Crossing Lines (Desert Ice Hockey #2)

Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

JONAH

A s I stood behind Ryan, watching him open his door, my dick plumped in my jeans. We’d had the condom talk on Sunday but hadn’t discussed each other’s tastes. He’d said he wanted me to fuck him before, but was he a bottom, or vers? I chewed the tip of my index finger. I usually topped, but with him? I’d do anything.

He pushed the door open and stepped inside, then threw his keys on the kitchen island and shrugged off his jacket. “Want something to drink?”

With my pulse pounding, I nodded. “How about that whisky you had on Saturday night?” I followed him into the main room, then slipped out of my jacket.

“You want it neat or with ice?” He stepped to his makeshift liquor cabinet and pulled out two short glasses with the whisky bottle, then set them on top.

“However you’re having it.” I knew he’d have his neat. Why ruin good whisky by watering it down? I dropped onto the end of his couch and planted my hands on my thighs, looking around the room. It was always picked up, everything in its place .

Twisting around, he strode to me and held out a glass, the caramel-colored whisky a few inches deep. “Here.”

“Thanks.” I grabbed it from him and took a sip, a mixture of smokey wood and honey leaving a slight burn down my throat. “This is good.”

He sat next to me and took a sip. “It’s one of my favorites. I brought this from home. I can’t seem to find much around here except for Crown Royal.” With a chuckle, he held his glass up and swirled the liquid in it.

“You clearly need to go to better places.” I winked at him. “Actually, have you checked out Total Wine and More? You can find everything there.” I swung my arm around his shoulders and pulled him close to my side. “Even the pear schnapps my grandma brings home from Germany.”

“Oh, now that sounds good. Next time you come over, bring me some.” He inched into my side.

I had to ask him what he liked in bed. My curiosity was killing me. “So, Ryan, we had the condom talk. How about, uh?—”

“Do you top or bottom or both?” He swung his gaze to mine, then dipped it to my mouth. “’Cause I do both.”

My dick twitched in my jeans and lengthened under my front pocket. “Perfect. I can’t wait to fuck you, Ryan.” All my fantasies were about to come true. I drank more of my liquor, then set my glass on the side table.

After drinking a hefty sip of his whisky, he placed his glass on the coffee table. “Something tells me we’ll be finishing these after we fuck.” Standing, he snatched my hand and hauled me into his bedroom.

I grabbed his shoulders and crushed my lips to his, tangling our tongues together, then unfastened his jeans and freed his rock-hard cock.

Gasping into our kiss, he rocked his hips, pushing his dick against my palm. “Fuck me, Jonah.” He threaded his fingers through the back of my hair and clutched at it, tugging .

The dull pain in my neck mixed with a heated ache in my balls. I spat in my hand, then stroked his thick cock, already leaking precum. “You want it bad, dontcha?” I pushed him toward the bed. Holy hell, my dirty side was about to burst out of me.

“Yeah, want it. Want you.” He shuddered and groaned, then the back of his legs hit the bed and he fell onto his back.

“Undress.” I shucked my shirt off over my head, then dropped my jeans and briefs and kicked them off. My cock bobbed toward my stomach.

Already naked and sitting on the edge of the bed, he focused on my dick. “Come here.” He waved me to him. “Just want a taste first.”

I stepped to him, and he devoured me, his hot, wet mouth swallowing my shaft and his fisting hand pumping the base.

“Oh, holy fuck.” I threw my head back and clenched my eyes as sensation jolted through every nerve ending in my body.

Taking me to the back of his throat, he swallowed over my crown, then flicked his tongue up my shaft and rimmed the head.

“Jesus fuck, that feels good.” As pleasure shuddered up my spine and my balls tightened, I slapped my hands to the back of his head and fucked his mouth, then looked down.

While sucking me, he jerked himself, his hand pumping furiously over his own cock.

As the edge of orgasm heightened and waned inside me, I pulled out and shoved him to his back on the bed. “I want to see you come when I fuck you.” There’d be no turning his back on me tonight. I crept up his muscled body, his hooded, darkened gaze meeting mine, his lips red and swollen.

“Yeah?” He lifted his knees around my hips. “Kiss me first.” Wrapping a hand around the back of my neck, he yanked me down, my lips mashing against his.

I bit his lower lip, then licked it and slanted my mouth over his, groaning as my solid cock fell against his .

While our kisses grew more and more heated, he grabbed at my ass cheeks and ground our dicks together, circling his hips. “Fuck me, Jonah, please. I need it.” He reached over to his nightstand and yanked the drawer open.

I glanced inside, my gaze catching on a black dildo, condoms, and lube. “Oh, you have a few things in there.” The edge of my mouth quirked. This was going to be fun.

I grabbed the lube and the dildo, then sat up on tucked legs and slicked it down. “You’re used to this, I presume?” Look at me, sounding all scholarly at a time like this. I chuckled to myself.

“I am. Use it all the time.” He peeked down at the dildo. “Just go in slow. Let me adjust.” He spread his legs wider.

Hovering over him on a straight arm, I nudged the dildo into his hole.

