Page 17 of For Puck’s Sake (Seattle Vipers #2)

SIXTEEN

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“ I s there something you want to tell me, B?” Dean asks, following me inside Red’s with his hands stuffed in his pockets, his new permanent scowl on his face. I guess he’s choosing to be dramatic tonight. I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment. Patting him on the back, reassuring, and cajoling him is not my ministry in his regard.

The sound of house music streams down the halls leading from the back of the bar. I tune out his huff of frustration, humming to Coco Jones’s ‘Here We Go’ as I make my way to the front. Refusing to let him spoil my Ridley-induced high, I continue to hum as I make my way on stage. Weaving through empty tables and chairs, I make a mental note to use this song for one of my covers on tour. I absolutely love it. I look around for Red quickly, but I don’t see her at the bar. She’s probably in the kitchen barking orders like the drill sergeant she is. Things have been so busy lately she’s had to hire extra staff for the rest of my time here. I would apologize, but my girl is getting mad notoriety, and people are flocking to Solo Red’s in droves. I don’t think I will be the last major artist to perform here in Lark Bay, and I am glad I can leave her with this legacy.

“B, my question comes from concern, you know,” Dean calls out from behind me, butting into my thoughts as he continues to follow me. “Ignore me all you want, but I am responsible for you while we’re out here on the road.”

I make my way to the stage and place Bessie’s case down and turn to face him. I will not get angry, unlike him, I’m choosing peace. Inclining my head, I try to give him an ‘I’m not irritated look’ with a hard thin-lipped smile. It’s the same smile I used to give my parents any time I had to agree to things I didn’t like.

“Do you like the job, Dean? Seriously? Or would you rather go back to Seattle and do your own thing? We both know you could be just as successful as me. So, why are you still following me around under the pretense of being my road manager?” I have asked Dean similar questions like this for months now and all I’ve received in return is that he likes helping me more. But I call bullshit. There is something he wants, but unfortunately for Dean, I’m off the table. Now, it all just seems forced between us. I don’t even ask him to perform with me during the show because the chemistry isn’t there, it’s awkward. I move to unzip my guitar case and pull Bessie out, giving her a stroke down her shiny ebony body. It’s a habit and something I do before every show. Yep, I’m one of those musicians, a creature of creative habit.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t still want to be,” Dean finally replies, looking down at his shoes, as if they’re the most important thing in the world. But I know differently. He doesn’t want me to see the truth in his eyes. No matter how many times I’ve shut him down about us, his feelings remain. I also know he’s upset about Ridley and me, but fuck it, I’m a grown woman. He is not my father, and I don’t give damn about what he thinks either, so I’m definitely not going to explain myself to someone I was with a few regretful times.

I’m not normally an asshole, but lately with Dean, it’s the only behavior I muster. Dragging my stool forward, I perch on the edge, cursing my dress choice. That’s what I get for trying to tempt Ridley, now I have to be extra careful not to flash my vajayjay to the crowd. Cradling Bessie, I look up, almost forgetting I am having a reproaching conversation with D. “Good,” I say, nodding my head in finality. “Make sure you tell me when you don’t want to be though, D. Don’t let your feelings for me hold you back.”

His head snaps back like I’ve slapped him, then his scowl deepens. “As long as you don’t let him do the same,” he replies. “I’ll get the house music.” He turns to walk away just as Ridley saunters through, all swaggery and shit. Damn it. I think I’ve held back long enough with him. He stops and looks from me to Dean, but Dean just holds his hands up in surrender. I’m not sure if Rid heard any of our exchange, but by the menacing look he’s giving Dean, I’m certain he did.

“I don’t know what you’re implying, but I think you need to mind your own business,” Ridley says with a toothy grin, the same one I’ve only seen him use after he’s thrown his helmet off to fight on the ice.

“Dean, sound check, yeah.” I cut in before he gets his face rearranged by Ridley for the second time. I crook my finger at Ridley and point to the table right in front of me. Dean inclines his head and gives Ridley a wide berth and jogs away to cut the music in the bar.

“Come here, my little Brea-bunny,” I tease as the music is abruptly cut off overhead.

Ridley smiles, blue eyes sparkling, joyous and happy, the way he should always look. It’s all I ever wanted for him, and it hurts I was the reason his light dimmed for a while.

“Luna, there is nothing little about me, love.” He walks toward me and plops down on the seat. “And I think the proper terminology is groupie.” He smirks, and all I’m doing is staring at his body like the thirsty fiend I am. God, how long has it been?

“You have puck bunnies in hockey, I have Brea-bunnies, just one though.” I hold up one finger then slowly point it in his direction.

Ridley gasps in mock-surprise then starts to shout, “Brea! I love you! Oh my God, you’re so hot! Ahhh!” He squeals like a pre-teen at a Taylor Swift concert, jumping up and down, clapping his hands manically and screams, “I love you!”

