Sex, Vows & Babies: Cherry Picked (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Shots On Goal Book 3)

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  “Whatever, you’re famous in my head. I brag about you all the time.” Hannah dramatically rolled her eyes at me before moving the conversation right along. “I had rounds with one of your teammates’ wives last night.”

  I knew a lot about most of my teammates’ home lives, and none that I knew of had a wife that worked at Flushing. “Really? Who?” I asked, trying to sound more interested than I really was.

  “This really sweet nurse named Karla. I obviously was bragging about you while we were in the breakroom grabbing coffee.”

  I laughed. “That’s Brayden Cox’s girlfriend. They have a kid together, and they’re practically married.” I felt like a teenage girl gossiping about guys in Teen Bop, but if I could do it with anyone, it was Hannah.

  Hannah shrugged. “So, yeah, his wifey. Wait, Cox? Isn’t that your all-time hero or something?”

  My face got hot. “Yeah…yeah he really is. I used to wear his number in high school.”

  “Well, isn’t that just the cutest thing ever.” Hannah’s pager started blaring and she shot up while checking the codes that were coming through. “Duty calls,” she huffed, throwing her purse over her shoulder.

  I jumped up and pulled her in for a quick hug. “See you later, Hannah banana. Go save some lives.”

  She squeezed my shoulder before turning to leave. “Bye Chase. Call me later so we can schedule another coffee date.”

  My sister was great at making sure we spent time together when we could. I appreciated her wanting to hang out with me, but I was thankful in that moment to be able to focus on the adorable stranger—that was going to be rectified soon enough, soon she’d be so much more than a stranger.

  Without overthinking it, I walked right over to the fading brown loveseat my girl was cuddled up on. “One of us in this very room is in fact the murderer,” I half-whispered, taking a seat in the armchair across from her. I damned the coffee table between us—just one more obstacle I was going to have to overcome to get to her.

  Her round smoky eyes smoldered as they connected with mine. Without missing a beat, she retorted with, “Oh, yes. I've no doubt in my own mind that we have been invited here by a madman—probably a dangerous homicidal lunatic.”

  The way she giggled as the words left her lips was intoxicating. It was like cupid’s arrow had struck my heart. “I’m Chase.” I reached out my hand and she took it, and the simple touch sent fire through my body.

  “Nicolette, but everyone calls me Nikki. Nice to meet you, Chase.” Her smile ripped across her face and crashed into my heart. “You’re a Christie fan, I take it?”

  I leaned back in the chair, trying to look relaxed even though I craved to scoop her up into my arms and never let her go ever again. “You are holding my favorite book.” I reached into the duffle bag I had packed, ready for practice later on that afternoon, and pulled out my very own copy, which was being held together with scotch tape.

  Her eyes softened a bit. “Isn’t it nice when a book recommends a person?” She had a slow drawl to her words that I couldn’t quite place, but it almost matched mine.

  “That it is. Not from around here, Nikki?”

  Her pale lips puckered as her gaze narrowed. “What could have ever given it away?”

  I let my accent coat my words. “Ma’am, I think we’re both out of our element.”

  “So, cowboy, what brings a southern gent like you to the Big Apple?” Blush danced over her cheeks as they perked up a bit.

  “Hockey.” The simple word hung heavy in the air for a moment. “And what about you, darlin’?”

  “Ballet.” The cute, excited smirk that came as the unassuming statement left her lips was invigorating. I wanted to catch it with my mouth so I could feel the passion illuminating her being.

  “Well, thank god for our careers,” I stated, getting up and holding my hand out for her.

  A questioning eyebrow raise was all I got in response as I stood next to her like an idiot.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t bite,” I added and she took the bait, gripping my hand firmly in hers. I helped her to her feet and started to lead her out of the coffee shop.

  “Where are we going?” she practically sang out, finishing with the most adorable giggle I had ever heard.

  “Exploring—isn’t that what people do in new cities?”

