Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  He growled, sealed his lips with hers and happiness in its purest form washed over them.

  Extended Epilogue

  JOE

  Music played softly in the background as Joe entered the kitchen. Hailey was bent over the table, lighting candles. The aroma of lasagna filled the air, but his mouth watered for her. Dark, blue jeans hugged her ass, and she smiled at him over her shoulder.

  “Dance with me.” Joe held out his hand.

  She accepted his offer. With her hand nestled in his, Joe twirled Hailey around the kitchen table. They hadn’t gone out dancing in a long time. These days he preferred to stay home. The long hours on the road were still part of his life in the NHL, but he loved having a family waiting for him.

  The dim lighting and gentle flicker from the candles gave a delicate glow against her cheeks. She returned to his arms and giggled. With his hand planted firmly against the small of her back, he dipped her. She arched like a cat. The agility and flexibility of her body turned him on. He loved dancing with his wife.

  “Nice moves,” she said as he twirled her again. They moved with ease. “You’re in a good mood.”

  “Trade deadline came and went. How was your day? Solve any cases?”

  “That’s great news. My day was actually amazing, but not because of my work. Do you recall the first time we met?”

  Her eyes caught his, daring him to say the wrong thing. This woman loved busting his chops. She kept him on his toes like no one else on the planet.

  “Do you think I’ve taken too many high sticks to the head to remember?” He pressed his body against hers and they swayed to the beats.

  “You’re stalling.” She licked her plump lips, teasing him.

  “We danced. Much like we are now.”

  “We did more than dance.”

  “Yes, we did,” he agreed, lifting her leg over his hip and grinding against her center.

  “One night changed our lives forever.”

  He wrapped her long, brown hair around his fist. “It changed for the better. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes,” she hissed as he tugged her head back, forcing her chin in the air and exposing her neck.

  He licked along the elegant slope towards her mouth. “I told you I wasn’t like anyone you’d ever met.”

  “I’d heard that line before.”

  “It wasn’t a line. Once I touched you, tasted you and felt inside you, I was hooked.” He kissed the side of her mouth and worked his way to her hairline. Joe breathed her in as his lips caressed the soft spot under her ear that always made her purr. “Why the trip down memory lane?”

  “So much has changed since that night. I got some news today, and it got me thinking back.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I was a mess, running away from you. Afraid of feeling anything meaningful.”

  “I caught you. Eventually.” He smiled before covering her mouth.

  The kiss was gentle. She tasted like strawberries and cream. Her tongue slid along his seductively. It didn’t take long to switch from sweet to enticing and provocative.

  “I like the way things turned out.”

  “Me too.” He released her hair and lifted her into his arms. “You want to role play being strangers? We can get a sitter for Donna and go reenact that first night.”

  Her laughter rang loudly over the music as her legs circled his waist. “We don’t need a sitter. Our baby girl is sleeping soundly.”

  When the doctor announced the baby was a girl, naming her after his sister seemed like the right choice. Every time he spoke her name he smiled. Their daughter was beautiful like Hailey. At two, her personality was shining through more every day. A determined little charmer. His pride and joy.

  “I’m happy staying home, but we could take this to the office,” she whispered in his ear. “We might not be at the bar like that night, but I know the owner… I don’t think he’ll mind if we make a mess on his desk.”

  He growled and marched down the dark hallway. “I like the way you think. Do you want to run, and I’ll chase you? Your rules, baby. Tell me what you want.”

  “No rules. No running. Your ring is on my finger. I’m yours, Joe.”

  He captured her lips and sucked on her tongue. Between playoffs, her cases and family commitments, the pair hadn’t indulged in fantasy play in some time.

  “Keep talking,” he replied with a cocky half-grin. “I like when you sing my praises.”

  “Damn you’re arrogant.”

  “You love it.” He turned on the office light and closed the door behind them.

  “I do. Never change.” She nipped at his clean-shaven jaw as he set her on the desk. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Hailey was the first woman who looked past his status on the ice and saw into his soul. It unnerved him at first, but she hid her vulnerability the same way he did. Everything about her appealed to him. He tore open her blouse, removed the ripped clothing and stared at her gorgeous tits.

  “The first night we hooked up, you… ahhh,” she moaned as he sucked on her breast and unzipped her pants. “I need to tell you something. Before we get naked—”

  “Too late,” he said, unclasping her bra.

  The black lace tumbled down her arms. Her nipples puckered. She sucked in a harsh breath as he pinched her erect tips.

  Domestic life was a beautiful thing. He used to tease Cameron Smith all the time about rushing home, but he understood. He loved his girls more than hockey. More than anything.

  “Tell me your big news.” He pulled his shirt over his head, unbuckled his pants and dropped the clothing on the floor by his feet. “While I’m inside you.”

  Her hands gripped his shoulders. “You did it again.” She smiled as he helped her remove her pants and panties.

  “Again? What are you talking about?”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  His hands stilled on her thighs. “Don’t kid around.”

