Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  “I’m coming,” he said, moments before the first wave coated her throat. She swallowed and sucked until every drop had been expelled. “I love you so fucking much. And honey, we’re home.” He killed the engine and then pulled her head up and kissed her mouth.

  Their tongues met in the middle and the windows fogged. She loved him too. They would get to spend forever kissing and making love; making babies and happy memories. “Take me to bed and make love to me.”

  He put his dick away, but didn’t bother doing up his pants. Within a flash he was at her door, carrying her up the steps to his house. The nineteen-sixties bungalow reminded her of the home of the Brady Bunch. Her mother had loved watching reruns of classic shows. It was the perfect family home and soon it would be her home.

  “It’s customary to carry your bride over the threshold. Since you’ve agreed to be mine forever, we’re as good as married in my mind.” He set her down to unlock the door and open it. Then she was back in his arms. “Welcome home, angel.”

  Her giggles were muffled by another kiss. Searing and passionate. He kicked the door shut and didn’t set her down again until they were inside his room. She couldn’t take in the décor or furnishings because they were too consumed with each other. Nothing else mattered.

  Clothing fell away and so did any pretense of sleep. When his mouth moved down her over her breasts and landed between her legs, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven. She leaned against the wall for support as he tossed a leg over his shoulder. He parted her folds and licked deep inside. Watching his head bob as his hair tickled her thighs sent a rush of endorphins straight to her clit. His fingers rubbed fast circles against that spot and a moment later she couldn’t hold back.

  “Nico, right there. Yessss!” Her screams seemed louder in the empty house. Caroline gripped his hair and mashed her clit against his hand as he lapped up her climax.

  He licked his lips and wiped his beard with his hand. “I love the way you come against my face, like you’re marking your territory. But I need to see those sexy hazel eyes expand as you grip my cock and come again.” He picked her up as though she were a pillow and tossed her onto the bed.

  A second later he crawled over her, aligning their bodies. When they were face to face, he coated the head of his penis with her moisture. She tucked his locks behind his ears and looked into his eyes as he pushed his way inside. Her body welcomed him and sucked him in deeper. Caroline wrapped her legs around his waist and met him thrust for thrust.

  “I love… ohh,” she squeaked when he hit her G-spot. He rammed the same sensitive spot until the room filled with her whimpers. “I’m so close.” She dug her nails into his ass, forcing every inch deeper.

  “I love you,” he said and like a detonator, his words exploded inside her.

  The orgasm washed away any doubt she had about spending her life with Nico. He was the only man she would ever connect with in this way. Her walls closed and contracted around him, pulling his release. As his seed flooded her womb, they kissed.

  They made love for hours and managed a few hours of sleep before Nico’s alarm went off. He got ready, and she admired the sight of her fiancé transform from naked Viking to super sexy hockey professional. She also admired the exquisite princess cut rock on her finger.

  He kissed the knuckle of that finger. “We don’t have to hide anymore, so will you come watch me play? I’m dying to get you to a game.” His request warmed her and sent a blush to her cheeks. “Can you fly out with me in a few hours?”

  She was embarrassed to admit she hadn’t set foot inside an arena since her mom died. It’s not like she blamed the sport for her mother’s depression. But she’d kept her distance, giving her father ownership of that space. It was time to take it back, and she wanted to see him in action. “We’ve got studio time booked today and another gig tomorrow. But I promise to make it to your next home game.”

  He jumped on top of her and kissed her. His expression so happy, her heart couldn’t help but soar to the moon.

  “Thank you.” He nuzzled his nose against hers before getting up.

  She rolled out of bed and wrapped the sheet around her body. Caroline followed him to the door, but wasn’t ready to let him go. As the diamond caught the light, she noticed his hand had no jewelry. None. That would change soon and the sooner the better. “Okay, let’s get married in two weeks.”

