Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
I already know I’m having a great time. We had the skills competition today and that’s always a load of fun. Friendly rivalry and a whole lot of laughs as we, the best players in the league, pit their skills against one another.
My mom, dad, Pepper, and Charlie had front-row seats and without the need to focus on an actual game, I could spare plenty of glances and smiles their way. Charlie will never remember this but I will never forget the first time she saw her dad on the ice.
After, I kissed my daughter goodbye, entrusting her to her grandparents who were loving this weekend with her, and I whisked Pepper back to the hotel where we made love and took a very short nap.
We then had some very fast, sloppy sex in the shower after we woke up so we could get ready to meet Gray Brannon and Ryker Evans for a late dinner tonight.
I was slightly shocked but greatly pleased at the invitation. Ryker had called me last week and asked if I could spare some time. I have no clue why they came to Boston for the All-Star weekend. As the general manager of the Cold Fury, I’m sure Gray has better things to do with her time. As the Cold Fury goalie coach, Ryker was not needed here, even though their goalie, Max Fournier was representing the Atlantic division.
I guess it was just a fun weekend away from the grind of managing a professional hockey team and I gladly accepted his invitation. Ryker and I played together for the Boston Eagles when I first entered the league and he has always been a mentor and friend to me over the years. But we’re both busy and live hundreds of miles apart, so it’s a special treat to be able to spend some time with him.
The night really got good when Pepper stepped out of the bathroom after finishing her makeup. She was wearing a very simple, sleeveless black dress that dipped really low in the front, exposing the rounded swells of her breasts. The hem came more sedately to her knees but the dress fit her form all the way down. The killer black heels with thick straps around her ankles added more sex appeal.
Most astonishing was her face. Pepper rarely wears makeup because she doesn’t need it, but fuck when she puts it on, she wears it well. Her eyes were dark and smoky, her cheekbones highlighted and her lips were full, wet, and luscious. I wanted to throw her onto the bed and have more fast, sloppy sex with her.
Pepper accepts the valet’s hand to exit the car. I get out on my side and hand a ten-dollar bill to the attendant that will park the car. It’s overkill on the tip but I remember what it was like to work a job where you depended on tips. I waited tables through high school and I know how important they are.
I tuck Pepper’s hand in my arm and when we enter the restaurant, we find Gray and Ryker waiting for us just inside.
Gray standing tall and statuesque with flaming red hair and crystal blue eyes, she looks like she should be modeling in Paris rather than managing a professional hockey team. Gray is tall but her husband Ryker towers over her. When he was playing, his nickname was The Brick because he was built like a brick wall. Even though he retired a year ago to become the goalie coach for the Cold Fury, he still clearly works out to maintain his physique.
“Legend,” Ryker says in greeting with a beaming grin.
We clasp hands and hug with a few back slaps. I turn to Gray, who I have met on one other occasion at an awards show, and give her a light kiss on the cheek.
I pull Pepper in and introduce her. “This is my girlfriend, Pepper Nantais.”
Handshakes are made and polite greetings, then I’m amused when Gray turns to her purse, which I note is quite large, and pulls out Pepper’s first children’s book she published. The original Grand Adventures of Penelope and Bert.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Gray explains as she holds the book out to Pepper along with a pen. “But when Ryker told me who you were, I just had to bring this for you to sign. Our middle kid Ruby loves these books so much.”
A surge of pride wells up in me so fierce, I actually feel my eyes sting, which is not manly at all. I blink hard and watch as Pepper—who is clearly embarrassed and pleased at the same time—signs the book for Gray.
The maître d’ interrupts us to lead us to our table. We chitchat while our drinks are being served. Gray sits next to Pepper and is asking her all kinds of questions about being a children’s author and even suggests she write a children’s book about hockey. Ryker and I catch up on the season, and because he’s a coach now, he also gives me pointers. I trust his wisdom and experience, so I listen carefully.