Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  He closed the door behind her without saying another word. The car was already running and warm, but it got hotter the moment Benny sat in the driver’s seat. He didn’t speak as he put the car in drive. She caught his eyes in the review-mirror. They were smoldering. She wiggled on her seat, suddenly unable to sit still.

  The music on the radio filled the silence, but she had no idea what song played. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Within a minute or two, he stopped the car and got out. They weren’t back on campus. He’d driven them around the building and parked in the back. There was no one around. He joined her in the backseat, his legs brushing against hers.

  Her breathing became more labored once he was seated. “Wha… um, what are you doing?”

  He unbuckled her seatbelt and placed his hand on her bare knee. She nearly jumped out of her skin from the heat. Benny rubbed his thumb over the exposed area.

  “Good students who listen are rewarded. You remember as well as I do how we play this game. Are you ready for today’s lesson, Elizabeth? Are you prepared to listen to your teacher?” He removed his hand, and she missed the connection.

  Her mouth went dry. “Y… yes,” she said. She moved her back against the door to face him.

  His smile was wicked as he reached over and unzipped her coat. He brushed his lips over hers, soft and gentle. She chased his mouth as he pulled away. His fingers grazed her breasts as he opened her jacket. Her nipples hardened, becoming visible through her shirt.

  He noticed and growled his approval. “Trust me. I won’t hurt you.”

  “Okay,” she breathed.

  “I trust you wore this uniform to impress me. As your teacher, I love a student who’s willing to go the extra mile.” He ran his fingers over her nipples again, pinching the tips. “Put your feet on the seat beside me.”

  She lifted her legs, keeping them together. Unsure what to do with her hands, she placed them on her knees. “What are you going to teach me?”

  “Keep your hands on your knees and open your legs. I want to see what my prize pupil wore under that short skirt.” Opening her legs, she watched his eyes darken. His gaze intensified. “I see you brought your A game today.”

  She’d worn a white satin thong that matched her bra. Her arousal had no doubt soaked the material, making it see-through. “I am the teacher’s pet.”

  “Yes, you are.” He licked his lips, and she shivered. “I’m going to make you purr as I teach you the art of oral.” He moved his hands up her thighs and gripped her panties, pulling them off.

  He sniffed the wet fabric before tossing it into the front. “Let’s see if that dessert makes you taste any sweeter.”

  A second later his face rubbed against her mound as he settled between her open legs. She gripped her knees and moaned when his lips pressed against her. Using his fingers, he opened her folds and licked along her entrance. He took his time, reacquainting his mouth with her lower lips.

  She watched his head bob under her skirt which covered half his head. Every flick of his tongue made her roar. He teased her by pushing his tongue in and out of her but leaving her clit alone. She ground her pelvis against him, seeking what she needed. By the time he flicked her clit, she was close to hysterics.

  “Don’t stop; stay there,” she yelled as he sucked on her climax button. Her legs shook as he pushed two fingers in deep, curling them to reach that special place. He continued to feast upon her. Sucking harder, he pushed deeper, and she was so close. He moaned, and the vibration sent her into a tailspin of euphoria.

  Her nails dug into her skin and her toes curled as she reached her climax. She bit her lip to stifle the scream that threatened to come out. Her body stiffened and pulsed. He kissed his way down each of her thighs and she watched him in awe as he emerged from between her legs.

  His face glistened from her juices. “I’m not sure we’ve mastered today’s lesson. We’ll have to do that again,” he said with a smile. “But I think we passed our first exercise. Would you agree?”

  She was panting, like she did at the end of a run and she felt every bit as invigorated. “Passing marks for sure. You are a top-notch teacher and highly skilled in the oral arts,” she responded.

  “I aim to please you. Now, I suppose I should get you back to your real classes. But can I ask you to do me a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  He removed his jacket and pulled off his t-shirt. “Wear this for the rest of the day. I love seeing your hard, little nipples through your shirt, but I’m not keen on the rest of the student body seeing them.”