He clenched his ass a moment, his brows tensing, then relaxed. “Sorry, it’s cold.” He freed a soft snort.

I gave him a sly grin. “Too bad it’s not my hot dick then.” My balls ached as I slowly pushed it inside him, watching it disappear inside his hole. “Fuck, that’s hot.” My gaze lifted to his flushed face and his teeth clamping down on his lower lip. “You okay?”

“God, yes. Just move the thing,” he rasped.

With a quick nod, I pulled it out, then pushed in and adjusted the angle. “Like that?” I gave him a quick kiss, watching his face tense.

“Yeah, like that.” He rolled his hips. “Oh fuck, right there.” Precum dribbled from his cockhead.

I quickened the pace of the dildo and crept down his body, my mouth watering. I wanted to make him feel even better. While I worked the dildo inside his hole, I fisted his dick and licked up the underside of his shaft, then flicked my tongue at the slit. His salty precum flooded my mouth.

His cock jerked and his skin pebbled over his thighs. “Fuck me, now, Jonah,” he gritted out .

“Hell yes.” I slipped the dildo from his ass, then threw his legs over my shoulders and folded him in half. “Ready?” Looking down at his stunning face, I lubed my cock and pressed the head against his puckered hole.

“Yes, more than ready.” He dug his fingers into my shoulders. “Kiss me.”

Slowly, I filled him with my cock, the tight heat of his body enveloping me, nothing between us. I fell over him, my elbows propped on either side of his head. I’d never been this close to another soul. Holy hell, I loved him. Claiming his mouth in heated kisses, I rocked my hips, easing in and out of him. Tension coiled in my gut as pleasure tingled over me.

He gasped and moaned, slanting his mouth over mine and penetrating me with his tongue, tugging me close to him.

We continued slow fucking for a good few minutes, our bodies caught in carnal bliss, our mouths fused in lingering kisses. Gazing deeply into his eyes, I brushed my knuckles down his cheek. Was I drawing this out? Hell yeah. I wanted it to last forever.

He adjusted his hips and broke our kisses with a groan. “Oh fuck, right there. Go faster.” Sneaking his hand between us, he stroked his weeping cock. In a ragged voice, he said, “Need to come, Jonah. Don’t want to yet, but I need to.”

God, when he said my name like that… A jolt of sensation burst up my spine and my dick pulsed. “I’m close.” I quickened my pace, slapping my balls against his ass with each thrust. My cock grew sensitive, and the edge of climax surged through me. “Fuck, coming.” I tensed my brows and dropped my mouth open, releasing moan after moan into the room, spurting my cum inside him.

Pumping his shaft, he cried out and threw his head back as hot ribbons of cum painted our chests and stomach.

As it all slowed, he lowered his legs to the bed and swiped his soiled hand on his chest. “That was so good.”

I fell over him and nuzzled my face into his neck, his sticky cum between us. “Best ever.” I hugged my arms around his shoulders. Could I stay the night? But fuck, what would I tell the guys?

“I wasn’t sure if you were going to use a condom.” He stroked the back of my hair with his clean hand. “I’m glad you didn’t, but I would have understood if you did.”

I lifted my head, gazing into his stunning blue eyes. “I trust you.” And I loved him, but that wasn’t something you said after basically the first real date. Jesus, I’d fallen fast and hard for him.

“Good.” He wrinkled his brows. “You know, at practice tomorrow, I’m going to have a hard time not thinking about this when I see you.”

With a chuckle, I said, “Same.” I kissed the tip of his nose. “When can we be together again?” We had an away game this weekend, which meant everyone would be in each other’s business.

“Probably not until next week, don’t you think?” He tilted his head over his pillow, his curls splayed out around his head.

I huffed. “Fuck, I want to spend time with you.” I twisted my lips, darting my gaze away from his. No way I wasn’t sneaking into his hotel room at some point. But I wouldn’t mention it now. He’d only tell me not to. No, it had to be a surprise. I quirked the corner of my mouth.

“What the hell are you thinking about?” He side-eyed me, brushing his finger pads up and down my back, leaving a tickle.

“Nothing.” I planted a quick kiss on his lips. Maybe I’d bring something special on the trip for us. I always roomed with Archer, and he knew about us, so it wouldn’t be a problem.

“I’m not sure I believe you.” He sighed. “But you should probably get home.” He pushed me to the side and sat up, then raked his bangs off his forehead. “What are you going to tell your roommates?”

“I’m not going to tell them anything. It’s not like they’re my parents. They don’t have to know everywhere I go.” I teased a fold in his duvet. “They’re probably all studying or might even be in bed already.” I could hope. But if Mason or Ace were up, they’d probably ask where I’d been. I had a sneaking suspicion they weren’t buying my excuses.

“Okay.” Pursing his lips, he climbed off his bed. “I need to get cleaned up. Your, um…” He chuckled with a shake of his head. “Your cum is sliding back out.” He hurried to his en suite bathroom and shut the door.

