A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance) (21 page)

Was she keen to get rid of him because he’d outlived his usefulness, now that the embryos were in place?

“You must have things you need to do,” she said.

“I can’t think of one.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“You don’t have to...”

“I know,” he interrupted. “But I’d like to.”

When she bit her lip, he realized there might be more to her hesitation. “No pressure.”

Jenny’s blush told him he’d guessed right. She was worried he’d want to rehash this morning’s kiss and what she’d said after. He wasn’t sure he was ready to go there right now, either. “We’ll have a relaxed dinner and a nice glass of wine. For me. You get a soft drink.”

She laughed. “If you’re sure, that would be great.”

“Very sure. Now, take a load off while I check the refrigerator.”

He released a silent breath of relief as he followed her inside. Another hard-won step forward. It had taken skill, commitment and heart to win the ultimate prize in hockey. It would take all that and a whole lot of patience to win Jenny’s heart. Like the Stanley Cup, she was worth it.

* * *

“D
O
YOU
FEEL
any different?”

Tru’s words reminded Jenny of when Harry had asked the same question. She rubbed her hand over her chest, trying to ease the ache there.

Harry still hadn’t woken up, but the doctors were cautiously optimistic. His vital signs seemed to react to visitors, suggesting he was closer to consciousness than previously.

Jenny had continued to stop by every day. Each time she entered his room, she hoped he’d be awake and complaining about being stuck in the hospital. Sometimes his eyelids flickered while she was talking to him—especially when she’d told him about her IVF—but nothing had enticed him to open his eyes yet.

“Jenny?” Tru’s concerned voice broke into her thinking.

She glanced up at him from her seat at the kitchen table. “I’m okay. Your question brought back sad memories.”

Tru came to sit beside her. “I’m sorry. I’d forgotten Harry’s stroke was the same day as your last implantation.”

“Perhaps the embryos taking will be the trigger to wake him up,” she said wistfully.

“I’m sure he’ll come round as soon as you say ‘pregnant.’”

“I hope so. The longer he’s unconscious, the more I worry that he’ll never recover.”

“That would suit his kids, no doubt.”

“Irving, for sure. He’s relishing his role as the boss. Makes me glad I’m not working there anymore. Felicia, though, seems to have really changed. She’s much nicer, even makes a point of meeting me at the hospital so we can visit her father together. She asks my advice on how Harry would like things taken care of. Makes me feel like I’m still part of his life.” Jenny sighed heavily.

“You are. Have some faith. Harry will wake up and everything will be fine. In the meantime, let’s focus on you. So, do you feel any different?”

Jenny sipped her lemonade. If she told him the truth, he’d think she was crazy. Then again, after this morning, he probably thought that anyway. She’d laid one heck of a fiery lip-lock on him. Not that Tru had been a passive participant. He’d matched her lick for lick, breath for breath.

Her body hadn’t been able to get enough of him—his touch, his taste, his heat. She was beginning to think her heart couldn’t, either.

“I do feel different,” she admitted. “I feel...complete.”

“Was it like that before?” Tru asked gently.

Jenny swallowed hard and nodded; the pain from her miscarriage still sharp. “The signs all pointed to me being pregnant. Until that last day.” She took another sip of lemonade.

“You don’t have to talk about it, if it’s too painful.” His deep voice soothed, as the warmth from his body comforted her.

She shook her head. “You should know. It could happen again.”

Tru reached for her hand. She let his fingers link with hers. The simple touch gave her strength, but her voice trembled as she told him about the cramps and the bleeding. “I knew something was wrong, but I hoped I could weather the storm. I couldn’t.”

There was a moment of silence, heavy with emotion.

He squeezed her fingers. “It’ll be different this time.” His voice was gravelly.

“Different may not mean success.”

“Doesn’t mean failure, either. You can’t think negatively. We assume...no,
believe
it will work this time.”

No amount of positive thought would make a difference, otherwise fertility treatment would work every time. But she didn’t need to live under a black cloud, either. A sunnier attitude would definitely help the next couple of weeks pass more pleasantly.

“You’re right.” She nodded firmly. “This
will
work.”

He squeezed her fingers again, approvingly. “Can you really feel Gretzky and Orr?”

A surprised laugh escaped her. “Who?”

“Our embryos. We should name them after hockey greats.”

“Why not Richard and Vezina? Or Crosby and Ovechkin?”

