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  “This is the last time, Maddox. It can’t happen again after this.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  I didn’t even have the strength to argue. All I wanted was to feel him inside me. If I was honest with myself, I knew deep down this could’ve happened. Hell, I wanted to make love to him. Chuckling, he lifted my shirt over my head and tossed it onto the floor, his eyes turning dark as they scanned my bare flesh. His skin was scorching hot as he trailed his hands over my breasts, down to my stomach, and then back up, massaging me.

  My breasts weren’t large by any means, but they fit perfectly in his hands as he squeezed them and rolled my nipples. Each time he touched them, the tremor from it went straight down to my clit; I could seriously get off by him doing just that.

  The second his head lowered, I knew I was going to lose it. It didn’t help that he spread my legs wider so his hips could brush up against me, making my clit ache even more from the feel of his hard cock rubbing me.

  Once his lips closed over my nipple, my orgasm began its slow, torturous escalation as each pull of his mouth moved me an inch closer. He rocked his hips harder, sucking and biting until I cried out, screaming his name.

  “Oh my God, Maddox.”

  I wrapped my legs around his waist and thrust my hips against his, making my orgasm come to life. Maddox groaned as I rode wave after wave of my release, moaning in pure ecstasy until it subsided a few seconds later. Breathing hard, I closed my eyes until his deep chuckle brought me back.

  “You are so fucking sexy when you’re getting off. I used to love watching you.” Heat rose to my cheeks and he smiled as he slid my shorts down my legs along with my bikini bottom. Everything inside of me tightened, especially when he moved off the bed and took off his jeans.

  I’m not going to lie, my eyes went a little wide at the sight of his cock, large and thick between his legs. My clit trembled and I could already feel the insides of my thighs getting damper. It was Vegas all over again, only this time my emotions were part of it. I’d shut my feelings off for so long and now they all rushed back with a vengeance. I remembered what it felt like to love Maddox and feel his love in return. Being with him now reminded me of the first night we’d made love. He took his time and focused on me, making sure I was pleasured in multiple ways. He was the first man I’d ever been with who put my needs before his own.

  Licking his lips, he climbed back on top of me and lowered his mouth to mine. I opened willingly and let him taste me, enjoying the feel of his mouth on mine and the way he moaned deep in his chest. The tip of his cock grazed my opening and I instantly tightened, nervous yet excited to feel him inside of me.

  He rubbed his cock up and down my clit and entered me…just an inch. Keeping his gaze on mine, he pushed in further, gauging my reaction. I hissed slightly from the pain, but it slowly started to fade with his gentle strokes. “Are you okay?”

  “Oh yes,” I answered breathlessly. “I’m more than okay. Don’t stop.”

  “I don’t plan on it, baby.”

  He thrust a little bit harder until I was acclimated to him, and then he lifted his hands to my face, holding me in place as he kissed me hard and deep. We were connected in so many ways, only I had no clue if he realized it or not. He was officially mine and I was his, but it couldn’t stay that way forever.

  When his lips found my nipples, there was no way I could hold back; the tension once again started to build. Maddox chuckled and sucked harder. “I love that I can suck on your tits and get you off.”

  I trembled and tightened around him. I was so close. “It’s my weakness,” I whispered hoarsely.

  Groaning, he thrust harder and clamped down, burying his teeth in my skin as he traced his tongue across my swollen peak. I could feel him pulse and throb between my legs, getting closer to his release as well. I wanted to hold off for as long as I could and relish the excitement of the buildup, but it was coming too fast. There was no going slow with him.

  “Maddox,” I pleaded, fisting my hands in his soft midnight hair. “I can’t hold off any longer.”

  “Neither can I,” he growled. “I’m going to come so fucking hard in you.”

  He pumped a few more times, and the sound of his primal yet satisfied groans sent me over the edge. Gripping my hair in his fists, he held me firm as my orgasm heightened. I trembled around him and he released inside of me…filling me.

