Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  “What’s this bullshit I hear about a combined party? When I talked to your BFF, Maddy, she wasn’t planning a dual event.” A short, young woman with auburn hair tied in a twist sauntered up to the table.

  Caroline got out, and the two hugged. “I’ll tell you all about it when your shift ends.”

  “I’m off. The only reason I came in was to cover for Miranda because she’d been down with the flu, but she’s here.” She pointed to her co-worker and smiled.

  The blonde waitress blushed. “Sorry about that. I can’t afford to drop any more shifts, but I should have called ya sooner.”

  “No worries, it’s cool. Now, I can hang out and eat Chocolate pie. All is forgiven,” Carly said, taking the seat next to her.

  Introductions were done. Sylvie liked these women straight away. She could see herself getting close to them if she stayed longer. Something she tried not to think about as the conversation progressed. Caroline talked a lot, and Carly made them all laugh. Miranda might be the sweetest person she’d ever met. Clearly, whatever bug she had hadn’t passed because a few times throughout their meal the woman turned gray. Sylvie hoped she wouldn’t catch that flu because she didn’t want to waste any of her time with Martin.

  Once the food was gone and their bellies stuffed, the girls turned the conversation to her. Something she’d been able to avoid for most of the night.

  “I can see why Martin’s into you.” Carly’s words caused her heart to skip a beat.

  Sylvie clasped her hands. “Why would you say that? We’re just friends.” Friends who’d been playing house for the past few weeks, but no one knew those details.

  “According to Theo you’re more than that. You don’t have to lie to us. I can tell by the red in your cheeks he means more to you.”

  “I saw you guys together at the bar. If Nico looked at any of his friends the way you two looked at each other, he’d have major problems. Spill. What’s going on with you two?”

  “Nothing. He’s my best friend and I love him.” A burden lifted, saying those words out loud. As if they were seeds in spring, setting them free to bloom.

  Carly and Caroline exchanged a look, and both laughed. “It’s obvious you’re in love. Are you guys a couple? Theo wasn’t too clear.”

  “What did Theo tell you?” Her curiosity was peeked. Maybe talking to these girls would be her version of a crystal ball. “Did Martin tell him something?”

  Caroline smiled. “Well, you’ve been added as his date to our wedding and Nico said he saw the two of you kissing. That sounds a little more than friendly.”

  “We’re not a couple.” Explaining her relationship was tough. They were lovers, they were friends, but they weren’t together.

  “I don’t know if he sees it that way. Theo gave me the impression you two were an item. I’m sorry if I got a mixed message.”

  “You’re not the only one with mixed signals.” Sylvie took a sip of her water as the women looked at her with sympathy in their eyes. “We’re both kind of broken and helping each other cope. He told me sex would complicate things, and he was right. I don’t really know what we are to each other these days. He’ll always be my best friend, but we’re lovers too. The last part will end when I leave on the fifteenth.”

  “Why not stay and see where it goes?” Carly asked, licking the last remnants of chocolate from the plate.

  How could she explain it to others when she had a hard time wrapping her own brain around things?

  She sighed and tried to find the right words. “I booked that flight on purpose because I didn’t want this to be more than a fling. I never wanted to be in love again. He only agreed to explore a sexual relationship because we have an end date. He doesn’t want a distraction, which I would become if we were in a real relationship. Especially with the playoffs coming up, he needs to focus on hockey. It’s better if I leave.”

  “Better for whom?” Both women asked in unison.

  “Me. Him. I’m not sure anymore. I’ve mentioned my departure a couple of times. He hasn’t asked me to leave or to stay.” She wrung her hands under the table. “Don’t say anything to either of your guys about all this. Please keep it between us.”

  They both nodded. “Would you stay? Like if he asked you. Is that something you’d do?” Caroline asked.

  The question had been floating around her mind for a while and she knew the answer. “Yes. I can work from anywhere as long as there is internet. If he asked me, I’d say yes.”

