Page 47

FORTY-SEVEN

LEXI

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN(DAMENTAL RIGHTS) AND GOOD SEX

Me

Last away game of the season!

Madeline

Lucy and I are tagging along!

Emmy

I’ll be there too.

Who doesn’t love Chicago in April?

Maven

I can’t tell if that’s a joke.

Emmy

Not a joke at all. It’s also the city where Maverick and I got together for the first time.

Me

Look at you being a romantic gal who remembers details like that! You’ve come so far.

Piper

Says the woman who won’t tell us what the hell is going on in her personal life.

Me

Lunch tomorrow after we land? Coach scheduled a later afternoon skate, so I’m free until four.

Emmy

I’m down.

Madeline

Hudson said he’ll watch Lucy, so I’m in.

Piper

I have a meeting at three with the other commentators, but I’m free until then!

Maven

Count me in.

Me

Can’t wait.

* * *

“I can’t believe the regular season is almost finished.” Piper takes a sip of her water and leans back in her chair after we finish our lunches. “I know we have the playoffs, but this year has been a whirlwind, hasn’t it?”

“I don’t know how it’s already April,” I say. “It feels like it was just training camp.”

“Time flies when you’re having fun. And it’s going to be even more fun when we kick the Stars’ asses in the first round,” Emmy says. “If you all lose tomorrow, you’re facing off against Baltimore, and we have the home ice advantage.”

“But if we win, we play Detroit. We’ve beaten them in all four matchups this season, and I like our odds,” Madeline says, and we all stare at her. “What? I pay attention to sports sometimes.” When I lift an eyebrow, she grins. “Okay, fine. Hudson has drilled these scenarios into my brain, and I can recite it from memory. I didn’t do it on my own.”

“Still. It only took you two years, but you’re talking about sports,” Maven says. “And I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks.” Madeline laughs. “How are the guys feeling, Lex? Are they all staying healthy?”

“Surprisingly, yes. Balancing the normal things I see during the season and Riley’s rehabilitation has been exhausting, but also damn rewarding. I’m proud of myself for working so hard, and I’m proud of the guys for taking injury prevention seriously this year,” I say. “We’re the only team in the league who hasn’t had a player miss a single game all season.”

“One day people will acknowledge your team is held together by successful women,” Emmy says. “And until then, we’re going to order dessert and stuff our faces.”

I beam at the compliment and sneak a glance at my phone. Riley is spending the afternoon with the guys, and he mentioned something about lunch and a movie-watching party. I smile when I see a text from him, then I drag my thumb across the screen to see what he has to say.

Riley

Why did no one tell me The Fox and the Hound was the most depressing movie they’d ever seen?

Grant is sobbing on the hotel ballroom floor.

I don’t think Ethan is going to be able to play tomorrow.

We’re a goddamn mess.

Me

Who the hell picked that as the movie for you all to watch?

Riley

Ethan did as a joke. He said he could get Liam to cry.

Spoiler alert: he didn’t cry, and I’m convinced he’s a robot.

Me

Poor baby. Are you okay?

Riley

Will you come kiss me and make it better?

Me

Later tonight I will.

Riley

Good answer.

Me

Talk to you soon, Mitchy ;)

“Is there something interesting on your phone, Lex?” Piper studies me. “You’re grinning . And totally ignoring us.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You so are,” Maven says.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I lock my phone before anyone can see the photo that comes through of Riley with red-rimmed eyes. There are tears on the lenses of his glasses, his hair is a mess, but he’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Someone else make this conversation about them.”

“Maverick and I are serious about investing in a PWHL expansion team,” Emmy says, and I perk up. “We’re hoping to put in a proposal to the city of Detroit in the next few months, then we can get this ball rolling.”

“Stop it.” Maven claps. “That is incredible, Em.”

“It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?” She smiles and drops her elbow to the table. “I’ll always feel so fortunate I was the first female in the NHL. I’m glad that door is open if women want to go down the same path, and I’m also glad there’s a market and demand for more women’s sports leagues. I wouldn’t trade my experience in the league for anything, but as someone who had to play on all-boys teams because there weren’t options for me as a young girl, I’m sure it’s so special to be surrounded by strong and powerful women training with the same goal in mind. You have athletic trainers who understand women’s bodies,” she says, glancing at me. I nod in agreement, knowing how different male and female athletes’ skeletal structures are. “There are resources like locker rooms and showers and free feminine hygiene products, and a focus on mental health and family accessibility. There’s sisterhood embedded in the competition, and I want every little girl out there who loves the sport to know she can play in the big leagues too.”

“I didn’t think I was going to cry at lunch, but here we are.” Madeline dabs under her eye with her napkin. “What a time to be a woman.”

“Would you move to Michigan?” Maven asks, and Emmy shakes her head.

“Michigan will always have my heart, but DC is home now. I know Maverick wants to retire with the Stars, and I’m hoping to sign another contract extension with the Sea Crabs. Besides”—Emmy pauses—“it took me thirty years to find a group of women I could call my friends. I’m not leaving without you all.”