  Breathing hard, he lifted up on his elbows and smiled down at me. “Holy fuck, that felt amazing. It was just like before.”

  “It was,” I agreed sadly. “And tomorrow morning when I walk out your door, this never happened.”

  He kissed me again, trailing his tongue across my lips. “Then I guess I better take advantage of the rest of the day and night. We can take a walk on the beach and then come back to bed. I’m not done with you yet.”

  * * *

  —

  The next morning, I could barely move. My muscles were sore, and so was the spot between my legs. The sun shone through the blinds and I gasped. “Holy shit, I have to leave.”

  I sat up, only to see the other side of the bed empty with a folded note on the pillow.

  Payback for ditching me in Vegas, only I’m leaving you my number. I want to see you again.

  —Maddox

  Printed at the bottom of the letter was his number. He was now an even bigger problem than before. What made it worse was that I didn’t know what to do. Eventually, the truth about our marriage would need to come out, only I wasn’t anywhere near ready for that.

  I didn’t want to call Callie, since I knew she was in New York with Dallas, but I needed her advice. Grabbing my phone, I called her, biting my nails the entire time I waited for her to pick up.

  “Hey, girl,” Callie answered.

  I blew out a nervous breath. “Hey. I know it’s early but I have to talk to you.”

  She laughed. “It’s fine. Dallas walked down the street to get us some pastries at this amazing bakery.”

  “Good, that way you can keep this a secret.”

  “What’s going on, Lacey?”

  I jumped out of bed, realizing I had only three hours before my plane left. I still had to drive the hour and a half to Norfolk. “I did something so utterly stupid last night and I can’t take it back.” I groaned. “Wait, scratch that. It wasn’t stupid, it was amazing.”

  She sucked in a breath. “Oh my God, you slept with Maddox, didn’t you?”

  Closing my eyes, I squeezed them shut and opened them, my focus instantly turning to the bed. The gray satin sheets were in disarray. “Yes. He left a goodbye note on my pillow as payback. He sure does know how to piss someone off.”

  “What?” she shrieked. “Seriously? How did all of that happen?”

  I ran a hand through my tangled hair. “We argued, and then one thing led to another. I have no self-control when he’s around. I knew it was a mistake to stay last night.”

  “Do you still care about him? You obviously felt strongly about him to marry him on a whim…as he probably felt about you.” When I didn’t answer, she giggled. “You do still love him.”

  His scent was everywhere and I couldn’t help but breathe it in. I ached to feel his arms around me again. “Yes,” I answered, hating myself for even admitting it. “But I’m sure all he wanted was a piece of ass from me. We both know what he’s like.”

  “He wasn’t always like that, Lacey. If I recall, he didn’t get bad until after you left him.”

  Talk about a knife to the chest. “So it’s my fault?” I snapped.

  “I didn’t say that. All I’m saying is that he’s my cousin and I love him. It might not be a bad idea to give him a chance. I saw his face when he talked about you. There’s more to him than you think. You should know, you married him.” Yes, I did. And if I was honest with myself, I didn’t regret it. However, I did regret the past two years. If anything, I should’ve confronted him and ended it or tried to work things out.

  Time was passing a
nd I had to get out of there or I’d miss my flight. Staying with Maddox another day would be a disaster. “It doesn’t matter, Callie. I’m leaving for New York today. It would never work. We live in different states.”

  “Whatever you choose, I’ll still love you both. I’m always here if you need me.”

  “Thanks, Cal. I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you.”

  She giggled. “No worries. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  We hung up and I hopped into the shower, scrubbing every square inch of my body. I wanted to remove every trace of Maddox that I could, but unfortunately he left me a nice red hickey on my collarbone. Great. Now I had to make sure no one saw it.

  Once out of the shower, I dressed as fast as I could and slipped on my sandy sandals from the night before. Maddox and I had stayed in bed most of the day and then took a stroll on the beach when the sun went down. It was an amazing night, but one I needed to forget.

