Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  Spencer’s team had earned the Cup, but it hadn’t been easy. Despite her best efforts, Gwen had teared up when they won the final game. Seeing a brute enforcer like Luka Pedlanski drop to his knees proved too much. When Spencer held the Cup with his team, the dam had broken and happy tears flowed. Moments later, she’d shut down the computer and gone to bed.

  Wes flipped through the channels. “There’s nothing on.”

  “I was watching the draft,” Gwen replied. “Can you switch back?”

  She huffed but did as requested. “Fine, watch boring TV.”

  Each team snatched the players they wanted, making young men’s dreams come true. The athletes were getting their shot at playing professional hockey. Big money would soon exchange hands. Their smiles and jubilation translated easily through the lens of the camera.

  Watching the television with an avid eye, she waited for a glimpse of Spencer. When his smiling face finally appeared, her heart soared. He tried to blend into the background, but it was impossible. He shook hands with Sergei Vadim and welcomed him to the Puck Battle team. The young man wasn’t a first-round pick, but you’d never guess from his cocky smile. The teenager looked like a handful. The GM, Head Coach and the player posed for pictures.

  She sent a text to Spencer. “Congratulations. You got what you wanted.”

  A second later her phone beeped. “Much to celebrate.”

  “Agreed.”

  They had so much to be thankful for. If her sister would have returned her text, life would have been perfect. She had a new job she couldn’t wait to start. Spencer had some amazing new talent to add to his roster. And Westlyn was holding it together after her statement went viral the previous day.

  The hockey player winked and blew a kiss at the camera, surprising Gwen. The young man had a striking profile and a ton of arrogance. Gwen glanced at her daughter who was leaning closer to the screen. Her eyes were fixed on him, drinking him in. Wes wasn’t usually attracted to jocks, but she could tell this kid had peaked her interest.

  “Would you say he’s hot or just okay,” she asked.

  Wes nearly fell off the couch before straightening her posture. A bright pink blush crept up her neck and covered her face. She was as bad as Gwen at hiding her emotions.

  “He’s whatever. I wasn’t even looking at the hockey player. Um… I’ll be back in a minute.” She shot from the room so fast a trail of smoke could have followed in her wake.

  Gwen laughed. Connie seemed oblivious to all of it as she continued working on her puzzle. She’d made some huge progress. The field of flowers had been pieced together, leaving only the barn and sky. Gwen joined her at the table and leaned over the masterpiece.

  “You’re doing great. Need an extra hand?”

  “Yes, please.” Connie patted the spot on the plush carpet on the floor beside her. “Think we can finish before my dad comes home? I’d love to surprise him with it.”

  They had a few hours. Anything was possible. “If we work together, there’s nothing we can’t do,” she answered.

  Connie paused and peered up at her. “Daddy says that a lot. He likes you a lot too. I can tell because he’s whistling and humming more lately. He does that when he’s happy.”

  “I’m glad he’s happy. I like your daddy very much,” she admitted as she sank onto her knees next to the little girl. “And I like you a lot too,”

  She smiled and her tiny nose wrinkled. “Thank you. I heard him say you’re the one that got away. I don’t know what that means. Are you going somewhere? I don’t like when people leave.”

  Her heart thundered in her chest. “I’m not leaving. Don’t worry. Should I start on the sky or the big red barn?”

  Westlyn joined them, sitting across from Gwen. She shook her head and set her phone down. “My email is overflowing and I’m too afraid to open any of them.” She worried her lip between her teeth.

  The PR company had worked their magic. Her statement along with a recent picture were all over the news and internet. Spencer was no longer being portrayed as the bad guy. Rex Ressa and his gang were responsible for the disappearances and the influx of drugs on the city streets. Wes brought awareness to the peer pressures and how not saying no could have devastating consequences.

  Gwen didn’t love the idea of so much attention being on Wes, but the message was worth it. She couldn’t have been prouder of her little girl for fighting back and for telling the truth.

