Heated Rivalry, page 5
“All right, class. Today we will learn about the principles of advanced physical education curriculum design,” Professor Crane announced, his voice carrying the authority of years of teaching experience. The lecture hall buzzed with anticipation as students settled into their seats.
I was a senior about to graduate with a Masters in Physical Education and Teaching, I felt a sense of accomplishment and readiness for the challenges ahead. Two more semesters of hockey hell, and then all of this shit would be over. I’d go off and do what I really wanted to do, which was teaching students physical fitness. The lecture proceeded, delving into the intricacies of curriculum development, assessment techniques, and strategies for promoting physical fitness in students. I listened attentively, recognizing that each piece of information added to the foundation of my future career.
With graduation on the horizon, I was eager to put my education into practice, to inspire the next generation to lead healthy and active lives and to foster a love for physical education. Hockey would be in my review mirror, along with Devon Black.
Well, right after I got a taste. My lips tugged at the corners when I remembered our kiss at the club. The bristles of his dark facial hair as it scrubbed against my cheek. Fuck. Devon tasted divine. I couldn’t wait to break him, smash him into a million pieces the same way he fractured my knee all those years ago.
A demon indeed, I thought as I brought the cap of my pen and trailed it over my plump bottom lip. Professor Crane’s gaze caught mine, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he pushed his thick-framed glasses higher on the bridge of his nose before clearing his throat and continuing. I adjusted my thickening cock in my jeans, recalling his plump red lips wrapped around it at the club a few weeks ago.
Northgate University was getting better and better.
Too bad there wouldn’t be a repeat of that. Professor Crane—I mean Alec was a real cockslut. The types that dressed like Bible salesmen during the day, but got their asses railed at night. He’d been hot, but Devon was hotter. Something about him resting his head on my shoulder, while I jerked his cock made my heart beat faster, his strong angular jaw that seemed to always be covered in a five o’clock shadow, and the sweet moans I ripped from his lips had me aching for more.
Soon.
I need to bide my time. Devon wasn’t something I could just sink my teeth into. I needed to unravel him. Unspool him inch by inch until he was putty in my hands, and then I’d strike.
The bastard wouldn’t know what hit him.
***
Class ended several hours later. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I caught Professor Crane’s eye and shot him a wink, relishing when his entire face flushed red. I laughed when he spun away and strolled out the door. A damn shame I couldn’t have him again, but cocksluts were dime a dozen, and besides I had bigger fish to fry. Like the Captain of the Frost Vipers. I pushed open the dual doors and walked outside only to shiver with each gust, the frigid wind cut through the air, assaulting my face with an intense, needle-like cold that made my eyes water.
And it wasn’t even winter yet. That’s what I hated about the cold. I grumbled under my breath and strolled to the campus parking lot where my baby was parked. I sighed as I approached my bright red Plymouth Road Runner, a classic muscle car that exuded power and nostalgia. The sleek, curvaceous body of the car gleamed in the sunlight, and I couldn’t help but grin as I ran my hand along its polished exterior. Fuck my baby is on fire today.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I felt the familiar embrace of the leather interior. The scent of well-worn leather mixed with the faint aroma of gasoline and engine oil, creating an intoxicating blend that never got old. I gripped the steering wheel, the cool metal of the rim sent shivers of anticipation up my arms. I twisted the key, and the engine roared to life.
A deep, throaty growl pierced the air as the muffler let out a fierce, ripping sound, causing several heads to turn and eyes to widen. It was as if my Plymouth Road Runner had announced its presence with a proclamation of pure, unadulterated power. The rumbling engine idled impatiently, hinting at the exhilarating ride that awaited me. I revved the engine a few times, relishing the sensation of the car’s power coursing through my veins. The revs echoed off nearby buildings, a thunderous symphony of speed and precision.
