Playmaker Read online

  “I know. Just as long as you can keep Braeden out of the way you’ll be fine. I don’t think he’ll be a problem for you now.”

  “I sure as hell hope not.”

  Braeden pulled into the parking lot and walked inside. I was going to make sure he wasn’t going to be a problem. “I’m going to talk to him today. He needs to hear it from me.”

  She chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

  “If I get kicked off the team, so be it.”

  “Oh dear God, don’t kill him.”

  “We’ll see.” We hung up and I hurried into the skating center. Kristen waved at me and I waved back. Some of the guys were already on the ice. When I got to the locker room, Braeden was getting dressed alongside Dallas. I walked past them to Justin.

  Justin held out his fist. “Hey, man. I tried calling you last night.”

  I bumped his fist. “Sorry, I was busy. Everything okay?”

  He waved me off. “Oh yeah. Miranda and I went out to Sammy’s. I wanted you to join us.”

  “How about tomorrow night?” I asked, hoping that would appease him. Hell, I could bring Lacey with me if she wanted to go.

  “Sounds good to me. You’re the only one who helps me enjoy life. I can’t stand being stuck with Miranda and her friends.”

  Groaning, I ripped off my shirt. “Please tell me they won’t be there.”

  He shook his head. “I’ll tell Miranda I’m having a guys’ night. She’ll just have to get the fuck over it.”

  “Good, because I have a lot to tell you.”

  His brows lifted and he mouthed the word Lacey. I nodded and smiled. He finished putting on his pads and slapped my shoulder. “See ya out there.”

  I was the last one to dress out and I thought I was the last one in the locker room, but when I turned around to head for the door, Braeden was there. Arms crossed over his chest, he glared at me.

  “Can I help you?” I asked.

  He snorted, but still kept the glare on me. “You must really have Lacey fooled.”

  Anger coursed through my veins. I dropped my stick and held out my arms. “What the fuck? I’m not fooling anyone. Lacey’s my wife and we’re having a baby. I want to be with her and she wants to be with me. What part of that do you not understand?”

  His jaw clenched. “I get that she wants to be with you. But you see, I’m the one who’s been around you the past couple of years. She doesn’t know how many women you’ve been with. Those marriage vows must not have meant shit to you.”

  “Not that it’s any fuck of your business, but I never slept with those women,” I growled low. “I thought it would enrage her enough to come back to confront me, but obviously that didn’t work. Again, not that any of this is your business.”

  He stared at me for a few more seconds before dropping his arms. “You’re right, sorry. I know Lacey loves you and I respect that. All I want is for her to be happy.”

  “We will be happy if you stay out of our way.”

  Body tense, Braeden stepped closer. “I’m going to say this only once.” Judging by the murderous glint in his eyes, I already knew what it was going to be. “If you hurt her, I’ll break every fucking bone in your body. Got it?”

  It was my turn to close the distance. I met his angered stare with one of my own. “And if you try to come between us again, I’ll break all of yours, too.”

  He held out his hand and I shook it. “Deal.”

  * * *

  —

  After practice, Justin and I walked out to the parking lot together. Unfortunately, we weren’t alone. Miranda and Laura stood by a small white BMW that was parked beside me.

  “What the hell are they doing here?” I grumbled.

  Justin shrugged. “Fuck if I know. Looks like something’s wrong.”

  They looked up at us and Miranda rushed over to Justin. “Thank goodness you’re here. I was afraid we weren’t going to make it.”

  I rolled my eyes. She sounded so fake. “What’s wrong?” Justin asked.

  Laura huffed and waved us over. “My tire went flat just down the road and this was the closest place.” She bent down to point at the tire, showing off her tits in the process. However, she wasn’t lying. Her tire was clearly flat. She looked up at me and smiled.

  “Do you have a spare?” I asked, clearly showing her I wasn’t interested in what she had to offer.

  “I do. Think you could maybe help me out?”

