Player Substitution (Puck Battle Series, #0.5)

by Kristen Echo

  Chuck was the only man she’d ever been on a date with, and no part of her wanted to date another man. This was strictly for appearances sake. “We are friends helping each other out. You really came through for Rosa and me last night with those tickets. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “It was my pleasure. Honestly, with my schedule I don’t get the opportunity to see much hockey since I’m all over the place with work. I had to drop a pairing to make it tonight, but it will be worth it. There’s always another pilot to fill in, which helps.”

  “What exactly are you hoping will happen? I mean, I get the gist. We want to make our partners jealous. Show them two can play that game, and hopefully they’ll get so jealous they come running back. Is that it?” Miranda wasn’t sure what Chuck would do once he saw her with Kyle.

  He had a hot head on the ice, but he hadn’t been in a real fight since they were teenagers. Back then, guys picked fights with him to prove they could fight a larger opponent. Most of the time they lost. Chuck believed in making love not war, which suited Miranda fine. She hoped for Kyle’s sake and her own that things didn’t get out of hand.

  “Sue doesn’t get how much I’m hurting, but she will. It’s easier for them, cause they’re the ones who fucked around. Their decision, while we’re the ones left picking up the pieces. A dose of their own medicine should set things onto an even playing field. Besides, they—.” A car horn honked for a good long while, making it impossible to hear him.

  The distraction gave her a chance to digest his words as she stared at the cream-colored walls of her room. The only game Miranda liked was hockey and didn’t consider her marriage a game. She wasn’t shooting to even things up, she wanted to erase the score. Make Chuck realize the only way to score was with her.

  Kyle coughed before continuing. “Sorry about that, I’m stuck in traffic. As for me, I’m hoping Sue will see me with you, and realize her mistake. She says she wants us to go back to the way things were, but I can’t. I need to see how she reacts to us. I need to know if she really cares, and I’ll have my answer tonight.”

  His answer made sense. Would this fake date make things fair? That seemed impossible. She had her reservations, but a good offense was better than nothing, since she had no defense.

  “Sue will come around, and if she doesn’t then she wasn’t the right woman. You’ve got a lot going for you Kyle. You’re a hot young stud, with a great job and season tickets to the best team in national hockey. I can’t imagine you’ll have a hard time finding a new girlfriend,” she said, not meaning to blow smoke; Kyle was all those things.

  “Ha. Miranda, you’ve been out of the scene for too long. It’s a madhouse out there. I went on twenty first dates the year I finally met Sue. Dating sucks. Why do you think I asked you to help me with this?”

  She had wondered the same thing. “Why didn’t you ask someone else from the flight crew?”

  “Business and pleasure don’t mix. As a twenty-seven-year-old pilot, I get hit on a lot. A quick meaningless fuck. Nothing serious, but that’s not what I’m after. Thirty is just around the corner and I want kids. Sue wants to start a family soon. She’s twenty-five already.”

  The mention of starting a family pierced her like an arrow through her heart. She looked down at her chest, expecting to see the blood. There was nothing, but the pain was real. She might never become a mother.

  Miranda planted her feet on the floor and stepped out of bed. At twenty-five she was planning her wedding to the man of her dreams. She was full of delusions and high hopes back then. Heck, she’d been that way until a few days ago.

  “I can meet you at the restaurant where she works, instead of you having to drive out to the sticks. Tell me the name of the place again?”

  “That’s nice of you to offer, but we can stick with our original plan. Besides, I’m bored, and it will look better if we show up together. Plus, it will twist the knife in your husband to see me dropping you off. Trust me. See you soon.”

  They hung up and Miranda raced across the cold hardwoods towards the bathroom. Heated floors would have been heaven against her cold feet. She checked her phone and her body trembled. The winter chill had nothing to do with her shivers.

  Twenty-three text messages from Chuck. She scrolled through them, allowing her brain enough time to register the words, but hoping not enough time for her heart to swoon.

  “Every moment that passes without hearing your voice or seeing your beautiful face feels like an eternity. Please talk to me.”