“Oh.” Choking out a laugh, I nodded, then yelled, “I came hard, so I dropped quite a load.” It was kind of hot, knowing my cum was inside him and he’d probably be carrying some of it inside his body through tomorrow. Okay, really fucking hot. I tsked. “What is wrong with you, Jonah?”

Through the closed door, he said, “Yes, you did.”

I stood and walked toward the door, knocking on it. “Can I come in now?” I had to clean up too.

He swung the door open with a wet washcloth in his hand, his hair a mop of curls. “Yes.” He stepped aside.

I walked into the room. I didn’t want to go home. What excuse could I use to stay with him?

He wiped my chest and stomach down, then rinsed the washcloth and cleaned my dick and balls. “There, all done.” He ran water through the washcloth again.

“I’ll go and get dressed then.” I ambled into his bedroom, plucked my clothes off the floor, and slid my briefs and jeans up my legs. How the hell could I stay? I pulled my shirt over my head and tugged the hem over my jeans. “Um, what if, what if?—”

“No, you need to go home.” He strutted by me, his bare ass swaying as he went, then opened a dresser drawer. “We have to be careful, Jonah, and you have to get up early tomorrow.” He pulled a pair of black pajama bottoms on, then faced me. “I won’t let what we’re doing derail your classwork and especially your playing.” He gave me a stern look.

Fuck, now I felt like a child. Slumping my shoulders, I said, “Yeah, you’re right.” I had to be more mature about this. But hell, I’d never been in this situation before. I’d never felt like this.

As he walked me through the main room, I picked up my jacket from his couch and slipped it on. We stopped at his front door. “I’ll miss you.”

“You’ll see me.” He skimmed his hand down my arm, his gaze chasing it.

“You know what I mean. I’ll miss this.” Leaning in, I pressed a long, deep kiss on his mouth, then broke it and gazed deeply into his eyes. Could I tell him how I felt, at least a little bit of it? “I, uh, you’re special to me, Ryan. Really special.” There, I’d said something.

“You’re special to me too, Jonah.” A soft grin floated over his mouth. “We’ll be together.” His gaze dipped to my chest, then came back up. “How about this? If I touch my nose like this…” He rubbed the tip of his nose. “Then you know I’m thinking about you, about us.”

My heart bloomed with warmth. “Yeah? And I’ll do the same.” I giggled. God, what a great idea. We had a secret sign. I could go home a little bit happier. “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“See you tomorrow.” He wrapped his arms around me for a fierce hug, pecked my lips, then opened his door.

With a quick wave and a smile, I walked out.

After parking my car and entering my quiet house, I tiptoed down the hallway toward my bedroom. All the guys must be studying in their rooms or asleep already.

As I stepped to the doorway of my room, Archer opened his door and his gaze found mine.

“Oh, hi.” I hesitated.

With a smirk, he looked me up and down. “Hi. You were out late.” He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against his door jamb .

With a double-take of him, I said, “Uh, yeah.” Then whispered, “Let’s not talk out here.” I didn’t need anyone hearing us and I knew he was going to ask about Ryan.

Archer followed me into my bedroom and shut the door behind him.

Flicking on my nightstand lamp, I said, “I was with him .” I twisted around to sit on the edge of my bed. “We had a date.”

“A date?” As he snapped his brows up, he dropped beside me. “Like, what kind of date?”

“Like a date where you go to a nice restaurant together and get to know each other, followed by the best sex ever.” I lifted my chin. It was real, Ryan and me.

“Seriously?” He peered at me, then smirked. “You’re glowing.” He landed a soft punch on my shoulder.

“Shut up.” With a snicker, I hung my head. I could talk to Archer. “I really like him.” My gaze wound to his. “I think I’m in love.”

His mouth dropped open. “Really. Already?”

“Archer, it’s been what, six weeks since we met him?” I studied him. “I’ve had time to get to know him since then. And we…well, the first time I saw him, I about lost my shit.” I chuckled, thinking back on that day and the teasing I’d gotten from Ace and Mason.

He scratched the side of his head. “Yeah, I guess when you find the right one, you know it.” He quirked the corner of his mouth. “Like with me and Leo. I knew it right away. Everything just felt right when we were together.” He patted my knee. “This is a first for you, isn’t it?”

“It is.” I’d used hockey and school to keep me out of relationships and feelings in the past. But somehow, it hadn’t worked with Ryan. With a tick of my brows, I leaned in. “I’m going to surprise him this weekend and sneak into his hotel room.”

“Jonah, do you think that’s a good idea?” He pressed his lips together. “What if someone sees you?”

“They won’t. I’ll be careful.” I poked him in the ribs. “I’ll go in after everyone is in bed. So, expect me to leave our room at some point.” With lube and maybe a dildo in hand. I let a sly grin work over my lips.

“Don’t you dare fall asleep in his room.” His gaze hardened for a beat, then softened. “Let me know if you need backup of any kind.”

“Yeah, thanks. Just, you know where I’ll be.” I gazed across the room at my discarded backpack laying against my desk. “I’m going to have to make up for tonight and study my ass off tomorrow.”

