Same disclaimer as before. I would have posted this last night or earlier today except I had a little plumbing work to do. Anyways, enjoy!
Chapter 1
Jack's POV
1976
Figures I'd get a flat on the way to the damn game. Tonight was the first game of the play-offs against the Minnesota Gophers, and I was probably gonna be late because I can't find the damn jack to get this tire off.
"Hey, need some help?" a pretty brunette in an Impala asked. Yeah, like some chick is gonna be able to help me out.
"Nah, I'm fine," I told her. I'm not admitting defeat to a girl.
"You don't look like you're fine," she stated, pulling over in front of my car. She got out and walked over to where I was standing, searching my trunk. "Nice flat."
"Yeah, thanks," I muttered, throwing aside books and gear.
"So, are you sure you don't need help?" she pressed. I just shook my head, wishing she'd jump back in her car and go away. "I've got a jack in my car. Let me get it."
"I don't need your help to change my tire," I said defiantly. She completely dismissed my statement and walked over to jack up the right back end of my car.
"What the hell are you, a mechanic?" I asked jokingly.
"Yeah, actually I am," she replied with a smile. "I'm Emily Morrison," she added, extending her hand, which I shook briefly.
"Jack O'Callahan."
"Hockey player?"
"How'd you know?"
"Oh, the hockey stick and the hockey helmet and the hockey bag was a slight giveaway."
"Oh, yeah. I was on my way to a game and my tire just blew. First play-off game is tonight."
"Who are you playing?" Emily asked, as she positioned the spare tire over the spokes of the wheel.
"University of Minnesota. Gonna cream 'em," I stated, a smile spread across my face.
"Cocky much?" Emily asked almost indignantly, as she screwed on last of the lug nuts.
"Oh come on, a Boston girl like you is getting mad over that?" I exclaimed.
"First off, not a Boston girl. Second, I'm not getting mad just because I said you're cocky," Emily said, standing up to roll the tire over to the trunk.
"So, where are you from?" I asked, placing the flat down.
"St. Paul," Emily told me, walking away. "By the way, you're welcome."
With that, she drove away.
This girl was something else. Gorgeous for one, but that mouth could administer a mean case of verbal whiplash. She seemed so sweet and innocent when she first pulled up. Maybe I shouldn't have insulted "her team." Bet she's dating one of the players, though. No girl would care that much about hockey if she weren't dating a player.
Whatever though. Why should I get myself worked up?
I saw Emily at the game up in the stands, rooting on Rob McClanahan. Now I've been called a cocky bastard more times than I can count, but this guy just oozed asshole.
After the game, I ran into Emily again. I didn't mean to, but we just kinda ran into each other.
"Well, this must be fate," Emily said with a laugh as I pulled her up off the floor. Did I mention that it was literally a run-in?
"Yeah, sorry about that," I replied, a hint of shyness in my voice. Was that actually me who said that?
"Not a problem," Emily said, brushing it off. "So, good game."
"Yeah, except for McClanahan," I muttered. "That guy just loves to throw the cheap shots."
"And apparently you do too," she responded defensively.
"You two dating or something?" I asked.
"Yeah. Got a problem with that?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Not a problem with that. With him, yes. I was just trying to figure out why you'd defend that jerk."
"He isn't a jerk. You just don't like him because he's prettier than you," Emily joked.
"Oh yeah, that's it. It has nothing to do with him knocking me down every two seconds," I said, rolling my eyes at her.
"Don't you roll those blue eyes at me, O'Callahan," Emily said, sounding like a third grade teacher.
"Yes, ma'am. But don't call me that. It's OC," I told her, as McClanahan walked over, jealously wrapping his arms around Emily's waist.
"Talking to the enemy for a reason?" he asked her as he eyed me.
"OC and I just kinda sorta bumped into each other," Emily told him as she pulled out of his grasp.
"Yeah, don't worry. I'm not trying to steal your girl" I said, rolling my eyes at him before walking away.
"Like hell" he muttered under his breath. "Stay away from that guy," he warned her.
