Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Iopened my eyes as Bryn was climbing out of the bed. “Where do you think you’re going?” I teased.
She smiled down at me, brushing my hair away from my face before giving me a quick peck. “Bathroom. I’ll be back.”
I released her before rolling onto my back and tucking my arms beneath my head. My dick was already growing hard at the sight of her. Her hair was mussed. My shirt draped over her body, stopping mid-thigh. It was my every fantasy come to life. I was one lucky bastard.
Last night had started with the game of truth or dare, and it had turned into a marathon of pleasure, each of us trying to outdo the other.
We’d woken several times in the night, coming together, our bodies in sync.
It had been intense—physically, emotionally.
We’d probably be tired later, but I was too happy to care.
There was so much trust between us. And we’d been playful, having fun. In hockey, that kind of chemistry and combo made for an unbeatable team. And I could only hope Bryn would realize how good we could be together—not just in bed, but in life.
When Bryn returned from the bathroom, I asked, “How are you feeling?”
She yawned, stretching her arms over her head. It had the effect of lifting her—my—shirt even higher. Normally, I would’ve looked away. This time, I didn’t.
She smiled. “I’m good. A little sore, but otherwise, I feel great. You?”
I cringed, only then realizing that maybe I should’ve eased into things more. But she’d never complained. If anything, she’d been the one asking for more. Harder.
God, now I’m harder.
“I’m amazing,” I said, hit with a sudden pang of guilt, feeling it as if I’d been struck by lightning…
This is Derek. I can’t come to the phone right now because I’m busy being amazing. Leave a message, and I’ll get back to you when I’m done.
Derek. Fuck.
“Hey.” Bryn frowned. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I shook my head as if to clear the thought and the pang of guilt that had accompanied it. “Yeah. I could use some food. Do you want some breakfast?”
“Yes, please.”
I grabbed the hotel’s in-room tablet from the nightstand so we could order room service.
She grabbed her phone, gushing over the latest pictures our dog sitter had sent of Bacon and Biscuit.
It was the first time I’d worked with the Hartwell Agency, a high-end placement agency for nannies, chefs, yacht staff, you name it.
And so far, I’d been very pleased with their service.
Bryn sank down on the bed beside me as I paused on one of the workouts on the hotel tablet. It wasn’t the workout that had made me stop the scroll; it was the woman leading it.
“You know this is Coach’s daughter, right?” I asked, pointing at the screen where an image of Emerson Thorne—Olympic Gold medalist—appeared.
“Wait.” Bryn paused. “Is she a twin? Because I swear I’ve met her before at the Atlas Center, but her name was Astrid.”
“Yeah.” I laughed. “They’re twins. Astrid is a doctor, and Emerson is—”
“Married to Nate Crawford, famous actor and producer.”
“He’s also one of the owners of the Huxley Grand empire.”
“Interesting.” She snatched the tablet from my hands. “You’re thinking of doing a workout, aren’t you?”
“After breakfast, if there’s time. Want to join?”
“I suppose it depends on the type of workout.” She eyed me, biting her lip before returning her attention to the device.
I arched my brow. “I thought you were sore.”
She lifted a shoulder, peering up at me from beneath her lashes. “I know you’ll make it feel better.”
I rolled her over so I was lying on top of her. “Don’t tease me, Bryn.” I ground against her, dipping my head to her neck briefly to inhale her. Her amber fragrance was layered with notes of my own scent, and I loved that she smelled of me.
She groaned, eyes fluttering shut. “Frasier.” She arched her hips against me. Nothing separated us as my dick glided through her folds.
I slid my hand up her stomach, under the shirt so I was cupping her breast. She gasped when I pinched her nipple. My phone buzzed, and we ignored it. The only person I wanted to talk to was here with me.
I ducked my head so I could tease her with my mouth. Then her phone started ringing.
She groaned. “I should get that.”
If she thought that would deter me, she was wrong. I didn’t stop what I was doing, kissing my way up her stomach.
She reached for the device, grabbing it from the nightstand. “Hey, Al. What’s up?” Her voice was higher-pitched than normal, and I took it as encouragement to continue.
Bryn pushed on my shoulder, silently urging me to stop. She covered the speaker with her hand, smiling even as she asked, “What are you doing?”
She knew exactly what I was doing, and the fact that she was now clutching my shoulder encouraged me to continue. I kissed the underside of her breasts, circling her nipple with my tongue until I sucked one into my mouth.