  “Why don’t you think he will?”

  “You’ve both met him. He doesn’t do relationships. I have this week to convince him to take a chance. But I won’t push him into something he doesn’t want. Can we talk about something else? Oh, I’ve been working on the website for the missing teens.”

  Caroline reached over the table and patted her arm. “One last piece of advice before we switch topics. Don’t keep your feelings a secret. I almost lost Nico because of secrets. Give him all the facts so he can make the right decision for both of you.”

  She had a lot to think about, but they were right. It would be best to tell him how she felt and if he still only wanted to be friends, she’d live with his decision. It would hurt like being burned in the eye with a hot poker, but she’d go home.

  When she got home and checked her phone, she noticed a voicemail from her mother. Apparently, Renny had called there a few times. Her mother didn’t offer more information other than he was trying to reach her and that it was important. Everything was important to him. She decided not to call back. She didn’t want to learn what his motives for calling might have been because they didn’t matter.

  There was also a text from Martin asking how dinner had gone. She dialed his number, and he picked up on the second ring.

  “Hello, ma belle.” His voice wrapped around her like a hug.

  “Hi. It’s not too late is it? With the time change and all.”

  He chuckled as she dove under the covers. “It’s all good. So, did the girls grill you about us?”

  She laughed because it was true. “How did you know?”

  “Nosey bunch. What did you tell them?”

  “What would you like me to have said?” She exhaled slowly, listening for the words she wanted to hear.

  “I don’t know; to mind their own business.” Missing in that sentence were the words, dating or anything resembling a relationship or a hint as to his feelings.

  “They asked me what we were to each other, and I told them we were friends. They got the impression we were more. What did you tell the guys?” Maybe he’d reveal something. She crossed her fingers and waited.

  “Friends… right. I said the same thing and told them my bedroom is none of their business.”

  They were talking in circles. “My ticket home is still for the fifteenth. Should I change it? I mean I could… It’s not like my work can’t be done from here.” She willed him to say yes; to tell her he wanted her to stay longer.

  “That’s coming up fast. I’ve got two back to back away games. That only leaves us a couple of days together before you go.” He didn’t answer her question.

  Her heartbeats thundered through her ears. “The last two weeks flew by. When I booked that date, it made sense. Enough time for… but things changed. Plans change all the time. Um, do you think I should keep that date?”

  He got quiet, and all she heard was his breathing. “I think you should fly to Pittsburg tomorrow and come see us play. Once you figure out your next steps, you’ll be too busy sorting shit out to travel. So, what do you say?”

  “You want to fly me out to your games?” She didn’t expect an invitation, but her heart flipped at spending more time with him.

  “Yeah, this way we can make the most of your last week of holidays. You wanted an adventure, well I’m offering it. Hit the road with me.” He hadn’t asked her to stay, but he'd asked her to follow him.

  There was no reason not to go and every reason to do it. “I guess I’ll see you tomor
row.”

  Chapter 15

  The trip didn’t have the desired effect she’d hoped for. Martin had been busy for most of it as she expected. He had a curfew and a strict regimen to follow, but they found time to play. Making love whenever the opportunity presented itself. He seemed genuinely happy to have her there, and she had time to learn more about the players and a few of their partners.

  The unfortunate part of the trip was she never got the courage to tell him she’d fallen in love. For a girl who prided herself in going after the things she wanted, Martin presented a different challenge. Each time she got close, she’d hesitate, and he’d change the subject or get extra playful. Until his mood soured after they lost both games. Both had gone into overtime and could have gone either way. Martin didn’t look at it like that and his attitude wasn’t the greatest when they arrived home late after the latest loss.

  He’d cuddled her in his arms, but wasn’t interested in more. That was a first, and she debated if that was a good or a bad thing. The goodnight kiss lacked passion, but held way more intimacy. Lying there in each other’s arms without sex or for any other reason than it felt great wasn’t good for her heart. Nothing had changed, and the ending loomed closer.