Tru snorted. “The last two are too recent. Besides, you don’t expect me to name them after the competition. Richard was a fantastic goal scorer and Vezina a great goaltender, but a little before our time.”

“Fair enough. How about Granato and Rheaume?”

“They’re girls.” His lip curled like a schoolboy’s.

“There’s a fifty-fifty chance of the embryos being girls. Nature’s funny like that.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Would it matter?” She wouldn’t have thought he’d care what sex his kids were.

“Nope. Happy and healthy is all that matters. Do you have a preference?”

“Like you—happy and healthy.”

“Then that’s what you need to visualize.”

Those chubby-cheeked, green-eyed babies popped into her head again. She became aware of Tru’s thumb gently rubbing the back of her hand. Little fizzes of pleasure skipped along her skin. She’d like to blame it on hormones, but she couldn’t lie to herself.

It was Tru. She was falling for him again.

Not the best decision in the world. Nor the best timing. But then, nothing in her life ever seemed to happen according to the best schedule.

What was the worst that could happen? They got together for a while, then broke up. She’d lived through that once and survived. She could do it again. It wouldn’t affect their plans for the babies. His visits to see their children would be uncomfortable, but then they would have been anyway.

But what if she and Tru didn’t split up? What if they stayed together, got married and played happy family for real? Her heart thunked. Now, that was a whole different ball game. For her, for her babies.

“What are you thinking about?” Tru gently captured her chin and tilted her face up.

She couldn’t tell him the truth. “Wondering what the future might hold for Biscuit and Basket,” she improvised.

He laughed. “You’re naming our babies after a puck and a goal net?”

“At least they’re gender-neutral names.”

“The kids will be scarred for life.”

“I’ll give them proper names when they’re born.”

Tru cleared his throat. “Uh, could I help you choose their names?”

Even a week ago, she’d have bristled at his request, despite his humble tone. They were
her
babies. Now it didn’t seem such a big question. “The final decision is still mine?”

“For sure.”

“Okay. As long as you don’t insist on Wayne. I really don’t like that name.”

“Me neither.” His voice resonated with gratitude.

She yawned as the emotions of the day suddenly caught up to her. “The excitement has worn me out.”

Tru released her hand and got to his feet. “I should go.”

“Thank you for lunch.” She followed him into the hallway. “And for being there today.”

“My pleasure.”

It had been her pleasure, too. “About this morning...”

He placed his forefinger across her lips, halting her words. “Let’s take this one step at a time.” His lips curved in a wry smile. “It’s not like we can really act on the...heat...between us until the critical date has passed.”

Jenny couldn’t help a twinge of disappointment that he was able to push his attraction for her aside so easily. Perhaps she’d misread the signals. “Okay,” she said with forced brightness. “That sounds sensible.”

“Of course, just because we can’t eat the whole meal, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy the appetizers.”

Her heart thunked against her ribs. “It doesn’t?”

“Uh-uh.”

His head tilted toward hers. His finger traced the outline of her mouth.

When she moistened her lips, she caught his fingertip with the tip of her tongue.

His green eyes darkened; the only warning before he swooped to take advantage of her parted lips.

There was no hesitation or teasing. He demanded and devoured. She met and matched every move, every touch, every taste. Her breath rasped in her lungs. The echo of her pounding pulse roared in her head.

She wound her arms around his neck as he tightened his embrace. Breast to chest, thigh to thigh. Despite their clothing, heat seared everywhere they touched.

It was too much, yet not enough.

Vaguely, she was aware they had to stop. She didn’t want to, but this couldn’t continue to its natural conclusion. Not today.

Tru must have had the same thought, because he wrenched his mouth from hers.

She mewled her protest. His guttural, answering groan made her lower belly tighten. Spreading her fingers through his thick, dark hair, she pulled his head back toward hers. He succumbed for several moments, with a hungry kiss that weakened her knees.

All too soon, he softened his lips, then lifted his head with a regretful sigh. He didn’t loosen his hold, instead pressed her head against his heaving chest. His chin rested on the top of her head. Her arms slipped down, over his shoulders, to wrap around his waist. Her fingers curled around the waistband of his jeans.

Minute after minute, they stood together; the sound of their breathing heavy and uneven in the still hallway. Neither of them moving, except for the gentle, circular caress of Tru’s hands on her back.

Gradually, her heart rate slowed, as did the deep thump-thumps beneath her ear.

