Playoff King (Puck Battle Book 7), page 5
“What’s this about? Don’t be mad about the trip. I had some team stuff come up. You know how crazy it is.” Terry opened the curtains. Daylight streamed in through the window. He sat behind the desk as she closed the door. “You look good, babe.”
“It’s not the trip.” She kept her distance, walking to the opposite side of the room. Standing by the floor to ceiling bookshelf, she ran her fingers over the haphazardly positioned books.
“I’ll bet it was boring without me,” he said, and she didn’t correct him. “I’ll make it up to you after we win. We can take a family trip to the keys, like you’ve wanted to do for a while.”
She exhaled through her nose and clenched her fists. Comments like that weren’t helpful. “We won’t be taking any more trips together. You and me—”
“We belong together under the same roof… in the same bed.” He raised his eyebrows and smiled, and her eyes narrowed in response. “I can see you’re pissed about the other night, but you know I love you. If it wasn’t work related, I’d have been with you.” He kicked his feet onto the top of the desk and leaned back in the chair.
A framed picture of them dancing on their wedding night tipped over. He picked it up. They’d been so young, happy, and in love. She’d thought those feelings would never end, but those days were gone. No matter how much she wanted her family to work, the issues between them were too big to overcome; at least for her.
“You were the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. Still are with your long legs and round ass.” He bit his lip and angled his head to get a glimpse at her behind.
“Terry stop,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t bring up the past. His ability to pull on her heart strings never failed to bring tears to her eyes.
“Everyone wanted you, but I put a ring on your finger first. We raced down that isle like a couple of foolish teens. I’m still crazy about you.” He flipped the picture around for her to see.
The couple in the white dress and black tux beamed at one another. Their smiles so big it swallowed their faces. Many people thought they’d married because they were expecting, but Rianne hadn’t come until eleven months later.
“A lot has happened since that night,” she added, taking the picture from him and placing it face down on the desk.
“Babies and the NHL. We’ve had a good life and more good times ahead. Don’t let one missed trip derail the progress we’ve been making.”
Her teeth gnashed. “There’s no progress. We’ve been separated over a year and we want different things.”
“Here we go again.” Terry tossed his hands in the air. “You need to let it go. We have three great kids. More wouldn’t make our lives any better.”
His decision to stop having kids meant she’d never be pregnant again. Never breastfeed or go through all the firsts again. It had taken them a long time to conceive after their daughter. Mostly because Terry’s career had taken off, and he’d picked hockey over growing their family. As much as it had pained her, they’d waited. It was always her sacrificing her dreams to make his come true. Had she known Terry Junior would be their last, she’d have prepared better. She’d always planned for a large family. An entire hockey team was what they’d agreed on. Then he’d changed the rules.
“I don’t want to fight anymore. It’s time…” she exhaled and rung out her hands. “This is hard.”
“Jill, I didn’t do it to hurt you. Babies cry a lot. TJ’s colic was unbearable. My worst season ever,” he proclaimed like it made all the difference.
“Babies cry.” Her voice quivered. “I never complained.” She shook her head and knotted her fingers.
Terry tugged on the ends of his hair. “We were miserable. It’s been almost two years; I keep waiting for you to move past it.”
“Like you did?”
It wasn’t a secret she’d pulled away following his betrayal. The sight of him made her cry for months, but she had tried to let it go because she’d loved him. He’d been her leading man since her first year at college. She’d stuck with him through the minors, and all the ups and downs. But when they discovered he had a son less than a year younger than TJ, she’d lost it. It was like pouring salt into her wounds.
“One time.” He held up his finger. “Fucking one lonely night shouldn’t follow me forever. Sure as shit, shouldn’t cost me my wife and my family.” Terry refused to admit the boy was his, but a paternity test had confirmed it.
The results had delivered the final blow, shattering any respect she had left for her husband. She’d kicked him out the same day. Not only because of the betrayal, but because he refused to accept that child. Blood and family meant nothing to him, but it meant everything to her.
After the initial storm had passed, he’d begged her to give him time and space to come to terms with the claims and her reaction. She wanted to believe he was a good man. A year had passed, but nothing changed. Terry still had no contact with that child. It broke her heart.
“Your complete lack of regard for anyone but yourself is what got you here. I want a divorce,” she spat.
His eyes widened and then darkened. “No.”
The word stung like a slap. Jill stepped to the desk, lifted the dissolution of marriage documents and tossed the papers in front of him. She flipped to the first signature and pointed at hers.
“We’ve been separated long enough. Our marriage is over.” The reality was hard to admit out loud, but it needed to be acknowledged. “Let’s make it legal.”
He dropped his feet to the floor with a loud thump as he glanced down at the blue ink. Shaking his head from side to side, he grimaced. “Not happening. We’re working this out. You’re my lucky charm.”
“And you are being unreasonable,” she snapped. Jill picked up a pen and stretched her arm towards him. “Sign it.”
His stubborn ways tugged on her last nerve. Her hands shook as she held out the pen he refused to take. It was pointless to argue with a mule, but she wanted this heaviness off her chest. Once he agreed to legally end their marriage, she’d finally be free. There would be no more what ifs.