I tore out of the parking lot, the Plymouth Road Runner’s tires squealed with delight, leaving behind a trail of awe-struck onlookers and a cloud of tire smoke. I vaulted down the freeway, breaking several speeding laws, but who would care with a car as beautiful as this one? Twenty minutes later, I drove into my apartment’s parking garage and parked her near the front. After a long day on campus, I was eager to return to my apartment and just relax. I grabbed my gear from the back before taking the elevator up to the tenth floor. The building stood like a sentinel of luxury in the heart of the city.
As I entered, I was greeted by the spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling bay windows that framed a breathtaking view of the cityscape. The sunlight poured in, casting a warm and inviting glow across the polished hardwood floors. The kitchen was a chef’s dream, adorned with granite countertops and chrome appliances that glistened in the soft illumination.
I tossed my gear into the closet and rolled my shoulders, picking up the mail as I went into the kitchen to grab something to eat. Taking out a red apple, I started munching on it while rifling through my mail. A ‘passed due’ notice caught my attention, and I scrambled to open up the letter.
Dear Mr. Mitchell,
We regret to inform you that the last payment of your tuition was unsuccessful. It has come to our attention that there was an issue with the payment method or transaction. To ensure your enrollment remains unaffected and to prevent any further complications, we kindly request that you address this matter at your earliest convenience.
Please take the following steps to rectify the situation...
A surge of acrid bile burned my throat like liquid fire, leaving a bitter, nauseating taste that clawed its way up into my mouth. I closed my eyes, fighting against the urge to wretch all over the table, and sucked in harsh breaths. Gritting my teeth against the agony throbbing through me, I tore open one of my kitchen doors and took my medication out, swallowing it down dryly.
Fucking hell. Anxiety coursed through me like an electric current, setting my nerves on edge and making my hands tremble as I read the letter once again. Past due. I scrambled to check my bank account before it dawned on me: the semester just started. That meant the scholarships were probably late in handing them to the school. I sighed in relief and then took out my phone to check the status of my Hockey Scholarship and saw that it had been approved. I sent that information over to the school, along with a letter explaining the reason for the delay.
“Fuck,” I whispered, running a hand over my sodden face. “That was close.”
Too fucking close. I snarled and took out some frozen burgers to make for dinner while I tossed the letter back onto the table. A few boxes were stacked near my doorway, I had moved in a few weeks ago, and I was still getting used to being so close to the city. One more year, I told myself, while I stripped out of my clothes and headed to the shower, and then I’d be out of here.
***
Walking through the hollow hospital halls on a chilly morning, I made my way to the local physical therapy clinic for my scheduled appointment. The faint scent of antiseptic hung in the air and the pale, sterile surroundings created an atmosphere of quiet determination, where patients sought to regain their strength and mobility. I’d know. When I first came here, I could barely fucking walk. My knee had been fractured on the ice, and I lost all hope of having a normal life. Working with Jake over the past year has helped me to go above and beyond that. Not only was I back on my feet, but I was back playing hockey with a vengeance.
“Is that Skylar again?” a voice said, and I laughed as Mrs. Campbell rose from her chair on shaky legs. “Good to see you, son, I thought for sure you’d be all finished with your treatments.”
Mrs. Campbell owned the place with her husband but was set to retire in a few years and have her sons take over. She stretched out her wrinkled hand, and I took it, placing a tiny kiss on the back that caused her to blush. “Good to see you too,” I said, my voice smooth like honey.
“You know,” Mrs. Campbell said, leaning in. “My niece is still single. Why don’t I set you two up on a date? I think you’d be a perfect match.”
“I’m still gay, Mrs. Campbell.”
“Still?” Mrs. Campbell pouted. “Darn, what about my nephew?”
Not in this lifetime. I’ve seen her nephew, and he wasn’t someone I would fuck with a ten-foot pole. I was debating the politest way to say no when I heard my name being called.
“Skylar!” Jake said, his bulky frame filling the narrow doorway. “Ready?”
