Chasing the Prize (Men of the Ice Book 5)

by Michele Shriver

  With a game day roster that included some Generals veterans, along with quite a few prospects, the line pairings were dramatically different from those at the end of the season. The absence of Nikolai Brantov meant Ryder got a chance to skate on Colton’s left wing, a spot he’d fully intended to occupy the season before. Instead, Ryder was beaten out by the young Russian rookie, who claimed the spot on the top line straight out of training camp the year before and never surrendered it. Although disappointed, Ryder quickly formed a good chemistry skating on the second line with Casey and young Swede Cullen Jacobus. They’d had a lot of success, and Ryder expected to open the season with Casey and Cullen as his linemates once again.

  Tonight, though, he got to skate with Colton on a line that included one of their talented prospects, Maks Klein, and they combined for an early goal against the Arizona Coyotes. Ryder scored off of a brilliant pass from Colton, with Maks tallying the secondary assist. As soon as the goal went in, Ryder raised his fist in the air, and as he skated toward the team bench for the customary fist bump with his teammates, he scanned the area a few rows behind the bench for Jessica. He spotted her right away, sitting next to Alex’s wife, and she smiled as their eyes locked. Yes, hockey was back, and although Ryder wasn’t accustomed to having anyone in the stands cheering him on, he quickly decided he liked it.

  After the first goal, the rout was on, and Ryder notched two goals and an assist as San Antonio went soared to a decisive 4-1 victory against Arizona. It was only preseason, so there was no award of the toy gun holster to the best player, which was standard practice after regular season games. If they awarded it for preseason games, Ryder was fairly confident he would have won it. He still got plenty of fist bumps and back slaps from the rest of the guys, but Ryder didn’t relish it in it. It was one game, and it didn’t even count in the standings. They had a long season ahead and a lot of work to do.

  A few of the guys were planning to go to a club after the game, and a few others were headed out to meet their significant others. Ryder wondered if Jessica had stayed to see him after the game, or already left to go home. He got his answer a few minutes later, as he left the arena with Alex and Colton. There, with Kristie and Maya, stood Jessica.

  “Hey,” he said, as he approached.

  “Hi.” Her eyes scanned up and down his body, and she smiled. “I guess it’s true. You do always wear a suit to games.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “Team rule.”

  “It’s a good one. You like nice in suits.”

  “Thank you,” Ryder said. She looked nice, too, wearing jeans that perfectly hugged her hips and a blue shirt with a plunging neckline that game just enough of a view of her cleavage to want to see more. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. “Did you enjoy the game?”

  She nodded. “I did. A lot.”

  “Great. You’ll have to come to more oof them, at least on the weekends.” Ryder shifted his bag to the other shoulder. “So what are you doing now?” he asked. “Do you want to go grab a late dinner or drink or something?”

  A flicker of hesitation passed Jessica’s eyes, as if she wanted to say yes, but ultimately she shook her head. “I’m going to have to pass. Not sure I’d be good company tonight, as tired as I am. It was a long week.”

  Having observed her during the live newscast the night before, Ryder understood, even if he was disappointed. “Some other time, then,” he said. “I’ll let you get your beauty sleep. Not that you need it. You’re plenty beautiful already.”

  “And you’re a smooth talker.” The night sky outside the arena was dark, so Ryder couldn’t tell if she blushed, but it wouldn’t surprise him. “I’m free tomorrow, if you are.”

  “I am, yes.” It was the team’s day off, before departing on Monday for Arizona to play a rematch with the Coyotes, this time on their home ice. “Would you like to come over in the afternoon?” he asked. “I can grill some burgers, and we can take a swim.”

  “That sounds good. I’d enjoy that,” Jessica said. “What time?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe three?”

  She nodded. “Sure. That sounds good.”

  “Perfect.” Ryder gave her his address. “I’ll see you then.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

  “Me too.” Ryder started to walk in the direction of his car, then changed his mind and turned around.

  “Did you forget something?” Jessica asked.

