Power Play: A Second Chance Hockey Romance (Sinners on the Ice)
Power Play: A Second Chance Hockey Romance: Chapter 13

Now, September

I toss my phone and my Xbox controller onto the couch and close my eyes. The sounds of my game fill the space of my living room. It’s so fucking lonely here and so quiet. Playing games is the only thing that puts my mind at ease these days. I hate it.

Why is she like this? It’s been a week, and I have tried everything to get her to go to Angie’s dessert shop with me. Unsuccessfully. I don’t want to force her, and the more excuses she makes, the more I feel like I’m doing something wrong.

Screw being nice.

I open my eyes, and the first thing they land on is my phone. I grab it from the couch, unlock it, and quickly type a text to her.

Sent.

I reach for the controller again but stop myself. I won’t be able to focus on the game, I know that much, and I don’t like losing simply because my mind is elsewhere. All I need to do is wait. The rhythm of my heartbeat is persistent, like a crowd marching with a drummer setting their pace. Thud. Thud. Thud.

My phone dings, and I’m about ready to fucking scream. The moment I realize it’s another text from Thompson, I feel like a deflated balloon. My shoulders sag, and I lean back against the couch, wishing I’d melt into its material.

I chuckle, shaking my head. If someone had told me when we were in college that one day Colton Thompson (Colton motherfucking Thompson, who barely tolerated being in other people’s presence) would be a group dad? I’d have probably called the FBI to report an alien invasion. I wouldn’t have even comprehended something like that happening, but it did. He’s the best dad to his children, the best husband to his wife, and the best fucking friend anyone could ask for. He means well, I know that, but it doesn’t stop me from riling him up. It’s fun. The most fun I’ve had lately.

My phone dings again. I unlock it, and at first, I’m not even sure what I’m reading. Then I blink and start laughing. That’s it? That’s all I needed to do? Just be pushy?

Once I hit send, I reach for the controller, quickly save my progress, turn off the Xbox and the TV, and stand up. It’s time to start getting ready.

I hop out of my car and instantly see her front door open. My brain continues to conduct my heart. The new rhythm it’s beating reminds me of raindrops hitting metal when the rain is in full force. Tap. Tap. Tap. I hide my hands in my pockets, trying to act casual. It’s a friendly little date…with the love of my life and her daughter.

Layla turns to lock the front door, and my gaze shifts to Maya. Her hair is in pigtails, tied with pink ribbons. Her T-shirt is also pink, with puffy sleeves, and it looks adorable on her. She takes a few steps away from her mom, and I see light blue shorts paired with white sandals. A piece of paper is pressed to her chest, which she slowly tucks it into her shorts pocket.

Maya notices me and squeals. “Clay!” She rushes over to me, and I catch her at the foot of the stairs. I lift her, and her happy giggles invade the atmosphere as I twirl us around. When I stop, she cups my face between her warm little palms and stares at me. “I thought you don’t want Angie’s cupcakes,” she states accusingly.

“I always want Angie’s cupcakes.” I smile at her gently, and her pouty lips form a little smile too. “Your mommy and I were busy.”

“Mommy took me to doctor. He check my⁠—”

“Sweetheart, we don’t want to overload Clay with all the information at once.”

Maya lowers her gaze; her little palms fall from my face. A pang pierces my heart, and I swallow the bitter taste of disappointment filling my mouth.

“Hey.”

I turn to Layla, our eyes locking on each other. Her hair is pinned to one side with a hairpin, and bright pink lipstick is the only makeup she has on. I let my eyes wander down her throat, her chest, and her legs. She’s in light blue jeans that match Maya’s shorts and a long, loose white shirt. She looks gorgeous.

“Hey, Layla. Thank you for replaceing time for me.”

She walks closer, and I notice Maya’s car seat in her hand. “Not like you left me much choice.”

I bottle up a snort as she passes me and opens the back door of my car. Layla sets the car seat and then turns to me expectantly, but, just as I did the other day, I ignore her. I put Maya in her seat and fasten her seat belt. “Is that okay?” I ask.

Maya wiggles in her seat, a big, radiant smile lighting up her features. “I’m good.”

“Awesome.” I caress her cheek with my fingertips, then take a step back and close the door. Layla is still there, standing close to me, her eyes narrowed to slits. “Do you think I didn’t leave you any choice?”

“Didn’t you send me a text with the time you were going to pick us up?” She wheels around to the passenger side, and I follow her, opening the door for her.

Layla climbs inside, buckles up, and then focuses on me. I lean in, checking the seat belt, using every opportunity I have to get close to her. “Don’t act like you had a problem with it,” I whisper.

“Of course I⁠—”

“No, Layla, don’t. You’ve always been a very obedient girl. Nothing’s changed.” I rear back, admiring her flushed look with satisfaction. After I close the door in her stunned face, I barely hold back my laughter. Her reaction is priceless.

I round my car and climb inside, then start the engine. The feeling of her eyes on me makes my skin hot, but my heart has finally decided to settle into a calmer rhythm. It’s like a song now, steady and flowing.

Deciding to let her stew for a little bit, I stop the car at a red light and look at Maya. Her eyes meet mine in an instant, and she flashes me a big smile. “How have you been, Princess?” I ask.

“Good,” she tells me excitedly. “I made new friend.”

“Really? That’s great! What’s their name?”

“Lola. We play together. She nice.”