  Hailey was told when she was younger that she couldn’t conceive. Their daughter had been a damn miracle. He’d accepted the fact that they wouldn’t have a large family.

  “I’m not joking.” She cupped his cheeks and stared into his eyes. “The doctor confirmed it while you were training. We’re having another baby.”

  “For real? How is this possible?”

  He had a million questions. The shock of her words didn’t stop a smile from spreading across his face. This was amazing news. Donna would have a sibling. His chest ached, and he placed his hand over his heart.

  “We fuck like rabbits. The percentages of making a baby were low, but it’s not like we use protection.” She chewed her lip nervously. “Timing might not be ideal, but I am happy. I love you with all my heart. How do you feel?”

  “I’m thrilled. Hailey, this is wonderful news.” He lifted her into the air and twirled her around. With her plastered against his chest, he kissed her hard.

  His wife was pregnant again. He had even more reasons to rush home. His days on the ice were numbered, but he no longer cared. He had a life beyond the rink. Hailey was a hero to her country. A hero to their city. She was his hero too. She put up with his lifestyle and brought him more love than he dared to dream for. She filled his heart and made him whole.

  PLAYOFF KING PUCK BATTLE SERIES BOOK SEVEN

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Epilogue

  Extended Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Jill stared at the text message from her ex as they announced her flight for the third time.
She didn’t move.

  “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

  Her grip tightened on the phone, wishing it was his neck in her hands. She shook her head. The part that irked her the most was her lack of shock at being stood up. She should have known when Terry had asked her to meet him at the airport and not his house that he’d bail. He had an excuse for everything, and she was tired of accepting them. Her heart was numb.

  A young couple in their early twenties held hands and took the empty seats beside her. Their smiles conveyed a happiness she hadn’t felt in years. She stood but didn’t step towards the attendants. The boarding area had emptied as the travelers showed their ID and entered the tunnel. Her heels tapped silently against the carpet. She debated leaving the airport, but her home would be empty. Spending the night in that big house by herself held zero appeal.

  No matter what she did, she’d be alone. Her shoulders shrunk inward as she exhaled the breath she’d been holding. Her feet carried her towards the desk. She re-read the message and accepted he wasn’t coming. Jill deleted his text without responding. The home screen displayed a picture of her three kids smiling at her. They were her world. Everything she did was for them. Even this trip had been at their insistence.

  “Enjoy your time in Winnipeg,” the female attendant said as she checked her boarding pass.

  Jill couldn’t recall the last time she’d traveled alone. “Thanks,” she responded on autopilot. This impromptu trip had been his stupid idea. His hockey team had pulled off a miracle third round 4-0 victory. He had a few rare nights off during the NHL playoffs and suggested they get away for a night. The only reason she’d agreed was because he’d asked her to accompany him in front of the kids. His number one weapon against her.

  “Asshole,” she muttered under her breath as she found her seat in executive class. The seat next to her remained vacant as they locked the aircraft and taxied down the runway. She crossed her legs, tugging down the hem of her skirt to cover the exposed garter belt. The sexy lingerie would be wasted just like her night.

  Once in the air, she took advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi and donated their tickets to the evening’s hockey game to a local charity. There was no way she’d sit in those stands alone. Screw him and the game. She no longer cared about either.

  “I’m done,” she whispered to the empty seat. As the words trickled out, she tasted the lie on her lips. Those two words had been said more often in the past few years than the special three reserved for your significant other.

  Maybe this time was different. Jill slammed her head back against the seat. Another lie she’d told herself countless times. Nothing ever changed. Terry wouldn’t change, but she had to. This sham of a marriage wasn’t fair for her or the kids. She dug into her bag and pulled out a book. Her escape from reality. Pages filled with love, romance and passionate sex. Everything lacking in her bedroom.

  Losing herself in the erotic romance world for the next few hours helped pass the time. Only the chemistry between the characters, brought her solitude to the forefront of her mind. Jill craved affection and she wouldn’t be getting it from her soon to be ex-husband. They hadn’t been intimate in a very long time. The divorce papers had been sitting on her desk unsigned for months. Her marriage was over even if she found it impossible to let go.

  When the plane landed, she shoved the novel back in her bag and tried to shake the loneliness that squeezed her airways, nearly choking her. Those books were a blessing and a curse, reminding her of everything she’d lost. Relationships deserved to be hot, all-consuming yet tender. She pressed her legs together as she waited for the baggage carousel to deliver her luggage. The wait seemed to last forever.

  She reached into her purse and found her phone. One swipe later and it was ringing. Her daughter preferred it when she texted, but she needed to hear her voice.

  “Hi, Mom. Are you at home?” Rianne asked, catching her by surprise.

  “I just landed in Winnipeg. Why would I be at home?”

  “Dad texted, saying he couldn’t go on the trip. I figured you wouldn’t go without him. I mean, what’s the point of a romantic getaway alone?” Her teenage daughter wasn’t oblivious to her marital problems, but she wanted her family back under one roof. At sixteen, her powers of manipulation were strong.

