Breakaway Read online

  Breakaway

  By Vera Roberts

  For BESM.

  © 2015 Vera Roberts, All Rights Reserved

  Smashwords Edition

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Dean Winchester is at the place he really doesn’t want to be – stuck at the airport.

  Coming back from a family emergency, he would rather be relaxed at his home in Manhattan Beach, California, and getting his head back into the hockey game. Instead, he’s stuck at the worst airport in all of America – Chicago’s infamous O’Hare. At least the company he’s keeping isn’t too bad to look at. He only needs to convince her there can be something more if she wants it – and if she doesn’t kill him first.

  Sydney Walker hates weddings. And she really hates weddings that she’s the bridesmaid in.

  Returning from her third wedding in a year where she has perfected the role of bridesmaid, Sydney only wants to get back home in San Francisco. A snowed-in flight and every hotel room booked to capacity, Sydney is forced to share a room with a gorgeous man from Southern California. She’s not necessarily worried about him making a move on her but rather, if she could keep her hands to herself.

  Breakaway is a sensual New Adult romance series that deals with trust, long-distance relationships, and finding yourself again. It is a New Adult trilogy.

  “The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”

  ― Bob Marley

  One

  The output of support was overwhelming.

  Fans from all over the world, people he didn’t even think would watch hockey, had been sending him condolences left and right. Of course, there were a few unsavory characters that were selfish in their well wishes – hoping his grief wouldn’t impact his play on the ice too hard. Dean Winchester shrugged it off. For every ten people, there was going to be at least one asshole.

  Nevertheless, he needed to brush aside all anguish and hurt. He needed to be back in Los Angeles before tomorrow night’s game. His coach suggested he take more off in dealing with his grief but Dean wouldn’t hear of it. He needed to be on the ice to be distracted.

  He sat down on the porch outside, sipping hot chocolate and checking his Twitter mentions when his mother joined him. “I was looking for you. I was hoping you didn’t take off before I had a chance to say goodbye.” Melissa Winchester sat next to her youngest son. Slender with long blonde hair and sharp hazel eyes, Melissa prided herself on being the biggest cheerleader for her children. Both of her sons credited her unwavering support as a big factor in their successes.

  “Nah, I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye to my favorite girl.” Dean smiled. “I was just out here reflecting on everything.”

  Melissa smiled and took a sip of hot chocolate. “Your dad was very proud of you, Dean. He watched all of the games and bragged to everyone he knew that his son was the NHL’s leading scorer,” Melissa smiled. “And when you won the Stanley Cup last season, he really couldn’t shut up about it!”

  Dean grinned. If anyone loved hockey, it was his father. He was the reason why Dean picked up a hockey stick to begin with. Years of ice skating lessons followed and a successful career in college where he scouted by many different teams, he signed with the Los Angeles Kings and transported himself to a land of debauchery, beaches, and women. He offered to move his family to L.A. but his father wouldn’t hear of it. We’re based here and we’re staying here, he once proclaimed. It didn’t mean they wouldn’t visit but if Dean wanted more than a weeklong stay from his folks and brother, it meant him going to Chicago.

  The last time he was in Chicago, it was during the summer after he won the Cup. He was allowed to bring it with him and everyone took turns posing and taking pictures with it. His father got a real kick out of it and used the cup as a makeshift margarita bowl for a family celebration in Dean’s honor.

  Dean didn’t realize he would be back so soon under more unfortunate circumstances. “He was always a huge hockey fan.” He stated.

  “He was your number fan!” Melissa grinned. “I want you to remember that as you travel back.”

  “I’ll never forget it,” Dean shuddered a little as a cold gush swept through the front porch. “The offer to move to L.A. still stands, Mom.”

  “My life is here in Lincoln Park.” She proudly stated. “I’ve been here all my life and I don’t plan on leaving quite yet. Besides you need to come back to when times get hard again.”

  Dean was about to ask her what she meant but it occurred to him she was talking about the infamous lockouts in 2004 and 2012. He went to Europe to play and keep up on his skills, refusing to be a sitting doormat at his home in Manhattan Beach. When the negotiations concluded, Dean returned home and completed the season along with his fellow teammates. “I wouldn’t say things were hard, per se.” Dean recalled, fondly remember the time he spent entertaining groupies between games. “But it wasn’t ideal, yes.”

  “Still, you have a place to come home if that happens again. Heaven forbid…” Melissa shook her head.

  “I’m pretty comfortable if you’re inquiring about me financially,” Dean politely reminded his mother. Despite signing a huge multimillion-dollar contract, his mother somehow got in her head that he was still the struggling college student who often went to bed hungry.

  “I just want to make sure you’re okay.” She smiled again. She glanced down at the fancy Cartier watch Dean gifted to her last Christmas. “You need to head to the airport, honey. You’re going to miss your flight.”

  Dean stared out into the snow-covered street. He wasn’t entirely sure he was going to go anywhere at that point. “I’ll get ready. Are you sure you’ll be okay? I can always cancel my flight and stay a few more days.”

