18. McKinley
“Let The Very Manly Book Club commence.”
Trenton glares at me. “We never agreed to calling it that.”
I grin. “We never disputed it either.”
“I’m disputing it now.”
Alexander chuckles from his seat in the row behind us. “Let’s just focus on the book. We don’t have a long ride today.”
My stomach churns at the reminder. We’re on the team bus on our way to a game in Philly. It’s the first game against Chance since we’ve been spending time together with Presley, and I’m unsure of what will transpire. It’s no secret that there’s bad blood between us, and the fans are used to seeing us come to blows on the ice.
What will it be like now that we’re back in each other’s lives?
Knowing Chance, it won’t be much different. He’s a stubborn fucker.
I smirk as I imagine his face when he sees Presley and the kids wearing black and yellow tonight. I sent Presley three tickets for tonight’s game, along with three jerseys—with my name on the back of them, obviously. I’m dying to see my pretty girl wearing my number.
Jason punches my shoulder from the seat beside me. “Dude, are you listening?”
“Of course, I’m listening.” I blink up at the guys. “What did you say?”
Alexander chuckles. “I said that I really liked the enemies-to-lovers storyline in this book.”
Oh, yeah. The book. “Me too. There was so much sexual tension. My dick was hard the entire first half of the story.”
Coach turns around from his seat at the front. “Can you go five minutes without talking about your dick, Mac?”
“The max I can give you is three minutes, Coach.”
He mutters something about headphones as he turns back around.
“I liked this one a lot,” Trenton continues. “It reminded me of how Cassidy and I met when I moved into her apartment building.”
Jason laughs. “You mean when you were slamming your door and pissing her off?”
Trenton holds up his hands, feigning innocence. “I wasn’t slamming anything. She was the one singing power ballads at the crack of dawn.”
I reach over and ruffle his thick hair. “And we all know how much you need your beauty sleep.”
He slaps my hand away. “You could use some beauty sleep, you ugly fuck.”
“Your mom didn’t think I was ugly last night.”
“My mom’s dead, you moron.” Trenton lunges for me, but Alexander grabs him and holds him back.
“Enough, children.” Alex shakes his head. “My four-year-old is more mature than the both of you.”
“She’s smarter, too,” Jason chimes in. “Do you know what she told me the other day? She said that babies are born with three hundred bones in their bodies.” He shrugs. “I didn’t believe her. The human body has two-hundred-and-six bones. But I Googled it and sure as shit, she was right.”
Alexander groans. “She’s obsessed with babies. She wants a sibling so badly.”
“You should give her one.” I wink. “Make sure that wife of yours knows she’s not going anywhere.”
He smirks, but bites his tongue. No one outside our friend group knows about his fake marriage arrangement with Aarya. His grandfather is an evil piece of shit, and is the only reason Alexander asked Aarya to marry him when they barely knew each other. But I’ve seen the way they are when they’re together, and I’d bet my entire salary that they’re going to be each other’s happily ever after in the end.
I rub my palms together. “Now, let’s get to the good part and talk about those sex scenes.” I flip open to one of the red tabs in my book. “I particularly loved when he fucked her on her desk.”
Jason leans over. “What are all those things sticking out of your book?”
“They’re like mini-sticky notes.” I thumb through the pages to show him. “Red is for the sex scenes; blue is for the scenes that made me cry; yellow is for my favorite parts; and pink is for the romantic scenes."
His eyebrows jump. “Why did you do all that?”
I hike a shoulder. “I like to keep track of everything as I read. Then I can go back to those scenes when we discuss it.”
Trenton leans over and snatches my book. “You even took notes?”
I grab it back from him. “Those are my private thoughts, thank you very much.”
He shakes his head. “You have too much time on your hands. You need to get laid.”
“Speaking of...” Jason side-eyes me. “What’s happening with Presley and Kellerman?”
I blow out a long breath through my lips as my head falls back against the seat. “I don’t know.”
The group falls silent, waiting for me to elaborate. But I don’t know what to say. I know what I want, but I don’t know if that’s even a possibility.
“Oh, shit.” Trenton lets out a low whistle. “It must be serious. I’ve never seen you this quiet before.”
Alexander watches me with those dark eyes of his. He’s my best friend, the one who knows me inside and out. I haven’t told him anything about my past with Chance; I never needed to. But now that he’s back in my life, I know Alex can tell there’s more to the story.
I clear my throat. “The three of us were...together, in college.”
“Together,” Trenton repeats.
“Like me, Kourtney, and Celeste, together?” Jason asks.
I nod. “Chance had it rough growing up, and his father made him feel like he couldn’t be who he truly was. I knew he was attracted to me. There was always this spark between us, but he never let himself act on it. Not until Presley was in the picture. It was like she was this missing link, and she connected us in a way that neither of us could have.”
Jason nods as he listens, and I know he understands me better than anyone. He, Kourtney, and Celeste are tethered together like what can only be described as soulmates.
