Shutout (The Renegades Series Book 5) (17 page)

“But I don’t want to go to this with just any girl. Yeah, we’ve had things happen, and weddings might be a sore spot with us, but I still wouldn’t want to be here with anyone but you. I’m glad we’re getting the chance to reconnect. No matter what the extent. Plus, I have a reputation to uphold. I need a super-hot girl on my arm,”—he winked at her—“and you are the hottest girl I know. Seriously. Especially in that dress.” He let out a low whistle.

“Stop it,” she whined. Her cheeks darkened and a small smile crept onto her face.

“Now, the church service I could do without. The reception is the fun part.”

“I agree about the reception, but I’ve always liked church weddings. There’s just something so romantic about them. The music and the tradition. I don’t know what it is, exactly…” Her voice trailed off.

He inhaled deeply, and quietly let out a long, calming breath. This was going to be a tricky day.

“Well, looks like we’re here.” He found a close parking spot, then got. “Hang on, I’ll help you out.”

They were early, so there was no rush, but Dom still jogged around the truck to get Hailee. Opening her door, he held out his hand to her.

She wrapped her delicate fingers around his and stepped down from the truck. “Thanks.”

Once she was safely on the ground, he held his arm out to her like a gentleman, and she looped her arm in his. “Ready?”

She nodded. “Dominic, this is a really big event for your team. I think we can put everything that’s happened between us aside for today, and just enjoy the day.”

“Sweet-tart, I already have, but it means a lot to hear you say that.” It would’ve been so easy to lean over and kiss her head, but they had a truce for today, and he had to be careful not to do anything to mess that up.

Hailee

Walking into the church brought back more memories than she had hoped, of what she wanted her own wedding to be like. This was supposed to be easier than it was turning out to be. She had always wanted a big church wedding. It would’ve been a big Italian wedding, with her and Dominic’s families both of Italian heritage. The big, long service, the huge reception with tons of relatives, and more food than necessary to feed everyone living in Vaughn.

“You okay?” Dominic leaned down towards her and asked.

They stood in the church lobby and she must’ve been looking around for longer than she thought. She waved him off and shrugged as if it were nothing. “Yeah, of course. What a beautiful church this is.”

Dominic nodded and took her hand. His was strong and warm; she’d missed how it felt when he held hers. She wasn’t supposed to miss it. She wasn’t supposed to miss any of this. But Hailee didn’t pull away. They had a truce today and it was the one time she would get to feel like this again. She felt secure, happy, and content. It wouldn’t change anything, but it was nice.

She looked from the floor up to him; the April sunlight shone through the doors and illuminated his face. He was grinning at her, not the usual playboy, flirty grin, but a kinder, softer grin. His rugged face glowed as he looked at her. Swallowing hard, she was caught up in the moment and wanted nothing more than his warm lips on hers. She could feel herself being pulled towards him. His hand was still softly wrapped around hers. Slowly she closed the distance between them. Tipping up her head the slightest bit…

“Dom!” Someone called as he walked in the church doors.

Startled, she quickly pulled away. The man was tall, with dark hair and a goofy grin on his face. She thought she recognized him. On his arm was a short, petite brunette. She was dressed trendy and was very pretty. Hailee did notice, however, that the brunette nervously hung onto him, even as he moved from her to give Dominic a hug.

“Patrick, hey. How’s it going?” Dominic hugged his friend.

“You remember my wife, Gia?” He introduced his clingy companion.

“Of course I do. Nice to see you again, Gia. This is my date, Hailee. Hailee, this is my teammate Patrick and his wife Gia.”

Patrick looked at her with an appraising look, then back at Dominic. His face relaxed and he put out his hand to her. “Nice to meet you, Hailee.”

He obviously recognized her from the bachelor party but wasn’t letting on. “You too, Patrick.” She nodded with a smile at Gia who hadn’t moved from his side.

“There they are!” a male voice boomed. Two men and a classically gorgeous brunette appeared from the church’s back room.

“Gia,” the girl said in a voice that was quiet but didn’t mask her excitement. The classic beauty ran and hugged Gia.

“Hailee, let me introduce the groom. This is the one and only Tyler Kidd.” Dominic grinned, and half hugged and cupped the shoulder of one of the men. “He’s also our team captain. And this handsome guy next to him with the great hair, second best to mine of course, is Kris Lafleur. That beauty over there is his wife, Kat. This group of guys right here greeted me with open arms when I was a rookie.”

