A Hockey Player's Proposal (Oh Captain, My Captain #2) (8 page)

“Oh, yeah, I’m great. Just amazed by how great you look.” I can’t take my eyes off her.

She puts her hands on her hips. “So, I look like shit all the others times you’ve seen me?”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. I haven’t seen you dressed like this,” I stammer on my words.

She gives me a small smile. “I think I need a better explanation than that, captain.”

I’m about to tell her that I would rather stay home with her than go to the dinner, but the limo beeps for us.

“Saved by the horn.” I grin.

She shakes her head but she smiles. It’s nice to see her smile again. Last night was hard on me, seeing her so sad. I’m glad that she told me, and I hate she went through all of that alone. When I got home, I thought about what a strong person she is and how much she has dealt with. It meant a lot to me that she trusted me with her story. I knew that was a hard one to tell.

I couldn’t imagine going through something like that. I have friends, but to have a best friend die at such a young age is so much harder. I’m sure that she still blames herself, but look how far she has come. I take her by the hand, and we walk towards the limo. The driver is about to get out to come around, but I wave him away. I’ll take care of my girl tonight.

My girl?

Is Selene my girl?

“Well, aren’t you chivalrous?” Selene coos at me as I open the door for her. I smile at her. She gets into the limo, and I go around to do the same. “So, why the limo?” she asks. She sits with her legs crossed, being very ladylike, and isn’t acting like this is a rapper’s video. The last time I took a girl to a dinner, she wanted to have sex with me in the limo. Sure, I like to be adventurous, but not when it’s a work event. I mean, I’m nothing like Carson Lee. He is the NHL’s bad boy. I, on the other hand, try to keep my image down.

“Well, the Mustang owner likes for us to come in style for big events.”

“Oh, like the opening day red carpet event?”

“Yep, just like that.” We sit there in silence for a little while. “I didn’t see Bonkers. Where was he?”

She smiles. “He’s with my friend, Allison, tonight. I didn’t know how long we would be gone, and I didn’t want to come home to a huge mess.”

“I can understand that.” I nod.

“What should I expect at the dinner?” She looks at me with her big dark eyes. She doesn’t seem nervous, but more curious.

“Well, it’s a dinner for a local charity. The one thing you might get out of this night is a lot of autographs since the whole team is going to be there.”

“Awesome. I’m excited to see Kris then,” she teases.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot to warn him that you’re his stalker.” I chuckle at her. “You might have issues with his wife then. She’s kind of attached to him.”

“Just because I’m his stalker doesn’t mean I want him. All I want is to say hello and thanks for his autograph on your jersey.”

“Hey, I was the one who got him to sign it, what do I get?” I slightly pout at her.

She giggles. “You already got your reward.”

“I did? I might need you to remind me. Maybe later tonight?”

“We’ll see. Once we get back home, of course. You’re on the job.”

I stop and look at her. Any other girl would be trying to blow me on the way to the event. “So, you’re not the type of girl to have sex in public?”

“I didn’t technically say that.” She has a sexy smile on her face. “You don’t do those things when it’s work-related, but no, I wouldn’t have sex in public.”

“Wow, I learned something new about you.” I pause unsure if I should go further. Something tells me to tell her the truth. “I like that in a girl. I like the ones that don’t just have sex everywhere and anywhere.”

“Are you saying you like me, Brody?” There’s a little bit of shock in her voice.

“You’re my friend, of course I like you.” My heartbeats increase. I do like her as a friend. She means something to me. I know that because of last night. I’m just not sure if there is more or not. Could I put my heart out there again?

“Good. I’m glad you’re my friend.” She pats my hand.

We remain quiet until we reach the event. Almost all of the team will be there, along with other big names in Indiana. I go around to her side of the limo, opening the door for her. She gracefully steps out of the limo and takes my arm. We go into the event, and I check us in. I can already feel everyone staring at me. That is because I’m with my girl.

Shit, I thought it again.

“Oh my God, there are a lot of players and famous people here,” she leans in and whispers. I can smell her shampoo, and it still smells like fresh flowers. The scent drives me wild.