“I’m not sure what’s gotten into you, but you need to calm down.” He took the pen and tossed it across the room. “This is not the time for rash decisions. I have enough on my plate. I need everything to stay the same. No interruptions or distractions. I can’t believe you.”
“Me?” Her voiced turned shrill.
“I’ve never known you to be this selfish. What would people say? The media and… no. I am going to leave this room because this conversation is over. I love you. Deep down, you love me too. Don’t destroy our family.”
The chair rolled and hit the wall. He stormed out of the room without looking back. The papers remained on the desk.
Her body pulsed with rage. She gripped the edge of the desk, trying to collect herself. Tears welled in her eyes, but she’d cried enough over Terry and his decisions. No more.
A few minutes later, her daughter rushed into the room. “We’re leaving.”
She straightened her posture and faced Rianne. “What are you talking about?”
“Dad wants us to watch the hockey game with him tonight. We will sleep there and then spend the entire next day with him at the condo.” The excitement translated loud and clear. “You should come too.”
“No, you all have fun. I have a headache and will probably skip the game and crawl into bed early.” She followed her daughter out of the office and ignored Terry. She helped her boys pack an overnight bag. Since she’d kicked him out, this was only the fourth sleepover. She wondered at his motivation, but the kids looked so happy. They were all that mattered.
When they left an hour later, she leaned against the door and clutched her chest. The weight hadn’t lifted fully, but she’d taken the first step to move on. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. The papers were only a formality. They both knew it. Whether he signed today or next month, she was done. No more chances. No more excuses to stop living her life.
She hugged her midsection and wished her arms were around Luka. Rather than lick her wounds in an empty house, she went online and booked the next flight to Winnipeg. She didn’t need Luka to pay for her ticket. Her bank accounts were full, and it was about time she treated herself.
“I’m coming to see you. Tonight.” She sent the text message before she could chicken out.
His response never came as she selected the right outfit for seduction. Her phone remained silent as she filled her bag and watched the clock. She feared the discussion about seeing each other again had been pillow talk. Something he’d offered to placate her, but she’d been the one to say no promises for more.
Seconds before she canceled the ticket, her phone beeped. Luka’s name appeared, and her pulse soared. “I will count down the minutes till we’re together. What time?”
The flight wouldn’t arrive until late, but she wasn’t in the mood to be alone. “After midnight. Is it too late? I could reschedule.”
Her phone rang, and she answered with a huge smile. “Hi.”
“I knew I’d hear from you.” His accent surrounded her like a seductive embrace.
“Some unexpected free time opened on my calendar,” she admitted.
“And I was the first person you think of. I am flattered.” The background noise was so loud she struggled to hear him.
She sat on her bed next to the suitcase. “Are you busy? I mean, if it’s too short notice we can—”
“Jill, I will be offline for the rest of the night, but I want you with me. Come to Winnipeg. My flight home will be around the same time. You might have to wait a little, but I will make it worth your while.”
“Do you charm all the women like this or are you only this sweet for me?” She wanted it to be only her, but she wasn’t naïve. His young and sexy intensity probably brought a bevy of attractive women his way. Ones that were closer to his age. She chewed her lip.
His laughter masked all the other noise. “No charm; I speak the truth. Most find me abrasive.” More laughter followed. “I’ll meet you at the hotel.” He hung up.
The butterflies of anticipation fluttered into action. In less than ten hours they’d be together. One more time and then she’d end things.
Once at the airport, she caught snippets of the hockey game while she waited for her flight. She didn’t want to think about Terry, but it was impossible not to as players chased the puck. The names on the jerseys were different, but all those men were the same, chasing the same dream. Soon this wouldn’t be her world anymore. Her days of being a hockey wife were over. Almost.
CHAPTER SIX
A s the plane touched down, she couldn’t wait to be back in Luka’s arms. She headed back to the same hotel and checked into another suite. This one had the same monochromatic color scheme and a king-sized bed. The view of downtown from the top floor was nice, but she closed the curtains and turned on the bedside lamp. She sent him the room number and wasted no time, stripping out of her travel clothes and into something more alluring.
Less than an hour later, knuckles rapped at her door. Jill put her book away, turned down the volume on the radio and checked through the peephole. She couldn’t see his face. This time instead of a hood, there was a ball cap pulled low over his brow. But it was him. He dominated the hall like a semi-truck in a back lane.
She unlocked the chain and twisted the knob. With her hand propped on one hip, she opened the door. The feminine lingerie covered very little as she leaned against the frame and smiled. “Hello handsome.”
He charged into the room. His lips crashed against hers with the force of a tidal wave. It knocked her back, but he caught her. He swept her off her feet and kicked the door shut. She pushed his hat to the floor and ran her fingers through the short strands of hair.
Their tongues twisted in greeting. The kiss was aggressive and severe. He kissed her like a man possessed by desire. She loved it. His fingers dug into her ass cheeks and he groaned. A low and gruff declaration of need.
“I missed you,” she panted as he broke the kiss to lay her down.