“And they’ve been inseparable ever since,” Kat said, with a laugh.

“Well, except for that one time.” Kris cleared his throat. Kat hit him lightly with her purse. “But that was a misunderstanding and ancient history,” he said with a smile, and he pulled his wife close, planting a kiss on her cheek.

They were like a family. Dominic seemed to be part of a really good group. Hailee’s chest warmed at the sight of it, and she smiled at them. “It’s very nice to meet you all.”

Some of the faces were vaguely familiar from that night at the club, but even if they remembered her, she would never admit that. One of the unwritten rules was never to acknowledge any customers outside the club, and most especially not when their women were present. Not that she’d done anything more than dance in front of any of these guys, but no way did she want to be the cause of relationship trouble.

“Don’t forget me.” Kaden entered the church with a young blonde hanging off his arm.

“How could we forget you, Kaden?” Tyler said.

“Trust me, we’ve tried,” Patrick joked, and he received a middle finger from Kaden.

“Boys please. In case you haven’t noticed, we are in a church.” A tall woman with dark hair entered the vestibule with a handsome man. She wore a long red dress and her hair flowed down her exposed shoulders. Confidence radiated from her.

“Mel!” Tyler hugged her. “Conner, good to see you.” Ty shook her husband’s hand.

“Happy wedding day, Ty.” She smiled.

“Thanks, I’m so glad you guys could make it.”

“Mel,” Dominic said. “This is Hailee, my date.”

Before Dominic could say any more, Mel shook Hailee’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Hailee. I’m Melanie, the guys’ PR person. I’m also the bride’s boss. These goofballs are like little brothers to me, but I’ve always got to have my eye on them and keep them in line.” She laughed. “But isn’t that what big sisters do?”

“Yeah, I guess it is.” Hailee liked her. Mel seemed strong but also genuine.

“You boys behave now. We’re going to go in and find a seat. See you in there, Ty!” She smiled before she walked into the church.

Kaden grinned. “Everyone, this, is my date, Lexie.”

They all greeted Kaden’s date, as other family and friends started to file into the church.

“Ty, I think we better get you to the front room before Paige gets here. You don’t want to risk seeing her before the ceremony,” Kris suggested.

“And I need to go wait on Ian and the nanny,” Kat said. “I’ll see you guys in the church.” She kissed Kris and then hurried out to the parking lot.

“Yeah Kris, you’re right. I’ll see you all in a bit.” Tyler was escorted to the front room by Kris. Pat and Gia followed them, taking their seats in the church.

“Well, guess we should go in, too” Kaden said, turning to Dom. “See you in there, bro. Want us to save you space?”

Dominic nodded. “Yeah, we’ll be there in a minute.” Once they were alone, he turned to Hailee and softly spoke. “What exactly happened before?”

“It was… a… moment. I, ugh, I really don’t want to talk about it right now. We should go meet up with your friends if we want to sit with them.” She didn’t know what happened back there. She had wanted him to kiss her, that’s for sure. Maybe it was the romance of a wedding, maybe it was the way he had looked at her. Maybe she just wanted him to. She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the doors of the church. “C’mon.”

The church was decorated in white and light blue. The sun illuminated the pews and the altar. They slid in next to Kaden and Lexi. Soon the church was full of guests and the whole team was here, sitting on Tyler’s side. Kris stood up at the altar with Tyler, and Kat slid into the pew next to Patrick and Gia.

Faint music played and the maid of honor started down the aisle. She was dressed in a beautiful light blue dress that accented her red hair, and carried white lilies. She was followed by a toddler. He looked to be about three years old. His dark shaggy hair fell into his eyes, and his eyes sparkled. The wedding guests cooed and sighed as he carried the ring pillow, but his focus was on the altar, on Kris. There was no doubt in her mind that he was Kris and Kat’s son.

The little boy hurried up next to Kris and hugged his leg, then looked out into the pews. “Mama!” he called with a grin. The guests collectively laughed.

The faint music stopped, the guests hushed, and the keyboardist started to play The Wedding March. Hailee loved that tune. She turned, along with the entire congregation, to see Paige standing at the back of the church with her father.

Hailee had never met her, but she was beautiful. In all white, she was the epitome of what every bride wanted to look like. They all stood as she walked smiling down the aisle. She looked over at the team with a grin and a nod.

