BLOCKED (Boston Terriers Hockey Book 3) Read online

  BLOCKED

  Boston Terriers Hockey #3

  Jacob Chance

  Copyright © 2020 Jacob Chance

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This novel is a work of fiction. While reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to people either living or deceased, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are only used for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

  Cover design by PopKitty Designs

  Edited by Shauna Stevenson from Ink Machine Editing

  This book contains mature content.

  Contents

  Part One

  1. Chapter One

  2. Chapter Two

  3. Chapter Three

  4. Chapter Four

  5. Chapter Five

  6. Chapter Six

  7. Chapter Seven

  8. Chapter Eight

  9. Chapter Nine

  10. Chapter Ten

  11. Chapter Eleven

  12. Chapter Twelve

  Part Two

  13. Chapter Thirteen

  14. Chapter Fourteen

  15. Chapter Fifteen

  16. Chapter Sixteen

  17. Chapter Seventeen

  18. Chapter Eighteen

  19. Chapter Nineteen

  20. Chapter Twenty

  21. Chapter Twenty-One

  22. Chapter Twenty-Two

  23. Chapter Twenty-Three

  24. Chapter Twenty-Four

  CHECKED

  Chapter One

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Part One

  Chapter One

  Maddie

  Sitting between two of my classmates, I proudly watch as my best friend, Clover, receives her diploma from our principal and shakes his hand. Shoving two fingers between my lips, I let loose an ear piercing whistle. Clover beams in my direction, taking the opportunity to bask in the applause before she confidently strides back to her seat.

  I’m incredibly nervous as they get further through the alphabet. One of the advantages of having the last name Winters is being near the end. But the reprieve only lasts so long, and all too soon it’s my turn.

  When I stand, my legs are shaking so badly, my knees are almost knocking together. I can’t believe I have to walk up to the stage in front of hundreds of people. I hope I don’t trip over this horrible gown.

  The entire way, I can barely breathe. My chest is so tight with anxiety. I feel each and every pair of eyes on me with every step I take. When I finally have my diploma in hand, I inhale and exhale fully for the first time since my name was called and smile toward Clover.

  My eyes scan over to where my family is seated. I can see my dad, Marshall, and wait a minute… is that Shaw beside my brother? I take in the dark, curly hair and stunning smile, and I know it’s really him.

  Oh God. Now I’m nervous all over again. Shaw Masters has been my secret crush for as long as I can remember. Clover is the only person who knows about my feelings for him.

  Somehow, I manage to make it back to my seat without taking a faceplant. Since there are only a few kids left to announce, I’m free to go within a few minutes.

  Clover and I hug one more time and promise to talk later on. Weaving in and out of the other graduates, I make my way over to my family.

  The principal makes an announcement to give our class another round of applause, and the crowd roars. I release another long, high whistle.

  “Maddie, must you behave like a hooligan?” my mother scoffs in annoyance.

  Hi, Mom. How are you?

  She hasn’t seen me in a week, and that’s the first thing she has to say?

  “How is whistling a bad thing?” I carelessly shrug one shoulder. “It’s not like it’s illegal.”

  My dad’s hand settles on my back for a moment. He leans over, whispering, “Just ignore her. It’s not worth arguing.” He pulls me into his arms. “Congratulations, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

  I hug him back before I get passed on to Marshall, my older brother.

  “Sis, congrats. You’re finally out of this hellhole.”

  “Finally,” I agree as he gives me a quick squeeze. When I step back from Marshall, I notice Shaw.

  “Hi, Maddie. Congratulations.” He smiles and my stomach spins.

  “Hey, thanks.” I chew on my bottom lip.

  For as long as I can remember, it’s been Marshall, Shaw, and me. The two of them, the best of friends, and me, the tag-along they put up with. I’ve always loved my brother and his friends and thought of them as my protectors, my heroes. But one day, I looked at Shaw and noticed how much he’d grown up. And the same testosterone that makes my brother annoying as fuck, made Shaw the sexiest guy on the planet. In the past year, my feelings for Shaw have changed from friendly to something more complex, something I can’t define and have no experience with.

  There’s an awkward moment where neither of us is sure of what to do. Shaw makes the choice for both of us, drawing me into his embrace. He’s so much taller than me, his chest cradles my cheek. I can’t help but notice his familiar, clean, outdoorsy scent. He’s smelled the same for as long as I can remember. His arms briefly tighten before he releases me.

  At this point I expect my mom to step in for a hug and to congratulate me, but she does neither of those things. And should I really be surprised?

  My parents have been divorced for five years. That’s what happens when one spouse catches the other having an affair. She didn’t even try to deny it or keep it a secret from Marshall and me.

  It’s bad enough that she broke up our family, but what was more upsetting for me is that she broke my dad’s heart. He’s the best father I could ask for, and I’ll never forgive her for hurting him.

