Chapter 36
EMMETT
After Jo's frantic text, I do a mad scramble around my apartment, hair-tie gone, toothbrush hidden in my drawer, her bra shoved in the back of my closet.
There's a knock on my door. I do one last visual sweep.
All clear. I open the door wearing just gray sweatpants, making it look like I was just lazing around.
Pierre, Felix, Harper, Issy, Collette, and Jo are all standing there. My eyes land on Jo, she's staring at my bare chest. I watch her swallow hard.
"Morning, fellas, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I say, forcing my gaze away from her to look at the group.
"The girls are going shopping, so we thought we would bother you," Felix says.
"Of course, anytime." I look back at Jo for just a second. "I was going to catch up with Sully and the guys anyway for brunch, if you're interested."
"Are we day drinking?" Pierre asks.
"Yeah."
"If the Cap says so." He chuckles.
"Right, well, now that's settled, have fun, boys," Harper says as they all wave goodbye.
I turn back and catch Jo's eyes one more time, and wink at her before closing the door. I can hear them laughing as they walk away.
Pierre and Felix walk into my apartment.
"Coffee?" Pierre asks, heading to my kitchen.
"Help yourself."
I throw on a shirt while they make themselves at home.
“We were kind of hoping we could head down and use the simulator,” Felix calls out.
“Sounds good. Let me grab shoes," I call out.
“You have shit coffee,” Pierre grumbles.
“He’s a coffee snob, we can grab one downstairs,” Felix says, rolling his eyes.
We head on down to level four, where the entertainment is. When I moved into the building, Dougie and I requested that we could add a hockey simulator beside the golf one, as there were a lot of hockey players living in the building. They agreed after a generous donation to the building fund.
For the next hour, we take turns shooting.
"You're off today," Pierre says after I miss an easy shot.
"Just tired."
"Late night?" He wiggles his brows at me.
"Something like that." I laugh.
"Got a girl keeping you up?" Felix asks.
My stomach tightens. "No. Why?"
"Just asking. You've been different lately." He grins.
"Different how?"
"Happier. Lighter. Like you're not carrying the weight of the team on your shoulders all the time," Felix explains.
"He's right. You seem good, Cap," Pierre says.
"I am good."
"So, there is someone," Felix says, watching me carefully.
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't deny it either," Pierre points out.
I need to deflect. "What about you two? Pierre, when are you going to propose to Issy?"
Pierre's face lights up. "Soon. I'm working on it."
"About damn time," Felix says.
“What about you and Harper?” Pierre bites back.
“I thought you didn’t want Harper to be your sister-in-law?” he teases.
Pierre rolls his eyes. “I have no choice, you’re in love with her.”
“Do you not like Harper?” I question Pierre, hoping that the more I get them to talk about themselves, the more they will forget about their questions to me.
“He’s holding a grudge from college. Harper knew Pierre was cheating on Issy when they were dating.”
“I was a grade A dick back then, let the accolades go to my head,” Pierre says, shaking his head.
“Oh, that’s right, and then Issy didn’t speak to you for years.” I remember him telling the story.
“Yeah. I fucked up. So, the fact that she’s taken me back, I need to lock her down quickly. Should have done it fifteen years ago, save me a hell of a lot of heartache if I had.”
“You live and you learn,” Felix says.
“I have, and I couldn’t be happier.” Pierre smiles. I’m happy for him. “Do we need to find you a special lady, Cap. I’m sure between Issy and Harper we can find you someone.”
“I’m good.”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting your kicks from the bunnies. They are bad news,” Pierre warns me.
“I’m not Fish.” I smirk.
“True. That boy needs to watch out,” Felix says, shaking his head.
My phone buzzes, and thank fuck it’s Sully, saving me from this conversation.
“The boys are meeting at Murphy’s in twenty, are you still in?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Hell, yeah, let’s go,” Pierre says.
Murphy's is packed with the usual Sunday crowd. We grab a booth in the back. Sully, Fish, Bouch, Evan, and Nelly are already here.
"Cap!" Bouch calls out. "About time."
"We were at the simulator," Felix explains.
"Nerds," Fish teases.
We settle in and order food. The conversation flows with hockey talk, upcoming games, and playoffs predictions.
"Think we can do another winning streak?" Sully asks.
“Hell yeah, we can,” Evan adds.
"We keep it up, we're making it to the finals," Fish states.
"Don't jinx it," Pierre warns.
"I'm not jinxing it. I'm manifesting," he says.
"That's not a thing," Evan tells him.