  “I love you more than the moon and the stars—I miss my sunshine.”

  Swoon.

  “Wake up, sleepyhead. I should be there holding you now, running my fingers through your wild mane...”

  “Wrapping those locks around my fist as I position your pouty little mouth. Sucking on your lower lip until you open your sexy hazel eyes with a purr. There are so many things we should be doing.”

  Wet.

  “The feel of your soft body against mine...”

  Miranda set the phone down. She’d read enough. He painted a perfect picture of them in bed together, soaking her panties and making her hornier than when she’d first smelled his empty side of the bed.

  She closed her eyes and felt his lips against hers. His fingers knotted in her hair as he licked into her mouth. Their bodies pressed together. His erection poised at her entrance. A few slides through her wet folds would soak him. He’d push in slow and easy like he always did, stretching her in the most delicious way. She growled at the loss. She wanted him so badly her knees buckled, forcing her to hold onto the marble countertop for support.

  Not yet.

  Tonight, he would get a taste of her pain, and she prayed it would provide answers. On the surface, she knew the truth. Chuck chose another woman, but it made little sense. He loved her. But, he either couldn’t or wouldn’t give her a reason. Until she understood the why, these measures were necessary.

  CHAPTER SIX

  A Bentley. Kyle showed up driving luxury, slick blue, sex on wheels. Miranda loved cars and loved looking at expensive high-end automobiles. The Mulsanne was on Chuck’s list of lottery win cars. She near swooned as he rounded the luxury panty soaker to open her door.

  Now she understood why he insisted on picking her up. The car alone would make Chuck cream in his shorts as she was slightly damp from the scent of the leather and perfect craftsmanship. They spent the entire drive to the restaurant talking about the bells and whistles the fine car offered.

  “We’re here. Are you ready to get out?” Kyle asked when Miranda didn’t move to accept his outreached hand.

  His car had been a welcomed distraction, but this date was happening. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Are you sure you’re ready to do this?” Her stalling couldn’t last forever.

  Kyle held the door open and waited patiently. “I’ve thought a lot about this and your ideas make sense. She needs to understand what I’m going through. By the end of this dinner, either Sue and I will be back together, stronger than ever. Or we’ll be done, over, finished. I’m ready to know.”

  Those words sounded so final. She shivered at the implication. “I’m not entirely convinced my ideas aren’t crazy.” Miranda bit her lip, smearing the crimson paint against her teeth.

  “They aren’t insane. Trust me, you’re not the first person to search for a little retribution and we won’t be the last. Let’s get this dinner started. Shall we?” Kyle smiled, and she placed her hand in his.

  This moment wasn’t about her; she was doing this for him. He’d given her the tickets last night and made step one possible. Chuck’s late-night visit proved her plan was working. At least she hoped it was working. He seemed determined to make things work, and she wondered how far Chuck would go to make things right.

  If they could be set right; she still wasn’t sure.

  The fine dining restaurant was one she’d never been to before. She enjoyed French cuisine when Chuck tried to impress her with his inte
rnet recipes, but had never sampled the real deal. Windchill and strong winter winds nipped at her bare legs as she exited the car. Her dress fluttered up her thighs, but remained tasteful thanks to her long petticoat.

  Kyle looped her arm through his and guided her towards the entrance. A doorman greeted them and escorted them to a host station. The man was wearing a suit and a cheesy mustache; the kind that curls up at the end.

  “Bonjour. It’s good to see you, Monsieur Linksy. Do you have a reservation?”

  “For two, under the name Miranda. If we could be seated in Sue’s section that would be wonderful.” Kyle looked at her with a sheepish grin while the host checked his book. “I didn’t want her to know we were coming,” he whispered in her ear.

  Oh, the games we played in the name of love.

  “Of course, right this way, I’ll be sure to let Mademoiselle Sue know you are here.”

  Kyle patted the older man on the back and slipped him some cash. Miranda couldn’t tell the amount. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  He followed her, keeping his hand on the small of her back as they made their way towards their table.

