Page 48 of Breaking the Pucking Rules (LA Vipers #1)

CASEY

“ Y es, Rivers,” I scream, watching our little number fifty-five flying toward the goal with the kind of skill some professionals would be jealous of.

I’m sure having an NHL-playing father helps, but even a professional can’t teach that kind of talent. She might have hockey in her blood, but this is more than that. She was born to play.

I’m so proud of her and her team. Watching them kicking ass on the rink is one of the best things about my week.

Sutton manages to fake left, losing the defenseman who’s trailing her, as she races around the back of the net. She does this little spin thing and shoots before her head has caught up with her body.

The puck flies into the top left of the goal, and the Polar Bears parents scream with excitement.

The Angels goalkeeper stands there looking utterly stunned—as does Megan, and most of our team, to be fair.

Sutton, on the other hand, looks totally unaffected by that epic display of talent.

She didn’t even look at the freaking goal.

This girl is something else.

It takes the team a second before they dive on Sutton, celebrating her incredible goal, which puts them even further in the lead.

They’ve got this game in the bag, even with half of the third period to go.

Our players change shifts, and the second Sutton steps off the ice, she approaches me, her expression set in her usual game face.

She’s so freaking serious, and I know exactly where she gets it from.

“Sutton, that was incredible,” I say, a wide smile on my face as I drop to my haunches to speak to her on her level.

But my smile falters when I see tears in her eyes. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?” I ask, reaching out and squeezing her shoulder—not that she can feel it with her pads.

Her bottom lip trembles.

“I’ve been working on that trick with Daddy, and he wasn’t here to see it.”

“Oh, sweetie.”

What she’s feeling right now...I remember it all too well.

“He’ll be so excited to hear all about it later. And he’ll be so proud of you.”

She nods. “I know. I just…I miss him.”

Me too.

Before I know what’s happening, she’s surging forward and wrapping her little arms around me. It’s awkward with her equipment on, but she doesn’t let that stop her.

Unable to do anything but hug her back, I squeeze her tight, hoping that I’m helping. Over her shoulder, my eyes find her gran, sitting with the other parents watching our game. Sympathy oozes from her. She’s well aware that Sutton is struggling, and she doesn’t know how to help.

Honestly, until Kodie is standing before her, nothing will.

“Just a couple more days, sweetie,” I say, desperate to take her pain away.

She sniffles, pulling her game face back on.

“I know. And I’ll do that again.”

“You absolutely will,” I say with confidence. “Go and get a drink. You’ll be back on again soon. ”

She nods at me before waddling off on her blades. I keep my eyes on her as I stand to my full height and try to breathe.

“Is she okay?” Megan asks without taking her eyes off the ice.

“She’s fine.”

Megan nods before shouting, “Rivers, Smith, Andreev—get back out there.”

Instantly, they’re on their feet and moving toward the gate for another shift. The only difference to watching the pros is that they can’t jump the boards.

Pulling my cell from my pocket, I prop it up the best I can to capture footage of the game. I may not send it to him today, or even this week. But I’m sure he’ll appreciate anything he misses when it comes to Sutton.

As predicted, we hold our lead until the end, winning the game five to nothing.

The Polar Bears are ecstatic as they celebrate another win, but just like always, they make sure to take their time to shake hands with the other team.

After a brief post-game speech from Megan, the parents come and join us while the girls tug off their skates and lose their pads.

“Coach C,” a little voice calls as I’m tidying up.

Looking over my shoulder, I find Sutton running toward me.

Her arms open, and when she wraps her arms around my legs this time, she’s not hindered by pads.

“Thank you,” she says quietly.

“Ah, sweetie, I didn’t do anything.”

My stomach twists when she gazes up at me with her large, chocolate-brown eyes. They’re the exact same color as her dad’s.

“I know you understand,” she says.

I nod, attempting to swallow the lump in my throat.

“I understand how hard it is to have your daddy away so much. But do you know what else I know?” I ask her.

Her face lights up as if I’m about to tell her the world’s biggest secret.

“When he’s back, he’ll make up for every moment he was gone.”

She blinks, attempting to banish her threatening tears.

“He always does. He’s the best.”

“ D on’t get me wrong, I appreciate the shit out of this impromptu spa trip, but I’m assuming you have an ulterior motive than just having a girls’ day,” Parker says with a smirk as she glances over at me from her lounger.

The idea struck me during my video call with Kodie last night. They’re flying back Wednesday morning, and I want to be ready should he take our dirty video calls to the next level.

Fuck. I hope he will. I think I’ll die if I don’t get his dick inside me soon.

Sure, having his voice in my ear as I come is great, but I need more. So much more.

I made more than a few calls this morning in the hope of finding somewhere that could fit us in last minute. Really, I just need a good wax. But I want the full works. I want to be fresh and smooth for our reunion.

Oh god. Butterflies go wild in my stomach just thinking about being with him again.

“Maybe,” I confess from behind my mimosa.