  “You staying here isn’t going to help anyone and you’re going to be bored just watching over me.” Melissa reached over and grabbed her son’s hand, squeezing it tight. “I’ll be fine, Dean.”

  Dean got up and pulled his mother into a long and tight embrace. “If you want me to come home, just say the word. If you want to move to L.A., just say the word.”

  “I’ll be fine here, don’t worry about me. Worry about defending your title, okay?” Melissa encouraged her son. “I’ll be rooting for you from here.”

  Dean gathered up his luggage and waited for the taxi to take him back to the airport. He kissed his mother one last time and left. She said she was going to be okay and he believed her. He just hoped she wouldn’t be so lonely during the upcoming winter months.

  His father was everything to her and the family. His absence was going to be largely felt.

  Two

  Three weddings in one year. I think that’s enough to last me a few lifetimes.

  Sydney Walker finished packing her suitcase and double-checked she had everything. The four-inch stilettos that cramped her pinky toes? Check. The too-tight bridesmaid dress that required her to wear one of those ‘sucker inner’ panties? Check. The fake eyelashes along with the caked-on makeup that accompanied the equally hideous hairpiece she needed to wear that required she had a little extra ‘oomph’? Oh, hell, no. She made sure those were in the trash bin. If she weren’t in her hotel room, she would’ve burned that shit.

  The things a girl would do for her fellow sorority sisters.

  She only graduated from college just a coupl
e of months ago and it seemed she was the very last one of the bunch who was still single. It got to the point that her fellow sorors felt so sorry for her, at the last wedding, the bride simply handed the bouquet to Sydney.

  Bitch.

  She wasn’t single because of choice, but rather circumstance. She’s had many relationships, some of them long-term. But when it was clear marriage and children were not in the picture, she simply bounced. There was no point of wasting her time if both parties didn’t share the end goal.

  In her mind, she was probably too young to get married. She just barely turned 24 a month ago and she wanted just a bit more experience before she became someone’s wife and mother. She wasn’t sure what experience she was looking for but something more than what life currently gave her, which was little to nothing.

  Nevertheless, the many weddings turn Sydney into a miniature expert in crisis management. Whenever a maid of honor failed to do the very basic of duties, Sydney stepped up to the plate. If something was missing, Sydney seemed to find it. If the bride was getting cold feet, it was Sydney that convinced her the man waiting for her at the altar was the very best she was going to get.

  She was a godsend in the land of Vera Wang bridal gowns, monogrammed napkins, and Jordan almonds.

  Now reality was calling her back home. Her managerial position at Macy’s in Union Square was flexible enough for her to leave for a few days but a few days was all she was going to get. The upcoming holiday season meant long hours and the dreaded Black Friday, which meant she was going to be working sometime on Thanksgiving Thursday. She would get a single plate of food and finish it just in time to head to the store and began stocking up.

  The life of a retailer.

  She looked out the window one last time and saw the snow was coming in a bit harder than it was before. It was rare that she saw snow and enjoyed her time playing in it and creating snow angels with the children of wedding party, fantasizing about one day doing the same with her own kids. That was a great fantasy but she needed to get back to the reality known as her life. She needed to head to the airport now before she was stuck.

  Maybe on the flight back, she might finally meet someone. A forever, soul-crushing love? Probably not the sort. But maybe someone who could entertain her and keep her from sinking down to a depression about her singledom. She was returning home to an empty, overpriced apartment where she lived next to newlyweds. She thanked the Good Lord for noise-canceling headphones.

  Being a bridesmaid was officially getting old and tired but it was a step up from being lonely and single. She had enough for it to last a few lifetimes.

  Three

  She should’ve been in shock and horror but she wasn’t. There it was, it bright green lettering for all to see – CANCELED.

  Sydney spent the time wondering if canceled was misspelled. She’d always spelled it with two L’s. It looked so funny with just one. Hearing the moans and groans of those around her, understandably upset about their canceled flights and missed connections, made thankful for her quirky sense of humor. It was the only thing that kept her sane during the middle of a snowstorm.

  A snowstorm in Chicago and she was stuck at O’Hare out of all places. She couldn’t understand at the time she traveled why it was rated one of the worst airports but now she clearly understood. That meant she wasn’t going to be leaving anytime soon, or even that day. Sydney once again praised the Lord for giving her some common sense and she packed her new Nikes. They were about to get a good workout.

  Something told her that she should’ve stayed an extra day in her hotel room and she wished she did. When Sydney called the hotel to book a room, it was booked to capacity. She just barely left and already, there weren’t any rooms. In fact, there weren’t any rooms in any hotel.

  It meant she needed to find a comfortable spot and get cozy at the airport. It was going to be a long night.

  ****

  Of course it is.

  Dean stared up at the monitor and saw his flight back to L.A. was canceled. Not postponed. Not delayed. Canceled. He was officially snowed in and there was no telling when any flights were getting up off the ground. He let out a heavy sigh and looked around him. Many people have predicted the canceled flight and headed out to the nearest hotel to sleep. Others got comfortable on the floor and created their own camps.

