Page 87 of Second-Rate Superstar
“I’ll get the bags.” Stepping out of the car, I popped the trunk, grabbing our suitcases.
The passenger door slammed, and Dakota pressed into my side, rising on her tiptoes to hiss in my ear. “What the hell is going on?”
Slamming the trunk, I offered, “We’re going to Minnesota for Christmas.”
She huffed, the rush of air blowing curls away from her face. “I knowthat.”
“Good. I was starting to worry.” I bopped her on the nose.
Dakota swatted my hand away. “Seriously? A private plane? You didn’t think it might be important to share that little nugget of information before now?”
Cocking my head, I challenged, “Why? Would it have changed your mind to come with me?”
She paused, and I saw the exact moment she gave up the ridiculous fight. “No. It’s just—” She sighed. “You and I come from very different worlds.”
“No, we don’t.” Dipping my head, I kissed her softly. “This is Jaxon’s world, not mine.”
Nodding, she mused, “I should have figured. I’ve seen their house.”
I chuckled. “Oh, Jaxon didn’t buy that house. That was all Liam. After the divorce, he and Amy moved in with Natalie to help with the kids. Bear in mind that back then, he was simply Nat’s brother-in-law and Amy was her best friend. Nothing romantic happened between those two untilafterNatalie and Jaxon were married. Jaxon’s house was the much smaller one next door. The two couples switched. Well, I suppose Natalie got to stay where she was.” Wheeling our suitcases through the parking lot with Dakota by my side, I explained, “However, that’s not to say Jaxon isn’t in a whole different tax bracket than me. I could play for ten years at my current salary and not earn what Jaxon does in a year.” Using my fist, I pounded the side of their enormous eight-passenger, armored SUV as we passed. “His car costs double my monthly paycheck.”
She placed her hand on my arm, halting my progress before we crossed the threshold to the small reception vestibule. “I know you can’t help but compare yourself to him, but maybe you need a reminder that he started out exactly where you are. Hockey isn’t like other sports where you can make a killing right out of the gate. Every single one of you gets the same entry-level contract with the same base salary for your first three years. It’s what you do in those three years that counts.”
“Someone’s been doing their research,” I teased.
A corner of her kissable lips turned up. “Some pain-in-the-ass rookie keeps giving me homework. Not like I have a day job or anything.”
She was right, though; I couldn’t compare my career in its infancy to Jaxon’s mature one. A lot could change in three years.
Nudging Dakota with an elbow, I tipped my chin toward the glass doors. “Come on. Our chariot awaits.”
Walking into the warm space, I spoke to the receptionist, giving our names and charter number. She told us which tarmac and that if we didn’t want to walk, they could arrange a shuttle. By the time I turned to ask Dakota her preference, she was halfway out the door.
Jogging to catch up with her, I asked, “You sure you don’t want that shuttle?”
Curls whipping in the wind, she shook her head. “Might as well stretch my legs while I can. We’re going to be cooped up for hours inside a metal tube.” The subtle laugh barely reached my ears as she added, “Good thing you didn’t choose Bristol. She’s terrified of flying.”
“Seriously?” That was a surprise, considering how outgoing she was, but I suppose everyone had issues, no matter how sunny or bright their disposition.
“Oh, yeah. We flew to Florida during spring break two years ago, and they almost had to make an emergency landing. She freaked out that bad.”
Stepping up to the crew who descended the short staircase to take our bags, I handed them over, placing a hand on Dakota’s back to enter the plane ahead of me.
The second we stepped inside, we were hit with a wall of sound.
Charlie was screaming, throwing her tiny body on the ground in a tantrum. Max’s accompanying wails were quiet by comparison but no less insistent. Natalie wore a weary expression, trying to calm him. Beau was arguing with his older brother over who would get the window seat, with Jaxon trying to mediate.
Smirking, Dakota peeked back at me. “Athletes, they’re just like everyone else.”
I couldn’t hold back a snort. A few short months ago, she wouldn’t have been caught dead on this plane with not just one but two professional hockey players. Now, she was cracking jokes, understanding that our lives weren’t perfect. That we were human, and we didn’t think we were better than anyone else. Life in the spotlight didn’t have to change you—it only did if you let it.
The boys finally stopped yelling over one another, and Jaxon moved to deal with Charlie. Natalie saw that we had boarded and gave a weak smile. “Sorry, we’re having a rough morning.”
Most girls would be wondering what the hell they’d gotten themselves into, but not Dakota. Stepping right into the fray, she offered, “Tell me what I can do.”
Natalie’s eyes met mine before she smiled at my girl. “You’re so sweet to offer. I’m sure we'll be fine if we can settle the little ones.”
Charlie’s screaming ceased suddenly, but there was still a ringing in my ears from the high pitch. Tears staining her face, she looked up. “Da-pota?”