  “Yes. I forgot to do this.” Ryder lowered his head and brushed his lips softly across hers. They tatsed of cherry, probably the lip gloss she wore, and he wanted to taste more, but he pulled away. “Now I’m looking forward to tomorrow even more.”

  Chapter Nine

  Jessica pulled into the driveway of a stunning home in the Elm Creek area and did a double-take. Yes, this was the address Ryder had given her. She was in the right place. Wow. She knew the NHL paid well, even if the salaries paled in comparison to the NFL or NBA, so maybe she shouldn’t be shocked. Still, it was, quite simply, the most beautiful house she’d ever seen.

  Ryder had told her to come around to the back when she got there, so Jessica did, finding him standing at an outdoor grill, wearing only a pair of board shorts in the design of the Canadian flag. Nothing like a sexy guy with a Maple Leaf on his butt. He must have heard her approach, or sensed her presence, because he turned around, revealing the same Maple Leaf pattern on the front of his shorts. The image sent Jessica’s mind straight into the nearest gutter, and not simply because of his well-toned abs. Those didn’t hurt the view any, though.

  “Hi,” he greeted her. “I guess you found me.”

  “I did, yes. Only got lost once,” Jessica said. “Nice house.” Okay, that was a huge understatement. She looked around the expansive back yard, which featured a cobblestone patio with an outdoor kitchen. Beyond that was a pool with an adjoining hot tub, and the entire area was surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery. If there was another house nearby, Jessica couldn’t see one. “It’s like you have your own private greenbelt back here.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I love about this place,” Ryder said. “I just started the grill, and it’s charcoal, so it will take a while to heat up.”

  “That’s okay,” Jessica said. “It’s still early.”

  “That’s what I figured. We can have a drink, maybe take a swim.”

  Jessica looked at the pool again. It was definitely enticing, especially on a warm day, and she’d come prepared. “That sounds like a good idea.”

  “Great. I’ll go grab us some drinks from inside. Feel free to jump in the pool.”

  “I might do that.” Jessica watched him head into the house, then moved to set her bag down on the chaise lounge by the pool. She pulled off the tank top and shorts she wore over her bikini and walked over to the edge of the pool, dipping one toe in. Not bad. Since the temperature seemed pleasant, she lowered her whole body into the pool. Okay. Still not bad. She went underwater, wetting her hair, and wiped it out of her face as she resurfaced. Still no sign of Ryder, so Jessica swam the length of the pool, then turned and swam back. As she returned back where she’d started, she noticed Ryder standing there watching. He held a bottle of wine in one hand, and two glasses in the other.

  “How’s the water?” he asked.

  “Perfect. Are you coming in?”

  “Maybe in a little bit.” He held up the bottle. “Got some wine if you want some.”

  “I do,” Jessica said. “Let me swim another lap or two, and I’ll be right out.”

  ***

  Ryder had planned on getting in the pool, too, but rethought the strategy, instead being content to watch Jessica swim. His process of opening a bottle of wine had taken far longer than necessary, simply because he enjoyed the view so much from the kitchen window as she stripped down to her bikini. If she wasn’t perfect, she was pretty darn close, with a tight, firm ass and ample breasts and flat stomach. He didn’t mean to stare, but it was pretty hard not to.


  He focused on pouring wine, and not spilling it, and fortunately had completed that task before Jessica emerged from the pool, or he probably would have spilled it for sure. Ryder sucked in his breath as she walked toward him, a soaking wet vision in a minimal bikini. Ryder tried to get his libido under control He wasn’t Casey. He could behave himself. They’d have a drink, he’d fix dinner. They’d eat and talk. Then perhaps later, if Jessica was interested, things might progress further. Please, be interested.

  “Wine?” he asked, holding out a glass.

  “Yeah, just a minute. Do you have a towel?” She rubbed her hands over her arms. “It’s kind of chilly when you get out of the water.”