I throw my head back and laugh at this ridiculous man. I should be playing Bessie to check levels, but instead I’m letting myself fall even deeper in love with the man I never stopped loving to begin with. I’m having too much fun. Ridley has always made life this way. He’s an adventure in itself. I sober for a second, because he was right earlier in the car. We need to live in the now and enjoy the time we have left with each other.

“Can I make a request?” Ridley asks after I finally pull myself together enough to get back to what I should be doing. I’m sure Dean wants to march in here and give me the third degree, but he wouldn’t dare in front of Ridley.

“Sure, anything for my biggest fan.” I blow him a kiss and he hurries to catch it, clutching it to his heart.

“Can you play me a song about the moon, Luna?” he finally asks, propping his elbows on the table with his head resting in his hands. His request takes me by surprise. My thoughts take me back to his birthday party all those years ago, under the moonlight, his head on my shoulder as I performed an impromptu mini concert with a silly tune, with even sillier lyrics.

“For you, anything,” I say as I begin to strum the familiar chords for the man who’s recaptured my heart. He could, just like before, ask me for anything and I would travel to the moon and back to make it happen.

I spend the rest of my performance with Ridley cheering me on, front and center, with a proud loving smile on his face. Yes, I played for my fans, but like always, when Ridley Masters is in the room, I’m playing for one, for him.

The night sky is cloudy tonight, leaving streaks of moonlight slicing across the split in the path we are approaching. One side leads to the guest house, the other to Tor’s lakeside home. Ridley walks in front of me, my hand clasped in his. He’s not pulling me along, honestly, his hand feels more like an anchor as he brushes his thumb gently over my fingers. Is he aware of the change in the path up ahead? I’m sure he is. His hand makes me aware of his presence, there’s no questions, no manipulations. He just holds my hand, letting me know without saying that whatever direction I turn tonight, it’s okay. Despite what he said earlier, there’s no pressure for sex, and I know it.

I can admit I’ve been hesitant. The remnants of my earlier misgivings made me pause in going further intimately. But damn it, my panties are wet, they’ve been this way since the kiss in the car this evening. I had to sing and play with those gorgeous blues shining back at me from the front row. I felt like I was singing to his lips at one point, those perfectly kissable soft lips I want to suck like a lollipop. Gah! Talk about sexual frustration! It’s been months. I mean, instead of watching my steps in the dark, I’m watching Ridley’s juicy hockey ass move inside the fabric of his jeans. Who needs a BBL, someone needs to be paying close attention to the workout routine of hockey players and getting tips on how to lift your ass naturally. They would make a killing, because the proof is right in front of me. I can bounce a quarter?—

“Angel,” Ridley’s voice cuts through my salacious thoughts as I blink away the lust from my eyes.

“Yeah,” is all I can say in response. He turns to face me, left brow lifting inquisitively.

“Did you hear what I said?” He tilts his head and studies me, then smiles. “Or were you staring at my ass this entire time? I have to say, Miss Brookes, some things never change.” He shakes his head in amusement, making me roll my eyes. I guess I can’t deny it, he’s right. His ass is a treasure.

I point to the ass in question. “Ridley, you are the one with your back to me. I am just admiring the view,” I say sauntering forward until my body is flush with his. “Plus, I never gave you my panties earlier, so I am hoping I’m still your prize for the night.” I lift up on my tiptoes and kiss him on the side of his mouth. The gesture is sweet, even though there is not a sweet thought in my head about where I want this night to go. I’m done waiting. This man is mine. No more doubts.

“Well, you’ve answered my question,” he says as he turns his back to me.

“Which is?” I ask, already knowing what he wants me to do before he asks. I make sure Bessie is secure and launch myself onto Ridley’s back.

“You’re coming home with me,” he says as he secures his hold on my legs. “Hold on, Luna, I need to get you inside before I decide to strip you right here out in the open.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to— Ouch!” I screech from the shock and surprise as he reaches around to swat my practically bare ass underneath my dress. “Seriously, no one is around,” I say with a huff. I really wouldn’t be opposed to loving him beneath the stars. It’s not like we haven’t done it before.

He grunts in disapproval. “Angel, no one sees this ass but me, and what I plan to do this body will take all night. I can’t risk you getting exposure.”

I snort as he jogs the rest of the way up the path to the front door. “We’re in Washington in the middle of the summer. You’re such a worrier. Besides, who’s going to see my ass, the birds and fish?”

“Well, okay, you have a point. But we both know you can’t be quiet.” I drop my head to the back of his neck, my eyes flutter closed, this man is going to kill me. “Everyone in this town has heard your beautiful voice, Angel. But those moans of pleasure, the way you scream my name when you cum. Oh, those are only for me. So, no outside hanky-panky for you, miss.” If I could clench my thighs together, his voice has a low raspy seriousness I feel all the way down to my toes.

I chuckle but the sound is muffled as I nuzzle deeper into his neck inhaling the calming scent of home on his skin. Tears prick my eyes as memories flood my mind, hours of lovemaking, countless kisses, and piggyback rides, laughter and smiles, the good and the bad times, every one of them made us who we are. I gave it up. I gave this up. My arms are wrapped so tightly around his neck I’m probably choking him, but I can’t seem to let go. I hang on even after the door closes and Ridley finally stops moving. When I don’t make a move to slide down, he gives my thighs a gentle squeeze.