  So far, the backlash had been minimal, and she hoped it stayed that way. “I thought we agreed no social media or phones for the rest of the day.” She reached into her pocket and set her phone next to her daughters. “We can deal with whatever comes our way later. Those people will all still be there in a couple of hours.”

  “Make her do the sky,” she said and stuck her tongue out.

  “Yes. The sky,” Connie agreed.

  Gwen laughed as she stared at the hundreds of seemingly identical light blue pieces. Picking up one with a jagged edge, she glanced at the table. It didn’t look like it belonged anywhere. She started in the corner and quickly moved to another area. She tried a few wrong placements and almost gave up. But when she looked harder, she found its home right where she’d started.

  “Got it,” she announced proud of her small accomplishment.

  That tiny blue, unremarkable puzzle piece reminded her of her life. She’d come full circle and landed back to where she’d started. Deep in her heart, she knew this was where she belonged. She picked up another piece and a new search began.

  They worked together for hours until every piece was in its rightful place. When Spencer returned home, Connie tackled him before the door closed behind him. His entire face lit up at the sight of his daughter.

  He stumbled backwards with a laugh. The low rumble tickled Gwen’s eardrums. His laugh was as hypnotic as his eyes. She smiled when those baby blues landed on her. The intensity lasted only a moment before his focus returned to Connie. He spun her around and kissed her temple as he set her back on her bare feet. The love between them flowed so freely and easily.

  The little girl grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the den. “Daddy, you have to see my surprise.”

  “I can’t wait to see it.” He winked at Gwen as he passed her in the hall. His fingertips grazed her forearm, sending tingles across her body.

  Pointing at the completed project, she beamed. “Do you love it?”

  “Great job.” He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her shoulders. “Should we frame this one and add it to my collection or break it and restart?”

  Connie gasped and her eyes grew larger than a grapefruit. “You wouldn’t?”

  “I’m joking. We’ll frame it tomorrow,” he offered.

  Perfect ringlet curls bounced as she jumped up and down. “Yes, frame it. It’s so pretty. Just like Gwen and Westlyn. They helped me finish in time. Cool, right?” She raced to the door. “I’m going to your room to pick a spot on the wall for the new addition.”

  Spencer’s bedroom walls were covered with Connie’s art and projects. Gwen loved the way he showcased and supported both of his daughter’s talents. Along with framed art and canvases were sheet music and poems from his eldest intermingled with family pictures. It was a room filled with love and adoration. There was nothing impersonal about where he slept.

  “Sounds good. I’ll be up in a few minutes. Get ready for bed and I’ll tuck you in,” he said, stepping next to Gwen and taking her hand. His heat enveloped her.

  Drawn to him like he provided the air in the room, she leaned against him and breathed him in. She’d missed his clean masculinity. She’d missed him. They were apart for less than two days and she craved his presence. This wasn’t good. They hadn’t talked about the important things yet, like their future or the terms of their relationship. Rekindling the physical had taken precedent, but a serious conversation was in order.

  Later.

  At this moment, she was content to simply be near him. “Welcome bac
k,” she purred next to his ear.

  “It’s great to be home,” he announced as he draped his other arm over her shoulder. He gave her a gentle squeeze. “How are you doing Wes? Everything okay?”

  “I’m good. Things went well,” Westlyn replied from the couch. Her phone was in her hand, but the screen was blank. “Work-wise I’m great. Connie is an amazing kid and I love working with her. I can give you a detailed account of what we did while you were away.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’m more interested in how you’re feeling following your big announcement. Daisy has kept me in the loop for the most part, but I’m concerned about our city’s newest superhero. I’m used to the limelight, but it can be overwhelming.”

  “Oh,” she said, setting her phone on the coffee table. “I’m not a superhero. Are they really calling me that?”

  He chuckled. “Haven’t you been following the online chatter?”

