Shutout (The Renegades Series Book 5) (25 page)

Dominic

Dominic lay in bed thinking. His mind has been spinning with thoughts of Hailee. He missed her. It would’ve been nice to have her at some of the games, in the stands, watching him and the team. It would’ve been like old times, and he missed those times.

His stomach rumbled. Dragging himself out of bed, he met Kaden in the kitchen. “Hey.”

“Hey, Dom. You look like hell.”

“Thanks, asshole. I didn’t sleep very well, that’s all.” Smokey walked in between his feet on his way into the kitchen, curling around his ankles almost tripping him. He bunched his back up and rubbed his face on Dom’s leg. Smokey let out a meow that sounded more like a whine then jumped onto the counter to wait for his breakfast. The cat rubbed his face on Dom’s hand as he opened a can of food. “Okay, little guy, I’m moving as fast as I can.” Smokey walked his front paws up Dom’s arm and onto his chest and butted his furry little head against Dominic’s cheek. “Yeah, you’re cute. C’mon, let me put this in your bowl.” Dom emptied a can of food into his bowl and pulled some cereal down for himself.

He’d tossed and turned for half the night, then spent the other half staring at the ceiling. Thoughts of Hailee swirled through his head, hour after hour. If she hadn’t had sent him that text, he might’ve tried to move on. He could’ve gone home with that bunny, even though he wasn’t into her. He might’ve ruined everything had he followed his dick instead of his brain or his heart.

“Hailee?”

“Yep, what else? You see Ali last night again?”

“Yep. I think I really like her.”

“Hang on here, are you saying the great Kaden O’Conner might be giving up the bunnies for this girl?”

“Eh,”—he shrugged—“for now anyways. Enough about me. Why aren’t you telling Hailee about the paintings? That’s a hell of a lot of money for them.” They sat at their kitchen table and ate breakfast before practice.

“I have so much going on right now; I don’t need to fight with her about that. I have no idea how she would receive the news that it was me who organized to have all of those paintings purchased. Plus, it’s not like I’m going to line my walls with them.”

“But you arranged for them to go to group homes, the same group homes that you and the rest of the guys are funding hockey programs for the kids. How could she find fault with that? They are going to a good cause.”

“Yeah, I know that. And the other ones are going to Children’s Hospitals. But I don’t think that’s going to matter to her.” He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea, that he didn’t think she could get to her goal on her own. He just wanted to help make a security blanket so she could build her gallery without having to worry about working at the same time. Getting her out of the strip club was just a bonus.

“Don’t forget the ones hanging in our living room, office, and your bedroom,” Kaden teased. Most were new, part of the recent purchase from her. Dom couldn’t help but keep a few.

“You know she’s a talented painter.”

“Dude, chill. I never said she wasn’t. Just sayin’ that they’re all over our apartment too. If you ever get her over here again, she’s going to see them.”

Dom’s shoulders slumped. “Yeah, somehow I don’t think that’s really going to be an issue.”

* * *

Kaden played the first game in the last series, the Cup finals. It was nice to have him back, and he owned that net the whole game. Not one puck got by him; he shut out Detroit in game one. Kaden was on fire. Detroit didn’t go easy on him either. They outshot the Renegades 41–30, but it didn’t shake Kaden.

However, game two didn’t go as smoothly. Detroit tried to run the Renegades net a few times, once hammering into Kaden and pushing him backwards onto the ice, where he nearly knocked his head off the metal post. Matt took offense to that and grabbed the defenseman up off Kaden only to pummel him to the ground with his fists. The Detroit player was left with a bloody nose and a bruised cheek.

Kaden didn’t seem quite right after the hit. Coach Walker pulled him out of the game after the second period. As hard as Dom played, deflecting or catching every shot at his net, it was too late. Detroit tied the series at one apiece. Kaden sat for game three, but was able to come back in game four. This final series was tougher.

It had been a long road getting here. Even longer if he counted all the things that had transpired with Hailee. He wasn’t sure they would ever be the same, and yet at every home game he searched the stands for her, hoping she’d show up to cheer him on. There were plenty of Zanetti shirts out there, but none was ever her.

