Wild Tendy (IceCats 2)

I’m heading south toward the store when my phone rings. I reach over to my purse, digging into it as I try to watch the road. It keeps ringing, taunting me, and I worry it’s Dusty. When I finally find it, I see it is Dusty. Frantically, I answer it as I bring it to my ear.

“Hello?”

And then I look up. Just in time to see myself driving right into a bright-red car’s ass. There is no way I won’t hit it. I brace for impact as I slam on my brakes. It doesn’t matter, because I hit the car. Hard. I hear the crack of my car and the car in front of me. Pain radiates through my head, and instantly, I deem this day complete shit. How else can it get any worse?

But the disaster isn’t over, for Dusty says, “Listen, Dad wants to sit down with you and discuss it. But I don’t think there’s a way around needing your dad’s signature.”

I wish life would use lube when it fucks me.

Chapter Four

Nico

“How’s the new therapist?”

Coming through my Bluetooth, my mom’s voice is full of tension. She didn’t like that I switched therapists, but the last one moved to start a family with her husband. I had no choice but to wish them well. My mom always calls after practice, and usually I love talking to her. But today, I’m beat. I want to go home and pass out. Practice was tough after our loss last night. Our power play was shit, and Coach was not happy. So he tortured us today. The last thing I want to talk about is my therapist.

“I like her. She’s right out of school, but everyone thinks she’s amazing. She came highly recommended. She actually interned with some of the best therapists in New York. She moved here for her family.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Why?”

“Future wife?”

I laugh. “Mom, I cannot get involved with my therapist. I need her to help me, not distract me.”

She isn’t my type either. Too supermodel thin. I like my women a little thicker than Ms. Amaya Jenkins. Plus, she looks like she’s nineteen. A baby.

“Fine. I just think it’s time to settle down.”

“What? I’m too young to settle down,” I say in an almost joking manner. I mean, I was just thinking about settling down after watching Chandler and Amelia together with the twins, but that was yesterday. It wouldn’t be bad, especially if it were with the person who was made for me. Problem is, I don’t know if that person is out there. As my mom says, I’m pretty special.

“When you find someone to be with, I won’t have to be so overprotective.”

I snort. “You’ll still be overprotective, and you’ll have her do your dirty work.”

“Exactly.”

Her laughter warms my heart. “I’m too young, Mom.”

“I had you at twenty.”

“Mom, that was a poor life choice. Should have waited,” I tease, and she laughs.

My sperm donor ran out on her when I started having health issues. Back then, there wasn’t much support for my situation, but my mom loved me enough for two parents. I had a damn good life, a full life, and it’s all because of her. When the doctors said I needed something to focus all my energy on, she’s the one who put the glove on my hand. It was my grandpa’s old glove, and I was fascinated by it. He played hockey his whole life. He didn’t make it into the NHL, but he worked his ass off for what he had. He’d go from playing for the local team to working in the factory back home. I miss him. I miss my mom, but there is no way in hell she can be here.

She has a tendency to smother me.

“Ha. I bet your grandfather and grandmother would agree,” she laughs, and I smile. “So, are you any closer to interviews?”

My chest seizes up at the thought of it. Interviews and I don’t go together. At all. “I don’t know. Her goal is to have me ready by January first.”

“January first? Ashley was saying she would have you ready for the beginning of the season.”

“I know.” I am annoyed with how upset she is getting. I know interviews are a part of my job, but I honestly can’t handle them. Thankfully, the organization supports me and understands. The media, and the fans, don’t, but I gotta do what’s best for me. “But Amaya is saying with the change of therapist, she wants to ease me in slowly.”

“That’s unsatisfactory. We had a goal. You know how I am about goals.”

I do, which is why I am also so obsessed with goals. It’s probably why I haven’t put “Find a Wife” on my goal list. Then I’d really have to commit to that. “I know, but I don’t think I’m ready.”