“I’m assuming it also has something to do with you not wanting to come out last night.”

“Mmm.”

Parker laughs. Between her clients and my busy schedule this week, we haven’t managed to catch up. Parker knows Kodie and I have been messaging, but I haven’t dived into confessing to our video calls yet.

“When are the guys back?” she asks, turning her attention to the calm water of the pool before us.

“Wednesday afternoon, I think.”

“You think,” she teases. “You can try to be flippant all you like, but I know for a fact you have their flight number and you’re ready to track the shit out of it.”

I shrug. “I miss Dad.”

Parker snorts. “Oh yeah, that’s who’s got you pulling favors for a last-minute waxing session…your father.”

I laugh, sipping on my drink.

“So, what’s the plan then?”

“There isn’t a plan.” She gives me the side-eye, clearly not believing a word. “I mean it. We haven’t talked about what happens when he gets back.”

She raises a brow.

“We’ve talked about seeing each other and being together in person instead of through a screen.

But it’s all in the heat of the moment. I’m trying really hard not to fixate on anything he says when he’s about to come.

Or when he’s riding the high of an orgasm.

We all know that men say everything and anything in those moments. ”

Parker shifts on her lounger so she’s facing me.

“Tell me more about all these orgasms.”

I shake my head, laughing before embarking on the CliffsNotes of our video calls.

“Man, that’s hot,” she sighs, fanning herself dramatically.

“Yeah,” I muse, thinking of some of the kinkier moments. “It is.”

“Mostly, I’m just shocked that grumpy Kodie Rivers is willing to dirty talk and jerk off on camera.”

“You make it sound so…”

“Dirty?” she asks.

“Well, yeah.”

“It is. It’s dirty, filthy, hot, kinky?—”

“Okay, okay,” I laugh. “I get it. You know, you sure sound a little jealous.”

“Of hot-as-hell phone sex? Of course I am. I can’t even find anyone decent to do it with in person, let alone via video.”

“There are plenty of interested guys out there, P.”

“Mmm. Have you seen them, though? They’re not exactly the quality I’m after.”

“Maybe if you were less picky.”

“Oh, that’s rich. How many guys have you turned down because they’re not your beloved Kodie? ”

“Okay, could you make me sound like any more of a stalker? And, I’ll have you know, I’ve never turned down a guy because they’re not him.

I’ve never been under any illusions that I had a chance with him.

All of this…it’s a dream. I keep thinking that I’m going to wake up and discover that none of it was real. ”

“I can assure you, it’s real,” she says, finishing her mimosa.

“Yeah, but for how long? This past week and a half have been great. We’ve…enjoyed ourselves. But it can’t last, surely? He’s going to come back, life will get busy with Sutton, and?—”

“What did he say when you told him about coaching her team?”

“Uh…”

“Casey,” she chastises.

“I know,” I sigh. “I know, okay? I just…what if he calls it off because I’m her coach now?”

“And what if he doesn’t?”

“I…” I pause, attempting to imagine my life without Kodie in it. Without trying, he’s become such a massive part of my every day. He’s always in my thoughts. If I’m not reflecting on one of our many exchanges, then I’m scheming up what I’m going to do or say next. It’s become an obsession.

The nights he’s traveling or too busy to call or message, I feel like someone has removed a limb. It’s ridiculous, because it’s only been a few weeks since the masquerade ball. We’ve only been together twice. But…it’s just so right. Everything with him is so easy.

“I know I should have told him. And I will.”

“When?”

I shrug.

“When the time is right.”

“Casey, you can’t have him just turn up to practice and see you there. You’ll totally blindside him.”

“I know. I’ll tell him before Wednesday’s practice,” I assure her, but even as I say the words, nerves flutter inside me.

The thought of telling him and him calling time on this…fuck, it’ll kill me.

I know I’m going to have to let him go at some point. But I’m not ready yet.

Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll ever be.

He’s not just the only man I’ve lusted after since I can remember; he’s so much more than anything I ever read about him online.

Yes, he’s an incredibly talented player, but he’s also the kindest man, a supportive father, a thoughtful lover, and I’m quickly discovering a loyal friend too.

He’s the whole package, and I want every single inch of him for as long as I can have him.

“Linc walked in on us the other night,” I blurt.

“What?” Parker gasps. “Oh my god. What did he say?”

“He doesn’t know it’s me. Or at least, Kodie hasn’t said he does.”

“Shit. You do know that the longer this goes on, the more chance you have of being caught?”

“Of course I know that. What’s the chance it’ll be over before anyone figures it out?” I ask hesitantly.

“Honestly?”

“Of course,” I say, although really, I’d probably be happier if she lied to me.

“Almost zero. The second Linc figures it out, he’ll chirp to anyone who’ll listen.”

“Linc isn’t that bad,” I argue.

“You don’t know him like I do.”

“If you say so,” I mutter before a member of staff appears to call me to my waxing session.

Man, I hope this is going to pay off.