by Kristen Echo
“Gwen, look at me.” He inched his fingers up her spine and twirled her loose hair around his fist, tugging lightly. “I want to see your eyes when you tell me what you want.”
She lifted her head. His face was only inches from hers. Their eyes locked. Her hands shook as she warred whether to touch him. He was so close, but she held back.
“I don’t want to hold back anymore,” she whispered.
“What will make you happy?” His grip tightened on her hair, pulling her closer.
“I need you to forgive me for being selfish,” she answered. It didn’t matter what her sister wanted or what anyone else wanted. She had to voice her own desires.
He shook his head as though that wasn’t enough.
Gwen’s heart was on the verge of shattering. “Is that too much to ask?”
He shook his head again, bringing his lips closer. His mouth hovered. She dropped the napkin and cupped his face.
“I want a second chance,” she breathed. “I want to be with you again.”
Their mouths connected. Spencer kissed her hard. Harder than she’d ever been kissed. Rough and demanding. She submitted, giving him everything. Her past, her present and her future belonged to him. With every lick of his tongue and nibble of his teeth, he owned her heart all over again.
They panted as he pulled away. “You make me happy too.”
She looked into his smiling eyes and saw the love reflected in his pools of blue. Their love had never faded. Her pulse raced, and her mind tried to catch up to her heart. This man was hers just as surely as she was his. They belonged together. The knot that had taken a permanent place in her gut relaxed.
“Ditto,” she said. “We still have a lot to talk about.”
“Gwen,” he rasped as Connie walked in, interrupting them. He winked, releasing her hair. “To be continued.”
Chapter 14
After the kiss, she watched Spencer dote on his daughter. Each giggle he induced from the little girl echoed through the room. Their laughter was contagious. Connie dumped a puzzle on the table and asked them to work with her. His patience and the way he listened to her talk about each piece made Gwen swoon. Looking at him did the same. Her heart never stood a chance she realized.
That wasn’t good.
They had a lot to discuss. She had questions about his relationship with Cherie. Their involvement still bothered her. She wondered what kind of relationship he was after, considering his schedule left little time for dating. So many what ifs swirled around her mind, but she pushed them away. Those doubts and questions could wait.
When Wes finished with Daisy, she joined the trio in the kitchen. “So, in about thirty minutes it’s going to go live. A special interest story she called it and said like all the networks are gonna run it. Not just here, but everywhere. I’m not sure if this was a good idea,” she said, leaning against the counter.
Gwen left Spencer and Connie at the table. The puzzle had a top edge and the four corners. The other thousand pieces were scattered across the tabletop. She moved by her daughter’s side and bumped hips. “You will be fine. In a few days, this will all blow over, but those men will still be behind bars.”
“Yup. I’m not doing this for my two seconds of fame or whatever,” she huffed.
“Never thought you were,” Gwen countered.
“Just wanted to make that understood. I’m tired of letting people take advantage of others. I want to tell people it’s okay to fight back. Those men and so many just like them need to be put in their place. We need to take back our streets and communities. Each person can make an impact. Like you always say, cast the pebble and watch the ripple effect. It’s time to make waves.”
Overcome by emotions, she could do nothing but hug Wes. She wrapped her arms tight around her very mature teenager. Gwen often wondered if her ramblings fell on deaf ears, but Wes had been listening.
“You’ll make a huge wave in our city,” Spencer said from behind them. “Daisy sent me the first draft and I think many young people will be encouraged by your actions. You’re a good role model.”
Wes shook her head. “I’m really not. But I’m working on it.” She untangled herself from Gwen’s stronghold and joined Connie at the table.
“Speaking of working,” said Spencer, “I have to jet. I’d love to spend the day with you lovely ladies, but it’s the NHL draft today and tomorrow.”
Gwen swatted his arm. “Get going. You were supposed to leave last night, weren’t you?”
