Goalie Interference (NHL Scorpions) (7 page)

“Fuck! No! Lace, baby, that’s not what I meant. I meant, crap, I don’t know what I meant. I want you to be as big as a house—I mean you’re so beautiful. If you were having twins, you’d be twice as beautiful, if that were even possible. I love to watch you eat. I think it’s endearing. You eat to nourish our baby. You have no idea how much I appreciate how you care for her.” Lacey was full of curves. Zoe knew that Jody loved those curves. He’d never want her to be like those skinny models, but he couldn’t seem to stop rambling and back-tracking, and Zoe couldn’t help but hold back a smirk at poor Jody’s foot-in-mouth issues.

Lacey, more like her pre-pregnancy self, full of piss and vinegar, said, “If I were having twins, you wouldn’t even be eating right now, because there wouldn’t be enough! Now, pass me some more garlic bread and let me eat in peace.”

Zoe looked at poor Jody and changed the subject from food to Vlad. “Okay.” Giving Lacey a pointed look, she continued, “Now that we’ve all had enough to eat, let’s figure out what the hell we’re going to do about Vlad.”

She filled Lacey in on her meeting with Keith. Lacey wasn’t as concerned about tiptoeing around Vlad. “You guys just need to go over there and talk to him. Enough is enough. He’s being ridiculous now. Lashing out at teammates, being rude to Zoe. Enough. After you two are done eating, go right over there. I’m feeling pretty good tonight; Addie must’ve loved dinner, too. I’ll do dishes, you two go tackle Vlad.” Lacey got up and cleared their plates. She gave Zoe a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so much for dinner. It was exactly what I needed. And I can’t wait for the ice cream and mint sauce!”

“Wow, Lace. Ick.” Zoe smiled at her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. We’ll let you know what happens with Vlad. Wish us luck. I think we’re going to need it.”

Vlad was playing NHL 13, featuring Philadelphia’s Claude Giroux on the cover. He admired the hell out of that kid and was glad he didn’t have to face him much during the season. When the doorbell rang, he looked at the clock noticing that it was almost eight.
God, don’t let it be that puck bunny.
He didn’t think she would know where he lived, but one never knew what personal information a nosey body could find.

He wasn’t as relieved as he should have been when he looked out the peep hole to see Jody and Zoe standing there.
Great, an intervention?
Even though he had misgivings, he opened the door. Zoe
was
out there, after all.

He wasn’t sure if he succeeded, but he went for a casual air. “Hey. What are you guys doing here?”
Yeah, that didn’t sound too inviting.

Zoe lifted an eyebrow at him. “We’re fine, thanks. Why yes, we’d love to come in. Thank you ever so much.” She pushed past him and entered the place she’d only been in once before. When she looked at the coffee table, she blushed.

“Bring back fond memories, does it?”

“Vlad!”

Vlad decided to play nice and asked them if they wanted something to drink. “Hell, yes. Lacey can’t stand the smell of beer anymore, and I could definitely use a Molson. Please tell me you have some.”

Zoe wanted something stronger. It was harder than she thought it would be to be back in his condo. What a fantastic night they had. And what a terrible mistake it’d been. “I’d love some scotch if you have it.”

“You know I do, Zoe. If I remember correctly, the last time you were here …”

“Stop, Vlad. Please.” Turning to Jody, she said, “I shouldn’t have come. This was a mistake.”

Vlad knew he was being an ass—again. What was his problem? Zoe didn’t do anything to him other than maintain her professionalism so she could keep her job. He should admire that, so why was he being such an asshole? He truly didn’t know. Maybe he just wanted her to hurt because he was hurting.

He wrapped his hand around his neck, rubbing and squeezing. “No, Zoe, don’t go. I’m sorry. I don’t know what my problem is, but it’s not you.” Maintaining eye contact, he continued, “I can’t help where my thoughts wander where you’re concerned. Yes, I know that’s not allowed, yadda, yadda, and so on …” Just looking at her made his heart thunder in his chest. He cleared his throat and looked over at Jody. “So, I assume this isn’t just a friendly visit. What’s up?”

Jody started talking. “Well, we’re all a bit concerned about you, man. Before you get pissed off, let me explain. Maybe you don’t see it, but you used to be the happy, laid back guy who everyone wanted to be around, but lately, you’re … well, honestly, you’ve been acting like an asshole. You lash out at your teammates and the girl you love.” Jody looked at Zoe, mumbling, “Sorry, but it’s true.”

“Oh, come on, what the fuck is this? You get the two people I’m closest to and play ‘What’s wrong with Vlad?’ Maybe I’m just sick of things lately. Maybe I’m just struggling with being an older goalie, or Cage gunning for my spot, or watching
my girl
go out on dates.” At that last part, he looked to Zoe. “Come on Zoe, you’re the shrink. Do you think that might be enough to piss a guy off now and then? What do you say?” Vlad threw the whiskey glass he was holding into the fireplace, making Zoe flinch at the sound of the exploding glass.

“Come on, Vlad. Talk to me.” Zoe tried to avoid, at all costs, talking to Vlad about her feelings. “You know how I feel about you. You know why it can’t be, but that doesn’t lessen my feelings. Talk to me.”

Zoe was grateful that Jody took that as his cue to step into the other room.

“Goddammit, Zoe. It’s not that easy. You just don’t get it. There is no one else in the entire world like you. No one will ever compare to you. Fuck! I just—I don’t know how to say it. I
have
to have you. I just have to.” He shook his head in defeat. He couldn’t stop himself if his life depended on it. He marched over to her, grabbed her on either side of her face and pressed his lips to hers. It wasn’t a sweet kiss, or even a passionate one. It was punishing. Desperate. He didn’t know what to do with his emotions so he poured them into his kiss.

