Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  Reaching under the bar, she grabbed her phone and rifled off a text to Benny.

  “What happened? You okay? I’m sorry!”

  A few minutes later, he replied.

  “Crazy haters. I’m fine. When you off?”

  She laughed, thankful he hadn’t been injured.

  “Not until after two. Sweet dreams.”

  She tucked her phone back in her bag and worked through the rest of her shift. The next three hours went by quickly and she cleared over two hundred in tips. Once they cashed out and cleaned up, someone from security always waited until her cab arrived. She pulled out her phone to call for the taxi and saw several missed texts from Benny.

  “Can you get me back in?

  “They won’t let me in.

  “Do you get breaks?

  “I’m outside. Waiting.

  “It’s after two. I’m still here.”

  Her heart raced, knowing he was out there waiting for her. She replied.

  “I’m on my way. Back door.”

  She was dead on her feet, but the prospect of seeing Benny was like a shot of adrenaline. “You don’t have to wait, Cliff. My boyfriend’s picking me up.” She liked how it rolled off her tongue.

  He zipped up his coat. “We’ll lock up and walk out together. I wouldn’t feel right leaving you until I know you’re safe. We got too many wannabe gangsters come here. Never know who’s out there lurking.”

  “Let’s go.” She grabbed her bag, and they headed out. True to his word, Benny’s Audi sat idle near the snow-covered curb. “That’s him. Goodnight. See you next week.” She hugged Cliff and took off towards the car.

  Benny got out as she approached and he did not look happy. “Who’s that?”

  She glanced over her shoulder. “That’s Cliff. The guy who threw you out. He makes sure I get home safely. Why?”

  He pulled her against his body, hugging her. “I don’t like him touching you. Is there anything going on between you?”

  Her laughter echoed through the empty street. “He’s gay. Nothing’s going on or will ever happen between us. I’m with you, and no one else. It’s freezing out here. We can talk in the car.”

  They rounded the car, and he opened her door. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long night,” he said as she sat down. He closed her door and returned to the driver’s seat. “I guess this is something I should have asked before. Though, I don’t want to know. But I need to. You’ve dated since we broke up.”

  She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. It wasn’t a question, but a statement, still she knew the information he was after. “Yes, I’ve dated.”

  “You don’t have to tell me. It doesn’t matter. Except, it’s my fault anyone got the chance. How many men? You know.” He stared ahead and gripped the steering wheel.

  “Same as you,” she answered.

  His eyes found hers. “For real? You didn’t sleep with Joe? Or anyone?”

  She shook her head and a look of relief washed over him. “Let’s get out of here. Why do you seem surprised?”

  He blew out a big breath and drove his car. “Because.” He reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. “You are perfect.” He kissed her hand again. “You wanted us to be vulnerable and open with each other. The truth is, I don’t deserve you, but I want you in my life. Sometimes I’d lie awake at night after a bad game and punish myself by picturing you in another man’s arms.”

  “Don’t do that anymore. I’m well aware how much that image stings. I’ve spent the last two years blocking it out. Blocking you out. Is it stupid of us to think we can have a future without being reminded of the past?”

  “Elizabeth, our future is whatever we want it to be. One of the shrinks I used to see, liked to say: we’re a product of our past, and we should use those experiences to fuel a better tomorrow.” He cleared his throat. “I’m almost positive he was talking about hockey, but it relates to us too. We fell in love once, and we can follow the same blueprint to do it again.”

  He said everything right. Her heart was in her throat, then Carly’s words from earlier cooled her jets. “Is this about sex? Do you want me because you’re the only man who’s fucked me? What if I’d slept with Joe or anyone else? Would you still want me? Would that make you want me more?”

  “Will you come home with me? No sex; just let me hold you. Let me show you with actions how much I care about you. Sex is great, don’t get me wrong. But you were clear about us moving slow. I respect your wishes.”