  Looking down at her chest, she noticed two peaks pointing at Benny. She crossed her arms, covering her breasts. “Fine. This outfit was for you and no one else.”

  “Thank fuck. I’m really looking forward to our next exercise.” He handed her his shirt. It was too bad he had on an undershirt because she would have loved to see more of his body. It would have to wait for another time.

  She took his shirt and kissed him. “Me too,” she said. The trust exercises weren’t meant to be sexual, but it worked to bring them closer together.

  Chapter 11

  Avoiding Carly and her twenty questions hadn’t been her intention when she’d stayed at the library until closing and returned before the crack of dawn. Benny also got the brush off. Beth had a paper due before the reading week kicked off. One of her professors snuck in a final assignment which would not get done if she sat down with her roommate or snuggled with her boyfriend.

  Beth often let distractions get in the way and shift her focus. The happiness of others took priority above her own. It was a part of her personality she was working on. She put the finishing touches on her paper and hit send as Carly pulled up a chair next to her.

  “Details. I want all of them.” Her friend crossed her arms over her large chest. “I waited up until eleven. What time did you get home from your date?”

  Beth laughed. “It was a lunch date that ended after lunch. I sent you a text telling you I was at the library writing a paper. I spent the evening and all morning getting it finished.”

  “A likely story. Who was your date with? I assumed your ex, but hoped maybe you’d come to your senses and tossed him to the curb.”

  “The date was with Benny and if things keep going the way they are, he’ll be around for a long time. At least I want him to be. You don’t understand how badly I want things to work out this time. Don’t rip into me about the past. We’ve talked at length about our failure. We’re trying to find a way past it.”

  “And how do you do that? How can you ever trust him with your heart again? I’m not being glib. I’m totally serious. Once a man fucks up, isn’t he always a fuck up?”

  “That’s very one dimensional of you. Don’t you think people can change? Aren’t they entitled to a second chance?” Beth believed in the human ability to transform and adapt. It didn’t happen overnight, and it had to be something the individual wanted. She hoped Benny wanted it as much as she did.

  Carly sat forward, putting her hands on the table. “Second chances are another opportunity to let people hurt you again. I’ve been there and given my ex’s opportunities to prove they were better. Both times the joke was on me.”

  “But did they do anything to make you believe they’d changed? Saying it will be different differs from taking action. Benny’s putting in the work. We both are. I’m not naïve. His good looks and monster cock aren’t the reasons I’m taking his calls. He knows he messed up and has to regain my trust.”

  “Monster cock, heh?” Carly patted her hand and smirked.

  Beth slapped her hand away. “Is sex all you ever think about?”

  Carly laughed and people at the table over shushed her. She turned and gave them the finger. “When it comes to relationships, it always comes down to sex. I think you mean well. But men will say and do anything to get their dicks wet. I was positive Theo’s poetry was a ploy to win me over. It worked, and we had sex. I was shocked that he’s genuinely that
guy. Most men aren’t like that. When the honeymoon ends, what type of man is Benny? If you think he’s legit, then fight for your happiness. But if it’s nothing but sexual chemistry and meaningless words, I’d suggest you move along. After you give it up, he’ll bail and then where will you be? You can find great sex with someone who won’t break your spirit again.”

  Beth disagreed with everything. “Thank you wise one. For starters, you’re trippin’ if you think great sex comes along often. We both know plenty of women who’ve never experienced the big O and have had more partners than we have fingers. I’m not interested in racking up my numbers to prove I’m right.”

  “Fair point,” Carly conceded. “But the rest.”

  Beth took a moment to ponder her roommate’s hypothesis. According to Carly, all Benny wanted from her was sex. If she opened her legs, his true colors would shine through. Maybe waiting wasn’t the best approach.

  “It’s not about the sex. I’m sure of that. But the only way to prove I’m right is to have sex with him. I planned to wait until I felt more solid about the direction our relationship was headed. I wanted us to make love again, not have sex.”

