by Toni Aleo
“They need to cool, don’t they?” Kyler asked in a low growl, his breath hot on her skin.
She nodded. “They can go in the chiller, over there.” She pointed. Unable to function, and the room spinning like a carnival ride after his kiss, she stood in place while Kyler put the tray of cupcakes in the chiller along with the bowl of icing.
“Good?” He asked.
“Good.” She had no idea what she was doing. All she knew is she didn’t want this to stop.
Kyler pulled her into his strong arms again, and his lips met hers. He hiked her up on the metal counter top and tried to deepen the kiss.
Putting her hand on his shoulder, she pulled away. “We can’t do this here.”
“I beg to differ. I’m fairly tall, and I think this will work just fine.” His sexy smirk almost had her agreeing with him.
“No. I mean, we really can’t do this here.” She pointed to the health inspection papers hanging on the wall. “I don’t doubt that we could do this here. But we can’t. It’s a kitchen. You know?”
Kyler kissed her again, and she didn’t stop him. Instead she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“I understand,” he said against her lips. “You tell me what you want. Should I leave?”
Her heart pounded so loudly she could no longer hear the holiday music over the speakers. “No.”
“Avery?” Kyler whispered. He kissed the side of her mouth.
“My loft is only two blocks away, it’s like a ten-minute walk.”
“I bet we could make it there in five.” Kyler flashed a devilish grin, then lifted her off the countertop, grabbed her by the hand and hurried to where their coats were hung.
She quickly closed the bakery, and locked the door behind them, but not before she grabbed the half empty bottle of Limoncello. Avery led the way, with Kyler following close behind. The bitter winter air ripped around her and nipped at her face. Her fingers froze even clad in gloves.
His large body closed in on her, helping to shield some of the cold. “Are we close?”
“Yes. The next door, right there.” She unlocked the metal door and turned to him.
She expected him to slip inside the building. But instead, his lips came down on hers. Then he curled his arm around her waist and ushered her into the building. “Lead the way.”
Avery hurried up the stairs to her apartment. Her face now warm from the heat of the building, or maybe it was from his intentions. Her loft was on the top floor. Avery quickly unlocked the door, and again, his lips came down on hers, his cologne surrounded her, the spicy scent was intoxicating. She fumbled to shut the door, and lock it, before slipping away from him.
Kyler swiped his thumb across his bottom lip, his face scrunched up, perplexed at her actions.
Avery hurried into the kitchen, getting two glasses, and emptying the remaining alcohol into them.
Kyler appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You’re not getting cold feet, are you sweetheart? We can slow down, just say the word.”
He kissed her ear, then down her neck, causing chills to spread through her body, and other parts of her to heat up. “No. Just wanted to finish the bottle.” She downed her entire glass.
It wasn’t that she needed the alcohol to jump into bed with him, it was more that she needed it to bring out that free-spirited part of her. Otherwise she was analyzing her every move and she’d never have any fun.
“You sure?” he asked, so gentlemanly.
She wasn’t sure of anything right now. The alcohol was fueling her need to open up and just let life happen. And that meant Kyler. She took him by the hand and led him to her room.
All she wanted was his lips on hers again. Taking the initiative, she kissed him longingly. Her fingers ran along the nape of his neck, his short haircut tickled her fingertips.
Kyler’s warm lips on her felt like freedom, as if she had been locked away, and he had set her free. His strong hands on her body awakened every sense, making her highly aware of every sensation.
They kicked off their shoes as they moved to the bed. She didn’t stop him when he slowly undressed her, then himself. And she didn’t stop him when he pushed inside of her. His sheathed, hard, dick moved within her, causing her head to spin, and her heart to race. And then all the memories from that night came rushing back. It was a wonderfully exciting sense of Deja vu as erotic feelings raced through her body as he filled her.
Kyler pleasured her over and over again. He’d make her come once and then excite her all over again, only to shatter her in yet another explosive and delightful orgasm. Just like that night, he took her into special consideration, and took care of her needs many times before finally taking care of his himself, and coming hard into her, while he made her orgasm one last and amazing time.