“You’re not going to go all crazy in here, are you?” I whisper back to her.

“Depends on who I meet,” she smiles.

We walk into the dinner hall, which has been redone into looking like a winter wonderland. We find our table, and I pull her chair out for her.

“You never pull my chair out for me, Meatball.” Kris slaps me on the back.

“That is because you’re not as nice as Selene,” I snap back to him.

“Selene, the non-stalker?” Kris smiles at her and shakes her hand.

“Well, I’m your stalker, not Brody’s.” She smiles back at him.

“That means you have better taste.” He sits down next to me. “Meatball here is just a kid. If you need a man, call me.”

Selene leans in towards him. “I don’t think your wife would approve.” She giggles.

“You’re right, and I wouldn’t cheat on her. She stole my heart a long time ago,” Kris says brightly.

“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Selene replies lovingly.

“Where is Wifey?” I ask.

“She isn’t feeling well.”

I am about to ask what's wrong, but the announcer starts to speak. He tells us that dinner is going to begin soon and for everyone to find their tables. Our table fills up, and I watch Selene’s eyes go wide when our head coach, owner, and a couple of the upper management sit with us.

I introduce her to everyone, and she smiles politely. When the first course comes, I look at the dainty salad. I can never understand this. Selene, on the other hand, is chatting up with the general manager’s wife. She softly laughs, talks in a quieter tone, and when she eats, it's small ladylike bites. Okay, no guy should really care about this, but I do. I don’t mind a woman being independent, but I want someone who holds themselves with higher standards too.

“I like her,” Kris whispers to me.

I nod. “I like her too.”

“Is the crazy bitch still texting you?”

I nod. “Yep, and won’t stop. I think I need my lawyer to contact her for her to get the picture.”

“That sucks, but it might have to be done.”

The dinner goes very smoothly, and the food isn’t too bad either. The announcer come back up to the podium and tells everyone the auction will start soon.

“What is he talking about?” Selene asks.

“This is a benefit dinner. The ‘benefit’ is that they’re going to be auctioning off the Mustang players,” Kris explains.

“You’re being auctioned off?” Selene asks, and I nod. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“It’s for a hockey date. You get to come to a game, sit in the glass section, and then have a personal meet and greet at the end of the game,” I tell her. I don’t usually like these things, but it’s for a good cause.

“Kris.” Selene leans over me and closer to him. “I’m going to bet every dime I have for a date with you, okay?”

“Hello, I’m right here. Aren’t I your date?” I wave my hand in between them.

“Shh, Meatball, the lady knows a good thing when she sees it.” Kris winks at her, and she giggles.

Then we are called up to the stage to begin the auction. I'll be going last. I always go last. One by one, each team member is auctioned off. I’m glad that so much money is being raised. Kris goes for $7,500. Of course, he smirks at me, challenging me to top him. Next, they call me for my turn. There’s nothing like standing here like a piece of meat.

“For captain Brody Ross, we will start at $2,000.” Of course, every lady in the room raises their hands. I almost blush as I see Selene’s hand up with a bright smile.

“How about $4,000?” Some ladies put their hands down.

“$10,000!” someone shouts in the corner. I look over and see Jessica. Oh, shit. I glance at Kris, and he knows it’s her too.

“$15,000!” I whip my head and see Selene’s hand up.

“$17,000!” Jessica yells back. How the hell did she even get in here? No one else knows her.

“$20,000!” Selene shouts back. I don’t care what number she says, I’ll pay it as long as Jessica doesn’t win.

Jessica’s lips are tight with anger. She doesn’t have that kind of money. She stomps her foot like a child that lost her toy and storms out.

“Going once, twice, sold!” the announcer booms.

I breathe a sigh of relief. Selene won. Everyone claps, and we head back to the table.

“That’s the crazy bitch, isn’t it?” Kris pulls on my arm right before we make it to the table.

“Yep. How the hell did she get in here?”

“Call the lawyer, Brody. I’m serious.” I can’t remember the last time Kris called me by my name or looked so stern. I nod. Selene is standing when I make it to the table with a big smile on her face.

“Looks like I won,” Selene coos.

