“Congratulations on your win,” I tell Hunter.
“Congratulations on saving someone’s life.”
“I feel so awful for him,” I admit. “He’s always been shy, reserved. But I didn’t think he was suicidal, Hunter. I truly didn’t.”
“I know, baby.”
“I wish he’d spoken to me about it and shared his feelings, instead of letting things get so bad that he felt like his only option was to kill himself.” I swallow the lump of sorrow in my throat. “I just…you know what, I can’t talk about this anymore tonight. Just distract me. Please.”
“Sure.” He flicks up an eyebrow. “Want me to tell you about the call I got from Garrett’s agent today?”
Panic flies through me. “Oh my God! No!”
“What do you mean, no?”
“Garrett says you’re not allowed to have an agent. It’s against NCAA rules—”
“Don’t worry, it’s okay,” Hunter interrupts with a smile. “He just called to say hello. A very unofficial hello. And, well, perhaps there was also an unofficial expression of interest on both our ends.”
“Both? You’re interested?” I try valiantly not to break out in a satisfied smile. I knew calling Garrett would be the push that Hunter needed.
He nods. “I mean, we don’t even know if any teams will want me after I graduate—”
“They will.”
“—but if one does, and it’s a good deal…” He trails off.
“You’ll sign?” I prompt.
“I’ll sign. But…” He curls his arm around my waist and pulls me toward him. “That means you need to apply to grad schools in whatever city I land in. Or,” he mulls it over, “I suppose we can see where you land and then I’ll tell G’s agent to get me in with that team.”
“We’ll figure something out.” I love how we’re already making plans for the future. And why not? I’m excited for it. I want nothing more than to work toward my master’s and open up a counselling practice, while the man I love plays—
“Oh fuck,” I blurt out. “I forgot to tell you I love you!”
Hunter’s startled gaze snaps to mine. Then he starts to laugh. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I forgot to tell you I love you. I wanted to say it the night you said it, but—”
“You weren’t ready, I get it.” His voice comes out husky.
“It wasn’t the right moment, given the circumstances. But I do love you.” I feel my cheeks heating up. I never thought I’d fall for Mr. Hockey, with his cocky dimpled smiles and strange sense of humor. But life is full of strange surprises. “I love you, Hunter Davenport.”
“I love you, Demi Davis.” He leans down to kiss me. Meanwhile, his warm palms slide underneath the back of my shirt to stroke my back—and then he squawks in horror. “Holy shit, you’re like a block of ice, baby. C’mere.”
I grin as he begins to expertly tug off my clothes. “If you’re trying to warm me up, you should be putting more clothes on me.”
“Nah, I should be putting me on you.” He wiggles his eyebrows playfully and nudges me toward his bed. Then he lifts the corner of the comforter and we crawl underneath it, our naked bodies tangled together.
He slips one hand between my legs, probing, stroking gently. “How are you already so fucking wet?”
“That’s what happens when you’re around,” I mumble, and then my fingers find his dick. Big, thick, so warm.
Except he robs me of enjoyment, shoving my hand away with an outraged shout. “Oh my fucking God, Demi! Never touch my dick again.”
I let out a howl of laughter. “Hands are too cold?”
“Too cold is an understatement. Nope. Nope nope nope nope. You’re not allowed to touch me tonight.” Hunter pushes me onto my back, locks both my wrists with his left hand, and thrusts my arms over my head. “Don’t move,” he warns.
“Or what?”
“Or I won’t fuck you.”
I pout. “That’s mean.”
“No, what’s mean was that war crime you just committed against my penis.”
Gales of laughter shake my body. I love this guy. We have so much fun together, no matter the circumstances. We could be studying or sitting in a jail cell or lying naked in bed, and he’d never fail to crack me up.
His grip tightens on my wrists. “I’m warning you…”
“Oh fine. Go ahead and do your thing.”
Grinning, he lowers his head to kiss me, and I let him seduce me with his mouth, his tongue, his calloused fingertips. Eventually he releases me, but I keep my hands over my head, letting him have his way with me. His mouth is warm, wet, as it closes around my nipple. He sucks gently, swirls his tongue around that aching tip, and my hips move restlessly, seeking relief.
Hunter reaches between us, his knuckles grazing my clit before one long finger slides inside me. “Aw, fuck,” he groans. His hot mouth stays latched onto my breast as he starts fingering me. “Jesus motherfucking Christ, babe, I need to be inside you.” He’s grinding shamelessly against my bare leg, his dick leaving stripes of precome on my flesh.
I grumble impatiently when he leaves the bed to get a condom. “You should have done that first!” I scold.
He responds cheerfully. “Please don’t lecture me when I’m about to give you an orgasm.”
“Who says you’re going to give me an orgasm?”
He grips his dick and wags it at me. “This guy.”
Another laugh shudders through me, but it transforms into a throaty moan when Hunter climbs on top of me and enters my pussy in one smooth glide. He fills me completely, my body stretching to accommodate him, and I stroke the sinewy muscles of his back as he fucks me in slow, sweet strokes.
“I love you so much,” I whisper.
