Never Say Never: An Enemies-to-Lovers Secret Identity New Adult Sports Romance (Western Wildcats Hockey Book 4)

An hour later and I feel a ton better. The shower has managed to work wonders. It’s like I’m a new person. One who’s more than capable of resisting the baby-faced assassin who I’ve been forced to shack up with for the weekend.

Let him do his worst.

I can handle it.

No problem.

I give myself one final perusal in the mirror, swiveling one way and then the other as the television drones in the background. The strapless silvery dress hugs my curves and hits mid-thigh. This is the first time since walking away from my life in LA that I’ve bothered to make an effort with my appearance. Even when the girls and I danced the night away at Blue Vibe, I kept everything lowkey.

Another first for me—applying my own makeup and styling my own hair. There’s always been a glam squad to take care of it. Even for the casual shoots when I was working out at the gym it was full glam, although more subtle to make it seem like I wasn’t wearing anything at all.

Fun fact—filming a reality show isn’t about filming reality.

But that doesn’t matter. People still eat it up and want more.

Just like Stella claimed, it’s cotton candy for the brain. It’s a mindless way to escape what’s happening in the world for an hour or so.

I can’t help but silently study the person reflected back at me.

It’s taken six months and a lot of soul searching to realize that Bebe is nothing more than a persona.

A studio creation.

Deep down inside, it’s not who I am.

Or want to be.

It finally feels like the shackles of the past are being broken and falling away.

I feel freer than I have in a long time.

The sound of a low whistle is what drags my thoughts from the past. Even though I’m fairly confident that Colby doesn’t have a clue as to who Bebe is, my muscles constrict, and air gets trapped at the back of my throat as I send a cautious look over my bare shoulder to meet his gaze.

“You look gorgeous.” His voice is low and gravelly as if it’s been dredged from the bottom of the ocean. The deep timbre of it does funny things to my insides.

Heat seeps into my cheeks. “Thank you.”

I hate that the compliment means so much more coming from him.

My gaze roves over his length. I’m used to seeing Colby in joggers or jeans and a sweatshirt. The unofficial uniform of the college athlete.

Or maybe just college dudes in general.

It’s a campus epidemic.

Tonight, he’s wearing a light pink button-down that showcases his broad shoulders and gray slacks that fit him to perfection. A punch of arousal hits me deep in my core.

“Good enough to eat,” he adds with a sly wink.

I roll my eyes.

That comment dissolves the growing tension that had sprung up between us.

Before I can think of a comeback, a chipper voice catches my attention.

“Give us all the deets, Sharon! Where’s Bebe? Why hasn’t anyone seen her in months? Has she gone into hiding? Did she and Axel elope and they’re off living their very best lives away from the cameras?”

My head snaps toward the large screen TV so fast that I nearly give myself whiplash. A plastic-looking blonde has a microphone shoved in my mother’s smiling face. All four siblings are crowded behind her, looking glammed up. Cheyenne whips her long, golden hair over one shoulder and beams at the camera. They must be attending an opening. There’s always a ton of them in L.A. One every night of the week.

I can only stare in shock as my heart thumps a painful tattoo against my ribcage.

“You’re so bad, Maryanne.” My mother wags a glossy manicured finger at the interviewer. “Of course, Bebe isn’t in hiding. She’s taking a well-deserved break. The poor girl hasn’t had one in years, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to indulge.” Mom flashes a practiced smile at the camera. “What I will say is that she’s been working on new music.”

“Ohhh, is Axel with her? Has she made a decision yet?”

Mom shakes her head and makes a locking motion with one hand in front of her lips. “You know that I’d love to tell you, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”

The interviewer sidles closer before pressing the microphone more firmly to my mother’s mouth. “Our viewers would just love an exclusive scoop.”

Mom looks directly at the camera, and an icy shiver skates down the length of my spine. It’s like she’s staring straight into my soul.

Talking directly to me.

“We’ll be shooting the show soon, and then everyone will find out if Bebe and Axel will be planning a wedding next season. In the meantime, Cheyenne will be performing⁠—”

Colby clicks off the television with the remote before my mother can finish her sentence.

It takes a second or two to shake myself out of the stupor that has fallen over me. Even the thought of returning to my old life has a sick knot settling in the pit of my belly. I draw a deep breath into my lungs before holding it captive for a heartbeat. Then two. Only then do I release it back into the atmosphere.

“Is that the show Stella was talking about the other day?”

Well, shit.

My gaze reluctantly skitters to him as a burst of nerves rush through my veins. “Umm, yeah. I mean, I think so.”

He shakes his head as his upper lip curls with distaste. “The only thing those people are famous for is being famous. They don’t actually do anything. It’s kind of pathetic, the way that woman whores out her kids to get ahead in life.”

My eyes widen as my mouth falls open.

His comments are like a slap in the face.

It’s not like I haven’t thought the same thing a million times before. But, for some reason, it’s different coming from him.

Colby is an outsider who doesn’t know anything about my family.