Hailee’s heart pulled when Paige reached the altar and Tyler took her hand in his. Their love was obvious, the way it lit up the church. Hailee’s whole body warmed as Dominic slid his strong hand over hers. She couldn’t help but meet his glance before moving her stare back to the ceremony.

But she didn’t pull her hand away, and she couldn’t explain why. Especially when the preacher called for Tyler to kiss the bride. The ceremony was beautiful, and maybe it was the romance of it all, but Hailee was happy to be at Dom’s side. Even if it was just for today.

Leaving the pews, as they walked up the main aisle, the feeling of a sturdy hand sliding around her waist surprised her. Instead of moving away, she leaned into it. Her emotions were taking over at this point, her head was spinning. Cool air and a long ride to the reception should help that.

It was a beautiful spring day in Pittsburgh. The sun was still shining and there was a nice breeze. Tyler and Paige kissed out front on the church steps, as guests snapped pictures and cheered. This was all so perfect, almost surreal.

“It’s not that far to the reception, only a few minutes. You ready?” Dominic asked, as Tyler and Paige drove away in their limo.

Not that far away? So much for a nice long ride to clear my head
. “Yeah, let’s go.” Hailee walked ahead of Dominic to his truck. Taking a few deep breaths, the air cooled her insides. Hopping up into his truck, she got settled before he could help her.

Was she being cold to him after all the mixed signals she’d given him at the church? She was battling her emotions and only wanted to put a little space between them, not to hurt him. Before she could decide, she turned the radio up and started to sing along with the songs. Lucky for her, each song that came on was one she knew for the most part. She’d miss a word or phrase here and there, but making up her own worked just as well. It was better than talking about why she had almost kissed him.

He was right, and it only took a few songs of her bad singing before they got to the reception. The hall was already filling up by the time they arrived. Tables were full of laughing family and friends. The music was playing, but no one was dancing yet.

The bride and groom weren’t expected to arrive for a little while, and folks were already taking advantage of the open bar and appetizers being passed around. Hailee took it all in, trying to decipher which guests were Renegades.

“Yo, Zanetti! Over here!” Kaden called from a corner table. “We have two seats left.”

Dominic squeezed Hailee’s hand. “You okay sitting with them?”

Looking over the table, she didn’t recognize many more people than Kaden, but she was sure they were all teammates. “It’s your party with your friends. I’ll sit wherever you want to.”

“But I want to know what you think.”

Hailee looked around. It didn’t matter where they sat or who they were with, as long as he was at her side. “Yes, it’s fine with me.”

Dominic

Dom held Hailee’s hand and moved towards the table where Kaden sat. Her hand was clammy and cool; she was nervous, even though she said she was fine.
Obviously she forgets how well I know her
. “I’ll introduce you to the guys. I think you’ll like them. Don’t worry.”

“Who said I’m worried?” She squared off her shoulders and smiled.

Dom couldn’t help but look her over in that dress and smile at that determined look on her face.
She is too damn cute
. His mind went back to that moment in the church.
She wanted me to kiss her
. There was no doubt in his mind. And he almost had. Still holding her hand, they approached the table. “Thanks for saving us seats, Kaden.”

Dom pulled out Hailee’s chair for her. “Can I get you something to drink from the bar?” He sat down next to her.

“No, I’m good with water for now.”

The server came by and filled all the water glasses on the table. Another came with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. Dom grabbed a few and set them between him and Hailee; he knew her better than to think she’d take any herself. “Okay, let’s get the introductions out of the way here. Everyone, this is my date, Hailee.” He started around the table. “You’ve met Kaden and Lexi. The blond surfer-boy looking guy next to him is Sam, and his wife is Trina. They have a new baby girl at home; she’s only a few months old. Next to them is Torin, and is that his date, Jase?” Dom teased. “Just messing with you. Hailee, these two knuckleheads are Torin and Jase. Two of the newer guys on the team.”

Torin stood up and put out his hand to her. “Very nice to meet you, Hailee.”

“Wow, a gentleman.” She smiled. “Nice to meet you too, Torin.” She stood up a bit and shook his hand over the table.

“Ericsson, you’re nothing but a show off.” Sam shook his head. “So, Dom, how do you and Hailee know each other?”

“We're old friends.”
Old friends. I hate saying that. We’re so much more than old friends.
Dom put on the sincerest smile he could muster.