Fuck yes. “Yeah, sorry. Excuse me, Mrs. Campbell,” I said, nodding to her and the other ladies while I made my escape. Jake laughed at my expression before opening the door to a large workout area. Peeling off my coat jacket, I set my stuff in the locker rooms before meeting Jake near the front.
“We won’t get into anything too strenuous today,” Jake said in a deep voice that instantly sent shivers down my spine. “How’s your knee doing, anyway?”
“Hurts some days, but I think my joints just lock when the weather gets cold,” I responded, and Jake guided me onto the bench while he took my leg into his lap, his large hands kneading the cartilage. He pressed his thumb into the underside of my knee, and I hissed, jerking back.
“You’ve got some tension here,” Jake said, his lips curling over pearly white teeth. “Don’t worry. I’ll get rid of that.”
What else too? I wanted to ask. Licking my dry lips, I felt my face warm from the memory of my second to last appointment here. Jake had been my trainer since the beginning, so I was surprised when right before I left, he dragged me into one of the closest rooms, dropped to his knees, took my cock into his wet mouth, and made me cum so fast my knees buckled, and then left without a word.
The man looked sinful.
I peered at his crisp white shirt straining against his muscular pecs, those bulging forearms that could probably bench press me, and his stubbled angular jaw. Get a grip. I reminded myself.
I’m not here for that. I flexed my leg as he worked it over in the best massage I ever had in my life. I leaned back on the bench and released a moan.
“You good?” Jake laughed.
“Yeah, you have no idea how much I needed that man,” I said.
“I think I do,” Jake said, his lips curving in a smile. “You seem wound tight. How’s hockey going?”
“Good. We’ve got state Nationals coming up, and then graduation so I won’t be able to come back for the time being.”
Jake nodded. “Okay, just make sure you take care of your knee. Yes, you’ve made a full recovery, but knee fractures are no joke. If you play a lot of hockey, you’ll need to be more vigilant, work on your endurance, and schedule time for relaxation, I don’t want to see you back here Skylar.”
“Agreed,” I said with a sly grin and Jake chuckled.
“You know, your dad stopped by.” Jake continued his menstruation on my knee, but I stiffened. “He was asking about you… I wasn’t sure what to tell him.”
“Tell him to go to hell,” I said casually, and Jake stared into my eyes before he went back to what he was doing.
Jake said nothing after that, and I was glad for it. Fuck my father. He was the reason my knee got fractured in the beginning. I never wanted to play hockey, but he had forced it. Throughout my life, I have been pushed to attend every hockey tournament and join every hockey team, all for his benefit. Jake went through a workout routine with me to elevate the stress on my knee. Most of them I already knew, but it felt good to work it out with someone else. Jake wiped his forehead on a cloth when we finished an hour later. “I guess this will be the last time I see you, at least for a while.”
I took in his muscular back as he fiddled with putting the weights back in front of a large mirror. Lean and broad shoulders flexed with each movement, and my pulse thudded. I thought about walking up behind him, placing my large hands on his narrow hips, and bunching the fabric of his white shirt in a white-knuckled grip. I’d catch a whiff of his clean scent of pine aftershave. It would fill my nostrils in a tantalizing haze.
I’m not here for that. I stood and put on my coat, knowing this would probably be the last time in a while I’d see Jake. After he finished with the weights, he came over and we shook hands. “Thanks, man, for everything. I appreciate it.”
“Yeah,” Jake said but didn’t release my hand right away.
His pink tongue darted out to lick his lips, and I tracked the motion with my gaze. Fuck. My cock twitched, but I seriously couldn’t continue this. I released his hand and forced a smile and mock salute before heading out the door. I waved goodbye to the people at the desk, not staying to linger, even though they called me over. Just as I was about to leave, a man in a dark suit and ginger hair walked in. I kept my head low avoiding all eye contact, but he spotted me.
“Skylar? It’s Dustin, do you remember me?”
“Oh, yeah.” I nodded to him and kept walking. “Good to see you, but I’m late for another appointment.”