  “You sound like Theo. He hates it when I call it anything else, but until you’re in love, it’s not making love. Do you love him?”

  “I’m still too sore and my pain too fresh to let the love out of the box. If we get intimate, it wouldn’t be making love.” Her cheeks heated at the memory of his kisses below the belt.

  “You’ve been intimate already,” Carly said, raising her manicured eyebrow. “Take the next step. See what happens. If he runs, you won’t have wasted weeks or months trying to rekindle an old love that wasn’t meant to be.”

  “Your suggestion has been noted. As much as I hate to admit this, you might have a point.” Beth closed her laptop and shoved it into her backpack. Darkness settled over her. If Carly was right, then her second chance at happiness could all be over soon.

  “What are you up to tonight? I’ve got a shift at the diner, but you’re welcome to come with and eat chocolate pie with me. Speaking of food, let’s grab lunch.”

  The guys had a game. Benny had offered her tickets, but she had to work. After the depressing turn in conversation, she’d lost her appetite. “I’m working too. Six till close. Are you staying at Theo’s?” Beth didn’t like coming home to an empty room.

  “At least you’re able to catch the game while you work. I’m forced to sneak back and catch snippets on the TV in Mr. Perry’s office. Oh well, I love that place too much to quit. And to answer your question, yes. I’m meeting up with my man after the game. They hit the road tomorrow, so I’d suggest if you want to see Benny make it happen tonight.”

  “That’s not likely given my shift ends after two am. I’ll see him when he gets back.” She stood and collected the last of her books. “I’ll pass on lunch. I’m going to go for a run and then head into work. Bring me back a slice of pie if you can.”

  The girls hugged and went their separate ways. Beth tried to get her friend’s negativity out of her mind, but she failed. Even after two hours of pounding the pavement the doubts lingered. She didn’t want to believe people were incapable of change. But there were more cases that proved Carly right than she cared to admit.

  Her brief conversation with Benny hadn’t eased their baggage. Because of their schedules they wouldn’t see each other for nearly a week. They kept the chatter light, talking about the upcoming game. She didn’t wish him good luck because he was superstitious.

  He had pregame rituals and playoff rituals he never deviated from. She suspected that hadn’t changed. As she got ready for work, she pictured him on his knees, holding his rosary and reciting his prayers. He never shaved for games and he always wore the horseshoe necklace she’d given him when they first met. It touched her he hadn’t thrown it out, and that he’d carried a gift from her so close to his heart all these years. That had to mean something.

  Her shift kicked off as usual. The pub was packed with hockey fans that didn’t have season tickets. Sports fans flocked to the downtown Irish pub because they had several flat screens for them to watch their favorite teams. The patrons pounded back the pints as the home team played their hearts out.

  Martin Thomas protected the net and did a stellar job. He blocked over sixty shots on goal, closing out the third period. Theo Montagne was on fire, scoring one goal in first period and assisting two more goals in the second. Watching their speed as they flew across the ice always gave her shivers. It was the fast pace of hockey that held her interest. There was never a dull moment.

  As a little girl, her father would explain all the plays. She’d marveled at the strategies they used. They weren’t a bunch of men on skates, slapping their sticks against the ice and chasing a tiny black puck. They were skilled athletes, performing practiced techniques to outwit their opponents.

  Fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a shutout. The team had already secured their victory, but still had a minute left. The crowd in the arena cheered as the opposing team pulled their goalie. They were almost louder than the announcers. The seconds ticked by and Beth couldn’t take her eyes off the screen. Nicolas Ivarsson slapped the puck away, sending it down the ice, but with a man advantage they recovered quickly. The defense did their best, but the visitors scored with ten seconds left on the clock.

  One more face-off and the game would be over. The ref dropped the puck and Beth lost it in the flurry of sticks. The puck sailed by the boards while players rammed into each other, fighting till the final buzzer. When the whistle blew the game ended with a final score of four to one. The team should be proud of their performance. She smiled and gave high-fives to the customers seated nearby.

