Page 3 of Penalty Shot

When she goes up, you’d think there was money on the line. Her first one hits the edge. She takes a deep breath and shimmies her shoulders like that was a warm-up to an Olympic event. Her second one is fine. A bit closer. She’s average at best, but fuck, she applies herself like the world depends on that dart. It’s fascinating to watch how hard she’s trying.

Another one of my teammates, Sean, is our best player. He walks up just as she’s preparing her stance. He says something to her. My beer turns sour as it goes down my throat. Elise bobs her head, seriously considering what he said.

Reaching over to wrap his hand around her wrist, Sean is about to get a dart in his eye. No way is he touching the girl I’ve been hitting on all night.

“Loosen your wrist before you—”

“I’ve got this,” I interrupt and put myself behind her. My glare at Sean says volumes. He steps back.

Elise chuckles. “Are all hockey players this good at darts?”

“Only the professional ones,” I say cockily. That earns me a smile.

She faces me, hand on hip. “Are you going to help me or scare off all the volunteer coaches?”

I place my hands on her waist and turn her toward the throwing lane. My touch is light but there’s no hesitation. Her body moves the way I want it to, spinning away but stepping back, sighing into the cocoon of my chest. She’s shorter than me by at least eight inches. I’m looking down at her heaving chest and parted mouth. There’s a trickle of sweat on her temple that I’m tempted to lick.

“You need your feet shoulder width apart,” I say while nudging her foot. She leans back so her ass brushes against my thigh. Our calves stay connected. “Keep this foot slightly forward and your weight evenly distributed.”

“So technical,” she says breathily.

“Hold the dart like it’s a pencil.” I guide her fingers, which are cold against mine.

Her hair tickles my nose. It smells like flowers with a hint of ale. Whoever bottles and sells that combination would make a killing.

When her grip is perfect, I rub her thumb.

“Yeah, just like that,” I whisper, and she lets out a tiny squeak. “Breathe, Elise. That’s it. Focus, keep your breath still, and then release.”

I step back and she releases, landing closer to the bullseye than any previous try. She raises her hands over her head and jumps up and down. I’m ready for her when she hugs me. Damn, she feels good in my arms as I swing her around.

“He’s working for the other team!” “Traitor!” my friends call out jovially, although it’s hard to decipher clear words when her lips are so close to my neck. I bury my face in her hair and inhale deeply.

Reluctantly, I let her go. Her face is flushed. Didn’t think it was possible for her to be prettier, but here we are.

“Thank you,” she says sweetly, looking up at me.

“You’re welcome. Do you want another beer? I’ll grab it.”

She tiptoes to brush her lips against my ear. “I don’t want another beer, Randall.”

Her voice is fills my head. “Then tell me what you want, Elise. Anything.”

“Anything?” the way she says it makes my already alert cock stand to full attention.

“Say the word.”

“I want to get out of here with you,” she declares before worrying her teeth over a plump lower lip.

I reach over to push unruly hair away from her temple. “That’s exactly what I want too,” I state in all honesty.

Her smile sends an unexpected spark in my direction, igniting a low burning fire inside.

“I’ll get my coat and meet you out front in ten minutes. Just need to say my goodbyes.”

She walks away, leaving me with an overheated body, a stiff cock, and a big-ass smile.

“Says right here he plays for the Columbus NHL team,” Lily declares while I gather my thoughts in the bathroom. She’s checking her phone, because that’s what good friends do when you decide to leave with a stranger. “Goalie. That’s really important with hockey.”