  “Watching the hockey game together isn’t a romantic night out,” she answered, trying to hide the irritation in her tone.

  “Whatever. Now you’re there and he’s here. More distance,” Rianne huffed into the phone.

  Jill squared her shoulders. “Sweetheart, it’s complicated. Hockey and your—”

  “Don’t bother explaining. You both have a million excuses. I should have known you’d find a way to mess it all up and keep our family apart. Look, I’m busy. Grandma asked for a hand bathing the boys, so I gotta run. Enjoy the game.”

  The line went dead before they said goodbye. None of her kids were happy about her separation from Terry, but Rianne took it the hardest. It’d affected her school marks and lately her choice in clothing. The all black wardrobe, dark makeup and nail polish conveyed the rage inside her. Jill was thankful her daughter hadn’t acted out in other ways yet.

  The carousel hadn’t moved, and she felt antsy. With her phone still in her hand, she called her best friend. That woman never failed to make her smile. She really needed that after being ditched and berated.

  “You’re not supposed to be calling me,” Leonora barked into the phone. “You’re supposed to be having a good time with Terry and creating new memories.”

  “Hard to do that alone. Something came up and he couldn’t make it,” she explained.

  A moment of silence followed. This news hadn’t been a surprise for either woman. Jill stared at the bright neon lights overhead. The high ceilings and exposed rafters reminded her of a loft she’d lived in with Terry when they’d first married.

  “I came to Winnipeg anyway. I mean, how often have I had a night away from the kids. Like never. It will be great,” she said, trying to infuse as much cheeriness into her tone as possible.

  “Oh, Jill. I’m sorry.” Her friend saw through her bravado.

  Jill was glad not to have to keep up the pretense. “Me too,” she admitted. Not that she expected one night would solve their problems, but they hadn’t had time to chat in a long time. Them sharing a space for more than an hour would have been a huge step. Something the kids wanted desperately.

  “Consider this a blessing. The universe’s way of telling you it’s over, and you need to move on.” It was easy for her to say because her marriage was solid. Leonora and her husband hardly ever fought, and they had sex more than your average college kid. The honeymoon stage never ended with them, even after kids.

  She scoffed at the suggestion. “The universe and the kids need to get on the same page. I can’t say no to them.”

  “What do you want? You’ve been keeping Terry at arm’s length for months. You say you’ve forgiven him, but are you ready to invite him back into your bed?” Leonora gave her a moment to respond, but she couldn’t. “My job isn’t to argue but to encourage any decision you make. However, as your smartest and most attractive friend on the planet, I’d suggest moving on.”

  More silence.

  In truth, she didn’t want him back, but letting go of the past proved difficult. She’d forgiven Terry for the sake of the kids and because she didn’t want to be angry anymore, but she couldn’t move past the hurt. She wasn’t sure how to let someone who’d broken her trust, her heart and her dreams back into her good graces. His desire for a second chance and the happy memories of falling in love, getting married and making babies weren’t enough.

  “You don’t have to answer because I know you. Stubborn arse. So, here’s what you’re going to do. Make the most of your free night. Get dolled up, let loose and take a chance.”

  “I’m not much of a gambler,” she responded. A night with room service and a bottle of wine would be perfect.

 
Her friend laughed as the conveyer belt chugged to life, spitting out bags. “Not that kind of chance. I’m talking about letting your hair down and meeting a man. One night with someone else will tell you once and for all if you belong with Terry Manor, or if it’s time to let that fairy-tale go.”

  “You’re insane and I’m not sure why I called you.” A bright pink suitcase barreled towards her. “But thanks for helping kill a few minutes. My stuff’s here. I’ll call you soon.” She cupped her phone between her shoulder and ear as she lifted her bag and placed it on the ground.

  “I’m serious. You don’t have to sleep with the guy, just talk. Mingle. Flirt even. Just don’t let him know you’re the enemy.” Leonora said, making Jill laugh out loud.

  “Why would I be the enemy?”

  “Winnipeg is a hockey city after all.”

  Jill shook her head and said good night to her friend. She should have known she’d suggest meeting someone new. It wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last. However, this was the first time she didn’t outright dismiss it. Progress.

  Once in the cab, she called Rianne again. No answer. She gazed at the twinkling stars and waited for the beep. “Thank you for helping your brother. You’re a great big sister.” Jill paused, not sure how to defuse the situation without making it worse. “I love you, and I’ll call tomorrow before my flight. Please give the boys an extra hug and a kiss from me. Goodnight.”

  Rianne idolized her dad. All the kids believed Terry walked on water, and Jill never once spoke negatively about him. As much as she hated him some days, he’d always be their dad. No matter how low her opinion of him fell, he was great with their kids. If only he acted the same with everyone, maybe they’d stand a chance. She shook the insane concept away. Leonora was right. She had to forget about Terry and focus on herself.