His dark eyes were even more intense than the first time she’d seen him, increasing the craving she had for him. He stood and removed his shirt. The corded muscles of his forearms caught her eye as he worked his belt loose. The metal jingled, and the tines of his zipper lowered. Her mouth watered as she stared at his tanned skin and followed the dark trail of hair down his body.
“You are what I need.” His muscles flexed as he shed every stitch of clothing.
She moved to the middle of the bed, making room for him. The sheer outfit contained her breasts, keeping them high and on display. She leaned back, propped on her elbows, thrusting her hard nipples towards him. From the waist down, she was bare. Her legs fell open.
“I need you too,” she replied.
The same deep growl she’d heard earlier made another appearance. “My night was not good until I saw you. I thought it impossible for you to be more beautiful than when we met, but… you are my fantasy come to life.”
“You are too far away,” she added when he didn’t immediately come to her.
“I need to calm for a moment, so I don’t hurt you. The way you make me feel… seeing your wet pussy begging for me.” He ground his teeth, stepped next to the bed and pumped his cock. “You’ve unleashed an animal.”
She reached over and ripped open a condom wrapper. He wasn’t the only one with primal urges. Either the lack of sex for the past few years or seeing his glorious body primed and ready caused her to snap into action. An insatiable hunger took over. Waiting wasn’t an option.
Within seconds, she rolled the latex over his erection and jumped into his arms. “Give it to me,” she commanded as she wrapped her legs around him. Her back hit the wall.
He thrust inside, and she cried out at the magnitude of his force. “Jill, I’m sorry,” Luka said between her breasts. He chomped down on her nipple and slammed into her again. The flimsy fabric ripped, and he tore it from her body with his teeth.
One painting by them fell to the ground. The relentless pounding never slowed. She begged him to keep going, and he listened. Her screams for more mingled with his grunts and the room filled with the constant slapping of skin on skin.
They both took what they needed from each other. No holding back. Jill reveled in the intensity.
Two orgasms later, he set her down on shaky legs. They stepped over the tattered remains of her nightie and Luka drew them a bath. The warm water soothed some soreness, but she’d be feeling that encounter physically for days. Emotionally, she wasn’t sure she’d ever recover.
“Did I hurt you?” Luka asked as he slipped a cloth over her nipple. “I may have pushed things too far.”
The gentleness of his touch surprised her. She looked down at the imprints of his teeth all over her breasts. “I asked for it, and I’d have let you know if I couldn’t handle it,” she answered. “Besides, I like it rough.”
His shoulders were covered in her claw marks. “We compliment each other.” He left a trail of kisses down her neck.
She didn’t answer. They took turns washing each other, content not to speak. After the visceral way they’d attacked each other, this calm intimacy was a stark contrast. It was nice. Maybe too nice. As Jill lay there wrapped around Luka, pieces of her heart drifted over to him. The broken pieces that had yet to heal from her failed marriage somehow opened to the possibility of something new.
“We should get out,” she said, bracing her hands on the side of the tub. “Would you like to spend the night?” The inside of her cheek worried between her teeth, waiting for his answer.
Luka stood, grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her, drawing her to him. “I would like that.”
She tried to contain her excitement, but it was evident in her smile. They dried and headed towards the bed. He pulled the covers back and let her go in first. The small things like that touched her and it spoke to his character. Luka was a good man. She crawled in and he followed.
“You mentioned it was a bad night. Care to talk about it?” She leaned on her side and ran her hand over his chest.
“Things didn’t go my way. I let a lot of people down, and that doesn’t sit well with me.” He sighed and angled his body onto his side, facing her. “I prefer to do things right every time.”
“No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. Try not to be so hard on yourself.” She tugged on his beard and giggled, trying to lighten the moment.
It worked, and he smiled. “Smart woman.” He brushed his lips to hers then worked his way down. “How did I get so lucky?”
Her giggles turned into moans when his whiskers caressed her inner thighs and his tongue found her slit. She opened wide for him to move between her legs. “I’m the lucky one.”
She inhaled sharply as he latched onto her clit. The hard pull stole the oxygen from the room. Then he followed with soft licks and gentle kisses. The mix of hard and soft, fast and slow drove her to the brink of madness. “Don’t tease me. I need more,” she huffed, trying to catch her breath and find release.
“This is why I only date older women,” he said, running the tip of his nose along her entrance. “You are comfortable with your sexuality. Not timid or reserved. You say what you want and don’t push me away when I breathe you in.” Luka inhaled and pressed a kiss to the top of her mound.
“I can’t imagine anyone pushing you away,” she replied, grabbing the side of his face and grinding her pelvis against his mouth.
He opened wide, covering her completely and licked deep inside. His tongue prodded her core until she saw stars. Bright white flashes of light danced before her as he sucked the climax from her. Sated and spent, she relaxed into the softness of the sheets.
His head rested his against her thigh and their eyes met. “We will do this again.” He paused, looked away and then back. “Because, I want you to be more. I’d like more of this; more everything. Does that work for you?” His question, like everything about Luka caught her by surprise.