“This is why I love my tattoo.” I push up the sleeve of my sweater and show off the small hearts that are healing on the curve of my arm. “So I can always carry you all with me.”

I’m so close to telling them about Riley and gushing about how wonderful he is. They know almost everything else about me, but for some reason, I want him all to myself. I’m not embarrassed by him—god no. I never could be.

He’s my best kept secret, and the second people find out we’re seeing each other, he won’t be just mine anymore.

And, gosh, do I love that he’s just mine.

“We really need to start saving these heart-to-hearts for when we’re having a glass of wine,” Piper says. “Then I can blame my crying on the alcohol.”

“Speaking of crying, the entire team is an emotional mess because of the movie they watched this afternoon. If they lose tomorrow, your darling husband is to blame,” I tell Piper. “Does that man ever show any ounce of emotion besides being totally locked in during a game?”

“We went to the animal shelter last week because we’ve been thinking of getting Pico de Gato a sibling,” she says, mentioning Liam’s cat. “He held a senior cat that’s been overlooked for months and burst into tears. When he tells you it was allergies, don’t believe him.”

I laugh. “Oh, I can’t wait to give him shit about that tomorrow.”

“Speaking of, I should get back.” Madeline taps her phone screen and checks the time. “Hudson and Lucy have been at the museum, and she’s begging for pizza. I said I’d join them for a second lunch.”

“Tell Huddy Boy we say hi,” Piper sings. “And give Lucy a big kiss for me.”

“Will do.” Madeline smiles. “I’ll see you girls at the game tomorrow.”

“I need to get going too. I have some ankles to tape, and god forbid anyone else on my team does their job.” I stand and pull out a twenty from my wallet to leave behind as a tip. “Everyone get back safe.”

“You make me want to be a hockey player,” Maven says. “Just so I can be under your care.”

“Please. I’m not that special.”

“I bet there’s someone on the team who would disagree with that,” Piper teases. “Maybe you’ve met him? He’s six-two and wears glasses. Oh, and he blushes whenever you’re around.”

“Can’t hear you,” I say, sticking out my tongue and waltzing toward the exit of the restaurant.

* * *

Me

I know you said you wanted me to kiss you and make you feel better, but I have a better idea.

*Attachment: 1 image*

Meet me at the rooftop pool?

Riley

Is that a goddamn string bikini?

Me

Get up here and find out.

* * *

The hotel’s outdoor pool is warm when I dunk my head beneath the surface. My muscles unwind in the heated water, and my body is grateful for the moment of relaxation after an early morning and a long travel day. When I reemerge, Riley is standing on the pool deck in a hoodie and gym shorts.

“Hey.” I smile and wipe the water from my eyes. “That was quick.”

“You sent me a picture of your ass in a bathing suit. I haven’t moved that fast since the playoffs last year.”

I laugh and swim over to him. The water gets shallower, and I walk across the bottom until I reach the stairs. I shiver at the change in temperature, the cool night air making goosebumps pop up on my skin. “We should cross another item off your Life List.”

“Yeah? And which one is that?”

“Skinny dipping.” I pull the tie around my neck, the triangle piece falling into the water. Riley tips his head back and stares at the sky, and I throw the top of my bikini at him. “What do you think?”

“I think one of my teammates could see you naked, and then I’d have to kill them.”

“Coach put tape on their doors. No one is going to risk sneaking out the night before one of the most important games of the season. They’d be benched for the playoffs.”

Riley lowers his chin and rubs a hand over his jaw. He’s staring at my chest and my pointed nipples, and when he drops his gaze to my stomach, I reach down to my waist and pull on the strings at my hips.

“Jesus,” he mumbles. “You make me want to be reckless.”

“Strip, Mitchell,” I say, and his eyes dance with glee. “Let’s live a little.”

“I have to take off my prosthetic.”

“We have all the time in the world.”

“I might drown.”

“I was a lifeguard one summer.”

He laughs and pulls off his sweatshirt. I’m glad to see he’s not wearing anything underneath it, and he drops it in a heap on the concrete. His glasses go next, landing beside the pile of clothes, and he puts his hands on his hips. “You drive a hard bargain, Armstrong.”

“Come on in, Ri.” I toss my bikini bottoms at his head. “The water is fine.”

“Hang on.” Riley drags a pool chair over to the door, blocking the entrance and keeping anyone from getting up here and finding us. He scans the deck, eyes gleaming when he finds what he’s looking for. With a quick flick of his wrist, he flips a switch and the lights around us extinguish. “There. I’m sure this place has security cameras, and the last thing I need is our asses ending up on TMZ’s website.”

“You’re so resourceful. What else can you do?”

“Give me a second and I’ll show you.”