Chapter Six
Kyler
Kyler looked back at a sleeping Avery. He hated leaving so early after their night together. They didn’t get much rest last night. He didn’t want to wake her, she looked so peaceful. She would have another big day at the bakery and waking her after only a few hours of sleep seemed wrong. As wrong as it felt, he left her a note and quietly snuck out. He typically wouldn’t do that, but he needed to shower and get to the arena. The team had an afternoon game, then they were off a couple days. He’d have plenty of time to spend with her, if that’s what she wanted. But today he couldn’t be late. This was his job.
As much distain as he had for the Christmas holiday, spending the day in the bakery was fun. He found himself caught up in the holiday cheer. Even the Christmas music was enjoyable – and he hadn’t thought that in years.
After stopping at his own apartment, he showered, and changed. He grabbed a few cookies that he brought home from the bakery and nibbled on them while driving to the Rivers Arena.
The decorations and the holiday bustle that he passed on the streets didn’t irritate him as much this morning as it normally did. It could be that is thoughts were filled with Avery. He enjoyed her company, and she made the holiday bearable again.
Guilt filled him. Why didn’t I wake her up?
Kyler checked his phone, nothing from Avery. Instead of waiting, he typed out a text to her.
Kyler: Good morning. Sorry I had to run out, but it’s the last game until after the holiday. Maybe we can meet up later?
No response from Avery. It’s possible she was still sleeping, so he let it slide while he got ready for the game. They weren’t supposed to have their phones in the locker room, they were to be locked up in the changing room. So, he sent her a few before he locked his phone up. Maybe more than a few. He’d never been so eager for a woman’s attention before in his life.
Maybe it was that stupid note that he left. Kyler couldn’t shake the feeling that leaving that note, instead of waking her, could change the course of whatever this was that they had.
He couldn’t worry about that now. It was game time, and he needed to be focused on the ice.
The video boards were decorated in red and green with a Santa hat on their logo, and computerized holly dancing around. Holiday bells jingled during their opening video, and red and green lasers filled the ice. Looking out into the seats, there was a sea of ugly Christmas sweaters. And for the first time, none of it bothered him.
Sitting on the bench Kyler waited patiently. Kris Lafleur and Tyler Kidd had been tearing up the ice, Ty had the Renegades ahead 1 – 0. But they were getting tired, and that meant it was his turn. Sam Morris and Luc Marcella were on his line, and Dom Zanetti was in net.
Afternoon games were tough, besides that fact that he had hardly gotten any sleep. Kyler jumped on the ice, as Kris and Tyler hopped over the boards. He picked up the puck from Patrick, behind Dom’s net. Digging his blades into the ice, Kyler tore down the ice towards Toronto’s end.
The roar of the crowd faded as he focused on the net. Patrick held off a few Toronto players while Kyler attempted to get a clear shot. He heard someone call from behind, “Kyl
er, watch out!”
But before he could figure out what it meant, he was flying through the air and landed flat on his stomach on the ice. The whistle blew, and the Toronto defenseman was being charged with tripping. While that player was escorted to the penalty box, another defenseman, jersey number 4, bumped Kyler’s shoulder, and grunted, “nice dive, pussy-boy.”
Kyler shoved him back. “What the fuck, dude?”
The referee broke them up, and the guys lined up for the puck drop. The Renegades were on a power play, since Toronto had a guy in the box. Kyler stayed on the ice, Patrick was replaced by Harrison Dash, and that’s when Kyler knew some shit was about to go down.
Harrison Dash was a young gun on the team, but he was also one of the best young enforcers in the league. As much as teams didn’t hire for grit anymore, they still needed to protect their stars. Harrison was twenty-two, the same age as Kyler, and he was not only muscle, he had skill.
Sam took the face-off and passed the puck back to Luc. Kyler skated wide, getting open for a pass. Looking up to call for the puck, he took an elbow to the face instead.
