17. Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Seventeen
Millie
I’m in the kitchen, pouring cereal for Lily when Declan walks in.
He’s wearing low-rise pants, no shirt, and looks like he just stepped out of a fitness magazine. He’s muscular, chiseled and utterly distracting.
I avert my eyes, but damn, the twinge of excitement is hard to ignore. Even after Chase spent all morning on his knees, eating me out, Declan’s presence still makes me squirm.
“Are you available this Saturday?” Declan asks, reaching for a coffee mug.
I look up, trying not to stare at his abs. “Yeah, why?”
“I need to bring Lily to the game. Thought you might like to come too.”
“I’d love that. Who are they playing?”
“Minnesota Frostbites,” he says, pouring his coffee. “I can get tickets for us.”
“That sounds awesome,” I say, feeling a flutter of excitement.
Declan watches me for a moment, then adds, “I can get an extra ticket for Chase too.”
“You’d do that?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course,” he nods.
“If it’s not a bother, can I get one for Jade too?” I ask, thinking of my best friend.
“The more the merrier,” he says with a smile.
I grin, feeling my heart warm up. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” he replies. “How’s your blogging going so far?”
“Perfect,” I say, pleased he asked.
“Good to hear,” he says, taking a sip of his coffee. “I can get two other players to interview if you want.”
“That would be amazing,” I say, genuinely touched by his offer.
“You’re welcome,” he says, then glances at the clock. “I need to get to practice.”
“Okay,” I say.
He smiles, kisses Lily on the cheek and leaves. I watch him go, feeling a mix of emotions. Once he’s out the door, I can’t wait to call Jade. She’s always wanted to go to an ice hockey game and with everything at school stressing her out, this could be just what she needs.
I grab my phone and dial her number. She picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, what’s up?” Jade’s voice is bright and cheerful.
“Clear your schedule for Saturday,” I say, unable to hide my excitement.
“Why? What’s going on?”
“We’re going to a hockey game!” I announce.
“Shut up, are you serious?” Jade squeals.
“Totally serious. Declan got us tickets to see them play the Minnesota Frostbites.”
“This is amazing! I’ve been dying to go to a game,” Jade says. “Thank you so much!”
“You can thank Declan,” I say, smiling.
“Well, I’ll thank him in person. This is going to be so fun!”
We chat a bit more about the game and our plans for the day and I can hear the stress melting away from her voice. I hang up, feeling a sense of satisfaction. This is going to be great for both of us.
Lily finishes her cereal and looks up at me with big, curious eyes. “Are we really going to the game?” she asks.
“Yes, sweetie. It’s going to be so much fun,” I say, ruffling her hair.
She giggles and runs off to play, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I think about Declan again. There’s something about him that just gets under my skin. But I have Chase and he makes me happy. Still, it’s hard to ignore the attraction I feel for Declan.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Focus on the game, the fun and spending time with friends. That’s what matters. I finish cleaning up the kitchen and head to the living room to join Lily.
As the day goes on, I find myself daydreaming about the game and what it might be like. The excitement of the crowd, the fast-paced action on the ice and spending time with people I care about. It’s all so thrilling.
Saturday can’t come soon enough.
***
Friday evening rolls around and I’m waiting at the door when Declan arrives with the four tickets. “Hey,” he says, handing them to me. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling. “You’re a lifesaver.”
“No problem,” he replies. “By the way, I confirmed with Troy and Axel. They’re cool with being interviewed for your Instagram.”
“Really?” I ask, feeling a rush of excitement. “That’s awesome! What about you? Will you be in the video too?”
He raises an eyebrow. “Is that something you want?”
“Of course,” I say, trying not to sound too eager.
“Then fine,” he agrees. “After the game, the three of us can meet for the interview.”
“Thank you so much, Declan,” I say sincerely.
“Anytime,” he says with a wink. “See you at the game.”
He leaves and I head down the hall, tickets in hand. When I get to Chase’s apartment, I find that he has set up a romantic date in the living room. Candles are lit and the table is set with our favorite dishes. My heart melts a little.
“Hey, you,” I say, walking over to him.
“Hey yourself,” he replies, pulling me in for a kiss. “Thought we could use a nice evening.”
“It looks perfect,” I say, wrapping my arms around him.
Just as we’re about to sit down, his phone rings. He glances at the caller ID and sighs. “It’s the clinic.”
“Go ahead,” I say, understanding.
He answers the call and I can hear the concern in his voice. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he says, hanging up. “There’s a sick parrot that needs immediate attention.”
“Go,” I say, giving him a reassuring smile. “We’ll have our date another time.”
“You’re amazing,” he says, kissing me again. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
He leaves and I sit down at the table, feeling proud of him but also frustrated. Chase’s dedication to his work is one of the things I love about him, but it also means moments like this.