“Don’t fall behind.” With a sigh, he stood up, then strolled to my door and stopped with his hand on the knob. “I’m glad for you, Jonah. I hope it all works out.” He threw me a quick smile, then left.

I fell back onto my bed and stared up at my ceiling. We’d be careful, and come April, we could be together out in the open.

Late Friday afternoon, we’d all filed into our hotel rooms and unpacked, mentally preparing for the game tonight against RMU. I sat on my bed, watching Archer unzip his duffel. I was already itching to go find someplace private to be with Ryan. This was hell, knowing he was here with me, in another city and unable to spend time together. “You almost ready to go down for the team meeting?”

“Yeah.” He rummaged through his bag, resting on his bed, then straightened and turned around with a smile. “Let’s go.”

“Yep.” I hopped off the bed, then followed him down the hallway and to the elevator. A few of the other guys were goofing around, waiting for it, and we all went down together.

As we piled out of the elevator, Coach Finley stood on the side of it. “Hey, Boehm. Can you come with me a moment?”

“Yeah, sure.” With a glance at Archer, I strolled next to him, my heart pattering. Had he found out about me and Ryan somehow? “Where are we going?”

With a smirk, he said, “I have someone for you to meet. He’s a scout for the Maple Leafs.” He led me into a small room off the hallway.

I swallowed hard. Holy shit. I braced myself as I walked into the room, my heart pounding even harder. I was going to have to play my best game tonight.

A man in a beige suit with short brown hair stood up from a dark wooden conference table and held his hand out to me. “Jonah Boehm? Hello, I’m Frank Shannon with the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

“Hi, uh, pleased to meet you.” I gave him a firm shake, then released him, blinking. Was this really happening?

“Please, have a seat.” He waved at the table, then sat in his seat.

“Come on.” Coach tagged my arm, and we rounded the table, then took chairs opposite him.

I laid my forearms across the table and twined my fingers together. All the other years, I’d been working hard to get my game down before subjecting myself to this. But this was my last year. I’d known this might be coming. Hell, last September, I’d been planning for it.

Mr. Shannon tapped some keys on a laptop, then flicked his gaze to mine. “So, obviously, I’m here because we’re interested in you.” He leaned back in his chair, his one arm sprawled beside his laptop. “You think you’re ready for a development camp this summer?”

“You mean with the Leafs?” My mouth went dry. Of course with the fucking Leafs, Jonah .

“Yes.” With a soft chuckle, he lifted his forearm and cupped his chin, peering at me. “My question is, do you think you’re ready?”

“I do. I’ve been working hard the last four years, and I think my stats say it all.” I straightened my spine and puffed out my chest. I’d worked damn hard.

“Good, well, I’ll be watching tonight to see if you’re a good fit.” He dropped his arm and sat up in his chair, smirking at me. “I find when I tell a prospect before a game that they’re being watched, it gives me a good understanding of how they perform under pressure.” He lifted a brow.

“Oh.” I breathed in deeply, my body tingling with nerves. I’d have to pretend tonight was just another game and not let this get under my skin.

He typed on his laptop, then focused on me. “How do you feel about moving to Canada?”

Popping my eyes open, I said, “Fine. Canada’s a great place. I almost grew up there.” I curled the edges of my lips. “You know, Minnesota, it’s on the border.” I cringed inside. That was a stupid thing to say.

He chuckled. “Yeah, I’m from there as well. Played for U of M.” He tapped the keys on his computer again.

“You did? My brother’s going there now. He doesn’t play hockey, though.” Jesus, fuck, I couldn’t keep my damn mouth shut. I glanced at Coach. Help me out here…

Coach shifted in his seat. “I’m sure Boehm would be happy to have the opportunity to try out at the Maple Leafs’ camp this summer. Like I’ve already said, he’s been an integral part of our team over the last four years, and I think he’s ready for the next step in his career.”

I stared at Coach. Holy shit, I’d had no idea he thought that well of me. Okay, with all the ice time he’d been giving me, maybe I did have a clue.

Darting his gaze to mine from his laptop screen, Mr. Shannon asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” He leaned back in his seat.

My mind went blank. I should have some good questions to ask, but fuck if I could think of anything. I knew how these things went, so I didn’t need to know the logistics or timing. “I-I don’t.”

“Okay, well, it was good to meet you, and I’m looking forward to watching some great hockey tonight.” He stood.

“Thanks, I’ll be playing some great hockey.” With a deep breath, I glanced at Coach, who motioned to me, then stood and strolled around the table. “Thanks for the opportunity.” I shook his hand.

“You’re welcome.” He up-nodded at Coach, then they shook hands. “I’ll be in touch.”

“Sure.” Coach walked with me out of the room. “Good job, Boehm.” He patted me on the back.

“For what?” I slid my gaze to him. I wasn’t impressive at all back there.

“I told him you were tough on the ice but humble and thoughtful in person and would be a good addition to their lineup.” He threw me a quick grin. “You know the scouts don’t only look at stats. They look at the man behind the stats too.”

