“Hey, Soph. What have you been up to?” He puts his hands in his pockets and looks into my eyes expectantly, intently awaiting my response.
“Trying to get some studying done,” I manage to say. In between vivid memories of our bodies entwined together in the hottest sex of my life.
Parker reaches out and touches the light fabric of my sundress. “I like your dress,” he murmurs, massaging the thin material between his fingers. It reminds me of how he likes to massage my breasts. A hot blush breaks out on my cheeks.
I clear my throat. “Thanks, the weather’s finally warm enough to wear it.” He smirks at the way my voice wavers. Or maybe he’s laughing about the fact that I’ve resorted to talking about the weather. Jeez, I’m really grasping for straws here. Anything to keep my wits about me. But the longer I stand here burning under his gaze, the closer I get to coming undone.
“And what’s that? Lavender?” He takes a step forward and sniffs my hair. He’s inches from my face now, and I can see the stubble on his chin, the bulging muscles in his arms.
Before I can confirm that yes, that’s the same lavender shampoo I’ve been using for the entire semester, Parker cups my face in his hands and leans in for a kiss.
Oh, what’s the harm in a single kiss?
I give in, turning to putty in his hands. Parker’s lips feel so soft on mine, and the way he tastes makes me feel like I’ve been starving without him. A fire burns in my core, and the space between my legs grows hot with yearning. Unable to hold myself back, I run my hands through his hair and wrap my arms around his neck, letting out a soft moan of relief. It feels so good to be in his arms again.
The heat from Parker’s hands burns right through my dress as he runs his fingers down the sides of my body. A shiver breaks out at the base of my neck, spreading to every extremity. He grabs my ass and hikes my leg up over his hip. I jump onto him, wrapping both legs around his waist. His erection presses into my stomach, and I’m immediately wet for him.
Parker runs his fingers up under my dress, letting out a groan as he plays with the lacy edge of my underwear. I pull him closer, eager for him to touch me where I know he wants to. Then his hot fingers circle my clit from the outside of my thin panties. I shudder, bucking toward him, and then my eyes fly open when I realize what’s happening.
With a shocked yelp, I jump back down to the ground. I can’t believe Parker Hayes was about to finger me in public!
“What’s wrong?” Parker asks, eyes wild and lips puffy from our intense kiss. He’s giving me a smirk that makes me want to consume him all over again.
I gesture to the open space around us. “We’re in the middle of campus for God’s sake!” Upon second glance, I can see there’s no one around us, thank God, but there totally could have been.
Parker chuckles. With a devilish grin, he says, “That makes it even hotter.”
I grab my bag, which dropped without me noticing, and give Parker a dramatic huff. “I have to go. Have a nice night.” I head for the direction of the parking garage, but Parker blocks me with his solid body. I cock my hip to the side and give him a sassy look. “We can’t do this anymore, Parker. I’m too busy.”
He hunches his shoulders just slightly. “Is that why you haven’t been coming to any of my games lately?” He says it with a bit of attitude, but the look in his eyes tells me he’s legitimately hurt by my absence. It takes me by surprise.
“I’m sorry, but I have a ton of work to do,” I say, more to convince myself than him.
“That never stopped you from being with me before.”
I cross my arms. Parker’s right, damn it. I was reckless and caught up in my emotions, and that’s precisely what I’m trying to avoid now. Which might explain why my next words come out a little callous.
“Is this about me missing your games or you missing our hookups?” I cringe at the word hookups. Though technically that’s what our little get-togethers were, the word just doesn’t feel right in my mouth. Our time together always felt like more than just sex.
Parker doesn’t seem to notice, however. He runs a hand through his hair and lets out a sigh. “It’s about me having lost every single game since you stopped showing up.”
I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, but that wasn’t it. “Oh,” is all that comes out.