“More important things came up.” He cupped her cheeks. “The General Manager can handle it. It’s not something I need to attend, but I’d like to be there. I think it’s important for my players to know who I am. That said, your safety and wellbeing matter to me as well.” He brushed a feather-light kiss against her lips.
Her eyes shot to the kids. They hadn’t seen, and she suspected Spencer didn’t care if they had. She didn’t care either. She tugged on the lapels of his jacket, pulling his body flush against her. “When will you be back?”
He growled. Low and deep. “Not soon enough.”
She smiled and waggled her eyebrows. “I’ll be here waiting for you.” Gwen leaned closer to his ear. “Naked in your hot tub or in your bed. You decide,” she teased and pressed a kiss against his cheek.
Another growl followed. “Tell me you’re serious. Does your head hurt? Do you feel okay?”
A giggle escaped. “I know what I’m saying. My head is fine.”
“Then I can’t wait that long,” he hissed and gripped her hand. “Kids, Gwen is taking a quick tour to the air strip with me. She’ll be back shortly.”
“I am?”
“Yes.” He tugged her with him to the table where he leaned down and kissed Connie on the top of her head. “I love you, and I’ll call you later. Remember that Wes is in charge. So, please listen to her. Are we good?”
“Yup. Bye, Daddy.” Connie didn’t look up from the puzzle piece in her hand.
“See you two in a bit,” Gwen added as she was pulled out of the kitchen.
Once in the hall, Spencer pressed her against the wall and devoured her mouth. Their tongues dueled, and her body melted against him. His kiss rendered her boneless. As if sensing she might fall, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.
“No more running.” His palm flattened against her ass. “You’re mine. Agreed?”
The sting sent a jolt of arousal directly to her core. “Agreed.” Firm muscles greeted her hand when she slapped and then squeezed his bottom. “And you’re mine. Only mine,” she shot back, glancing over her shoulder.
He chuckled. “I’m yours. Always.” Spencer opened the front door and carried her outside. The limo waited at the bottom of the steps. The driver raced to open the back door, but Spencer waved him off. “I’ve got it. Partition up and take the long way there.”
Gwen buried her face in her hands as she slid down his body. “Oh my God. I’m so embarrassed.” And wet. But she kept the last part to herself. She had a feeling he’d find out soon enough.
“You shouldn’t tease me,” he roared, before opening the door and pushing her inside. “I only wish we had more time. When I get back, the things I’m going to do to you.” He slammed the door shut behind him.
She crawled backwards on the bench until she met the wall. “Who said I was teasing?” She lifted the hem of her dress, revealing her black lace panties.
He prowled after her, settling between her open legs. The scruff of his unshaved face scratched her inner knee as he kissed his way along her thighs. She mewled when he licked and teased the edges of where the lace covered her skin. He kissed around her mound, tormenting her and driving her insane with need. He rubbed his nose along her folds and inhaled.
“Spencer,” she huffed, pulling on his hair. “Please, don’t tease me.”
“You smell so good. Do you want my mouth here?” He licked the center of her saturated panties.
“Yes!” Gwen tossed her head back as he tore
her panties off and buried his tongue inside her.
Her foot slipped off the bench. She ran her fingers through his silky, short hair and wrapped her leg around his neck. Each long stroke of his tongue brought her closer to the pinnacle of ecstasy. He slurped her nectar and nibbled on every part of her. His murmurs of pleasure pushed her over.
“I’m coming,” she purred as he latched onto her clit and sucked harder. She lifted her hips, grinding against his face. Giving him every ounce of her pleasure.
He took it all. He swallowed her orgasm whole.
Only after she finished shaking, he let go and sat back. “Darlin’, I could eat you alive. One taste is never enough.”
“I want to taste you too,” she panted, lifting her dress over her head. She reached behind and undid her bra. Tossing it at him, she smiled. Her nipples puckered as the cool air greeted them. “Your turn.”
“Damn you’re beautiful.” He cupped her breasts and kissed each nipple. “That smart mouth will have to wait. As much as I want you to suck me off, I need to feel those tight walls wrapped around my cock when I come,” he said, tearing at his clothing.