“Yeah?” Dipping my head, I chuckled. Okay, so maybe I hadn’t been such an idiot back there. “Thanks, Coach. I never knew how much you cared.” I nudged him with my elbow.

“Don’t take it that far, Boehm. You still have to show him your tough but levelheaded side tonight.” He snickered.

We were tied in the third period with a few minutes left. I sat on the bench, waiting for another round on the ice, holding my stick, ready to go. A slight smile curved my mouth. I was on fire tonight. I’d already gotten one goal and an assist, and I knew if Coach let me out there, I’d fucking dominate.

A tap hit my shoulder. “Boehm, you’re up. Make us proud.”

“Got it, Coach.” With a quick glance at Ryan, smiling back at me in his gray suit, I hopped over the boards and hit the ice.

Bransky had the puck, coddling it. His gaze cut to mine .

“Here, I’m open.” I skated toward him. RMU had yet to see me.

He shot the puck at me and took a hit into the boards by their D-man.

“Fuckers.” Slipping the puck into RMU’s defensive zone, I eyed their goalie, twitching and waiting for me.

“Boehm, the one, two.” A smirking Mason flew up on my left.

I knew exactly what he meant, crash the fucking net. With a quick nod, I tossed the puck at him and hightailed it for the crease, then twisted around.

Mason slapped a howitzer to my stick.

Angling my stick just so, the puck ducked right into the five-hole as the goalie dropped to the ice. The horn blew and the red light flashed over the goal. “Fuckin’ A!” I pumped my arms in the air. I did it! Two goals in one game.

The buzzer went off, signaling the end of the period.

“We won!” A round of laughter burst out of me as all the guys rushed me with bear hugs and pats on my back and helmet.

“Way to fucking go, Boehm.” Mason crushed me with his arms. “Have I told you how much I love you?” He cackled.

“Jesus, you idiot.” With a scoff, I slapped his helmet. “Love you too, bro.” We all skated off the ice, heads held high.

As I stopped at the opening in the boards, my gaze found Ryan’s, beaming back at me. God, I loved that man, and he’d just seen what I was made of. I’d make us work. I could do anything. I tapped the tip of my nose.

After a shower, the wrap-up meeting, and grabbing dinner at a nearby Chinese place, we all strolled into our hotel, still on a high from our win. Hopefully, tomorrow night would be more of the same .

“Boehm, you were impressive tonight.” Coach Patterson walked beside me.

“Yeah, well, I had to be.” My gaze caught on Ryan, walking ahead of me and between Archer and Tyler. I probably wouldn’t hear anything from Mr. Shannon for a while. Hopefully, I was still someone he was interested in.

“I’m sure the Leafs’ scout was impressed.” He patted my back.

“He won’t be watching me tomorrow night too, will he?” I glanced at Coach. I’d heard these guys were busy as hell and traveled to games all over.

“No, I think he was off to a game in Maryland tomorrow.” He tapped my arm and stopped. “Hey.”

I halted and peered at him. “Yeah?” Something was important.

“Don’t think you’ve got it in the bag. Keep doing great things out there, even when you know he’s not in the stands.” He quirked the edge of his lips. “He’ll still be looking at game footage.”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Coach. I’ll do my best.” I flicked my gaze to Ryan, now waiting for an elevator by himself. Shit, I still didn’t know what room number he had. “Anyway, see you tomorrow.” I jogged to Ryan and stood next to him, but I didn’t look at him as I said, “What floor you on?” I snuck a peek at him.

Dipping his head, he partially covered his mouth. “Third.”

“Oh, so am I.” I waggled my brows at him. “What a coincidence.” No way he was going to stop me from seeing him tonight.

“Yeah?” He tapped my chest with his knuckles. “No funny stuff, Boehm.”

“What on Earth do you mean?” With a snicker, I pushed my gaze to the elevator. Oh, there was going to be some funny stuff.

The elevator doors slipped open, and we stepped inside.

When the doors closed, Ryan hit the button for our floor.

I pounced on him, slamming his back against the steel wall and claiming his mouth in a bruising kiss. Fuck, he tasted good, like victory. As my cock woke, I ground against him.

Groaning, he slanted his mouth over mine and tangled our tongues together, grabbing my hips, his dick plumping against mine through his suit pants.

I nibbled down the column of his neck, lost in the musky scent of him, the feel of his hard body against mine. Shivers of sensation sparked through my body. “Fuck, want you.”

“Oh, Jesus,” he rasped, his slicked-back hair falling over his brows. “You’re killing me here.” The elevator dinged and he shoved me off him, then straightened his suit and combed his hair back into place. Flashing his eyes at me, he strode off the elevator.

Some of the guys were milling about in the hallway and Mason called out, “Coach Gibson, good game, eh?”

“Yeah, good game.” With a chuckle, he shook his head and stopped at his room, only a few doors down.

I watched him unlock his door. He was fucking mine later. I knew right where he’d be.

I lay on my bed, scrolling through Instagram reels to pass the time. When would be a good time to sneak into Ryan’s room?

