Lucky Goal

by Kristen Echo

  Why she let him, she didn’t know. She blamed his soft spicy scent and the warmth of his touch. Every step felt like she’d fallen further down the rabbit’s hole. The hurt, the disappointment, the pain and the love pounded against her like a series of punches. It left her winded and dazed. “Let go of me! You have no right to touch me. Not anymore.”

  He didn’t let go. “Elizabeth, let me explain. I made a mistake.”

  “Don’t say my name like you know me! The stupid love-struck idiot you knew is gone. Save your breath,” she yelled.

  “Eliz… I never thought you were stupid.” He rubbed her arms, like he couldn’t stop himself. As if he needed to feel her and get a reaction. She stood immobile, but his caress affected her more than she let on. He pressed his forehead to hers. “I promised myself when our paths crossed again that I’d beg you to forgive me. Hear me out.” His voice got louder, and it turned her on even more. Benny didn’t ask; he demanded.

  “You made your decision. You left me. There is nothing left to say. Let me go!”

  They were both breathing heavy. He touched her chin and pressed their bodies together. “I made the wrong choice. Fate brought us together again.”

  His lips came for her, and for a split second she almost gave him what he wanted. But she came to her senses and pushed him away, creating an arm’s length distance. Tears danced around the rims of her eyes. “What do you want?”

  “Don’t cry. I hate to see you upset.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Give me another chance. The connection between us is stronger than ever. You feel it too.”

  Unbelievable. He wanted a second chance. A do over. As if that were possible. As if she’d ever forget the way he dumped her. They couldn’t rewrite history. Fate was a cruel and evil bitch for putting him back in her life.

  “Go fuck yourself!” She bolted from the alcove and raced down the hall. Once she opened the doors to the reception, she entered and quickly marched to her table. Joe had several female admirers with Ines vying heavily for his attention. It wasn’t like her to be rude, but she needed him.

  “Dance with me.” She held out her hand, and Joe must have noticed her flushed cheeks and watery eyes because he didn’t hesitate.

  “Something’s wrong. Will you tell me what’s up?” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her close. Joe might not be husband material, but he was an amazing man. One day when he was ready to settle down, he’d make some woman very happy. But as he held her in his strong arms, she knew it wouldn’t be her.

  “Not yet; maybe never. Let’s dance instead of talking.” She rested her head against his chest.

  “I won’t press the issue, but does this have anything to do with Benjamin Wilder? I see the way he’s been looking at you all night. If he makes you uncomfortable, just say the word, and I’ll set him straight.”

  “Thanks for the offer. You’re like a mama bear, protecting her cubs. I appreciate that about you, but I can handle men like Benny Wilder.” As the words came out, she knew it was a lie. She couldn’t handle him or the way he made her feel. Benny had been right about their connection being as strong as ever. It scared the shit out of her.

  They danced and Joe cracked jokes until she laughed. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Ines, waiting for her chance to cut in. “I think there’s a woman vying for your time, Mr. Larson. You should go dance with someone who might put out for you tonight. I’m really sorry, but I think I’m out.”

  He chuckled. “You’ve had more than a few drinks. Are you good? Believe it or not, sex isn’t the most important thing to me.”

  “Besides hockey and sex, tell me, what else is there?”

  “You have a point.” Joe let go of her hand. “Take the limo and text me when you arrive home. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you came with me tonight. We’ll see each other again.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled, but it vanished when Benny stepped next to her. He licked his lips and her heart pounded like a jackhammer.

  “Mind if I cut in?” He placed his hand on her back. Skin to skin. It was too much. His presence and the attraction were too much to take.

  She’d reached the end of her pain threshold for the night. It had taken all her willpower to not kiss him in the hall. Her strength had run out. Staring at his lips, she had no choice. “I’m out of here.” She sauntered away and didn’t look back, giving him a taste of his own medicine.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  W hen she opened her eyes, the morning sunshine illuminated her dorm room. A new day had arrived. Her head ached; a result of too much booze and far too many tears. The pillow had never been more inviting. As her head nestled into the sack of feathers she closed her eyes, refusing to start the day. Only she couldn’t fall back to sleep.