  Grabbing my bag and Maddox’s note, I rushed downstairs, only to find Maddox at the door waiting for me. His gaze landed on the note in my hand. “Good, you’re taking my number with you.”

  Rolling my eyes, I stuffed it into my pocket. “I didn’t think you were here.”

  His eyes twinkled. “As much as I wanted to pay you back for leaving me, I wasn’t about to let you go that easily.” He stepped closer and reached for my hands. “I’ll be in Charlotte next week, but I meant what I said. I want us to be together again.”

  I shook my head. “We can’t, Maddox. I was serious about it being just one night. Don’t get me wrong, our time together was amazing, but I live in New York. It would never work. The distance would only break us apart.”

  His grin faded and he stared at me with utter disappointment. “You’re full of shit, you know that?”

  Taken aback, I gaped at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  He scoffed. “You come all this way because you want me to return to hockey, but yet you don’t actually have faith in me. Saying the distance would tear us apart is a cop-out. What are you really afraid of?”

  Tears clouded my vision. It was as if all the emotions came barreling into me all at once. “You,” I cried. “I’m afraid of getting hurt. Being the first to leave is safer. I know how you hockey players are. Women throw themselves at you, and I’ve seen it firsthand how you guys handle that.” Braeden and Dallas were both guilty of it. I couldn’t even begin to count how many women they’d been with. The same went for some of the other guys on the team.

  Pushing the door open, he gestured toward the little silver car I’d rented. “Then go. I told you I didn’t sleep with any of those women you saw me with. Was it hard not to? Fuck yeah, considering I had no clue who the hell you were with in New York. The thought of another man touching you pissed me off so goddamn bad I couldn’t think straight.”

  “I was too busy to even think of being with anyone else.” I didn’t want to be with anyone else.

  Jaw tense, he nodded at the door. “You and I both know this isn’t over. I’ll wear you down eventually.”

  Without another word, I ran to the car, got in, and sped away. No, it wasn’t over, but for the time being it was.

  Chapter 10

  Maddox

  “Dude, you’re back. I knew you’d miss us.” Justin held up his hand and I slapped it. I knew he wouldn’t be pissed I’d left; he understood my reasons.

  Chuckling, I tossed my bag into my locker. “It’s good to be here.”

  I’d gotten back from the beach a day ago. It’d been a week since my night with Lacey and she’d ignored my calls. I’d stolen her number off her phone while she slept. It was the only way I could get it. The woman was going to drive me insane. Little did she know I had a flight scheduled for New York as soon as the kids camp was over at the end of the week.

  Kellan patted my shoulder in passing. “Hope you had a nice vacation. We have a lot of work to do this season.”

  I nodded. “I’m ready, Coach.”

  He stopped midstep and smiled. “We’re glad you’re back.”

  Kellan and I had our differences in the past, but I was done competing with him. I’d only done it because my father wanted me to be the leader. I was tired of fighting to be the best.

  Dallas strolled into the locker room, followed by Braeden right behind him, who glared at me. Ever since the wedding, he hadn’t said one word to me. Dallas snorted. “I know I am glad he’s back. That way I can kick his ass.”

  Judging by the smirk on his face, he wasn’t pissed; especially not after I called and apologized for worrying Callie. Kellan whistled to get our attention. “All right, guys, this is our first camp. Enjoy it while it lasts, because starting next week, all hell’s gonna break loose.”

  Kristen appeared in the doorway and waved. “Your students are coming in. They’re being divided up into groups. Each one of you will have your own.”

  “That’s right,” Kellan agreed, holding up an armful of files. “Some of you will be working with younger kids and others with older ones.” He walked through the locker room and gave each one of us a file. Mine had three profiles in it, all eight-year-old boys. I’d never worked with kids before.

  Josh Harrison, our backup goaltender, waved his hand. “So basically we’re just helping them with their skills, right?”