“Love you too.” His hips retreat, then flex forward in a deep thrust that makes me see stars.
Pleasure forms a tight knot in my core and then slowly unravels, ribbons of heat traveling through my body. I’m not cold anymore. I’m on fire. Hunter’s body is a furnace. His tongue is hot and eager. His dick elicits the most incredible sensations inside, stoking my arousal.
When the orgasm reaches the surface, I cry out and cling to him. He swallows my moans with greedy, desperate kisses, and then grunts huskily as he gives in to his own release.
“I’m never gonna get tired of this,” he croaks. He rolls us over so that I’m lying on his warm chest.
“Good thing you never have to,” I tease, still shivering from the aftershocks of release.
His strong arms wrap securely around me. “Oh really. So what are you saying? We’re going to be together forever?”
Smiling, I peer down at his gorgeous face. Then I brush a light kiss over his lips. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Epilogue
Demi
It’s eleven p.m. on Sunday and we’re on Hunter’s couch watching my favorite show. Tonight’s episode: Magicians Who Kill. Summer is fast asleep on the other end of the couch from us. Brenna’s curled up in one armchair, watching the screen in fascination, while Fitz takes up residence in the other armchair, still on the fence about the episode. We’re only ten minutes in and he’s already said the words “this is fucked up” half a dozen times.
“Swear to God, if her severed head appears in his magician’s hat, I’m getting up and leaving,” Fitz warns.
Hunter leans forward when his phone buzzes on the coffee table. “Hey, it’s Hollis.”
“Answer it,” Brenna orders. “Find out when they’re coming home.”
“But it’s a FaceTime call,” Hunter complains.
“So? What, you need to touch up your makeup?” she mocks.
I giggle.
“Whatever.” He presses a button, and a moment later an explosion of noise rocks the living room.
“AHHHHHHHH! YOU GUYS!”
Summer shoots up into a sitting position, wide awake in a heartbeat. “What the fuck? What’s wrong?” she demands, rubbing her eyes in alarm.
&n
bsp; “Guys! Can you hear us?!” It’s Rupi, shrill and worried. “Mike! I don’t know if they can hear us!”
“They can hear us, babe!”
“We can hear you!” Hunter says in exasperation. “What the hell? Where are you? Why is it so bright?”
I peer at his phone, but I can’t figure out where they are either. It’s daylight, that’s for sure. What time zone are they in?
Brenna hops up and settles on the arm of the sofa to get a better look, while Summer peeks over my shoulder. Fitz doesn’t leave his chair, although I can tell his interest is focused solidly on the conversation.
“We’re in Nepal,” Hollis reveals.
We all freeze.
“What do you mean, you’re in Nepal?” Brenna demands.
“I mean we’re in Nepal. Dude, we’re staying in the coolest place ever! It’s like on top of a mountain and there’s a Buddhist monastery right there, and, oh, Davenport! There’s actual monks here, and these dudes don’t have sex at all! A lot of them took a vow of silence, so I can’t really get any deets for you, but—”
“Hollis,” Summer interrupts. “Why are you guys in Nepal?”
Rupi re-enters the frame, her perfect white teeth sparkling in the sunshine of the Nepalese mountains, or wherever the heck they are.
“We’re on our honeymoon!” she shrieks.
Summer gasps. The rest of us gawk at the phone.
“Is this a joke?” Brenna asks, her dark eyes narrowing.
“Nope!” Hollis replies. His and Rupi’s faces fill up the whole screen, and I can’t deny I’ve never seen two people look happier. “We got married on Friday! I’m sorry, I know you guys would’ve wanted to come. And Fitz—I know, I know, you’ve always dreamed of being my best man—”
“Always,” Fitz says dryly.
“I’m sorry, man, I’ll make it up to you. We’re having a real wedding this summer. It’s in India, and you’re all invited.”
“What is happening?” Summer sounds utterly baffled.
“You seriously got married?” Hunter asks incredulously.
“Yeah, we did it in a courthouse in Boston. Our witness was a dude trying to get out of a traffic ticket.”
I tamp down a laugh.
“And now you’re on your honeymoon in Nepal,” Brenna says, each word coming out slowly and lined with bewilderment. “But you’re having an official wedding this summer. In India.”
“Yes!” Rupi say proudly. “Isn’t this amazing?”
Nobody answers.
The brief silence summons a shriek from her throat. “Are none of you going to say congratulations?” she demands, her eyes on fire.
That snaps us into action, and soon we’re all blurting out our congratulations.
“We’re so happy for you! I promise!” Summer assures them, and there’s nothing insincere about it. “We’re just stunned. We didn’t expect you to elope.”
“That’s why people elope, because nobody expects it!” Rupi chirps happily.
“So how long are you in Nepal?” Fitz calls toward the phone. “When are you home?”
“We’ll be back in a year,” Hollis says.
“A year?” Summer echoes in amazement. “But…”
“What about your job?” Hunter asks Hollis.
“Rupi, what about school?” I pipe up.
“I quit.” Hollis.
“I dropped out.” Rupi.