“You’re my lucky charm, Soph.” Parker steps toward me, making my heart soar. His lucky charm? That definitely ranks higher than a one-night-stand in my book. “And I know you’ve got more important things to do than come to my games. But maybe you could study in the stands?”
I can’t help but snort at his suggestion. The last place in the world I’d want to study is in a crowded, noisy, chaotic hockey arena. He winces at the harsh sound, and I realize he was serious.
Well, crap. Now I feel terrible. His puppy dog eyes suck me in, melting my heart. Damn it, Parker Hayes needs me. Do I even have it in me to let him down?
I suppose it wouldn’t be too much trouble to study at his games. And it can’t be all that noisy in the far back corner, can it?
Oh boy.
“I’ll think about it,” I say. A glimmer of hope flashes behind his eyes, and my stomach does a backflip.
“Okay. Have a good night, Sophie.” He gives me a quick peck on the forehead, a dare-I-say loving gesture he’s never done before, and we part ways.
Totally conflicted by my emotions and still entirely too turned on by Parker, I make my way to my car in a daze. I almost run a stoplight on the way home, haunted by that sexy kiss.
* * *
Back at my apartment, without the sight of the arena to distract me, I try to get some legitimate studying done. But it’s no use. I want Parker to finish what he started, damn it! I’ve always been turned on by the mere thought of him, but after our steamy kiss... Let’s just say, there was never any hope for the textbook lying out in front of me.
Fuck, I wish I were laid out like that in front of him. It’s been weeks since we’ve had sex, and I’ve never wanted a man to touch me this badly. But not just any man. Parker. My entire body aches for him.
I absentmindedly run my hand over my panties, circling the spot Parker touched earlier. I’m already so wet, I can feel it through my underwear. I pull my panties to the side and slip a finger in deep, rubbing circles with my thumb and pretending its Parker’s hands on me instead. But it’s not enough. I need more, so much more.
I glance over my shoulder to make sure my door is locked before pulling out my suction cup dildo from my desk drawer. I place it on my chair, lowering myself onto it ever so slowly, imagining Parker’s erect length penetrating me instead. My mind replays all the fantastic sex we’ve had. In the locker room when he fucked me against the wall, in the control booth when he took me from behind, on the bench when he held my wrists above my head, preventing me from touching the hard lines of his body.
I hold my hands above my head now, rocking my hips against the chair, pulling what I imagine to be Parker’s cock deeper inside me. I replay our sexy moment as vividly as I remember them, but they’re still not enough. A wave of stupidity washes over me at how desperate I’ve become. I can’t get off like this. Disgusted with myself for pining over someone who doesn’t love me back, I return my toy to its drawer, annoyed that I can’t think of anything besides Parker.
BZZZ!
I jump from the surprise text message. The sight of Parker Hayes’ name on my phone screen sets my heart beat to an erratic rhythm. I impatiently swipe to reveal his message.
Parker Hayes: Hey, the game’s at seven on Friday night. I really hope I see you there. And not just because you’re my lucky charm.
I smirk down at my phone. Not just because you’re my lucky charm. I can hear Parker’s voice as the words ring in my head. I try to stifle the bubbling excitement within me at the possibility that I’m not just a booty call to him.
I sit at my desk, silently contemplating his invitation. Everyone at Tempt University will be at the game on Friday.
This is our school’s first chance in years to make it to the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference finals. I let that bit of information sink in. Maybe it’s actually selfish for me not to go. I mean, if I really am Parker’s lucky charm, it would be irresponsible for me to let them lose knowingly…
Dear Lord, I’ve become the queen of rationalization.
Forgetting about everything else and ignoring how desperate I’ve become, I decide the best time to test out my lucky charm status would be this Friday.
I send Parker a thumbs up, holding back on all the excessive dancing emojis that I really want to add. I’ll go to his game for the sake of the Tempt University Blaze. For school pride and nothing else.
I keep repeating that lie to myself until I fall asleep with Parker on my mind.
Chapter Three
Parker
It’s the bottom of the second, and we’re down by one fucking goal.
