Page 49 of Her Puck Daddies
Oh, now that’s playing dirty, and Eric knows it. “So, if I say no, are you three going to blame me if we start losing again?”
His shoulders slump, but he still answers, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. “No. But I’m not going to lie. Yes, we’ve shared other women before, but being with you? It wasn’t the same. It was more than just a hot night. There was something special about it, something I can’t even put into words. Maybe that’s why Levi got his mojo back. He might even call you his good luck charm. And luck’s a big deal to hockey players.”
Good luck charm. Now, there’s something I’ve never been given credit for.
“Do you know the captain goes out of his way to find a McDonalds near every venue where we play?” he continues. “It’s because he ate a Big Mac before his Division One championships back in college and won.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re kidding.”
“Not even a little bit. It’s a ritual with him. And Levi isn’t normally as superstitious, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that his fortunes have changed. You have something to do with that.”
I’ve been cheering for Levi like everyone else, swept up in the excitement of his comeback. But I had no idea that looking forward to being with me might have played a part in it. The idea that I could have that kind of influence over a man’s mindset and gameplay, is rousing. Eric might be exaggerating, but there’s no denying Levi’s been sharper, faster, and almost unstoppable in the net lately.
Allbecause of the simple promise of getting lucky. And damn, if that doesn’t make me feel like a queen.
For once, I’m not the one being controlled or manipulated.
The puck is inmyzone.
If Leighton had suggested I take on a role like this a year ago, I would’ve laughed it off, called her out for being ridiculous. But Eric’s serious. These men now want me over and over again.
That night, I becameHottie—the woman who got fucked by three men in a hotel suite, lost in pleasure and abandon. I can be her again. And I’ll let them claim me in all the filthy ways they want.
With my confidence soaring, I answer playfully, “Well, this should be fun.”
Eric moves closer, his presence commanding as he slips his hand around my waist and lowers his head to my neck. His lips graze my skin before he nibbles my ear, his voice low and filled with desire. “You’re going to come over as soon as we get back. I don’t want to waste another second without you. None of us do.”
God, his words. I can almost feel myself losing control, wanting to drop my panties right here, right now, just from the heat of his breath against my skin.
Butthen he pulls back, his expression darkening with intent. “I’m pretty sure someone saw me come in here with the way I was knocking and yelling at the other door. So, I’m going to leave before anyone gets any ideas. And I’m leaving you with this: Our first night with you was only a taste. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
With that, he turns and leaves, the door clicking shut behind him.
Well, damn.
Chapter 18
SVEN
Isteady myself as soon as I hear Eric’s signature shave and a haircut knock on the hotel room door. It’s funny how just a sound can stir something deep inside me—anticipation, excitement, and yes, a touch of unease. It’s not that I don’t have faith in Odds; it’s just the opposite. But I’ve learned over time to temper my expectations, to walk that fine line between letting hope bloom and guarding myself against disappointment.
It’s a delicate dance, balancing the thrill of wanting with the fear of losing. And right now, the stakes feel impossibly high. It’s not just about the Stanley Cup anymore, it’s about something more personal.
Someonemore personal.
As much as I crave that championship victory, there's something else I’m silently, desperately hoping for. Another night—or maybe many nights—with Ava. And for once, hope feels as dangerous as it does exhilarating.
When I open Levi’s room door to find Eric standing there with a giant smile on his face, I nearly whoop and holler like a puck bunny. I’d never admit it out loud, but I was afraid she’d turn us down.
“So, she agreed?” I ask, trying to keep my cool.
“She did, thanks to yours truly,” Eric says, swaggering in like a man who’s just been crowned king of the known universe.
But it’s Levi hurrying up to Eric and clapping him on the back that seals the deal for me. Of all of us, Spandex is the one most prone to somber moods and long broods, though it’s only ever affected his game lately. Watching him pull out of his death spiral is a massive relief. I was really starting to worry there for a while.
“Tell us everything,” I say to Eric, needing to see Levi’s happiness stick. Eric starts his triumph story, no doubt with plenty of exaggeration. I can’t blame him, though. He got us exactly what we wanted.
“Think we should get together at your place, Doggie,” Eric continues, grinning. “Since your place is the biggest and swankiest.”