Fated Shot

Chapter 19

Jack

How soon is too soon to text her?

It took everything in me not to check in with her as soon as I got back to my apartment. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me, my brain is short-circuiting. I’m so out of my element.

I’ve never had this before. This lack of confidence, this uncertainty, this level of concern. I’ve been pretty much on my own my entire life, and I’ve come to terms with that. I can’t believe I thought just leaning into this would get her out of my system or something. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I do know I’m in over my fucking head and dying to see her again.

By the time we land and make it to the hotel, it’s 7 pm in Vancouver, and I’m already exhausted. Blame it on the time change or barely sleeping last night to the pinball of emotions this morning. I’m more than ready to order room service and crash as soon as possible. Thankfully, Penn decided to room with Theo this trip, so it’s Scott and I. Knowing him and Kaia—the six-month-old non-sleeping terror—he’s just as exhausted as I am and dying to get a good night’s sleep.

As soon as I drop my bags down, I reach for the room service menu propped up on the desk and scan it. I could eat a horse at this point, but I settle for a burger and fries before calling out to Scott.

“You want anything, Cap? ”

He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, looking distracted with his phone in his hand as he says, “Uh, yeah, whatever you’re getting.”

Giving him a nod, I pick up the room phone to place our order. In the background, there are multiple ring attempts coming from the other side of the room. By the time I’m finished, I make my way over to Scott, who’s looking more distressed by the second.

“You good, man?” I ask. He’s not the most talkative of the bunch. Hell, we’re both not, but he’s got a solid grasp on his emotions and a good head on his shoulders. I rarely see him like this.

“Cami’s not picking up,” he says with a frustrated sigh. “Pretty sure I missed Kaia’s bedtime too.” It’s impossible to miss the disappointment in his voice.

“Sorry, Cap. Keep trying her, I’m gonna grab a shower.”

By the time I’m done and changed into my sweats, I’m finally about to sprawl on the bed when there’s a knock on our door.

“I got this,” I call out, begrudgingly turning to grab our food.

As I return, I drop a silver tray on the bed next to where Scott’s sitting, slumped at the edge. He’s leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, his shoulders hunched and his head lowered, fingers drumming absently on his phone.

“Any luck?”

With a shake of his head, he mutters, “She must have fallen asleep.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger before continuing. “Kaia’s going through a sleep regression, so we’re already exhausted all the time. It’s hard enough when we’re both there; now Camille is all by herself, and I can’t do anything to help and—I don’t know man, it’s just hard. ”

“I’m sure she’ll call first thing,” is all I can summon to add. I wish I had better advice, but what do I know? I don’t know what that’s like. I’ve been responsible for me and me alone for so long it’s hard to even conceptualize.

“Yeah.”

I don’t push him more than that, partly because I don’t have anything helpful to add but mostly because we’re not the talkers in the group, let alone the feelers. We scarf down our food in silence as ESPN plays on the TV before calling it a night and crashing.

***

I’m woken up by the sound of squeals reverberating through the room.

Cracking an eye open, it’s still dark with only a thin strand of light barely shining through the fabric curtains of our hotel room.

Scott’s already up, sitting shirtless on the bed, hunched over talking animatedly into the phone.

“Hiii baby! Kaia, look at Daddy!”

I smile, sitting up as he gives me a good morning nod. I’ve roomed with Scott enough to know this is commonplace. On the ice, he’s calm and composed Cap; off the ice, he’s a doting and affectionate husband. The guys gave him a hard time for how head over heels he fell for Camille. He turned soft the second they got together, but it’s actually nice.

I could never imagine having a partner like that. Someone you’d want to spend all your time with, share a space with. Someone you miss the second you’re apart. Someone you’d be crushed to miss a call from—until...

Shit, nope. Next topic .

“You look nice, babe,” Scott compliments .

“Thanks, hun. We’re going out for a coffee date! Aren’t we, Kaia-girl?” Camille’s voice rings out through the phone.

“Replacing me already, huh?”

“Actually, yeah. Bev gave me Amelia’s number and now we’re getting together!” The excitement in her voice impossible to miss. A sharp, electric jolt runs through me at the sound of her name. My Amelia? Suddenly, I’m jealous of Camille Sheppard. What the fuck is wrong with me?

