Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 107453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 537(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 358(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107453 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 537(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 358(@300wpm)
The bite of blades cutting through ice echoes off the walls of the rink as I race toward the goal with the black disc. As soon as the puck leaves my stick, thunderous applause erupts.
And I choose to enjoy every moment of the goal.
Later, after the game ends with our victory, I leave the locker room hoping to meet my girl in the hallway, but someone cuts me off.
My father.
My shoulders tighten.
Of course he’s here. He broadcast the game tonight for the national network. He’s in his tailored navy-blue suit, no tie, his affable smile pasted on.
Tension slams into me, hard and brutal.
“Great game tonight,” he says, then claps me on the back.
Why the fuck am I so tense? He’s only ever wanted the best for me.
But maybe that’s the issue. After years of wanting the best, I’m just not that interested in it anymore.
“Hey, Dad,” I answer, glancing down the hall to the redhead in the white knit cap who has my heart in her fucking hands.
“Have you given any more thought to my suggestion? We can do a trial run at the house in my media room. Call some past games from YouTube for practice. Really make a go of it, so whenever you’re ready, we’ll get you a plum assignment in the booth.”
Damn, he has my future all mapped out.
I look to Aubrey, ten feet away, wearing my jersey. I don’t answer his question. Instead, I raise a hold that thought finger, “Be right back.”
I close the distance to her, my tension melting. “Come meet my dad. Well, come meet him again. Okay?”
“Sure,” she says with a smile.
That’s how things are with her. Easy. I’ve never felt so understood. So accepted.
I take her hand and bring her over to the man whose career has defined mine. “Dad, this is Aubrey. You probably remember her. Garrett’s little sister,” I say, threading our fingers together more tightly.
“Good to see you again, Mr. McBride,” she says, as friendly as ever.
Dad doesn’t miss a beat. “And you too. Garrett’s doing great. Making deals. He’s a terrific agent. Bet his little girls grow up to be hockey players too.” He’s always focused on business, the next thing, the big opportunities for everyone.
Aubrey’s smile is guileless. “Or maybe they’ll be farmers. Or pilots. Or museum security guards. You never know.”
He blinks. He’s not used to being told he might not know everything. But that’s my girl. She knows there’s more to someone than an expectation. She knows there’s always a choice.
“Maybe,” he says as if he’s not sure what to make of her. He looks to me, decisive again. “We can talk more about the offer another time.”
Actually, we can’t.
“No thanks,” I say, surprising myself by the strength of my conviction.
His brow knits. “No thanks?”
“I don’t want to be a broadcaster.” The statement feels like freedom.
“You don’t?”
Aubrey squeezes my hand, saying, Way to go, without words.
“Nah,” I say. “I don’t want to work in hockey when I’m done.” That feels wholly true too.
Another blink. Another awkward silence, then Dad tilts his head. It’s like life without hockey is completely alien to him. “What do you want to do?”
“No idea. We can talk about it more later.” I give him a quick hug. “Good to see you, Dad. But, if you’ll excuse me, I’m heading out with my girlfriend.”
Then I leave with the woman I adore.
The woman who makes me better. Stronger. Calmer.
I steal glances at her the whole of the drive to her home. Dev’s out of town, so it’s just us this evening. I love our time together as a trio, but I love time alone with her too.
Though, we’re not truly alone. Puck Fitzgibbons is bouncing against the walls when we get home. He whines happily when Aubrey opens the door then whimpers as he jumps to greet her, then me, with kisses all around.
“You are such a lover,” Aubrey says, and I fall even more at the way she talks to our dog.
After we walk Puck Fitzgibbons, I show her how much I love my solo time with her, spending a good long time stripping off her clothes, laying her on the bed, and kissing my way down her body, starting with her earlobe. Then, I move to her chin. The hollow of her throat comes next.
The valley of her breasts.
Her soft belly.
One hip, then the other.
She’s writhing, arching, panting, and I haven’t even settled between her thighs yet. But I can’t deny her. I bury my face in her pussy and devour her sweetness till she’s coming hard and fearlessly.
Then I put her on her hands and knees and fuck her and spank her, giving her the good hard fucking she deserves.
I want to tell her soon she’s the love of my life. I hope she’s ready to hear that.