19. That’s My Seat, Barbie
19
THAT’S MY SEAT, BARBIE
SOPHIE
I ’m perched on my barstool at the Penalty Box, soaking in the electric atmosphere like a human sponge. The place is so packed, I swear the walls are bulging. The air is thick with the smell of victory.
And beer.
Lots of beer.
“Holy hockey pucks,” Jessica exclaims, her eyes wide. “That game was wild!”
Jenna nods so hard, I’m afraid her head might pop off. “When O’Reilly scored in the last thirty seconds, I thought I was gonna pee my pants!”
“And Nate’s save?” I chime in, still riding the adrenaline high. “I haven’t seen moves like that since I tried to dodge my ex last year at the campus coffee shop!”
We’re cackling like hyenas when suddenly the bar erupts in cheers. The Defenders swagger in, looking like they just stepped out of a sports movie finale. They’re all sharp suits and cocky grins, with a few shiners thrown in for good measure.
And then there’s Liam.
Oh. My. Gawd.
He walks in last, and I swear time slows down. His hair’s artfully mussed, there’s a sexy little cut above his eyebrow, and he looks so good in formal wear.
But I knew that.
Our eyes lock, and boom—instant butterflies in my stomach. He flashes me a smile that could melt the ice rink, and I’m pretty sure I forget how to breathe.
“Earth to Sophie,” Jessica sing-songs, waving her hand in front of my face. “You might want to close your mouth before you start catching flies.”
I snap my jaw shut, feeling my cheeks burn. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mumble unconvincingly.
“Oh please,” Jenna snorts. “You’re practically undressing him with your eyes.”
I’m about to protest when a lightbulb goes off in my head. “Speaking of undressing with eyes,” I say sweetly, turning to Jessica. “I couldn’t help but notice Finn giving you the once-over when he walked in.”
Jessica rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a blush. “Please. Finn wouldn’t know how to make a real move if his life depended on it.”
Jenna and I exchange glances. “Spill,” we demand in unison.
Jessica sighs. “Fine. He asked me out for coffee the other day. Coffee!” She snorts in derision. “What are we, like in high school?”
“And?” I press, leaning in.
“I said no. Obviously,” Jessica scoffs. “If he wants to take me out on a date, he can put on his big boy pants and come up with something grown-ups do. Like dinner and a movie? I mean, come on! He’s a professional athlete, not a nervous teenager. What’s next, is he gonna pass me a note asking if I like him? Check yes or no?”
We burst into giggles, the mental image of tough guy Finn passing Jessica a love note too hilarious to handle.
“Well,” I say, wiping tears from my eyes, “looks like the real entertainment is just getting started.”
The team settles at a table across the room, a rowdy island in the sea of patrons. Liam’s eyes keep finding their way back to me. Each time our gazes lock, it’s like a jolt of electricity zipping through my body.
“I’ll be right back,” I mutter to Jessica and Jenna, sliding off my stool. “Nature calls.”
I weave through the crowd, my skin tingling with the weight of Liam’s stare on my back. The ladies’ room is blessedly empty when I enter. I lean against the cool tile wall, trying to calm my racing heart.
“Get it together, Sophie,” I mutter to my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed, eyes a bit too bright. I look...well, like a woman who’s been eye-fucking the hottest hockey player in the league.
While wearing his jersey.
I splash some cold water on my face, careful not to smudge my makeup.
Deep breaths.
In, out. In, out.
My heartbeat finally slows to something resembling normal.
“Okay,” I tell myself firmly. “You’ve got this. It’s just Liam. Just the guy you’ve been crushing on forever and who fucked you silly the other day. No biggie.”
Right. Who am I kidding?
With one last glance in the mirror, I square my shoulders and head for the door. My hand is on the handle, when suddenly it swings open. A strong hand grabs my wrist, pulling me into the shadowy corridor.
Before I can yelp, Liam’s lips crash into mine. His kiss is hungry and possessive, sending waves of heat coursing through me. My knees go weak, and I’m grateful for the wall behind me as he presses closer. His hands roam my sides, leaving trails of fire in their wake.
“I’ve been dying to do that all night,” he growls against my lips. “I can’t wait to get you alone and feel your sweet pussy squeeze around my cock again.”
My heart’s thrumming in my chest, and I’m pretty sure my brain’s short-circuited. Every nerve ending is screaming for more, but a tiny voice of reason manages to break through the Liam-induced haze.
“Liam,” I gasp, trying to wiggle free. “Someone could see us.”
His grip tightens, a devilish grin spreading across his face. “Good,” he murmurs, nipping at my earlobe. “Let them. Let everyone know you’re my girl.”
A shiver runs down my spine, equal parts excitement and trepidation. “Everyone?” I ask with a smirk, finally finding my voice. “Even my dad?”
Liam chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest and straight into my core. “We’ll have to let him know eventually.”
I manage to slip out of his grasp, immediately missing his warmth. “Right,” I say, smoothing down my clothes. “But not yet.”
