Puck Battles: A Complete Sports Romance Series

by Kristen Echo

  Theo dropped the one snowball he was about to throw and raised his hands in defeat. “You win. I surrender.”

  She could hardly believe a man as competitive as a pro hockey player would accept losing so quickly. Carly stepped out from behind the car. Theo rushed her and they both went tumbling to the ground. She would have been mad if she wasn’t so busy laughing. He covered her body with his, pinning her arms by her sides with his knees, and he sprinkled snow on her face.

  “Stop, cheater,” she yelled, blinking snow from her eyes.

  His laugh grew louder as she wiggled to get free. She shook her head from side to side, but it was no use, he would only stop when he was ready. She eventually stopped struggling. “All right, you win.” She wasn’t only talking about their game. Theo was winning her heart.

  “That’s right,” he said through his laughter. He lowered his upper body until their faces were inches apart. “You look like an angel right now. Sparkling and so damn pretty my eyes hurt.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond before kissing her and stealing her words with his mouth.

  Theo made it clear he wasn’t interested in a fling, but could she offer more? Was she ready? Kissing him, made her feel like anything was possible. He rolled off and flapped his arms in the snow.

  “What are you doing, crazy man?”

  “Making snow angels, what else?” He stood up and surveyed his handiwork. “Not bad, but it doesn’t compare to your beauty.”

  She laughed at how ridiculous they were being, but she had to admit he made a good angel. At some point, she stopped looking at the snow and the blizzard as the end of the world, and became thankful for every flake.

  Theo was changing her view of things, and that had to be a good thing. For so long she’d been acting like a drill sergeant with her life. She allotted no time for fun, because she wanted to please everyone around her, and atone for her mistakes. It seemed like she couldn’t do anything right no matter how hard she tried.

  Lying in the snow, her stomach twisted with guilt. She hadn’t checked her phone once in the last hour. She was the world’s worst, most inconsiderate child. Here she was having the time of her life, certain her parents were worrying themselves sick. Carly scrambled to her feet and tugged on Theo’s arm, pulling him towards the house.

  “Let’s go back inside.”

  “Sounds good, I’ve worked up an appetite. You?” His smile was infectious.

  “Sure.”

  Once inside she didn’t bother taking off her coat before rushing for her phone. There was still no service. She breathed a sigh of relief, but the sadness didn’t dissipate. It clung to her like an unwelcome tick.

  Theo wasn’t all thumbs in the kitchen as Carly would have suspected a twenty-year-old man to be. He made a decent PB&J sandwich. A little chocolate would have rounded off the meal, but there was none in the kitchen or front closets. They checked twice. He laughed at her disappointment, but told her he’d buy her a giant slab of it when they got out. She wouldn’t hold him to that, but thinking about chocolate soothed her. The way Theo doted on her, made her feel like a princess.

  Lunch turned out to be nothing like her usual Christmas meal with all the trimmings, but Theo made it special all the same. He lit candles even though the brightness of the day illuminated the room fine. This time he sat next to her and held her hand under the table. The gesture sent the butterflies dancing in her stomach again.

  “Did you always love hockey?” She asked before taking her first bite.

  “Since the moment I put on skates, I’ve been chasing a puck. I remember the first game I saw on TV, I was two maybe three, and I’ve been in love ever since.”

  “Why?” Carly liked hockey because her dad did. It was a way for them to bond and somewhere along the way she became a fan.

  “I’ve never really thought about why. Most Canadian kids grow up playing hockey and wanting to play for the NHL. My dad had all of us boys in skates as soon as we learned to walk. As a kid, I used to watch hours of hockey reels, learning how the pros skated, passed, checked, everything. I wasn’t satisfied until I could replicate their moves. I love everything about the sport.”

  “So, you’re one of the few who got to see his childhood dream come true. I thought most players go pro for the accolades, and of course the fat paycheck,” she said with a giggle. She finished her sandwich and watched as Theo ate his third.

  “I love how the fans cheer, don’t get me wrong that’s a bonus. The money is all right too. But, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The scary part once you make it, is how quickly it can all fall apart. I’m one injury away from losing my dream. I’m one bad season away from it all ending. It’s terrifying.”

  Carly squeezed Theo’s hand. “You’re an amazing player. I don’t think you have to worry about not getting another contract. You’ve got a long career ahead of you.”

  “I hope so, but you never know. I thought getting drafted in the first round was cool but my mom wasn’t there to share that moment. My dad and manager kind of ruined the fun with the money talk. I mean, I care about making money, but I care more about playing.”

  “Your dad was most likely looking out for you, making sure you weren’t getting taken advantage of. I hear things in pro sports can get pretty cutthroat.”

  “You have no idea how much pressure rests on these shoulders.”

  Theo would be surprised how much she could relate to the pressure of being the best and pleasing everyone. They had so much more in common than she would have ever imagined.

  “Well let me relieve some of your stress by cleaning up. You can go relax.”

  Theo smiled. “I won’t argue with that. Thanks Carly, you’re the best.” He rounded the table and kissed her cheek. He disappeared, leaving her with a few plates and a lot of information to digest.