“Fuck!” Kyler bent over, pressing his glove to his face. Throwing his glove off, he pressed his hand to his face, checking for blood, but there was none.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t see that, ref?” Sam called.
But, the ref waved him off and no penalty was called.
“You good, Kyler?” Luc asked before they lined up.
Kyler nodded. His nose was numb like it might be broken, but he wasn’t worried about it. The guy that hit him was still on the ice, and he intended on making him pay.
But once the puck was dropped, Harrison grabbed that Toronto player’s arm and started barking at him. “You fuck with him then you fuck with me. Wanna go? Or are you going to wuss out like your friend in the time-out chair over there?”
Harrison dropped his gloves after his opponent did, and the fighting commenced. Gloves were scattered, sticks thrown on the ice and now helmets too. The pair took shots at one another, until Harrison bear hugged the guy and practically suplexed him to the ice.
Chapter Seven
Avery
“He left me a note and snuck out.” Avery filled Becca in on what happened after the bakery closed Saturday night. She iced the cupcakes her and Kyler made as she fretted. “What does that make me now? Am I just another one of his bunnies? I don’t want to be a bunny. I swear I’m giving up alcohol.”
“I don’t think alcohol is the problem.” Becca commented.
“Really? Because it’s been a factor each time I slept with him.”
“And you guys made those cupcakes together? While drinking the Limoncello?” Becca pointed to the lemon cupcakes in the freshly filled glass display case.
Avery nodded. “I ate one earlier. They’re really good.” Her words were filled with whining, as if she didn’t want the cupcakes to be any good so she could toss them. But, they were delicious.
“Do you want some cheese to go with that wine? Shit, Avery. You slept with the guy. Stop acting like you can’t stand him. Plus, he’s drop dead gorgeous. I can’t blame you.”
“Really, Becca?” Avery’s face was hot. She was annoyed already.
“Avery, did you ever think that maybe you slept with him again because you really like him?” Becca asked.
Obviously. Kyler is hot, sexy, and when he flirts with me, I can’t seem to think straight. His self-righteous smirk makes my knees go weak. “Nope. Pretty sure it’s the alcohol.”
“Fine.” Becca appeared to give up on her quest to get Avery to admit she liked Kyler. “And he left you a note?”
“Yes. But you don’t just walk out after something like that and leave a note.”
“Sounds to me like he was being a gentleman and letting you sleep. ‘Cause I’m going to guess there wasn’t much sleeping last night?” Becca teased.
Maybe she might consider him letting her come over and over before he finally let himself come, being gentlemanly. But then again, some of the things he did to her made her anything but lady-like. The farther her thoughts drifted to last night, the more her heart began to race. She was really beginning to like him, and the way the weight of his body felt on hers as he made love to her last night.
Becca startled her, snapping her fingers in front of Avery’s face. “Hello? Avery? What are you day dreaming about? His hard, muscular body? Or his dark, dreamy eyes?”
“His bo – oh shut up, Becca! I’m not day dreaming about anything. I was just thinking how good those Limoncello cupcakes were and that we should make them one of the daily specials.”
“Sure you were.” Becca said sarcastically.
Avery’s cell phone buzzed with a text message.
“That thing has been buzzing all day.”
“Yeah, I know.” Avery glanced at the message and muted her phone before setting it back down.
“If he’s texting you, then it doesn’t sound like he thinks you are a puck bunny. Players don’t typically converse with their one-nighters afterwards.” Becca said as she filled the cases with fresh Christmas cookies. “That’s kind of why they call them one-nighters.”
“Excuse me? You sound like you know from experience?”
“Maybe once… or twice.”
The chime over the door rang as customers started to pour in for their last-minute Christmas cookies.
Avery excused herself to the back room and focused on finishing the gingerbread house. She decorated another gingerbread cookie and a tree cookie to put in front of the house. She outlined the windows in green and red candies and put on a few candy canes.
Even though the day was busy, Avery couldn’t get Becca’s words out of her head. She wasn’t wrong, because when Avery went home for the day and finally picked up her phone, she had twenty text messages from Kyler.
