“Yeah, no.” With a flick of my wrist, I unbuckle her seat belt. “But I do know another place…”
She nods toward the building. “Inside there.”
It’s not a question, but I nod anyway.
“You want to sneak into the practice rink and have sex while no one’s there?”
“Would you rather wait until someone is there?” I tease.
Color infuses her cheeks. “We could get in trouble for breaking and entering.”
“Not if we’re allowed to go in.”
“And how do you propose we do that?” I can see the intrigue. She’s definitely turned on by the idea.
I reach into the cup holder and retrieve the key ring. “I thought we’d use these.”
I managed to snag a set of keys to the practice arena under the guise that I’d be coming in early on Sunday morning to get in some practice time. No one asked any questions, so I didn’t offer any details.
“I like this devious side of you,” Ellie says, then reaches for the door handle.
The second she opens her door, I do the same. I reach the front of the truck at the same time she does, then take her hand and lead her to the rear entrance door. It only takes a few minutes to get into the building and turn off the alarm. I make sure to lock it back so that we won’t have any unexpected visitors.
Although we do a lot of our practices at the Cedar Park Arena, we also spend a lot of time at the practice facility. It’s not as flashy and it’s not built for fans to be able to watch the action, but the rink’s as nice as the main one.
“I like it here.”
“Yeah? Why’s that?” I ask.
“Because there’s this room upstairs where you have a direct view of the rink, but it offers some privacy.”
“Really?” I pretend not to know what she’s referring to. “Maybe you could show me this room.”
“I’d be glad to.”
Ellie tugs on my arm and I let her pull me toward a darkened hallway. I don’t miss a step as I follow her to the elevator. The second floor has several offices, and all the doors are closed with the exception of the room she’s referring to. It’s actually an empty room that’s rarely used. Sometimes some of the player’s families come up here, mainly those with small children who can’t handle the chilly air downstairs. Every now and then, we’ll have cake in here when it’s someone’s birthday.
There are no lights on anywhere in the arena, except for a few small ones to light the hallways and a couple high up in the rafters. If anyone happened to come in, I seriously doubt they’d see anything, but in order to ensure that, I kick the door closed with my foot. Getting caught doesn’t bother me so much, but I damn sure am not going to invite trouble if I don’t have to.
However, I am going to have to get my hands on this woman.
And soon.
Ellie
The second Kingston pulled into the parking lot, I knew exactly what he was up to. I can’t lie. It lit a spark deep inside me. The idea of having sex at the practice arena… It’s definitely taboo.
Probably not nearly as taboo as it could be. There are no people around, which makes it safe. I’m not sure I’d be willing to do this otherwise. Then again, as I slide my hands up underneath Kingston’s shirt, I’m not sure that’s the case. This man… God, he makes me do crazy things, want crazy things.
“You know how hard it is to keep my hands off you?” Kingston asks.
I don’t have a chance to answer because his mouth is on mine. Within seconds, we’re generating enough heat to possibly steam up the windows in this small room. It is a real possibility considering the air on the other side is considerably colder.
While Kingston thrusts his tongue into my mouth, I reach for the button on his jeans. I don’t want to waste any time. We spent far too many weeks apart… We have a lot to make up for. A lot more.
“I really like when you wear dresses,” he mutters against my mouth as his hands slide up my bare legs.
“It’s a skirt,” I tell him, smiling against his lips.
“Pot-a-to, pot-o-to. I call it easy access.”
His fingers reach the apex of my thighs, and I see the instant he realizes I’m not wearing any panties.
“Heaven help me,” he groans before crushing his mouth to mine.
I work open his jeans and slip my hand inside, wrapping my fingers around his cock as best I can. I stroke him slow and easy, while he pushes a single finger up inside me.
“Oh, yes.” God, I love when he does that. The way he touches me…
Kingston pulls back and looks down at me. I see the desire churning in his eyes.
“You know, I’ve had this fantasy…” I say.
“Yeah?” He’s breathing hard because I continue to stroke him while he gently thrusts one finger inside me.
“Yep.” I widen my stance, urging him to continue.
“Tell me.”
“I’ve fantasized about going down on you in an empty hockey arena.”
He groans and I take that as permission. I shift, causing his finger to fall from inside me, which is pretty disappointing but definitely necessary. While he pushes his jeans and boxers down over his hips, I lower myself to my knees and lick him slowly.
Kingston holds his shirt up with one hand and puts the other on the glass window behind me. “Fuck… Ellie.”
Sometime in the next few minutes, his shirt comes off and his fingers are in my hair while I bob up and down on his cock, trying to drive him wild. The idea of being in such a public place, despite the fact that it’s empty, is thrilling. I think about what it would be like to do this when there are people on the other side of that glass. They wouldn’t be able to see in…
“Stop,” Kingston hisses. “Not yet.”