I gape at both of them.
“I haven’t even picked a major,” Rupi says, waving an indifferent hand. “I don’t care about college.”
“And I don’t care about my job,” Hollis chimes in. “Davenport said we should travel, so that’s what we’re doing.”
I glance at Hunter as if to say what the fuck?
“I advised him to take Rupi on a weekend getaway or a summer trip,” Hunter retorts. “Not to elope and run off to India!”
“Nepal,” Hollis corrects. “Jeez, pay attention, dude.”
“Well.” Summer clears her throat. “We’re all thrilled for you. I can’t believe you’re married.”
I can’t either, but Rupi and Hollis seem over the moon about it, and who am I to judge?
“Okay, you guys, it’s like eight in the morning here and we have a big day planned,” Rupi announces in her shrill, bossy voice.
“We’ll call back in a few days,” Hollis assures us. “Or a month. Whatever. Love you guys! Be back in a year!”
The call disconnects.
And we all exchange mystified looks.
“She dropped out of college,” Brenna says, sounding impressed
“They got married,” Fitz says, sounding horrified.
“She’s only nineteen,” I realize.
“Yeah, but in Rupi’s defense, she knew she was going to marry Michael Hollis the second she met him,” Summer points out.
“True,” Brenna agrees.
“They’ll either be divorced in a week, or they’ll be together forever,” Hunter predicts with a sigh. “There’s no in between with those two.”
Summer tucks her golden hair behind her ears. “I’m happy for them, I really am. But holy shit, that came out of left field.”
Hunter shakes his head a few times, as if trying to come out of a daze. “Okay, then. That was…fascinating.” He picks up the remote control. “Should we keep watching? We were about to find out if the dismembered head winds up in the magic guy’s hat.”
“I’m going upstairs to play Fortnite,” Fitz grumbles.
“I’m going to sleep,” Summer says.
Brenna stands up. “I’m going to see if Jake’s still awake so I can tell him about this latest development.”
“Party poopers,” I accuse.
As Hunter’s roommates scatter and disappear, he tugs me closer to his warm, muscular body. “What do you say, babe? Shall we?”
I slant my head and grin up at him. “Yup yup.”
The End
* * *
Don’t miss the extended bonus epilogue at:
http://geni.us/TPBonus
Did you enjoy The Play?
Please leave a review.
* * *
Have you read the first book in the Briar U series? The Chase is available at all retailers!
Reach Out
If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts or considering self-harm, please reach out to a loved one or contact the support services below. Someone is always there to listen. You matter.
USA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.8255
Canada
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
1.833.456.4566
Global
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
https://www.iasp.info/
Author’s Note
This book was a joy to write! Hunter and Demi’s friendship, banter, and sparks kept me on my toes during the entire writing process, and I couldn’t be happier with how their story played out. With that said, please note that I took some liberties with the college semester/hockey season schedule, extending them for plot purposes.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but this book (and life in general) would be a real bummer without the love and support of some amazing people:
My editor Lindsey Faber—reunited and it feels so good! And my agent Kimberly Brower for making sure I stay on top of things, and serving as my occasional relationship therapist.
The beta reading skills of Nikki Sloane (“suck his $#&! why don’t ya!”), K.A. Tucker (winery champ and all-around hottie), Robin Covington (THANK YOU!) and Sarah J. Maas (Garrett Graham’s #1 fan, and—finally!—someone as dorky as I am!).
Sarina Bowen, just because I love her. She’s so sa-weet!
Vi Keeland, my frenemy, who lives vicariously through my love life. You’re welcome.
Monica James, my Australian soulmate. You are so genuine and wonderful, and I know your dad was so very proud of the woman you are. I�
�m lucky to know you.
Nina, my publicist and wifey, who loves me so much she wouldn’t even divorce me after finding out I’ve never read Harry Potter.
Aquila Editing, for proofing this book (Sorry for all the typos!)
Nicole, lifesaver extraordinaire.
Heyyyyy, Natasha. Set it free!
Damonza.com, for bringing Demi to life with this stunning cover!
All my author friends who shared this release and offered their love and support—it’s truly remarkable how supportive this community can be. So many big hearts and talented writers!
And as always, the bloggers, reviewers and readers who continue to spread the word about my books. I am so thankful for your love and kindness. You’re the reason I keep writing these crazy stories!
Love,
Elle
The Chase: Preview
The first standalone book in the Briar U series is now available! Enjoy this excerpt from The Chase…
Fitz
“Dance with me?”
I want to say no.
But I also want to say yes.
I call this the Summer Dilemma—the frustrating, polar reactions this green-eyed, golden-haired goddess sparks in me.
Fuck yes and hell no.
Get naked with her. Run far, far away from her.
“Thanks, but I don’t like to dance.” I’m not lying. Dancing’s the worst.
Besides, when it comes to Summer Di Laurentis, my flight instinct always wins out.
“You’re no fun, Fitzy.” She makes a tsking noise, drawing my gaze to her lips. Full, pink, and glossy, with a tiny mole above the left side of her mouth.
The Play: Briar U Page 36