“All the fighting on the ice makes sense now,” Alex says. “You’ve got more than just animosity over a lost friendship.”
Trenton leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “So, what happened between you?”
“It was amazing being with them for that year. But when Presley left, it broke us. We blamed each other, not knowing the real reason why she left. We were hurting and confused, and it was like we couldn’t figure out how to be together without her. I tried, but...” I shake my head. “Chance isn’t the best at communicating. So, we took all that pain out on each other.”
“You still have love for them in your heart. And so do they, otherwise they wouldn’t be entertaining any part of this.” Alex rests his hand on my shoulder. “There’s hope for the three of you to have something.”
“Presley thinks we can’t be together. Between the kids and her job at the school, she thinks it’d be too much; that people wouldn’t accept them.”
“Maybe at first,” Jason says. “But look at what happened with me. I had the support of my team, and our fans. Not everyone will understand, but the good outweighs the bad. Love will always win in the end.”
I believe that with my whole heart.
I just have to figure out how to convince Presley and Chance.
My eyes scan the glass when I skate onto the ice to warm up.
It doesn’t take too long to spot Alyssa jumping up and down as she waves, wearing my jersey and a bright-yellow beanie.
“Hi, my ‘Lyssa girl!” I tap my stick against the glass and she giggles. I do a double-take as my eyes flick to Avery, who’s wearing a Philly jersey—Chance’s Philly jersey.
I clutch my heart.
Avery smirks, dropping his chin as a smile breaks free.
I shoot him a wink to let him know I’m only busting his chops.
Figures, Chance sent them jerseys the same as I did.
I shift my gaze to Presley. A cream-colored sweater pokes out of her jacket.
She rolls her eyes, and I can’t help but chuckle. There’s no way she’d choose between us, and I love that about her.
“Enjoy the game, pretty girl,” I shout through the glass.
I skate backwards, waiting for the pink blush to tinge her cheeks before spinning around and making my way towards my team.
Once the game starts, Chance is all over me. Each time I find an opening, he gives me a calculated shove, sending me into the boards. The refs aren’t calling any penalties tonight, and it gives Philly the confidence to continue the cheap shots and brutal hits that they’re known for. But it also allows me to fight back. Chance hasn’t been able to take a shot the entire first period.
Each time we get close, he glares at me, but it’s different this time. It’s not just him wanting to throw a punch, not just his need to get by me for a goal. There’s a burning intensity in his gaze, like he’s silently promising something... more .
And fuck if I’m not going to provoke the shit out of him until he breaks.
Nearing the end of the second period, we’re tied up 1-1. Alexander takes the puck into enemy territory while Chance and I race toward his goalie, me looking for an opening and him preparing to stop me. But I’m faster than him—always have been—and when Alexander passes me the puck, I take the shot before Chance can block it. The buzzer goes off, and I lift my stick in the air as I shout.
“Two-to-one, baby!” I skate around to Presley and the kids, and blow them a kiss.
Everyone’s fired up in the third period. My chest heaves and my legs burn as sweat pours into my eyes. We’re so close, I can taste the win.
Alexander moves the puck with ease across the ice, setting us up for a chance to score again. Then Ivanov comes in like a freight train. I fly toward him to protect my captain. This guy is known for the most ruthless hits in the game. I’m almost there when Chance shoves into me, derailing my plan. I see it happen in slow motion as Ivanov drops his shoulder, and sends Alexander crashing into the boards with a sickening thud.
The arena lets out a collective gasp, and my heart leaps into my throat.
I toss my stick and gloves to the ice when I reach Ivanov, and he does the same, grinning like the sick fuck he is. I’m going to make him pay for that illegal hit from behind, and wipe the damn smile right off his face.
I throw the first punch without hesitation before Ivanov can get his fists up to block it. Blood pours from his nose as he throws a jab in my direction. I dodge it, and hammer him with another punch to the jaw before taking him to the ice and letting my fists fly with unrelenting focus.
I’m a happy-go-lucky guy until you fuck with my family.
When the refs finally tear me off of him, they send Ivanov into the penalty box.
I skate over to Alex, and tap my helmet against his. “You good?”
He nods. “You know I always get back up.”
By the end of the period, we win 3-1.
“Get a leash on that animal of yours,” I call to Chance as we skate by each other.
I don’t know why I do it. It’s like I need to make some kind of connection with him, even if it’s a negative one. Any attention is better than none.
“You getting soft? This is hockey.” He glares at me. “It isn’t for the weak.”
“That hit was illegal and you know it.”
“Go have Alex wipe your ass after he’s done wiping your tears.”
I smirk. “Still thinking about my ass after all these years, Kellerman? I’m flattered.”
“Fuck you,” he spits.
“I dare you to.”
I’m yanked back by my jersey. “Enough,” Jason shouts. “Let’s go.”
I head to the locker room with fire in my veins and adrenaline coursing through me.
“Congrats on the win.”