Liam’s eyes darken, smoldering with an intensity that makes my insides melt. For a heartbeat, I think he might pull me back into his arms. But he takes a step back, running a hand through his hair, his chest rising and falling with rapid breaths .
“You better get back to your sister and roommate,” he says, his voice a husky growl. “Wouldn’t want them to send out a search party.”
I nod, not trusting my voice. My legs feel like they’re made of jelly as I make my way back to the bar, Liam following close behind.
As we approach, I notice something’s off. There’s a guy I don’t recognize leaning against the bar, way too close to Jessica and Jenna. Even from here, I can smell the cloud of beer fumes surrounding him.
“C’mon, ladies,” he slurs, swaying slightly. “Why don’t you come sit with a real man? I’ll show you a good time.”
Jessica’s face is a mask of disdain. “No, thanks. We’re good here.”
“Don’t be like that, sweetheart,” the drunk persists, reaching for her arm.
My heart leaps into my throat, but before I can react, a large shadow looms over the scene. Finn appears like an avenging angel, materializing out of nowhere. His six-foot-three frame towers over the drunk, muscles rippling beneath his tailored suit. The air around him practically crackles with intensity.
“I believe the lady said no,” Finn growls, his voice low and dangerous, reminiscent of a lion’s warning rumble. His eyes, usually a warm hazel, have turned to chips of ice, flashing with a fury that could melt steel.
The drunk turns, trying to puff up his chest but looking more like a pufferfish next to Finn’s sculpted physique. “Hey, buddy, this ain’t your girl. Back off!”
Finn’s face darkens, his jaw clenching so hard, I swear I can hear his teeth grinding. The temperature in the room drops, as if Finn’s rage is sucking all the warmth from the air. He takes a step forward, his movements fluid and controlled.
“You’re mistaken,” he roars, the sound reverberating through the bar. Several heads turn our way, but Finn’s laser focus remains on the drunk. “This is my girl.”
Jessica’s head snaps to him in surprise. But Finn is undeterred. “And if you don’t walk away right now, I’ll wipe the floor with you.” Although his voice is quiet now, somehow it’s more terrifying than his shout.
Even the stupidest people have a survival instinct. The drunk’s bravado crumbles like a sandcastle in a tsunami. He stumbles back, nearly tripping over his own feet, muttering incoherent apologies as he scurries away, disappearing into the crowd like a mouse fleeing a hawk.
Finn stands there, a veritable wall of muscle. The set of his shoulders and the tension in his stance screams protector. He’s like a knight in shining armor, if knights wore designer suits and could bench press a small car.
Jessica stares at Finn, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and...lust? I don’t blame her. Finn’s always been swoony, but right now, he vibrates with panty melting power, the stuff wet dreams are made of. His gaze softens slightly as it lands on Jessica, a warmth creeping back into those hazel depths.
“Are you alright?” he asks, his voice gentle, a stark contrast to the fury from moments ago. He doesn’t touch her, but his body is angled toward her, creating a shield between Jessica and the rest of the bar.
Liam sidles up next to me. “Everything okay here?” he asks, his tone casual, but his posture alert.
Finn nods, his eyes never leaving Jessica. “Yeah, just took out the trash. ”
“My hero,” Jessica says, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but I catch the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
“You ladies should consider joining us at our table,” Liam suggests, his hand finding the small of my back.
Jenna glances at her watch. “Actually, I should head out. Early class tomorrow.”
“We’ll walk you to your car,” Jessica says quickly. She turns to Liam and Finn. “We’ll join you guys in a few, okay?”
The men exchange glances, then nod. “Don’t keep us waiting too long,” Liam says with a wink that makes my knees weak all over again.
We step out into the cool night air, the sounds of the bar fading behind us. As soon as the door swings shut, it’s like a dam breaks. We’re barely five steps into the parking lot when Jenna lets out a squeal that could shatter glass.
“Oh. My. God. Did you see that?” she gushes, practically vibrating with excitement. “Finn was like...like...a freaking superhero!”
I nod enthusiastically, still riding the adrenaline high. “Right? I thought he was going to Hulk out and rip his shirt off!”
“Not that any of us would’ve complained,” Jenna adds with a wink.
We both turn to Jessica, who’s been suspiciously quiet. She’s trying to keep a straight face, but I can see the flush creeping up her neck.
“What?” she asks defensively. “It was...nice of him to step in, I guess.”
Jenna and I exchange knowing looks. “Nice?” I repeat incredulously. “Jess, the man looked ready to slay dragons. He called you his girl. I’m surprised he didn’t challenge the drunk to a duel or something.”
“ En garde, you knave!” Jenna mimics, pretending to thrust an imaginary sword. “How dare you besmirch the honor of fair Lady Jessica!”
We dissolve into giggles, and even Jessica cracks a smile.
“Okay, okay,” she admits, rolling her eyes. “It was pretty hot. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.” I grin. “So, when’s the wedding?”
Jessica swats at me, but she’s laughing. “Please. We haven’t even been on a date yet.”