She lifted her head and met his slumberous gaze. “That was some appetizer.” Her husky voice made the words sound like a sultry invitation.

“Yeah.” Tru grinned. “Makes you want to skip straight to dessert, huh?”

Jenny laughed and, blushing, disentangled herself from his arms. “All these food references. Anyone would think you were still hungry.”

“I am. But not for food.” He stroked a finger down her hot cheek, then tapped it lightly against her swollen lips.

The intense look in his eyes made her swallow hard. “I think I’m going to enjoy taking things one step at a time.”

“Me, too.” He laughed. “If it doesn’t kill me first.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“I’
LL
MISS
YOU
.”

Jenny’s husky words over the phone made Tru’s body harden instantly. He’d hoped the intense workout he’d just put himself through would have prevented any reaction.

Not a chance. “I’m sure you ladies will have fun without me.”

Jenny was having a pampering night with Maggie and Tracy. He’d encouraged her friends to organize a fun evening, knowing tomorrow was the big day—pregnancy test day.

Even though the signs were encouraging, he’d thought Jenny needed the distraction. Sure, he could have spent the evening keeping her very pleasurably occupied, but he’d wanted to do something special for her. So he’d left her giggling with her friends over nail polish, face masks and a movie about male strippers.

“What have you and Jake got planned? There’s not even a game you can watch.”

The Sharks had snatched the Stanley Cup from the Penguins, in Game 7, last week. He and Jenny had watched San Jose come from behind to tie the game in the dying seconds of regulation, then beat the defending champs in double overtime.

The postgame celebration they’d had on Jenny’s sofa was more private than what the boys in teal had, but no less enthusiastic or passionate.

Damn it—could he get any harder?

He coughed. “Beers, baseball and pizza. What more could a guy want?”

Jenny’s sassy laugh answered that question for him.

His aching body agreed. “Yeah, other than that.”

“You’ll be here tomorrow morning?” she asked anxiously.

“Bright and early. Now, go have a good time.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Once he’d hung up, Tru stripped off his sweaty gear, tossed it in the laundry hamper and stepped into the shower. As he soaped himself, with the hot water pounding his tired muscles, he thanked God, the Fates, karma, kismet and anything else that might have helped him get this second chance with Jenny.

He couldn’t believe how different things had been between him and Jenny over the past two weeks. Ever since they’d agreed to allow their relationship to develop at its own pace, they’d relaxed with each other. For the first time in too many years, they’d enjoyed each other’s company without tense undercurrents. They’d also rediscovered what they’d liked about each other. And remembered why they’d fallen in love.

Free from the angst of the past, and the pressures of the future—even if only temporarily—he and Jenny had slowly, but surely, explored the attraction that simmered between them. It didn’t take much for the fiery passion to ignite, but having two tiny embryos to consider had kept things from going too far.

Still, as the days had passed, their kisses had grown more heated, more intense. Their caresses more daring, more frantic. As images of the two of them flashed through his mind, desire licked through his body, like flames over dried wood.

Need tightened his groin.

He turned the shower to cold. The icy needles, pummeling every exposed inch, did little to cool the fire within. Slamming off the shower, he grabbed a towel. When the softness against his skin intensified the tingling, he groaned. Time to get rougher towels.

Tru threw on a T-shirt and shorts, grabbed a beer, then turned on the Yankees game. Jake arrived soon after, with pizza, and they settled down to watch the boys in pinstripes.

At the seventh inning stretch, Jake turned to him. “Tomorrow’s the big day, huh?”

Tru tensed. Keeping his eyes on the TV, he said, “Yeah.”

“Are you ready for whatever the answer is?”

“The result will be positive and yes, I’m ready.” He was looking forward to what the months ahead with Jenny would bring.

“You’re sure this is the best way? You’ve got a lot to lose if it all goes belly-up.”

Not long after Maggie and Jenny had talked, Jake had stormed round to let Tru know he wouldn’t let him hurt Jenny. Once Tru had explained his side of the story, with Jenny’s permission, his friend’s bluster had subsided.

Tru had been shocked to learn Jake had suspected Pastor Boult wasn’t a saint, though his friend hadn’t imagined anything as terrible as the truth. Jake had also been sympathetic about Tru’s role in the events that had led to Jenny being hospitalized.