  Sure enough, her nipples were erect under her bikini top, and even though Ryder was sure it was because of the chill she’d mentioned, rather than any sexual desire, the effect on him was more of the latter. “Of course, sorry. I should’ve had some out.” He walked over to the bench storage unit, and flipped up the lid, grabbing a towel. He unfolded it and held it out for her, expecting her to simply take it from him. Instead, Jessica allowed him to wrap it around her and envelope her in his arms, something he didn’t mind at all. “Better?” Ryder asked. “Are you warmer now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” They stood in each other’s arms for a moment, water dripping down her, their faces inches apart.

  “Ryder?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Are you going to kiss me now?” Jessica’s lips twitched. “I mean, I’m pretty sure you want to and you’re just trying to be a gentleman and all—”

  He didn’t allow her finish the sentence, instead silencing her with a hungry kiss. How well she knew him after only a short time. With her permission, though, Ryder was more than happy to escalate things. He’d gotten a small taste of her the night before, and now he definitely wanted more.

  So, apparently, did Jessica, as she responded immediately to the kiss, even nibbling on Ryder’s bottom lip. He didn’t know what it was about a nibble on the lip, but it had always turned him on. The effect was even greater with Jessica doing the nibbling, and Ryder felt the blood rushing to his lower region and his cock stiffen.

  The towel dropped, and Ryder pushed himself against her, caressing Jessica’s back before cupping her buttocks in his hands. His tongue still dancing with hers, Ryder used his hands to lift her butt cheeks and pulled her closer to him, grinding her crotch into his erection. He was hard for her, and he wanted her to know it.

  “Oh, God, Ryder.” Her words came out in a breathless pant as her lips came free of his and she looked up at him, her brown eyes heavy with arousal.

  “We should probably go inside,” he suggested.

  “No, here,” Jessica said. “I want you right here.”

  The very suggestion made Ryder’s heart race. There was nothing he wanted more than to take her, right then and there, exactly as she’d requested. His patio was certainly private enough, so that wasn’t an issue, but he wasn’t prepared. He’d thought of everything else, but not protection. Damn it. He silently cursed himself. “I... I don’t have anything out here.”

  “I do,” Jessica said. “In my bag. Just a minute.”

  She’d come prepared with condoms in her bag, is that what she was saying? Ryder’s mind raced, wondering if she always carried them with her, or if she’d made a point of packing them today, in the expectation—hope?—that something like this might happen. He much preferred the latter to the former, but at the moment didn’t really care. He wanted her, she wanted him, and she held a condom in her hand. What else mattered?

  He led her to the chaise lounge, pulling her down into his lap. Jessica ripped open the condom packet, and Ryder tugged at the Velcro fly of his shorts, freeing his cock. As he did, he noticed Jessica’s lips curl in amusement.

  “Something funny?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “It’s just as soon as I got here earlier, and saw the location of that maple leaf on your shorts, my mind started thinking dirty things. And now here you are, and your erection is poking through that maple leaf, and...”

  “It’s funny?” That wasn’t the effect he’d been going for.

  “No. It’s sexy, hot. Really hot.” Jessica reached out and stroked him with her hands before sheathing him with the condom, then moved on top of him. With her hand, she pushed the skimpy fabric of her bikini bottom to the side, allowing for entry and impaled herself on him.

  Ryder held her hips and pushed upward, entering her all the way. God, yes, she felt good. Firm and tight around his shaft. “You okay, baby?”

  “Perfect. You Canadian boys are sure big and hard, but that’s exactly the way I like it,” she said, as she began to move on top of him.

  ***

  Jessica struggled to catch her breath. She didn’t know what came over her. She didn’t talk like that, and she wasn’t usually quite so aggressive, either. Then again, she was a firm believer in seizing opportunities when they presented themselves, and this one definitely had. Hello! Sexy athlete. Gorgeous, inviting pool. Private back yard, with no chance anyone could see or hear them. It was the ideal set-up for spontaneous sex and mind-blowing orgasms, right?

  “My God. Wow.” Ryder seemed to be having difficulty recovering, too.

