Page 29

TWENTY-NINE

Rowan

There are three days between games five and six because of a scheduling conflict at our arena, and it’s nice to have that extra day. I’d originally planned to spend it with my dad, but he signed up for some celebrity houses tour and I have no interest in that. I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to sneak in a quickie with Blake, take a nap, or catch up on errands when Harper’s name pops up on the screen of my phone.

“Hey,” I say by way of greeting. “What’s up?”

“I have a question,” she says.

“Sure.”

“How would you like to go to the spa with a group of us this afternoon? Saylor had to bow out—something to do with Canyon’s niece—so we have an open spot. And everything was prepaid, so if no one goes, that money goes to waste. I’d love for you to join us. My treat.”

“Oh… I don’t know.” I’m startled. I’ve never hung out with Harper socially before, other than a party at her house once, but a spa day sounds wonderful. I could really use a day away from everything hockey and Blake-related.

“Come on,” she cajoles. “Ninety-minute massage, a facial, mud bath… champagne …”

“Oh, well, now you’re talking,” I laugh. “Champagne will get me every time.”

“Great. I’m leaving here in ten. Meet me up at my office and we can go together.”

“Sure. See you then.” I disconnect and take a minute to text Blake, letting him know I’ve got plans. Then I head up to Harper’s office, where she’s packing up her things.

“You’re ready?” she asks. “I’m so glad you can come with us.”

“Me too. I’ve been working so hard with the guys, a massage sounds wonderful.”

“That’s why I offered.” She smiles and then we head out to the parking lot. “You want to ride with me? I can drop you off here when we’re done?”

“Sure. Thanks.” I get into her car, and we chat as she pulls into traffic.

“I figured all of us ladies could use a relaxing day. I’m sure being a professional athlete is tough—Gabe certainly works his ass off—but it’s hard on the people around them too. And I don’t just mean the WAGs. Support staff, like you and Bristol, Autumn—we all put up with a lot.”

She has no idea.

I wish I could tell her about Blake and me.

“I imagine loving an athlete isn’t easy, and then add to that the fact that you own the team…you must be stressed to the max.”

“Don’t forget about pregnancy hormones,” she says, chuckling.

“I don’t know anything about that,” I say, “but I can’t imagine.”

“Honestly, it’s not that stressful anymore,” she admits quietly. “The stress was leading into the playoffs. I wanted so badly for us to make it, so that the hockey world would sit up and take notice for once. I’m the only female owner in the league, and it’s hard to get any respect. The fact that we made the playoffs will go a long way toward how they treat me in the future.”

“I’m glad for that,” I say sincerely. “You—and the team—truly deserve it. They played hard all season. Whatever happens from here on out, they have a lot to be proud of.”

“I think so too.” She smiles. “Of course, I won’t be sad if they win the whole damn thing.”

“Me either.”

“Okay, this is the place.” She pulls into a parking lot for a place I’ve never noticed before, just ten minutes from the arena.

I really need to get out more.

I see Bristol and Autumn walking into the building and we go in behind them.

I recognize a couple of the WAGs—Bailey Walker, who’s Jensen’s fiancée, and Cheyenne, Ivan’s fiancée—but they’re talking to a few ladies I don’t know.

“Hi!” Bailey waves and everyone is introduced.

Holy shit, I don’t know what I’m doing here.

Cheyenne is literally the top supermodel in the world.

Bailey is a famous actress and screenwriter.

Autumn Nicholls is Harper’s assistant and also engaged to Coach Vanek.

I’ve never met her before, but I recognize Sage Reynolds from her role on a popular Prime Time television show.

And Stevie Marchand is another well-known supermodel whom I’ve never met but you’d have to be living under a rock not to recognize her.

“Okay, we’re splitting into two groups,” Harper says. “Half of us will get massages first, while the other half get facials. Then we’ll switch. Once that’s over, we’ll meet in the mud room where they’ll do whatever they’re going to do.”

We head for the dressing room where we can change into the robe and slippers the spa provides and lock up our things.

“I’ve never been here before,” Autumn says as our half of the group heads toward the waiting room. It’s filled with comfy chairs, low lights, and soft music. Exactly what I need after the last couple of weeks.

“Oh, this is nice.” I sink into one of the chairs and it’s like relaxing into a cloud.

“I’m definitely coming back,” Stevie murmurs.

“Damn, I don’t even need a massage,” Autumn says, sighing. “I could just sit right here and not move.”

“How are wedding plans coming?” Bailey asks her.

“Ugh.” Autumn groans. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Oh, no… are things not going well?” Stevie asks.

“It’s not that.” She sighs heavily. “It’s just that I work full-time for Harper, Henrik is gone all the time, and even when he’s home, he’s either engaged with the boys or on his laptop. So he’s no help at all. And of course, with Henrik so busy with the playoffs, most of the day-to-day care of the boys falls to me.”