“Yet being the operative word,” Jenna sing-songs.
As we reach Jenna’s car, I can’t resist one more jab. “You know, Jess, if you play your cards right, you might get to find out if Finn’s as skilled with his hands as he is with a hockey stick.”
“Sophie!” Delighted at the idea, Jessica squeaks, fanning herself with her hand and rolling her eyes. “Now you’re giving me visuals I won’t be able to shake off.”
“What about you, missy?” Jenna diverts, turning to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you and Liam making eyes at each other all night. Spill!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I mumble unconvincingly.
“Uh-huh,” Jessica says, clearly relishing the chance to find out more. “That’s why you came back from the bathroom looking like you’d been thoroughly kissed?” She pauses, grinning. “Or maybe even defiled?”
“I... That’s... We...” I stammer, searching for words.
“Face it, Soph.” Jenna grins. “You’ve got it bad for the bad boy.”
I groan, knowing I’m fighting a losing battle. “Can we just go back inside? I need another drink.”
“Ok, that’s my cue,” Jenna says opening her car door. “ See you tomorrow bright and early, Soph,” she says, before getting in and turning on the engine.
As we watch her drive off, Jessica links her arm through mine. “Come on, sis. Let’s go see what other trouble our hockey heroes can get into tonight.”
We saunter back into the Penalty Box, the bass from the speakers thumping in sync with my heartbeat. But as we approach the Defenders’ table, my stomach drops.
A swarm of women have descended on the team like locusts on a cornfield. They’re all perfect hair, tight dresses, and blinding white smiles. Puck bunnies. The bane of every hockey girlfriend’s existence.
My blood starts to simmer as I watch them fawn over the players. They’re laughing too loudly at jokes that aren’t funny, touching arms that aren’t theirs to touch. But it’s when I spot a particularly bold blonde zeroing in on Liam that my blood goes from simmer to full boil.
She’s got legs for days and a dress that looks like it’s been painted on. As I watch, she sashays over to Liam, hips swaying like she’s auditioning for a music video.
“Hi there, Captain,” she purrs, loud enough for me to hear over the bar noise. “That was quite a game you played tonight.”
Liam looks up, seemingly caught off guard. “Oh, uh, thanks,” he manages, shifting in his seat.
But Blondie isn’t done. Before I can blink, she’s perching herself on Liam’s lap like she belongs there. Liam’s hands fly up, hovering awkwardly in the air as if he’s surrendering.
Something in me snaps. A red haze descends over my vision, and suddenly I’m moving. I barely register Jessica’s “uh-oh” behind me.
Oh hell no.
I storm over to the table, my eyes locked on the blonde interloper. Liam spots me coming, his eyes widening. I see relief flash across his face.
“Excuse me,” I say, my voice sharp enough to cut glass, “but it seems you’re in my seat.”
The blonde turns, her perfect eyebrows arching in surprise. “I’m sorry, who are you?”
I plant my hands on my hips, channeling every ounce of Novak stubbornness I possess. “I’m the woman whose boyfriend you’re currently using as a chair. So, unless you want to find out exactly how much damage I can do with my bare hands, I suggest you find somewhere else to park it.”
For a moment, the world seems to hold its breath. Then the blonde slides off Liam’s lap, muttering something under her breath. I don’t catch the words, but the tone tells me everything I need to know.
As she slinks away, I turn to Liam, my heart pounding in my ears. His eyes are dark, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well,” he says, voice low enough that only I can hear. “Someone’s feeling possessive.”
My cheeks heat up, but I lift my chin defiantly. “Well, someone had to save you from the puck bunny invasion.”
Liam’s grin widens, a mischievous glint in his eye. “My girlfriend,” he murmurs. Then, loud enough for the table to hear, he pats his lap. “But now it seems your seat is empty, angel. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable?”
My breath catches in my throat. Is he serious? But the challenge in his eyes is unmistakable.
With a bravado I don’t entirely feel, I lower myself onto his lap. The moment I make contact, it’s like every nerve ending in my body goes into overdrive.
Liam’s solid warmth envelops me, his muscular thighs firm beneath me, his length stretching out and turning to stone. One of his arms snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. Liquid pools between my legs, and I shift slightly. I can feel the steady thump of his heart against my back, slightly faster than normal. Or is that my own pulse roaring in my ears?
His breath tickles my ear as he whispers, “Looks like you need some help with whatever’sgoing on there between your thighs.”
Goosebumps erupts over my body, my breath quickening even more, and I bite back a moan. The heat radiating from his body seeps through my clothes and sets my skin on fire. The friction of his hard cock on my core sends sparks shooting through me, and I’m acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch.
I try to formulate a witty response, but my brain seems to have short-circuited. All I can manage is a breathy, “Uh-huh.”
Liam’s chest rumbles with a low chuckle, the vibrations spreading through my veins. His fingers trace lazy patterns on my hip, then his hand snakes between my legs, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
“Just hold on for a while longer, angel. You’re coming home with me tonight.”