  Kellan nodded. “And also to spend time with them. Give them encouragement. If you look at their profiles, most of them want to be pro hockey players when they get older. We were all there before. Our goal is to help them. If everything goes the way I think it will, we’ll organize this camp every summer.” He walked toward the door. “When you’re done with your gear, hurry up and get out there. I’ll get them ready.”

  Justin elbowed me in the side. “Who would’ve thought we’d be doing this. Remember when we went to hockey camp together every year?”

  I took off my clothes and slipped on my gear. “How can I forget? Those were some of the best times in my life.” For a whole week, I was able to train with someone other than my father. Also, during my first camp, I was able to work with my idol, Barry Kenton. At the time, he was the most talented hockey player in the league.

  The guys all headed out of the locker room, but Justin stayed behind, staring at me with his arms crossed over his chest. “What’s going on with you? It’s like you’re a different person.”

  My lips pulled back in a smile. “What can I say, I had a great vacation.”

  He snorted. “Must’ve gotten laid.”

  “Yeah, but not just with any woman,” I said, grin widening.

  Mouth gaping, he peered around to make sure everyone was gone. “Tell me you’re not talking about who I think you’re talking about?”

  I shrugged. “She came out to see me. One thing led to another.”

  His gaze narrowed. “Why would she do that? She obviously didn’t want anything to do with you at the wedding.”

  “She’s lying to herself. I’m going up to New York to see her at the end of the week. We’re a lot closer than you think.”

  He shook his head, clearly not agreeing with me. “Not a good idea, man.”

  “Why not?”

  Huffing, he nodded toward the door. “You and Dallas might be friends now, but he’s not going to want you with his sister. Lacey and Braeden are close; some say they’re a couple. If you come between them, it’ll split up the team.”

  “She’s not with Wallace,” I snapped. “Trust me.”

  Turning on my heel, I marched toward the door. With a heavy sigh, Justin followed me out of the locker room. “I hope you’re right.”

  I hoped to hell I was, too. Whether Braeden wanted her or not, she was mine. I’d be damned if I let him get in the way.

  * * *

  —

  “Good pass, Aiden,” I shouted.

  Chuckling, Justin skated over to me. “He’s like your mini me.” We’d teamed up together so our students could work with each other.

  “That he is.” All thr
ee of my boys were amazing.

  Kellan blew the whistle, signaling the end of the day. There were a ton of parents waiting by the rink, watching us. I waved at my group. “Boys, let’s bring it in,” I shouted.

  They all three skated over to me and took off their masks. Aiden had dark brown hair with freckles all over his face. My other two students were Samuel and Dylan. Samuel had sandy brown hair and brown eyes while Dylan had red hair with green eyes.

  To get on their eye level, I knelt down. I loved the look of admiration on their little faces. It made me feel like I’d done something right. “You all did amazing out there today,” I said, looking at each one of them. “I can definitely see a future in hockey for all of you.”

  “Promise?” Aiden asked.

  I ruffled his hair. “Promise. All you have to do is work hard and have fun.” Thoughts of my father ran rampant through my mind. His pep talks were always about being the best no matter the cost. I wasn’t about to spew the same shit. That did nothing but bring me down in the end. All the other kids skated off the ice to their parents. “Before you go, there’s something I want to say.” They all smiled at me. Their innocence was refreshing. I just hoped like hell it wasn’t ruined by greed. “Boys, hockey is supposed to be fun. It’ll be competitive at times, and some days you might not feel like you’re good enough. Not everyone’s going to be the captain of the team. Even I’m not, but you know what?”

  “You’re tough,” Dylan blurted. “You don’t have to be captain to be tough.”

  Placing my hand on his shoulder, I looked right into his eyes. “That’s absolutely right. Every player on the team works together. It’s not just one person who wins or loses the team for you. That makes every single player important. Don’t ever forget that.”

  “We won’t,” they said in unison.