  Wes glared at her mother. “Mom suggested I avoid social media for a while. We’ve hunkered down here since it went live. I’m curious.” She worried her lip and picked up her phone. “What if they’re saying bad things? I’m kinda nervous.”

  “You’re a brave young girl. I think you’ll be surprised by the responses.”

  Touched by his concern, Gwen squeezed his hand. “Unlock your phone and get it over with. We’re here for you.”

  The ‘we’ comment slipped out. She didn’t hate the way it rolled off her tongue. Still, she cringed inside, not knowing how he would react. They weren’t an official we. She glanced at Spencer. Either he didn’t notice or cared not. She looked back at her daughter whose cheeks were stained pink.

  “Over a thousand new friend requests.” She clicked on her screen. After a few minutes of swiping her eyes filled with tears as she read something.

  “What is it? What’s wrong?” Gwen asked.

  “Nothing.” Her daughter stood and walked towards the door with her nose practically touching her screen. “I need to do this alone. I’m going to go to my room to catch up on the buzz. See you two tomorrow.”

  “If it’s nothing, why are you crying?” Spencer stepped in front of Wes before she could escape.

  Tears slipped down her cheeks. “It’s all good. It’s all positive stuff. My ex’s folks sent me an email and I’m…” A sob followed and Wes waved a hand, stopping Gwen. She collected herself and wiped her eyes. “It’s really beautiful. They’re happy I’m sharing his story and warning kids to stay away from the hard stuff. If he had said no, he’d still be here. Anyways, I worried about their reaction to publishing his name, but it’s okay.”

  Despite being waved away, Gwen pulled her in for a hug. Wrapping her arms around her kid, she tried to infuse Wes with all her love. She didn’t have to handle this alone. “It’s going to be an emotional night. Would you like me to—”

  “Nope. I want to do this by myself,” she said. “We’ll talk in the morning. Goodnight.” Wes untangled her body from her mother’s grip and left the room.

  “You’ve raised an incredible young woman.”

  Gwen blinked away the moisture pooling in her eyes. “I know.” She leaned into Spencer’s embrace, drawing strength from his arms as they cocooned her. “Speaking of emotional nights. We need to talk.”

  He kissed her forehead. “We do. Wine is in order. Let’s grab a bottle or two and go sit under the stars. I do my best thinking under clear skies.”

  She agreed. He brought her to the wine cellar. The room was as large as a two-car garage. Her jaw may have hit the floor as she walked in.

  “Impressive. With so many choices, how do you ever decide?” She licked her lips, exploring the options.

  “Easily.” Spencer twirled her around and captured her attention with a kiss. “I know what I want.”

  “Is that so,” she joked.

  Her eyes locked onto his and the intensity nearly blew her over. Gwen got the sense they weren’t talking about wine. Her heart skipped a beat as he pierced her with those magnificent blue orbs. Raw, uninhibited lust tore through her. With each pulsing second she debated ripping his clothes off. She wanted him inside her. Her hand pressed against the hard muscles of his chest. She craved his hands, his lips and his body. It was more than sex. She wanted his heart too.

  He held her captive for several minutes before reaching over her shoulder and selecting a bottle. “I want desperately to know what you’re thinking when you look at me like that. You told me you didn’t want to hold back, but I can see you doing exactly that.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t tell me if it’s fleeting.”

  In spite of the humidity controls in the room, her throat was too dry to respond. She swallowed and tore her eyes from his. “What did you pick?”

  “You,” he breathed.

  “I meant the wine.” She shuffled back a step.

  “I own a vineyard on the West Coast. This batch was my favorite from last season.” He walked over to a small bistro table and opened the wine. The cork popped, and he poured a sample amount into a glass. Dark, red liquid coated the inside of the crystal as he held it to the light. He inhaled and swallowed the contents. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and Gwen’s core tightened.

  “Is it good?”

  Spencer licked his lips seductively. “The best,” he answered, filling two glasses to the brim.