Even though I am playing my heart out of my chest, we’re neck and neck with the opposition. I can’t find Sophie anywhere in the stands, and it’s killing me. She sent that thumbs up, so why isn’t she here?
The longer I go without seeing her, the more I actually miss her. And not because she’s smoking hot. Immediately after meeting her, I was surprised to find how much I enjoy being with Sophie. I love picking her brain and making her laugh. Even if she isn’t my lucky charm, I want her to be here. I want to celebrate the highs and get through the lows with her by my side.
Holy shit, what am I saying?
A whistle blows and the boys get ready for a face-off near my goal. There are twenty seconds left in this period. I push my mask up for a sip of water, scanning the audience once more, and that’s when I spot her.
She’s not in her usual spot by the benches—she’s way up high, by the concession stand. The sight of her sends a warm, fuzzy feeling to my head. I have to grab hold of the damn net post for a moment until the feeling goes away. But when it does, I’m as light as a feather.
The biggest, dopiest smile breaks out on my face. Sophie sees me and returns my smile with a tight-lipped, reserved smirk of her own.
Even when she’s uptight, Sophie is gorgeous.
Now that it’s gone, I realize the weight I’d been carrying on my shoulders. I feel lighter, fuller, stronger than before. Is it really because Sophie is here?
If so, she’s one hell of a lucky charm.
My mind races with thoughts about the two of us. Did Sophie show up out of guilt for not supporting the team? Or is she here for me?
I shake my head, telling myself it doesn’t matter. She’s here now, and I’m going to prove to her how much she means to me, how badly I want her in my life.
A boost of energy surges through my body at the realization, sending tingling alertness to every inch of me. I want Sophie. Of course, I do. I always did.
“Burn ‘em up, Blazers!” I shout to my teammates, boiling over with giddy excitement and ready to deliver a much-needed win. Brodie, our defenseman and my best friend, skates up to me.
“Welcome back to the game. We’ve been playing for two periods, but it’s nice of you to finally join us.”
I wave him off and put my helmet back on. “I’m feelin’ a win tonight,” I say, loud enough so the other players can hear me. My teammates respond with similar enthusiasm, getting into position for the puck drop.
I glance back up at Sophie one more time. She’s on the edge of her seat, and she flashes me a dazzling, genuine smile this time. My heart flutters like a damn middle schooler, and I turn back to the game, determined as ever.
The puck drops, and the other team gets it. Their defenseman slaps a shot to my left, but I block it with my stick, sending it just behind the net to Brodie. He shoots it down the side to another teammate who slaps that sucker right into the top shelf where mama keeps her cookies.
The goal horn blares, and the crowd erupts in cheer. With two seconds left at the end of the second period, we tie it up. I glance up at Sophie, who’s cheering along with everyone else. She spots me staring and raises her eyebrows, giving me a “who knew?” shrug of her shoulders.
Shit, she really is my lucky charm.
Chapter Four
Sophie
I made sure to sit in a different spot than usual and to only let Parker see me at the end of the period, after we were already losing.
Why would I purposely torture him? Well, I wanted to be absolutely sure that this whole “lucky charm” thing was real. But as soon as my ass hit the bench, we scored.
That can’t be a coincidence.
And the smile Parker gave me? It melted my heart.
I glance around at the audience. The conversation is buzzing, and everyone is anxiously anticipating the third period. We have a real chance at winning tonight, and I can’t help but get pulled into the excitement. The electricity thrumming through my body makes me feel alive. I can’t believe I denied myself the luxury of coming to these games. Hell, students get in for free! Why am I always so quick to deny myself any sort of fun?
Oh yeah, because fun isn’t in my syllabus. Though I told myself I should be studying right now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I feel rebellious just thinking it.
The lights in the arena slowly brighten, signaling the start of the third period. The teams come out from the locker rooms, skating around on the ice to warm up. Parker heads to his goal and flashes me the cutest, sexiest, sweetest smile that makes my heart throb.
