Page 10 of One Pucking Heart

As I retreat to the showers, I admit to myself that it would be nice if she could show me a little attention. The woman is a steel vault locked up tight. She gives me nothing.

I’m just grumpy. Half the team is on vacation or golfing—out enjoying their downtime this summer while I’m in the gym working as hard as I can. I love a good workout, but I love doing it with my brothers, not alone. I haven’t been cleared for golfing, skating, or drills—which are what the guys like to do in the summer.

Cade and Iris are in Hawaii for two weeks, and I’m lonely. I’m definitely a people person. Being injured sucks, there’s no doubt about it. I have to keep reminding myself of the end goal. It will all be worth it to keep my starting position and kick some ass next season. Plus, maybe the utter lack of response I’m getting from Elena bothers me, if I’m being honest. It doesn’t sit well with me.

Showered and ready to go home, I grab my duffel bag and walk through the gym. A gorgeous young woman stops me in my tracks. Fans sneak back here now and again, but the security is normally pretty good. Like everything else, security is lax during the summer months. The woman with her long brown hair and big eyes looks familiar, and I internally panic because though I feel as if I should remember her, I don’t. Nothing pisses off a woman more than a hookup that meant everything to her but flees from my mind as quickly as it happens.

I rack my brain, trying to recall if I’ve slept with this woman. She watches me approach, a wide smile on her face. Yeah, she definitely knows me. It would have to be before play-offs, as I’ve slept with no one since my injury, unfortunately.

I clear my throat and give her a smile. “How’d you get back here?”

She lifts her hand, pointing her thumb over her shoulder. “Through the door.”

Ahh, so she’s gorgeous and cheeky. Definitely my type.

She quirks a brow, her expression serious. “How did you get back here?”

I squint, confused. “I work here.”

“Oh yeah, what do you do?”

Okay, so I haven’t slept with her. God, I’m completely off my game.

“I’m a Cranes player,” I say the words slowly.

She nods. “Oh, so hockey. Nice.” She shrugs. “I don’t watch hockey. Honestly, I don’t watch sports. They’re not my thing.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

Elena walks up beside me and approaches the mystery woman, pulling her into a hug. She turns to address me. “She’s looking for me. This is my daughter, Ari,” she says before turning to the woman. “Ari, this is Beckett.”

Ari nods. “Oh, the guy who hurt his knee. How’s it feeling?”

My eyes drop to my knee. “Fine.” I raise my head and give it a shake. “Your daughter? You never told me you had a kid… or adult.” How can this woman possibly be Elena’s daughter? Did she have her when she was twelve?

Elena eyes me, amused. A faint smile crosses her face. “In fairness, I haven’t told you anything about myself, but yes, I have a daughter.”

“How old are you?” I ask Ari.

“Twenty-one,” she answers.

“How old are you?” I ask Elena, not caring that it’s a rude question.

It’s just dawned on me that I know absolutely nothing about this woman. We’ve worked together every day for a month. I’ve told her my life story, not that she asked me to but someone had to fill the empty spaces with conversation. The good doctor is right. She hasn’t told me anything, even the most important parts of her life that one would think should be shared. Hell, if I had a kid, I’d tell everyone. How repulsed must she actually be if she can’t even share that she’s a mother?

Elena doesn’t answer, and the three of us stand there in awkward silence.

After a minute, the daughter speaks up. “She’s forty. Got pregnant with me when she was eighteen. It’s just me. I’m the only kid. And don’t take it personally. It’s nothing against you. She’s always been weirdly private.”

My emotions must be written all over my face because she answered several of my questions, which is helpful because we know my doctor isn’t about to tell me shit.

I hike my duffel bag up over my shoulder and give Ari a smile. “Well, it’s nice to meet you.” I take a step around her, ready to leave.

“I’m home from school. I go to Michigan State. I’m in the vet program there. Well, not that I’m in classes right now, but I stayed back to work for the summer. Anyway, I’m home for the weekend. We’re just heading out to lunch. Do you want to join us?”

Elena’s body tenses, and her face freezes in something resembling a panicked expression.

I don’t understand this woman, but she’s starting to piss me off. She almost looks frightened by the invitation.

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