“I’ve never been so thankful.” I pull her into my arms. “Dance with me.” The music starts up, and people are making their way to the floor. She nods, and I lead us there as well. I pull her close to me, inhaling her scent. We sway slowly to the music as I look around, making sure that Jessica isn’t around.

“I’m not going to be able to buy shoes for a very long time,” she whispers.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll take care of the tab,” I whisper in her ear.

“What?” She pulls back a bit. “Why? I won, I’ll take care of it. I wasn’t going to let that crazy chick win you.”

“You think she’s crazy?”

“Um, duh, Brody. I’m sure that it’s tattooed on her forehead,” she scoffs.

“Trust me, you saved me.”

“So, what’s the story with her?”

I shake my head. “That is for another time. Not tonight. Tonight’s about you and me.” I lean down and gently kiss her lips.

Selene

To avoid looking at him, I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. My mind keeps picturing a heartbroken Brody. I don’t want to hurt him. If he ever needs me or needs to trust me, I don’t want to let him down like I let Stacy down.

“You’re blurring the lines,” I whisper so softly, almost in hopes that he doesn’t hear me.

“What do you mean?”

“You aren’t treating me as if I’m just your friend to put it nicely.”

There’s a long pause before he responds. “What if you being my friend isn’t what I want?”

Why did he have to say that? It sparks an excitement, but also terror. I decide to focus on the latter. “Things are good right now, Brody. You’re my friend and my neighbor. Lots can go wrong there.”

“Then again,” he runs one hand up and down my back before resting it on my lower back  and continues, “a lot could go right. The only difference would be going out on dates. Maybe sleepovers too, instead of fucking and leaving.”

“I’m not saying this to tease you this time, but we’ll see. It’s too much of a risk to make any kind of decision on a whim.”

Brody pulls back to force me to look at him. “Why do you have such a barrier over your heart, Selene? I know why I have one. I haven’t had a serious girlfriend since Junior’s. In fact, I’ve only had fuck buddies since then. So, what’s your story?” He watches me carefully, as if I would spill my guts right here in the middle of the dance floor.

I avoid his question like a pro. “Can’t I protect my heart for the obvious reasons? Do I have to have a story? If you think about it long enough, maybe you’ll figure it out. If I do have a story after all.” Getting involved with Brody could eventually negatively affect my love for hockey and I can't lost that.

“Well, I guess you don’t have a story like mine, I was just wondering. The only real question I have is, do you want to have something more with me?”

The music fades, allowing for a perfect escape. “Some things shall remain a mystery. Song’s over and I would like something to drink.” I give him a small smile.

Brody allows me to lead us back to our table. We’re halfway there when he whispers from behind me, “Just so you know, I think you do.”

I ignore him and the heat that rushes through me. He pulls out my chair, so I take a seat. With the main event over, the rest of the benefit seems to pass quickly and soon, we’re getting ready to leave. Kris is the last person we say goodbye to.

“It was so nice to meet you. I hope your wife feels better soon,” I tell him.

He grins. “Thanks. I hope the Swedish Meatball is worth all your money,” he jokes.

“Kris, leave me alone,” Brody laughs. He says his goodbye and then leads me to pay my $20,000 bill. “Are you-” he starts.

“Yep,” I interrupt. It’s for a good cause and I can pay it thanks to a trust I have. There’s no way I’m going to let him pay for any of it. I write the check with a smile and then we are officially on our way back home.

Brody holds my hand in the limo. We’re silent for a bit before he says, “Thank you for coming with me. Did you have fun?”

“Yes, I did. Thank you for inviting me.”

Brody grins and turns towards me a little. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

“Not as often as you should have.”

He laughs. “Well, you took my breath away, Selene.” Brody tugs me tight against him and whispers into my ear, his lips brushing my ear. “Don’t forget you need to remind me about the reward.”

There’s one thing for sure. The man can turn me on and sometimes it’s as simple as a look or even an innocent touch. “How could I forget? You look very handsome, Mr. Ross.”

“Why, thank you.”