  Candles, red cloth napkins on the tables and dimly lit chandeliers created a romantic ambiance. The dark wood tables and floors made everything cozy. Too intimate.

  Their table for two made her uncomfortable, and she teetered in her three-inch heels. Luckily, Kyle was there to steady her.

  “I can take your coats, if you’d like?” The host offered.

  Miranda sought to keep the extra layer and barrier on, but she was being foolish. Kyle removed his overcoat and offered to help. She let him and took her seat. Kyle pushed in her chair and the scrape echoed through the room. Despite the frigid temperatures outside, the restaurant was warm. Miranda suddenly overheated. Her palms were sweaty and her cheeks flushed.

  “Relax,” Kyle said, taking his seat. He rubbed his trimmed goatee as his eyes darted around the room.

  Everything about this scenario was wrong. Kyle wasn’t her husband. He reached out for her hand and she hesitated, but placed her shaky hand in his. When their hands connected, it felt awkward. An act, nothing more, she reminded herself and painted on a smile.

  “I have to remember this isn’t for real. It just... never mind. We are here to make Sue see you.” She placed her other hand over their joined ones and squeezed.

  Kyle finished his search for Sue before focusing on her. “You look awesome by the way. Killer dress.” He eyed the top swell of her breasts which spilled out.

  Miranda wanted to look like the type of woman she figured Kyle would date. Sexy, young and fashionable. She couldn’t change her age, so chose her outfit with Sue in mind. A low-cut sweetheart neckline that hugged her curves, in a bright sunshine yellow that screamed look at me. She styled her blonde hair in loose curls pinned to the side so they would rest near the top of the dress, drawing attention to her greatest assets.

  The dress had been worn only once before and not for long. Chuck hadn’t been able to wait to get her out of it. The memory of him peeling it up over her hips as his fingers slipped inside her panties caused her to shift in her seat and cross her legs.

  “Thank you, Kyle, you look mighty dapper this evening.” Her eyes feasted upon his tailormade suit and how well it fit. He kept it casual by not wearing a tie and keeping the top, few buttons undone.

  In the distance, she noticed a fiery red head approaching the table at warp speed. Her white pressed blouse and black dress pants flattered her thin frame. Miranda hadn’t asked many questions about Sue, yet she knew it was her. The woman’s smile disappeared when she noticed their joined hands. Judging by the scowl on the freckled face beauty, she didn’t like what she saw.

  Miranda took that as a good sign.

  “Hello,” she said to Miranda before quickly turning her attention to Kyle. “What are you doing here?”

  “Ordering dinner. I would think that part was obvious since we’re in a restaurant.” He looked to her and laughed, never letting go of her hand.

  Miranda chuckled at his response.

  Sue eyed their hands again. “There are plenty of other restaurants. Why are you here? I’ve called you a gazillion times, and you barely talk to me. Now you show up, on what... a date?” The hurt on the girl’s face was real.

  Kyle sat back in his chair but didn’t release Miranda. “You could call it that. Sue, meet my new friend M—.”

  “Unbelievable.” Sue tossed her hands in the air. “I... Let me get you some menus.” She walked away with her head cast downwards.

  It was difficult to watch the young girl’s internal struggle. She’d been about to say something else, but changed her mind. Miranda wondered what Sue wouldn’t allow herself to say.

  “That went well. Don’t you think?” Kyle asked as soon as Sue was out of hearing range.

  The initial reaction had given her the same conclusion, but now she wasn’t so sure. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because, it looks like she cares. When she comes back, I’m going to test my assumption. Okay?”

  She never got the chance to respond.

  Sue returned with two large menus. “Kyle, please don’t do this to us.” Her plea came out as soft as a baby’s blanket.

  Miranda watched Kyle as he looked at his ex-girlfriends trembling hands and then back into the girl’s sad eyes. “I’m not the one who did anything. You did, and you broke my heart.” His tone was even as he spoke his truth.