  Chapter 4

  Nikki

  I had probably lost my mind, following a complete stranger into the lively city, but it was thrilling.

  “I have practice in a few hours, but until then let’s have some fun. Shall we?” Chase had something about him that drew me in instantly. He was tall, muscular, and had a little bit of scruff on his jawline; he was handsome, but that wasn’t what it was. He was so confident and articulate, and I was a moth to the flame as he escorted me around by my hand.

  “Where are you taking me?” I asked as he hailed a cab.

  “You’ll see.” He looked down at me with a quick wink as he helped me into the car.

  “99 Margaret Corbin Drive,” he stated to the cabbie quickly before tucking me into his side.

  I couldn’t understand how I was so comfortable with him already, but I felt like I was hanging out with a friend I had known for years. I let my head fall into the crook of his shoulder as the cab driver quickly whisked us off to our adventure, weaving through the busy city streets. This was all so new and thrilling. I had only been in the city for about a day, and I was already throwing out my personal rulebook of not trusting men. Since my father was a deadbeat and never around, I had decided long ago that I would focus on school, books, and dance, and I swore off guys. It seemed to work for my mother, so I figured it would work for me, too.

  The car pulled up to the front of a gorgeous old stone building with signs for The Met.

  I climbed out of the cab, never letting go of Chase’s hand. “What is this place?” I asked as bewilderment struck me.

  “Somewhere I have always wanted to visit, the Cloisters.” He had a smirk that made me weak in the knees.

  I was struck with its castle-like beauty. “This is magnificent.”

  “Just wait until we get inside.” We made our way through the entrance, passing medieval artwork and architecture enclosed in serene gardens made for roaming. It was captivating. I couldn’t believe I’d never known something so beautiful existed in New York.

  I stopped to take in a splendid piece of stained glass; it was bright and colorful as the sunlight beamed through every shard. Chase wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close into his rock-hard chest. He was a good foot taller than me, and his large frame enveloped my body as he rested his head atop mine. It was a simple moment, but I melted straightaway.

  “Amazing, isn’t it?” I remarked after enjoying the embrace in silence for a few seconds.

  “It’s nothing compared to you,” he said effortlessly before kissing the top of my head.

  “But you don’t even know me.” I pivoted in his arms, our bodies still pressed firmly together as his grip on me tightened.

  “I want to know everything about you. I crave to learn about your passion, your life, all of it.”

  His soft lips brushed against mine, but I pulled away, retreating like a scared little girl. I was nervous for him to discover my lack of experience and for him to know he had technically just given me my first kiss ever. How ridiculous—a nineteen-year-old woman never having even been kissed by a man before.

  “Did I do something wrong?” he questioned as concern washed over him.

  My face prickled from heat burning at my cheeks and neck. “No. It’s just…” I trailed off, letting my gaze drop. I didn’t know how to explain this without sounding completely naïve.

  “Nikki, I don’t want you to ever be uncomfortable with me. I am just so drawn to you, and I couldn’t wait any longer to kiss you.”

  I perched up on my tiptoes to get closer to him, closing my eyes and leaning in, praying he would meet me halfway since I couldn’t actually reach him
. As we connected again, nervousness shot through me. I tried to play it cool, following his lead and parting my lips when his tongue pushed through to explore my mouth. Simple ecstasy filled me as a soft moan escaped.

  I will never forget this moment. I supposed my first kiss was worth the wait because I didn’t think most girls could say they were kissed for the first time by a handsome gentleman in one of the most gorgeous hidden gems in New York.

  Is this really happening?

  “Let’s check out the gardens,” Chase said softly as our lips parted. I immediately desired his taste again, but I didn’t want to seem too eager.

  “All right.” I followed him out into the bright afternoon light. The flowers and trees were gorgeous, and we walked with his arm draped across my shoulders through the most breathtaking park. I felt like I had left New York and was strolling through the Secret Garden.

  “Thank you for bringing me here,” I said sincerely as we took a seat on a stone bench beneath a large willow tree.

