Fooling the forward, p.1
Fooling the Forward, page 1
FOOLING THE FORWARD
JACOB CHANCE
Copyright © 2023 by Jacob Chance
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This novel is a work of fiction. While reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to people either living or deceased, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are only used for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.
Cover design by Black Widow Designs
Edited and Proofread by Ink Machine Editing
This book contains mature content.
CONTENTS
1. Ryder
2. Calista
3. Calista
4. Ryder
5. Calista
6. Ryder
7. Calista
8. Ryder
9. Calista
10. Calista
11. Ryder
12. Calista
13. Ryder
14. Calista
15. Ryder
16. Calista
17. Ryder
18. Calista
19. Ryder
20. Calista
21. Ryder
22. Calista
Epilogue
Checked
Chapter One
Acknowledgments
About the Author
CHAPTER 1
RYDER
Racing forward, I skate toward the middle of the ice, trying to create as many options as possible for my teammates. With two defenders on me, I slide the puck to Darius on my left side and he sends it off running around the end of the rink. Kaiden gains possession on the other side of the ice while I scramble forward, finding an open lane. He deftly passes the puck to me and I fire it off without hesitation. Time slows down to a crawl as I watch for the red light to go off above the net. When it does, I’m so stunned it takes me a moment to react. The crowd goes wild, cheering as if their lives are dependent on how loud they’re shouting.
I throw my arm up in the air just before Darius thumps me on the back. Kaiden, our captain, joins us. “Fellas, let’s finish this out before we get carried away celebrating” he says, reminding us we’re not done yet.
As the clock ticks away at the final two minutes of the game, we stay on task, holding our opponents off from scoring any more goals. Emotion wells up in my chest. This season has been the best of my career. Everything has clicked for us as if it was meant to be. Especially after the crushing feeling of defeat we experienced last year when we got knocked out in the second round of the playoffs. The memory of that loss has been the driving force fueling us through this championship series.
I watch as the clock counts down, five, four, three, two, one, zero. The Cup is ours!
Every member of the Coyotes team races onto the ice. We all fall together in a jumble, tears rolling unheeded down our cheeks as we celebrate being world champions.
It’s the best feeling ever. Nothing compares.
By the time we get back inside the locker room, the champagne is being passed out. Murphy, our goalie, grabs a bottle and pops the cork. With his thumb over the opening, he shakes it vigorously, then lets the spray fly in every direction, hitting as many of us as he can.
Licking the champagne from my lips, I drop my helmet and gloves onto the bench. I drag my sweat-soaked jersey over my head and remove my shoulder pads before peeling off the long-sleeve compression shirt.
I sink to the bench with a relieved sigh. Now that the game is over, every part of my body is sore. Murphy falls onto the wooden surface next to me, beaming.
“Dude, we fucking won.”
My lips part in a wide smile. “We sure did. ’Bout time too.”
Kaiden sits on the other side of me, shaking his head as if he can’t believe the outcome. “This is so surreal.”
I give him a quick pat on his shoulder. “It’s real, Cap. We’re the motherfucking champs.”
“Damn right,” Darius says, stopping in front of us. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m ready to celebrate.”
Brain Fog Pub is packed with Coyotes fans who cheer when we walk in. A slew of high fives are doled out as we wind through the crowd toward the long table in the back that’s reserved for us. It used to be a smaller table, but now that my teammates all have significant others, the size has increased.
I take one of the end chairs and get comfortable. Murphy lowers onto the seat to my right and says, “Dude, I’m starving. It feels like I haven’t eaten in days.”
“I hear ya. I’m ready to order every appetizer they have.” My stomach grumbles as if to say better make that double.
“You guys were amazing tonight,” Wendy says.
“Thanks.” I clasp Murphy’s shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze. “But we know our man over here is the star of the night.” I watch Wendy and Murphy make fuck-me eyes at each other.
“Thanks, but it was a team effort,” Murphy replies, never looking away from his woman.
Honestly, these two always seem like they’re on the verge of tearing each other’s clothes off at any second. The vibes they give off can make it feel as though you’re intruding on a private moment even when you’re out in public. It’s disconcerting. It hasn’t been easy for me to get used to my wingman being out of the game. But after an entire season of Murphy being off the market, I’ve had to.
I glance around the table at my other teammates paired up, and shift uncomfortably on the hard seat. I’m the lone wolf, the last man standing, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
The waitress, Nikki, comes over and takes our order, even though she knows we always get the same things after home games.
Once she walks away, Kaiden leans forward, his blue gaze singling each of us out. “I just want to say, you guys made me so fucking proud this season. You always have, but the way we fought to the end and came out with the Cup, is something I’ll never forget.”
