Page 38

THIRTY-THREE

Owen

T onight was our Halloween themed game, so there were tons of fans in costumes, and even our mascot, Slippers, was dressed up for the occasion. Ellie stood against the glass, a bright smile on her face. She was wearing the new jersey I’d given her, and I couldn’t help but admire the way she looked wearing it. Stunning . The bright blue color made her eyes even brighter, and she’d pulled her hair back into two half pigtails, curling the blond strands just like she had last night in her Barbie costume.

I blew my girl a kiss as I skated around the net, hitting a few pucks in and warming up my muscles.

Sophia was at her side, both of them watching warm-ups from the rink level, practically pressed against the glass. I was glad she’d made friends with Coach’s daughter, because at least I knew she had someone, so she wouldn’t be alone at the games. They were like two peas in a pod, leaning over and giggling with each other as they watched us skate. Ellie had also talked about inviting Maggie, her teacher friend from school, to a game.

Damn, she was perfect. She had flourished into this sexy, beautiful woman right before my eyes. When she’d told me last night that she wanted to ride me, I’d almost lost it right then and there. I’d never been harder than I was when she dropped to her knees in front of me, denying me from touching her and wrapping her lips around my cock.

Shit . I didn’t need to get hard right now. And I definitely didn’t need the distraction of thinking about Ellie when we were about to play sixty minutes of hockey against one of our division rivals. Sure, the season was still getting underway, but every point mattered with making the playoffs for the Stanley Cup, and I knew we all wanted to win it for the team. Our defense needed to be tight tonight, especially any potential penalty kills, to help us stay on top.

Skating over to the bench—aware of my girl watching me with every breath—I did a few stretches and centered myself, trying to get my head in the game. No distractions. It wasn’t easy, though.

There was something about knowing Ellie was out there—knowing she was watching me—that made me want to play even harder. It made me want to get the W for her. To score goals for her . Because she was here for me and wasn’t that just the miracle of it all? That she was in Seattle. That she was in my apartment. In my heart.

Maybe it was fate that her apartment had flooded. That I’d shown up to sweep her off her feet and bring her back to my place.

She was proving to be the sweetest distraction I’d ever had, but I still couldn’t get enough of her. Couldn’t get enough of the way it felt to have her here, flooding my veins with the strangest sense of satisfaction.

“Dude.” Brooks punched me in the shoulder as we headed off the ice and back to the locker room as warm-ups came to a close. Rhodes followed behind us, and soon the entirety of our top line was in a huddle in the hallway. “What’s up with you? You’re all starry-eyed and can’t stop staring into the stands. ”

“My girl is here,” I admitted. It was better than saying I had the best sex of my life last night. That was what was up . The best sex of my life followed by hours of just holding her in my arms, feeling her tucked against my body.

Rhodes let out a grunt. “I saw she was here with Donovan’s daughter.” I noticed he didn’t call her Sophia like the rest of us did. She hated only being known as his daughter and not her own person. But she was still here, at almost every game, supporting her dad. I knew she was a damn good physical trainer, one the Seals would have been lucky to have. Still, she stubbornly refused the job offer, not wanting it to look like she only got the position because of him.

“Yeah. They’ve gotten pretty close. I have to admit… It’s nice, seeing her with everyone else’s girls. Like she belongs here.”

Because she does. She fit in so well, and how could she not? She was the brightest ray of fucking sunshine, this beautiful girl who was always smiling bright as a daisy, and every bit as beautiful.

Getting up this morning had been torture, and not just because Ellie had been up at six, getting ready for work. But she was still here. She hadn’t left. And the sigh of relief when she showed up at the apartment right before I had to leave for the game almost rode every fear of mine that she’d leave again. You did that to her, too, I reminded myself. This summer, I’d left her with a goodbye note and snuck away without a word. Was it just as painful for her? Probably.

