Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
More grunts of agreement. Clearing my throat, I say, “Let’s go embarrass them the way they embarrassed us these last two games.”
Everyone starts to clap, grasping shoulders, pumping arms, and even tapping their gloves on their lockers in agreement before I hold up my hand to silence them.
With a pointed look, I say, “This series is ours. That Cup is ours. And we will win.” More cheers erupt, and my heart warms at the excitement and motivation I’m providing my team. “Now, go get some rest and be ready for practice at nine. We’re flying out at four. On three. One, two—”
Everyone shouts, “Bears!”
I leave the locker room shaking with anger. I hate that we dropped those two games. I hate that we couldn’t shut out the damn series and be done with those damn Griffins. I want that Cup so badly. I want to be the first coach in AHL history to get a Cup in the first five years of my coaching career. It’s not easy, but I want it. I need it.
When my phone sounds, I pull it out of my pocket as I enter my office. It’s a message from Clara, and just like that, my anger starts to dissipate. This girl has cast some kind of voodoo on me, I swear. Just seeing her name, knowing she’s messaging me, has me lighter than I was before.
Clara: Sorry.
I smile as my heart warms at the five-letter word. She’s such a sweet little thing. These last four days have been pure bliss. She hasn’t been back to her grandpa’s, instead staying with me. When we’re not lost in each other’s bodies, I’ve been teaching her to cook. She’s a quick learner, not that I’m surprised. The girl can do anything she puts her mind to. I find myself on the couch watching TV with her and just enjoying being with her. I never liked to sit still until her. With her in my arms, I don’t need to move. Except when we’re working out. We have been running every day, but she hasn’t made it the full eight miles.
And of course, I’ve ended up carrying her home each morning.
More so because I love the feel of her hot body on my back.
It’s also a hell of a workout.
Not that I don’t get one at night with her in my bed.
I can’t help but smirk as I write her back.
Me: Can’t win them all.
Clara: Still, you’re a winner in my eyes.
Me: Thanks, baby girl.
Clara: Come home.
I love when she calls my house her home, but I know what she’s saying with those two words. She’s telling me not to stay at the office and obsess over game film. She wants me to come home to her. She has figured me out so quickly and thoroughly that sometimes it’s hard not to give in to the fears that urge me to run the other way. Instead, I continue to run right for her.
Me: An hour.
Clara: No. You can watch tapes tomorrow. Come home. I’ve got a surprise for you.
Me: You naked in my bed with a bow on your pussy?
Clara: Shit, I forgot the bow.
With that, she sends me a photo of her completely naked in my bathroom. Her creamy white skin is all soft and beautiful. Her hair is down in waves, framing her face as she pouts her lips in a sinful way that makes staying to watch film a distant thought. My cock instantly strains against my pants as I reach for my keys off my desk and leave.
Me: You don’t need it.
She sends me a laughing emoji, and I write her back again.
Me: On my way.
Clara: I’ll be waiting.
Me: Good girl.
She’s waiting at the counter for me when I open the door twenty minutes later. With my eyes on her, I lean down to greet the boys. Gordie licks me happily, and I know he enjoys Clara being with him at all times. He seems happier.
Same, bud.
I kiss Gretzky, and he wiggles against me, pressing his butt into my side so I’ll scratch his ass. Darcy rolls onto his back, squirming like a damn eejit as I rub his belly. But even while I’m greeting the boys, my focus isn’t on them.
It’s all on Clara.
She stands beautifully naked in my kitchen as she leans on her forearms. Her face is flushed, her hair falling forward over her shoulders as her blue gaze stays locked on me. If I weren’t distracted by what sits in front of her, I would drink in her smooth skin and perky tits. But for some reason, my baby girl has both a large dildo and a small one on the counter. And I think I see a butt plug.
What has me in knots, though, is her wicked little grin.
“Should I even ask?”