We arrive in front of my house, and Brody gets out to open my door. I’ll have to text Allison soon, so she can bring Bonkers back to me. The limo pulls away and we’re halfway to my door when a car pulls up to the curb.

“Fuck,” Brody mutters.

“Who is it?” I ask, confused.

“The crazy chick at the benefit, who is also the girl who thought I was her boyfriend,” he answers, looking over his shoulder as he tries to usher me to my house. Oh. “She must have followed us here.” Brody stands in front of me, blocking her view of me, but also my view of her as she gets out of her car and storms up to us.

“Who is
she
?” she spits vehemently. “Why have you been ignoring me, Brody? We
belong
together. Don’t you understand that?
She
can’t be anything more than some whore. Brody, baby, please come home with me.”

Brody’s voice is hard as stone to match his tense muscles. “Leave. You have no right to be here, Jessica. I don’t want you and you’ve pushed me to contact my lawyer. I won’t tell you again. Go home and don't come back.”

I almost feel like I’m intruding and should go inside, but I don’t want to leave Brody out here either. He was right. The girl is nuts.

“Brody,” she whines, and I hear her step closer, which causes Brody to take a step back, pushing me a step back as well.

“I mean it,” he warns. “I’ll call the police if I have to.”

Her voice converts from pleading to rage. “Are you seriously going to pick her over me? We were seeing each other for months! I can’t believe you!”

Brody reaches behind him, finds my waist, and squeezes it. “Call the police.”

I reach for my cell and the girl huffs.

“Fine! I’m leaving. No need to overreact, Brody.”

I peer around Brody’s shoulder to watch her turn and leave. That seemed too easy. He turns to face me, obviously stressed.

“Let’s get you inside.” So I turn around, unlock my door, and I step through the entry. Brody doesn’t follow. “I need to call my lawyer, but I’ll come back as soon as I get that done, okay?”

“Okay.” I nod. “I’ll stay up. Don’t worry too much, Brody.”

He shakes his head. “It’s time to worry.” He leans forward, kisses me softly, and then walks to his place.

I lock the door with a deep breath. Hopefully, she’ll leave him alone from now on. I’d hate for him to have to deal with that. I send Allison a text. She should be here and gone by the time Brody comes back over. I was hoping to have Brody take my dress off, but Jessica ruined that for us. Making my way upstairs to my room, I turn on the radio to some soothing music as I dress into yoga pants and an old Indiana Mustangs t-shirt. I take my time washing off all my makeup and putting my clothes up.

When I come down the stairs, there’s a rapid banging on my door.

“Selene?!” I hear Allison’s frantic voice. I rush over to open the door. Bonkers jumps out of her arms and into the house. Allison wraps me in a hug. “Oh, thank God! I was worried.”

“Worried?” I question, completely confused.

“Yes! After I saw your car, I got worried. What the fuck happened?”

“My car?” Allison pulls me outside and it’s then that I see my car. “Oh, my God,” I whisper. My tires have been slashed and ‘slut’, ‘whore’, and other choice words are painted all over it. The driver’s side window has been busted as well.

“Who the hell did you piss off, Selene?”

The paint is still wet as I run a finger over it. My car is ruined. Who knows what it’s going to cost to fix this. A glimpse of something white in the driver’s seat catches my eye. I lean in and pick up the piece of paper that was laying on top of the broken glass. In a fast, rushed handwriting, I read the note as ice freezes my blood.

This time, it’s only your car.

Stop seeing Brody or next time, I’m coming after you.

She’s threatening me? Has she been bothering Brody since he stopped sleeping with her? What else is she capable of? Will she really go further and come after me now? A large part of me doesn’t want to find out.

“Selene?” Allison questions behind me again.

“I’ll be right back. Keep an eye on Bonkers,” I say without looking back at her.

Calmly, I walk over to Brody’s. I knock swiftly three times and wait. He opens the door with the phone glued to his ear. Worry flashes in his eyes, but I don’t say anything. I take his free hand, leading him outside until he can see my car, and then I hand him the note she left.

“We’ve got a new problem,” he says to who I’m assuming is his lawyer on the other end. “I’ll call you back.” He hangs up and turns to me. “Selene,” he starts remorsefully. “I’m so sorry. She won’t hurt you, I promise.”