She helped him remove his suit. Layers of discarded clothing lay scattered across the floor. Once he was naked, she straddled his legs and sank onto him. Slowly. Every thick inch stretched her, sending mini fireworks off in her soul. Being with him was explosive.
Her knees rubbed against the smooth leather, not getting much grip. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stared into his eyes as he rooted inside her. “I’m already so close,” she panted.
His fingers bit into her backside as he lifted her slightly and then pulled her back down. She’d thought he was fully inside before, but she’d been wrong. He filled her completely. Utterly.
“I love being inside you,” he said, staring into her eyes. “Ride me. Take what you need. I’m all yours.”
Gwen swiveled her hips and took what he offered. She seized the moment and rode him hard. Each rut and bump in the road brought them closer. She bounced on his cock until sweat glistened down his chest and his body stiffened.
“Keep going. I’m almost there,” he cooed as he kissed and sucked on her breasts.
“Oh… Yes… Oh…” She moved faster and ground her pelvis against his. The added friction hit the spot that detonated her senses. “Spencer, that’s it!” She couldn’t hold back and came with a yelp.
“Fuck,” he roared as he pumped his hips one last time and emptied himself inside her.
They sat connected for many miles. The vibrations from the road coaxed more tingles and pulses radiating from her core. It took a long while for her to catch her breath.
“I forgot having sex in a car could be this much fun,” she joked, smoothing his wild hair. Even with his ends sticking in all directions, he was the sexiest man alive.
“Sex in a limo works. However, sex in a car would be too confined,” he responded, kissing along her neck. “Then again, I’d make love to you anywhere you’d let me.”
Her smile reached from ear to ear. “You’d make love to me on a plane?”
“Hell yes,” he barked and kissed below her ear. “Would you come with me to the draft? We can make love all the way there and all the way back. Private jets are very useful for privacy.”
“Tempting, but I want to be there for Wes in case there’s any fallout from her announcement.”
He sighed. “You’re a great mother.” He kissed the tip of her nose, “I love that you have your priorities straight.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere. Except today. This isn’t a pleasure trip for you. It’s business and you wouldn’t have more than a few minutes to spare for me between meeting players and networking.” She pushed against his chest, adding a little distance.
He pulled her back, holding her hostage. “I’d rather get more acquainted with you. I’d rather make love to you,” he added with a slight lift of his hip. His cock hardened inside her.
“Spencer.” She slapped his chest.
“I just got you back.” He captured her hand and kissed it. “I’m not ready to let you go.”
“We’re together and I’ll still be yours when you get home.” She angled her body back slightly. Using her hands on his knees as leverage, she lifted and then slid back down.
With the different angle, his cock reached all the way to her G-shot. “Mine.” He leaned forward and sucked her nipple into his mouth.
The heat washed over her. She hissed with each tug and lick. She repeated the maneuver, impaling herself on his cock. He rubbed their combined fluids in a circular motion against her clit. Each rise and fall carried them higher towards nirvana. It didn’t take long for her climax to curl her toes and rip her apart. He followed a minute later.
By the time they reached the airstrip she was ready for a nap. Gwen tossed on her dress haphazardly and watched Spencer. Seeing him put on clothes turned her on just as much as when he’d removed them. It wasn’t fair for anyone to look so amazing after getting so sweaty. He ran his fingers through his hair and looked as dashing as ever. A thoroughly fucked man with the smile to match.
The car stopped, and he kissed her goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow night. Given our lot, I don’t think I’ll get who I want. We’ll get some great players, but I had my eye out on one in particular. If we get the kid, I’d be surprised.”
“Who is he?”
“Sergei Vadim. He’s got a bad reputation. Fights, booze, drugs and everything we don’t usually want, but he can play. He skates like his life depends on it. The young man’s got something special. With proper coaching, I think he’ll fit into the family. Between him and Montagne, we’d own the ice.”
“You already own the ice, she stated.