  They only had a few more days together. He hadn’t asked her to stay, and she hadn’t brought up her flight again. The deadline on their time weighed heavily on her mind. She took a long time to sleep, and she tossed and turned most of the night.

  On the verge of waking, she heard a familiar hum. Her eyes snapped open when the vibration touched between her legs. Martin hovered over her, batting his long lashes. He pressed the vibrator against the top of her mound and she moaned.

  “Good morning.” He nudged her legs wider apart as he settled between them. His cock poised at her entrance, but he didn’t push inside. He claimed her mouth, covering her lips. She opened her legs and her mouth. He moved his hips, coating himself in her moisture.

  The vibration moved over her stomach in slow circles. Their tongues followed the same slow pattern as the sensation moved up her body. He circled her nipples until they were hard enough to cut glass. He broke the kiss as he slid the vibrator along her neck and then over her lips. Her eyes widened when she saw it was her tiny egg vibrator. The same one he’d seen her use.

  He kissed it before moving it against her breast again. “I’ve been thinking about using this for a while now. Is this all right?” He pushed only the head of his cock inside her.

  “I don’t mind at all.” She lifted her hips, but he moved with her, preventing a deeper penetration.

  Only giving her the tip when she wanted every inch. His lips caressed the side of her mouth. When she tried to kiss him, she got a chaste peck. He even kept the vibrations around her areola and not the sensitive spot she craved. He teased her for several minutes, drawing out the foreplay. Granting her a sample of euphoria then pulling away again.

  “More, please give me more,” she begged.

  He circled his hips again, taunting her. “Let’s play truth. Tell me what you want Sylvie and I’ll give it to you.”

  “You.” She lifted her hips again, but gained nothing. “I want you.”

  “Not me. Something true,” he whispered into her ear. “A truth you’ve never shared with anyone.” His tongue outlined her ear, and the vibrator hovered above her sex.

  “No more games. The truth is I want everything, dammit. All of you. Every single part,” she whimpered, as her body quaked with pent up arousal.

  “Take it.” The vibration landed against her clit as he thrust inside.

  A tsunami of sensation bombarded her at once. “Yes!”

  He looked into her eyes as he lifted one leg against his shoulder. She was in the splits as he pounded into her. The harder he thrust the more pressure he applied against her clit. It was too much. All of it was too damn much for her to take. From the way he looked at her, the way he moved inside her, and the way he kissed. It was more than fucking. Her eyes welled with tears as she reached her climax. The tears fell and she couldn’t stop them as he found his release. He gave her everything, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted more than his body and she feared that was all he could ever offer.

  Martin collapsed on top of her and she hugged him. She never wanted to let him go and if there was the slightest chance he cared, she had to take the risk. “Martin, I… we need to talk.”

  “Not right now. I want to hold you and enjoy this for a moment longer,” he said.

  “It’s too much, I have to—”

  “Oh, my bad.” He switched off the vibrator. Then he pulled out and rolled onto his side. “Did I hurt you? Was the vibrator on too strong? I had it on full, but I should have asked you. Shit, I’m so sorry. I got caught up in the moment.” He traced her tears with his fingertips.

  “No, that’s not it.” She exhaled, trying to find the right words. “I think I love—”

  “Oh fuck! I didn’t realize it was so late. We gotta go. You’re spending the day with Caroline and I’ll be with Nico and the guys.” He bolted out of bed like it was on fire. “We’re meeting them in the lobby in ten minutes.

  She hadn’t been able to get the words out, and she lost her chance. For now. Another opportunity would come. “Right. Start the shower, I’ll be right behind you.”

  They raced through a shower and dressed in record time. She ended up wearing a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, paired with killer heels. A day at the spa and massages didn’t require her to look her best. Martin kissed her cheek when they parted ways in the lobby. Carly gave her a look of sympathy, but mentioned nothing.