Feeling emotionally drained herself, she pushed him away. It wasn’t easy to do. Fighting their attraction became harder each day, and she had no idea what to do about it. Keeping her voice at a whisper she said, “Vlad, I’m sorry I keep pushing you away. I just don’t know what else to do.” She threw her hands up and started pacing in front of him. “I know there’s something else going on with you. Your personality has changed so much in the past six months. If you can’t talk to me, you have to find someone you can talk to.” Staring down at her clenched hands, she said, “I’m really worried about you. Please, Vlad, you need to talk to someone. This isn’t only about us. Your attitude is affecting your team.”

Zoe left Vlad standing there, shaking his head. “Great. Go ahead and leave, Zoe, but know this. I’m done trying to figure this out. I want you, and I’ll have you. Go ahead and try to date. I’ll interfere with every goddamn one. You understand? You’re mine, Zoe Millis, and I’m going to prove it to you. I’m going to ruin you for all other men.” Okay, that sounded a bit creepy, borderline stalkerish, but he knew she got the point.

She looked at him with her shoulders hung in defeat. “That’s the problem, Vlad. I think you already have.” She grabbed Jody and walked out the door.

Over the following weeks, Zoe dated. She said yes to every guy who asked her out. Normally, she simply ignored them or politely turned them away. Now, though, she was on a mission. For her own sanity, she needed to find a guy who could compete with Vlad for her affections. And really, just distract her from herself. She didn’t want to think of Vlad in that way. There was no point. But at the same time, she couldn’t seem to stop.

Her first date was pretty much what she expected, with a bit of a twist to the end.

She’d met Johnny in the bowling alley when she was there with a crew from work. He was there with his own friends in the lane next to hers. They got to talking and set plans up to have dinner the following night.

Johnny picked her up at seven o’clock, and they went to the local pizza joint, in Zoe’s attempt to keep things casual.

“I’ve actually never been here. Have you?” Johnny was somewhat new to San Diego.

Zoe had been there plenty of times. “Yeah. They have great pizza. What do you like on yours?”

That was the first strike. “Anchovies and garlic. Then, when it comes to the table piping hot, you smother it with the dried red peppers.”

Zoe smiled in good humor, teasing him, but she would never eat that crap!

“Fine, you buy what you want, and I’ll buy what I want,” Johnny retorted.

Cool first date, dude. So much for being a gentleman.
“Okay, great.” Since she’d never eat a whole pizza by herself, she ordered chicken tenders and fries.

Halfway through dinner, she was ready to call it quits. To make it even worse, Vlad walked in.
Oh, hell no. Not again.

She quickly grabbed Johnny’s hand and smiled up at him.

“What’s that smile for?” He looked totally dumbfounded, which was not going to help her cause.

“Because I’m enjoying myself. You’re good company.” He seemed appeased and started rubbing her hand. She hated it, but Vlad was looking right at them.

“I’m glad, Zoe. I think we could be good together.”

Really, you freak? Who the fuck are you kidding?
They had nothing in common. Basically, he was an idiot and she wasn’t.

“You think we’ll fuck tonight?”

Holy shit!
He did not just say that.
Zoe was far, far away from being a prude, but come on! Was this guy for real? But what could she do? Vlad had just taken a seat next to them. She knew he was listening to everything they said.

“I think that’s a very good possibility.” She hated herself for even saying it. Hated herself more when she heard a water glass breaking on the floor directly behind her. At least she knew Vlad was aware of her, right? Ugh. Granted, she shouldn’t be torturing him when
she
was the one who kept denying
him
. She thought, once again, that
she
was the one who needed therapy.

“Let’s blow this joint so you can blow something else, baby. What do you say?”

Before Zoe could formulate an answer, Vlad was there. Legs planted wide apart, arms crossed, he bellowed, “Zoe Millis! Mother is worried sick! You didn’t take any of your medications. What are we supposed to do when you leave the house like that?” Vlad then addressed her date. “I’m really sorry about this, man. She got out on us. We’re usually good about controlling her, but when she takes on this personality, she gets sneaky.”

Zoe started sputtering at Vlad. How dare he make her sound like she belonged in the loony bin! He crooned to her, “It’s okay, sis. Shhh, we’ll get you home, and you’ll feel nice and safe, okay? Come on, sweetie.”

When he tried to help her to a standing position, she screeched at him. “What the hell are you doing, Vlad? There’s nothing wrong with me.” It drove her batshit crazy to see that her date, who she desperately wanted to get rid of anyway, believed every word Vlad said. Who was this joker?

Vlad gave Johnny another sympathetic look. “It’s okay, Zoe. I’m going to take you home.” He excused them both and dragged her to the door.

When they were outside, he walked her over to his car and pushed her into the passenger seat. He was banking on her wanting to avoid a scene. He won, but once they were away from the pizza shop, she let him have it.

“What are you doing? I swear to God, Vlad, if you ever do that again, I’ll twist your balls so hard you won’t walk right for a week. Do you understand me?”

Vlad looked at the anger showing on her face and busted out laughing. She was so tiny; it was hard to take her seriously. He had more than six inches on her and at least eighty pounds. His face quickly got serious and drained of all color when she lunged at him while he was driving.

She grabbed his junk in a vice grip. “Oh, no more laughing? Listen clearly, Vlad. One more time,
one
more, and I’ll twist these guys off. Do. You. Understand. Me?”

Vlad coughed and asked her to remove her hand. “Yes, Zoe. I understand you, okay? I’ll just take you home.” He dropped her off and made his way back home. He was actually surprised she was so mad at him. Surely, he gave her enough warning that he wasn’t going to let her date other men.