I don’t want to stop, but as usual, Kingston helps me to my feet. I would try to fight him, but I already know how that will turn out, so I simply stand and kiss him when he lowers his mouth back to mine.
“Woman, do you know what you do to me?” he rumbles against my mouth.
I do know and I love every second of it. But I don’t tell him that; I simply meld my mouth to his and sigh. I love this man more than words could ever express.
“Turn around,” he insists, once again lifting my skirt.
I turn and plant my palms on the glass, looking out at the darkened rink while he moves up behind me.
“I’m not going to last long,” he says, and I can tell it’s a warning.
“That makes two of us…” He enters me in one swift thrust and I inhale sharply. “Oh, fuck, yes.”
Kingston’s hands slide around me, cupping my breasts while I keep my hands on the glass, pushing so that I don’t get crushed against it.
“Damn, Ellie… I’m never … going … to get … enough … of you.” He punctuates with punishing thrusts of his hips. His hands roughly grip my breasts, as though he doesn’t realize he’s doing it. It’s not painful, but it proves to me that I do have the power to make him lose control.
“Fuck me,” I say, merely for his benefit. And mine, too.
His hands release my breasts and travel down to my hips. His fingertips dig into my flesh as he drives into me over and over, deeper, harder. My hands squeak down the glass as I lose my grip. He’s pounding into me, driving me higher and higher. I can see his reflection in the glass, and the animalistic look on his face is enough to send me careening to the precipice, scrambling to hold on for just a little while longer.
“Fuck… Kingston… Yes, yes… Fuck yes.” I explode around him, unable to keep from crying out.
His answering roar sounds from behind me. I feel him pulsing inside me.
It’s all I can do to keep from melting into the floor.
And to think…
This man who has promised to love me—as well as kinkify me—is all mine.
Epilogue
Thursday, April 13th
Game one of the play-offs — Austin Arrows vs. Minnesota
Ellie: Good
luck tonight. You’re gonna be amazing.
Kingston: Thanks, baby. With you there in the stands, I’ll be at my best.
Ellie: Is that right?
Kingston: Of course.
Ellie: Too bad. I was thinking of offering a little incentive.
Kingston: What I meant to say was with you in the stands and with a little incentive, I’ll be at my best.
Ellie: That’s what I thought you meant.
Kingston: So, what’s the incentive?
Ellie: Remember when you mentioned chocolate syrup?
Kingston: Heaven help me…
Ellie: Like I said, good luck tonight. I love you.
Kingston: I love you, too. And I love you even more if you’re wearing nothing more than chocolate syrup tonight.
Ellie: I’m sure that can be arranged. Win or lose.
Kingston
Pacing the floor, I keep my attention riveted on the stick in my hand and nothing else.
“Good luck,” someone calls from behind me.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
I shift my feet, slap my stick against my leg pad.
The roar of the music fills the arena. The lights dim, then snap off with a dramatic shattering effect.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
A throbbing bass reverberates from the speakers overhead. Slow, steady. I take a deep breath and work on keeping my heart rate in time with the music.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
Suddenly, the lights flash off, then back on.
Off.
On.
Off.
On.
Faster. Brighter.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
Strobes kick in and the Jumbotron lights up with our logo, then the image shatters as music continues to pulse, slowly fading, then changing to a faster beat. The light show syncs to the music, immersing the ice and the fans in white and teal. Directly in front of us, a giant LED skull slowly descends from the ceiling. Three officials emerge onto the ice, skating back and forth.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
Energy. Excitement. It’s all buzzing around me now. The fans are ready, cheering for us. The Jumbotron flashes one face after another. I don’t watch. I don’t care. I’m in the zone.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
The music comes to a dramatic, screeching halt, the lights go off once more, and a deep, rumbling voice comes over the speakers: Okay, hockey fans. Let’s give it up for this year’s Western Conference Champions! Your Austin Arrows!
The line shifts forward and we fall in together as we head for the rink. One guy after the other emerges onto the ice, directly in the spotlight, while the crowd calls out names of their favorites. The second my blades hit the ice, I’m in the zone. The players scatter and I go right for the pipes. I block everything out.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
As is my normal routine, I rough the surface of the ice, moving left, then right, then forward. I shift, dropping to my knees, readjusting my gear. I’m ready for this.
I know everyone will be watching me. I’m the goaltender. It’s my job to stop the puck. If I don’t, a red light flashes and the whole arena knows I fucked up. With any luck, that won’t happen tonight.
After all, I’m aiming for a shutout.
Focus. Puck, patience. React. Focus. Puck, patience. React.
From this moment on, my only job is to keep the puck out of the net.
And that’s what I intend to do.
For a brief moment, I allow myself to think about Ellie. The woman I love. The woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. And I am going to spend the rest of my life with her.