I’d let her go, but she’d… followed me to Seattle . My knees almost buckled at the thought. I’d stayed away, but she had come after me. She hadn’t said the words to me, but when I’d asked her why she’d moved to Seattle before, she’d hesitated.

Because she’d moved here for me . Fuck. How had I not been on my knees for her this entire time?

“He’s smitten,” Maverick said, smirking at me as swung my gaze back to the guys. “That’s how you know he’s a goner.”

“Shut up,” I grumbled.

Rhodes crossed his arms over his chest. “This is why I’ve sworn off love. Makes you all gooey-eyed and sloppy.”

I shook my head. “ Love ? Who said anything about love?” The words felt sour in my mouth, though, and I knew it was a lie the moment it left my lips.

“Can you picture yourself without her? Her with some other man, someone else’s ring on her finger?” My Captain asked, quirking his eyebrow.

“No.” The word was almost a growl.

“You do, then.” Stefan nodded. “You love her.”

Of course, I loved her. I always had. I pulled my helmet off to drag my hand over my face and up through my hair. “Yeah, I… I don’t think I ever stopped.” I closed my eyes. “I just can’t fuck this up, you guys. I can’t lose her again. The last time I did…”

“We know.” Brooks patted my shoulder. “So don’t .”

“You make it sound so simple.” I frowned. It didn’t feel simple. It felt like this huge, monumental thing. The last time we were together, we’d been kids. We’d given each other our virginities and then she’d left the next morning like I meant nothing to her.

But now…

“Course it is, Harps.” Stefan sounded so sure. Of the five of us, he was the one with a wife and baby on the way. “You just have to tell her how you feel.”

“But what if I do, and she leaves again?” I was that same broken nineteen-year-old on my dorm bed again, crying on the phone with my mom. Fear pierced my heart. “Fuck, you guys. I’m a mess. I should tell Coach to take me off the line-up for the night. I can’t…”

“Owen.” Brooks grabbed me by the shoulders. “He’s not wrong, Harps. And you have to decide if she’s worth it. ”

“Of course she is.” That had never been a doubt in my mind.

Stefan slapped his hand against my helmet. “Then get your damn head in the game and let’s go play some fucking hockey.”

“Aye, aye, Capt.”

Everyone laughed, but it was the reminder I needed. After years of playing, I knew how to get into the zone. How to get out of my head. For so many years, I’d built a wall of ice around my heart. The only thing that mattered to me was Ellie. But she’d been melting it with her warmth and her beaming smile. Every time I saw her, it chipped away a little further.

But that place was as familiar to me as breathing. It was why I was such a good d-man on the ice. I knew how to block. Wasn’t afraid of a few body-checks to protect my team, either.

And tonight, I had to give it my all. Because she was watching, and I wanted her to see that everything we’d given up was worth it.

That those five years apart had given me this, and I wasn’t wasting that opportunity. I missed her like fucking hell all that time, but I’d become exactly what I wanted to be. A professional hockey player. At the top of my game.

By the time we came back onto the ice for puck drop, I felt sharp. Focused . The first shift went by in the blink of an eye, and then we were on the bench, watching a new play we’d been working on. Our second line, Campbell, Meyer, and Evans, battled for puck possession when the opposing team got it, knocking it down the ice and getting an icing call. After a few more stops in play, followed by Reid catching the puck in his glove and getting a whistle, we got the signal to swap back in.

“Hendy, Harps, you’re up!” Coach called out, and we hopped over the boards, joining the forwards on the ice. Another defenseman pair, Sorensen and Tremblay, settled onto the bench we’d just vacated, finishing both of their first shifts.

Since Reid had stopped the puck, we settled in our zone for the face-off. Our primary goal was to get it away from the net and not let them take another shot on goal. This early in the period, they hadn’t started out-shooting us yet, but I wasn’t about to let them, either. We were back on the ice with Rhodes, Maverick, and Stefan, and damn did I love playing with this line.