Matt was not only out of game three, but was suspended two games for his actions. Yet even with the suspension looming, they managed to push the series to six games.

Hailee

Hailee walked slowly through her new gallery. The freshly painted walls still gave off a smell, but they were no longer wet. Closing her eyes, she thought of how much she had accomplished. It was time to get her paintings hung and this place into shape. She checked her watch, surprised to see it was already after seven o’clock.

Game four was on tonight. She pulled her attention back to her gallery walls, frustrated with herself that she was so worried about Dominic and the game. Too bad she had no willpower and had watched the entire series. Kaden was a good goalie, but she was happy to see Dominic take over the net.

She looked back and forth between two walls, then down at her notebook. Which wall would be used to display her artwork, and which would be used to spotlight local up and coming artists? She wanted them to have the chances that she never had.

Tapping her pen on the notebook, her mind wandered away from her gallery and she looked at her watch again. It was almost game time. One more glance around the room told her this wasn’t working. Her mind wasn’t on her work. It was on him. Quickly she sketched the front room in her notebook, noting where the door and the large front window were situated. Maybe she’d be able to concentrate better from the comfort of her loft.

She locked up the gallery and walked the few steps to the front door of her new loft. The streets were lighted and clean, nothing like her old neighborhood.

After unlocking the security door at street level, she climbed the stairs. The walls of the stairwell were bright white with a cute blue trim. She took in a deep breath; it was so much nicer coming home than it used to be. The stairway opened up into a bright and colorful loft. She had handpicked the colors on the walls, each a different shade.

Her newest painting still sat on its easel on the far side of the loft. Dropping her notebook on the couch, she turned the television on and slipped off her shoes. It was already the first intermission and there was still no score. Hailee couldn’t get Dominic off her mind. She stopped in front of her painting and stared at it. Even this one was about Dominic.

It was a painting of them ice-skating. The sky above them was a mixture of dark and stormy and a beautiful sunset. It represented how she felt that night; a mixture of angry and content.
Damn him for always doing that to me
.

There was still a box in the corner. That was the last one that remained, full of things she’d brought from Canada with her. Things that were in her apartment with Dominic. She had never unpacked it at her old place. It had just sat in the bottom of her closet.

Hailee pulled one corner of the box open and a painting caught her attention. Not being able to help herself, she pulled out the painting. It was one she’d made in happier times. A portrait of her and Dominic. She remembered this day.

They’d been lying on a blanket in the park. She had pulled out her cell and taken a selfie of them. The painting took her back to that day. She could feel the warm sun, hear the birds chirping and the kids playing. The feel of his lips on hers after he pulled the phone out of her hands…

Her breath caught. She shook her head, clearing the cobwebs, and put the painting back in the box. She stood and turned to walk away. But she didn’t. Instead, she knelt down and slowly pulled the painting from the box again. As much as it hurt, she wanted it hung up with the others. She might cry every time she looked at it, but the pain was worth it. It fit perfectly in a vacant spot on the wall. Almost as if the space had been saved for this particular painting.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the chime of her cell phone. She gave the portrait one last look before diving for her phone. She had a new message on her website. Getting comfortable on the couch, she pulled up her website. There was an order from a new practice facility in Ontario. They wanted paintings for the lobby and the administrative offices.

A smile crossed her lips; her name was finally getting out there. She had her gallery and she had a new loft in wonderful neighborhood. Only one thing was missing, and it hurt her heart.

Just then, his voice filled her ears. Remembering her television was on, she looked up, directing her attention to it. Dominic was on the screen. Intermission was over, and he was being interviewed at the bench. Hailee stared at the screen, her chest aching. Dominic’s playoff beard was full now, and his hair shaggy on top. She always did like it a little longer and out of control.

She found herself mesmerized for the rest of the game, and not even her growling stomach could pull her away from it. Dominic was in goal and he was amazing. He had control of his net, not letting anything by him. Hailee got a tingling in her stomach when he almost got in a fistfight with people pushing in front of his goal.