I know this because tonight when I asked her to marry me…
She said yes.
Acknowledgments
First of all, I have to say thank you to my brother, Bryan. I still remember all of your hockey games, all of the times I sat in the stands and watched in awe as you stood sentry over that goal. I might’ve been a hockey fan before that, but you definitely made me appreciate the game all the more. You will forever be my favorite goalie. And thank you for hanging out and watching the Dallas Stars with me. Those are moments I will cherish forever.
Of course, my amazing husband who puts up with me every single day.
And Chancy Powley… I don’t even know where to begin. Without your input, without you spending hours on the phone with me, helping me hash out this story… I don’t think I would’ve completed it.
Denise Sprung, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your feedback helped throughout this book. Being the hockey buff that you are—with your three hockey guys in your house—your input was priceless.
I also have to thank my street team, the Naughty & Nice Posse—Jenna, Annette, Traci, Maureen, Alison, Karen, Missy, Joy, and Kathy—for all of their hard work and dedication.
I can’t forget my copyeditor, Amy. This was a tough one for me since I’m not used to writing in 1st person present tense, but it was fun. Thank goodness I’ve got you to catch all my punctuation, grammar, and tense errors.
Nicole Nation 2.0 for the constant support and love. This group of ladies has kept me going for so long, I’m not sure I’d know what to do without them.
And, of course, YOU, the reader. Your emails, messages, posts, comments, tweets… they mean more to me than you can imagine. I thrive on hearing from you, knowing that my characters and my stories have touched you in some way keeps me going. I’ve been known to shed a tear or two when reading an email because you simply bring so much joy to my life with your support. I thank you for that.
♥▫▫▫▫♥▫▫▫▫♥
I hope you enjoyed Kingston and Ellie’s story. For the longest time, I didn’t think I would get this book finished. I knew exactly what was going to transpire between these two characters, I simply couldn’t figure out what it looked like on paper. All in all, I had a blast writing this book, especially since I got to do so much hockey research. In case you haven’t checked it out yet, the Austin Arrows originally made an appearance in my standalone novel, A Million Tiny Pieces.
Want to see some fun stuff related to the Austin Arrows series, you can find extras on my website. Or how about what’s coming next? I keep my website updated with the books I’m working on, including the writing progression of what’s coming up for the Austin Arrows.
Want a simple, fast way to get updates on new releases? If you’re in the U.S., you can also sign up for text messaging - just text NICOLE to 64600 or fill out the form here. I promise not to spam your phone. This is just my way of letting you know what’s happening because I know you’re busy, but if you’re anything like me, you always have your phone on you.
If you want to see what’s going on with me each week, sign up for my weekly Hot Sheet! It’s a short, entertaining weekly update of things going on in my life and that of the team that supports me. We’re a little crazy at times and this is a firsthand account of our antics.
And last but certainly not least, if you’re interested in getting monthly updates and announcements, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter.
And, as always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you’ll be able to leave an honest review as this is the best way to share your thoughts about the book with others.
♥▫▫▫▫♥▫▫▫▫♥
About Nicole
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers - even when she’s supposed to be writing.
Nicole also writes contemporary/ne
w adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.
Nicole would love to hear from you!
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By Nicole Edwards
The Alluring Indulgence Series
What’s hotter than a Texas cowboy? Seven Texas cowboys.
All with a heart of gold and a sexy, devious side.
Kaleb
Zane
Travis
Holidays with the Walker Brothers
Ethan
Braydon
Sawyer
Brendon
The Austin Arrows Series
The Austin Arrows know what it’s like to be the best in the NHL. They’ve been there.
Now they just need to figure out how to get back.
The SEASON: Rush
The Club Destiny Series
Come see how hot these powerful men and their lovely ladies can get.
All from the comfort of the infamous Club Destiny.
Conviction
Temptation
Addicted
Seduction
Infatuation
Captivated
Devotion
Perception
Entrusted
Adored
The Coyote Ridge Series
The Walker brothers started it, but it ain’t over yet.
Curtis
The Dead Heat Ranch Series
Love cowboys?
Love smokin’ hot cowboys and the sweet, sexy cowgirls they love?
Come on in and stay a while.
Boots Optional
Betting on Grace
Overnight Love
The Devil’s Bend Series
Sexy is just the beginning for these down home cowboys.
Add in a little country music, some big dreams and you’re in for a ride.
Chasing Dreams
Vanishing Dreams
The Devil’s Playground Series
Come hang out at Devil’s Playground - the hottest nightclub in Las Vegas, Dallas and New York!
This is a spin-off series from Southern Boy Mafia, featuring those who work at Max Adorite’s nightclub, Devil’s Playground.
The Season: Rush (Austin Arrows #1) Page 42