  She ran the water and a soapy cloth over the butter knife and it all felt so domestic, like playing house. Carly pictured living with Theo and sharing similar lunches on lazy days. Kicking back after a heavy school day, snuggled on a couch and watching a game together. She laughed out loud at her daydream.

  Theo told her earlier, he hadn’t had a good Christmas since his mom passed away, and she planned to change that. She tried to think of something she could do to make this one good for him. The more he divulged about himself, the more she knew he was a genuine good guy. He deserved to have the best Christmas.

  She pondered her options, getting lost in the possibilities. All paths ended with them in a bed. If she gave herself to him, would she be able to walk away after?

  She liked Theo, more than she'd set out to. If she was being honest, she could so easily fall for him. He had so many great qualities to love. However, there was a big part of her that didn’t trust him. She didn’t trust herself. She’d been down a similar road before, with disastrous results.

  Her musing got interrupted by Theo dropping a kiss against the back of her neck. Shivers of anticipation raced down her spine. “Come with me,” he said, taking her hand and leading her out of the room.

  The energy shifted between them, became more sexually charged, and her entire body was primed for him. The eagerness for them to move their relationship forward monopolized her thoughts, leaving her senses on high alert.

  Her mind was made up. She knew what to do in order to make this his best Christmas, and she hoped he would go along with her plans.

  Chapter 11

  Carly listened to the loud pounding of her heart and wondered if Theo heard it. His giant hand engulfed hers, making her feel petite. This was it. They were going to have sex. Theo walked her into the living room and pointed towards the couch.

  A pang of disappointment settled in her gut when he didn’t sit with her, or take her to a bedroom, as she had stupidly hoped for.

  All was not lost. She could take the reins and explain herself. Her attraction to him was more than skin deep and she was ready to move beyond the kissing. Last night he’d rocked her world with his fingers and
tongue, but she craved more. He thought she wasn’t ready, but he was wrong. Carly had never been more certain about anything.

  “Theo, please come sit with me.” She held out her hand, but he didn’t take it.

  The confident, at times arrogant, man was sweating. A sheen of perspiration collected at his hairline. He wiped his hands on his jeans and breathed heavily. If Carly didn’t know better, she would think he was nervous.

  But what would he have to be apprehensive about? Her mind jumped to the only logical conclusion.

  A cold sweat beaded on her brow. During their time together, Carly had learned how caring and thoughtful Theo could be. The only thing that explained his behavior was regret. He regretted messing around with her and now, he dreaded telling her. The kissing, the fooling around, all the shenanigans would end now.

  Carly closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Theo had done the impossible, and made her like a hockey player. She considered him a friend with the potential for more. Her hand dropped to her lap, and she knotted her fingers together.

  Sex with no strings attached was the perfect way to prove to herself that she wasn’t as damaged as she thought. Or it could confirm her worst fears. Looking into the deep blue sea of his eyes, she knew he was worth the risk.

  Her eyes darted past him as he shuffled from foot to foot searching for his words. The snow hadn’t stopped yet. From her seat on the couch, the visibility appeared too poor to drive. Elation rose from the pit of despair at the joy of each frozen crystal. Christmas wasn’t over yet, and she might still have her chance to get closer to him. Intimately closer at least because she had nothing else to offer.

  He cleared his throat. “Okay, so… Um, I have a present for you.”

  What? How could he have brought her a present?

  “Don’t get too excited, it’s nothing fancy, it’s not even something you can open. None the less, I hope you like it since it wouldn’t feel like an official Christmas without presents. Here is a gift from my heart to yours.”

  He smiled, and she returned the sentiment. She kept her hands folded on her lap, waiting for him to give her a gift. Something from his heart.

  “Here goes nothing. I wanted to quote one of my favorite poems by Lord Byron, entitled She Walks in Beauty, but I only remembered the first few lines.”

  He lowered himself onto bent knees and took her shaking hands in his. Theo kissed her knuckles, and Carly sensed the romance sprinkled through the air like a magical mist. His eyes locked onto hers and there was no place on Earth she would have rather been in that moment than with Theo.

  “When I look at you, I see the purity of your soul, the exquisite radiance of your smile, and the glow that surrounds you. You are the perfect woman he describes. Carly, you walk in beauty, and everything else pales by comparison. Not because of your gorgeous exterior, but because of the tenderness, the darkness and light that shines from within you.”

  He spoke like a poet and natural storyteller. Carly was mesmerized by his words as much as the blue of his eyes. She could sit there and listen to the soft purr of his voice for hours. He paused and chewed his lower lip. She remained silent, waiting with bated breath for what he would say next.

  “I wish I remembered the lines for you, but you inspired me to find my own words. Byron must have had his own version of Carly Saint when he wrote that piece.”

  “Theo,” she whispered. It was her turn to clear her throat. His words affected her deeply. “Your words are beautiful. Thank you for my present.”