  The encounter with her ex had rattled her. She rolled over and her eyes shot open. It hadn’t been a sick and twisted dream. He was really there. Benny Wilder was back, and he wanted a second chance. A ripple of arousal raced across her body.

  The prospect of being with him again wasn’t as repulsive as it should have been. The man had broken her heart. Now he wanted an opportunity to make it right; or do it again. She couldn’t be sure of his motives. Their conversation replayed in her mind, leaving her with more questions than answers. His charm had been every bit as alluring as always. She blamed the booze for almost kissing him. She shouldn’t give into temptation.

  No matter how handsome or how fucking good he smelled; he was still the enemy.

  No matter how much her body craved his touch; she had to stay away. Right?

  What kind of doormat would she be, if she took him back? No, she had to stay away. She had too much self-esteem to crawl back to an ex who’d tossed her aside like a used condom. Beth rolled over again and punched the pillow, but it did nothing to soothe her conflicted soul. Not when the devil himself invaded her thoughts. Every time she closed her eyes, images of Benny rushed in.

  “Morning,” Carly said from across the room, scaring her half to death.

  “Don’t sneak up on people! When did you get here?” Her heart was in her throat. She hadn’t heard her roommate come home. She peered over and she was dressed in her work outfit: jeans and a black t-shirt. The country diner where she worked had a retro vibe, but they didn’t insist on their waitresses wearing period specific clothing. Though, Beth thought Carly would look awesome in a poodle skirt.

  “I’ve been far too loud to be sneaky. I take it you’re more than a little hungover?”

  Pushing her palms against her eyes soothed the sting from the daylight. “I’ve had better days. Why don’t you keep clothes at Theo’s? We all know it’s only a matter of time before you officially move in.” Beth’s voice sounded like she’d eaten a pack of cotton balls.

  Carly scoffed. “I have no intention of moving out of this room until I have a degree in my hand. As amazing as Theo is, he gets that. Besides, I couldn’t leave you. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me bestie!”

  “Awe, you’re sweet. Theo’s rubbing off on you because the misfit I met in September would never have said anything so sappy.” A pillow landed against her face. She hugged it to her chest and rolled onto her side. “He’s a rare soul. You both are. I’m glad I won’t need to break in a new roommate any time soon.”

  “He is awesome, isn’t he? Speaking of sappy, he’s driving me to work before he heads to the rink so we can spend extra time together.”

  Beth rolled her eyes and put her finger in her mouth. “Gross. I might barf yet.” She tossed the pillow back at Carly.

  “That would make sense given how much you drank. You looked like a woman on a mission. Did Joe do anything to upset you? If he so much as harmed a hair on your head, I’ll kill him.”

  “Joe didn’t do anything. You can relax.”

  “I got concerned when you disappeared halfway through the night.”

  She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Sorry about that. I should have found you and said goodbye before I left.”

  “J
oe said you’d had too much to drink and needed to sleep it off. I’ve never known you to over indulge. What’s up?” Carly stood with her hands on her curvy hips. There’s no way she would accept being put off.

  Beth blew out a large breath. Sitting up, she looked down at her wrinkled dress. The room tilted slightly but recovered. “My ex showed up. The one I told you broke my heart.”

  “Bob? No, that’s not it. Brian. Damn, I’m rotten with names.”

  “Benny. Wilder.” She gave her friend a moment to let the name sink in. She’d given her friend the abbreviated version of her dating history over the past months. They shared secrets and relationship failures. The women had both been scorned by hockey players. She’d told Carly she didn’t believe in love because it was fickle. Something Benny had taught her.

  Carly’s eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. “You never told me your ex played in the NHL. He didn’t just show up; he’s here permanently. Well, as permanent as hockey allows. Fuck!” She flipped her auburn hair over her shoulder.