Archer ended his call with Leo. “Guess what?” He threw his legs off the bed and stood.

“What?” I flicked my gaze to his.

“Leo’s brother is getting married to his boyfriend. In fact, all the guys in their band, Knot Me, are engaged now.” He sighed and walked toward the bathroom.

“Yeah?” I tilted my head over my pillow. “You and Leo will be there soon enough.” I sniggered. Those two were stupid in love and perfect together.

“You think?” He stopped at the bathroom door, resting his hand on the jamb .

“Yeah, I think. You watch.” I sat up on the bed, my legs sprawled out in front of me. “You’re going to get an NHL contract with the ’Yotes, and the two of you are going to live happily ever after.”

A broad smile swept over his face and his cheeks pinked. “Hope so.”

It was time. “I’m going to go check the hallway, and if it’s clear, I’m heading to Ryan’s room.” I wasn’t waiting any longer. I tossed my legs over the side of my bed and hopped up.

“Jonah, don’t get caught.” He pressed his lips together.

“Don’t worry.” I rummaged in my duffel for my lube and the dildo, then pulled them out.

“Oh fuck.” Archer barked out a laugh. “Dude, I did not need to see that.” He hung his head, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t believe you brought a fucking dildo in your bag.”

“What?” I waved it at him. “Like you don’t use them.” I scoffed a breath. “Anyway, see you later. Much later.” I stuffed the lube and dildo into the long pocket in front of my sweatshirt and walked out of the room, then looked each way down the hall. Not a person or sound anywhere. Good.

Strolling down the hallway, I puffed my chest out. Today had been a great day and was about to be even better. There was nothing like a good win to make me horny as shit. And with Ryan here? I was off the charts. I stopped at Ryan’s door, then slipped my phone out of the pocket of my sweats and texted him.

Jonah

Look outside your door.

Rhonda

Why?

Jonah

I have a surprise for you .

The soft clapping of footsteps sounded from behind the door, then the knob turned, and the door swung. With his eyes popping open, he whispered, “Jonah, what are you?—”

Covering his mouth in a hard kiss, I shoved him inside his room, then shut the door behind me. “I brought toys.” I raked my teeth over my lower lip, my gaze roaming across his bare chest and down to his team joggers and his half-hard cock tenting them. “I see you’re almost ready for me.”

He tongued his lower lip. “Fuck, I, uh…” He palmed himself, his dick lengthening up to his hipbone. “Yeah, can’t say I wasn’t thinking about it.”

“Were you about to jerk off?” I stepped to him, our chests touching, and gazed deeply into his ice-blue eyes, his curls falling over his brow.

“Maybe.” He lifted the edge of his mouth. “Yeah.” He caught my lower lip between his teeth, then scraped over it as it freed.

A shudder rocked through me. “Well, now you don’t have to do it alone.” I slipped the dildo out of my sweatshirt pocket and held it up while cupping his balls.

His breath hitched and his pupils flared. “You’re making it really fucking hard for me to kick you out of here.”

“Yeah, that was the point.” I gently squeezed his balls, then fondled them. “I’m not going anywhere for a little while, and you know it.” No way in hell he was getting me to leave. I pressed my lips to his and slipped my free hand under his sweats to stroke his solid dick.

“Oh fuck.” Cupping my cheeks, he slanted his mouth over mine and deepened our kisses, his hips rocking his shaft through my palm and fingers. “Need you.” He stepped backward.

I followed, staying on him, quickening my pace over his now-leaking cock and tangling my tongue with his.

As he reached the bed, he fell to the edge of the mattress, then shoved my joggers down, exposing my aching cock. Tipping his head, he peeked up at me and wetted his lips, then swallowed me whole, sucking me into the back of his throat .

“Oh my God.” As a shock of sensation burst up my spine, I dropped the dildo to the floor and slapped my hands to the back of his head. “Yeah, fuck, that’s it.”

He pumped me with his mouth, his tongue flicking up the underside of my shaft, and fisted the base with one hand, then kneaded my balls with the other.

Rocking into him, I fucked his sweet mouth. Tension coiled in my gut and my balls grew heavy and drew up. Don’t come already, Jonah. I pushed him off me, then shoved him onto the bed on his back. “On your knees.” Yeah, I was going to give him the fucking of his life tonight.

With a sly grin, he slid his sweats down his legs and off, then crawled up the bed and propped himself on his elbows and knees, his rounded ass exposed to me.

“Fuck yeah.” I tossed and kicked off my clothes, keeping the lube, then picked up the dildo. “You’re so hot, Ryan.” I looked down, my cock raised high, almost to my navel. “You make me so fucking hard.”

He twisted his head, looking behind him. “Yeah? Bring that hard cock over here and use me.”

A shiver pulsed my dick and spiraled up my spine. “I like it when you talk like that.” This was going to be so different from the first time. It was like all the secrecy had awoken something primal in me and I needed to own him. As I crept between his legs on my knees, I slathered lube on the toy and my cock, hissing as sensation heated my skin. I worked a finger inside him and angled it just so.