“Mm-hmm.” Bryn’s pitch rose at the end, and I grinned to myself. “Yep. Sounds good.”
I could hear Allie talking, but I couldn’t make out the specifics.
“I’m fine,” Bryn said. “Promise.” After a few more mm-hmms and yeps, she said, “Great! See you soon!” and ended the call.
“You are evil,” was the first thing she said to me after she got off the phone.
I adopted an innocent expression, peering up at her from between her thighs. “Me?”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “You knew exactly what you were doing.”
“And you loved it.” I grinned.
“I did, but now, I have to go.” She moved to leave. “I’m supposed to get ready in the bridal suite with Allie and the other bridesmaids.”
“Now?” I asked. “But the wedding isn’t until the early evening.”
She laughed. “Oh, Bear.” She patted my bare chest. “You underestimate how long it takes to get ready for something like this.”
“Probably.” I swept her hair away from her face. “But you’re beautiful just as you are.”
She leaned into my touch, and I cupped her cheek. “I don’t want to leave.”
“Can you at least stay for a quick breakfast?” I asked.
Her phone kept buzzing, and I had a feeling it was all text messages from her family and the Bride Tribe. She shot her phone a dirty look then sighed. “I didn’t realize how late it was, and I should really get going. They’ll have food for us in the bridal suite.”
“Yes, but—” I slid down her body, my intentions clear. “What I want isn’t on the hotel menu.”
“I—” Her breath caught, eyes hooded.
“Do you think you have time for that in your busy schedule?” I teased, nuzzling her mound.
“I—” She sighed, reclining against the pillows as I licked her in a slow, teasing motion. “I might be able to fit that in.” She was smiling as she said it, and I wasn’t sure she’d ever looked more at ease.
When I walked her to the door half an hour later, she wasn’t just relaxed, she was satisfied.
I was clad in one of the hotel robes, and she was in a pair of silk bridesmaid pajamas from Allie.
The pale blue shorts showed off her toned, tanned legs.
And the matching button-down shirt had her name monogrammed over the chest pocket.
“Have fun today,” I said, drawing Bryn into my arms.
She smiled, draping her arms around my neck. “The day certainly started off on a high note.”
After she’d come, we’d hopped in the shower, and she’d made me see stars. I was so gone for her that when she’d dropped to her knees, I’d come embarrassingly quickly. Fortunately, Bryn didn’t seem to mind that I couldn’t get enough of her.
I leaned down to brush my lips against hers. “If it were up to me, we’d start every day like that.”
I cupped her cheek, kissing her deeply, pouring everything I felt and everything I wanted to say into it. I knew she had to go, but I wanted to hold on to this moment of bliss. That’s what this was. Peace and paradise and happiness.
She groaned, tilting her forehead to mine. “I have to go.”
Her phone buzzed as if to reiterate her statement. “I’ll see you later.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
She nodded then turned to head down the pathway that led to the resort. I stood there, still in disbelief. She turned and glanced back at me over her shoulder, biting on a smile when she saw that I was watching. I grinned, waiting until she was out of sight to close the door.
I only wished I’d had more alone time with Bryn this morning.
More time to check in and really see how she was doing after last night.
Not that I had any concerns on the physical front.
The sex had been fucking incredible, and I could tell just how happy she was.
Sated and glowing. I was more concerned with her emotional state.
Bryn hadn’t dated anyone since Derek’s death, and she wasn’t the type to have casual sex.
I wasn’t sure what she envisioned when it came to us, but our chemistry was electric and our connection was undeniable.
Even so, I could only imagine how big a step it was to sleep with someone new after losing your spouse, and I was honored that she trusted me.
I grabbed the hotel tablet and was about to place an order for breakfast when my phone chimed. I submitted the order then grabbed my phone, frowning at the screen.
Mom: Please call me.
Another message came through on the heels of the first.
Mom: I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.
I dragged a hand through my hair, knowing I couldn’t—shouldn’t—put this off any longer.
Me: Give me five.
I slipped into a pair of athletic shorts. I’d already planned to do a workout, but I had a feeling I’d need to burn off some stress after this conversation. Not because of my mom but because of whatever my brother must have done now.
I took a deep breath and hit the number to connect the call. “Hey, Mom,” I said when she picked up. “Sorry for not returning your call sooner. I’m out of the country.”
“For hockey? Or…a sponsor, a photo shoot?”
I stood, pacing along the windows. “Bryn’s sister’s wedding.”