  “Really?” He twirled her around and she nodded. “Soon to be Mrs. Ivarsson, you make me a very happy man.” He kissed her lips, and the feeling was mutual. The sorrow she’d once seen in his eyes was replaced with love; enough love to last a lifetime.

  She knew he had to leave and catch his flight. It was only a matter of days before they’d be together again, planning a wedding. This time she kissed him. Hard, demanding and with the perfect amount of love. The kiss conveyed the kind of love that defied the rules and would never disappear.

  Epilogue

  The crowd cheered and Caroline joined them. Nicolas Ivarsson body checked his opponent into the boards and sent the puck down the ice to Theo Montagne. The breakaway ended with the puck in the net and their team up by two. Watching a game from the box seats with her father was a treat. The energy that radiated from inside the arena sent tingles of excitement through her body. But nothing matched the exhilaration she got from seeing her fiancé on the ice. Decked out in his hockey padding, Nico looked like an impenetrable wall of muscles and talent.

  He’d never been sexier, and Caroline couldn’t wait to get him home and strip him out of those clothes. The few days they’d been apart had been torture, but knowing they had a lifetime to be together helped ease the loneliness. Not that she’d had much alone time, since planning a wedding for hundreds of close friends and NHL family wasn’t an easy task.

  “Did you talk to the wedding planner this afternoon?” Spence Northcote straightened his tie and beamed at his daughter.

  Caroline was glad for the help, but there were so many decisions to make. Plans she had no intention of making alone. “Several times, in fact. The guest list has ballooned to over five hundred. Daddy, I think the woman will have a heart attack if you keep adding more names. The venue we’ve booked only holds so many.”

  They booked the same hotel where they met. Caroline loved the old character building and Nico agreed it was the best choice. Finding a last-minute venue on Valentine’s Day had been near impossible. But Nico’s celebrity status and her father’s deep pockets secured the deal. Caroline dreamed of a big wedding, but would have been fine with tying the knot at city hall. She didn’t care about the surroundings as long as her man promised to love her forever. He’d already done that, but Nico and her father both insisted on a big white wedding.

  “It’s not every day your little girl gets married. You can’t blame this addition on me, because the added name came from Maddison. She’s added a plus one.”

  Things with the band were taking off at warp speed. Whoever leaked their proposal video online had included a clip from their performance. Millions of people downloaded Nico’s heartfelt declaration of love. The aftermath had propelled the band into temporary stardom. He told her how the players bugged him about it non-stop, but he’d do it again if it made her smile. Every time she watched it, her heart expanded with love.

  “Oh. I’ll have to ask her about that.” Something was up between her best friend and Brody, but he was already on the guest list. Maddy’s attempts at dating recently hadn’t gone well. She admitted to being attracted to their drummer, but there was more to their story. For the past month Caroline noticed the awkwardness grow between them. Since New Year’s Eve their easy banter and roughhousing had been replaced with cordial professionalism. Once the wedding craziness was over, she’d have a heart to heart with her friend.

  “I didn’t recognize the name,” he added. “Do you want me to find out for you?”

  “No, I’ll speak with her. Thanks again for everything.” She hugged her father as the crowd roared again.r />
  The buzzer sounded the end of the game. Caroline peered down at the rink as Martin Thomas, their goalie, removed the puck from his glove. Nico’s head tilted up towards her and he nodded, before skating off the ice. She couldn’t see his smile, but she felt it.

  Everyone around them celebrated the victory with hugs and high-fives. Glasses clinked together, and the merriment went on for another half hour. Caroline enjoyed her first live NHL game since she was little and hoped to make it to many more games. She doubted she’d make them all, and she told her father and Nico that music came first. They both said they understood but her father didn’t hide his disappointment well. She excused herself and drove to Nico’s house; their home.

  The key fit perfectly in the lock and his spicy scent greeted her when she entered. She hadn’t moved in fully, but her boxes lined the halls. Nico’s desire for commitment, matched hers and the wedding felt like a formality. In her heart they had already pledged to love each other forever. She didn’t need a piece of paper to prove it.