“Sure, thing man, come by anytime,” Dustin called after me and I hurried to my car. That was close. Dustin stood near the entrance and waved.
Fuck I need to go. The smell of burning rubber filled the air as the tires of my car spun, gripping the asphalt for just a moment before it shot out of the parking lot like a racing beast unleashed. It wasn’t until I hit the freeway that I sighed in relief and a laugh bubbled out of me. Damn, Jake was so fucking hot, but I wasn’t interested in being a homewrecker.
Dustin was Jake’s boyfriend and has been for the past ten years. There was no way I was getting wrapped up in that mess. If Jake decides to cheat, then that is on him. I sped down the highway, my thoughts going back to what he said about my father visiting. If he came to the clinic, it meant that he was in town. Nearby. Fuck, I couldn’t stomach it.
We haven’t spoken since mom died a few years ago from breast cancer. She had been the only thing keeping us together. It didn’t matter. After this year, I wouldn’t need him anymore. Graduation was coming up and then I’d be off in my degree, doing what I really loved. I’d finally put hockey and all the shit that happened to me in the past.
Except for Devon. Not until after I had my fun with him first.
6
Between the Pipes of Love
Skylar Mitchell
Arriving at the elementary school for my co-op as an assistant gym teacher, I was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of eager young students. My heart slammed against my ribcage as I took in the sprawling building where kids were flooding out. The school was near my apartment, and I was glad when the university said that I could finish up my two hundred hours and graduate on time. As I stepped through the entrance, I took in the kids running around. All of them looked so cute with their little backpacks and my heart almost melted. This is what I truly wanted to do.
Teaching was a passion that felt like it was woven into my very being, and it might have seemed a bit odd considering my size—most people expected me to pursue a hockey career. However, ever since my mom passed away from breast cancer, I couldn’t shake the desire to follow in her footsteps. She had been a teacher, and from a young age, I knew that I wanted to carry on her legacy in the world of education.
I went to the front desk and signed in, where I was greeted by the school secretary, a warm and friendly woman with an air of efficiency. She had a welcoming smile and kind eyes, which immediately put me at ease. Her neatly combed brown hair was streaked with strands of silver and she stood from her desk. “Mr. Mitchell, I presume?”
“Skylar. Nice to meet you.”
“Welcome to our school! I’m glad you’re here to help out. My name’s Mrs. Anderson. Let’s begin with a tour so you can get to know the place.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. I’m excited to be here.”
“Great! As we walk, I’ll show you the ropes. We can start with the kindergarten classrooms and work our way up.”
We wound our way through the bustling hallways, and I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly she engaged with students and staff alike. She was not just an administrator but also a comforting presence within the school community. Finally, we arrived at the gym office, where I was introduced to the woman who would be assisting. She stood there with a mischievous glint in her eye and had short, vibrant pink hair that mirrored her playful personality.
“Hey there! I’m Laney. Welcome to the team.”
“Skylar. Nice to meet you, Laney. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Well,” Mrs. Anderson said, clasping her hands together. “I’ll leave you two to get acquainted.”
The minute she closed the door Laney’s smile dropped, and she rolled her eyes. “Thank God, she’s gone. I thought she’d never leave.”
The smile on my face froze. “What?”
“Look kid, if you want to survive being here, you need to learn one lesson and one lesson only: stay away from Mrs. Anderson. Trust me. She looks nice but if you ever tell her anything personal it’ll be broadcasted all over the six o’clock news.” Laney leaned in, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. “And don’t even think about mentioning your secret pancake recipe. It’ll be front-page news by breakfast.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her dramatics. “Noted, I’ll guard the pancake recipe with my life.”
Laney grinned. “Smart move. I’ll tell you, the women’s got a truth-seeking radar.” She huffed. “So, what brings you here? Hoping to have all your dreams crushed when you finally see how hopeless the next generation truly is?”