Rhodes won the face-off, and quickly passed it to Maverick, who was on a breakaway towards the other side of the ice. He was legendary for his speed and being able to get it in deep, which was probably why he was one of our highest scoring players on the team every season. He slapped it in towards the net, but it was knocked away by their goalie, and Rhodes tried to get it on the rebound, but it didn’t go in. It felt like the entire arena groaned alongside us, but then we were in motion again, chasing the puck back and forth down the ice.

By the time we were halfway through the first period, we were all desperate for that first goal. Something about tonight had us all craving it, and we wanted to take an early lead over Ottawa.

Brooks nodded at me as we started our next shift. It was a silent reminder that yeah, we got this . The two of us had played together for so long that I could read his body language with ease. The second line was still on the ice as we swapped out with Sorensen and Tremblay, giving us a shift on the ice with them.

After a few blocked shots—one that bounced off my skate—we had a two on one coming up the ice, and I kept possession past their blue line, my gaze focused on the goal. It was open. The perfect play set up. Ottawa’s defense was behind us—a failed turnover they definitely wouldn’t be happy about.

This. This right here was one of my favorite parts about hockey. The ice under my skates, the puck between my stick, and the net in front of me.

“I’m open!” Mav shouted. He was in front of me, at the perfect angle to get a beautiful tip-in goal. I passed it to him and he sunk the puck into the net.

Their goalie didn’t even have time to respond, thanks to our speed, and looked stumped as it crossed the goalpost line. The buzzer went off, and Maverick pumped his fist into the air. “YES!” The arena burst out into screams of applause. Our home crowds were always amazing, and tonight was no different.

“Fuck yeah!” I cheered, throwing my arms around him.

“Let’s fucking goooo !” Stefan said, joining our group huddle. All five of us were grinning as we all celebrated the first goal of the game—even Rhodes, the grumpy bastard, cracked a smile. Skating over to the bench, our teammates fist-bumped us down the line.

Coach gave a nod of approval.

We needed that.

Damn, but we’d needed it.

They announced the goal, giving me the assist, and the crowd went wild.

I looked up, and my gaze collided with Ellie, who looked so proud.

Right at this moment, no matter how everything else played out, I felt like I was on top of the world.

Driving home with Ellie in my car was something I’d never imagined after a game, but fuck, I’d liked it. I loved going into the wives’ room, finding her chatting with the other women as she waited for me. We’d never had this before.

A few of the guys had invited me out to the Penalty Box after the game, going to grab some drinks, but tonight, I just wanted to be with my girl. I’d promised them we’d come together soon, which had satisfied my teammates, so at least there was that. It felt like ages had passed since Ellie had met me there at the beginning of the season, and here we were.

I had my hand on her thigh the entire drive, trying to ignore how good she smelled. God, she was beautiful. Beautiful and mine.

Her wearing my name all night had riled me up. It did something to me. I wanted it there—always. Wanted her to have my name, my ring on her finger. Everything.

When I pulled into the parking garage under the apartment, I squeezed her thigh. “Thank you for being there tonight.”

“Of course, babe.” Her expression was soft. Serene. “I’d go anywhere you asked. Follow you anywhere.”

I dipped my head down, kissing her softly, wishing we were already upstairs in the apartment and not still in my car. Winning had me all amped up, the adrenaline in my system giving me a high. There was no way I was sleeping anytime soon, despite the late hour.

She brushed her hand up my leg, and my dick twitched. “Is it weird I miss your old truck?”

Laughing, I shook my head. “I was just thinking the same thing. It had a lot more room for… extracurriculars.” I winked at her.

She bit her lip. “And to think, we didn’t take advantage back then.” Her eyes were full of heat. Desire. Need.

“ Fuck me , Ellie. Get that sweet ass of yours upstairs.” I held in a groan. “We’re making up for lost time right now.”

Her lips tilted up in a tiny smile, and then she was out of the car, heading up towards the elevators. I followed right behind her, crowding her inside the empty elevator car. My lips were a mere brush away from hers, and I wondered if she had any idea how badly I wanted to take her right here. I’d never been into exhibitionism before, but I was pretty sure I’d be into anything with her.