  His words didn’t alleviate her worries. She looked out the window and watched the buildings drift by. “What if I’ve changed my mind, and I want you so bad I can’t wait? Take me to your place. You wanted to do another trust exercise before you leave town. There’s no time like the present,” she said, keeping her eyes on the road.

  When they pulled up to his condominium high-rise, she wondered what would happen after they had sex. Would he ask her to stay? Would they never talk again? She realized she wasn’t ready to deal with any of those outcomes. He took her hand, and she followed him into the elevator and then into his place. As he turned on the lights, chasing away the shadows, she had to do the same. She had to put her fears to rest if they had any hope of a future.

  “Take off your clothes,” she said, removing her coat and tossing it on the floor.

  “Elizabeth, we don’t have to…”

  Stalking towards him, she gripped the hem of his shirt and pulled it up. The muscles on his stomach were exposed, and she wanted to see more. “I want to see you naked. These are exercises to build trust. I trusted you in the car to make me come. I trusted you wouldn’t hurt me and you followed through. It’s my turn. Trust works both ways.”

  He lifted his arms and finished removing his shirt. “I trust you, Elizabeth.”

  When she looked at his body, the familiar tattoo on his chest had changed. The hockey sticks over his heart had more ink. The first had the date his father passed away. A day that changed his life forever. The new tattoo was another date; the day her father passed away. She placed her hand over it and closed her eyes.

  “Why did you get this?”

  He covered her hand with his. “Those are the days I lost my family. First my biological, and then my destiny.”

  “Benny.” She opened her eyes and kissed his hand. She pushed it away and kissed the tattoo. Her tongue licked along the black lines, wetting the skin. Her fingers traced the outline, moving down over his ribs and ending at his jeans. She flicked her tongue over his nipple and undid his pants. He wore nothing underneath.

  The jeans hit the floor, and he stepped out of them. Her hands roamed the tight contours of his firm ass. He grabbed her chin and brought her mouth to his, sealing their lips together. She reached between them and ran her hand over his erection. The long smooth shaft filled her hand as she gripped him. She squeezed the velvety skin and circled her thumb over the tip. A bead of moisture escaped, and she wanted to taste him.

  She broke away from the kiss and dropped to her knees. Face to face with his manhood, she smiled. It was big and beautiful just as she remembered. “I won’t hurt you.” She licked the tip. His musky taste exploded on her taste buds, making her mouth water. She rubbed his shaft and sucked him into her mouth.

  “Oh... Fuck.” He gripped a fistful of her hair in his hand. “That feels great.”

  She continued to stroke him with her hands and suck on as much of his cock as she could handle. Using her tongue, she licked around his head and teased the tip. He moaned, and she sucked harder. He thrust his hips, pushing more inside. She allowed him to set the pace, taking her cues from him. He widened his stance, and she massaged his balls.

  “Don’t stop. I’m close.” He fucked her harder and she liked every second of it. Her eyes caught his, the moment before he lost it. “That’s it.”

  He let go and flooded her mouth with his release. She swallowed. His legs shook as he emptied himself and she licked him clean. When he let go of her hair, she sa
t back and admired his body. Benny’s body was fit and impressive. The epitome of strength and virility. She liked every inch.

  “You’re spending the night. Don’t argue.”

  “I’m not arguing,” she said.

  “Good. We passed our second exercise. I plan to repay the favor you’ve gifted me, and then we’re sleeping. I’m going to hold you in my arms all fucking night. I might never let go. In the morning, I’m going to make you come again with either my mouth or my hands or both. We’re not having sex because we have all the time in the world to get to that point.” He reached down and lifted her into his arms. “I’ve got you.”

  She settled her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck. They had each other.

  Chapter 12

  His arms held her firmly against his chest. “Good morning, Elizabeth.” His nose nuzzled the outer shell of her ear.