He has no idea how hard my mom works. She’s the one who manages all our schedules and negotiates deals and sets up gigs, shows, and interviews. We’re able to live the kind of life we do because of her tenacity and strength. I’ve never doubted that she’d walk barefoot to the ends of the earth if it meant that her kids would have every opportunity for success. No matter how I feel at the moment, I’ve always been grateful and appreciative.

I draw myself up to my full height. “That’s a little harsh.”

“Just calling it like I see it.” He jerks his shoulders. “Tell me, am I wrong?”

My tongue darts out to moisten my lips. For some reason, it feels like I’m walking a tightrope. “There’s more to that family than the show. Bebe isn’t just a reality star. She’s a musician. The show just allows a glimpse into the process.” Is there anything more bizarre than talking about yourself in the third person? “I, um, read an article a while back about how they were barely scraping by.” I point to the television. “That woman was working twelve-hour shifts as a nurse at the hospital before her daughter was discovered. She made the decision to uproot them all and move to a place where they didn’t have any family or friends. And then she busted her ass to make sure all her kids would have an opportunity to live out their dreams, no matter what they were. So, tell me…how does that make her a terrible mother?” My heart thrashes beneath my breast. “Were you ever at the point where your family didn’t have enough money to pay the bills?”

From what I know about his famous hockey-playing father, my guess is that the opposite is true.

His brows pinch together. “I…”

An uncomfortable silence falls over us.

In the short time I’ve been around Colby, not once have I ever seen him at a loss for words.

With a tilt of his head, he studies me more carefully. It’s difficult to hold steady beneath the heavy scrutiny.

“No, I haven’t,” he finally acknowledges in a softer voice. I’m trapped within his probing stare and the questions that dance in his eyes. “But my guess is that you have?”

“A long time ago,” I admit.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit a nerve or offend you.”

I nip my lip with my teeth. It’s tempting to tell him that he hasn’t, but that would be a lie, and we both know it.

My muscles loosen as he glances around the lavish suite.

“It would seem like times have changed for the better.”

I release a steady breath and realize that we’re creeping dangerously into a territory that’ll be difficult to navigate my way out of.

And I’m tired of the lies.

My entire existence feels built upon them.

“Yes, they have.” Before he can ask any more questions I won’t want to answer, I change the subject. “Are you ready to go? Everyone’s probably waiting for us downstairs.”

The strain of moments ago dissolves. “Yup.”

I slip into heels and grab my purse off the credenza as we leave the suite behind and head to the elevator down the hall. Colby’s gaze stays fastened to mine the entire ride to the lobby. It takes everything I have inside to tamp down my body’s reaction to him. It’s a relief when the doors slide open and noise pours inside the elevator. The fresh air cuts through the growing tension.

He holds open the door as I step into the corridor and search for our friends.

That thought is almost enough to stop me in my tracks, because over the past months, that’s exactly what they’ve become.

My friends.

Warmth bubbles up inside me before spreading outward at the realization.

One nudge from Colby and I’m brought back to the moment at hand. “Hey, isn’t that the dude from the action movie that released last summer?”

I glance at the guy in question. He’s swarmed by both his entourage and fans. “Yeah, it is. Want an autograph?”

He snorts as his face scrunches. “Hell, no. He can ask for mine instead. Maybe I’ll give it to him.”

From all the gossip floating around campus, it sounds like Colby will end up taking the NHL by storm. If people don’t know him because he plays professional hockey, they’ll recognize him from all the endorsement deals his agent secures for him.

In a couple years, Colby McNichols will be a household name. He’s too hot, talented, and charming not to be.

That combination is a magical trifecta.

We recognize half a dozen famous faces as we move through the crowded lobby before noticing Carina and Ford along with several others.

The blonde dancer waves as she spots us. Her gaze travels up and down my length. “Well, hello there, hot mama!”

I flash a smile. “Thanks. You’re looking pretty amazing yourself.”

She flips her high ponytail over one shoulder. “Thanks.”

Juliette and Ryder stroll through the lobby hand in hand, looking happy. In fact, she just might be glowing. We won’t go into any in-depth reasons for that. Both are dressed to kill. Ryder’s arm is wrapped possessively around his girlfriend. They’re the perfect match.

Maverick, Hayes, and Bridger trail after them. The three of them are laughing and jostling one another like kids. Heads swivel in their direction as they pass by. They’re good-looking guys. Tall, muscular, and handsome. Even if you didn’t know they were athletes, you’d suspect it from the easy way they move.

Ford glances around the group. “I think the only ones missing are the bride and groom.”

“I can just imagine what’s keeping them,” Hayes says with a laugh.

Bridger elbows him in the ribs, which only makes him chuckle harder. Even though Hayes seems chill and is always smiling, I get the feeling there’s more to him than meets the eye. Almost as if he puts on a façade for his friends.

Probably because I do the same.

Like recognizes like.

He’s just as good looking as the other guys with dirty blond hair that’s long on top and has a tendency to flop over his eyes.

“Here they are,” Maverick says. “Guess we’re ready to get this party started.”

“And where exactly are we doing that?” Bridger asks, raking a hand through his mahogany-colored hair.