"It's totally a thing. Just ask Nelly. Goalies visualize everything.”
“It is true,” Nelly adds.
I tune them out and check my phone under the table, hoping she has sent me a picture. No new messages. She's probably in a dressing room somewhere, trying on dresses, having fun with the girls.
"Earth to Cap," Sully says.
I look up. "What?"
"I asked what you’re wearing to the Christmas party."
"Navy suit, red tie,” I answer.
“You’ve already chosen?” Evan asks.
“It’s like the only suit he owns.” Sully laughs. He’s not wrong.
Then the boys start talking about fashion. They tease each other about their game-day fashion looks, and how social media declares Evan the best dressed, even though I know they are jealous. The Russian has swagger.
"That's because I actually give a shit about what I wear," Evan says with his thick Russian accent. "You all dress like you shop at garage sales."
"Hey!" Fish protests. "I'll have you know this flannel is vintage."
"Vintage means old and ugly," Bouch says.
"It means classic," Fish bites back.
"It means you need a woman to take you shopping," Pierre adds.
Fish grins. "I know plenty of women who would gladly take me shopping. You ever fucked in a change room before?”
The table groans at Fish’s question. “What, come on, don’t tell me you’re all vanilla.”
“None of your fucking business,” Pierre tells him.
“Fine. I haven’t, but it’s given me an idea.”
We all groan.
"What about you, Felix?" Nelly asks, changing the subject. "What are you wearing to the party?"
"Whatever Harper tells me to wear."
"Smart man," Sully says.
“The only person I’m trying to impress is her,” Felix adds.
“Being single sucks.” Bouch moans.
"Being single is freedom," Fish argues. Of course he would.
"Easy for you to say. You've got girls throwing themselves at you," Bouch says.
"And whose fault is that?" Fish grins.
"Your face," Evan deadpans.
Everyone laughs.
"What about you, Evan?" Fish asks. "When's the last time you went on a date?"
Evan shrugs. "A month ago. Maybe two."
"And?"
"She talked too much."
"That's it? She talked too much?"
"Yes."
"You're impossible," Bouch says.
"I have standards."
"You have issues," Fish corrects.
More laughter.
"Speaking of the party," Sully says, "are we doing the white elephant gift exchange again this year?"
Groans around the table.
"Please no," Fish says. "Last year I got a book about the history of ice."
"Educational," Nelly says.
"Boring as hell."
"What did you get, Cap?" Bouch asks me.
I think back. "A motivational poster that said, 'Hang in There' with a cat on it."
"Classic." Sully grins.
"It's still in my office," I admit.
"Really?"
"Coach saw it and told me it builds character."
The table erupts.
"What about predictions?" Fish leans forward. "Who's getting drunk first at the party?"
"You," everyone says in unison.
"Why does everyone always say me?"
"Because it's always you," Sully points out.
"Name one time."
"Last year you challenged Coach to a dance-off," Bouch says.
"And won," Fish adds proudly.
"You didn't win," Nelly says quietly. "You fell into the dessert table."
"Minor detail."
Our food arrives and we dig in. The conversation flows more easily now. Less about hockey. More about life.
"Anyone got holiday plans?" Bouch asks.
"Going back to Quebec with Issy and my sisters,” Pierre says.
This grabs my attention. I’m off to Wisconsin with Sully to see the sisters and our parents. We have Christmas all together with Sully’s parents.
“I’m going to Aspen with Harper’s friends.”
“Of course you are, you’re so bougie,” Bouch teases.
“He’s dating a billionaire, of course he is,” Fish states. “Is that hard?”
“Dating a woman richer than me?” Felix asks, and they all nod. “Not really. I don’t notice it until I do. I forget sometimes who she is until we are in those circles. At least I know she’s with me for me and not my money.”
“Damn puck bunnies,” Fish says, shaking his head.
“We keep telling you that,” Evan warns him.
“I know, but they are so … hot,” Fish argues.
“Don’t forget get we have the Snow Classic for New Year’s,” Pierre adds.
“I’m happy that it’s at home and we don’t have to go anywhere for it,” Nelly states.
“Are you guys going out after?” Pierre asks.
“I’m going to sleep,” Nelly adds.
“Probably, depends on what parties we’re invited to,” Fish adds.
“What about you, Cap?” Pierre asks.
“I have no idea.”
“He hates New Year’s,” Sully adds.
“Cap hates most social things,” Bouch adds.
I roll my eyes.
The check comes, we split it and go.
