Love Faces Off

Chapter 5

Two weeks into the road trip and things were going fairly smooth. They had no major injuries and mostly wins. They had a rare three days off before taking on the New York Rangers. They had decided to get to New York early so the team and staff could blow off some steam before what always proved to be a hard road series. These next four games were a must win for Tampa. They needed this series to go ahead of New York in the division. Most of the team was out for the night after the first day in New York. This would give players two days to recover from any partying they did. Raegan had decided to take the night and stay in. She had received notice earlier in the day her grades were posted. As expected, her marks were all high and she would graduate in four weeks.

She had been in constant contact with Carla over the past few weeks. Earlier today, Carla had gotten word that bail had been denied to Mark. The court considered him a flight risk on what now had become federal charges. At Raegan’s insistence, Carla had allowed her to retain an attorney to start divorce proceedings and try to get a restraining order in case Mark was ever released. Raegan had consulted with the team attorney to find a highly recommend Atlanta based family law attorney.Carla was grateful and didn’t question how he was being pad. Raegan made good money but this was beyond her scope at this point. She had asked and Pete had offered without hesitation. She promised to pay him back whether Carla was ever able to or not, but the agreement was that Carla was never to know who actually paid the attorney. That was Pete’s stipulation. Raegan agreed and it had been settled this morning.

Raegan had spent the rest of the day with some self care. The hotel had a great spa and she took full advantage of it. She had been so relaxed and refreshed until she ran into Nick Bell in the hallway. He had been on his best behavior these past two weeks. This alone had Raegan on edge.They had very little interaction other then passing each other in the hall or locker room. But when they did pass there was a heat in his gaze. Then during last night’s game, as he was coming back to the bench from intermission, she could have sworn he brushed her hand with his. It was so quick and soft that she couldn’t be sure. But there had been an electric jolt that ran from her finger tip to her head. By the time she realized what had happened it was to late to confront. Running into him (literally) in the hall way had been another jolt of what she wasn’t sure.

She was getting off the elevator, head down engrossed in checking the grade posting on her phone. When she walk smack into a brick wall. Only this brick wall smelled like a forrest right after the rain. Fresh, hot and damp all at the same time. She wasn’t sure if it was the hit or the smell that had knocked her off balance but as she was about to fall, two large hands grabbed her around the waist.

“Easy there, Angel.”, Nick said as he set her right.

Raegan looked up to find those piercing blue eyes on her. A spark of mischief and something else flared in them. Raegan was instantly breathless.

“I’m sorry I didn’t see…wait what did you call me.”

“Angel. Sorry I just don’t think Ice Queen fits.” He chuckled as he released his grip on her waist.“I know it isn’t the professional greeting you prefer but it slipped out. I wasn’t expecting to have someone as beautiful as you slam into my chest.”

On that note he stepped around her and got on the elevator. Raegan didn’t realize that she hadn’t spoken until the doors closed at the sound of he deep chuckle.

Raegan was now safely in her room. She had decided a nice long soak in the tub was what the night needed to get her back in a relaxed state. If she let it, her mind would wonder to the heat she felt when Nick Bell’s hands were around her waist. But she could not allow it. She ordered up some room service. Given her high marks she thought champagne and a steak dinner were justified. After eating way to much, she decided to take the champagne into the bathroom for that long soak. The hotel they were at had suites all reserved for higher staff and all players. It was big enough that the whole team took up one floor and most everyone had their own private rooms. The bathroom in Raegan’s suite was huge. It boasted a soaker tub and a walk in shower, with dual vanities on the side. As Raegan turned on the water in the tub she wondered if the tub was big enough for two. Immediately Nick’s body came to mind.

“Ok, that’s enough champagne for you tonight.” She said to her reflection in the mirror.

As the bath filled Raegan undressed. She wrap a hotel towel around her as she walked back into the bedroom to retrieve a book to read while she soaked. As she headed toward the bathroom she stopped in the living room area. She thought she heard a scratching noise but it stopped as quickly as it had started. She shrugged and went back into the bathroom. She turned off the water to tub. She tied her hair up in a loose knot and dropped the towel. Just as she was easing a leg into the tub she heard the scratching noise again. This time it was louder and seemed to be right above her head. Just as she looked up the ceiling fell down over the soaker tub. Raegan barely pulled her leg back in time. She had no time to even process the ceiling falling in before several, very upset squirrels followed the ceiling tiles. They landed right in the tub of water. That did not help their attitudes. All Raegan could do, frozen in place, was scream…..