  A day surrounded by chatty women while getting pampered, turned out to be exactly what she needed. Caroline had twelve close friends join them and they were all amazing. She said over a hundred more were meeting up for dinner and the after party. Sylvie let the jubilation of the day take center stage and pushed back her fears she’d fallen for a man who could never love her back. He loved her as a friend, but not as his partner. Not the way a man is supposed to love his woman forevermore. She’d been down that road with Renny and she refused to go down it again. She couldn’t make or force someone to love her. If her time with Martin taught her anything, it’s that she deserved the best. And she wouldn’t settle for anything less.

  They capped off the day with hair, make up and new outfits for the occasion. It reminded her of a scene from Pretty Woman, minus the prostitution part. The stylist swept her hair to the side with pins, leaving loose curls cascade over her left shoulder. The makeup was subtler than she usually went. Instead, of dramatic cat eyes and bright red lipstick, they chose soft pinks and a light neutral gloss. She went along with everything except the dress. They tried to squeeze her into something made for a woman half her size. The winning choice had a corset waist and a long slit on both sides of the red dress. Martin’s favorite color. She might not have occasion to wear it often, if ever again, but she felt sexy.

  When dinner time rolled around, they planned to meet back up with the men. The pair had gone all out and spared no expenses. Limos transported them from the spa to the posh restaurant they’d rented for the night. There were so many people Sylvie understood why they’d had to do that. As the men stumbled in, it was obvious several were drunk. Sylvie and the women laughed as they ambled in. They were a loud bunch, and it seemed like they were enjoying themselves.

  Her eyes caught Martin’s as he entered and widened when she noticed the woman on his arm. They looked stunning together with their matching black hair and perfect bodies with zero percent body fat. Jealousy reared its ugly head, but there was no place for that beast. Martin wasn’t hers and he had every right to flirt and meet someone else. He wouldn’t be sleeping with his girl, but maybe someday.

  That thought made her sick to her stomach. She had to look away from him and focused on the young woman. It took her a moment to recognize Beth. Carly’s roommate and the same girl who’d left with Joe only a few short weeks ago. She breathed a sigh of
relief.

  Carly nudged her shoulder. “I told myself I wouldn’t ask, but now I need to know what’s going on between you and Martin?”

  “Why?” She turned her attention to her new friend.

  “Because my roommate is on a mission to marry an NHL player. Beth is a super girl and I love her dearly, but she’s kind of slutty.”

  “I’m not sure I’m following you?” Sylvie looked back at the crowd and lost sight of the pair.

  Carly moved her chair closer. “Fuck. How do I say this tactfully? Is Martin on the market or off? If he’s yours, then I’ll tell Beth to find another guy. But if you don’t claim him, it looks like she might try.” She pointed to the back corner of the restaurant.

  When Sylvie spotted them again, they were huddled together, appearing far cozier that she liked. She closed her eyes and looked away. “He’s free to be with anyone he wants.”

  “Really? Did you guys talk about you staying and it didn’t go well? I had high hopes you’d be sticking around. I don’t have many friends here and barely any time to make them.”

  “That’s sweet you’d like me to stay. You are my friend regardless of where I live. But it’s looking like I’ll be heading east in a few days.”

  “That sucks! Guys are dumb. Hockey players are an especially bad breed. It takes a total masochist to want to be with one. I had hoped Martin was one of the good guys, like Theo. It’s too bad he’s a dog like all the rest. Joe and Cameron are the worst of the bunch and he’s with them non-stop. They probably rubbed off on him.”

  “He’s not a dog. They are all good guys at heart. He’s been burned in the past and keeping his distance is his way of coping. It was my mistake, thinking there was potential. We never once talked about anything long term, and like I said, he knows I’m leaving in a few days. If he wants to set up his next bed partner that’s his choice. But in all fairness, you should warn your friend he’s not husband material.”