He moaned and arched his back. “Yeah, right there.” Goosebumps broke out over the skin of his ass.

Lowering myself, I bit his ass cheek and rubbed over his prostate again and again. My cock jerked and dribbled precum between my thighs. God, what a fucking turn-on.

He gasped and whimpered. “More, Jonah. Please.”

“Yeah?” I slowly worked the dildo into him, stopped halfway in and pumped it, then lifted and lowered myself over his back, my hard cock pressed to his ass. “You like that?”

“Yeah,” he rasped. “More, Jonah. I need it all.” He panted and hung his head between his arms.

I threw the dildo to the bed, then lined myself up to him, nudging my cock to his hole. “I’m going to fuck you so hard.” Reaching around his hips, I grabbed his dick and stroked him with a slick hand.

A throaty groan worked out of his mouth and his cock pulsed in my palm. “Do it, fuck me, Jonah.”

With a slow push inside him, I let a long moan slip from my throat. His tight heat enveloped me and pleasure shook through my body. “Jesus, you feel good.” As my balls rested against his thighs, I fell forward on a straight arm and teased his nipple into a hard nub, biting and sucking on his shoulder. “You’re mine, Ryan.”

“Yeah.” He pushed onto me and moaned.

“Say it, Ryan. Tell me you’re mine.” I needed to hear it. I wanted to possess him, every last bit of him. I licked the back of his ear.

He shuddered and, through fast breaths, said, “I’m yours, Jonah. All yours.” He whimpered.

“Fuck yeah.” I pulled out and thrust in, over and over, burying my face in his soft curls, breathing him in. Sensation shivered up my spine and I pinched one of his nipples, then the next.

He gasped and pushed up into straight arms. “Kiss me, Jonah.” He turned his head.

Lifting up, I wrapped my arms around his chest, and we both straightened onto our knees, my dick pumping into his hole. I grabbed his cheek and kissed the side of his mouth, our tongues reaching and sliding together. Tension knotted in my gut and the edge of climax pulsed inside me. “Fuck, going to come.”

“I’m right there. Fuck me harder.” He pumped his dick and let out quick groans .

Digging my fingers into his sides, I pistoned my hips and our bodies slapped together. With a glance between us, I watched my cock disappear into his ass. My climax came rushing to the surface, throwing me over the cliff. My cum filled him, tingles of pleasure sparking all over my body. “Holy fuck, oh my God.” I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut.

Panting, he gasped as ribbons of hot cum shot out of his dick, landing on his chest and fingers. As it slowed, he sat onto my spent cock, leaning his back against my chest, his hands reaching for my face. “Jonah…”

I kissed his cheek, then the corner of his mouth, emotion welling in my chest. He had to be feeling the same as me. Hugging him tighter against me and nuzzling his cheek, I said, “I’m falling for you, Ryan.” Okay, I’d already fallen for him, like full-on loved him, but I’d start with this.

“Me too.” He lifted off me, then crept around to face me, both of us sitting on tucked legs. Placing his palm on my cheek, he gazed deeply into my eyes. “I’m falling hard for you, Jonah Boehm.” His throat dipped with a swallow. “And I don’t say things like this lightly. Especially given our situation.”

I rolled my lips, my daze darting between his eyes. Holy shit, he’d taken it to the next level. “Good.” I winced. I probably should have had a better comeback than that. Maybe I’d think of something later.

He studied me for a moment. “Clean up?” He held his hand out.

“Yes, definitely.” But I wasn’t going back to my room yet.

After cleaning up in his bathroom, I followed him to his bed.

He threw the covers down and slipped inside, lying on his back against pillows and the headboard. “How did your meeting with the scout go?” He twisted his lips.

“I think it went well.” Funny, I’d been so hell-bent on having sex with him that I’d forgotten all about it. I climbed in beside him, then lowered onto the mattress, turning into him and resting my head on his shoulder, my palm on his chest. “You knew about that, huh?”

He picked up my hand and kissed my knuckles, then threaded our fingers together. “Yeah, I heard about it last week.” He chuckled. “It was almost impossible for me to keep my mouth shut.”

Tipping my head, I peeked up at him. “Yeah? So, tell me what you know about it.” I thought for a minute. Wait, he was from that area and hockey was a pretty small family. “Do you know Mr. Shannon?”

“I know of him. He’s an acquaintance.” Dipping his head, he brought our entwined hands to his lips. “He’s come to scout some of my junior league players when I was up there.”

My pulse quickened. “So, did you talk to him at all while he was here?” Would Ryan have talked to him about me?

“No, but I told Finley and Patterson everything I knew about him.” His gaze flicked to mine. “He’s tough.” He pursed his lips. “He’s a great scout. He’s brought the Leafs some of their star players.”

“What do you think he sees in me? Like, what can I do better to impress him?” I lifted my head from his shoulder, watching his reaction.

“Jonah…” He tensed his mouth. “I’m not your coach. I’m not the one you should be talking to about this.”

I furrowed my brows. “But you’ve worked with this guy before. Has Coach Finley?” He had to give me something here.