“Happy for you, Cami. You should ask her for cookies.”

“Absolutely not, Scottie!”

“Why not?”

“Because I want to be friends, and the way to do that is not ambushing her and demanding cookies. I really want her to like me.”

“Fine,” he says with a jokingly frustrated grunt. “She’ll love you. I’m excited for you.”

A nervous sigh rings over the speakerphone, “I’m excited too.”

I hear a subtle whine in the background, clearly coming from a fussy Kaia.

“I gotta go, hun, gonna feed Kaia, and then we’re off!”

“Love you, my girls.”

“We love you too, Daddy,” I hear as Kaia’s chunky cheeks appear, filling up the entirety of the screen.

As soon as it disconnects, Scott turns to me, visually ten times lighter than yesterday. I’ve been aimlessly scrolling through my phone, trying not to dwell on the butterflies forming in my body at only the sound of her name.

“Did you meet Amelia at Coach’s barbecue?”

Uh-oh... Play it cool . “Oh, uh, yeah, I think I did.”

“She’s super nice. She just moved to the city. Cami’s hoping they can be friends. ”

“That’s nice,” I add, hoping it comes off as nonchalant as intended. Getting up from the bed, I start to get dressed and pray we’ve both fulfilled our communication quota before I say something I shouldn’t.

***

Mia

I don’t know why I’m nervous, but I find myself trying to calm my breathing as I sit waiting at Steamy Brews, a cute little coffee shop in the heart of downtown. This feels like a first date but even higher stakes.

I’ve never been the most outgoing—call it sheltered or just painfully shy. That, plus my limited social skills and moving around all the time, made it difficult to maintain long-term friendships. Still, I’m finding myself increasingly eager to branch out. The thought of putting myself out there, trying to make friends, or even just one friend… I don’t know, it feels daunting. So when I saw the text from Camille, I have to admit, I was pretty pumped.

Right on cue, I spot her walking in. She’s beyond put together, with cream Nikes that match her knit cardigan, blue jeans, and perfectly bouncy curls falling around her face. She has that clean girl aesthetic, like she wakes up looking effortlessly beautiful everyday.

I wave to her before spotting Kaia, possibly the most adorable baby I’ve ever met, happily smiling and kicking her legs from the baby carrier.

“Amelia, hi!” she calls happily with an excited wave. “I’m sooo sorry we’re late! ”

“Not at all. I’m so happy you made it! You can call me Mia, by the way.”

“Aww, I love that nickname. It suits you!”

I laugh. I’ve always felt like Mia, but my parents never seem to get with the program. No matter how old I get, I think I’ll always be their little Amelia.

“Thanks.” I smile at her.

“We decided to walk, didn’t we, Kaia?” She grabs her little hands in hers. “But it took a lot longer than usual carrying her.”

She’s smiling, but still looks a little guilty. I could barely get myself ready and here on time, and here she is, looking like a supermodel supermom. I have so much respect for her.

“It’s honestly no problem! I literally just got here. Why don’t you grab a coffee? I can watch her for you if that’s easier.” To say she looks relieved is an understatement, and I’m immediately so happy I offered.

“Are you sure?” The way she asks would make you think I just offered her a million dollars not to hold her baby for a few minutes. I can’t imagine she gets a lot of moments to herself these days. Her reaction alone tells me she must not be used to having a lot of support around her.

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“Ugh, you’re such an angel,” she says with a glowing smile as she carefully unclips Kaia, handing her over to me. As I settle her into the crook of my hip, I lower my head to hers as she happily babbles up at me.

Oh man, does baby fever ever hit you like a ton of bricks. Her little hand reaches up to my cheek and I pretend to munch on it, causing her to squeal in delight. I’m too young for kids… I’m too young for kids…

When Camille gets back, Kaia and I are already best buddies as she snuggles happily into my side .

“Oh my gosh, you’re a baby whisperer,” she says, sitting down opposite me, drink in hand.

“Ha, I don’t know about that. I’ve always babysat, though. I love kids.”

“You’re a natural.”

“Thanks,” I say, offering a slight smile. I try to think of something else to chat about. Geez, am I ever rusty on the friend front.

Thankfully, bubbly as always, Cami starts, “So, tell me, how are you liking Toronto?”

