Do You Believe?: Boys of Winter, #3

By Anna Albo

After a disastrous first year as the owner of the St. Paul Falcons, Allie Stewart needs a reset…badly.

She also needs to build a winning team before it's too late. And the only way to do that is to land the top free agent in league history. But with nothing to offer him but promises and the Falcons' horrible reputation, the odds of Tyson Myers signing with the Falcons is slim to impossible.

But without him, Allie risks losing the team.

But that's not the only risk Allie's facing. With Will banished hundreds of miles away, can they continue to keep their relationship a secret and will it survive the distance? And as rumors persist about Allie's personal life, will it create cracks in her relationship with Will?

As Allie struggles to keep the Falcons, can she also keep the man she loves before she loses it all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna Albo
• Release date: Jan 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781999102562

Anna Albo

Anna Albo is a prairie girl who loves the city.  From new adult to chick lit and everything in between, Anna writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that makes people laugh and love. When Anna isn’t writing her latest book, she’s enjoying a cup of tea while attempting to create a culinary masterpiece. She lives with her partner Mike, their dog. To get updates and information on new releases, sign up for my newsletter by clicking on my website link.

Book preview

Do You Believe

Book 3

Boys of Winter Series

CHAPTER 1

L et’s never leave this place.

While I’d love to stay here forever, we both have jobs to get back to.

Allie rolled over and faced Will. They’d only had a chance to spend a month together and Allie savored every second of it. She knew it could all end at a moment’s notice. She could easily be called back to St. Paul and have to leave the man she loved behind. In less than a week she’d have to go back anyway, and although Will would come with her, he’d have to stay on the down low. No one could see him or they’d both be ruined.

This was their lives now.

The last two years had been a whirlwind with Allie first working for her uncle’s professional hockey team and then Allie owning the team when her beloved uncle died. Instead of creating a solid foundation for the St. Paul Falcons, the team locker room had become a warzone, with everyone hating her and the City of St. Paul waiting for her to sell the team.

She’d prove them all wrong.

What’s the plan for today? Will asked, kissing Allie’s bare shoulder.

They’d spent the last three weeks at a private Mexican resort near Puerto Vallarta, away from prying eyes. No one knew them here and the locals were nothing but nice. Will had picked the place on advice from a friend. With summer nearing, there were nearly no tourists who were enjoying their own summers wherever they lived.

How about a walk into town? Maybe lunch? I expect Marc to call later today.

Sounds like fun. Except the Marc part.

Allie bit her lower lip. She hated that she had to keep things from Will. But that was the deal she’d made when Jonathan Watts agreed to trade for Will and help her out of her scandalous jam. There was no way Will could play for the St. Paul Falcons now that people had speculated they were in a relationship. And that meant Will didn’t tell Allie anything about his new team in Philadelphia, and Allie kept the info on the Falcons to a minimum with Will.

They showered and Allie got into her favorite sundress. It was nearly noon and the heat had already set in, but she didn’t care. She put on her floppy hat and took Will’s hand as they made their slow way into town.

Are you going after Myers? Will asked.

We have to. He’s my last chance at saving the team. We lost four million dollars last year. If it hadn’t been for Eddie’s provision to cover the expenses for the first eighteen months, I’d be bankrupt.

Will squeezed her hand gently. You’ll turn this around.

If we don’t get Myers, I’m not sure we can survive. Like Cate always reminds me: Bradley could own this team in a few years.

Bradley Nixon. Her investor, and her only chance to make the team work. He was backing their pursuit of Tyson Myers, the best player in the league. Bradley was the only who was willing to infuse the team with cash, to even give her the chance to land Myers. The team was nowhere near their cap limit, but there weren’t any extra funds either. Landing Myers would easily be a fifty-million-dollar contract—likely more, depending on the terms. Allie couldn’t even fathom it.

You’ve already done a lot, Allie. Didn’t the team lose more the year before?

If it hadn’t been for the uptick in arena bookings for other acts, it would have been a lot worse.

I hope you get Myers. I don’t know him well, but from what I do know, he’s a good guy. He’s a family man with a shit-ton of values. He’ll go where he thinks it’s best for his family, not for his bank account.

And that’s what I have to sell him on. I hate that Marc thinks I can woo Myers. I always feel so awkward.

Will pulled her close and put his arm around her shoulder. Remember that first day we met? At the Falcons mixer?

Allie groaned at the memory. Don’t remind me. I was so damn nervous. You were so intimidating and totally sexy. I was freaking out.

Want to know what I was thinking? I was wondering who this hot woman was who was walking over to me with the biggest hazel eyes I’d ever seen and who oozed confidence. And you didn’t let me get away with blowing you off. You intrigued me.

Meanwhile, I felt like a bumbling fool.

Stop selling yourself short.