Nick had great plans for the evening. He was going to find him a companion for the night and maybe get some of this frustration he felt out. He had been on fire on the ice but was getting no where with Raegan Moore. He had tried his best to avoid her until he had a clear plan on how to get her to even smile at him. Passing her in the tunnel every game was painful. It took all his self control not to reach out and touch her. This frustration had led to a few trips to the box as he took his frustration out on the opposing team. Last night after the second intermission he had given into temptation heading back to the bench. He had allowed his fingers to just brush against hers. That simple touch had inflamed his need not satisfied it. All night he had tossed and turned before finally letting the fantasy of having her run free. It hadn’t helped that when they came in from the game he realized her room was only two doors down from his. Knowing she was so close had his mind asking all kinds of questions he wasn’t likely to ever get an answer to. What does she sleep in? Does she take that tight bun down the minute she walks in the door? He could imagine her hair flowing freely down around her shoulders. Then his mind wondered to her breasts bouncing free from their restricting bra. But that lead to them bouncing freely in his face as she rode him to climax…..well lets just say he hadn’t slept very well last night.

He had decided he would go out tonight, find him a puck bunny, and release some of this tension. It had been a great if not flawed plan that he fully intended to see through that was until he ran into his angel coming off the elevator. The moment her body bumped into his, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to take a substitute for the real thing. It was brief but he could swear he could still fill her plump breasts against his chest…well more like his waist, which was worse. He had instantly grabbed her waist, not just to right her but to keep her from feeling his instant reaction to her touch. He had quickly gotten into the elevator before he made a bigger mistake and kissed her right there in the hallway.

He had still blindly thought he could go out for the night and put her out of his mind. He made it a few hours with the guys. There had been plenty of women offering to keep him company. But all his body wanted was the blonde angel in room 408. He eventually begged off from the guys and headed to the hotel.

He had just started down the hall toward his room when he heard the first scream. It was then followed by a second longer more frightening one. Worse it was coming from Raegan’s Room. Nick ran and began beating on the door. The screaming continued. Nick put his shoulder down and smashed through the door. He wasn’t sure what he had expected to find when he gained access to the room. But what he saw he wasn’t prepared for. There was Raegan standing on the living area couch with her hair flowing down around her shoulders and back with nothing else on. Nick was frozen in place for what seemed like an eternity taking in the beauty that was Raegan Moore. She was perfect in every way. His fantasies hadn’t come close to what the reality of her body was. He hardened instantly. At that point she screamed again bringing him back into reality that something was wrong. Nick looked around the room and seen the cause for alarm. Half a dozen wet squirrels were tearing the place apart. Nick could hear footsteps in the hall. He looked at Raegan, at that moment she realized she was naked and more people were about to see. He ran to her, blocking her from the view of anyone else entering the room. He removed his long coat and wrapped it around her shoulders further shielding her from others.

“Here you go, Angel. Put your arms in here and wrap it around yourself. I would like you to remain for my eyes only.”He winked at her, as she blushed.

Raegan blushed such a deep red Nick thought it was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. At this moment one of those hyped up rodents decided to try to to run up his pant leg. This sent Reagan into another round of screams. Nick flung the animal off his leg and turned back to Raegan.

“Sorry, Angel, but we have to get out of here. Like it or not you are coming with me.”

By this time Raegan had buttoned the jacket up and Nick whisked her up into his arms. As he cleared the rooms threshold for a brief moment he thought this was some serious heroic s**t as he closed the broken door behind them. His mood quickly sobered as he stepped out in the hall. He came face to face with LeBlanc who looked ready to explode.

“Easy, Cap. It isn’t what you think.”

Pete was ready to explode.

“What the f**k do you think you are doing with her?” He yelled as he rared his fist back ready to strike.

Nick was still cradling Raegan in his arms making him vulnerable to attack.

“Angel, now would be a good time to remember how to speak”

Raegan’s brain suddenly started to work. It had been over loaded first by the squirrel attack, then the fact that Nick had seen her naked, and further confounded by the fact that he held her in his arms with nothing but his coat on and her arms around his neck.

“PETE STOP!”, she yelled. “He is right it isn’t what you think. Squirrels broke through the ceiling in my room and went on attack. Nick came in and was saving me from them.”

At the sound of her saying his first name Nick c****d an eyebrow and a slow grin started as he looked at Raegan. She blushed again when she realized what she had done.

Pete never took his eyes off of Nick or lowered his fist.

“He didn’t hurt you? Attack you?”

“What the hell man! why would I attack-”

“Shut up! I’m talking to her.”

“Pete, I’m fine.” She assured him.

