A Perfect Trade (Harlequin Superromance) (24 page)

Andy shook his head. “Enjoy today. This is the one time everyone will tell you how freaking awesome you are.”

“That’s better than the usual negotiations. One of the reasons I hired you was because listening to my coach and GM tell me how much I sucked was brutal.”

“You should hear what they say in arbitration hearings. I’ve seen grown men in tears over the crap their teams have said, all in the hopes of saving a few million per.” Andy tilted his chair back. “Today, you’ll be choosing between great packages and planning which teams to visit for further talks. If L.A. offers, we should go. Those guys know how to show you a good time.”

Tru’s laugh was forced. “I’ll go wherever you recommend.”

Andy rolled his eyes. “Lighten up. This’ll be a blast. You’ll wonder why you didn’t explore free agency before.” His agent jumped up. “Let’s go grab some sandwiches in the conference room. You’ll feel better once you’ve eaten.”

As Tru followed Andy out of his office, his phone beeped with yet another text. He’d already had messages from his family, friends, former teammates and other pals from around the league. This message was from Jenny.

His heart kicked.

Expecting “good luck,” he was surprised to see a list of teams. Beside each one was either a smiley or a grumpy face. His heart kicked harder. She’d come through for him. For them.

Now he was ready. Whatever happened, he couldn’t lose.

One minute to go.

In his mind, he said goodbye to the Ice Cats, then as he did after a bad game, closed the mental door and prepared to face his future.

With a clunk, the two hands met at the twelve and the first phone rang. Before it had finished the first ring, two more started.

Andy grinned. “We’re off.”

* * *

“S
TOP
FUSSING
AND
pick something to wear already,” Jenny muttered, as she stripped off another outfit and tossed it onto the bed.

Her bedroom looked as if a bomb had hit it—clothes everywhere and shoes spread higgledy-piggledy across the floor.

Clad only in bra and panties, she jammed her hands on her hips. “It’s a barbecue, not the NHL Awards. No one will care what you’re wearing.”

She’d never worried about how she looked before—especially not with the Badolettis and Jelineks. They were like family. The family she’d always envied and wished she could be part of. And that was the problem.

Soon, they’d be
her
family. Jenny gulped.

This was her first official outing as Tru’s girlfriend and she was nervous. Which was crazy. What was the worst that could happen?

They’ll think you’re not good enough for him.
Her uncle’s taunt voiced her fear.

“No,” she said firmly. “Not today.” She wouldn’t let Douglas Boult spoil the day for her.

Besides, there was no reason for Tru’s family to reject her. They’d never cared that she was a puck bunny and her uncle couldn’t rise from the dead to share her mortifying secret.

Jenny grabbed turquoise capris, a matching cami top and white blouse—the first outfit she’d tried—and got dressed. The cheery color suited her and boosted her confidence.

She was sliding on her favorite strappy wedge sandals when her doorbell rang.

Her heart gave a happy skip. She hadn’t seen Tru for several days and though they’d spoken on the phone every evening, she’d missed him. He’d been traveling since July 1; he planned to visit the four teams on his short list before making his decision. Chicago and Vancouver before the party, then Denver and Detroit after.

Jenny grabbed her purse, then picked up the bowl containing the dessert she’d made. Tru had requested it specially. Jersey Mess—her version of an English dessert containing meringue, heavy cream and sliced chocolate-dipped strawberries—was one of his favorites.

“Oh.” Her smile faded as she opened the door and saw Jake on her doorstep. “Hi.”

“That was an enthusiastic welcome.”

She hugged him. “I
am
pleased to see you, it’s just that...”

“You were expecting Tru,” Jake finished for her. “His flight from Vancouver got held up in Chicago and he’ll be late, so he asked me to give you a ride.”

“He didn’t need to bother you. I could have driven myself.”

“We go past your house and it saves you guys having two cars at the party.” Jake took the dessert from her so she could lock up. “Besides, Maggie wants to talk nursery stuff with you.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll owe you big-time if you’ll help her kit out the nursery.”

She frowned thoughtfully. “How
big
are we talking?”

He winced. “The red-soled shoes of your choice.”

“Deal. Triple-strap Mary Jane 120s, black patent.”

“What, no item code?”

“Five-five-five... Just kidding.” She winked and followed him to the car.