A little while later, he returns, looking exhausted but satisfied. “Sorry about that,” he says.
“It’s okay,” I say, standing up to hug him. “I’m proud of you.”
“I got you something,” he says, reaching into his bag. He pulls out a sleek leather jacket and hands it to me. “For whenever I take you riding.”
“Chase, it’s beautiful,” I say, slipping it on. It fits perfectly.
“It looks even better on you,” he says, leaning in for a passionate kiss.
He sits down and we enjoy the rest of our evening together, talking and laughing. When it’s time to say goodnight, I give him one of the tickets. “You’ll be back by tomorrow, right?”
“Of course,” he says, taking the ticket. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
After he leaves, I decide to do a little stalking. I pull up pictures of the Chicago Icebreakers and find Finn and Declan plastered all over the promos for tomorrow’s game. They look so intense and focused as the co-captains leading their team.
I daydream about what it would be like to have their attention on me like I’m the puck they’re chasing down. The thought sends a shiver down my spine and I bite my lip, feeling a familiar heat building inside me.
Before I know it, I’m reaching for my vibrator, my body aching with need. I close my eyes and imagine Finn and Declan, with their strong hands and piercing eyes. The fantasy takes over and I lose myself in the pleasure, my moans filling the room.
Just as I’m about to reach the peak, Peanut starts barking, demanding to be taken for a walk. I groan, the moment shattered. “Okay, okay,” I say, catching my breath and turning off the vibrator.
I get up, feeling a bit shaky, and grab Peanut’s leash. “Let’s go, buddy,” I say, taking him outside.
We stroll down the street, the cool breeze brushing against my skin. Peanut is sniffing everything, his little tail wagging like crazy.
“Come on, Peanut,” I say, laughing as he tugs me towards a tree.
As we walk, I take out my phone and snap a picture of Peanut, his nose buried in the grass. I send it to Chase with a quick text.
Taking Peanut for a walk. Miss you.
We continue our walk, enjoying the quiet evening. After about forty minutes, we head back to Chase’s apartment. We step into the elevator and I press the button for our floor. Just as the doors are about to close, someone calls out, “Hold the elevator!”
I quickly press the button to open the doors, and in walks Finn, looking a little out of breath in a T-shirt and sweatpants. I haven’t seen him since...well, since the last time. My heart starts racing.
“Amelia,” he says, kneeling to play with Peanut. I try to regain my breathing, feeling my cheeks heat up.
“Hi, Finn,” I manage to say.
The elevator doors close and we’re surrounded by our reflections. He stands, his eyes locking onto mine. “I heard you’re going to be at the game tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” I reply. “Declan gave me tickets.”
“Good,” he says, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Just do me a favor.”
“What?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
“Try not to look so sexy in the stands because I can’t afford a distraction.”
“Finn,” I whisper, feeling a rush of heat.
“What?” he says, as he steps closer. My hand tightens on Peanut’s leash and he watches it, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I only have three floors to be reckless. Let me be reckless.”
“What do you mean?” I whisper, my voice trembling.
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he backs me into the wall of the elevator and crushes his mouth to mine. His kiss is fierce, tasting of ginger and something sweet. He tugs on my lower lip and I moan, my body responding instantly.
He lifts me and I wrap my legs around his waist, feeling his hardness press into my center. His fingers dig into my thighs, and I’m breathless as his hand cups my breast through the T-shirt I’m wearing. I can feel his cock at the seam of my leggings as he grinds into me over and over again.
“Finn,” I gasp, my hands gripping his shoulders.
He groans, his mouth moving to my neck. “You drive me crazy, Amelia,” he murmurs against my skin.
I can’t think, can’t breathe. All I can feel is him, every hard inch of him pressed against me. My head falls back against the wall and I let out a low moan. His hand slips under my shirt, his fingers brushing against my bare skin.
The elevator dings and the doors open. He steps back, his breathing heavy, eyes dark with desire. I feel like I’m on fire, every nerve ending buzzing.
“We’re here,” he says, a wicked smile on his face.
I can barely stand, my legs shaky. “Yeah,” I say, trying to catch my breath.
“See you tomorrow,” he says, giving Peanut a quick pat before stepping out of the elevator.
I stand there for a moment, trying to process what just happened. Peanut looks up at me, wagging his tail as if nothing unusual occurred.
“Come on, Peanut,” I say, stepping out of the elevator. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
We get back to Chase’s apartment and I collapse on the couch, my heart still racing. I can’t believe what just happened. Finn...he’s always been intense, but that was something else.
I know Chase said that we need to be honest, but is this what he meant? Fuck! What the hell have I gotten myself into?