I wrap my arms around Presley. “See, you should’ve worn my jersey.”
Presley rolls her eyes as she shoves me back. “Not when you’re both playing.”
“I know, I know. We’ll have to figure something out though. Sew the two jerseys together or something. I think I read that in a book once.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “You read books?”
I scoff, feigning offense. “Yes, I read books. Romance books, as a matter of fact.”
Alyssa scrunches her nose. “Aunt Presley reads those books.”
I tap my index finger against her little nose. “What’s with the face?”
“They seem so boring,” Alyssa whines. “I would want to read a book with action.”
I shrug. “Why not have both? There are plenty of books with epic battles and a love story. In fact, most epic battles are fought because of love.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”
“Girl, I am going to rock your world. Wait until you see all the cool books I have at my place.”
Alyssa’s head jerks up to her aunt. “Can we go to Stephen’s house?”
Presley chuckles as she brushes a strand of Alyssa’s hair behind her ear. “You can’t invite yourself over people’s houses.”
“I didn’t.” She blinks. “He just told me to come see the books at his house.”
Presley crosses her arms over her chest. “And since when are you interested in reading, hmm? I have to bribe you in order to get you to complete your reading log for school.”
“School books are boring.” Alyssa plants her hand on her hip. “Besides, you should be happy I’m taking an interest in reading now.”
“Oof.” I nudge Presley with my shoulder. “Wonder where she gets that sass from.”
Presley scoffs. “I’m not sassy.”
“You so are.” I lean in close and press a kiss to her cheek, lingering by her ear. “And that’s okay; I like you sassy.”
She shoots me a glare, but it’s undermined by the way her body shivers at my proximity.
I loved knowing she was in the arena watching me play tonight—even more so, getting to see her after a win. With the adrenaline still coursing through me, it’s taking all my willpower not to pounce on her in the middle of this parking lot.
We’re waiting for the team to pile onto the bus so we can head home. If I had my way, I’d be going home with Presley. I’m dying to hold her, to make love to her, to fall asleep with her in my arms.
Alexander spots us and makes his way over. “Hey, Alyssa. Want to check out our bus?”
Her eyes widen. “Do you have a bathroom on there?”
He chuckles. “We sure do.”
She squeals and takes off running toward the bus.
Presley laughs as she shakes her head. “Never seen someone so excited to see a bathroom.”
Without hesitation, I grasp her hand and tug her around the corner of the back of the bus, away from prying eyes.
Chance took Avery to meet some of his teammates in the locker room, so with Alyssa occupied, I get a few precious moments alone with Presley.
She comes willingly, and lets me cage her in. I slip my left hand into her hair, and grip her hip with my other hand. “I loved having you at my game.”
Her eyes drop to my mouth. “I enjoyed watching you play.”
I dip my head and nip at her jaw. “You always did enjoy watching .”
Her lips part, her warm breath dancing along my mouth. “Stephen...”
“What’s the matter, pretty girl? Talk to me.”
“W-we shouldn’t,” she says, but she fists my hoodie and pulls me closer. “We can’t.”
“I disagree.” I brush my nose against hers. “I think we can, and we should.”
“You’re not playing fair.”
“Oh, I’m not playing at all, Pres.” I close the tiny gap between us, speaking against her lips. “There are only two things I take seriously in this world: Hockey, and you. The sooner you realize I’m not letting you go, the sooner you can get on the same page.”
She wraps her hands around the back of my neck, and I lift her into my arms, claiming her willing mouth. Her ankles lock around my lower back as I pin her against the back of the bus. My tongue surges inside, searching for hers. She lets out a sexy-ass moan, letting me know she’s as ready and desperate for me as I am for her.
Four years.
I’ve gone four years without this woman, without the company of anyone who could compare. At least I’ve been able to keep in contact with Chance—as volatile as we are together. I haven’t lost him completely, and the way he reacts to me lets me know that what we had still runs deep inside him.
But Presley was ripped from my life the way a band aid is ripped off a wound and disposed of, never to be seen again. Now that she’s back, now that I see how perfectly she fits right back into my life, it’s full-steam ahead.
Presley tears her mouth away from mine, gasping for breath while I lick a path down her neck. “The kids...”
“Are taken care of.”
“And Chance...”
“Can decide if he wants back in or not.”
She whimpers as I bite down on her neck, loving the way her racing pulse beats against my lips.
“I’ve missed this.” Those three words are whispered so quietly, I almost miss them right before the bus roars to life.
Presley drops her legs and I set her down, steadying her as she snaps back into the present moment. She hits me with a look that looks like a mixture of desire laced with regret.
Don’t regret me, baby.
We’ve barely even started.
So she’s worried about the kids and Chance. I can handle them. I can get Chance to admit that he wants this—wants us, both of us—and everything else will fall into place. Nothing is stronger than love, and with that, we’re unstoppable.
Once he caves, Presley will admit that she wants us too.
I already know what I want.
And I always get what I want.