“Aww, Cap, are you going soft on us?” I tease, to lighten the emotion of the moment. I’m pretty sure if he continues on with the compliments we’ll all break down and cry.
Kaiden’s lips curve. “I’m not going soft, per se, but I don’t know what the future will bring. Since we’re all here together, I wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this season.”
“You’ll enjoy the next one even more, Cap,” Murphy says, but we’re all silently wondering if this was Kaiden’s last season.
“Is this a celebration or what?” Wendy asks, looking around the table. “You guys are extremely reserved for a team that just won the Cup.”
“They’re on their best behavior because we’re here,” Evie offers in explanation.
“Yeah, normally Ryder would be riding her good by now,” Murphy says, pointing at Cate, a regular here, who I’ve messed around with in the past. Everyone at the table other than me laughs.
I don’t react beyond giving a careless shrug. Little do they know it’s been months since my dick’s been touched by anyone besides me, and I’m not exactly sure why. It’s not like I set some goal to not have sex for a certain amount of time, and I’ve certainly had opportunities.
“Don’t be mad, bro. You were destined to be a hockey legend with a name like Ryder Goode,” Murphy says, leaning his elbows on the table.
Nikki drops off our drinks and I eagerly reach for my beer. Raising the bottle to my lips, I swallow down a large gulp of the brew. “Damn, that’s good.”
“There’s nothing like an ice-cold beer when you’re thirsty,” Murphy says, tapping the neck of his bottle to mine.
“Yeah, or when you’re world champs,” Darius adds.
“Hell yeah,” Kaiden agrees.
“So, Evie, is your dad going to retire now that they won the Cup?” Wendy asks.
My ears perk up at the question. Coach Carling has been with the Coyotes organization for at least twenty-five years. Now that the team has won another championship, it’s possible he might want to go out on the highest note.
“What makes you think he’d tell me?” Evie asks. “He may be my dad, but we don’t discuss hockey—ever.”
“You guys play for him, what do you think?” Wendy asks.
Murphy scratches his chin. “I figure there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’ll retire.”
Darius crosses his arms. “I hope he doesn’t, but I think there’s a high probability he will.” He glances at Kaiden. “Do you have any insider information on this, Cap?”
Kaiden shakes his head. “I really don’t, but I agree it’s likely he will.”
“He’s going to do whatever he thinks is right for him, so maybe you guys should focus on your victory and savor the feeling,” Rori suggests.
Kaiden wraps his arm around her shoulders and presses a kiss to her temple. “My girl’s right. This is a time for celebrating.”
Nikki delivers our food, and all conversations cease as we make short work of devouring everything. I’m mid-c
hew when Cate shows up and tries to sit in my lap. I hold my hand up to block her and she gives me a questioning look.
“I’m celebrating with my friends,” I say.
She pouts her full lips and leans forward, placing her cleavage at my eye level. “We’re friends too.”
Her obvious flirtation annoys me, and I’m questioning why I ever hooked up with her before.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but this is a private party.”
Her flirtatious manner flips to one of anger as she straightens up to her full height. “Fuck off, Ryder,” she says before stomping away.
Murphy lets out a quick laugh. “Well, that went well.”
“You could’ve pulled up a chair for her,” Wendy says. “We wouldn’t mind.”
Murphy taps Wendy on the nose. “Sparky, if we added a chair for every one of his Goode Girls, we’d need to add some more tables.”
“More like we’d need every seat in the bar,” Darius jumps in.
“Come on. I’m not that bad,” I defend myself. I know I’ve had my share of no-strings sex, but I’m not as horrible as they’re making it seem.
Darius clears his throat loudly and deliberately. “I hate to interrupt, especially when Ryder is in the hot seat, but I’d like to propose a toast.” He raises his beer, holding it toward the middle of the table. “Here’s to teamwork and being world champions.” There’s a clinking of glass as we all come together.
“To teamwork and being world champions,” I echo before taking a sip.
“I have a toast too,” Evie announces, raising her glass. “To hockey season being over.” She grins as our drinks meet in the middle.
“Now that’s an awesome toast,” Rori says.
“Hell yes,” Wendy agrees. “I love watching you guys play, but hockey season is long as fuck. I’m looking forward to some quiet time with my man.”
“What are you planning to do with me?” Murphy asks, wiggling his eyebrows lecherously.
“All right, we don’t need details,” Evie cuts in before her best friend can elaborate. “We’re all glad our guys will have a break.”
“I can’t wait to relax on the beach with you,” Rori tells Kaiden.
He leans over, pressing a brief kiss to her lips. “Me too.”