“It’s nice! Still trying to get my bearings, but I’m learning.” There are about a million one-way streets, and I’ve been lost almost every day I’ve attempted to drive in the city, but it’s all part of the adventure.

“Oh man, I can imagine. I’ve lived here for almost four years, and I’m still figuring things out!” Super, so a lot more confusing years to come.

“You’re not from Toronto?” I ask.

“No, actually, I’m from Prince Edward Island, born and raised.” We went to Charlottetown, PEI, once when I was little. The red sand island isn’t known for much other than Anne of Green Gables and mussels. A stark contrast to the bustling downtown of Toronto.

“Wow! That’s a big change.”

“It was, yeah. I’ve always heard about the big city, so after graduating, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I figured I’d try it for a year, but then I met Scott, and, well, the rest is history. I’m counting down the years until I can move back, though.”

I nod, carefully taking a sip of my latte, my other hand bracing a balancing Kaia on my knee. “The things you do for love, eh? ”

She nods and laughs melodically. “Scott promised me five more years, and then it’s potato farmer life for us. Isn’t that right, Kaia-girl?” POTATOES. How could I have forgotten PEI’s other calling card? Gotta love those red-soil spuds. I laugh, trying to picture the three of them on a farm. Never judge a book by its cover, I guess.

“Soo, what about you? I saw that guy from your parent’s house, the good-looking one, bringing in the cake. Is he your boyfriend?”

Even the thought of that night gives me the ick. I must be a lot worse at hiding my emotions than I thought because Camille immediately chimes in, “Or maybe not?”

“That’s… a long story.”

“I’ve got coffee and another hour and a half in her wake window, so basically nothing but time.”

I look over at her as she smiles reassuringly, taking a sip of her coffee readying for a storytime. I don’t think she’ll give this up, so it’s best to lean into the whole bonding thing, right?

I spare her most of the darker details. “We broke up before the summer, kind of messy. I needed space from him and I hadn’t really spoken to him much at all. Then, out of the blue, he decided to show up as a birthday surprise, more an ambush though.”

“Ouf, men are the worst.” Tell me about it . I nod.

“Wait!” A huge, excited smile lighting her face. “That means you’re on the market! OMG, let me matchmake you!” She claps her hands, giddy in her chair waiting for my reply.

“Haha, I appreciate that, but I think I’m good.”

Not that I’m taken—or am I? What the heck am I talking about? No, definitely not. I brush that away immediately. Not taken, but definitely—preoccupied. Just the thought alone of dating Jack gives me equal parts butterflies and crippling anxiety .

“Come on! I’ve got a six month old, no family in town, and a husband who’s gone half the time, let me live vicariously through youuuu.”

Admitting that I am actually sleeping with Jack Brody doesn’t seem like a good way to start a new friendship, so instead, I decide to humor her. With a joking sigh, I roll my eyes and say, “Maybe.”

“I’ll take it!” She smiles enthusiastically, “Are you into hockey players?”

Well, I’m definitely into one hockey player.

“Not really.” Lie . Who could possibly be into a built, man-giant brimming with muscles, aggression on the ice, and softness off the ice? It’s like something straight out of BookTok.

I continue, “It’s a tough life—constantly getting uprooted, with all the attention on you, and behind the scenes, it’s just lonely.” All true facts, exactly why I’ve never wanted to pursue any athletes, not as if I could get one anyway.

Camille nods as her expression shifts to slightly saddened, she would certainly understand more than most. I regret saying anything, because obviously this is the life she chose, and I love that she did, it just means she’s a heck of a lot stronger than me.

I watch as she pushes through, though, replacing her face with a cheerful smile again. “But they’re all so hot.”

I laugh, “True.” That is very, very, very true.

“Okay, okay. Let me think,” she says, tapping her chin, and gazing at the ceiling.

“Theo Benson’s a cutie, probably about your age. Super laser-focused… maybe a little intense actually…”

She shakes her head, thinking again.

“Maybe Evan Norwood? He’s a little older, always pretty sweet. He’s a goalie though, so you know, probably a little freaky, but maybe that’s your thing?”

I giggle, shaking my head no .

“Okay, okay, umm… Max Dunn is a massive player. John Daley is definitely getting traded, so that won’t last. Blake Strauss has the personality of a rock—OUUUU, I’ve got it!”

