Hockey Holidays Read online

  “What did you do?” Avery asked him with wide eyes, already suspicious.

  “Nothing.” He didn’t know why she was making such a big deal out of this. He had the financial means to help out and he did. “I just wanted these kids to have a nice Christmas. That’s all. You told me about not collecting enough money, and because you already pointed out that I have so much money just laying around, I used it to make sure the kids had a wonderful Christmas.”

  Avery tilted her head and smiled. Her cheeks turned a deep pink “Wow. And I hope you know I didn’t mean all that stuff I said about your money.”

  “I know, don’t worry about that. I’m more concerned about why you’ve been avoiding me since Saturday night?”

  “I haven’t been – ugh. Okay. Maybe a little.” Avery lowered her eyes to the floor.

  “Hey,” Kyler tipped her chin up to look at him. “I’m sorry I left without waking you. That was a bonehead move.”

  Suddenly, she changed the subject. It was as if she didn’t know what to say in response. “Kyler, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why is it so important to you to help the orphanage? Don’t get me wrong. I mean, it’s wonderful what you did for them. They’re going to love it.”

  He looked around at all the kids. They were laughing and dancing, they were having the time of their lives. Kyler rarely shared his story with anyone, but this felt right. “Because I lost both of my parents by the time I was seventeen. I was for all intents and purposes, an orphan. I was almost eighteen, so I didn’t get any help from the state. I was playing in the juniors, and I had to work as much as I could to help pay my way. Someone saw me playing and learned about my story. I still don’t know who they were, but they donated enough money to get me through the year. After that, I was lucky, and got picked up by a professional hockey team. But I never forgot how hard it was to be on my own, and I never forgot that stranger who helped me out. If I can help these kids never feel completely alone, I will. Even if it costs me every last penny.”

  “Wait, what? You don’t have any family? I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.” Avery’s face went pale.

  “No, don’t be. I’m used to it now. I technically have an uncle, he’s in Boston. But I never really saw him growing up. We aren’t that close.”

  “How long have you been…”

  “Alone? A little over five years. My mom got sick, and it wasn’t long before she was gone. After that, I lost my dad within two months. I swear he died from a broken heart.” Kyler saw the sadness in her eyes. He hated when people looked at him with pity. “I don’t really talk about this, okay? So, I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.”

  “Oh, Kyler. Sure. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to drudge that all up.” Avery’s eyes dropped to the ground.

  “Avery, please don’t apologize. I won’t say that it’s been easy, but I persevered. And now I have my career.”

  Christmas music played, creating a warm and festive environment on this cold, blustery December day. Before they could discuss his family situation more, Chrissy stepped into the front of the room by the decorated and lighted Christmas tree.

  She spoke loudly. “Hi kids. May I please have your attention.”

  A hush fell over the children as they quickly filed up to where Chrissy stood, and planted themselves on the floor.

  Kyler could barely contain his excitement as he saw a few of the kids point to where the tree stood. He had orchestrated this part, and watching it unfold was almost more exhilarating than planning it.

  “Kids, first, I’d like you all to give a big round of applause for our new friend Kyler Wilson, and the ladies at the Pink Ribbon Cupcakery. With their help, this has been the best Christmas Eve party ever, right?” Chrissy asked.

  The kids erupted in applause and cheers.

  Kyler smiled and waved.

  “Okay, okay.” Chrissy motioned for the children to quiet down again. “Our party isn’t over yet. It appears that we have a surprise guest, and he is anxious to see you all.”

  Chrissy directed her attention to the Christmas tree, where Santa Claus walked out from behind it, calling out his signature “Ho! Ho! Ho!”. He carried a large red sack over his shoulder that had bells on it that jingled when he walked, and an elf trailed behind him, pulling a wagon filled with gifts.

  “Wait, our gifts are under the tree. There weren’t enough to fill that wagon too. Did you–” Avery nudged Kyler as she asked.

  “I may have found out that each of the kids had a wish list for Christmas.” There were so many kids, no way could the orphanage buy everybody things that they wanted.

  “Wait, did you buy all those gifts?” The joy and excitement that lit up her face gave him a warm feeling in his chest.

  Kyler didn’t answer over the cheering from the kids. Santa sat down in a chair by the Christmas tree and called out each child’s name one by one, handing them each a gift from his wagon, and one from under the tree.

  “Kyler,” Chrissy’s voice pulled him away from watching the kids. “I just wanted to let you know that we’re all set for tomorrow. And to thank you again.”

  “It really was my pleasure. I can’t wait to start making my visits a regular thing. Do they like to play street hockey?”

  Chrissy nodded, her smile bright and her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You really are an angel. Thank you again. Merry Christmas and enjoy the rest of the party.”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  Avery tugged on his arm, pulling him towards her. “Are you going to tell me what you did? What’s going on tomorrow?”

  Kyler smirked at her impatience. Avery was practically stomping her feet with insistence that he tell her what he had done. “I don’t like to gloat.”

  “So, don’t gloat. Just tell me. Please? And whatever you’re planning to do here in the future, I’d love to help in any way that I can.”

  Kyler wasn’t expecting that. He looked over at the kids. Some of them were opening their gifts already. Wrapping paper was flying everywhere and everyone wore a smile. Looking back at Avery, he noticed what was hanging above them.

  “Look,” he pointed to the ceiling. “Mistletoe.”

  Avery’s face turned dark pink. “Oh, um, it’s just a silly–”

  Before she could answer, Kyler lightly cupped her cheek in his hand, and softly kissed her lips. She tasted like vanilla icing. She didn’t pull away, and he couldn’t get enough.

  Avery ran her finger over her bottom lip, but her eyes stayed on him. Up until this very moment, Kyler was undecided whether this was a poor decision. Kissing her is something he couldn’t stop thinking about since Saturday night. The alcohol may have aided in them ending up in bed together, but tonight they were both sober.

  The way she softly kissed him back, her mouth moving with his, and her lips parting and inviting his tongue in, there was no resistance in her kiss.

  His choice to kiss her was a good one. “It might be a silly tradition, but I think it’s my favorite.” He ran his knuckle down her cheek, and her breathing caught.

  She pulled away and her face reddened. “Kyler, I…”

  After a kiss like that, Kyler would have thought her toes would be curling. But instead, she was antsy, almost nervous.

  “Avery, say something. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about you every day since you left my hotel room a year ago. The other night was not a mistake, it was fate. Because, Avery, I’m convinced now more than ever that we were meant to reconnect. Maybe we were even meant to meet at the bar that night.” His words were from the heart, but she didn’t look like she was comprehending them. “Avery?”

  Her eyes darted nervously around the room. “I have to go. I’m sorry.” She barely even said the words before she hurried out of the building.

  Kyler ran after her, but before he could even get down the front steps, she was gone.

  Chapter Nine

  Avery

  New Year’s Eve

  The Pink Ribbon Cup