The conversation continues around me as I sip my beer. They’re all looking forward to the offseason so they can spend time together. This will be the first summer with all my friends in serious relationships, and I’m not sure what that’s going to look like for me. As happy as I am for them, I can’t help but mourn the good old days.
Change sucks.
CHAPTER 2
CALISTA
“Hi, Mom,” I say, squeezing her tightly. “It’s nice to be home.”
When we part she cups my face. “Thank you, gliko mou. I love when you visit us.”
I smile. I’m thirty-one years old and she still calls me sweet girl. “Where’s Dad?”
She waves her hand toward the windows. “He’s out back with everyone.”
“The boys are already here?” I ask, referring to my younger brothers.
“They are.”
I’m sure my face shows my surprise. “Wow, that’s a first. I never thought I’d see the day they’d be on time.”
“Well, Darius has Evie to keep him on schedule, and Christos and Orion could smell the food for miles,” she explains.
“Yeah, no doubt.” My stomach rumbles loudly, reminding me I haven’t eaten yet.
“Are you hungry, gliko mou?” she asks.
“Yeah, with the catering job I had today, I didn’t have a chance to eat.”
“Let’s get everything set up outside on the table,” she suggests.
“I’ve got this.” I march over to the open sliding glass door. “Boys, get your asses in here and help out.”
Evie is the first to hurry over. Her lips curve as she slides the screen open. “I didn’t know you were here.” Once she’s inside, she gives me a quick hug.
“How have you been?” I ask.
“Great, thanks. And you?”
“Working hard, but I’m not complaining. It beats being unemployed.”
“Right? Or working a job you don’t like.”
“Exactly,” I reply, nodding. “How’s Tillie?” I inquire about her daughter.
She beams. “She’s wonderful. She’s with her dad today.”
My brothers finally filter inside one by one, hugging me hard enough to make me wince. The three of them are tall and heavily muscled. I’m five feet eight and they tower over me.
“Get this food to the table on the deck as quickly as possible,” I order. Being the oldest has its perks.
Surprisingly, they do as I say with little to no grumbling. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that my mom is an excellent cook and they want to eat as soon as possible. I carry out plates, plasticware, and napkins and set them on the side table. While everyone lines up to dish out their food buffet style, I find my dad and give him a hug.
“How’s my girl?” he asks.
I smile. “I’m well. How are you doing, Dad?”
“I’m wonderful now that all my kids are here.”
As soon as everyone is seated at the table, my dad clears his throat loud enough to gain our attention. “I’d like to say a few words, so bear with me. Congratulations to Darius, not only for winning the Cup, but for all the hours of practice and training you’ve put in over the years that brought you to this point.”
“Thanks, Dad. But it takes an entire team, not just me.”
“Regardless, we’re all so proud of you.”
“I’m not,” Orion deadpans, lightening the moment. “Can we eat now?”
“Yes, you may,” Dad says, picking up his fork.
We dig into the pastitsio and horiatiki as if we haven’t eaten in days. My brothers scarf it down at an alarmingly fast pace. It’s a shame they’re barely taking the time to chew, never mind appreciate it, but this is what happens whenever we all get together in our childhood home.
“Mom, this is delicious,” I say.
“Thank you.”
“It really is,” Evie adds.
The guys grunt their agreement like a bunch of neanderthals. I roll my eyes in my mom’s direction and she smiles back at me.
“I’m going to need to learn how to make all these Greek dishes,” Evie says.
“No you don’t,” Christos jumps in. “Darius is the baby of the family and Mommy will make him anything he wants. Right, Mom?”
“He is the baby, and I will make him whatever he wants, just like I will for any of you.” Her answer may be politically correct but we all know Darius is her favorite. The fact that he’s a hockey superstar could also play into why us siblings all feel he’s her pet. How do our average jobs compare to his astounding achievements?
“Mom, did you find a dress for Darius and Evie’s wedding?” I ask.
“I did. Remind me to show you later.”
“I want to see it too,” Evie says.
“Of course.” My mom smiles at her.
“Who cares about the wedding? Everyone knows the bachelor party is the real event,” Orion chimes in.
“Pfft.” I release a puff of air. “When are you going to stop making these ridiculous blanket statements? Just because you feel a certain way doesn’t mean everyone else shares your views.”
“Anyone with a brain does,” he retorts, making me lose a little more hope for the male species.
“I have a brain and I don’t agree,” Evie states.
“Maybe it’s a guy thing,” he backpedals.
“No, maybe it’s a you thing,” Darius corrects.
Orion points his fork at him. “Of course you’d say that. You’re getting married.”