  Their fingers grazed as he handed her a full glass. She held it to her nose and inhaled the cherry and blackberry notes. She was far from a wine connoisseur, but the aroma was mouthwatering. Liquid courage would help. She downed the entire glass and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

  “I’m not trying to hold back.” She shivered and rubbed her arm. It was time to let it all out. “Learning about you and my sister—”

  “Nothing happened between me and Cherie.” He ran his hand through his hair. “We went for drinks three times. I never considered them dates. We talked about old times and she kissed me when I dropped her off the last time. The night you showed up, I had gone to her place to set the record straight. You’re the only Eastman and the only woman I want.”

  “I believe you but—”

  He handed over his phone. “Call her. Never mind.” He pressed a few buttons, and the phone rang on speakerphone.

  Gwen tried to end the call, but Cherie answered on the second ring. “Hello. It’s great to hear from you.”

  “This isn’t a social call. I’m with your sister who has the impression that you and I dated and have some kind of romantic relationship. I’ve explained this is not the case, but she needs your side.”

  “Gwen knows my side,” Cherie said.

  “Which is what?” Spencer barked. A moment of silence followed. His jaw clenched as he waited for a response.

  “We’ve been enjoying each other’s company and we’ve kissed. I like you,” Cherie admitted, making Gwen’s heart ache.

  It took guts for her sister to say those things. No one deserved to be rejected. She tried to think of something that would soften the outcome. As she was about to speak, Spencer moved the phone away slightly.

  He huffed and his nostrils flared. “We never kissed. A platonic meeting of the lips would be a more accurate description. I explained it would never happen again. The only reason I agreed to cocktails was to get information about Gwen. My intentions were always crystal clear. I’m in love with your sister. Nothing and no one will come between us,” he said as he stared at Gwen.

  “Cherie, I’m sorry for bothering you,” she said. Her voice sounded like she’d ran it over sandpaper. “I didn’t ask him to call. I’m—”

  “You’re always sorry,” Cherie shot back. “I need to go. Enjoy your evening.”

  The line went dead. Gwen suspected her relationship with her sister might suffer the same fate. Her stomach twisted as he returned the phone to his pocket.

  “There’s no reason to hold back anymore.” He took a sip of his wine and set it on the table.

  “When I said I want a second chance, I me
ant it. I moved here to start over and mend my broken relationship with Cherie. I keep making things worse with her, but I’m ready for this. You and me getting back together. It’s crazy after all this time, right?”

  His eyebrow arched. “Not crazy at all.”

  “You have to admit things between us is a little overwhelming. We’re moving at warp speed and I’m trying to catch up.”

  “If you need to slow down, we could try,” he offered.

  She rolled her eyes. “You don’t know the meaning of slow. Besides, I like where we are. But I never expected to see you again, let alone make love to you. And I don’t know what you’re thinking or what we’re doing. I’m second guessing myself while you seem so sure of everything.” She spoke quickly and kept her eyes on the bottles behind his head. Twenty-four bottles per row.

  “Gwen, look at me.”

  Twisting the empty crystal stem in her hand, she kept her eyes averted. “We barely know each other and I’m living in your house.”

  “We dated for close to a year. You haven’t changed that much. I’m still the same man you met on the side of the road. The same guy who—”

  “That was a lifetime ago, when we were kids. We aren’t the same. I’m a single mother scraping by and you’re a billionaire. Different worlds. I don’t know how we fit.”

  “I’d say we fit perfectly. The rest is semantics.” He stepped closer until their chests touched. His fingers gripped her chin, tilting her face until their eyes connected. “I’m still the same dreamer who’s hopelessly in love with you.”

  She dropped her glass, and it shattered against the concrete floor. “Spencer, don’t say things like that. I will believe you.”

  “It’s the truth.” He challenged her with his eyes, and she stayed quiet. “I am in love with your big green eyes and the way they undress me. I am in love with your generous heart and the way you’ve devoted your life to serving people who need help. Your soul is so pure and beautiful. You’re gorgeous. Do you want me to go on?”