Part of her wanted to respond, because he sounded worried that she wasn’t. But the other part of her was holding a grudge. She didn’t want to talk to him, still bothered by the fact that he left a note like a booty call. Could he have done it out of consideration for her? Or was it more as payback for her leaving that first drunken night?
Now her pulse raced with worry.
She picked up her phone and started to type a message. Then she backspaced and started over again.
Avery: Hey. Sorry. Forgot my phone at home. How’d the game go?
Kyler must’ve been sitting with his phone in hand, waiting for her to respond. Because his reply came only seconds after she sent her text.
Kyler: We lost in a shootout. At least we earned a point. Again, sorry about the note this morning. I wish I could’ve stayed to make you breakfast.
She didn’t know what she was supposed to say – Thank you?
Avery: I’m beat. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow?
Kyler: Yeah. Sure. G’night.
Avery silenced her phone and put it upside down on her nightstand.
She fluffed her pillow and curled up under the warm covers. When she closed her eyes, all she could see was Kyler. This was going to be a very long night.
Chapter Eight
Kyler
Christmas Eve Party
Festive music echoed through the dining hall. The room was decorated like a North Pole Wonderland, complete with a chair right beside a large decorated Christmas tree for Santa to sit in. The tree was surrounded with gifts wrapped in festive papers and bows.
The kids ran around, danced, and laughed. They were on a sugar high from all the wonderful goodies supplied by the Cupcakery. Kyler looked over the cupcake selection again. “I can’t decide if I like the melted snowmen cupcakes or the Santa Claus ones the best.” He sipped at his cup of eggnog, which he really wasn’t a fan of, but it was a Christmas party.
There were still plenty of gingerbread cookies and cut-out sugar cookies left too. Enough to give these kids another fantastic sugar filled feast tomorrow as well, and that warmed his heart. He was happy he was able to help and make the holiday specia
l for these children.
His thoughts were interrupted by Avery’s soft voice. “Hey.” She was beautiful in a red sweater, black skirt and knee-high boots. The way she stood too far away from him and did her best to train her eyes on everything else but him showed she was nervous.
“Hey. Merry Christmas. You look amazing.” He reached out to her, but Avery side stepped his grasp, and grabbed a cookie instead. “Avery? Are you avoiding me?”
He had already answered his own question. He’d been at the party for an hour and this is the first time he ran into her.
“Me? No.” Avery shook off his concern, but the truth showed through her anxious smile.
Kyler gently took her hand and pulled her to a quiet corner of the room. “Yeah, I don’t believe you.”
Avery looked right at him for the first time tonight and when her gaze hit his black eye, she gasped. “Oh, Kyler! Your eye?”
Kyler rubbed at his left eye. “Yeah. I took an elbow to the face yesterday. It’s starting to bruise.”
“Oh my.” She said, concern filling her voice. She was no longer standoffish. Avery reached up and ran her thumb along his cheek bone. “Are you okay?”
He chuckled. She really didn’t know a lot about hockey. And he found it adorable. “Yes. I’ll be fine. It looks worse than it feels. Really, it’s just a black eye.”
Before he could ask her why she was avoiding him, the head master of the orphanage approached him, and Avery quickly retreated.
“Kyler. I’m Chrissy, we talked on the phone.” The lady said with a smile. She held out her hand to Kyler. “It’s nice to meet you in person.”
“Chrissy, yes, hi. And thanks for bringing me on board.” Kyler shook her hand. “I’m willing to help any way I can.”
“On board?” Avery asked, a confused look on her face.
“Yes, Kyler is going to be doing a lot more with the orphanage, and we are already working with the Renegade’s PR people planning some new charity events. This is all very exciting, and I needed to come over here to thank you personally, Kyler. The staff is thrilled to have you.” She moved her attention to Avery. “And Miss James, everything looks wonderful. The kids love the cupcakes and cookies. And the gingerbread house is gorgeous. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get over there to announce the next surprise to the kids. Thank you both so much.”