Page 29 of Over the Moon (Rosewood River #3)

twenty

. . .

Eloise

I fell forward on top of his chest after we’d both gone over the edge within seconds of one another.

I’ve never experienced sex like this.

It had always been rather uneventful.

But this… this was everything I’d read about in the pages of my romance books. Something that I thought only existed in fiction.

But here I was, still coming down from the most epic orgasm of my life.

Clark wrapped his hand around my neck, fingers in my hair, as he kissed me hard. He then slipped me off of him and adjusted me to lie beside him while he pushed to his feet and walked to the bathroom.

I heard the toilet flush, and then he returned with all that big-dick energy he carried on the ice.

Not a self-conscious bone in his body.

He was all chiseled muscle on golden skin. Tall and confident. His green gaze, lit by the moonlight coming through the slivered opening in the curtains, found mine.

“So how does this work? Should I leave?” I asked, suddenly self-conscious about being naked in his bed. I’d never had sex with a man who I wasn’t actively dating and already calling my boyfriend.

This was different.

This was a secret.

An attraction we had agreed to give in to.

And I had zero regrets. But I also didn’t know how the protocol for this type of arrangement worked.

Would I do the walk of shame now? I wasn’t complaining because my body was still on a high.

I knew when I arrived here tonight that I wanted this.

I wanted him.

This hockey superstar who could have anyone.

A man I worked with and could never be seen with.

So, I’d take whatever came with that. At least for the next few weeks.

He barked out a laugh and slipped back into bed, pulling me onto his chest. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would you leave?”

“Well, we just had sex after we agreed we wouldn’t go there before completely changing lanes tonight. So this is kind of our dirty little secret, and I’m fine with it. But I just figure you usually have sex and then get the hell out of there.”

“Eloise,” he said, looking down at me.

“Yes?”

“I’m not sure where you got your information about me, but I’m certainly not a guy who bangs a woman and then ducks out.”

“You told me you haven’t had a relationship since high school,” I reminded him.

“Correct. Meaning I haven’t been going home for Christmas to meet anyone’s parents. But it’s not quite as abrupt as you seem to think.” He shrugged. “Plus, you’re different. We’re friends first. And now we’re lovers, and I’d keep you tied to my bed if you’d let me.”

I rolled onto my belly, pushing up onto my elbows and smiling at him. “Well, that’s not happening. Plus, we’ve got another day with everyone in town tomorrow.”

“Speaking of tomorrow, that was a dick move by Sebastian. He was totally hitting on you in front of me,” Clark said, making no attempt to hide his irritation.

“He was not,” I said over a fit of laughter. “He thinks you hate me, and I think he felt sorry for me.”

“So let me get this straight.” He rolled me onto my back and hovered above me.

“You insisted that I pretend to despise you, and now the billionaire team owner takes that as his opening to date you? I’d say I got the short end of the stick, but my stick feels like he won tonight. ” He winked, and I smacked his chest.

“You have an impressive hockey stick, Clark Chadwick. No doubt about it.”

“I mean, I don’t want to brag, but you just experienced a Stanley Cup hockey stick, Weeze. I think Sebastian has small-dick energy.”

“Clark.” I arched a brow.

“Yes.”

“I’m not interested in Sebastian.” I put my finger against his lips when he started to interrupt. “If you hadn’t been so distant tonight, I might not have realized how much I missed you. So it all led us to this moment, right?”

“Fair enough. So how do we handle tomorrow?”

“I’ll be with my dad and Sebastian during the day, and you’ll have Randall with you. And then we’ll meet you at Sunday dinner.”

“I’ll make sure my family acts like you’ve never been there. It’ll be fun. And I can keep my eye on the billionaire. But he better not make a move when you’re showing him around downtown.”

“I love that you think he’s going to make a move with my father there. Do you always get jealous with women you sleep with?” I asked, teasing.

But his gaze shifted, turning serious. “No, Eloise. And you are not just some woman that I’m sleeping with.”

I ran my fingers along the scruff of his jaw, the way I’d been dying to do for weeks. “Who am I, then? Your physical therapist? Your trainer? Your coach’s daughter? Your dirty secret?” I said, my voice light and playful because we both knew what this was.

“I don’t see it that way.” He lifted one shoulder, his smile sweet. “You’re my friend and my lover. Are you planning to sleep with anyone else while we’re in Rosewood River?”

“I mean, I haven’t slept with anyone in over a year. I don’t see me taking on another lover in the next three weeks, so no,” I chuckled.

“Then I guess that makes you my woman for now, doesn’t it?” He nipped at my ear, and I squealed. “Say it. For now, you’re mine.”

“Fine, you big Neanderthal. For now, I’m yours.”

“Was that so difficult?”

“Painfully so,” I chuckled. “And how about you say it? For now, you’re mine.”

“For now, I’m yours.” He smiled down at me. “I’m just glad you’re not running out the door.”

“Nah. You and your magic hockey stick can keep me for three weeks,” I said.

“Ah, I love that even you admit I have a magic penis.”

“You’re a man of many talents.”

He reached beneath my arms and shifted me to lie on his chest again, our heads on the same pillow. “We better get some sleep. I’ll need my energy to act like I can’t stand you tomorrow, all while making sure Sebastian doesn’t hit on my woman.”

My woman.

Why did I like hearing him say that so much?

“Go to sleep, Hotshot.”

He wrapped his arms around me tighter, and I listened to the sound of his breathing.