God, he’s adorable. Even from the back of the stands, I’m caught in a trance by his gaze. I smile back, and Parker gives me an almost imperceptible little nod like he appreciates that I came despite his belief that I’d rather be working.
He couldn’t be more wrong.
As he pulls his helmet back on, I remember that the game isn’t over yet. We still have an entire period left. My heart constricts at the thought of what might happen if it turns out I’m not the lucky charm Parker thought I was.
I can’t let that happen.
With every fiber of my being, I focus all my attention on the game, praying that my lucky powers will bring us both a win tonight.
Chapter Five
Parker
It’s a good thing I’m wearing this mask, ‘cuz I’ve been sporting a smile ever since Sophie showed up.
Our team has never played so well. There are three minutes left in the third period, and we’re ahead by one goal. I haven’t needed to look up into the stands once since the clock started counting down. I can feel Sophie cheering me on, and it’s all the motivation I need.
The other team decides to pull their goalie, taking all their chances. They need this win as badly as we do. But I’m sure as hell not going to let them have any more goals.
The whole team kicks ass for what feels like another twenty minutes before the last three minutes of the period come to a close. With seconds left, the other team’s left-wing snatches a breakaway and heads right for me. I skate out from my goal and face the bastard head-on in the middle of the ice. A fucking risky move, but I’m feeling powerful. He makes a move to shoot around me, but I jump to the side and twist my body to catch the goal in my glove.
The crowd erupts in chaos. The goal horn blares. My teammates race toward me.
“Holy shit, we’re going to the finals!” Brodie smacks into me, followed by the rest of my teammates. I search the stands for Sophie’s smiling face, but I can’t see anything over the commotion. Did she leave? My lucky charm couldn’t have gone, because we won.
I think about her as we head into the locker room. My teammates spray water bottles all over everyone, pretending its champagne. I try to be as present as I can, but my mind is racing. Where is Sophie?
I check my phone, just in case, and notice a text.
Sophie Baker: Meet me at our spot.
I take the fastest shower known to man and ditch my teammates without a second thought.
Chapter Six
Sophie
I look ove
r the edge of the wall, staring down at the ice below. I’m standing in the control booth, a somewhat secluded little corner of the upper deck where the announcers sit and where, after his games, Parker and I talk and watch the Zamboni drivers clean up the ice.
Though Parker and I have had sex practically everywhere in the arena, we deemed this area our spot. Despite our relationship starting out as a one-night stand, Parker and I have enjoyed many sweet, non-steamy moments together in this little bird’s nest. I find myself wondering if it’s normal for sex to lead to… well, that other “L” word.
Just then, the sight of Parker rounding the corner, wet-haired and winded as he steps into the control booth, confirms my suspicions. My heart halts at the sight of him, and I know I’m in love.
He’s slightly breathless, and his hair is wet and messy like I love it. He’s wearing my favorite sweats of his, paired with a white Under Armor shirt that reveals his dark chest hair beneath it. The sight instantly drives me wild.
Parker slowly steps into the room, searching my face intently. It’s been two weeks since our last hookup and two days since he teased me with that fantastic kiss outside the library. My body feels magnetically pulled to him, but in a rare moment of clear-headed strength, I don’t give in.
Not until I know where we stand.
“Hey,” I say, breaking the silence.
Parker takes me in from head to toe. I’m wearing another sundress and a jean jacket. Probably not the best choice for a hockey arena, as it’s usually freezing, but his gaze heats me up pretty damn good, and I’m sure he doesn’t mind the sight of my nipples through the thin fabric. “Hey,” he says, his voice low, his stance hesitant.
I rock between my feet, holding my hands in front of me, uncertain where to go from here. Since when has it been awkward between us? I open my mouth to speak, but he interrupts me.
Tempt University: Year One: A College Romance Collection Page 7