She began wiggling in Nick’s arms. Nick groaned at this movement as Reagan’s hip brushed his sore erection. She froze and locked eyes with him. Nick could be wrong but something flashed as her pupils grew large.

“You can put me down now, please.”

Reluctantly Nick did as she asked. He watched in jealousy, as she placed a soothing hand on Pete’s face to make him look at her. Pete turned his head and made eye contact with her, lowering his fist.

“He was saving me, not hurting me. I’m ok. A little shaken from the crazy squirrels but safe.” She turned and smiled at Nick.

Hell, I have got to do more hero s**t if it will give me more of those smiles, he thought to himself.

Pete lowering his voice, as the hall is beginning to fill with others, “Why are you wearing his coat?”

Raegan blushed to and even deeper shade of red. Nick instinctively put his hand on her shoulder for support.

“I was about to get in the bath when the invasion happened. Nick gave me his coat when he came into the room.”

She couldn’t look either man in the eyes. At that moment she remember that Nick Bell had seen her in nothing but her birthday suit. She knew the minute the realization dawned on Pete that Nick had seen her naked. Pete immediately puffed up his chest. She tried to separate the two but they were to large. Nick had gently pushed her to stand behind him. It was like he anticipated this face off between them. She was begging them to stand down when the hotel manger showed up asking what was going on.

Nick felt more than seen the change come over Raegan. The Ice Queen immediately appeared. She unloaded on the hotel manger. By this time John with player relations, was in the hall and he was just as angry as Raegan that her room had been invaded by squirrels. Coach Collson immediately ordered all by-standers back to their rooms. Nick and Pete were the only players that remained in the hall with Raegan and the hotel staff.

Hotel pest control and maintenance were called. They were able to round up four of the squirrels but the fifth, and Raegan swore there were five, was MIA. The room was in shambles and there was no way that Raegan could stay there. After checking the hole in the ceiling, pest control assured everyone that there were no signs that the rodents were anywhere else on the floor. There was an vent pipe that ran out the exterior wall of Raegan’s room. The squirrels had made their way through that and were blocked from going further by block walls.

“Obviously I will need a new room and as soon as possible.” She was still wearing Nick’s over coat. “I would like a shower and my own clothes.”

The hotel Manager shook his head, “There is just one problem.”

Nick jumping in. “There is no problem you owe this lady a room and a hell of a lot more to be honest.”

“We don’t have any more rooms. We are booked solid because of your series with the Rangers and other events happening this week. I don’t have a room to give her.”

“Well, she can’t stay in this room.” Pete said as he motioned around the wrecked room.

Nick without thinking said, “She can stay in mine.”

“You would love that wouldn’t you lover boy. You think she is going to bunk up with you?” Pete said coming get in Nick’s face.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea but that wasn’t what I meant. Take a pill, Cap. I am not the heartless jackass you think I am.” He looked at Raegan. “I meant she can take my room and I will double up with someone else.”

“You have already done so much I would hate to make you give up your room.” She told him.

“So you are saying you want to share it with me?” He said with a smile.

Raegan blushed but met his gaze for a moment as if considering it. “No, that’s not what I was saying”

“Then it is settled. Angel, take my room and I will bunk with someone else.”

Coach Collson jumped in at this point, “Bell will bunk with LeBlanc. You need some bonding time it seems. Ms. Moore will take Bell’s room.”

“But Coach…” Nick and Pete said together.

Collson held up a hand and shook his head. “It is settled. Everyone needs to get there stuff get it moved and settled into the new rooms. NOW.”

“Yes, Coach”

Raegan looked nervous

Nick leaned down to her ear, “Do you want me to help you get your things in case the last one is still there?”

Raegan looked up at him and said “Would you?”

“Anything for you, Angel. I do mean anything just ask.”

Raegan understood the veiled meaning. She could see in his eyes he was remembering what she looked like naked. He was twice as dangerous now.

Pete stood back and watched this exchange unfold. Something in his heart shattered. He knew at that moment he might have lost any chance with Raegan for good. There was a clear connection between her and Bell. All he could do now was be a good friend and try to protect her from getting hurt. He had to feel this guy out and see what his intentions were.

Pete, clearing his throat, “If you think you are ok I’m going to head downstairs.”

“I think we have it here. Thank you, Pete. I know you didn’t want to share rooms.”

“Anything for you. You know that.”

Raegan walked over and on tip toes gave him a kiss on the cheek. Pete pulled a room key from his pocket and gave it to Nick.

“Here, so you can get in . I don’t know when I will be back up.”

With that Pete walked away to go heal his broken heart in a bottle at the bar.