  What I really wanted to say was call AAA, but I didn’t want to leave her there. “Fine. Justin and I can fix it right up.”

  “Um…no, that’s not going to work,” Miranda blurted. “Justin and I have dinner plans.”

  I glared at Justin and he grumbled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, bro. I forgot we have to meet with the producers.”

  Miranda grabbed his arm. “And if we don’t go, we’ll be late.”

  Clenching my teeth, I waved him off. “Go, asshole.” Miranda and Justin left, leaving me alone with Laura. It was already five o’clock, the time Lacey got off from work. I had to hurry.

  “Open your trunk,” I said quickly. “I have to get home.” To my wife, I wanted to say, but of course, I couldn’t; not until Lacey was ready for that to be known.

  Laura opened her trunk and I reached in to grab the spare. I had a whole tire changing kit in my car. It came in handy when I had a flat on the Blue Ridge Parkway one year. “Why in such a hurry?” she asked, bending down next to me.

  “I have better things to do,” I snapped.

  I figured she’d move away, but obviously she couldn’t take a hint. “Me, too. The last thing I want is to be stuck here with a flat tire. Thank you for helping me.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “You looked amazing on the ice last week. The game was intense.”

  Once the old tire was off, I tossed it to the side. “Thanks.” She babbled about other things, but I didn’t pay attention to any of it. All I wanted was to get done and be on my way home. As soon as the spare was on, I loaded up my tools. “You’re good to go.”

  Biting her lip, Laura strolled up to me. She ran a finger down my chest. “What can I do to pay you back? I can certainly think up a few ways.”

  I grabbed her hand and moved it aside. “No payment necessary. I have to get going, so if you don’t mind, I need you to move.”

  She pouted and stepped out of the way. I didn’t want to be a dick, but it seemed like that was the only way to get through her head. I hopped into my car and sped down the road. It didn’t take long to get home and Lacey was already there, pulling into the driveway. She waved at me and tossed a handful of peanuts into her mouth as I pulled into the garage.

  I got out and her attention went to my hands. “Didn’t you take a shower after practice?”

  They were black from the tires. “Yeah, but I had to change a flat tire. I hurried as fast as I could. I’m going to take another shower once we get inside.”

  Her smile did things to me I never thought I’d feel. She walked up and kissed me, her soft whisper in my ear, “I missed you today.”

  I wrapped her in my arms, careful not to get dirt on her. “I missed you, too. I’m seriously beginning to love coming home to you.”

  “Me, too.”

  Chapter 29

  Lacey

  Resting the phone on my shoulder, I fetched the jar of peanut butter out of the cabinet and scooped out a spoonful. Sophia kept telling me how much New York wasn’t the same without me. Maddox already had two steaks marinating in the refrigerator and I had two potatoes baking in the oven. I was ready for him to get out of the shower so we could finish dinner.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind visiting me?” I asked her. I stuffed the spoon of peanut butter into my mouth and savored it.

  Sophia snorted. “Seriously? It’s the most excitement I’ve had since you’ve moved. I’ve never been to North Carolina and I get to watch the game.”

  “I’m glad. The game will be fun.” Little did she know I secretly
hoped she and Braeden hit it off. I wasn’t going to go out of my way and make it obvious. Letting nature take its own course was the best option.

  “Yes, it will,” she squealed. “I’m counting down the days until I leave. I can’t wait to spend time with you this weekend.”

  “Same here. I’m dying to see you. The pool house is yours.”

  The water stopped and I could hear Maddox in the bedroom. “Soph, I have to go. Dinner is calling my name.”

  She giggled. “Got to feed that baby. Who would’ve thought you’ve been pregnant this whole time. You must’ve taken a faulty test. It should’ve come up positive.” Maddox strutted into the kitchen with just a towel wrapped around his waist. He winked at me and grabbed the plate of steaks out of the refrigerator.

  “I know. I’m just glad I didn’t drink or do anything stupid during those weeks.”