“Don’t ever call me a stalker again,” I tell him quietly.

“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Allison yells.

“I’ll handle this. Don’t worry, okay?” he tells me, ignoring her.

I nod. “Go call him back and then come over.”

Brody kisses my forehead, and then goes back to his house, already dialing. I walk into my house with Allison following me inside. She starts to talk, but I throw my hand up to make her stop. I’m a little shaken. The girl didn’t go after both our cars, only mine. She’s mad with Brody, but she’s obviously taking that out on me. Her note made it clear that I’m her target in whatever the hell she’s doing to try to win him back. What’s next?

To give her the short version, I explain, “Brody has a stalker. He invited me to a benefit dinner tonight and she was there, even though she shouldn’t have been. She followed us back, Brody had to run her off, and looks like she came back and did that to my car. Thanks for watching Bonkers for me.”

“Oh, wow.”

I sit on my couch and call Bonkers over to me. He licks my cheek before settling to lay in my lap. He’s the perfect comfort right now. Allison sits next to me.

“Are you okay, Selene?”

“Yeah, I guess. I don’t think I’ve really processed it yet.”

“Do you want me to pick you up and take you to work until you can get your car fixed? Shouldn’t we call the police?” she asks.

“Brody is supposed to take care of that. And yes, please, if you would.”

“Of course.” She pats my hand. “Are you two seeing each other?”

“I don’t know what we’re doing anymore.” I lean my head back on my couch, staring at my ceiling. “I’m tired, Allison. I think I’m going to bed.”

“Do you want me to stay with you?”

I shake my head. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, though.”

She gives me a hug before leaving. Taking no chance, even though it’ll only be five minutes, I hold Bonkers, lock my door, and walk over to Brody’s. Texting him won’t do any good if he’s on the phone. I’ll just let him know that I’m going to bed. He answers the door much like he did while ago. Bonkers starts wiggling in my arms, excited to see Brody.

“Hold on,” he says to his lawyer.

“I wanted to tell you that I’m going to bed. I’m tired and you might be a while.”

“It won’t be much longer. Come in.” He steps aside, so I walk in.

I let Bonkers down and sit on his couch, while Brody disappears upstairs once he motions that he’ll be right back. Bonkers gets comfy next to me as my eyes start to droop.

~ ~ ~

At the feel of being lifted, I startle awake.

“It’s me,” Brody soothes. “I’m taking you to my room, you’re fine. Go back to sleep.”

Immediately, I relax against him. “What time is it?”

“Late.” He lays me down, and I wake up enough to realize that I’m in his bedroom, just as he said I would be. “I’ve taken care of everything,” he adds, hovering over me. “Get some rest, Selene.” He leans down and kisses me gently.

The thought of sleeping by myself tonight scares me, so I ask, “You’re sleeping in here too, right?”

“Of course. I have to change and then I’m joining you.”

It’s then I notice he’s still wearing his clothes from earlier, his shirt half untucked and his bow tie hanging from his neck. “Hurry,” is all I say. Brody finds it in him to grin and then he’s gone to change, but I’ve fallen asleep before he can get back.

~ ~ ~

I wake up to Bonkers at my feet and Brody’s chest against my back as he nuzzles my neck, saying, “Selene, wakey wakey.”

Bonkers realizes we’re awake at the sound of Brody’s voice and my following giggle. He jumps over my legs to greet me. I pet him and laugh again as I question, “Wakey, wakey?”

Brody kisses the crook of my neck. “Yes, do you have a problem with that?” he teases.

“Nope. What time is it?”

He looks over his shoulder and then reports, “6:30ish. I didn’t know what time you get up for work, so I figured that was a good time.”

And that’s when it hits me. Work. Allison has to take me because my car can’t be driven thanks to this crazy girl. I didn’t feel safe last night because of what she did to my car and the note she left, all while I was home. While Brody was home. She could have been caught at any second, but she obviously didn’t care.

“Hey,” Brody starts. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I should go. Allison’s coming to pick me up,” I answer as I start to get up.