Page 2 of The Sweetest Risk

“Huh.” Tristan surveys my body. “So what, you are now out on the prowl for your next victim? That dress probably isn’t going to help your chances, Cupcake. Especially since it looks like you spilled your drink all over yourself. You have always been a bit messy, haven’t you?”

“I could say the same thing about you.” I turn to the ladies that are anxiously awaiting Tristan’s attention: “Be careful, ladies.” I grab my new drink that the bartender graciously poured me without me even asking. He must have sensed the sinister vibe that is always between Tristan Lawson and myself. “He just got a call from his doctor–” I glance down at his groin. “--it’s not good news. I think they make creams for that. See you around, Hot Shot.”

2

Iwatch as Brooke walks away. Of course she came to the party wearing a pink dress. A dress that hugs every damn curve on her body. I gulp down the rest of my drink and actively direct my gaze on the two women who are gabbing about something, trying to push up against me and run their hands up and down my arms. At this point, I am used to this attention and for a long time in my career, it has been one of the best perks of this job. Having beautiful women fawn over me and scream when I walk by them is not a surprise anymore.

From Day One, Brooke has always hated me for reasons I will never understand. It’s always been just as well, since she is off limits–she is Bradley’s younger sister and he made that pretty clear the night I met Brooke. It has been my favorite pastime to go to battle with her every time I see her. I love making herface get flushed when I get a rise out of her and the small line that is developing between her eyebrows from the years of being furious with me. I had to get used to her disdain of me since I knew Bradley wasn’t going anywhere and I consider him to be a brother.

For some reason, I never saw Brooke as a sister. Just like the off limits rule, I actively placed Brooke in this sort of limbo category–seeing her as a sister seemed wrong, but seeing her as an option to be with, is also a line I can't cross. I will never cross. All I know for certain is that woman drives me insane.

“Is what she said true, Tristan?” One of the girls finally gets my attention.

“No, that’s just Bradley’s little sister being a pest like always.”

Glasses start clinking and we all turn toward Bradley and Jen. It’s crazy to think that a couple years ago, these two met at this very spot. I’ve never seen instant love like what I saw that night. Don’t get me wrong, it gets nauseating at times. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed them fight with each other. Maybe Brooke and I fight enough for all of us.

I’m not going to lie: ever since Bradley has been with Jen, I can’t stop thinking about how much I want what they have. I want someone I go home to. I want someone consistently in the stands. I want to look up at the box where all the wives and girlfriends watch the games and cheer us on and just know that I have someone solid. I’m over all the one-night-stands or girlfriends that last for maybe a couple of months because they can’t handle my grueling schedule of being a professional athlete. Or unfortunately, some of these women only want to be with me so they can tag me on their Instagram stories or posts. Even the girls standing next to me now are trying to take a picture of me behind them and I am just anticipating all the likes and comments. It’s fun to flirt but I am also looking for someone who challenges me. Someone who can give back what I dish out.

“We just want to thank everyone for coming to our engagement party. Every single person in this room has been nothing but supportive of our relationship from the start and we couldn’t be more excited to take this next step in our lives. So, enjoy your Jen & Tonics and Brad-fashioneds.” There is a laugh from everyone in the crowd. Funnily enough, I know that those names were Bradley’s idea. “Cheers!” I raise my glass up and down the entire contents of the glass.

I scan the rooftop. I spot a bright pink dress and my body is craving the duel that was about to ensue for her telling these girls that I have some sort of god-awful venereal disease. I will see them at the games later this week since they are part of the ice girls. “You ladies have a good night.”

Before they have a chance to respond, I walk toward my nemesis who looks like a damn Barbie doll. She is talking with her parents. The Becketts are always so welcoming to me. I never feel unwanted in their house. They have acted as my surrogate parents, since my parents still live in Canada and can’t travel too much. My parents are very supportive of my career, they just also still work full-time and can’t always make it down to games. Same goes for my sisters, Nora and Andi. I miss my family like crazy, but I make an effort to spend a good amount of time back home during the off-season. I know that they are all going to make it down in a couple weeks, for the recognition ceremony of me breaking the record of most goals for the Storm.

I almost reach Brooke when the team douchebag, Dean Hastings, steps in front of my path. Because Bradley was Mr. Kumbaya and wanted peace with everyone on the team, he invited all of our teammates, including the only teammate I’ve ever despised in my entire career. I thoughtIslept around. Hastings is much worse. And the way he talks about the women he sleeps with is disgusting. Yeah, I hook up with women, but I don’t talk about them like he does. Like they are his damnconquests and they should worship the ground he walks on. The thing is–he’s a damn good hockey player. The Storm is lucky to have him. He’s just cocky as all hell and lets everyone know it.

The thing about Hastings is that he is vetting for the captain’s spot that is inevitably open next year. One of our teammates, Brett Adamski, who has been playing for over twenty years, is retiring after this season. He has been a great leader and I am sad to see him go. I just want that captain’s spot so bad. I know that I can lead this team to another Stanley Cup and I am at the point in my career where I am entering a veteran position. I can teach these young guys who are coming in straight out of college, or even out of high school, a great deal about not only the game but about what it takes to be a leader. I am also not above defending my teammates out on the ice. I have gotten in plenty of fights and spent more time in the sin bin than I care to admit.

“Hey Lawson.” Hastings already looks like he has been drinking a bit. “Are you fucking insane, man? You just left those two fine puck bunnies at the bar. What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Well I could ask you the same thing, Hastings, but I fear that we will be here until morning.” My eyes shift over to Brooke for a millisecond. She throws her head back at what I am assuming is a dad joke from Mr. Beckett. I take in the rare sight of Brooke uninhibitedly laughing. Her smile lights up her whole face and her dimples make their appearance.

“Oh damn, who is that?”

My eyes dart back over to Dean who is staring at Brooke like she is a fucking meal. His eyes are hungry and he turns his body completely in her direction. Locking in his prey.

I clear my throat and keep my voice as steady as possible. Why is my body reacting this way? It’s the same feeling as when I want to slam someone into the sideboards. Pure adrenalinecourses through me and my fists are clenched like I am ready to punch this asshole. Like I need a reason.

“That’s Bradley’s little sister.” My jaw tightens. I know what is going on in Hastings’ mind and it is infuriating me for some reason.

His eyes are dangerously raking over her body and I hate it.

“Damn, his little sister is fucking hot. What’s her name?”

I have to calm my breathing down.Relax, she’s not your sister. You have no say in who Brooke dates or sleeps with. She can be with anyone she wants to be with. Even if you don’t approve.When have I ever approved of who Brooke is dating?

“Brooke.” I say through clenched teeth. And then I remember a little fun fact about Brooke that gives me some sort of relief. “But I wouldn’t get any ideas, Hastings.”Yeah, back the fuck off.

“Why not, Lawson? Are you into her or something?”

I can feel my face get really hot and my stomach flips. “What? Dude no. That girl is a nightmare.” I rub the back of my neck. “It’s just she has this one rule.”

“Yeah, and what’s that?” His eyes haven’t strayed away from Brooke’s direction.

“She doesn’t date hockey players.”

“Who said anything about dating, Lawson?”

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