I was surprised at how much I liked sleeping with his arms wrapped around me, the sound of his heartbeat soothing me to sleep.

Even when I knew I shouldn’t get used to it, I didn’t care.

And sleep took us both.

“I can see this town has grown on you,” my father said, as we sat at the Honey Biscuit Café.

“Yes, I really love it here.” It surprised me how much I’ve enjoyed my time in Rosewood River after pouting that I had to spend three months away from the city. Obviously, Clark had a lot to do with it, but honestly, this town was easy to love. The people. The river. The mountains. All of it.

Everyone in town that we ran into stopped us to meet my father and Sebastian. It was just that kind of place.

“I’m impressed that you packed up your life and came here all for one client,” Sebastian said. “It shows how committed you are to your job.”

I hadn’t been given a choice, but I wasn’t going to bring that up.

He knew how this worked.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Lions,” I said.

“We’re lucky to have you.” He winked.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if they’d extend the interview, seeing as I’m the coach and all, but having you on the Lions with me is more than I ever could have hoped for,” Dad said.

My chest squeezed at his words because I felt the same way.

“Of course, we’d interview your daughter. And from what I was told, she was by far, the best candidate, and they interviewed nearly a dozen applicants. You were the standout,” Sebastian said.

“That is so kind of you to say. I’m so happy to be part of this organization, and I’m looking forward to another winning season.”

“Count on it,” Sebastian said, as he and my father started discussing a player they were interested in drafting.

I glanced down at my phone to see a text from Clark.

Hotshot

We made it down the river, but I swear, Randall did nothing to help.

Hotshot

Has Moneybags asked you out yet?

Don’t be a baby. It’s a good upper arm workout for you. And no. Of course not. It’s not like that, and we’re with my father, you jealous Neanderthal.

Hotshot

It’s Sunday. I believe you told me I’m supposed to rest on Sunday.

Well, a little time on the water won’t kill you.

Hotshot

I survived.

I’m glad you made it down safely.

Hotshot

Me, too. Are you having fun?

Yes. You?

Hotshot

Not really.

Hotshot

I’d much rather have my face buried in your

I quickly pulled the phone down on my lap as my cheeks heated.

Clark Chadwick. No. You can’t say that.

Hotshot

Eloise Gable. I said it.

You’re insane.

Hotshot

You fucking love it.

I kind of do.

But I’m sitting at a table with my father, so I cannot be sexting you.

Hotshot

Got it. But just know that my is crazy about your

I tucked my phone into my purse when our pancakes arrived, and we spent the next hour talking about the upcoming season, the travel schedule, and the dynamics with some new players that were coming on board.

After we finished up, Oscar stopped by our table and drilled them like he worked for the CIA.

Were they here for Clark Chadwick?

Did my father have anything to do with me getting hired by the Lions?

How did Sebastian feel about being born into a family that had enough money to buy a professional hockey team?

Would they kick Clark to the curb if he wasn’t healed the way they hoped?

Was I the only female employee on the Lions team?

Thankfully, Edith came over and put a stop to the questions, and we made our way out of there. We walked downtown and stopped by The Vintage Rose so I could introduce them to Emilia.

“It’s great to meet you. Thank you for renting out your guesthouse to Eloise on such short notice,” my father said.

“It worked out great for me. I got the place rented and made the most amazing friend in the process,” Emilia gushed.

“Yeah, she’s pretty special,” Sebastian said, his smile reaching his eyes. I’d quickly deduced that he was a flirt by nature.

I didn’t miss the way Emilia watched him and then looked at me with an arched brow.

He’s hot.

I gave her a look that said, Not interested.

She gave me one back that said, I know, but he’s still hot.

I filled her in this morning on the events of last night, and of course, she was thrilled about me and Clark finally admitting how we felt, and enjoying the moment without overthinking the future.

I chuckled as Sebastian’s comment went right over my father’s head.

“She sure is,” Emilia said. “So what do you guys have planned for the rest of the day?”

“I’m going to take them around downtown and then down to the river. We have dinner at the Chadwicks’ tonight, so we’ve got a full day,” I chuckled.

“Ohhhh, dinner at the Chadwicks’. That’ll be fun.”

“You know them?” Sebastian asked curiously.

Emilia’s head tipped back with a laugh. “Everyone knows them. It’s a small town, and they’re a big family.”

“So will you be joining us for dinner, as well?” My father asked.

“No. I don’t know them that well,” she said, her cheeks flushing as she said it.

I was definitely going to talk to Bridger about lightening up with Emilia. Lulu and Henley had invited her to dinner last week, but she thought it would cause an issue with Bridger, so she turned them down, even though I’d all but begged her to come.

“Oh, got it. And Eloise is only going because we’re here?” my father said.

“Yes. I’ve gotten to know a bunch of the Chadwicks just from being here for the last few months, but it’s not like I’m hanging out with his family outside of work,” I said defensively, wondering why I felt the need to even say this much.

No one was suspicious. This was all in my head.

“I get that,” Sebastian said as he studied me. “I’m sure you see Chadwick more than you want to with the workout schedule. Your time off should be your time off.”

Oh, Sebastian. If you only knew how much of Clark Chadwick I’ve actually seen on my time off.

I had a flashback of him striding toward me, completely naked, with a sexy grin on his face.

I felt my cheeks heat at the thought and glanced over to find Emilia smiling at me, as if she knew exactly where my mind had gone.

But luckily, she was the only one who seemed to notice.

We just had to get through tonight, and we’d be out of the woods.