The Season: Rush (Austin Arrows #1) (25 page)

30

Tuesday, November 15
th

Kingston:
Did you watch the game tonight?

Ellie:
Of course! You were freaking amazing. Congrats on the shutout!

Kingston:
Thanks. I wish you were here.

Ellie:
Yeah? Why’s that?

Kingston:
Because I’m lying in my bed thinking about you.

Ellie:
What are you thinking about?

Kingston:
How fucking hot you are naked.

Ellie:
Such a sweet talker you are.

Kingston:
I try.

Ellie:
Well, if I’m being honest, I wish I was there, too.

Kingston:
What would you be doing to me if you were?

Ellie:
Is this what they refer to as sexting?

Kingston:
Possibly. Depends on whether you elaborate or not.

Ellie:
I’ve never done this before.

Kingston:
There’s a first time for everything.

Ellie:
Well … I’d start by… Nope. Can’t do it. It’s creepy because there are customers sitting here staring at me.

Kingston:
Understood. Maybe one of these days you can come to a game and stay in the hotel with me.

Ellie:
I’d like that. (A lot)

31

Kingston

Friday, November 18
th

“I think some of you pretend not to know this, but you each have a verified Twitter account. Some of you, I might add, have a rather hefty following.” Evan Dunbar, the director of social media, stares into all the blank faces.

When Coach originally informed us that we’d be sitting in for a meeting regarding social media, the consensus was grim. No one wants to be here right now. We’re coming off a relatively decent last few games, and the only thing I want to do is go home and relax for a while. I can only assume that the team is in agreement. Instead, we’re sitting here while Evan tells us shit we already know.

Whatever the choice in activity, it damn sure isn’t sitting here and listening to Evan spout off about how we need to be more visible on Facebook.

Instead of retaining the details of his conversation, I’m imagining myself at the Penalty Box, having a few beers with the guys, spending some time with my girl.

The thought makes me smile.

Unfortunately, it’s merely a fantasy at this point because the guy can’t seem to find his off button. Hell, half the guys are snoring and they aren’t even trying to hide it. I feel their pain. So what if we have Twitter accounts. Or Instagram. Or Facebook. Or any of those other things where people post too damn much information about themselves.

“I’ve seen increased activity on a few accounts…” Evan peers around the room, his eyes coming to rest on me. “Like yours. Seems quite a bit of activity as of late for you, Rush. Whoever the woman is that you’re conversing with has garnered quite a bit of interest from fans.”

I know he’s referring to Ellie and our scaling Mount Rushmore Twitter conversation.

I feel several sets of eyes turn to me. It makes me uneasy being called out. How the hell did I get to be the subject of this stupid-ass workshop?

“And you…” Evan glances at Mattias. “The fans are eating it up that you’re interacting with them. That’s what I’m talking about. They want to know you, the player. They want to know what you’re doing, what you’re eating for breakfast, what you’re having for dinner. Seriously, how hard is it to post one hundred and forty characters or less? Throw in some hashtags, maybe a picture. It’ll go a long way in getting some more attention.”

I hate this shit. I really, really do.

“I know you’ve heard me spout this before, but unlike then, we’re trying to make a push to revamp the team, to get the fans on board again. When you have a good game, take a minute to say something. Otherwise, my team is attempting to put limited information on each account so that they’re active. But we need more from you.”

Coach gets to his feet. “This isn’t rocket science, guys. Fucking toss out a few words, but keep it civil. It’ll appease the execs and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Several people grumble, but I manage to keep my mouth shut. I glance over at Spencer to see what he thinks of all this. As the captain, he’s supposed to support what the executive team pushes down, even if he doesn’t agree with it. I know he could care less about social media. Like me, it’s never been his thing, but I sense that he gets it. About as much as I do.

Coach clears his throat. “That’s it. Go home, enjoy your days off. This doesn’t happen often; take advantage of it. I’ll see you back here bright and early on Monday morning.”

I try to keep from running to the door, but I come up short when I see Amber making a beeline for Spencer. I’m wondering if I need to stick around and intervene. I hate leaving my buddy hanging, but he’s a big boy. I’m sure he can handle himself.

Because I’m a good friend, I manage to keep my feet rooted to the floor as Amber approaches him with a, “Hey, you got a minute?”

While Spencer seems to scramble for a response, I take Amber in from head to toe. She’s sporting a pair of jeans along with an oversized Austin Arrows sweatshirt. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she looks … well, she looks unlike any girl I’ve ever seen Spencer date.

Sure, she’s cute. Some would probably call her hot. She’s no Ellie Kaufman, that’s for damn sure, but she’s all right. But she still doesn’t seem to be his type. Not that he really has one. The guy has made a point to sample the various options over the years, never sticking to one specific type at the buffet. Well, unless you count Noelle. That girl seems like his type, only he seems to be fighting his attraction to her. Or maybe he doesn’t like her that way. I really don’t know. I haven’t paid the least bit of attention lately.