I look at her, amused, waiting for her top pick.

“Penn Brooks,” she says, with a satisfied smile. Yikes, no chance I’m going for his best friend slash brother. “Rookie. I think he’s like twenty-three, maybe a little immature, but he’s a total sweetie.”

“Mmm, I don’t know, I usually like a bit older.” I’m baiting her at this point. Digging for any inside scoop on the one I actually want. Or don’t want—Crap.

“Hm, okay. Older… older…” She continues racking her brain as I take another sip. “I mean, there’s Brody, but...”

Bingo . Without seeming too eager, I dig further. “Brody?”

“Yeah, Jack Brody. You can’t miss him; he’s massive.” Oh, that I already know. “Such a great guy. He’s got that dark and mysterious thing going for him. He’s a bit more reserved than the other guys and keeps to himself a lot. I bet he’d fall hard for the right girl, though. Too bad he doesn’t date; never has.”

My stomach lurches as soon as the words leave her mouth, and “Hmm” is all I manage. He doesn’t date? He doesn’t date, but he asked me on a date. He’s either incredibly good at hiding his private life from his friends or I’m in way too deep. Somehow, it feels like a bit of both.

“I’ll keep thinking, though and come back with a list of bachelors from the roster for next time!” she adds happily.

I laugh, trying to move past her last comment.

“I can’t date someone who plays on the team. My dad would kill me and them probably.”

“That only adds to the excitement.”

I’m starting to think she may be right.

** *

Jack Brody: Can I see you on Thursday?

It comes in out of the blue, catching me off guard. I guess I really need to learn to expect the unexpected from him.

Me: Sorry, I have dinner plans with my parents.

The moment I hit send, I reread how lame that sounds. Not to mention how it looks like I’m fully shutting him down. I’m relieved, though, when I see the three dots appear almost immediately.

Jack Brody: Friday morning? We still need to watch the season finale.

Me: Oh shoot, did you want me to wait for you? I watched it last night!

I can see him typing, then stop. He starts typing again, but the bubble disappears once more. I let him sit in this for another moment, but as I begin to reply, a call appears on my screen. Laughing, I press accept, holding the phone up to my ear.

“Hello?” I say as innocently as possible.

“Tell me you didn’t watch without me, Mia.” His stern voice hits me, washing adrenaline over every inch of my body. In an instant, I’m needy, awakening something hungry in me.

“Sooo gullible…” I add, as he laughs into the phone. “I’ll wait to watch with you if you want.”

“You better,” his playful warning puts a smile on my face .

I don’t know whether it’s the security of being behind the phone or the lust cloud that seems to surround me anytime I'm talking to this man, but I decide to push my luck.

“Or what?” The second it leaves my mouth, I’m rendered speechless. I don’t know why I said it all flirty like that, but it’s too late now.

There’s silence for a beat. “Or I’ll have to punish you,” comes out as serious as a heart attack.

My stomach flips as my body immediately reacts. My nipples are already hardening, and a throbbing is starting between my legs. The image of being totally under Jack’s control has me dripping already. I wet my lips, taking a steadying breath.

“On second thoughts, I may just have to put it on right now…” I’m goating him, but I can’t help it, just the sound of his voice is already sending me.

The silence on the other end of the phone is concerning. Peeking down at the screen to check that we’re still connected, the video request comes through. Pressing accept, every ounce of confidence is lost as I meet the mesmerizing blue eyes appearing on my screen.

There’s a fire in his gaze, the intensity burning as he stares at me.

“Do you want to be punished, Mia?” he asks, causing my breath to hitch. Too much is happening at once. This escalated in a matter of seconds, but I can’t stop myself from nodding as I get lost in his gaze.

The groan of approval he returns sends a ripple of excitement through me.

Suddenly, there’s a thudding in the background, and the primal growl that breaks out of the back of his throat sends another wave of anticipation to my core .

The thudding continues as he shouts, “COMING!” toward the door behind him, sounding uncharacteristically pissed off. He closes his eyes for a moment, taking a breath.

“We’ve gotta head to the rink, but we’re going to explore this when I get back to Toronto. Understand?”

I nod again because, apparently, my voice no longer functions. Just like that, the screen goes blank, and I think I finally understand the concept of blue balls.