Kaden gave him a sideways look and then glanced at Sam.

“Okay, we'll go with that,” Sam said, right before Trina elbowed him in the ribs.

Dom gave them both a glare.
Kaden needs to keep his mouth shut
. Dom wasn’t willing to compromise a really nice date with Hailee. “We ran into Hailee not too long ago. She was being hassled by these two guys. I stepped in and ended up taking them both down.”

“I still say you're lucky. Coach Walker would've killed you if you would've—”

“If Dom would've what?” Coach Walker asked, as he and his wife walked up to their table.

With no delay, Dom answered. “Would've lost last night.”

“Quick on your feet. That's what you get paid for, Zanetti. Well, you boys don't have too much fun. The missus and I will be way over there with the old front office folks.”

“Hailee, I just love your tattoos,” Lexi cooed. “And that dress, it looks just gorgeous with them.”

“Oh, thanks.” Hailee’s face turned a bit pink, and Dom couldn’t help a smile. She didn’t realize just how stunning she was, and it amused him that she still found it hard to accept a compliment.

A booming voice interrupted their small talk. Dom turned to see Tyler and Paige in the doorway. Kris was standing with a microphone. “Your attention please. Please welcome the new Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Kidd.”

Applause filled the room as the new couple slowly made their way to the sweetheart table set up for them at the head of the room. As they reached their table, people started to clang their glasses, calling for a bride and groom kiss.

“Okay, okay!” Tyler leaned over and planted a long kiss on Paige. When he moved back, she pulled him in for another, and the room erupted in laughter and more glass clanging.

Dom glanced over at Hailee fidgeting with the silverware and no longer looking at the happy couple. He slid his hand on top of hers. As quick as he did, she pulled away.

“I’m going to go get a drink. Be right back.” She hurried over to the open bar.

“Uh-oh, not good if she has to get wasted just to spend an evening with you, Dom,” Torin joked.

“He’s used to that,” Kaden added. His date, Lexi seemed oblivious to their joking banter as she watched it all with a dull stare.

“You guys suck, you know that?” Dom decided he better go make sure she was okay. Leaving his friends back at the table, he met up with her at the bar. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah.” She took a long drink. Music played and her words were soft. “Why?”

He wasn’t convinced. Her lips smiled but it never reached her eyes. He also knew calling her on it was a bad idea. Taking her hand in his, he could feel her resistance at first. But after he flashed a flirty smile, she relaxed. “C’mon, let’s sit back down. Looks like they’re starting to serve dinner.”

Dinner music played and everyone was busy eating. But Dom’s eye was on Hailee. Her body language said she was nervous, the way she hunched a little and played with the potatoes on her plate.
What is she thinking about?
He finished his chicken and vegetables as Torin came back to the table with a large plate of cookies.

“Guys, there’s a huge table over there full of cookies, like any kind you can imagine. I’ve never seen such a thing. Seriously.” He set the plate in the middle of the table. “Here, help yourself. I’m going to go get another small plate for myself.”

“If I can direct your attention to the back of the room, Tyler and Paige will be cutting the cake now,” the DJ announced.

Tyler led his new wife over to the table. After cutting a slice, Tyler pretended he was going to smash it in her face. Paige shook her head no-no and wagged her finger.

After Tyler backed off and gently put the piece to her lips, Paige uncharacteristically shoved a piece in his face, then smeared a bit of icing on his cheek before licking the rest off her finger. The guests laughed and clapped.

Servers started to collect empty plates and the DJ announced that it was time for the first dance. Tyler and Paige made their way to the dance floor. Ty looked so happy. But who wouldn’t be, with a great girl like Paige?

Hailee was picking at her cookies too, occasionally watching the bride and groom dancing. She wasn’t as calm as she was in the church, and certainly not as clingy with him. He liked holding her hand the way they used to, and liked even more that she had wanted him to kiss her. If only they hadn’t been interrupted. Looking over at Kaden and his flavor of the month—or week, Dom wasn’t sure yet—what he realized was that he didn’t want that anymore. He only wanted Hailee.

When they invited the guests to join them on the dance floor, Dom grabbed her hand and pulled her up. “Dance with me.”

“Dominic, I…”

He didn’t want her to object, and he wasn’t going to give her a chance. The music was slow and heavy. He pulled her amazing body close to his and ran his fingers down her shoulder, before wrapping his arm around her. She was warm, and her skin was soft and smooth. He held her one hand in his and swayed her to the rhythm. Her expression was uneasy at first.