“I do.” He smirked and her insides quivered. “But I’m greedy. This guy is young and hungry. I’m hoping the others might overlook him because of his past mistakes and his life of the party persona. Time will tell.”
“Yes it will. Good luck!” Gwen kissed him one last time and pushed him out of the car.
He blew a kiss over his shoulder and she caught it. His swagger as he boarded the plane could never be matched by another. This man was the entire package, and he had her heart. As the limo turned back towards the house, she hoped she wouldn’t regret giving him a second chance.
Before the limo pulled into the driveway, her phone rang. Reba.
“Hello,” she answered, tucking her hair behind her ear as if anyone could see her. “This is Gwen Eastman.”
“Hello Gwen. It’s Reba Blackburn. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you. Our board has been undergoing a shuffle and getting the players to move has been more of a challenge than expected. The good news is we’re ready to move ahead with a job offer. Are you still interested?”
Gwen squeezed her hands and scrunched her face with a silent squeal. “I’m very interested. Are you offering me the position?”
Reba laughed. “Good. I’m emailing the contract as we speak. The terms are exactly as we discussed, and it would be for one year. If we can secure additional funding, it might be longer. Look over the paperwork. If you have any questions, let me know.”
She exhaled and wiped a happy tear from her cheek. “Thank you. I’ll return the document within the hour. When would I be starting?” Gwen did a happy dance in her seat.
“Monday. If that’s too short notice, we can work something out, but it would be great for you to learn the ropes before Canada Day. That’s always crazy for us,” Reba added.
“Monday is perfect. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Perfect. I’m looking forward to working with you, Gwen.”
They exchanged a few more details about the job before disconnecting. Gwen read the email and the contract while sitting in the limo. She dropped her phone on the cushion and screamed.
“Yahoo!”
She laughed and yelled again. Her feet tapped against the floor as she pounded the cushions. Her phone bounced to the ground, lan
ding next to her bra and torn panties. Covering her mouth, she laughed and picked them up.
A few weeks ago, she never expected things to end like this. Life had tossed her many forks in the road but this one was by far the best. Her daughter was on the road to recovery. Wes was smiling again, and she had a job. She had things to look forward to. Not to mention she was a superhero. Gwen exhaled and relaxed.
Hugging her underwear, she smiled. Her first love was back in her life. She was in love with Spencer Northcote. She rubbed her swollen lips. The heavens had shined down on her twice. When they were younger, he’d saved her by giving her a reason to smile after her mother had died. He’d done it again, giving her a chance to start over.
The new job was the icing on the cake. Finally, she’d be able to take care of her bills and get back on her feet. She wouldn’t have to be homeless. Maybe her sister would be proud of her.
Miracles happened. Right?
It seemed that way. Gwen wanted to share the good news. She grabbed her phone and typed a message.
“I got a job! I love you.”
There were more people to tell and she couldn’t wait to spread the joy.
Chapter 15
NHL drafts were a much bigger deal than Gwen realized. She sat with Wes and Connie and watched the live broadcast. She considered herself a hockey fan, but never put much thought into the selection process. Over two hundred players waited to be selected, hoping to hit the ice in the fall. Not each one would sign a contract, but they were on their way.
After the girls had gone to bed, she’d stayed up late watching the team’s season highlights. Hockey had always been her father’s favorite and something they chatted about. Since he’d passed, she’d lost interest somewhat. Coupled with everything going on this past year, she hadn’t paid much attention to sports. That was a shame.
Seeing the puck sail across the ice and the hustle of the players reminded her how much she loved it. Having met one of the players gave it a more personal feel too. Nicolas Ivarsson was a franchise blue liner all the way. The team captain was a beast. He protected the puck better than most. Their defense did an amazing job keeping the offense at bay. But she had to give props to their goalie. Martin Thomas was impenetrable. Between him and Wilder, they allowed fewer goals than any other team in the league. Of course, Theo Montagne was a superstar. He’d been a first-round draft pick and she could see why.
