Love Faces Off

Chapter 2

Nick Bell was having a week for sure. It had started with a meeting with the Maple Leaves coach and owner and ended with being traded. TRADED! He was 8 years into his hockey career. He had been drafted by the Leaves, his hometown team. And then after dedicating 8 years of his life, settling for lower contract amounts, they trade him and to Tampa no less. Hockey didn’t belong in the Sunshine State. It belonged in the snow not the sand, on a lake not on the bay. He had arrived bright and early this morning at the airport only to have his flight cancelled due to the snow storm hitting Toronto. He finally found a flight out but had to fly coach. Coach seats were not built for someone his size. He had arrived just in time to sign the contract. The only good thing going his way. Tampa had a reputation for paying well and that rumor held true. Maybe he could get used to a sand and ice combination. Coach Collson had told him he needed to check in at 5pm to the medical staff for intake. He had an hour and half, so he decided to drive around and see his new city, after checking in at the hotel he would call home until he had time to find an apartment. No need to rush the team would be on a month long road trip. The city was beautiful and the heat was a welcome change. But the traffic was something he could live without. Just when he thought he might still make it on time the tire on his rental blew. When he called the rental company they said it would be a 3 hour wait. He didn’t have three hours! He decided to change it himself, only to find no spare in the trunk. While standing on the side of the highway trying to decide what to do, the worlds tiniest insect decided to throw a welcome party in his pant legs. His skin felt like someone had put a match to it. He was sure a video would be on TMZ this evening of him dancing and hopping around on the side of the road. He finally gave in and called his agent. They did get him a new rental but it had him hours late. Great first impression. But he was here now.

He checked in at the player gate and was told to park and head of security would meet him at the entrance. Luke Davidson seemed like a no nonsense guy. It was late and clearly he was not impressed by the late arrival.

While they were in the office the team captain entered the security office, also clearly annoyed.

Holding out his hand, “I’m Pete LeBlanc. I’m hoping you don’t normally arrive 3 hours late for meetings. We don’t stand for Prima donnas here.”

Well, there it is. The warm Thunder welcome Nick had been hoping for.

Shaking his head, “Can’t say that I make it a habit. Just got a little lost getting my barings on my new location. Won’t happen again, Cap.”

“Good. Lets see if we can get this done quickly. We all like to get home before the long road trip. Luke are you done here?”

“Yes, Mr. LeBlanc. He is all set.” Luke handed Nick the last of his security passes.

“I’ll walk him to the next stop.” Luke motioned toward the door for Nick to follow.

As they left the office the captain didn’t seem to be in a rush.

“Look Bell you have a rep. On and off the ice. I want to address the off ice part.”

“Don’t tell me you read the tabloids, Cap? You know they rarely get the facts right.”

Pete raised and eyebrow. “So you don’t chase anything in a skirt including the team staff?”

Nick grinned. “Chase isn’t the right word I would-”

“That’s what I thought. We run a tight ship here when it comes to that. Don’t hit on the staff. Period. Show them respect as if they were your mother. 100% professional, do you understand.”

Nick trying to be lighthearted said, “Where is the fun in that?”, with a chuckle.

That’s when Pete stopped and grabbed his arm. “It isn’t fun and games when the staff gets fired or hurt by people like you. You’re a player and bullet proof, at worst you face a fine. They face termination. I won’t have my guys ruining peoples lives over a cheap thrill.”

Nick sobered up, “Understood.”

Geesh, this guy was no fun. Nick wasn’t looking for any trouble. His last break up had been messy. Most relationships with models are. Part of him suspected it was part of the reason for the trade. Nick had screwed up when he got involved with the owners niece. Twenty-four hours after ending it with her he gets traded, that cannot be a coincidence.

They finally arrive at the lobby, Pete introduced him to the orthopedic, Dr. Barress and the head doctor, Dr. Jeffies.

Pete looked around and asked, “Where is Ms. Moore?”

“Not sure, I haven’t seen her since we finished up the other three.” Dr. Barress said.

Nick cleared his throat and said, “I want to apologize about being late…” He then turned on the charm and recounted his afternoon adventure. He had everyone laughing, when he felt a tingle come up his neck, like he was being watched. When he turned, his eyes couldn’t believe what they saw. It was like heaven had opened up and an angel was walking toward him. Her golden hair was pinned back into a very professional bun. She was shorter than he normally went for, maybe 5’5” at the most. But those curves were in all the right places. He had been dating sticks for to long. This girl, no she was all woman, had curves a man could loose himself in for days. And then their eyes met. Those pale green eyes were like none he had ever seen before. They pinned him in place. A jolt of lightning ran down his body when they locked eyes. My angel repeated in his head. Mine.

Nick realize Pete was speaking and obviously repeating himself.

Pete annoyed, “Earth to Nick Bell! This is Ms. Moore she is the current lead athletic trainer, soon to be Assistant Head of the Athletic Division.”

The angel laughed at this point the trance of their locked eyes was broken. But the sound of her soft laugh had Nick on full alert. Thank goodness he had changed into loose fitting pants.

The angel spoke, “Now Mr. LeBlanc, you of all people should know it is bad luck to announce a promotion before it has happened.”

She turned and gave LeBlanc the most beautiful smile Nick had ever seen. Something in him began to heat up. He wanted all her smiles for himself. MINE his head said again.

“It is nice of you to join us finally, Mr. Bell. From what I overheard you have met the Florida welcoming committee…Fire ants.” Reagan said trying to conceal a smile.

“Please call me Nick. I’m sorry I didn’t catch your first name?”

“Because I didn’t give it. We are professionals here MR. Bell. I will address you as such and you should address me as Ms. Moore.”

LeBlanc smiled. The others just nodded.

Clearing his throat, Dr. Barress said, “Well on that note shall we begin the physical part of your intake, Mr. Bell?”

Nick nodded never breaking eye contact with the Angel. His eyes seemed to tell her ‘challenge accepted’. Raegan never backed down. Her eyes answered ‘give up now.’