Free Wicked Games (Denver Rebels) by Maureen Smith Page B

he led defensemen in scoring with 47 goals and was second in assists with 55. He looked great in preseason and seems poised to have another monster year.”
    “That’s right,” the second sportscaster enthusiastically agreed. “Barring injury, Holden’s on track to score his three hundredth career goal this season. That means the race is on to see if he can break the top scoring record held by Ray Bourque, whose 410 goals remain the most by a defenseman in NHL history. If Holden stays healthy and plays just two more seasons, he could very well surpass Bourque and set a new scoring record for NHL defensemen. So, yeah, with The Rocket chasing history, we’d definitely love to hear more from him. Major props to the Denver Dispatch for giving us hope . ”
    As the sportscasters moved on to the next story, Nelson let out a triumphant whoop and jumped to his feet.
    “See that?” he crowed to Nadia, pointing to the television. “ You did that!”
    Her face heated with embarrassment. Ducking her head, she mumbled, “I didn’t do anything.”
    “Are you kidding?” Nelson exclaimed in disbelief. “ You’re the one who made all this happen! Reid was so taken with you that he went to the trouble of tracking me down at work so he could get your number. And now that you’ve gone out with him, he’ll probably give me an exclusive interview.” Nelson grinned broadly. “Face it, kiddo. You’re my secret weapon.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
    Bianca shook her head at Nelson. “You’re making her feel like a pawn.”
    “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to.” He looked shamefaced. “I guess I got a little carried away.”
    Nadia raised an eyebrow. “A little?”
    He grinned sheepishly. “What can I say? It’s not every day that a famous hockey player has the hots for my sister. Sue me for using it to my advantage.”
    “Uh-huh.” Nadia knocked back the rest of her wine.
    “Well, I don’t know about you, Nadia,” Bianca drawled, “but I’d probably lose my mind if I had Reid Holden chasing after me. That white boy is fine as hell .”
    “Hey!” Nelson protested. “I’m standing right here.”
    Bianca laughed. “Sorry, baby, but he is. And Nadia thinks so too.”
    She laughed. “Uh-uh. Leave me out of this. In fact,” she said, pushing to her feet, “I’m gonna take a shower and hit the sack. It’s been a long day.”
    “Goodnight,” Nelson and Bianca chorused.
    After stopping in the kitchen to put her empty glass in the sink, Nadia headed to her room. When she got there, she found a pink gift bag sitting on her bed.
    Curious, she walked over and removed the white tissue paper sticking out of the top. Then she reached inside and pulled out a hardcover book.
    She gasped with pleasure. It was an autographed copy of the most popular novel by Tananarive Due, one of her favorite fiction authors. She opened the cover and read the inscription: To Nelson’s phenomenal sister Nadia. Thanks for being a fan!
    “Oh my goodness,” she squealed.
    “Thought you might appreciate that,” Nelson said from the doorway.
    She turned around and beamed at him. “I can’t believe you got this for me!”
    He smiled, leaning against the doorframe. “I remembered you mentioning that Tananarive Due was coming to town for a special book signing. Since you had to work tonight, I figured I’d get her autograph for you.”
    “Aww. That was so sweet, Nels.” Nadia hugged the book to her chest, touched by her brother’s thoughtfulness. “I’m going to cherish this forever. Thank you so much.”
    He shrugged. “I realize I can be a selfish asshole sometimes, but you know I’d do anything for you.”
    She smiled, her throat tightening. “I know.”
    He nodded toward the gift bag. “There’s something else at the bottom.”
    “There is?” Puzzled, she reached back inside the bag, rummaged through more tissue and then pulled out another book. When she saw the title, a wry grin curved her mouth.
    Hockey For