  The pub only got busier after the game ended. More fans trickled in, filling the seats and packing the tiny dance floor. She stayed behind the bar, filling orders. As soon as a stool emptied someone else filled it. She wasn’t complaining because busy nights meant more tips.

  One of the regulars nodded her way, signaling he was ready for another. She opened a beer and passed it to him with a smile. He gifted her with a toothy grin and tossed a twenty on the bar. “Keep the change, doll. Just make sure you don’t forget me.”

  “I could never forget you, but tips are mighty appreciated. Thanks.” She pocketed her tip and checked the customers seated at the bar. All had drinks except for one. “What can I get you?” Her gaze lifted from the bar and landed on a pair of whiskey delights.

  “Water on the rocks with a twist of lemon,” Benny said, leaning against the bar.

  She moved in closer. “Wh... what are you doing here?” Seeing him was a welcome surprise. Benny hated bars and pubs. He rarely drank and showing up on a game night would mean he’d be hassled non-stop by fans.

  “Came to spend time with my girlfriend since she shot down my last two requests to see her. Have I done something to upset you?” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m not trying to fuck this up.”

  “We’re good.” She grabbed his drink and placed it front of him. “Better than good. You’re here.” She leaned over the bar and kissed him. Open mouthed and slipped in a little tongue. He had done nothing wrong, and she wanted him to know she appreciated his impromptu visit.

  “Hey why don’t I get that kind of greeting?” An unknown man yelled.

  “Because you’re not my boyfriend,” she yelled back.

  Benny smiled. “I like having that title. For the record, I’m never giving it up again. You sure we’re okay? It felt like you were pulling away after our first exercise.”

  She laughed. “I’ve been busy with school work, but I’m off all next week. We can work on the next exercise soon.”

  “I’ll be out-of-town most of the week. We have rotten timing.” He took a sip of his drink.

  Beth checked the orders the machine spit out from the waitresses and poured their drinks. The list was long and never ending. Her hands moved fast, but it took several minutes before
she could talk with Benny again.

  “How about tonight?” He asked as she leaned on the bar next to him.

  Her arms brushed his hands. “Tonight, what?”

  “Our second exercise. I don’t want to wait another week for you to trust me.” He caressed her forearms. “I’m not trying to rush you, but it kills me you’re unsure about us. There’s no doubt on my end, you are my future.”

  “When you say things like that it’s hard not to believe.” The knot in her stomach twisted.

  “But you don’t trust I’ll have your back no matter what life throws our way. I can see hesitation that was never there before. Your eyes are so expressive.” He stared into them as he spoke.

  “Oh really. What do they tell you now?” She batted her lashes.

  “You have the most unique shade of blue I’ve ever seen. They are almost purple right now. Elizabeth, I’ve missed you like crazy. I think you missed me more than you want to admit, but you’re holding back.”

  She took his hand, threading their fingers together. “I missed you too. You are right. I am protecting myself.” She looked away and several customers were waiting for her.

  “You don’t have to protect yourself from me. This place is another story,” a fight broke out in the back as he said that.

  “It’s nuts here on game nights. I’m happy you came to see me, but I can’t hang out.” She stepped away to fill more orders.

  By the time she looked over again, she expected him to be gone. He wasn’t. Benny chatted with several of the regulars. Things looked like they were getting heated. The bar had a reputation for brawls. They had more bouncers on staff than bartenders. Usually, after a few swings things calmed down. She signaled for Cliff, one of the bouncers, to step in.

  Benny stood up and dodged a punch. Then two men jumped the guy who took the swing. Cliff arrived in time to stop the pandemonium from developing. He pulled the two men off the instigator and another two bouncers arrived to take all four men out, including Benny. They had a strict policy about violence. Anyone involved, or suspected of being involved, got the boot. She tried to stop them, but there was no point.