Based on the way Spencer is looking at Amber right now, I don’t think he’s thinking she’s all right.

He looks tongue-tied and more than a little uncomfortable, even when he mutters, “Yeah, I’ve got a minute.”

Spencer nods toward the hallway and starts walking. I stay a few feet behind them, ready to toss out the life raft if need be.

“Hey, Optimus! Rush!” Seg calls out. “Wanna head over and grab a beer?”

I nod. “Got a couple of errands to run, but I’ll be there in a bit.”

“Cool. What about you?” he asks Spencer.

“Sure.”

I turn my attention back to Spencer and Amber while Seg makes an announcement to everyone else that they should join us. We deserve a little downtime.

Amber lowers her voice but manages to keep a safe distance from Spencer. “I need to nail down the details of the food drive. I’ve already got it set up, but I need to let them know how many people will be there. Have you had a chance to get with the team?”

Great. Just what we need. More charity drives.

“Not yet,” Spencer tells her as he shoves his hands into his pockets. “But I will.”

“You’ve said that already,” she says, her tone a little haughty.

Hmm. I think I should probably head on out. Based on how she’s talking to him, apparently this isn’t just a quick question.

“And I will,” Spencer assures her firmly.

“Look, if you’ve got a problem with me, I can talk to Mark and Phoenix about this. I can’t let your inability to work with me affect me doing my job.”

Oh, boy. That sounds like a woman who’s got an issue right there. I begin to wonder if something happened between the two of them recently. I haven’t kept up to speed on what’s going on with Spencer, really, but that’s because I’ve been so caught up in Ellie.

Spencer frowns. “I don’t have a problem with you, Amber.”

“Are you sure?” There’s a hint of vulnerability in her tone.

Doesn’t the girl get it? When you break up with a guy
over voice mail
, what the hell do you expect? Him to open his arms and welcome you back into his world? Yeah, not gonna happen, Red.

“I’m sure. I’ll talk to the guys in a bit, and I’ll text you and let you know.”

A small smile pulls at the corner of her mouth as she nods.

“Better yet, you wanna come over to the bar and have a couple of beers? We can talk to them together.”

Ah, crap. That’s definitely my cue to jet. I’m not interested in watching them play catch-up on the last seventeen years of their lives. Boring.

Her smile widens, as do her eyes, and I’m tempted to roll mine. I suspect there’s a hint of surprise in there, too.

“I’d like that.”

“Cool. See you in a bit.”

I’m still standing here when Amber turns to walk away. I guess she didn’t know I was there, because her eyes widen and she looks horrified.

What?
Worried someone might tell on you?

“Bro, what’re you doing?” I bluntly ask Spencer, not caring that she’s not out of earshot yet.

He turns his eyes on me. Apparently he didn’t know I was still there, either.

“Nothing.”

I cock an eyebrow and nod my head toward the redhead marching down the hall. “You asked her out.”

“I did not,” he barks adamantly. “She’s part of the team. No reason she shouldn’t hang out with the guys at the bar.”

Now, I know this is going to sound stupid, but I can’t stop myself from asking. “What about Noelle?”

Spencer frowns. “What about her?”

I study my friend for a minute, trying to see if he’s hiding something. I know that he claims that he and Noelle are merely friends, but I saw the way he was looking at her at the charity dinner. No one in their right mind could’ve looked at them and not seen the blazing heat that was churning. Those two are attracted to each other, even if they won’t admit it.

“Please tell me you’re not entertaining the idea of … getting with her?” I’m once again referring to Amber, and Spencer knows it.

“Not a chance.” His tone is firm, as though he really does believe that.

“Have you even talked to her about when she broke up with you?”

“Of course not. That was ages ago. It’s ancient history.”

I consider that for a moment. It’s really not my business what Spencer does, but I truly don’t want to see some chick rake him over the coals again. I remember when Amber quit him. I remember how mopey he was at the time. And I also remember that he hasn’t had a serious relationship since then.

“Well, for your sake, I hope that’s where you can leave it. In the past.”

Spencer gives a quick nod, then glances down the hall, then back to me. “You ready for that beer?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” I grin, glad for the subject change. “But I need to run a couple of errands first. I’ll meet you there.”

Ellie

It’s not even four when I see a parking lot full of hockey players coming toward the door.

They’re not wearing jerseys, but I can tell you, when you see roughly ten grown men, all standing close to six feet tall or taller around these parts, you can pretty well assume they’re Austin Arrows players.

When the door opens and the bell sounds, I glance over, my gaze meeting my brother’s for the first time in what feels like forever. The whole team’s been on the road for several days, so it’s been relatively quiet around here. Well, except for last night when they won. Shit got kind of crazy at that point, but it usually does.

“Hey,” Spencer greets, coming to stand on the other side of the bar from me.