Marc says the same thing.

We aren’t wrong.

I guess I’m still carrying a lot of baggage from my past. Allie didn’t utter Blake’s name. She’d all but forgotten about him, but his call a few months ago had irked her enough to think of it now, and every time she got dejected, she remembered him. How he knocked her down at every opportunity. She realized now it was to make himself feel more important, but that didn’t matter. He emotionally scarred her at the time, but he was a distant memory now.

You never talk about him.

Allie shrugged as they kept walking. Will knew her so well and what she was thinking. She didn’t even need to say Blake’s name. I try very hard to never think of him.

Did you think of him just now?

How did you know?

It’s like this dark cloud formed over your beautiful head. You know everything about Jen, and I don’t even remember this asshole’s name because I’m not sure you’ve ever said it.

Blake. His name is Blake. He called a few months after I got the Falcons. I firmly but politely told him to fuck off.

What did he want?

I’m not sure. We didn’t get that far. Allie was squeezing Will’s hand tightly and she didn’t even know it. She released much of her death grip. Cate knew Blake first. They had a study group together. That’s how I met him. We dated for a bit and then he mistakenly thought I was Eddie’s daughter. I cleared it up right away, but I feel like things changed. We kept dating and I thought it was serious. And I loved him, even though he treated me like shit. He was very critical of what I wore, what I ate, who I saw, where I went. And then the day came to meet his parents. He asked me to tell them I was Eddie’s daughter. And I did it! By then I was so beaten down by him that I went along with anything he asked. Eventually his parents found out the truth and I guess I wasn’t good enough anymore. Especially when they found out my mother had mental health issues and my father was AWOL. So he broke up with me.

He sounds like a fucking prince.

When he dumped me I was devastated, but looking back, that was the best thing that had ever happened to me. If he hadn’t done it, I may have never joined the Falcons.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m glad he dumped you.

I’m glad too, she said and he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

They stopped at their favorite beachfront restaurant and took their usual table. Allie already knew she wanted to order the shrimp burger. Will would get whatever the catch of the day was. They ordered a couple of beers and listened to the distant crash of waves on the beach.

We should look about getting a permanent place here, Allie said. Once I get the team in a secure financial situation, we could spend summers here. And if we have a family ... She stopped. They’d never talked about kids. Sure, they’d mentioned marriage and were engaged, but kids? Allie had no idea what he wanted.

I’d love to have kids with you, if that’s what you’re asking.

I guess I am, she said with a nervous giggle.

This would be a great place to bring our kids in the summer.

Their server brought over beers and Will leaned back in his chair and took in the scenery. He missed his place in Lake of the Woods. He’d go back there after he left Allie in St. Paul, but he only planned to spend a few weeks there. He loved the place, but he’d rather spend the time with Allie.

Will Cavallo?

Neither Will nor Allie had seen the man coming. He was in his forties, a receding hair line and the most offensive blue and yellow Hawaiian shirt Allie had ever seen and a pair of beige khaki shorts. The typical tourist. He had a big smile on his face and waited for Will to respond.

Uh, yeah. Do we know each other?

No, but you’re probably the best defenseman to ever play with the St. Paul Falcons.

Allie shrank back in her seat and pulled her floppy hat more over her face. The last thing she needed was this fan to recognize her.

Well, thank you for that. You from St. Paul?

Born and raised. We moved to Toledo a few years ago for a job transfer. The family had season tickets for years.

Allie wanted to hide under the table. So far the man hadn’t paid any attention to her.

I didn’t get your name, Will said.

Ken Quinn. I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I had to say hi. The wife and kids are on the beach, so I’m killing time and there you were.

Will smiled and shook the man’s hand. It’s always nice to see a fan.

Too bad they had to trade you.

Things happen.

Ken turned to Allie who kept her eyes on her feet.

And Ms. Stewart, good to see you, too. You didn’t deserve what everyone’s put you through.

Allie’s stomach bottomed out. She slowly raised her gaze to meet Ken’s greyish-green eyes. Thank you.

And don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, Ken added.

Why don’t you have a drink with us, Ken, while you wait for your family?

Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.

Allie shot Will a look. What was he doing?

Of course I’m sure. The beer is on me.

Thank you.

Will ordered another round and the two of them started talking hockey. Allie remained silent, internally panicking. She couldn’t think of one good reason why he had invited this Ken guy to have drinks with them. Little did they know, this guy could go to the papers the minute he left and spill the beans.

What do you do? Will asked.

I’m a pilot. I have a few days off so the wife wanted to come here to get away from her family. Don’t tell her I said that.

Family can be a pain in the ass, Will said.

Didn’t he know it.

Especially in-laws.