I pocket my phone and turn on the TV to catch the highlights. Thankfully, Pierre and Felix have left, and silence has returned to my world.
Emmett: They’ve gone.
Joelle: Someone is eager.
Emmett: I’ve been thinking about those photos all day.
Joelle: Have you now?
Emmett: Yes. Are you coming over later?
Joelle: Yes. Now consider these images foreplay.
Emmett: Hell yeah.
Joelle: I’m not going to show you the one I chose, I want it to be a surprise.
Emmett: Okay.
A photo comes through. Holy shit. She's in a fitting room mirror, dressed in green. It hugs every curve, the neckline dips just enough to be devastating, her hair is down, her eyes are bright, and she’s smiling. Fuck she is perfection.
Emmett: Hot.
Then another image comes through, and it’s of her sliding the dress off her herself, giving me a glimpse of skin, nothing is showing, it’s like the start of a strip tease.
Emmett: My dick is hard.
Joelle: It’s always hard.
Emmett: Around you.
Joelle: Good. I get jealous.
Emmett: Me too.
Another photo comes in, and this time she has her back to the mirror, the dress is unzipped, and you see the top of her butt crack.
Emmett: Get over here now.
Joelle: I’m on my way.
The knock on my door comes moments later. I open it before she can say a word and pull her inside.
"Turn around," I say.
"What?"
"Turn around. Face the door."
She does, and I press against her back, my hands sliding up her sides, my mouth on her neck.
"You've been teasing," I murmur against her skin. "Sending me those photos."
"I know."
"Now it's my turn."
I spin her around and kiss her hard as I walk her backward until her legs hit the couch, she sits, and I drop to my knees in front of her.
"Emmett …"
"Shh." I unbutton her jeans and slide them down her legs with her underwear.
"Spread your legs for me." She does. I don't tease, don't make her wait, my mouth is on her immediately, tongue flat against her clit, licking and sucking.
She gasps. Her hands fly to my hair, gripping the edges. "Oh God …"
I slide two fingers inside her while my mouth works her clit.
"Emmett … fuck … I'm going to …"
"Come. Right now."
She does, her thighs clamping around my head, whole body shaking, my name on her lips. I don't stop, I keep working her through it, then building her back up again.
"Wait … I can't … it's too much."
"You can. Give me another one."
"Emmett …"
"Now, Jo."
She comes again, harder, nearly screaming the building down.
I stand, she's boneless on my couch, eyes glazed, chest heaving. "On your hands and knees," I say as I flip her over and get her into position. I grab her hips, line myself up, and slide inside in one hard thrust.
We both groan.
"Fuck, you feel incredible." I don't go slow, don't build up, just take her, hard and fast and relentless. The sound of skin slapping, her moans, and my grunts fill the living room.
"Harder," she orders.
I grab her hair and pull her head back as I pound into her.
"Like this?"
"Yes … fuck … yes …"
"I want you to come one more time," I grit out. "Can you do that for me?"
"I … no … oh God …" I feel her tighten around me, her whole body going rigid.
"That's it, come on my cock."
She shatters, and the feeling of her clenching around me sends me over the edge. I bury myself deep and finish inside her with a groan.
We collapse together onto the floor, tangled, sweaty, and spent.
"Fucking hell, Captain," she breathes. I kiss her shoulder then still. “What?”
“I didn’t use a condom. Shit. Jo. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” I feel her stiffen under me.
“It’s fine. I have an implant,” she tells me.
“I’ve never been so reckless,” I tell her. “I’ve only been with you since London.”
“Me too.” My heart is beating uncontrollably in my chest, and she must see the worry on my face. “Hey, it’s okay. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, we got carried away. It’s fine. I trust you.”
“It’s just …” I’m lost for words.
“What?”
“Fuck, it’s hot being inside of you like that.”
Her eyes widen. “Yeah.”
I nod. “So much more connected.” I then pick her up off the ground. “I need to clean you up so I can dirty you all over again, if you are okay with that.”
“What, no condoms?” I nod. “We’re monogamous so …”
“That sounds so hot when you say that.” I groan as I carry her to the bathroom.
“No condoms?” I shake my head. “Monogamous.”
“Yeah.” I grin.
“Being tied to one person turns you on?” she asks me.
“Being tied to you, turns me on. Knowing that you’re mine and no one else’s makes my dick hard,” I declare as I place her in the shower. “I’m going to wash you, watch myself slide out of you, and then I’m going to fill you right back up so I can do it all over again.”
“Have I just unlocked a new kink with you?” She giggles.
“Looks like it.”