“Hey. Y’all did great last night,” I say cheerfully.

“Yeah, thanks. Think we could get a round of beers?”

“Of course.” I peer behind him to see who all has arrived. I don’t see Kingston, and a sudden flash of disappointment washes over me.

“I’ll bring ’em right over,” I tell him before going to work.

As I’m flipping off tops, Noelle walks over, greeting the group quickly before coming toward me.

“What brings them by?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder as she starts toward the kitchen.

“Didn’t say.”

Noelle stops walking, and I do a double take. “You okay?”

She plasters on a smile. “Of course.”

I can’t help but look over at my brother again. I notice that he’s looking at Noelle, and not for the first time, I want to ask if something happened between the two of them. The last time I mentioned it, Noelle broke out in a fit of laughter, telling me I’ve lost my mind.

Maybe, but I really do think something is going on with them. Ever since the night of the charity dinner, they haven’t been acting like themselves. At least not when the other one is in the same room.

The door chimes again, and I look up to see Amber coming in, a smile on her face.

I fight to keep from frowning. There’s something about her that I don’t like. I figure it has to do with the fact that she dumped my brother all those years ago, but I can’t be sure. Every time I’ve had any interaction with her, she’s been nothing but nice.

“I’m gonna check on Lance,” Noelle blurts, then bolts toward the kitchen.

I look back at Amber. The woman really is pretty, and she’s sweet, as well. If it weren’t for the fact that I’m still upset that she hurt Spencer all those years ago, I’d probably try to befriend her. However, because of that, I’ve managed to keep my distance.

Amber approaches the bar slowly. I get the feeling she’s sizing me up and I don’t know why. I wonder if she expects me to say something about how she treated my brother, but that’s really not my thing.

“Hey, Ellie.”

Interesting. She greeted me by name. “Hey, Amber,” I say with a fake smile.

“Could I get an iced tea? With lemon?”

“Of course.”

She surprises me when she takes a seat at the bar. I thought for sure she would join the team across the room. Thankfully, Noelle returns and greets Amber so I’m not left trying to figure out what to say to her.

“Hey, Amber. How’s the new job going?”

I cast a sideways glance at my best friend, but she offers me a shrug. It sounds like she’s become best buds with Amber, but I happen to know she hasn’t. So what’s with the freaky greeting?

“It’s good, thank you.” Amber reaches for the drink I pass her way. “We’re working on more charity drives.”

“Spencer’s helping, I assume?” Noelle smiles.

“He is. He’s great. I think he’s nervous, but people love him.”

Even I have to agree with that.

“What’s coming up next?” I ask, trying to be part of the conversation so I don’t look like an ass.

“We’re doing a food drive on the twenty-third. I’m hoping Spencer can convince the team to band together, put together boxes to be delivered to needy families.”

“I’m sure they’d be happy to help,” Noelle offers.

“Have you asked them about it?” To me, it doesn’t sound like she has.

Amber shakes her head. “Spencer offered, so I was hoping he’d do it before I had to.”

“Hey!” Noelle hollers, directing her voice toward the Arrows players. “Amber and Spencer are working on a food drive. Putting stuff together and delivering to those in need. Day before Thanksgiving. Who’s in?”

I shake my head because that’s Noelle for you. She’s always willing to do the hard things.

She gets several confused smirks, so she follows with, “Free beer for a month for any Austin Arrows player who signs up.”

“I’m in!”

“Hell yeah.”

“Count me in, too!”

Amber’s eyes widen as she stares back at Noelle, then over at me.

“There you go.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Amber says softly.

“Why not? It’s for a good cause, right?”

“It is.”

“Then it all worked out,” Noelle tells her.

I grab a couple more beers and set them on the bar. “And you can count us in, too.”

Noelle elbows me in the back, making me laugh.

“Wow. Okay, then.”

“Now scoot,” I tell her. “Go hang out with the team. They need to get to know you.”

Amber takes her drink and, with a quick smile, disappears to the other side of the room.

“Why in the world would you do that?” I ask Noelle as I stop her from escaping from behind the bar.

“Why not? She looks like she needs a friend. This way, she’s got a whole team of them.”

“I’m talking about the charity thing?” I clarify.

Noelle giggles. “Oh. Well, Spencer’s in charge as the team’s captain, so I figured I’d help him out a little.”

My eyebrow lifts. “Noelle Dexter, do you have a sweet spot for my brother?”

She shakes her head, but I’m pretty sure she’s blushing. “Not a chance. He’s got a lot of work ahead of him. Just thought I’d lend a hand.”

I put two more bottles on a tray and Noelle picks it up. When she turns to squeeze past me, I study her closely. I’m not sure what’s going through that pretty little head of hers, and quite frankly, I’m not sure I want to know.

Whatever it is, I get the feeling it has everything to do with my brother.

Is it wrong of me to hope that’s the case?