  “Pretty much took the words out of my mouth.” She needed to brush her teeth. The flavors of mixed alcohol were less than pleasant.

  “Did you two talk? What did he say? Wow, you have to tell me everything,” Carly said, crossing the room to sit next to her.

  Beth twisted the sheets in her hand. “There’s not much to tell. He said he wants me back and we almost kissed.” She covered her face in her hands. Would it have been so wrong to feel his lips one more time?

  “Oh, hell no. You didn’t? Tell me you didn’t.” Carly’s voice rose with indignation.

  Beth remained silent. They hadn’t kissed, but she’d wanted to. Her lips still craved a taste.

  “He treated you like shit. Isn’t this the same guy who dumped you the same week your dad died?”

  She had it right. That happened. “Relax. We didn’t kiss.” She removed her hand from her face. “By the way, you have a great memory. Yes, Benny was traded the same week my dad fell into the coma. He moved and never talked to me again.”

  Her eyes welled with tears. She’d been so close with her dad. They were two peas in a pod. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t miss him like crazy. She’d needed Benny’s support, and he’d gone MIA. The last message she ever received from him was the day her dad passed away: I’m sorry. Two words that weren’t nearly enough.

  “Okay, so he’s back. No big deal. It’s not like you’re going to give him the time of day. You’re dating Joe and seeing where that goes. Right?”

  “Except, Joe and I aren’t dating. He’s Mr. Playing-The-Field and I’m not interested in any more games. We’re attracted to each other, but I don’t think it’s enough. We’re more friends than anything.”

  “So, you want to give Mr. Asshole-Of-The-Century another shot?”

  Beth crawled out of bed and paced the tiny space. “I’m confused. To be honest, I never expected to see him again. I expected hatred to be the number one emotion to surface if our paths ever happened to cross. But that’s not how I feel. In my head he’s a monster, but he’s also a man. A fucking sexy one at that. It’s totally wrong that I want him. Isn’t it?”

  “You’re human. How long has it been since you had sex?”

  Her cheeks flushed. This tidbit wasn’t something she’d shared. “Let me think.” She counted the months since Benny moved. “Over two years,” she answered bashfully.

  “You haven’t had sex with anyone since him? None of the players you’ve dated. Not even Joe?” Carly’s mouth hung open in disbelief.

  “Not everyone has sex on a first date. Don’t look at me like that. I haven’t been in a serious relationship since he dumped me. That’s not so shocking.” She pulled a bottle of water out of her backpack and chugged the contents.

  Carly closed her mouth and shook her head. “You’re right. But hormones can cloud our otherwise good judgment. Don’t take him back. That’s my two cents. There’s no excuse for being that rotten.”

  She was right. Nothing he could say would change the past. “He wanted to talk, but I wouldn’t listen. Then I think the chemistry between us took the reins. I took off before I did something I’d regret.”

  “It’s not crazy for the attraction to linger. We don’t get to choose who we fall for. I never would have picked Theo, but fate put us together and I couldn’t be happier.”

  Fate. She worked her magic for some people and tortured others. Cruel woman.

  “You guys are meant for each other. I thought the same thing about Benny once. He’s a few years older than me, but we had so much in common. Our conversations were easy, and I thought the stars had aligned for us too. Hell, I’d skipped going to University after high school so we could spend more time together. We were so in love at one time. I still don’t understand what happened then or last night.”

  “Do you still feel something for him?” Carly’s phone rang, and she silenced it.

  “A whole lot of something and it’s freaking me out. Benny’s presence gives me goosebumps. I can’t explain it, but even though I should hate him, I don’t.”

  “That prick will feel my wrath,” Carly said, shaking her fist at the ceiling.

  “Please don’t. I’ll ignore him and get over the attraction.” She hoped the last statement was possible. Besides, she wouldn’t ever have to see him again, if she didn’t want to. Winnipeg was a big city.

  “Are you okay, like really okay?” Carly tilted her head to the side like she was talking to a child.