I’m used to seeing him with a ballcap. This is probably the first time I’ve caught sight of him without one. Like everyone else at Western, I’ve read the mass messages that have been sent to both staff and students and understand that he’s trying to keep a low profile. It’s obvious that someone has an ax to grind with him.

“We’re gonna grab something to eat at a place down the street—the concierge made reservations. And then we’ll hit the clubs to shake our asses,” Stella says.

“Sounds good to me,” Carina agrees. “I’m always down for a little dirty dancing.”

“The only dirty dancing you do is for me, baby,” Ford laughs, pulling her close and brushing a kiss against her lips.

“Sounds like we have a plan,” Wolf says. “Let’s hit it.”

Our evening starts out at a restaurant that a reality star owns. I don’t mention it, but I’ve been here before as her guest. The food is delicious, and the drinks flow freely. Everyone has a good time. It’s so easy to see that this group is tight knit and comfortable with one another. It’s moments like this that I’m grateful the girls were so welcoming and made room for me.

Once the bill is paid, we head to a nearby club and find a long line snaking down the block. Colby talks to the security manning the door, and within a matter of minutes, the burly man in a suit waves us inside as if we’re VIPs. People at the front of the line grumble when we skip ahead.

I can’t resist asking, “What did you say to him?”

Colby throws his arm around my shoulders and tugs me close before whispering, “Stick with me, kid. I’ll take you places and show you things you’ve never seen before.”

A reluctant smile quirks my lips as I shake my head.

This guy…

He’s so damn full of himself.

It shouldn’t be sexy.

It really shouldn’t…

But I can’t deny that it is.

The space is shadowy and frenetic with unspent energy. Colored lights cut swaths through the darkness. It’s wall to wall people packed inside. Perched high above the dance floor sits a DJ who mixes music. Neon lights flicker at the far end of the club, illuminating a long stretch of sleek and sexy bar.

Even though the temperature outside has dropped about ten degrees, I’m glad I didn’t wear a wrap. We might have just arrived, but already I can feel the heat from the mass of gyrating bodies.

We all stick together, cutting a path to the bar. Ryder orders a round of shots for the group. Then Carina buys another. After that, Stella pulls me to the dance floor and all the girls follow until we’ve carved out a small space for ourselves.

Techno thumps a steady rhythmic beat until I’m able to feel it deep in my bones. It doesn’t take long for my eyelids to drift shut as I raise my arms and allow the music to pour over me. All I want to do is forget about everything that nags at my subconscious.

All the pressure I feel to return to LA.

And my family…

I love them, but I no longer want the responsibility of carrying us anymore. I want the freedom to walk away without it affecting the business we’ve built over the past decade.

Is that even possible?

It’s the question that gnaws away at me in the darkness and keeps me up at night.

One song bleeds into the next until it feels like I’m floating. I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol coursing through my veins, the music, or the party atmosphere, but I never want this moment to end.

It’s only when strong arms slip around my ribcage and pull me against a hard chest that I come back to myself. Without turning, I know exactly who’s holding me tight. I’d recognize his woodsy scent anywhere.

If I were thinking clearly, I’d untangle myself from Colby and put some distance between us.

Instead, I burrow against his brawny strength as he tightens his hold. It’s been a long time since I felt this safe or protected.

I’m tired of fighting this attraction.

“The way you move is so damn sexy,” he growls as his hands drift over my curves.

I turn my head just enough for our gazes to become ensnared. Even in the darkness of the club, his eyes glow with heat and arousal. The longer we stare, the more everything else fades away.

Air stalls in my lungs as his face looms closer.

That’s when I realize it wouldn’t take much to fall for this guy.

That thought is like a bucket of cold water dumped over my head, and I wake from my dream-like state with a jolt.

“I need to use the restroom,” I murmur, untangling myself and stepping away. As soon as I do, the thick haze clouding my brain clears enough for rational thought to once again prevail.

After everything I’ve done and been through, it takes a lot to unnerve me.

But that’s exactly how I feel at this moment.

“Want me to come with you?”

With a shake of my head, I take another step away from him. “No, I’ll be back.”

Maybe.

Before he can respond, I slip through the mass of gyrating bodies to the other side of the spacious area where the bathrooms are located. And just like the rest of the place, they’re ridiculously over the top and fancy. After taking care of business, I detour to the bar for a much-needed bottle of water.

As I wait for a server to take my order, my gaze roves over the glamorous crowd before getting snagged by the roped-off VIP section. I’ve partied here dozens of times, and that’s always where we sat, away from the mob where there’s more breathing room—along with personal waitstaff that caters to your every whim.

The tiny hairs at the back of my neck rise as my attention lands on a guy with inky black hair and pale blue eyes who’s lounging on a plush velvet couch. There’s a drink in his hand to go along with the look of boredom etched across his face.

It’s one I’m intimately acquainted with.

Unless we’re shooting the show.

Then he’s all boyish charm and charisma.

An act meant for the cameras and the millions of people who tune in every week.

When his idle gaze collides with mine, electricity snakes through me, robbing the air from my lungs, making it impossible to breathe.

With a frown, he straightens.

Fuck.

That’s all it takes for me to bolt.