  Dean got on the phone with his agent. “I’m snowed in and stuck at the airport.”

  “I told you flying to Chicago during a snowstorm wasn’t smart, playa.” Hayden McClain replied over the phone. He was a tall, muscular, and clean-shaven man. He had a constant smug look on his face that screamed, ‘Try me if you dare.’ “Don’t worry, I got you covered. You have a room booked at the Omni for the next three days. Just head over to the hotel and check in. I already told your coach you wouldn’t be back until the end of the week.”

  “Thanks, H.” Dean sighed. “I owe you one.”

  “Just become the leading scorer again and we’ll break even.” Hayden replied. “I’ll call you later, kiddo.”

  Dean picked up his luggage and was grateful he only had the carry-on. He hailed a taxi and promptly went to the Omni.

  He had to spend a few more days in Chicago. It wasn’t ideal but it could be worse; he could’ve been stuck at the airport.

  ****

  Her dogs were barking. Screaming at her!

  Sydney barely made it to the Omni hotel after two unsuccessful attempts to get a room at other neighboring hotels. Just her luck, every single room was booked and she was going to try the Omni in a final effort. It was beyond her budget and she honestly didn’t know how she would be able to afford a room but she would worry about that later. Maybe she could charm the front desk crew into giving her into a discount.

  When she entered the lobby of the Omni, Sydney already knew what the answer was going to be. She saw families pick up their bags and turn away with thick smear of disgust on the parents’ faces. She heard a few parents mutter something along the lines of ridiculous and too expensive and airport floor is cheaper.

  She really didn’t need to hear all of that.

  “Hello Miss,” the front desk attendant greeted Sydney, “how may I help you today?”

  “I need a hotel room for the night,” Sydney paused and looked behind her at the streaming sheet of white pouring down, “maybe a few days.”

  “Well, we have our suites left.” The attendant mentioned. “How many nights would you like?”

  “I guess three.” Sydney mentioned. “How much would that be?”

  “Just one moment,” The attendant pressed a few buttons in the computer. “That’ll be 1100 dollars.”

  Sydney hated the fact that she never cleaned her ears that well. She truly hated gunk in the middle of her ears and she figured that had to be reason she misheard the astronomical price tag. “Come again? I thought you said 1100 dollars.”

  “That’s correct,” The attendant nodded, “how do you want to pay?”

  “Um, let me get back to you on that.” Sydney gave a polite smile and picked up her luggage. Muttering a rapid-fire explosion of profanities under her breath, she walked into the middle of the lobby. She had very little money, every reasonable hotel was booked, and the only available hotel had a price she couldn’t even fathom to afford.

  “I guess I will get comfortable at the lovely O’Hare…”

  She began to walk again and ran into a brick wall of a man, knocking her clear off her feet. Sydney felt lucky the Omni had nice polished floors that somehow softened the hard blow she felt on her ass.

  “I’m sorry, Miss. Are you okay?” The man helped Sydney stand up.

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” She rubbed her behind and tried to gather her belongings. “My big butt softened the blow.”

  The man smiled. “It’s not too big.” He noticed Sydney’s sharp stare at him and immediately noticed his mistake. “I meant it’s pretty small for your size.” Sydney’s eyes grew sharper. “I meant…shit…hi, I’m Dean.” He
held out his hand.

  “I’m Sydney.” She shook his hand. “Thank you for the compliment?”

  “I thought you were calling yourself fat and I was trying to tell you you’re not and it just went downhill so whatever.” He offered another smile. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Dean’s smile was charming and Sydney noticed it matched the glitter in his green eyes. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  “If you’re not busy, I would like to buy you a drink at the bar. That is, if you drink?” He offered. “Just another way of saying I’m sorry.”

  “Another way of saying you’re sorry or you’re making a move on me?” She asked.

  “Both,” He was honest. “You’re pretty and I want to buy you a drink.” He held out an arm. “Shall we?”

  Sydney interlocked her arm with Dean. With the day she was having, a drink definitely wouldn’t hurt. “We shall.”

  Four

  “Three weddings in one year?” Dean asked as Sydney nodded. “Wow. How are you still sane?”

  Sydney shrugged as she sipped on her mojito. “I have no idea. I’m just a good friend, I guess.”

  “You’re insane!” Dean laughed. “Why did you agree to go to all of them?”

  “Like I’ve said, I’m a good friend.” Sydney replied. “Plus, the maids of honor weren’t anything to boast or brag about. I stepped in and that’s it.”

  “Three times?”

  “Three times.” She pursed her lips. “Maybe I’m a little insane.”

  “Just a little,” His eyes glittered and Sydney sheepishly smiled.

  “So why are you stuck here?” She asked. “Visiting friends and family?”

  “Family and a few friends.” His eyes became sad and he let out a deep breath. “Um, funeral.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Sydney replied. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “It’s okay,” Dean replied. “He was a good man. The best man I ever knew.”