First impressions

Chapter 2 (Nathaniel's POV)

This is it.

My last day in Canada and my last practice with my home team just finished.

In the evening I would be leaving this place and moving to Europe.

More specifically to England.

Now I know you must think I am stupid. Since I am a hockey player I should be happy in Canada, where hockey was practically the only sport we knew.

But I was not happy. Not even a little.

My parents died a few weeks ago in a car accident and suddenly Canada was just full of memories that were slowly suffocating me.

Also since in Canada everyone played hockey, there weren't many chances to be a brilliant player.

And I was determined to be the best, so right here where I was right now, my chances were close to nonexistent 

So when I received an offer from England to play in one of their best teams I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Boys from my team wanted to throw me a party, but since I knew their congratulations were not sincere I turned down the offer.

The only teammate I would miss was Andrew, and I was determined to find out if there were any spot openings for new recruits in London.

We already said our goodbyes and as girly as it may sound we promised each other to stay in touch.

I was already ready to board my plane when I received a text message from my new coach.

Coach Irving: our reporter would pick you up. She might come across as bitchy but I promise, once you get to know her better you'll realize her heart is made of gold. She just has some issues with hockey players.

Wait. Did he just say that a hockey reporter had issues with hockey players?

How can those two things go together?

Madox: how can she be a hockey reporter if she has a problem with hockey players, man?

Coach Irving: It's a long story, one I'll tell you once you arrive. Or maybe she will give you some insight herself.

A heavy sigh escaped me. Damn it. I wasn't ready to escape from one backstabbing dramatic situation to land right into another.

But since I was determined to prove to everyone that I was an amazing center-forward player I was also determined to not let any woman get under my skin.

Most definitely not some reporter that has problems with herself most likely.

But still the whole way to Europe I kept thinking about this mysterious woman and her hockey player issues.

What could be the reason? Did someone break her heart? Did she have any bad experiences?

And. Most importantly, WHY THE FUCK DO I CARE?

I don't even know the woman, not even her name, and yet she is giving me a headache.

But I couldn't help myself. I kept wondering what she looks like, and if we might have something in common.

As the plane landed in London I was as nervous as a teenager meeting his crush for their first date.

Of course, I scolded myself for this kind of behavior but still, it was out of my hands.

I grabbed my luggage and went searching for the woman with my name written on a cardboard or a piece of paper or who knows what.

As I was getting closer to the exit and was starting to give up on her waiting for me I finally saw my last name Madox written on a piece of paper in the hands of the most beautiful woman I ever saw.

Long legs and I mean really long legs, a bit on the skinny side, but a hot skinny. Long light brown hair that reached almost her hips if I had to guess. Because she had it in a high ponytail I had no other choice but to do just that- guess.

Her assets also weren't the worst I've seen. Who am I buldhitting right now? From this far they looked a perfect handful. And then there were those blue eyes that looked like they could reach your soul, and those lips, damn they looked kissable. But something looked wrong with her face.

Closer to her I got more it became obvious. She was scowling. She was still beautiful, don't get me wrong, but that scowl just didn't look right on a gorgeous face like hers.

And guess what? I decided since she already looks like she hates me, I should at least have some fun, right?

"Well hello, there princess. I knew they were sending someone nice but you are on another level. Maybe just get rid of that scowl. It does not suit you."

She gave me a glare which if looks could kill am sure would make sure I dropped dead.

"Bite me, Madox!"

"Oh, princess. I wish. But we should first get to know each other better before we touch the kinky subjects don't you think?"

The glare was gone and a completely bored expression crossed her face.

"Is that the best you could come up with? I understand you must be jet lagged and I am sure you also fall into the old-timer category, but still, I had no idea you were that rusty."

Well, I'll be damned. This British woman had some spunk in her tiny body.

"May I ask your name before we continue to insult each other?"

The face of feigned horror she made almost made me laugh but I managed to restrain myself.

"Wait! We're we insulting each other? I thought we were just stating the obvious?"

Is it wrong that I liked her already? Sue me but I liked women that didn't take shit from anyone.

"My job, Mr. Madox, is to escort you to your house and give you a map so you can find your way to the ice ring in the evening. That's it. And for that, you don't need to know my name or any other information about me. Are we clear?"

Now my lips stretched into a somewhat evil smirk of their own will.

"But princess, that's boring don't you think?"

"I don't care what you think of my plan. That's the way things are going to be, if you don't like it I can call one of the guys to show you the way to your house. And maybe you should do your homework better Nathaniel then you'd know my name."

With those words, she turned on her heels and gave me a perfect view of her perky ass. And what a view it was, let me tell you. What she lacked in other parts she most definitely gained in the ass department, and lucky for her I was an ass man.

Well, I guess I better follow the boss lady.

Looks like my first season in Europe just became a bit better than it already was.