Shutdown Player: Game On in Seattle by Jami Davenport

Author:Jami Davenport [Davenport, Jami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cedrona Enterprises

Chapter Nine

Stick Checking

Jared hesitated in the doorway of the hotel bar. He couldn’t sleep after a hard-fought game in which he’d sat in the penalty box more than usual after losing his temper multiple times. They’d lost, and he hated losing. Not a great way to start a four-game road trip.

He had decided he could either lie in bed and beat himself up over every mistake he made, or he could chill with a brew and some nachos.

He hated to admit the source of some of his frustrations might be Steph. His family had left yesterday, and he’d tried to reach her, invite her out for coffee. She’d declined and told him to have a good road trip. Talk about flipping him the figurative finger.

Maybe it was for the best.

He did hear from the sisters. A week from today, they’d arranged another date with a different woman. Instead of looking forward to it, he almost dreaded it. At the least, he felt indifferent. But that kiss… He couldn’t get it out of his mind. He wondered how batshit crazy he’d be right now if they’d really kissed.

He needed to get a handle on his emotions. Hopefully, there’d be a teammate or two in the bar. He could talk hockey and forget about his non-love life for a while.

The lights were low, and a few businessmen in suits sat in one corner. A couple spoke in low tones at the bar, their heads close together. The only other person in the room was Drew. He was in a dark back corner reading a book, of all things. Not playing video games or texting or even checking Facebook. Nope. He was reading a book, and not just any book, but as Jared walked closer, he could see the title of the book. A Tale of Two Cities.

“Hey,” Jared said, sliding into the seat opposite his teammate.

Drew didn’t look up or even acknowledge him. Jared waited patiently. Finally, Drew closed the book and laid it on the table. He met Jared’s gaze. His own was blankly stoic.

Jared could congratulate him on a good game, but that would be lying.

“Tough loss tonight.”

Drew shrugged.

“We’re still in the thick of things.”

Drew stared at the cover of his book and said absolutely nothing.

“The guys are worried about you.”

Drew’s head shot up, and he glared daggers at Jared. “Tell them to mind their own fucking business. I’m fine.”

“Okay. Sorry.” Jared held up his hands. At least he’d gotten a rise out of the guy.

Drew’s hard expression softened slightly. “Just got some shit I’m working through. That’s all.”

“I know that story.” Jared pointed at the book. “You enjoying that? I’m more of a biography or mystery reader myself. Not much for the classics.”

“I never used to be much of a reader. No time between hockey and parties.”

“And now?”

“I guess I’ve outgrown the parties.”

“And hockey? Have you outgrown that?” Jared couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Drew met his gaze. His eyes were dark and cold. His face was carved in stone. “Maybe.

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