  “Me, too. All right, go have fun with your husband. I’ll see you soon.” We hung up and I watched him spread seasonings over our steaks.

  “How’s Sophia?” he asked.

  “Good. She’s coming down this weekend.”

  His grin widened. “I know you’re dying to see her.” Carrying the steaks, he started for the back door, still wearing only the towel.

  “What are you doing?” I gasped.

  Bursting out with laughter, he opened the door. “Getting ready to cook our steaks. Why don’t you grab the corn on the cob and come out with me? We can eat outside tonight.” I grabbed the corn and our plates and set them on the table beside the grill. Maddox fired it up and stepped toward me, pulling me into his arms. “I think we should take a quick swim before dinner.”

  “Is that why you came out here practically naked?” I asked, giggling.

  His eyes twinkled. “My neighbors aren’t close by. There’s no reason why we can’t swim naked.” My stomach growled and he heard it. “Damn, never mind,” he said, laughing. “We’ll eat first.”

  I rubbed my belly. “Thanks. We’re starving.” He started the grill and put our steaks and corn on. It was nice and cool outside with the smell of fresh cut grass. The sky had begun to darken earlier now that it was getting time to turn back the clocks. Fall back and spring forward. That was what I was always told.

  We sat down at the table and he spread his legs so I could see under the towel. By the mischievous grin on his face, he knew what he was doing. “You are such a tease.”

  He shrugged. “You could always take off your clothes and join me.”

  He knew I wouldn’t do it, but a part of me wanted to. “After dinner,” I replied.

  “I’m going to hold you to that.” The passion-filled look in his eyes told me everything. It was going to be another crazy night. He got up and checked on the grill. “The steaks should be done in about a minute or so.”

  The oven beeped, echoing all the way outside. “And now our baked potatoes are done. Perfect timing.” I went inside and grabbed our baked potatoes, butter, and sour cream, along with a couple of waters. Maddox had our steaks and corn on the plates when I got back outside. It was strange to think that this was my life now. I’d spent the past three years pretty much by myself, concentrating on finishing medical school.

  It made me wonder what it would’ve been like if I’d stayed with Maddox. I took a bite of my steak and looked out at the pool. “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  I turned back to Maddox. “Several things, I guess. I was just wondering what it would’ve been like if I never left you in Vegas. Where would we be right now?”

  It was obviously a sobering question for him, too. His smile faded and he sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know. You had no choice but to go back to New York and finish school. During hockey season, I wouldn’t have been able to see you much.”

  “We failed to think about that. A part of me knew it wouldn’t work, but then again, I couldn’t say no to you.”

  “I’m glad you said yes. My only regret is not facing you sooner. We could’ve avoided all of this.”

  I nodded. “Maybe. We probably needed those couple of years to grow up.” His phone rang inside. Maddox’s gaze focused on the back door, but he made no move to get up. “Don’t you want to see who it is?”

  He waved it off. “Not worried about it. Whoever it is, I can call them back later.”

  I mixed some butter in with my potato and ate a huge bite. “Have you talked to your dad recently?”

  His arm muscles tensed and so did his jaw. Lips firm, he focused on his plate of food. “No,” he answered. “I’ve talked to my mother and she’s tried to get me to visit, but I can’t do it.”

  “How long has it been now?”

  He huffed. “Months. I don’t think he’s bothered to come to any games this season.”

  I couldn’t imagine not being on good terms with my father. Granted, I didn’t talk to my parents every day, but they knew I loved and thought about them often. I finished my food and sat back in the chair. “I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but you might want to consider being the bigger man and call him.”

  His head snapped up. “You know what he’s like, Lacey. All he’s going to do is piss me off.”

  I reached over and clasped his hand. “Only if you let him. He’s your father, Maddox. He may be a dick and say things he shouldn’t, but I have no doubt he loves you and wants what’s best for you. He’s not going to be around forever. If you want, I can go with you when you go over to see him.”

  Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. He opened them and nodded. “That’s the only way I’ll go. But if he chaps my ass about us being married, I’m walking out. I don’t care if he talks shit to me, but I’ll be damned if he does it to you.”

  I squeezed his hand. “I’m not worried in the least. We’ll be fine. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll visit your parents…and mine.”

  That brought a smile to his face. “Let’s just hope your brother doesn’t try to kick my ass first.”

  “You should be more worried about my dad. He never got to walk me down the aisle.”

  Maddox stilled and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. “Shit, I didn’t think about that.” He finished his food and stood, reaching down to grab my hands. I stood with him and wrapped my arms around his waist.

  “It’s not a big deal, Maddox. He might not be happy about it, but there’s nothing we can do.”

  He tilted my chin. Looking into his bright blue eyes made me tremble. “Yes, there is.”

  “What?” I murmured.

  His fingers gently glided down my cheek. “We can get married again and do it right this time. We don’t even have to tell anyone we’re already married. It can stay between us.”

  Lifting up on my toes, I pressed my lips gently to his. “Having a big wedding isn’t important to me, I told you that. I’m fine with the way we are.”

  He kissed me again. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

  Biting my lip, I shook my head and smiled. “Nope. Why don’t you show me?” He lifted me up in his arms and the towel dropped from his waist. I laughed, and in return, he squeezed my ass.

  “I think it’s time we get on the same wavelength here. Didn’t you say earlier we could get naked after dinner?”

  I giggled. “Maybe. It is darker outside now.” I glanced over at the hot tub. “I have to say the hot tub’s looking better than the pool right about now.”

  He lowered my hips to where I could feel how hard he was for me. “Can’t argue with you there. I’ll watch you get undressed.” Setting me down, he walked over to the hot tub and climbed into the steaming water, his hungry gaze on my body. I slowly took off my shirt and bra, making sure to move my body seductively. He bit his lip and groaned when I fondled my breasts. “You’re killing me, sunshine. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

  Keeping my eyes on his, I slid my jeans and underwear down. Soon my stomach would start to show. Slowly I climbed into the hot tub and made my way over to Maddox, his gaze raw with need. I hooked my arms aroun
d his neck and straddled his waist, teasing him by trapping his arousal between our bodies and sliding his length along my wet center. Maddox’s arms gripped me tight around the waist and he kissed me, pushing his tongue deep inside my mouth.

  His cock pulsed between us, and he began rocking into me with increasing pressure. I moaned into his mouth in response. I moved my hips against him to give him a taste of what it would feel like with me riding him. Maddox groaned with need and bit my lower lip. His strong grip on my ass held me firmly in place while he thrust against me.

  “Stop teasing me,” he growled.

  I bit his lip back, sucking it between my teeth. “It’s so fun, though.” I lifted my hips and allowed the tip of his cock to graze my opening. By the grip he had on me, I knew I was in for the ride of my life.

  Slamming me down over his cock in one thrust, he stopped and held me there, maintaining eye contact. I loved being stretched to the point of pain, and seeing the passion in his eyes. His fingers dug into my hips and he squeezed, holding me still as he began pounding into me with short, fast thrusts, his breath coming out quick and shallow. His mouth came down on my breasts, which were teasing him by bouncing in his face.

  The water sloshed around us, burning my skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat between my legs. I was so close to losing control…

  “Oh fuck. I’m gonna come, baby,” he groaned, his teeth teasing my nipple. His arms wrapped around my body and pulled me into him as he pushed his hips into mine. My insides tightened and I screamed out my release as his body spasmed and jerked. As I milked him to completion, his body trembled beneath me and he rested his forehead against mine.

  “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I never found you,” he whispered. “It’s like a whole part of me was missing.”

  Still connected, I looked into his eyes. “I know what you mean. But eventually, I would’ve had to face you. Especially if you had fallen in love with another person.”

  He kissed me gently. “I’ve only ever loved you.”

  “Good. Just don’t forget it.”