Once in the backseat, she pulled a small jar of strawberry preserves from her purse and gave it to Maggie. “In case they only have ketchup at the party.”

“You’re a true friend.” Maggie clapped delightedly.

“Hey, what about me?” Jake opened the glove box to reveal a jar of jam.

Maggie kissed him. “To quote my daughter, you rock.”

“Where is Emily?” Jenny asked, as Jake started the engine and pulled away.

“She spent the night with Nonna and Poppa.”

“She wanted a head start on Mom’s cannoli,” Jake grumbled. “I told Em she’s grounded if she eats it all.”

“Because you’re such a tough guy.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “He’s a pussycat—all Emily has to do is bat her eyelashes at him.”

Jenny laughed. “Your secret’s out, Bad Boy.”

“As long as you don’t print it in
The Journal.
”

“Don’t worry. Your player profile is already done.”

“You’re doing a wonderful job,” Maggie said. “I love reading them.”

Jenny glowed with pride. “Thanks. Tim’s pleased with them, as well as my blog posts.”

“The pieces you wrote about the Davidson trade were really good.” Jake nodded. “Will Tim keep you on, once the season starts?”

“I hope so, but it’ll depend on budgets. One thing in my favor is that I’ve boosted the paper’s social media profile. Sam’s not comfortable with the internet, so I’m trying to carve out a niche for myself and justify a full-time position.”

“Well-done you,” Maggie said. “But won’t you go back to working for Harry, when he wakes up? That could be any day now, right?”

“The signs suggest he’s trying to wake up. The doctors think he’ll have no permanent issues, but it’s hard to know until they can assess him when he’s awake.” She’d mulled over her job situation a lot after that conversation with Tru. “I guess so, if it’s available. Though I’m not sure it’s an ideal job for a single parent.”

Jake frowned in the rearview mirror. “You won’t be a single parent—what about Tru?”

“Once he’s decided which team he’s going to, he won’t be around much.”

“You’re not moving with him?” Maggie asked.

“Not straightaway.” She explained what she and Tru had agreed on.

Maggie exchanged looks with Jake. “I thought with you guys going public about your relationship, you’d changed your mind.”

“We’re taking it slowly. Seeing how things develop. We’re not telling anyone about the pregnancy yet, so please don’t say anything.”

“Our lips are sealed.” Maggie smiled with understanding.

“If you’re not telling them about the baby, what’s with the family meeting after the party?” Jake pulled into his parents’ driveway.

“He’s telling everyone about the contact from his father.”

“About time.” He parked. “I hope the guys are mellow by then, so they aren’t too pissed at him for keeping quiet.”

Jenny unbuckled her seat belt. “Ike especially. He heard Tru went to Boston and gave him a hard time about even thinking of playing in the same city their dad lived in. Luckily, Tru sidetracked him. Told him he’d met with an equipment rep about new skates.”

“I’ll keep Ike in check.” Jake got out of the car. “You know Aunt Karina’s invited her new man? That’ll make things interesting.”

Jenny nodded. “She texted Tru, warning him to be on best behavior. He’s happy for her, but doesn’t want to think of her with a boyfriend.”

Jake grimaced. “Some things about your parents, you don’t want to imagine.”

“Thanks.” Maggie hit Jake on the arm. “Now I need a brain-wipe.”

As they walked around to the backyard, Jenny could see the festivities were well under way. Picnic tables piled high with food took up one side of the lawn. The delicious aroma of grilling meat filled the air. People milled across the large backyard—the usual mix of family, friends, neighbors and hockey players.

Maggie’s sister, Tracy, waved at them from the deck, where she chatted with Juergen and Vlad. Gio manned the grill, assisted by Emily. Some of the younger Ice Cats players—J.B., Mad Dog and Blake—were filling coolers with beers. Ike was supervising Kenny and Linc as they erected a volleyball net.

As always, Tru’s older brother had half an eye on Tracy. He frowned when Juergen slung an arm over her shoulders and she didn’t shrug the Swede off.

The two mothers, in matching stars-and-stripes tops, sat in lawn chairs shaded by a giant beach umbrella.

Jenny and Maggie put their dishes with the rest of the food, then went to say hello.

Karina grinned. “It’s good to see you, Jenny.”