  She kicked off her heels and hung up her coat in the closet next to the black jacket he’d worn when they met. The roughness of the leather caressed her hand. She loved the bad boy vibe he gave off when he wore it. But she loved the man inside it so much more. She didn’t think it was possible to be so in love. Her phone beeped, and she dug it out of her purse.

  “Be home soon. Be ready.” Nico’s text sent a shiver through her.

  Not wasting any time, she raced to the kitchen and grabbed the champagne from the fridge. They were going to celebrate his homecoming and victory on the ice. Once in the bedroom, she arranged the bucket of ice and flutes next to the bed. A plate of strawberries and whipped cream sat next to the bubbly. The butterflies danced in her stomach at the thought of being in Nico’s arms again.

  Caroline removed her clothes and left a trail from the front door to the bedroom. When he walked through the doors, she wanted to be the first thing he saw. All of her. She wasn’t afraid to put herself out there. Gone was the shyness or apprehension she’d once had. She lay on her side with her knee bent and legs open. The provocative pose left nothing to the imagination.

  The front door closed and moisture pooled between her legs. His mere presence was enough to excite her. “I’m home, angel,” Nico said as his footsteps neared. Nico strode through the door, his lip kicked up into a half smile so sinfully sexy her nipples hardened.

  “Welcome home.” Caroline placed her hand on her knee, widening her legs. The diamond ring on her finger sparkled as she beckoned him to join her. “We have some celebrating to do.” She reached for a glass of champagne.

  His nostrils flared as he removed his suit jacket. “Best welcome I’ve ever seen. You’re beautiful and you’re mine,” he growled the last word as he ripped his shirt over his head. The rest of his clothes hit the ground.

  A moment later he took the glass from her hand and sealed his lips over hers. They kissed, and she melted into him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers ran through his soft waves. He nibbled his way down her neck. Then a blast of cold hit her chest. “Nico!”

  He chuckled against her skin as he poured the contents of the glass onto her breasts. “I’m thirsty.” The liquid ran over her nipples, down her stomach, in between her legs and onto the sheets. His tongued followed the path and ended with his face between her thighs. He lapped at her juices as they mingled with the champagne. “Tastes great.”

  Her moans filled the room as his tongue flicked her clit and his fingers entered her. “I missed you,” she said, mashing her pelvis against him and seeking more.

  Nico was never gentle, and he knew what she needed. He latched onto her clit, sucking hard. His fingers, slick with her wetness, moved to her puckered hole and pressed. She squirmed and clawed at the sheets as he pushed one finger inside. Her body quivered every time he played with her there and he did it often. He inserted another digit, applying the most exquisite pressure. Within seconds her climax struck, sending tremors euphoria over her.

  “It’s so tight and I can’t wait to feel you constrict around my cock. Tonight, I will make you come harder than ever before. Are you ready for me, angel?” He kissed her breasts. Sucked on the hardened tip, and kept his finger buried inside her, stretching her to accommodate him.

  Caroline always said no to any man who asked her to try anal sex. Nico was the first man she even let touch her there, not that he asked for permission. “Is that why you’re marrying me? So, you can… take me… um, back there?” She was partly joking. But she recalled, that she’d once told him if he ever wanted to get in her backdoor, he’d have to put a ring on her finger.

  He made a popping sound as he released her breast. “I am marrying you because I love you.” Those words never got old, and she smiled. “You could say no, but you want to feel my dick inside your ass. Every time I touch your sweet little hole you get wetter. There isn’t a part of you I won’t take.” He circled his fingers as he spoke and his thumb collected more of her moisture. “Tell me to stop, and I will. My love doesn’t come with conditions.”

  “Neither does mine.” She touched his face with her palm and stared into his eyes. “I will love you forever, and I trust you; with my heart and my body. Please, don’t stop. Don’t ever stop loving me or taking me to new heights. I want it all. I want every part of you.” She never dreamed one kiss would change her life forever. Never dared to hope that a man would fill the emptiness inside her.