  “My sentiments exactly.” Since she seemed to have control of her breathing again, Jessica shifted off of him and adjusted her bathing suit.

  “I... the grill. I should probably check the grill.” Ryder pulled the condom off and set it on the ground, then tucked himself back inside his shorts. “The coals are probably plenty hot by now.”

  Jessica stifled a chuckle. The coals weren’t the only thing that had gotten hot. “I would imagine so. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  He shook his head. “No, I got this. Relax. Drink your wine.”

  “Okay, if you’re sure.” She’d almost forgotten the wine, but there it sat, undisturbed on the table a few feet away. As Ryder went into the house, presumably to get the food, Jessica picked up a glass and took a drink, settling onto the chaise lounge. He was back a few minutes later, carrying a tray of food. Much to her disappointment, Jessica noticed he’d put a T shirt on, too.

  “I’ve got a salad, and my famous pizza burgers,” Ryder said.

  “Famous, huh?”

  He shrugged. “Well, maybe not famous, but I like to think they’re good,” he said. “It’s the recipe I put in the charity cookbook.”

  “Oh, yeah. Char told me about the project. It’s coming out this fall, right?”

  “Yes.” Ryder set the tray down on the table, then carried the plate with the burgers on it to the grill. “Hopefully people enjoy it. It’s a good collection of our favorite recipes.”

  “I know Char’s excited.”

  Ryder put the burgers on the grill, then walked back toward her. “How’s the wine?’

  “Very good, thank you.” So they weren’t going to talk about what happened, rather just move on to dinner and small talk. Good. That suited Jessica fine. She didn’t feel the need to dissect or analyze anything. They were two attractive, single, consenting adults acting on a basic human desire. What needed to be discussed?

  Apparently, Ryder felt the same way. They ate the salad while they chatted about the game, her work, the wine, and his house, with Ryder promising her a grand tour later. When the burgers were ready, he brought hers to her on a plate and they sat there on the patio furniture eating while they talked and laughed.

  She could see why the recipe was a favorite of his, because she liked it, too. It obviously wasn’t low fat, with pepperoni, black olives and pizza sauce stuffed inside a burger and topped with mozzarella, but it tasted great. At the moment, that was all Jessica cared about.

  After they’d eaten, Jessica helped Ryder carry the dishes into the house. She offered to load the dishwasher, but he brushed her off, and instead they went back outside, and lay together on the chaise lounge while they sipped another glass of wine.

  “Are you up for
a moonlight swim?” Ryder asked as the sun began to set beyond the horizon.

  “Sure.” Jessica wasn’t ready for the evening to end.

  “Great.” Ryder got up, discarded his T-shirt and jumped in the pool, while Jessica hesitated. “Aren’t you coming in?” he asked.

  “I am, yeah.” She was more interested in a little more naughty fun than the swim, though. “But I’ve got too much clothing on. And so do you.”

  ***

  Ryder stood in the shallow end of the pool, staring as Jessica removed her bikini bottoms, followed by the top, until she stood there, completely nude. He was pretty sure his jaw dropped open. After all, even though he’d made love to her, he’d yet to see her naked before now. Man, she was incredible. Her breasts, her ass, her slender, narrow waist. All of it. Water be damned, Ryder’s cock responded.

  “Too many clothes, huh? Well, let’s see about that.” He untied his shorts and yanked open the fly before stepping out of them, then tossed them out of the pool. “Is this better?” Ryder asked, as he stood, half underwater, with the tip of his erect penis sticking out above the water.

  Jessica stared at it as she broke out in a grin. “That’s much more like it, yeah, big guy. Just a minute. I think we still need something.” She turned around, giving him a perfect view of her butt as she fished around in her bag, then tossed something into the pool.

  It took Ryder only a second to realize what it was, and he thanked the heavens above for Jessica’s sense of preparation as he lunged for the condom packet. He grabbed it in his hand and moved to the steps of the shallow end and far enough out of the water to cover himself. He turned to find Jessica perched on the side of the pool, legs spread, and her hand between them as she touched herself.