“You’re both looking great. Lizzie was so disappointed she couldn’t make the party. They’re short-staffed where she works,” Jenny said.

“No need to worry,” Tina said. “She sent us a lovely card to apologize.”

Karina nodded. “So thoughtful. You did a wonderful job with her.”

“Thank you.” Jenny blushed.

“Remind me later to talk to you about my project. We’re short of volunteers and you’d be perfect.”

Jenny stiffened. She forced herself to speak calmly, when she really wanted to scream. “I’m very busy right now with my new job.”

Thankfully, before Karina could respond she was diverted by a neighbor’s arrival.

Jenny made a quick escape, joining Maggie and Emily by the barbecue. She had no idea what they talked about, but she hoped her responses were suitable.

J.B. offered her a beer. She almost took it until she remembered she shouldn’t drink alcohol. She shook her head and asked for a soda. By the time he returned, she felt more in control and was able to chat comfortably with them. Karina’s attention had shifted to her two youngest sons, so Jenny began to relax.

She knew the moment Tru arrived. The air felt different.
She
felt different. Anticipation bubbled up inside her.

He looked tired, with dark shadows under his eyes. His drooping shoulders and slow walk suggested he was forcing himself to stay upright.

Her heart skipped as he caught sight of her, then skipped again as his eyes lit up and his body language changed. His head lifted, his shoulders went back and there was a bounce in his step.

Her mouth went dry as he made a beeline for her.

Then, in front of his mom and everyone, he planted a hot, heavy kiss on her lips. “I missed you.”

* * *

E
XHAUSTION
TUGGED
AT
T
RU
.

His eyes were gritty, his head ached. The past few days had been nonstop and his mind was spinning. The red-eye from Vancouver, with the delay in Chicago, had wiped him out.

But Jenny in his arms was the best tonic. Her softness pressed against him, her sun-kissed scent surrounding him, her sweet taste on his lips—suddenly the weariness began to ease.

“I missed you, too.” Her words were like a shot of caffeine. He felt rejuvenated.

His gaze met hers. The truth of her feelings sparkled in the blue depths, along with a message that sent his blood racing through his veins.

Man, he wished the party was over already. He lowered his head, seeking out those delicious lips.

“Are you going to say hello to your mama or spend all your time canoodling?”

Tru and Jenny shared a heated look of mutual understanding. “Later,” he said softly.

“Definitely.” She smiled.

He released Jenny reluctantly before sweeping his mom into a hug that had her giggling like a schoolgirl. “Hey, Ma. Looking beautiful as ever.”

“Who’s this making time with my best girl?”

Tru stiffened at the deep voice with the Irish lilt.

His mom’s blush told him who had spoken. “You must be Mr. Fitzpatrick.”

“Call me Rory.”

They shook hands. The guy’s callused grip was firm. A good sign.

Tru hadn’t thought about what the man who’d broken through the protective wall around his mother’s heart would look like. If he had, the guy before him would have fit the bill.

As different from Radek Jelinek as night from day.

Rory Fitzpatrick was around five foot ten and barrel-chested, with weathered skin that hadn’t come from a sun bed. The laugh lines bracketing his eyes and mouth matched the twinkle in his eyes. He looked as solid as his build. Dependable. Honest. And from the way he looked at Karina Jelinek, he’d take care of her as if she were made of Waterford Crystal.

Meanwhile, the affection in his mom’s green eyes as she looked at Fitzpatrick told Tru all he needed to know. He was glad; she deserved this happiness.

Thank God he’d put his father off coming to the barbecue.

“Good to meet you, Rory. I’m relieved that Ma will be in good hands while I’m gone.”

“I’ll do my best.” Fitzpatrick put his arm around Tru’s mom.

Ike came across to join them. He nodded at Rory before clapping Tru on the back and handing him a cold brew. “Welcome back, bro. How was your trip?”

“Tiring, but good.” Weariness washed over him. He reached for Jenny’s hand and entwined his fingers with hers.

“Have you chosen where you’re going?” His mom’s brow creased with concern.

“Not yet.” He bit back a yawn. “I hope to have a decision by the weekend.”

“You said you liked Chicago and were impressed by the ’Hawks. How was Vancouver?” Jenny asked.

“I loved the city and the Canucks organization is sound, but I didn’t connect well with their new coach.”