Even so, Jake had wanted to be sure Tru had thought the plan through carefully. Making things right was noble, but wasn’t fathering Jenny’s child overplaying it? Tru had convinced him it would be a win-win, for both him and Jenny.

Since then, they hadn’t discussed the subject again.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll make damn sure of that.”

“What happens if you’re traded?” Jake held up his hand. “Your contract hasn’t materialized yet. Even if it does, that won’t stop the Cats from shipping you out.”

Tru was worried about that, too. “Andy swore he’d have the paperwork to me tomorrow. He was at the draft this weekend. He said he’d tackle Hardshaw before he left Winnipeg.”

Jake grimaced. “There are a lot of rumors coming out of the draft. Hardshaw was seen with the Canucks’ GM, so the hot money is on a blockbuster trade for Davidson.”

Tru’s gut tightened. “Troy Davidson may be the highest paid defenseman in the league, but his numbers aren’t much better than mine.”

“He’s younger and better-looking.” Jake punched his arm good-naturedly.

“I have more experience and a Cup ring. Plus I’m ripped. Check out the abs.”

“Right.” His friend sobered. “Word is Vancouver’s looking for more than picks and prospects in return—like possibly a veteran d-man.”

It didn’t take a genius to work out who’d be the trade bait. “Doesn’t play for me. That’s a lot to give up for a guy who’s yet to have consecutive good seasons and who has limited postseason experience. He was injured for their past two play-off runs. And the Cats would need to shift wages to get under the salary cap for the start of the season.”

Jake shrugged. “Maybe management figures a shake-up now is better than rebuilding. I hear they’re not any closer to signing Larocque, either.”

“J.B. said they were low-balling him on salary and boosting his bonuses. He’s not prepared to lose money if they don’t have the team to even make the play-offs.”

“Smart kid. At this rate, the Cats will be hot garbage next season.” Jake rose. “I need another beer. Want one?”

Tru nodded. “Just when things are finally going right with Jenny, my career with the Cats is circling the drain.”

Before Jake could reply, Tru’s phone rang.

“Speak of the devil. Should get some answers now.” Tru answered. “Hey, Andy. Were your ears burning?”

“After these past few days, it’s not my ears I’m worried about.” His agent barked a laugh. “My gut’s a mess and not from the crazy deals some teams expect me to go for. I had a curry on Friday night that’ll have me chewing antacids for the next month. A couple of GMs wanted to try out this Thai place. What I do for my clients.”

Tru rolled his eyes. Andy loved schmoozing. “I take it you have news for me.”

“I’ve got good news and bad news.”

The back of Tru’s neck itched. “What, no middling this time?”

“Nope. It’s black and white. Which do you want to hear first?”

“Bad. How much longer will the Cats mess me about? Free agency is a week away.”

Jake handed him a beer. “You okay?” he mouthed.

Tru waggled his free hand to say “maybe yes, maybe no.”

“That’s the thing, Tru. I couldn’t tie them down. I don’t like how things are shaking out.”

From his agent’s tone, worse was still to come.
Damn.
“Tell me straight, man.”

“I don’t think you’ll get the contract. My feeling is they’ll let you walk on July 1.”

Bile burned Tru’s throat. The pizza he’d eaten threatened to reappear.

Andy continued, speaking faster. “Hardshaw blew off our meeting for a session with the Canucks’ GM. When we did get together, he refused to talk about your contract. He won’t discuss you until he and I firm up some other business.”

Tru finally found his voice. “Not even a trade? What happened to the
done deal?
”

Jake slammed down his beer bottle and swore.

“I told you there was no guarantee they’d keep you, even if they signed the contract.”

Anger surged, sweeping away the nausea. “Is this definite? Am I done with the Cats?”

“There’s still a few days left.” Andy sighed. “But don’t hold your breath.”

For several moments, Tru battled the urge to rail at the same mystical powers he’d been grateful to earlier. After everything he’d done for the team, they were playing him like a cheap fiddle.

Enough.
Time to stop wishing for what wasn’t going to be and start living the reality.

“Tell the Ice Cats they can take their contract and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I’m through with them.”

“Now you’re talking.” Andy laughed. “Though we’ll keep that message between ourselves. No point burning bridges or showing our hand. We’ll just let things ride. Don’t worry, I can get you a great deal. You’ll have your pick of the teams and some major money, too.”

“Great.” He wished he could be more enthusiastic, but he was still raw.