Riley hooks his fingers in the waistband of his shorts and yanks them over his legs to reveal no underwear and his hard cock. He wraps a hand around his length and gives himself two jerks before he slowly lowers himself to the deck in a sitting position. There’s no grimace on his face as he takes off his prosthetic, and when he slips into the water and grabs me by my waist, I can’t help but giggle.

I’ve seen Riley naked dozens of times, but there’s something about the way his body looks under the night sky that’s intoxicating. It’s beautiful, a testament to his perseverance and all the hard work he’s put into his physical journey the last eight months.

But under all of that is his kind soul and his soft heart, and out of everything I’ve learned about him, those are the most magical parts that make me so wonderfully happy.

I wrap my legs around his waist and he rests his back against the pool ledge, staying in the shallow water so he can keep one foot on the ground.

“I’m waiting,” I murmur, and he brings a wet hand to my hair. He drops my head back and presses a kiss to my neck, his tongue running up the length of my throat.

“I have a tough choice to make, Lexi baby. Do I get you off out here where anyone can see?” he asks, and I press my chest against his. “Or should I make you wait until I get you back to my room?”

“Both are good options.” I sigh when he moves his hand down my throat and dips it below my collarbone. He snakes his palm across my body, between my legs, then shoves my thighs apart with a satisfied hum. “I can be patient.”

“The last thing you are is patient.” He pushes a finger inside me, and my nails dig into his shoulders. “We might need to add an addendum to the list: skinny dipping with orgasms. That’s way better than just skinny dipping, don’t you think?”

“Y-yes,” I rasp, the syllable cracking when a second finger sneaks inside me and pumps my pussy. I arch my back and bite my bottom lip to hold back a moan. “Way better.”

“Look at you.” His mouth moves to my shoulder, and he laps up the water on my skin with his tongue. He sucks on my skin then finishes it off with a quick bite of his teeth, the sting sending a delicious roll of pleasure through my body. “You’re so beautiful all the time, but I like you like this: no makeup. Your hair down. Naked. I like that it’s the side of you only I get to see.”

He forgot something on his list.

Exposed.

Split open with my heart in my hands.

Out here in the quiet, still night, I’m handing over pieces of myself I don’t normally show during the day. I’m sinking into him, letting him possess me in new ways, and I wonder how it could ever be better than this.

“Riley,” I whisper, putting both hands on his cheeks. “I’m glad I get to do your Life List with you.”

His face softens. The intensity behind his eyes melts to hopeless, loving , and I swallow the lump in my throat when he kisses me slow and tender.

“There’s no one I’d rather do it with,” he says, and I don’t know if he’s talking about the list or the thumb he’s pressing against my clit or something bigger that I’ve been trying to explain to myself for weeks but can’t figure out.

He fucks me with his fingers lazily, like we have all the time in the world.

Maybe we do.

There’s no hurry, no rush. Riley brings me to the edge of an orgasm then pulls back, smiling into the curve of my neck when I say please and whispering back okay . He transports me to some mystical place I’m not sure I could reach if we weren’t out here, if I wasn’t with him, the slick glide of our bodies against each other and my muffled moans buried in his shoulder when he finally, finally , plucks me apart with four fingers and a gentle laugh that makes my heart twist in my chest.

He eases me down from the high with a kiss everywhere he can reach: my forehead, my cheek, the curve of my jaw and the spot below my ear where I’m secretly ticklish. I can feel his body shaking, his muscles straining, the strength of holding me on one leg an excruciating task I don’t take for granted. I shiver when I kiss him again then pull away, wanting to relieve him from the weight he’s carrying.

“Can we go to your room?” I whisper against the corner of his mouth, and he nods.

“Yeah. It’s going to take me a minute to get my leg back on, though. If you want to go ahead, I’ll?—”

“I’ll grab us some towels.” I slowly unravel from around his middle, limbs heavy, sated and satisfied. “And I’ll help however I can.”

“A towel would be great.” Riley spins and puts his hands on the edge of the pool, hoisting himself out of the water as rivulets of chlorine roll over the sculpted muscles of his ass. “My liner won’t go on if I’m wet.”

I swim over to the stairs and step out of the pool, feeling his eyes on me as I grab a handful of towels and make my way over to him. He smiles when I hand him two, and he dries his hair and shoulders before tackling his lower half.

“Are any of the guys on your floor?” I ask, wrapping my towel around my body and scooping up my discarded bathing suit.

“Ethan is next to me. I heard him recording a video earlier, and I hope I never have to hear a conversation like that again.” He laughs as he dries his residual limb. “It was vile.”

“You need to download an app that does white noise. Or get some headphones.”

“I already ordered a pair of noise-canceling ones.” Riley puts his shorts back on but leaves his hoodie off. Clothed from the waist down, he assembles his prosthetic, then stands. “There we go. We’re back in business.” He holds out his hand, and I lace our fingers together. “Ready?”

“I’m ready for you to fuck me into oblivion, Mitchy,” I say, and his laugh is loud enough to wake up the whole hotel.