Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 321(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 214(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 321(@200wpm)___ 257(@250wpm)___ 214(@300wpm)
I didn’t think twice about him cuddling closer. Sure, it was more intimate than we usually allowed ourselves to get, but he was right. The temperature had dropped over the past few days, and it truly felt like autumn. This was nice.
However, I took exception to the notion that I was experimenting.
“I’m not using you,” I blurted. “I don’t know what else to call this, but it’s not a science thing.”
Jean-Claude quirked a funny half grin. “I don’t care what you want to call it. I like sex and I like you. It’s simple.”
“I’m glad it’s simple for someone,” I huffed. “Trust me, this isn’t where I thought I’d be a few weeks ago.”
He set his hand over mine and squeezed it. “I know, but look at you…making the best of a bad situation.”
I snickered. “Something like that. I have to wonder why you bother with me. I’m a head case—a not-so-straight wounded visitor who has no idea what he’s doing in bed. This can’t be what you’re used to.”
“I’m used to being alone, Riley. I don’t think about the rest. It feels good, and we’re adults who know how to be discreet, and we won’t develop false expectations. So yes…that’s simple. You have my permission to experiment all you want on me.” He flung the cover off and gestured to his flaccid dick.
“Asshole. It’s cold,” I grumbled, fumbling for the covers.
“No one would believe we’re Canadians, complaining about the weather. This is nice where I’m from.”
“I’m only part Canadian. My mom was born in Ottawa, and my dad’s from Rochester…where my sister lives.”
Jean-Claude tilted his head curiously. “I thought you were from Toronto.”
“That’s what my bio says. I was born there, but my family moved to my dad’s hometown in Upstate New York when I was a baby. My dad got a new job in Toronto soon after my last year of high school, and I went with them. My sister, Tara, stayed, though. She and Martin were already a couple and she’s four years older than me, so…I understood, but I was bummed.”
“Why? Toronto is great, and you had hockey.”
“Yeah, but I was seventeen and not naturally gregarious. Making new friends seemed like a chore. Even with hockey. I’ll tell you a secret. I was a late bloomer, and I didn’t become a good player till that move back to Canada. I think I just needed something to keep my head together. When I was on the ice, I didn’t have time to be angry at my folks for dragging me from my friends or to worry about college or…anything.”
He caressed my hip under the covers soothingly. “I understand that. How old were you when you were drafted?”
“Twenty. I couldn’t believe my luck, but then again, I’d spent those three years working my ass off. I became the best benchwarmer in the NHL for four straight seasons. I only got ice time when the game was pretty much in the bag, but when I was traded to the Sharks, things started to change for me. They had a few injuries, and they needed able bodies on the ice.”
“So you got your shot,” he commented, still massaging my hip. Damn, that felt nice.
“Yeah. And another the next game and the one after that. I wasn’t a standout, but I was getting regular playing time, and that made a difference. I could relax and get in a groove and play to win instead of worrying I’d make a mistake and get benched. It helped. I played great hockey in San Jose and I wanted to stay, but…”
“You were traded to Seattle,” Jean-Claude finished.
I nodded. “Six years ago. I wasn’t happy about that trade, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Your team is terrible, and it rains every day in Seattle. What’s so good about this?”
I punched his biceps lightly. “It doesn’t rain every day, and it’s a great city. Besides, the Slammers have a loyal fan base, great owners, and I love my teammates.”
“Okay, maybe it’s not so bad.”
“No, and the few years I played with Vinnie changed my game. I wouldn’t be team captain if it weren’t for him. The guy was a human wrecking ball. He cleared paths on the ice that made me look like a superstar on day one. No kidding. I scored a hat trick the first night we played together. He wanted me on his line after that—and what Vinnie wanted, Vinnie got. We didn’t sniff the Stanley Cup, but we all improved. Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone all that well since he retired. That’s on me.”
Jean-Claude furrowed his brow. “If I remember correctly, hockey is a team sport. How can it be your fault if your team doesn’t make the playoffs?”
“I’m the leader. But I’m not so good at leading. Fuck, I should be on the bench now, cheering my guys on and supporting them, but I’m not even allowed near the ice. I’m like some fragile fucking flower.”