  “Thank you for coming with me.” He breathed against my neck, sending chills down my spine. “Let me see your phone,” he practically demanded.

  I pulled it out of my fanny pack and he laughed.

  “What?” I jabbed his side gently with my elbow. “Making fun of me?”

  “No, I would never.” His lips pulled into a smile. “You just look like a tourist.”

  “Isn’t that what we are?” I questioned.

  He pulled me closer to him. “I think we’re supposed to be newly local.” He took my phone and dialed a number. “Here, now we don’t have to do the awkward thing of wanting to get the other’s number but not wanting to seem too enthusiastic.”

  “Perfect.” I put my phone back into my pack and leaned into Chase. “I don’t want this to end.” I groaned. The day had been far too perfect, and I already felt like I was missing Chase even while he was still by my side.

  He exhaled a slow breath. “Neither do I, but unfortunately, we need to head back.”

  There was no way I was going to be able to hide my dissatisfaction at his declaration. “But, why?”

  He kissed my cheek before shoving up from the bench. “Because Coach will have my ass if I’m late for practice.”

  “I guess I can understand that. I wouldn’t be able to be late to the studio.” My eyes locked with his as he laced his fingers with mine.

  Helping me to my feet, he sighed, “Honestly, I would rather stay right here with you, but work calls.”

  Chapter 5

  Chase

  Practice. Fucking practice.

  Usually I was all about it—head in the game, hungry to hone my skills—but all I could do was think about watching Nikki get out of the cab when I dropped her off after our afternoon together. We had talked about so much in the few short hours we spent together. She told me about her dreams of being a prima ballerina and traveling the world, dancing on every stage she could. I confessed my selfish desire to never leave her side and how I had never been so captivated by anything other than hockey until I saw her sitting in The Bookstop.

  “What the fuck was that?” Coach yelled as a slap shot I took on an open goal hit the cross bar and flung back at me, almost hitting me in the shoulder.

  I shook my head, letting it hang low in defeat. There was no reason to even try to excuse it; my heart was just not in it.

  “You all right, man?” Brayden asked as he skated by me, and I nodded.

  “Just a little off my game today, I guess.” The excuse was so foreign to me. I hated being the weak link.

  “Shake it off or Coach is going to have a field day with your ass in a few minutes.” He pushed my helmet with his glove playfully before skating to take another shot on the goal.

  “Duly noted. Thanks for the advice.”

  I did a few laps around the rink backwards before Coach Hayes could even bark the order. Sometimes it was best to just take a punishment even if it might never come to avoid something worse.

  Gavin stopped in back of me, making me break hard. “Good call, rookie. The old man can be a jerk, but he’ll make you a better player for it.”

  “Is it hard being the coach’s son?” I asked bluntly. I had always wondered how Gavin dealt with his father being his coach, especially with how big of a prick Gideon Hayes could really be.

  Gavin flashed a toothy grin. “Nah, it’s a fucking dream. I mean, he’s just so fucking nice to me.” He skated off, chuckling. At least he was able to make light of the situation. Gavin really did get the worst of Coach’s wrath; I just never could decide if it was because of family crap, Gavin being the captain of the team, or if he actually deserved the verbal lashings.

  I struggled through the next hour and a half, doing my best to push Nikki to the back of my mind, but it was fruitless.

  “Hit the showers!” Coach yelled after blaring his whistle, and I sighed with relief. I had never been so glad to be skating off the ice—well, except for the one time I got two of my bottom teeth knocked out in a fight. That hurt like a bitch, and afterward, I was happy to be skating toward pain pills to calm my throbbing head.

  I rushed to my locker and dove for my phone.

  Me: Is it bad for me to be missing you like crazy even though it’s only been hours since I saw you?

  It only took Nikki a few seconds to respond.

  Nikki: If it’s a bad thing, then we’re both guilty of it.

  Me: What are you doing tonight?