  I live with my dad, and if there’s anyone who knows how to deal with my mom, it’s him. She’s difficult on a good day and damn near impossible on a bad one.

  I tell myself to focus on how great it is that I officially have my diploma in hand and will be heading off to college in a few months. I wish I could go sooner, but I’ve got the summer to make it through first. And I know that will mean visiting my mother at some point. As much as she has hurt our family, my dad still makes me spend time with her, even though I’m eighteen and legally considered an adult. At least I no longer have to adhere to the visitation schedule set forth by the court.

  Fortunately, I get to spend most of my time with my dad. I love our home and I’ll definitely miss being there when I’m at college. But the perks of meeting people and all the new experiences make it worthwhile. I can’t stay home forever.

  “How about some pictures?” my dad suggests.

  Of course Marshall and I clown around before Mom demands we get it together for a few more that they can be proud of. And then we take turns posing with my mom and dad separately, because that’s what you do when your parents are divorced.

  God forbid we have a picture of the four of us together. The world might end if we did.

  Shaw wanders over and my
mom insists on getting a picture of the three of us. I end up in the middle with Shaw’s warm arm around my back. His touch creates conflicting emotions in me. I either want to throw myself at him or run away. I’m not sure which, and I know my expression shows every bit of my confusion as I hear the phone’s camera snapping away.

  “Maddie, smile,” my mom reminds me.

  I force myself to show teeth and hold still until I can’t bear it any longer. “Okay, I think that’s good,” I call out, stepping away from Shaw. “I mean, how many pictures do we really need?”

  My mother puts her hand on my shoulder. “Oh, Maddie, don’t be difficult. You can never have too many pictures. Someday you’ll see, when you’re my age.”

  “I don’t know. You know how much I love my phone camera, but I still think memories are so much more important than pictures. It’s like seeing a beautiful sunset and taking a picture of it. The colors will never look as vivid as what you see with the naked eye. Some things are impossible to be captured on film.” I catch Shaw studying me, and I glance away, embarrassed by my reply. But I have an appreciation for beauty in all its forms.

  Marshall places his hand on my mom’s arm, gaining her attention. “I know we talked about going out for dinner tonight, but would you guys mind if we did it another time instead? We’re going to go with Maddie to a party some of the seniors are throwing for their graduation.”

  We are? This is the first I’m hearing about a party.

  “Who else will be there?” my father asks.

  Marshall tips his thumb toward Shaw. “He’s going. And we’re both going to take care of her. So, what do you think? Is that okay?”

  Smooth, brother. He’s only mentioning me because he knows our parents are more apt to say yes if he does. Now that he’s done with his first year of college, my dad is worried about any parties he goes to. He naturally assumes there will be alcohol there. But what dad doesn’t realize is that there’s plenty of alcohol at high school parties too.

  My dad looks at my mom and nods his consent before she replies, “Okay.”

  My father adds, “But no drinking and driving.”

  Marshall puts his hand on his chest. “Dad, who said anything about drinking?”

  “You guys forget we were your age once too.”

  “Did you just admit you drank when you were underage, Dad?”

  “Nope. I admitted I had the opportunity to.”

  “Don’t worry. Maddie will be with us to suck the fun out of the party,” Marshall jokes, and I punch his arm.

  “I don’t have to go,” I say, threatening his scheme.

  “Maddie, I want you there, and Shaw does too. Right?” Marshall and I both glance at Shaw as he nods, but his eyes are only on mine.

  His full lips shape into a small smile. “Definitely. It won’t be as enjoyable without you.” His reply seems so sincere, I almost think he means it. But he’s probably just covering for his boy. If I don’t go, they’re screwed and he knows it.

  “Dad, can you please take my diploma, cap, and gown home for me?” I hand over the diploma and cap before I unzip the gown. Shaw holds his hand out for me to grab onto as I step from the gown.

  My lips form a smile. “Thank you.”

  He winks. “Don’t mention it.” His eyes scan me from head to toe, taking in my sundress, bare legs, and sandals.

  “We should get going,” Marshall reminds us.

  “Sure. I want you home by one o’clock, not a second later.”

  Marshall presses his hands together like he’s praying. “Dad, come on. It’s Maddie’s graduation night. Can’t we stretch it a little? Shaw and I have been at college all year with no curfew.”

  “Fine. One thirty and that’s final.” He points at Marshall. “Make good choices.”

  My brother spreads his arms out wide. “Dad, I’m the king of good choices.”

  “I thought you were the king of manipulation,” I offer with a smug grin. Shaw chuckles under his breath, and I feel a pleasant twinge in my stomach.

  “Ha ha, sis,” Marshall mocks.