After he’d hung up, Tru took a long swig of beer, then swore. He filled Jake in on what Andy had said.

“I’m sorry, bro. I thought they’d come through for you,” Jake said quietly.

He puffed out a frustrated breath. “I knew the odds of staying in Jersey were pretty long once Max went.”

“They manipulated you.” Jake scowled. “Doesn’t make me confident about my contract negotiations next year.”

“They won’t let you go. You’re the heart of the defense corps. They’ll stick the captain’s
C
on your sweater as soon as Scotty Matthews retires.”

They sat silently for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts.

“Won’t be the same without you,” Jake said.

“At least we had a few seasons playing together,” Tru said finally. “And the Cup.”

They clinked bottles. “It won’t be so bad. Like when I played for Chicago.”

“I know. It just makes the next few months more complicated than I wanted. Not least because of Jenny.”

“Maybe she’ll go with you.”

He should be so lucky. “The plan is for her to stay here, with the babies, during the season and I’ll get back when I can.”

“You agreed to that before you started dating. Things have changed.”

Somehow, Tru didn’t think they’d changed that much. His chest squeezed at the thought of being far away from her and their babies. “We’ll see after the first, when I know where I’m headed.”

Jake shot him a suspicious look. “You will tell her what’s happening, won’t you?”

“Sure.” Tru rubbed his jaw. “But not right now. No point worrying her until I know how it’s all shaken out.”

“She might want to know, to be involved in the decision.”

“She needs to concentrate on herself and the pregnancy.”

Jake shook his head. “Presenting her with a done deal is a mistake, bro.”

“Fretting about what may or may not happen won’t be good for her. Better to tell her the final outcome and take things from there.”

His friend’s expression said he didn’t agree, but wouldn’t push it. “She’ll be happy you’re not on that memorial committee anymore.”

“Yeah. I’m glad about that, too. That whole saga was giving me an ulcer.”

“Aunt Karina won’t be too pleased, but you won’t be trying to sabotage her project anymore.”

Tru’s stomach dropped. If he wasn’t around, how the hell would he get the memorial canned? He’d promised Jenny he’d make sure it didn’t go ahead. He couldn’t break that promise. He’d have to come up with another plan, fast.

“Talking of things that’ll upset your mom, what’s the situation with your old man? You still planning to go to Boston?”

Tru nodded. “On Wednesday. I want this done, one way or the other, before your parents’ Fourth of July party.”

“You’re playing with fire, with all these secrets you’re keeping. I know you’re trying to protect everyone, but people have a right to know.”

“They will. But the last thing Ma needs is for Radek Jelinek to raise his ugly head if he’s only after money. She seems happy with that Rory guy.”

“What if your dad contacts Ike or one of the others? They’ll be pissed you’ve kept this from them. You’d be mad as hell if the situation was reversed.”

“You’re right.” Tru sighed. “Whatever the outcome, I’ll tell them everything after the Boston trip. At least then, I’ll have all the facts.”

“The sooner, the better.” Jake nodded. “By the way, are the Bruins on your list of approved teams?”

“They are.” Tru groaned. “Playing in the same city as my father—wouldn’t that be a fun twist of fate?”

* * *

T
HE
LONGEST
TWO
minutes of her life.

Jenny sat on the bathroom floor, waiting for the little white stick to do its thing. Memories churned her stomach.

At least she wasn’t alone. Tru sat behind her, leaning against the bath. His arms were wrapped around her and his legs stretched out on either side of her.

She tilted her head back against his shoulder. “What if...”

His hug tightened. “Whatever the result, we’ll handle it. Together.”

Jenny allowed herself to relax a fraction. “I hate this bit of the process.”

“I think it’s all hellish.”

She turned to look at him. “I’ve enjoyed our celebrations.”

“Me, too.” Tru leaned forward and kissed her.

As she parted her lips to allow him entry, her pulse skittered. Her arm crept up around his neck, holding him close. Her fingers slid through his hair.

His hands caressed her, from her hip to just below her breast. His tongue teased hers in an erotic game of cat and mouse. Until she turned the tables and the mouse captured the cat.

Desire shot from every part of her, merging to form a fiery core of need deep in her belly. Between her legs, a familiar ache demanded attention. Moist and heavy, she was ready for his touch. She shifted against him, silently seeking satisfaction.

As he had numerous times over the past two weeks, Tru gentled the kiss and eased his mouth away.