She missed being the one waiting for him after the game.
Lord knows there’s probably a puck bunny waiting for him tonight.
Resisting the urge to search the web for photos of who that bunny might be, for once she showed some restraint. She’d had her fill of Dominic’s bunnies taunting her on the internet.

As soon as the game was over and Dominic and the Renegades had won, she directed her attention to her work. She needed to sketch the layout for her gallery. Her paintings should probably be where they’d be seen first, and maybe even from the sidewalk. Her sign would be installed soon, and the carpets still needed cleaning, but soon it would be open for business.

Hailee found herself mindlessly sketching on a clean sheet of notebook paper. It was a rough drawing of a young girl. Beside her was a young man on one knee holding out a ring.
This would make a really pretty painting. Maybe with them standing in a field, or on the beach
. But no matter what her brain was suggesting, her hands guided the pen until the backdrop for the drawing was an ice rink.

Again, Dominic’s voice caught her attention. Reporters were interviewing him as the star of the game. His hair was sweaty, his breath ragged and his face flushed. He looked amazing. Pain shot through her chest. She knew what it was. She was jealous. Jealous of the bunny who was waiting for him.

Dominic

Feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket, Dom pulled it into view and his dad’s photo flashed across the screen. “Hey, Dad. Everything okay?”

“Hi, son. Yes, everything here is fine. How are you?” Concern filled his voice; it wasn’t as rough and disconnected as it usually was.

“How’s Mom?” Dom leaned against the wall.

“She’s fine, just fine. Dom, I talked to your sister.”

Oh, here it comes. I bet he wants me to get my head out of my ass, find myself a bunny and stop worrying about Hailee. I really don’t fucking need this right now
. “And?”

“I hear you’re in a mess with Hailee.”

“I didn’t make that mess.”
If Rosa would’ve kept her fucking opinions to herself, I wouldn’t be in any mess at all. We’d probably be married by now
. He loved his sister, but this was going to take some time to get over.

“Dom, you know we loved Hailee, and I know that she loved you…”
Wow, my dad talking about love? Did I hit my head in practice or something
? “I think you’re making a mistake.”

Dom sighed. “I know, I know. You want me to keep my head in the game and off her. They’re other fish in the sea, I’ll find someone else, blah blah blah, and all that shit.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers and exhaled sharply. “I don’t need a lecture about it. My head is in the game, it’s fine.”

“Dom, can you just listen to your old man for a second?” His tone was sharp, commanding Dom’s attention. “This isn’t about hockey. Sometimes there are more important things than the game. Not often, but sometimes.” His dad huffed but it sounded like a growl.

“Okay Dad, I’m listening.” His dad never talked about anything trumping hockey. The game was always number one in his book. When he played, he missed holidays and birthdays. Dom was used to it just being him, his mom and sisters. He had always told Dom it wasn’t important to come home for holidays, that he was to be with his team, and keep his head in the game. So whatever his dad was talking about, it had to be important.

“Dom, this is one of those times you need to make up your mind, and do it quick. If you hesitate, it could cost you. Do you love her?”

Asking me if I love Hailee is like asking me if I like oxygen. Of course I do
. “You’re really asking me that?”

“Son, answer the damn question.”

“Yes, I do love Hailee. I always will. Just because she left doesn’t mean I ever stopped. But she doesn’t—”

“Stop right there. Dom, if you love her, you need to go after her.”

“She doesn’t want me anymore. I know that Rosa talked to her and explained what happened. I’m glad I finally know why she left me. But the fact remains, she still isn’t interested in getting back with me. I have to move on.”

“Son, if you truly love her, go after her. Tell her. If you don’t, you will regret it for the rest of your life.”

There was something in his dad’s voice that told him he knew from experience. “But…”

“Son, there are no buts or excuses. It’s a yes or no question. And remember the answer will define the rest of your life.”