The lift stopped on our floor, and I swatted her ass as she walked out of the elevator in front of me, letting me see the back of her jersey. Damn, I wanted to fuck her in it. Wanted to take her behind, so I could see it as I thrust inside of her, as I made her scream my name over and over till she came.

Goddamn. I adjusted my cock in my suit pants. I couldn’t wait to get my girl into bed.

When we got inside, I went over to the crate to let Zamboni out—luckily, she was proving to be alright when we left her for a few hours like this, but she definitely needed to go out. “I’m gonna take Zambs outside, El.” We’d fed her dinner, and I’d taken her on a walk right before we left for the game, but I didn’t want her having any accidents. There were puppy pads still—though she was mostly going outside. I was a proud dog dad. After we came back, I’d give her a bone to chew on, so she hopefully gave us some alone time.

“Okay!” She disappeared into my room—though it really felt more like our room now.

I hooked on our puppy’s harness and leash, heading back down the elevator and outside into the chilly November weather.

God, I couldn’t believe it was already November. That meant my family would be here in a few weekends—staying in my house. I didn’t really know what Ellie and I were—neither one of us had used a label yet, even though she was mine— but once they were here, everyone would know. We wouldn’t have our calm little bubble of peace anymore.

Though I suspected most of our cousins already had a pretty good idea.

“I’m an idiot, aren’t I, Zamboni?”

She turned around, yipping at me to walk faster, and I chuckled to myself, complying as we walked towards the dog park, using the time to cool down. I wanted to take my time and not rush things.

Last night had been amazing, and I wanted tonight to be just as good for both of us.

By the time I got back upstairs, most of the lights were out in the apartment, only the under-counter lighting on in the kitchen. I unhooked Zamboni’s harness and hung it up on the hook, getting her a bone and letting her take it over to her crate to chew on it.

My girl came out a few seconds later, and for a moment, I forgot how to speak. All words simply ceased to exist in my vocabulary.

“Ellie.” My voice was low. A warning.

She acted like she had no idea what had me all riled up. “Hm?”

“What are you wearing?” It was hardly more than a grumble.

Her long, slender legs were bare, and that blonde hair tumbled down in sexy waves down her shoulders. She was still wearing my jersey.

Only my jersey.

“Oh, this?” She batted her eyelashes, fiddling with the hem of the sweater. “Do you like it?” She stopped in front of me, sliding a hand up my chest.

“Fuck, yes.” I shut my eyes, trying to ignore my rapidly hardening cock in my pants.

She pushed the suit jacket off my shoulders, and I shrugged it off, draping it over the chair next to me.

Her eyes were lidded, like she was as turned on from this as I was. “Watching you tonight was so hot,” she admitted. “I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you.” She bit her lip, slowly working her way down the buttons on my shirt.

“Damn, Ellie. Were you wet, seeing me on the ice?” My girl nodded. “Are you going to spread those legs for me and let me check?” Another nod, and Ellie’s thighs slowly parted as she grabbed the hem of the jersey, pulling it up to give me the perfect view of her pretty pink cunt.

No panties. Fuck me. I was halfway to insisting she never wore them around the house. Especially with all the dresses she wore all the time.

“That’s my girl,” I praised her as I dipped a finger against her entrance, running it through her wetness. She was soaked . Swirling my finger over her clit, Ellie gasped as I pushed a finger inside. “I’m obsessed with this sweet little pussy.”

I groaned as I kneeled in front of her. Nuzzling my nose against her entrance, I inhaled deeply. I needed to get my mouth on her. Needed just a taste of her. She let out a little gasp as I drove my tongue inside of her.