  Sue dropped the leather-bound menus on the table in an unprofessional manner. “Enough!” she shouted as one fell onto the floor.

  “I’ll get that,” Kyle said, releasing her hand and rising to his feet.

  He picked up the menu which had fallen beside Miranda’s chair. One second he was leaning over to place the menu back on the table, and the next his lips covered hers. She went to pull away, but his hands gripped the side of her face, holding her in place as he sealed her mouth shut.

  Sue gasped and Miranda wanted to scream, but she couldn’t open her mouth.

  The massive kiss took her by surprise and she hated every second. There were only two lips she wanted, and they belonged to her husband. Kyle was testing Sue to see what she would do, and they got their answer.

  Kyle pulled away, and they both looked to Sue, who had tears running down her cheeks. “I... I can’t do this.” She ran towards the kitchen doors.

  “I’ll be right back,” he said, running after her.

  Miranda wiped her lips with the napkin until every drop of red lipstick disappeared. Then she waited there for thirty minutes or longer before Kyle emerged from the kitchen with Sue beside him. Their fingers threaded and their mouths looked swollen and puffy from kissing. The couple walked towards her and hope bloomed inside her chest. She smiled as her eyes filled with tears of joy. Kyle was getting his happily ever after.

  “We’re sorry we kept you waiting. Sue and I had a lot to discuss. I told her everything, and her boss is giving her the rest of the night off so we can... talk some more. Do you mind if I call a cab to take you home?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. It was a pleasure meeting you Sue, and I wish you both all the happiness in the world.” Miranda put on her coat and hugged them both before leaving.

  Kyle walked her to the door. “I feel horrible for ditching you, but promise we can raincheck for tomorrow night. Anytime you want?”

  “We’ll figure something out, and don’t worry about me. Go get your girl.”

  “I will. Thanks again.” Kyle kissed her cheek and walked back towards Sue. The girl wore a huge ear to ear grin as she discussed something with a fellow waitress.

  Her plan worked too well and now she was taking a cab home instead of another ride in the Bentley. The ride gave her a chance to think about what she wanted from Chuck. If she was going to move past the affair, then she wanted to know why it happened, so it would never happen again. The only way to get those answers was to force his hand. Make him spill the
beans.

  As expected, Chuck waited in his truck as she arrived. Only Kyle wasn’t on her arm. She wanted the joy she saw in Kyle’s eyes, and the knowledge that things were working out. Her marriage had to survive this.

  She sashayed her way into the house without acknowledging him, but she left the front door open. He followed her inside. Once her coat and shoes were removed, she turned to face him.

  His eyes were big saucers of green as he ate in her appearance. “You are radiant. I’ve been here for hours. I got worried when you weren’t answering my messages.”

  “Left my phone at home.” She purposely left it behind so he’d show up. She knew him so well.

  He swallowed hard. “Where did you go, looking so pretty?” His eyes dipped to the hemline. “I have very fond memories of the last time you wore that.” He licked his lips and heat pooled between Miranda’s thighs.

  “It doesn’t matter. We can’t go backwards.” She debated her next move. “You’re here, so would you sit with me?” She walked into the living room and sat on the microfiber couch, patting the seat next to her. Chuck did as she asked and placed his hand on her bare knee. The heat spread through her body like an ocean wave, crashing against her rational mind.

  “Before you say whatever you’re about to say. Know that I love you, and I will do anything to make you happy again. I mean anything.” His deep voice pulled at her heartstrings.

  “Love isn’t our problem, but obviously we have a problem. You’re telling me you don’t know why you cheated on me, but I can’t accept that. People don’t cheat without a reason. So, I’ve decided we will open our marriage like we did our relationship a few years ago.”

  Before they got engaged Miranda had been on the fence about their relationship. They were so young when they met. She loved him and knew he was the one, but wondered if the grass was greener. They had never been with anyone else and both wondered what was out there. Chuck agreed to her request to open their relationship for a onetime experience. They hit a swinger’s club in the city and picked up another couple.