When she stared up at him, he smiled and whispered in her ear, “I missed you.”

A heavy sigh escaped her lips and she stared at him with heavy blue eyes. Her lips slightly parted, welcoming him.
Does she want me to kiss her
? He wanted to kiss her. He ran his thumb over her soft bottom lip. The music filled his ears, while her scent filled his senses. He needed to kiss her.

But not here.

His thumb trailed down her chin, pinning it between his forefinger and thumb. Against everything he wanted to do, he kissed her on the top of her head and molded his body to hers, moving with the music. She laid her head along his collarbone. His heart pounded against his chest and he wondered if she could hear it. His hard-on strained against his pants, and he was positive she could feel that.

“What are we doing?” she mumbled, directed at him.

Dom took a heavy breath. “I have no idea. But I’ll stop if you want me to.” Her body was so warm against his. No one fit with him the way she did.

“You mean stop dancing?” she said, never lifting her head.

“No.”

Looking up at him, her expression changed and a flash of something he couldn’t decipher shone in her eyes. “I need a drink.” Taking his hand, she pulled him to the bar.

“Two Jack and Cokes please.” He handed a glass to Hailee, then downed his own quickly. He was so hard that it hurt; a break was a good idea.

“Hey there, kids,” Kris said from beside them. “Two waters please. Having fun?” He squeezed Dom’s shoulder.

Hailee nodded. “It’s very nice.”

“Catch you kids later.” Kris handed Kat a bottled water and pulled her into the wedding crowd.

“Dominic…” She looked up from her drink.

“Yes?”

“Dance with me again?”

“Absolutely.” He didn’t know where this was going, but he was willing to go along for the ride. Every moment he looked at that black dress, the hotter it got, and that harder he got.

Taking her hand, Dom pulled her to a quiet corner of the dance floor. Her chest was rising and falling heavily.
Was she nervous or turned on
? He wanted to run his fingertips down her collarbone, and trace the lines of the tattoos on her chest.

Torin walked by them and let out a low whistle, reminding him they were in the middle of Tyler’s wedding.

“Funny,” Dom said to Torin, who walked away laughing.

The music changed. It was more upbeat, and harder to slow dance to. Dom didn’t want to let her body go.
Maybe it’s for the best though, before things go too far. Not that I would mind
.

Dom slid his hand into hers and moved them off the dance floor as it filled with people dancing to the popular song. There was no way he could dance like that with the stiffie he was sporting.

“They’re going to be serving cake soon,” Dom said as a server walked by with the slices of white cake with white icing on a tray.

“I don’t really want cake,” Hailee answered. She was still holding his hand and was now running her thumb up and down his palm. Her eyes were wide and nervous; she bit anxiously on her lip. “Unless you want cake.”

He didn’t want cake, he wanted her.
Is it too forward to assume we are leaving now, grab some cake and get out of here?

She leaned in, looking up at him the same way she did at the church. Her lips slightly parted. His brain short-circuited with every memory he had of her lips on his. No bunny he’d had ever measured up to her. Having her back in his arms again reminded him why.

“Excuse me.” Dom stopped the server. “Are there any wrapped up to go?”

“Sure, over on the table by the door.” She pointed.

“Thanks.” Dom pulled Hailee to that table, handed her a wrapped piece of cake, and took one for himself.

“You leaving?” Kaden stopped him.

He could obviously trust his buddy. “Yeah, we, uh…”

“No worries. I got your back, bro. I’ll tell the guys you had to go.” Kaden grinned knowingly. “Nice to see you again, Hailee.”

When Kaden had moved away, Hailee looked up at Dom with that same look from before.

“Come home with me,” Dom said in a low growl. He tipped her chin up towards his mouth before meeting her warm lips. With the mixed signals he’d been getting all day, he prepared himself for a slap in the face. Maybe worse. But instead, she responded by lightly kissing him back. She tasted sweet like cookies. Her lips were soft, just how he remembered. His stiffie turned into a hard-on. It was probably a good idea to get out of here. Taking a breath, he leaned his forehead against hers. “Please come home with me?”

She looked up at him with big, sparkling blue eyes. A strand of her violet hair fell into her eyes; he swept it away. She wasn’t answering, but her body still leaned against his. His hard-on pressed between her thighs. She hadn’t moved away yet.