“I don’t think Finley’s dealt with him before.” He squeezed my hand and gave me a pointed look. “I’ve told him all I know. I’m not going to overstep my bounds here, Jonah, and don’t ask me to.” His forehead wrinkled.

“Yeah, sorry.” I hung my head, gazing at his muscled chest. I was putting him in a bad spot. “Maybe we shouldn’t talk about it too much. ”

“Except maybe we should talk about what it would mean for us?” He kissed the back of my hand.

I snapped my gaze to his. Us? “It means I’d be back in your hometown for the week of development camp. And if that goes well?—”

“You’d be going to the rookie camp…” He swallowed hard, fixating on me.

“And then training camp.” My heart jolted and pinched. “And maybe move up there if they give me a contract.” Shit, I hadn’t thought this through. “You have family up there, right?”

“I do. When I go back, I stay with my mom.” He freed a sharp laugh. “I moved in with her after my relationship with Laurent ended. She needed me anyway, had just gotten the cancer diagnosis, so it made sense.” He slid his palm up his forehead and pushed his bangs back from his face. “If you were to join an NHL team, no matter where it was, you’d be traveling a lot during the season.” He snuck a glance at me.

“Yeah, I know.” I was used to it. It was what we were doing now, traveling with the team. But in the fall, we wouldn’t be traveling together. My heart pinched. We’d figure it out. All sports players did. But it would be better if he lived at my home base. “Who knows if I’m going to get that far.” I forced a grin. “I haven’t even gotten the invite to the first camp.”

He slid his gaze to mine. “Jonah, you’re good enough. Especially the way you’ve been playing this year. And tonight, you showed a lot of maturity in your playing. It wasn’t all about you. You were part of the team, even though you knew Shannon was watching you.” He tapped the tip of my nose. “That’s one of the things Shannon will be wanting to see.”

I slowly nodded, keeping my gaze on his. “Well, we’ll see what happens.” Right now, I was here in his bed and the world outside us could go to hell. I lowered my cheek to his chest and hugged him to me. I loved him, and no contracts or team schedules were going to interfere with that.

We lay in silence for a few minutes, both of us hanging on to the other. The steady thumping of his heart filled my ear. If only I could sleep here with him, maybe set an early alarm and?—

“Jonah, you should probably go back to your room now.” He pushed on my shoulder. “Don’t you think?”

Holding him tighter, I brushed my cheek over his chest. “No.” I probably wasn’t going to win this argument.

He kissed my head. “Come on, Jonah. Get up.” He shimmed out from under me and rose to sitting in the bed, then gave me a warm smile. “Get. Up.”

“Okay.” I scoffed and sat up, rubbing my eyes. “You know I’ll be back again tomorrow night.” With a coy grin, I peeked at him.

“Uh-huh. Wouldn’t expect anything less out of you.” His smile turned wry.

“Yeah, you’re not getting rid of me. Even if I make the Leafs.” I held my head high and climbed off the bed, then found my clothes and tugged them on.

“You know if you do go to the camps up there, I’ll be there with you.” He chewed his lower lip. “Well, I’ll be up in Toronto this summer.”

“You will?” I picked up the cleaned dildo from the nightstand and stuffed it into my pocket. I’d never thought of where he’d go this summer. It was too fucking hot to stick around the Phoenix area if you didn’t have to.

“I was planning on going home to spend time with my mom.” He tilted his head, his fingers toying with the folds in the sheets.

“Cool.” I nodded my head a few times. If I didn’t make the camp, would he invite me to see her? Too soon to be asking things like that. “Anyway, I’ll, uh, get going.” I stepped to him and pressed a lingering kiss to his mouth. He wasn’t dressed, so I wouldn’t ask him to walk me to the door. “See you in the morning.” I squeezed his shoulder. “Sweet dreams.”

“You too.” With a sigh, he relaxed against the pillows.

I strolled to the door, then set my ear to it. Was anyone out there right now? No sounds came through. Opening it, I looked down one side of the hallway. All clear. I stepped out, facing my room. My gaze snagged a leg as someone stepped into a doorway and the door clicked shut. Shit, I’d just missed whoever that was.

Puffing out my chest, I strode down the hallway. Whose room was that? It was right next to Ryan’s. Maybe he’d know.

After ducking into my dark room and shutting the door, I fished my phone out of the pocket of my joggers and held it to my face.

Jonah

Hey, do you know who’s in the room next to yours?

Rhonda

Yes, it’s Coach Finley.

Three dots popped up on my screen, flickering at me.

My heart lurched. Fuck, had my coach seen me coming out of Ryan’s room? If he had, he’d surely know there was something going on between us.

Rhonda

Why?

I swallowed, then licked my lips. It was nothing. He was probably already in his room before I stepped into the hallway.

Jonah

Just wondering. Nighty night.

Rhonda

Goodnight .

Shit, I had to be more careful tomorrow. I slipped farther into my room, using my phone’s flashlight to see, then peeked at Archer. He was sound asleep. Soon, I would be too. And dreaming of Ryan.