  Nikki: Watching Nick at Night reruns and pretending I don’t want to order a pizza.

  Me: Come to my place. I’ll be leaving here soon.

  Nikki: I have a yoga class early in the morning that I cannot miss.

  I wasn’t going to take no for an answer, but I didn’t want to scare her off.

  Me: I promise you won’t miss it. Please?

  Nikki: Fine. What’s your address?

  That wasn’t too hard.

  I sent her the address and showered at lightning speed so I could rush home.

  “Where’s the fire, Harding?” Crosby called after me as I was about to bolt through the door to leave.

  “I gotta see about a girl,” I hollered over my shoulder. I could hear a few of the guys hooting and making snarky comments as I practically ran out of the barn, but I didn’t give a shit. I was about to be right where I needed to be—with Nikki in my arms.

  About fifteen minutes after I got home, Nikki buzzed from the call box in my building’s lobby to be let up into my apartment. Waiting for her had been the longest fifteen minutes of my life. I rushed around making sure nothing was out of place as my heart raced and my palms sweated.

  Get ahold of yourself, man!

  My front door creaked as she opened it slowly. “Knock knock,” she called through as she started to make her way in. “Chase?”

  I jogged to the door, grabbing both sides of Nikki’s face and crashing my lips to hers. I exhaled as I pulled away. “Sorry, I just couldn’t wait. Come in.”

  “No, don’t apologize for something so fantastic.” She flashed a mesmerizing smile, following me into my apartment.

  We sat down on the couch and I tried to contain myself. I wanted nothing more than to rip her clothes off and explore every inch of my ballerina’s petite, perfect body.

  “Want something to drink? Pizza is on its way.”

  Her eyes got wide. “Chase, I have to be good! Pizza is not in the dancer diet.”

  “One night of pizza is not going to undo your diet, promise.”

  Nikki was adorable when she was nervous. She kept fidgeting with the hem of the couch cushion and avoiding eye contact. “I guess you can’t be in New York City without trying the pizza, right?”

  I pulled her close to me. “Exactly. That’s my girl.”

  “I like the sound of that,” she cooed as her head rested on my chest.

  “Of what?” I started to flip through the movies on Netflix, trying to find something to have on as background noise.

  “Being your gir
l,” she remarked, and my heart raced.

  “Babe, you’ve been my girl since you got into that cab with me earlier.”

  I settled on Love Actually and pressed play. I figured it was a good backdrop and a total chick flick to help Nikki be more comfortable.

  “Oh, this movie.” She swooned, cuddling up into my arms even more.

  Perfect.

  We watched the movie in silence until the pizza arrived, and then I dished out our slices of pepperoni and cheese-covered heaven and took my seat back next to Nikki.

  “Are you ready for this?” I asked, waiting anxiously for her to experience the greatness of a real New York City pie, dripping with grease, flopping over in her tiny hand.

  Her face lit up. “Will you take my picture? I feel like this is a Kodak moment.”

  Grabbing my phone, I snapped a quick picture of her holding up the slice with a goofy grin plastered on her face.

  “My mom is not going to know what to do with herself when I send that to her!” Nikki exclaimed as she looked at my phone screen.

  She finally took a bite and stopped dead, savoring the deliciousness as her eyes slowly closed. A moan of satisfaction rumbled and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “That good, huh?”

  She nodded, wiping her mouth with the paper towel I handed her. “Euphoric is the word you were looking for, Chase. Utterly euphoric. How have I gone nineteen years without knowing this type of pleasure?”

  “I am glad I could be with you when you experienced it for the first time.” I kissed her cheek before chomping down on my own piece.

  “Today has been such a wonderful day of firsts.” She bounced a little in her seat.

  Still chewing, I asked, “What else was your first? I know the park and the pizza, anything else?”

  Her cheeks dusted with crimson as she looked down. “I had never been to Times Square,” she muttered, but I knew there was more, something she was holding back. “And there was that coffee shop where we met, it was my first time in that place.”