  Their foreheads pressed together. “We’re the same in so many ways. I know what you need because I need the same. Let me love you.” His lips found hers and their tongues circled one another.

  Every kiss was as powerful as the last. She opened her legs wide, and his erection poised at her entrance. When he entered her, both their eyes were open, they saw each other. Nico thrust hard and deep, reaching into her soul. “I’m yours; all of me with no conditions.”

  “I can’t wait for you to take my name. Mrs. Caroline Ivarsson, you’re going to like this. Trust me.” His lip lifted on the side, and she squeezed him tight.

  She trusted him and had from the moment she laid eyes on him. Before she knew his name, she knew he was the one. Nothing would change that. His lips landed on hers again, and she saturated his cock with her moisture. Each thrust and kiss brought another wave of arousal. He broke the kiss to turn her over and positioned himself to take her from behind.

  With their eyes locked, Caroline gripped the bedspread and Nico pushed inside. He brought his hand down hard against her ass cheek. The sting of the slap didn’t compare to the fullness of him back there. She whimpered, but not from pain. After the initial stretch and discomfort, she loved it.

  Their bodies and their souls joined together in every way. Their grunts, moans and screams replaced any words. Everything that needed to be said was already said. All they had left to do was feel. He worked her body and coaxed two more orgasms from her before he emptied himself inside her.

  She pressed her lips to his, and couldn’t believe she ever thought one kiss would be enough. One New Year’s Eve kiss changed everything. She’d thought it was a game, but it turned out to be the beginning of their happily ever after.

  Extended Epilogue

  NICO

  The first time Nicolas Ivarsson had kissed Caroline Northcote, he’d known his life would never be the same. Dating the boss’s daughter had been a risk. It could have ended in disaster but didn’t. Marrying her had been the best decision of his life. It had been years since they’d tied the knot, and his love for her grew stronger with every season.

  This would be his last in the NHL. His last game was bittersweet. They won. He had every reason to smile. His D-line did their job, but they weren’t destined for playoffs this time. Despite their best efforts, not every year brought them to the Stanley Cup. It would have been nice to finish with a record season, but he’d had plenty of those as the Captain in Winnipeg.

  Nico wasn’t worried about life after hockey. He h
ad everything he ever wanted. He had Caroline and their two gorgeous babies. His heart was full.

  As he skated towards the exit, he smiled, and tears filled his eyes. It wasn’t sadness. He knew sorrow, and this was the opposite. He loved his days on the ice, but he wanted to pursue other endeavours. Like, being a full-time father who traveled with his rock-star wife. Soon, he’d coach his boys if they chose to pursue hockey. He didn’t want to miss another family dinner or bedtime story.

  The crowd cheered and yelled his name. He breathed it in. The official announcement hadn’t gone out, but most people knew or suspected he’d be leaving.

  No matter how much he’d prepared for this moment, it stole the air from his lungs. The weight of his decision pressed against his chest. Energy pulsed through the arena as the players left the rink. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, causing his hands to shake. He gripped his stick tighter.

  “You can change your mind,” Theo said, patting his shoulder. “This doesn’t have to be the end.”

  He’d be the next team Captain. He’d earned it. The kid had spirit and a level head. Not something he could say about the rest of his motley crew. His hockey family. He’d miss them, but he’d see them all again. This wasn’t goodbye.

  “Nah. I am ready.”

  “Northcote would sign you for another year and you know it.”

  The owner, Spencer Northcote, put his family before business. He was a great role model. Nico’s body could handle another five years, but hockey was a young man’s sport. It took him longer to recover and required more hours training just to keep up. Those hours were time away from his family. Caroline never complained, but it was taking its toll on him.

  “My father-in-law understands my decision and supports it.”

  He looked into the crowd and found her. Caroline’s long golden hair hung loose around her shoulders as she cradled their babies against her chest. The most beautiful sight in the world. He blew her a kiss and waved at the fans.