  Beth basked in the warmth of his cuddle. Their naked bodies had spooned together all night. It hadn’t felt like old times because she’d been more insecure about her body as a teenager. She used to squirm whenever he’d stare at her body. She no longer had the same hang-ups. Her body was far from perfect, but she’d accepted that perfection didn’t exist. Her small stint as a model had taught her that.

  She tightened her grip around his arms. “Thank you for last night.” She smiled and clenched her knees together. Her core still quivered from his undivided attention.

  Benny rolled her over and covered her body with his. “No thanks necessary because the pleasure was all mine.” He pressed his lips to hers softly.

  Her fingers tangled in his curls as she deepened the kiss. The weight of him was welcomed. She felt the poke of his hardness against her stomach. She removed her hand from his hair and slipped it between them. He adjusted his weight and gave her room to search. Once she found his cock, she fisted his girth.

  He stopped kissing her. “As much as I’d love this to continue, we don’t have time.” His body moved to her side, as he propped himself up on his elbow.

  “When do you have to leave?” She didn’t let go of his erection and kept pumping.

  “I have a meeting this morning,” he said as he wiggled his hips against her hand. “And our flight leaves early this afternoon.”

  If he didn’t have to go, she would have loved to stay there all day. Touching, kissing and exploring every inch of him. “I wish you weren’t leaving. The old adage, absence makes the heart grow fonder is total bullshit in my opinion. We’ve been apart long enough.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. That’s why you should come with me. We can spend the next five days together and—”

  “No,” she said. She followed the sting of her rejection with a kiss to his creased brow and kept moving her hand over his length. “I followed you around like a puppy dog last time we dated. That won’t happen again. I have a life here with commitments. You’re going to be a part of my life, but you will not be my whole life.”

  He stilled her hand. “I never thought of you as not having your own life. We were a team. I liked our life a lot.”

  “Me too; but I depended on you and my dad for everything. When you both left, it was a huge eye opener. Speaking of something else huge,” she said, trying to move her hand again, but his grip was stronger.

  “Don’t change the subject. Are you saying you’ll never travel with me?”

  She laughed. “Never is a long time. I bet there will be times when I can travel with you, but it won’t be for a while.” She squeezed his shaft and licked her lips. “I want to remind you what you’ll be missing while you’re gone, if you’ll let me? You said last night we have all the time in the world. Prove it.”

  His grip on her hand loosened, and she took advantage. She rubbed his tip with her thumb until he closed his eyes. She kissed her way down his body. Over his neck, his chest, his abs and then lingered at his navel. She wanted to draw out his pleasure and give him an orgasm he wouldn’t soon forget.

  Using both hands, she caressed his manhood. Each moan and thrust of his hips propelled her to keep going. She sucked him into her mouth and lavished his cock with attention. His approval sent a wave of moisture between her legs.

  She switched positions and kneeled beside him. She loved touching him and making him squirm. When the first bead of pre-cum hit her lips, she moaned, loving his flavor. “Yum. I want more.” She dove back down and sucked him in deep.

  “I can’t take it anymore.” He lifted her up, pulled her legs over his torso and separated them. The apex between her legs settled over his mouth. “I have to taste you.” His tongue speared her.

  “Ohhh!”

  His cock slipped from her mouth as she cried out. He devoured her, like he hadn’t sampled her three times in the last few hours. She kept moving her hands up and down his shaft, but she took a moment to catch her breath as she rode his face. He wrapped his arm around her legs holding her open against his lips. Her clit was sensitive from overstimulation and she was near climax within minutes.

  “Come with me,” she said before lowering her mouth over him. Pumping her hands, and sucking hard, she felt his balls stiffen. She continued and pushed him to the back of her throat. As soon as he tickled the back, he came and so did she. She closed her eyes and let the fireworks explode. Her legs shook and her core pulsed as his release slipped down her throat. She swallowed all of it.

  He planted one last soft kiss against her clit and she whimpered. “I wish you’d reconsider coming with me.”

  She moved off his face and sat up. “I did come with you.” Beth slapped his chest playfully and smiled. “I’ll be here waiting when you get home.”