“Are these Henrik’s sons?” I ask. I’ve met them but they don’t come to many games.

“Yes, from his first marriage. His ex-wife passed away, so we have full custody. And don’t get me wrong—I adore them. Truly, I love being their new mom. But it doesn’t leave a lot of time for wedding stuff. We opted not to get a wedding planner, and I’m regretting that decision.”

“If you need anything, let me know,” Bailey says. “I’m happy to go with you to fittings or make phone calls. Really. Jensen is driving me nuts now that he can’t play, so I could use something to do.”

We all chuckle.

“My schedule has picked up a little,” Stevie adds, “but if I’m around, I’m happy to help too. Weddings are supposed to be fun, so whatever you need, just ask.”

“Aw, you guys are great,” Autumn says, smiling. “I’m sure it’ll all come together. I’ve just reached the stressful part of the wedding program.”

“I’d offer to help,” I say, “but I’m basically working twelve-hour days right now, trying to do my job and Gene’s.”

“How’s he doing?” Autumn asks. “I keep meaning to reach out, but I’m so swamped.”

“He’s doing good. Getting his strength back, doing what the doctors tell him, and trying to decide if he’s coming back.”

“Oh.” Autumn cocks her head. “I thought he was going to retire… what does that mean for you?”

I shrug. “Nothing, really. If he comes back, we just go back to the way things were before the accident. It means I have less to do, instead of more. But he can’t decide anything until the doctor gives him the okay.”

“But right now you’re in charge of everything, right?” Bailey asks. “Jensen speaks highly of you. He says no one can tape his wrists like you do.”

I smile. “That’s nice to hear. There are a few things I excel at.”

“I can’t imagine dating one of the guys,” Stevie says, shaking her head. “They’re so…intense. You guys are a special breed.”

“They’re all different, I think,” Bailey says thoughtfully. “I never imagined dating a pro hockey player, and then I met Jensen and there was no doubt he was the one for me. He’s physically huge, but he’s such a softie on the inside…such a good man. Who loves me fiercely. It’s the best, healthiest, sexiest relationship I’ve ever had. And I don’t say that lightly.”

“Same with Henrik,” Autumn adds. “He’s sixteen years older than me, so we get looks sometimes, but I don’t care. He played in Sweden for a while, before he blew out his knee, but then he was a scout, an assistant coach and now a head coach. He’s pretty much done it all in hockey, and while he can be very intense during games, at home he’s just Henrik. Or Daddy.

“And like Bailey said, he’s a bit of a tough guy on the outside—though nowhere near as big as Jensen—but he’s just Henrik to me. The man who loves and takes care of me and his children. The guy who didn’t hesitate to step up when his ex died. Who was never afraid to show me how he felt about me even though it was initially a one-night stand. You can’t lump all hockey players together.”

That’s for sure.

Not that I can tell them about Blake and me, but I would have a similar story if I could.

“You dated Blake Rourke in high school, right?” Autumn asks me.

I grimace. “Are people really gossiping about that?” I ask.

“Is it a secret?” She seems confused.

“No, not really, but it was a long time ago. And I have to agree with the others,” I say carefully. “We were just kids, so maybe it’s a little different, but no matter how rough and tough Blake was on the ice, he was just my boyfriend. He didn’t bring that intensity home.”

And he still doesn’t.

When we’re together, all I feel is comfortable. Taken care of. Protected.

Loved .

God, he told me he loved me, and I couldn’t bring myself to say it back.

Because I’m fucking scared.

“See?” Autumn pokes Stevie’s leg with her toe. “Don’t discount hockey players. They’re a rare breed, and a very special one at that.”

“And there’s a few single guys on the team,” Bailey points out. “Connor and Effie are on the outs right now.”

“Too young,” Stevie says, laughing. “I’m twenty-six. He’s nineteen. That’s a big no.”

We all chuckle.

“I think Teague broke up with his latest,” I interject. “There was a lot of ribbing on the bus last week about her dumping him.”

“Too much of a player,” Stevie says. “Plus he’s not tall enough. I need a guy over six feet.”

“Marty’s getting divorced,” Bailey adds.

For the first time, Stevie hesitates. “He’s gorgeous, but I’ve had enough drama in my life when it comes to men. The last thing I need is some guy with a crazy ex-wife and three kids. He’ll never put me first.”

“Never say never,” Autumn says softly.

“Okay, why are we busting my chops?” Stevie demands. “And where’s our champagne?”

Someone arrives with flutes of champagne, and we sit sipping them until they call us, one by one, for our massages.

I’m having a wonderful time, and it occurs to me I should do things like this more often.

But it probably won’t be with these women because they’re all involved with players, and even though I am too, I can’t tell anyone.

Which really sucks.

And I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be one of them.