Dom ended the call but his dad’s words lingered. They never talked about feelings, so the whole phone call was unusual. But now he needed to know what was behind this call. He quickly typed a text message to his dad.

Dom
: Do you have a regret?

Dad
: No, just the opposite.

Dom
: I don’t understand.

Dad
: Your mom was tired of all the travel and didn’t think it was for her. She gave me back my ring and went back to her parents. She didn’t want me to choose between the game and her. But I had already chosen her.

Dom
: But you didn’t give up the game.

Dad:
No, she wouldn’t let me. But she needed to hear those words from me. Needless to say, she’s never questioned my loyalty since. Even with me being gone so much, she knew she was number one over hockey.

Dom:
I guess it never looked that way to us kids. She always did without, and you were away so much.

Dad:
You kids didn’t think I ever spoiled her or let her do anything fun for herself, but that was her choice. She was raised to have very traditional views about marriage. I learned early on to keep out of the kitchen and not rock the boat. She wanted you kids to have everything you ever desired. You had hockey, your sisters had dance and band. Any extra money we had she spent on you.

Dom:
I never really thought about it like that.

Dad:
Didn’t you ever notice that you had the best equipment and went to the best camps? I wanted to give her the world, but your mother never asked for anything. She always chastised me when I spent money on her, even returned some of the more extravagant gifts. I had to force her to accept the dishwasher I ordered. That was money she would have rather spent on you kids.

I always thought he was just a hard ass and controlled what my mom did
.
So Rosa was way off base
.

Dad
: Yep. If I hadn’t gone after your mother, I would’ve regretted that for the rest of my life. I know what I wouldn’t have had, so I can say with total confidence, if you love Hailee, tell her. You have everything to lose if you don’t.

* * *

His dad’s words rang through Dom’s head over and over. He focused on the puck all through practice, but the meaningless chatter amongst the guys was lost on him. He was still consumed with his thoughts. His unusual silent attitude had Kaden curious.

“Dom, are you okay? You haven’t been yourself today,” Kaden said as they walked into their apartment.

Dom tossed his keys onto the table and grabbed a Gatorade out of the refrigerator. “Sorry. Got a lot on my mind. I talked to my dad earlier.” After taking a long drink, he slid his phone across the counter to Kaden. “Read the text from my dad.”

Kaden was quiet as he read through it all. “He’s a man of few words when he’s speaking, but damn his texts are as long as books.” When he was finished, Kaden looked up. “Wow.”

“That’s the long and the short of it, O’Conner. Got my mind all fucked up.” Dom shook his head.

“So your dad isn’t such a hard ass after all?”

“Nope. All those years I thought he was just a dickhead and treated mom like shit… Apparently my mom didn’t see it that way.”

“So did you call her yet? Hailee, not your mom.”

Dom shook his head.

“Why not?”

“What am I going to say? I told her it was over.”

“Just tell her how you feel. I know that sounds all girly and shit, but that’s what girls want. They need to hear it.”

Dom stared at the floor. He needed to call her. He needed to tell her. He would regret it for the rest of his life if he let her go without even trying.

“Dom? Unless you don’t want her back.”

“You know damn well that I do.” How could Kaden even say that?

“Yeah, I do know that, which is why you need to call her.”

“I know.” But he stood staring at the floor.

“It’s as easy as a phone call, bro.”

That’s what he thinks
. Without another word, Dom locked himself in his room and settled on his bed to hatch out a plan. He was tired of everyone telling him what he needed to do. Even if they were right.

Picking up his phone, he typed away at a text message for her.

Dom
: You free tonight?

Hailee
: Why?

Dom
: Yes or no?

Nothing was ever easy with Hailee, and the challenge turned him on.

Hailee
: When?

She wasn’t making this easy at all. But that was the fun of it and so like her.

Dom
: Seven.

Hailee
: Yes. Why?

Dom
: I want to take you somewhere, then to dinner.

He didn’t want to wait for an answer; he didn’t want her to say no.