“Luna? Baby, this is the part where you slide down my body and let me see you.” I can hear the concern in his voice. I guess the chokehold is a big red flag that my mood has shifted. I want to scream at myself right now. I’ve killed the playful vibe. How can I go from thoroughly turned on to a sad clingy backpack in less than six seconds? I promise to tell him how I’m feeling. I don’t want to hold anything back. Letting things fester is what got us here in the first place.

“I can’t,” I whisper. “I don’t deserve you, Ridley Masters,” I say into the back of his neck. Ridley scoffs and somehow maneuvers me without putting me down until I’m face to face with him. I release my grip on his neck only to wrap my legs around his waist as he walks me over the massive black leather sofa in the middle of the room next to the entryway. The lights are dim, giving the living room a soft glow, but I don’t look around, my eyes are only for him. Not much has changed in two years as I study Ridley’s handsome face. He’s ruggedly beautiful, gorgeous as ever, his eyes are bluer tonight with a bit of stubble gracing his sharp jaw line. There’s more muscle definition underneath his clothes, but other than that, he’s still the same man I fell for. He’s considerate, loyal, loving, and kind. He didn’t deserve what I did, and I know I apologized, but when I remember the way we were, guilt creeps up on me.

“I’m going to need you to explain where this is coming from, Angel,” he says, pulling my guitar off my back and propping it against the wall. He sits down, settling me on his lap as my dress rides up my thighs and his hands follow. He keeps them there, unmoving, his warm palms on my skin, and I just want to nestle into his chest and let him hold me for the rest of the night.

Talk to him, Brea, I scold myself. After a deep breath, I sit back on his thighs and open my mouth. “You know, for two years I built you up to be the bad guy,” I say, cringing at how pitiful it sounds out loud. Ridley opens his mouth to speak but I place a finger on his lips to stop him. “It was made easier when every picture of you in the media was with another woman. Or posts and blogs about you being the new fuckboy of hockey. It made it easy to overlook what I did to you. Instead of reaching out to the people who cared and loved me when we faced tragedy, I closed myself off. I let the news that I probably will never have children again be the nail in our coffin. Why would you want a faulty girlfriend? Let alone a wife who could possibly never give you the family you want?—"

“Luna, baby, we talked about this.”

I shut him up by pressing my lips to his. The kiss is soft and apologetic, ending too quickly. “I know.” I sigh. “We were together for so long, Ridley. Believe me when I say that every night I closed my eyes were to memories of us. Every glorious one. You’ve done nothing but love me, cherish me, give me all of you. It wasn’t always perfect, but not once did we ever face a situation that warranted me leaving without looking back. You wanted to protect my heart, but I didn’t protect yours. For that, I am sorry.” I hang my head, feeling worn out from this last bit of truth I had yet to spill. My soul feels freer, and I can breathe easier now it’s all out of me.

Ridley rubs his hands up and down my thighs, pulling me closer until I’m sitting directly on his rock-hard erection. Electric pulses of need pool low in my belly. I bite back a moan as my need for him hits me so hard my head spins.

“All in the past, Angel. We’re starting over, right?” he asks as he leans in and nips the spot between my neck and collar bone.

I nod deliriously, melting into his body further. Ridley’s nose skims up the side of my neck, catching my earlobe between his lips, pulling and sucking. “Thank you for sharing your feelings with me, Luna. For opening up. But let me reassure you.” He peppers kisses down the side of my face, making me gasp in pleasure until he reaches my lips and hovers there, inches apart.

“I spent every day and night wanting nothing but you. I didn’t handle being without you well. None of those other women mattered to me. I was trying to fill a hole I could never fill. You encompass my heart. The void I felt without you, baby, I don’t ever want to feel that empty again.” He reaches for my hand and places it over his rapidly beating heart. “You are who I want. Who I need. Who I desire. No one else compares. So, no more apologies, Angel. This is us starting anew. Let all those memories of us in the past fill you with hope that we have so much more to come. When we are separated, let them ground you, because even though we will be far apart at times, we are both underneath the same moon, the same moon you sing to is the same one I will be gazing up to knowing you are out there, and mine. There is nowhere I can’t reach you, Luna. I love you, that is all that matters.” He kisses me then and I open for him willingly. He groans in what feels like relief and the kiss turns desperate and needy. Tongues and teeth clash, frantic hands, and fire-laced touches.

I break the kiss, breathless and panting. I press my forehead against his as his hands wander up and underneath my dress.

“I need you, Ridley,” I say softly.

“What do you need, Brea?” he asks, even though he already knows. I can feel my arousal running down my legs. I’ve soaked his jeans; I know he can feel it. But if he wants me to say it out loud, then who am I to deny him?

“Fuck me,” I say without hesitation.

Ridley’s blue eyes find mine and he smiles. “Gladly.”