  He sat up and kissed her. His tongue gliding along hers as they sampled the combined flavors of their orgasms. “Thank you, for giving me another chance to make this work. I promise I won’t fuck it up.”

  She’d heard his promises before, but she believed he wouldn’t intentionally hurt her. The doubt about whether this was about sex had been dissuaded. She’d given him the chance to shove it in her if that’s all he wanted, but he didn’t. He wanted a relationship, and that made her happy.

  As he dropped her off at the dorm, a small knot dawdled in her belly. She hoped that with time it would disappear. It had to go away. The sinking feeling that all the happiness she felt had an end date wasn’t a great way to live.

  They agreed to stay in touch while he was gone. Benny took that one step further and texted her several times with updates. She laughed at his play-by-play but it helped to push some anxiety back. Lots of hockey players lived different lives on the road. Some had different girls in different cities while others had wives at home and fans to play with while away. Traveling in the past with Benny, she’d seen it all.

  When she put her head down to sleep her phone rang. She checked the display. Benny.

  “Sweet dreams. I won’t keep you up long, but I’m in bed and wanted your voice to be the last thing I hear.”

  She laughed. “You’re corny.”

  “Did you say horny? Because if you’re in need of some attention, I’d be happy to video chat with you and help you out,” he said in his low, sexy voice. “In fact, I would have video-dialed this call, but wasn’t sure if you were alone.”

  “Carly went out with Sylvie to watch Caroline’s band play. Why would it matter if I’m alone?”

  “I heard Nico and Martin talking about her gig. Why didn’t you go?”

  Beth shrugged her shoulders. Carly had whined and begged her to go but she hadn’t been in the mood. “I don’t need to be around a bunch of single men.”

  “Is it too soon for me to say I lo—”

  “So, I was thinking we should talk like this before bed each night. While you’re away, we can keep working on our trust exercises. This will be a good opportunity for us to communicate and explore the non-sexual side of our relationship.” Her pulse raced at the L-word he was about to deliver. Was it too soon? Based on the instant sweaty palms and shaking hands,
she’d go with a yes.

  He chuckled. “Okay. It’s too soon. Don’t panic, Elizabeth. I’ll wait. What exercise have you got in mind?”

  She exhaled and collected her thoughts. His close call left her mind a mess. “Well, if we commit to chatting each night at eleven, and we do it every night, then it will improve our ability to depend on each other. Routines are good.” She had no idea what the hell she was talking about.

  “You want to create routines. Isn’t spontaneity the spice of life?” His tone hinted at humor, but she was too wound up to tell for sure.

  “I think making a commitment to talk before bed is a step in the right direction.” She twisted her fingers around her sheets. “It’s two-fold, really. We have to trust the other to be there at a set time and be open to answer any questions. Like a game of truth. No questions are off limits and answers have to be one hundred percent honest.”

  Her words rushed out. It would be a miracle if he deciphered anything that came out of her mouth in the past couple of minutes. Why was she so nervous? It’s not like her future happiness was riding in the balance or anything. She moved the mouthpiece away from her mouth, muted the line and screamed into her pillow.

  “The exercise is a game of truth, no dare, just bare your soul kind of stuff. Okay, I’m in. Did you have a topic in mind for tonight, or anything goes? How many questions are we each allowed?”

  She still couldn’t tell if he was poking fun or actually interested in her suggestion. Either way, she pushed ahead. His question was valid. She supposed they should talk about something meaningful, but given the late hour they shouldn’t drag it out. She unmuted her phone.

  “Let’s say two questions each per night. Any topic with no limitations. I… Um, I’ll go first. Meaning, I’ll ask you the first question,” she said without actually having a question in mind. His shirt hung on the back of her chair and an image of his perfectly chiseled, naked chest jumped into view. “What do you think about when you see your new tattoo? I get why you added that date on your skin, but is it something you regret or does it still hold meaning for you?”