Their food came and Will asked the server to have something whipped up for Ken. Again, Allie had no idea what he was up to. The server returned a minute later with a burrito of some kind and Ken thanked her. As they sat to eat lunch, Will and Ken talked more hockey. The situation bothered Allie so much, she could barely eat her burger.

Like I said, sorry you had to go, but I understand. Ken turned to Allie. It’s not right what happened. Teams have done a lot worse. But I bet you’re going to turn this team around. You’ve got Lafferty and you’re going to draft Markov soon. There’s no way but up.

"When you’re in last place, there is no place but up."

Ken laughed. That’s true.

And you won’t say a word? Allie asked.

Ken gave Allie a thoughtful smile. You have no idea what I’ve seen in my day. And I’ve never uttered a word. I don’t plan to start now.

We appreciate that.

I see my wife coming. I better get going. What do I owe?

Nothing at all. Lunch is on me, Will said.

Thank you again. He shook both their hands and they watched him walk down the beach to his wife and two small children.

Allie looked at Will and he looked back at her.

Do we trust this guy?

Do we have a choice?

Why would you invite him to lunch?

Will smiled slyly. Look, if we weren’t nice, we’d tick him off. So I killed him with kindness. I doubt he’ll say a word now.

I hope you’re right.

Will motioned the server over. Let’s pay and get out of here before anyone else recognizes us.

CHAPTER 2

Aweek later, Allie was back to reality in St. Paul. She got to the office early to meet with Marc Young, the Falcons general manager. He was waiting for her in the boardroom, on the phone with someone. Allie didn’t want to intrude and quietly entered, setting down her papers at the other end. The league draft was a week away and the Falcons had locked down the first pick. Markov was a given—a future star the Falcons couldn’t pass up drafting. The only problem was that his parents weren’t so happy about the Falcons choosing him first overall. Like so many others, they didn’t see much hope or promise in the struggling franchise. Good thing the kid didn’t have a choice.

But today, she and Marc had more important things to discuss.

My partner, Marc said, pointing to his phone once he’d ended the call. The baby is a bit of a handful today, well, most days. My partner, Juliet, moved to St. Paul for her maternity leave and she’s having trouble adjusting.

I’m sorry to hear that.

I raised three daughters with my ex and they were all great kids. Slept through the night, rarely cried and were easy to please. But our boy, wow ... it’s true what they say. Boys are a handful.

It’s like the twenty-three boys we have playing for the Falcons.

Marc chuckled. I suppose it is a bit similar.

Not that I think I can help, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

It’s all the change for Juliet. She’s used to being on the go. I think she’s getting claustrophobic with just the baby for company. I try to be there, but it’s hard.

I imagine it’s an adjustment. Moving to a new place, no friends and family. You should have her come around here.

"I’ll run that past her, but you know she’s a sports journalist for the Toronto Times, right?"

Why would that be a problem?

Marc shrugged. It’s not, but I want full disclosure on that.

Is she going to come around and spy?

Of course not, he said with a laugh. And if she wanted to, she would have done that by now.

Allie couldn’t help but notice how ragged Marc was looking. His normally handsome face was clouded by dark circles under his dark brown eyes and newly formed lines around his mouth. He’d aged years in the last few months. Normally he had a youthful look that belied his true age, but now he looked all forty-seven years of it.

I’m guessing sleep is a problem?

He rolled his tired eyes. Allie, I have two kids in college and one starting college in a couple of years. I didn’t expect in my wildest dreams to be a dad again at forty-seven. I’m a lot slower and definitely more tired than I was back then. I also have a bum knee that aches every day with arthritis. I’m just too damn old to do this again.

I’m afraid it’s too late for that now.

Don’t I know it. But enough about that. We have a very important discussion to have.

Yes, Tyson Myers.

"I sniffed around his agent and what he did tell me is that while there is a small chance Tyson will re-sign with Tampa, he doesn’t think it’s likely. Sounds like the two teams are very far apart in contract negotiations. He also said that Tyson wouldn’t rule out going to any team, so we are in the mix. A lot of this was off the record, but I think we have a chance. Maybe as good a chance as any team."

Not a great chance? Allie asked wistfully.

I’d say it’s good only.

That’s better than nothing. So what’s next?

We let the draft play out. Then we finalize our package to Myers. That includes a trip down to Toronto to meet with him.

At least it’s in my own hood.

Cate and Gillian will do some prep with you, but this is what I’ll say about Myers: he’s a good guy, no pretenses, just a normal man with a lot of morals. We don’t need to be flashy with him.

That’s good to know.

Allie got up to leave, but Marc stopped her.

One last thing. Allie, you’ve put together a solid team, I’d say one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with and for. Once we have the final pieces in place, this team will be great.

Not just good?

Definitely great, he said with a grin.

"Thank, Marc. Sometimes I feel like walking away from it all, but this makes my