I return my attention to the road as the red light changes to green, and then I catch her gaze in the rearview mirror. “I’m happy you met Lola. Making friends is one of the best things about childhood. Some of them will stick with you forever.”

“Are you and Mommy friends?”

“No,” Layla chimes in, glancing over her shoulder at Maya. I click my tongue but choose to stay quiet. “We went to college together. I told you already, Clay is Uncle Drake’s friend.”

“Best friend?” Maya’s eyes sparkle as she looks at me expectantly.

I chuckle. “One of them. I’ve been friends with your uncle since college, where we played on the same team. But Colton has been my best friend since middle school,” I explain, throwing a quick glance at Layla. “And don’t listen to your mommy. We are friends.”

“We are?” Layla arches an eyebrow at me, her lips curving into a cunning smile. “I’m afraid I didn’t get the memo.”

Oh, I know about a thousand ways to make her remember. Most of them include her tied to her bed, squirming and begging for more. But we have an audience now. No way I’m saying anything inappropriate in front of Maya.

“I know where the memo is. Do you want me to help you look?”

Layla’s smile drops so quickly, morphing into a little frown. She narrows her eyes, her teeth toying with her bottom lip. Then she shrugs and says, “I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself, Mama.” I’m messing with her. Trying to get a rise out of her to see how she’ll react. With how her lips thin, I know my strategy is working. I let my shoulders relax and fix my gaze on the road, and for the next fifteen minutes, I chat with Maya, getting to know more about her days and her new friends. I want to ask about the doctor she mentioned, but given Layla’s reaction earlier, I don’t think that would be wise.

I park the car in front of Angie’s dessert shop. Layla jumps out, and this time she’s the one to get Maya out and set her on her feet. But the second I lock my car, Maya is beside me, her little palm slipping into mine. A rush of energy bolts through me, sliding under my skin and filling my veins with warmth. It’s new and unfamiliar, but oh so pleasant. I look down, smiling at Maya, and she grins back at me. I’ve known her for less than a month, but I already love this little girl. Not because she’s Layla’s, but because it’s absolutely impossible to stay unaffected by how cute and gentle she is. A little ray of sunshine, bright and warm.

“Should we go inside?” Layla asks, her voice strangely strangled. I squint at her. Her posture is tense, her hands hidden in her jeans pockets. She vigorously chews on the inside of her bottom lip; her eyes are dark and uncertain. Nervousness rolls off of her, and it makes my heart leap into my throat. Nervous is not how I want her to feel.

“Of course,” I say, still smiling even though it costs me a lot of effort. Taking a few steps toward the door, I let Maya follow me. I open the door, slowly let go of her tiny palm, and say, “Ladies first.”

Maya turns to her mom, grabs her hand, and pulls her inside. I linger by the door, watching them go to the counter. They’re so content with each other, with smiles reserved only for them, with the gentle brush of Maya’s fingers over Layla’s palm. With how instinctively Layla leans into her daughter, ready to protect her at any moment. A little family of two. The way my heart constricts brings a grimace to my face. I quickly mask it and follow them into the shop.

“So what are we having?” I ask, propping my side against the counter.

Layla glances at Maya, a tender smile lighting up her features. “Maya has ordered her favorite cupcakes and a cup of tea.”

“Tell me, Princess.” I lower my head to get a better look at Maya’s face. “What should I try?”

“Cupcakes! They all delicious!”

“Okay.” I chuckle, bringing my gaze to Layla for a brief moment and then looking at the cashier. “Hey. I’d love to have”—I study the dessert case and point to a chocolate one with white icing and a strawberry on top—“this one.”

“Sure. Anything to drink?”

“A coffee.” I study the menu behind her, quickly checking what they have. “Espresso, please.”

“What about you?” The cashier smiles at Layla. “Cheesecake? As usual?”

Red creeps up Layla’s neck. She clenches her jaw, then forces a smile. “No, thank you, Alana. Just a jasmine tea, please.”

Weird. She always loved chocolates and desserts. I’ve never seen her pass up the opportunity to eat something sweet.

“Are you sure?” the cashier asks, tilting her head to the side. “We have your favorite, with cherries.”

Layla shakes her head; the flush has made its way to her cheeks. “No, really. Maybe next time.”

“Okay.” The cashier smiles. “Cash or card?”

“Card,” I say quickly. “It’s on me,” I add.

The cashier glances between Layla and me, and curiosity swims behind her eyes. Then she nods, and I pay for our order.

A warm palm slips into mine, and I look down at Maya. The happy look on her face colors the space with an energy that’s so bright and vivid, I feel like I’m weightless, floating around the room full of happiness and joy. “Where should we sit?” I ask her.

“There,” she says. She wheels around and drags Layla and me to follow her.

I bite my bottom lip, trying to control my emotions. Maya holds our hands; her steps are light and bubbly as she walks between us. She says something to her mom, but I barely listen. My mind is full of happiness and love…of the fantasies I’ve had about Layla and me. About our future together. About the family we can make.

Lowering my gaze, I stare at Maya’s hand in mine. The emotions are strong, overpowering. The good and bad, it all collides and mixes together. And it grows and grows and grows—until all I see is us in this dessert shop. A different “us” because it’s not real.

It’s nothing but a fantasy because in it, she’s mine. My little daughter, who thinks I’m the best dad in the world.

And that’s the hardest truth. Maya could’ve been mine…if Layla had done as she promised.