  “Enough, you two.” Dad steps in before anything can escalate. “Maddie, if you want to leave the party early, you can call your mother or me for a ride.”

  “I know. And before you ask, yes my phone is charged.” I hold it up to show him.

  “Good. Be safe.” Dad steps forward to kiss my cheek and shake Marshall’s hand, and then my Mom gives us each a hug before they walk away.

  I arch a brow. “Where’s this party at?”

  “It’s at Daphne’s house.” He wiggles his eyebrows. She’s one of the most beautiful and snobbiest girls in the graduating class. We don’t exactly run in the same crowd.

  “Oh, great.” I roll my eyes. “Will I even have anyone to talk to besides you guys?”

  “Probably not.” Marshall chucks me on the chin. “But you’ll survive.”

  “That remains to be seen.” We wander toward the parking lot and find Shaw’s truck. Marshall opens the passenger door and gestures for me to go first. When I climb inside and slide to the middle of the seat, it places me next to Shaw. I glance down at our legs side by side on the worn leather, his thigh so much wider than mine. I know how the muscles flex and bulge under his skin as he runs. I’ve seen him work out enough times with my brother to have vivid images in my mind, all of them mouthwatering and unforgettable.

  “Maddie, if you want to go home early, you can. Just call an Uber. Here.” Marshall hands me twenty dollars.

  “What’s this for? Are you bribing me now?”

  “Maybe.” He grins arrogantly. “I plan on staying over.”

  “How are you going to manage that?” I sweep my eyes to him, my forehead wrinkling with a skeptical expression.

  “You should know by now that I always find a way to get what I want.”

  As much as I’d like to disagree with him purely for the sake of arguing, I can’t. Marshall does manage to get what he wants most of the time. He has a knack for talking my parents into changing their minds that I’ve somehow never developed. I wouldn’t even know where to start.

  Shaw turns into a long driveway, parking his truck behind an extended line of vehicles. My stomach is suddenly unsettled, churning like turbulent seas. I dislike being dragged along to these parties, yet I never seem to put my foot down and refuse to come.

  I know it’s because of Shaw. It’s pathetic, but now that he’s in college and has been gone all year, I’ll take every small chance I get to see him and spend time with him. Even if it means going with my brother to a party that I know I’ll hate.

  My self-admittance annoys me and makes me seem a little desperate.

  Taking Shaw’s outstretched hand, I slide from the driver’s side. Once my sandals are firmly planted on the ground, he lets go. I curve my lips in a small smile. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime.” He winks, then shoves his keys in his pocket as Marshall comes around the front of the truck. The three of us approach the gigantic, white house looming in front of us. Though, it’s too big to be called anything but a mansion.

  “This place is massive.” My voice is filled with awe as my gaze wanders over the enormous front porch that wraps around one side of the house. I always thought our colonial was on the large side, but it would probably only take up one quarter of this place.

  “Yeah, and Daphne said her parents were heading right from graduation to the airport. They’re leaving for California and will be gone for a week. Hopefully, this won’t be the last party she has.”

  “You’re on your own for any more parties. I’m not being dragged around all summer. I don’t care how much I missed you guys.” I finally put my foot down.

  Marshall smirks challengingly at me. “We’ll see about that.” He opens the front door and jumps into the middle of the chaos, pumping his fist in time with the music playing.

  The crowd swallows him up with shouts of celebration. There’s not an awkward bone in my brother’s body. He’s comfortable in e
very situation, which only makes me feel more hesitant around the popular crowd he hangs with. And being here with him and Shaw makes me feel like an unwanted chaperone.

  “After you.” Shaw gestures for me to step inside, but I look around. I’m tempted to find a cozy spot on this awesome front porch and read a book on my phone. The white wicker couch with the plaid cushions might work just fine. Shaw taps the back of my hand with his. “Come on. It won’t be that bad.”

  My head turns and I meet his brown eyes. “Are you sure about that? Because I’d rather be just about anywhere else but here.”

  He leans closer to me, sending my heart skipping like a happy little girl, and my gaze lowers to the wooden boards under my feet. “I promise,” he says, his warm breath wafting over my cheek.

  I release a large sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”

  He laughs. “Keep an open mind. Maybe this will be the best night of your life.”

  “Pfft, doubtful. I’ll be happy if I can find a quiet corner to disappear into. Maybe I’ll get lucky and no one will notice I’m here.”

  Shaw catches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, his chocolate orbs studying my face. “You’re crazy if you think you could ever disappear into the background.”

  I don’t know how to reply. Shaw’s never said anything like this to me before. Most of the time, we barely talk, and when we do it’s about inconsequential stuff. We never delve into deeper topics.

  As soon as his grip loosens, I panic and step inside the house. The music is so loud it feels like a violent assault on my ears. I forget about Shaw behind me as I take in all the people. The entire graduating class might be here.