 1–0 in overtime, after a fluke goal won the game for Chicago.
Luc looked up from checking his phone when Coach stood at the front of the plane, clearing his throat. “All right guys, let me just say something before we head back to Pittsburgh. That game could’ve gone either way. You held them off through three periods. Shake off the loss, and let’s prepare for the next game. Okay, sit back and enjoy the flight home.”
Coach returned to his seat, closed his eyes, and put on his in-flight headphones, and Luc sat back, listening to the conversation of the guys around him.
“Dom, it was a nice game, almost a shut-out, bro,” Tyler commented.
“Almost isn’t good enough.” Dom grunted. “We should’ve won that damn game. One fucking shot off the post. I should’ve stopped it. I need a drink.” Dom waved for the flight attendant.
Kaden spoke up. “Z, don’t go there.”
“Dom, Kaden is right. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Tyler said. “Like Coach said, we need to move on to the next game.” But Dom wasn’t listening. He was now quietly brooding and enjoying a Jack and Coke.
In the past, Dom had been hard on himself after a loss. Unfortunately, one of those bad games had lost them the finals. Lucky for them, they had the best PR people in the league. They knew how to handle everyone, including the players having a bad day.
Melanie strutted up the aisle with purpose, her pencil skirt, suit jacket, and high heels demanding respect as she walked. Stopping right at his seat, she handed Dominic a cell phone. “Dominic, it’s your wife. You’re welcome.” She smirked at Tyler with a thumb’s up motion as she went back to her seat beside Paige.