Dom
: I’ll pick you up. Dressy casual and bring a jacket, we’ll be outside first and it might get cold. See you tonight.

Hailee
: I’ve moved from my old place. I’ll send you my new address.

He didn’t have much time to put this all together. First he had to put in a call to the LeMont restaurant atop Mount Washington. The view of the city from the dining area was beautiful. The owner was happy to give him a reservation once he made mention that he was a Pittsburgh Renegades player, just as he had hoped. He showered and got dressed in his best slacks, dress shirt, and tie. He didn’t have much time to plan this out or he would’ve bought a new shirt and tie, but these would have to do.

His stomach was a mess. This was either going to work in his favor or blow up in his face. After all, he was the one who’d told her he was moving on. Parking his truck outside of Hailee’s new loft, he paused to check his hair in the rear view mirror. After running his fingers through it and messing it up a little, he stepped out of the truck and made his way to her security door. He felt some satisfaction that this place was a hell of a lot cleaner and more secure than her old apartment, but he couldn’t spare much time to think about that now. When he pressed the buzzer his heart pounded against his chest.

What if she has moved on already
? No time for thoughts like that; he needed to just go with his gut and do this. He hit the buzzer again and waited. He was about to call her cell phone when the door opened and she stood before him in a dark blue dress that fit her like a damn glove. It accented her every curve and moved with her as she walked. She had a beige shawl or something draped over her shoulders that matched her heels, and a jacket over her arm. She was gorgeous. Like always, he couldn’t help but stare at her, checking out her hair that was partially pulled up in the back, with the rest still lying along her neck and shoulders.

“Hello? You in there, Dominic? Didn’t your mom ever tell you that it’s rude to stare?” Her smile was almost bashful.

“Yeah, sorry. Hailee, you look amazing.” He wanted to look away but couldn’t.

She shrugged with the bashful smile still on her lips. “You look very nice, too.” Her eyes were heavy with makeup that matched her dress and made her eyes sparkle. Her lips glittered with gloss.

Taking her arm, Dom helped her into the truck. Getting her up into the seat was a bit of a struggle in that dress. Finally, he grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her up. He’d be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that he wanted to lift her into his arms versus the truck.

The drive to town was quiet. His stomach twisted and his mouth was dry, as though this was a first date. He’d even bought her favorite chocolates. The box sat between them in the truck since she hadn’t given him the invitation to come in.

She watched out the window as they drove past town. It was after dusk and the skies were darkening. The lights of the city gleamed through the windows of the truck.

“Pretty cool view, huh?”

“Yeah.” She continued to watch out the window.

“You haven’t seen that yet?”

“No. I don’t get into town much at night, or at all really.”

“Well, you’re going to love this,” he said, buzzed at his choice of destinations.

She turned to him with question on her face. “What brought this on? I mean, I thought you were done with me after Canada.” She played with her nails and then adjusted her jewelry. “You were moving on.”

“I know what I said.” His voice was calm and apologetic. He didn’t want to sound like an ass. After all, he had told her he was going to move on. That they were over. This felt like just the opposite.

He parked the truck and helped her down to the pavement. Taking her by the hand, he led her to an overlook above the city of Pittsburgh. It sat on the large hillside of Mount Washington. “C’mon.”

“Where are we? I mean, I know we’re looking at the city of Pittsburgh, but where?” She looked over the ledge at the city below. “The skyline. All the lights. It’s beautiful.”

“So are you.” It was cheesy but he couldn’t help it. She was. “Hailee, look at me for a minute, I need to talk to you.”

She turned her back to the scenery and her eyes were now wide as she looked at him.

“Hailee, I brought you out here because I need you to know something.” He swallowed hard. The words were coming to him slowly, and he felt like he was choking. Tugging at his collar, he took a deep breath. Even with the cool wind from the rivers that was making Hailee shiver, his body was hot, and sweat was gathering on his forehead. He wanted to pull her into his arms and warm her up. Her hands and arms were freezing. “Hailee you’re cold.”

“I’m fine,” she said through shivers, still standing with too much space between them.