“Oh my god, Owen.” She whimpered as I flicked my tongue against her clit, rolling it in circles before lapping at her entrance. I alternated between the two, taking my time eating her out. Ellie dug her fingers into my hair, holding me tight against her pussy. With my head buried between her thighs, I brought her right up to the edge, feeling how close she was, and then backed off, giving her gentle licks and slow strokes.

I didn’t stop until she was crying my name, begging to come, so keyed up I knew she’d explode with the slightest amount of pressure. My thumb found her clit, and she cried out, squeezing around my tongue as she came all over my face. I licked up her release before pulling away, running my tongue over my lips. “Fuck, baby. I’ll never get over the way you taste.”

Ellie wrapped her arms around my neck, tilting her lips up, and I didn’t hold back, giving her my mouth, kissing her hard. We stepped backwards as our mouths stayed locked together until she was pushed against the wall. Her cheeks were pink from the orgasm I’d just given her, her chest heaving, and she’d never looked more beautiful. “Owen.” She curled her fingers through the back of my hair. “That was… ”

“Yeah. Goddamn.” I gritted my teeth. My cock was painfully hard in my pants, pressed against the zipper. “I need to be inside of you.”

“I need to take care of my big, strong hockey player, huh?” Her voice was breathy, and she unbuckled my belt before sliding the zipper down slowly. Pushing my boxers down, she let my erection spring free. Her soft as sin palm ran up and down my shaft, pumping me a few times before I couldn’t take it anymore, rocking my hips into her grasp.

Digging my fingers into her thighs, I picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around my waist, grinding my cock against her bare pussy. “ Oh. Yes. Right there.” Ellie dropped her head back against the wall. “That feels amazing.”

“It’s going to feel even better when I fuck you.” I rubbed the head against her again, providing direct stimulation against her clit.

“Please,” she begged. “I want you.”

“I’m not going to be soft.” I nipped at her neck. “Or gentle. It’s going to be hard and fast.”

Ellie nodded. “Yes. Just get inside of me, Hockey Boy. Fuck me.”

I groaned, keeping her pinned against the wall as I guided my tip to her entrance, slamming inside without warning.

“Yes, yes, yes,” she moaned, her eyes closing as I did just what I promised, fucking her against the wall. Her jersey slid up and down with each thrust, and

I gave her a light smack on her ass. “Eyes on me, baby. Watch me make you come.”

They fluttered open, those blue-gray eyes I’d known my whole life. We’d grown up together. Experienced our firsts together. And this was, too. Us coming together. Losing ourselves in each other.

“Give me everything,” I begged, thrusting harder. I wanted her. Her heart. Her future.

Ellie moaned as I rocked my hips into her over and over, my fingers holding her tight enough that I was sure I was leaving marks. But I couldn’t stop. Couldn’t hold back.

I drove us both higher and higher, feeling the telltale signs of my orgasm building as Ellie’s breaths deepened, her cunt pulsing around me in a vice grip like she didn’t want to let me go.

“I’m gonna come, Ellie baby. Are you close? Need you to get there.”

She nodded, dropping her head against my shoulder. “Right there, just— yes!” Her nails dug into my shoulder when her orgasm hit her, and I kept pumping into her, knowing I wasn’t far behind. I brought her mouth back to mine, our tongues tangling in a messy kiss. Ellie bit my lip, and I grunted. Everything tightened, and then I stopped holding back, spilling everything I had inside of her.

“Fuck,” she panted as she pulled back, brushing my sweaty hair off my forehead. “That was hot.” She chuckled, one hand on my neck as the other combed through my hair.

“What?” I couldn’t stop staring at her. Mesmerized by every aspect of her being.

“The girls were right.” Her lips titled up in a devious smile.

I frowned, squeezing her thigh. “About what?”

“That wearing your jersey would drive you wild.”

“You’re right.” I nipped at the tip of her nose, adjusted our position to wrap my arms around her ass, keeping my cock buried inside of her as I headed towards our bedroom. “It did. And I’m not done with you yet, baby.”

Not by a long shot.

And I was pretty sure I never would be.