  Beth smiled. “I’m fine.” In reality she was anything but. In a few weeks this would all blow over. Until then she’d concentrate on school.

  “Oh, fuck nuts! I accidentally gave out your number. This happened before I knew your history. Last night, Benny asked Joe for your number while we were all standing there. Joe said no, like an upstanding guy, but I gave it to him.” She held up her hands in surrender.

  “Carly, why?”

  “He claimed you guys had something to discuss. Sorry, but I got mad on your behalf because Joe was draped over some other girl. I figured it would make him jealous. I didn’t see the harm, seeing as he plays with the guys. It was a mistake.”

  “Fuck. That sucks.” She clutched her bag and sat back down.

  Her phone buzzed again. “Maybe he won’t call. Shit. I’m so sorry. If I wasn’t working I’d stay and chat, but I’m gonna be late and Theo’s waiting outside. I love you!” She blew an air kiss as she ran out the door.

  Beth’s hangover had started to dissipate. She found her purse and looked at her phone. Ten missed calls. All from the same unknown number. Benny.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  B eth stared at her phone in disbelief. Why would he call? She’d been very clear about not wanting to talk or have anything to do with him ever again. Yet, the phone continued to vibrate in her hand. Another missed call from the same unknown number. Whatever twisted game he wanted to play this time, she wasn’t interested.

  She blocked the number.

  There was no point answering because hearing Benny’s deep voice and sultry tone would only provoke a deep-seated desire she couldn’t stop. Even thinking of him now sent a pulse directly to her core and brought dampness between her legs.

  The team had the next few days off, which meant the players had free time. Acting on instinct, she hit redial.

  “Someone die?” Joe’s groggy voice boomed through the line.

  She chuckled at waking him. He must have had a late night since he was typically an early riser. He most likely wasn’t alone. Regardless, Joe deserved an apology. “Not yet,” she answered. “Are you free for dinner? My treat for being such a shit date last night.”

  “Hold up.” He covered the mouthpiece, but she heard his muffled pillow talk. “Baby, I need to take this. Get some rest; you’ll need your strength for when I’m back.” The smacking of lips followed, making her feel like an intruder.

  “Joe. Joe! You can call me back later,” she yelled. That he’d found anot
her woman to end his night with didn’t surprise her. Joe didn’t like being alone any more than she did. His interlude should have bothered her, but it didn’t. She had bigger issues.

  “No. Just hold on. I want to talk with you.” Another second passed before a door closed in the background. “What’s this my-treat shit?”

  Beth blew out a breath, thinking he’d be mad about her behavior at the reception. She should’ve known better. “I bailed on you. It’s the least I can do.”

  He chuckled. “The least you could do is nothing, actually. But if you want to pay me back, then come over to my place, get naked and let me worship that sexy body of yours.”

  Getting naked with Joe now held next to no appeal. “You already have a naked woman in your bed. I’m not interested in a threesome.”

  “Too bad, I bet it would be fun. For your information, it would be a foursome. I’ve already got two luscious ladies in bed. When you get here, I want you to climb on my face. I’ll spread your pretty pink lips with my mouth while they—”

  “Joe Larson, get your mind out of the gutter.”

  “It likes it there,” he laughed. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”

  She exhaled. “You didn’t answer me about tonight. Are you free or not?”

  “Beth, we’re friends. Maybe more. Maybe not. You got drunk and can’t handle your liquor. I don’t need an explanation. I hold nothing against you. You didn’t ruin my night in any way.”

  “Clearly. Still, we… I like you, Joe. I’m not interested in being alone tonight. Carly’s out with Theo and—”

  “You’d like me more naked. Trust me; I’ve got a lot to offer.”

  “I bet you do. So, about dinner?” That man had a one-track mind. This served him well when he was chasing the puck around the ice.

  “Come to my place and you can cook me dinner. I’ll have everything we need sent over. The only thing you have to bring is yourself. If we get naked after dinner, then—”

  “Enough with the naked talk. I’ll be over at five. I have a paper to finish and then I’ll come by.”