  “Oh, there’s more. We learned Byron back in high school and that opening stanza always struck a chord, but I didn’t fully understand it, until I met you. Anyway, the next poem is mine, inspired by you. Please remember I’m a hockey player not a poet.”

  She wasn’t sure she could listen to anymore without passing out. All the blood had already rushed to her lower half, leaving her woozy. No matter what he came up with, she already loved every word he’d said.

  “The stars aligned, bringing us together, some will call it fate,

  I agree, because I’m falling for you, without having had a first date.

  You are the entire package wrapped in a sassy little bow,

  I will cherish our time forever and always remember the snow.

  A poet, I’m not, but what can I say,

  Except, I’m glad we are together, and Happy Holiday.”

  He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. His eyes searching hers for a reaction.

  Theo Montagne wrote her a poem. The best present of all time.

  “Wow, Theo. Thank you.” She placed their joined hands over her heart. Carly was blown away by his sensitive side. The way he described her and said she reminded him of one of the most romantic poems ever written was both hauntingly beautiful and heartfelt. “That was lovely. Your words will forever be etched into my heart.”

  Theo’s cheeks turned rosy at the compliment. “It was far from spectacular, but I’m glad you liked it.”

  Carly more than liked it. It was over the top swoon-worthy. “I did.” No one had ever done anything like that for her before. She doubted she would ever meet someone who would again.

  He held her hands and looked right into her eyes. The piercing blue digging deep into her soul. “Can I ask you something, Carly?”

  “Anything,” she said breathlessly.

  “Do you find it strange how comfortable we are around one another?”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. The conversation, the present, all of it wasn’t about sharing something minor or insignificant. Theo was making a play for her heart. The one thing she did not want to give up. Her body, she was ready and willing to give. She was aching for them to connect physically, but this was too emotional for her.

  He waited for a response, but she wasn’t able to answer.

  “I know you feel it too. It’s like I can be myself without fear of judgment. The hockey world expects me to be a certain way. My family has similar expectations. I’m still learning how to deal with it, you know.”

  Carly knew exactly what he was talking about. All her life, she’d felt like she had to behave a certain way, and somewhere she lost herself within those expectations. Her outward appearance didn’t match the geek inside.

  “I get it, growing up isn’t easy. Navigating the waters into adulthood has been tougher than I expected too.”

  “Yeah…” A wistful look crossed his face. This hockey player had a heart, and he was burrowing his way inside hers.

  She cupped his face in her hands. “Thank you again for my present. It moved me, more than I can express through words.” Her lips met his in a kiss she hoped conveyed how affected she was.

  “Merry Christmas, Carly.”

  “It’s time for your present now,” she said, rising to her feet. She found her courage. If he pushed past his fear and recited poetry, she could give herself to him. Carly figured it was time to put her big girl panties on and tell Theo what she wanted. Show him what she wanted from him.

  He was still kneeling in front of her as she lifted her shirt over her head. Her eyes remained locked on his. His sharp intake of breath confirmed he hadn’t been expecting this. Before she changed her mind, she unclasped her bra and let it fall to the floor by Theo’s legs.

  “You said, you wanted to wait, but we’ve waited long enough. I have no fancy words or sentimental gestures to offer. But I am offering myself.” It sounded so much more pathetic than it had in her mind.

  “Breathtaking. I am in awe of you.” He kissed her stomach, right above her jeans. His hands roamed over her ass, squeezing her round globes. “Are you one hundred percent sure?”

  She nodded.

  “Then take off your pants and panties and let me see you. All of you.” The command sent a jolt of desire right to her core.

  She got the distinct impression he meant more than her naked body; he wanted everything. After this moment, there would be no going back. Bared and vulnerable, and she wouldn’t ha
ve wanted things any other way.

  Theo sat back on his legs and watched her. His eyes roamed over her curves, making her feel every bit as beautiful as his earlier words. She reached for the fly on her jeans and undid the button and zipper. A hint of her red panties peeked through the opening. He leaned in and kissed the top of her mound. This emboldened her further to continue showing him all of her.

  Carly hooked her fingers into the waistband of her jeans and panties and lowered them to the ground, exposing her most private parts. He helped her remove the articles along with her socks. She stood before him completely naked.

  Her first reaction was to cover herself. To hide, but she forced her arms to remain by her side as she presented herself to him. Theo devoured her with hungry eyes. There was no mistaking the attraction within those blue orbs. The attention made her hot, and she knew he could see the arousal glistening down below. With every passing second her desire grew thicker. The anticipation of his touch was killing her.

  “The most exquisite present I have ever received. Carly, your body deserves to be cherished and I plan to do that. Will you let me make love to you?”

  Why did he have to call it love? The joining of their bodies would be fun and hot as hell but it wasn’t love. She didn’t know how to make him understand. She’d have to convey her message through words and body language. Love didn’t factor into the equation.

  “Touch me, Theo. I want to feel you inside me, I want to look into your eyes when I make you come. I want this to be a Christmas, neither of us will ever forget.”

  He didn’t move, Theo said nothing as he stared at her. Each second that passed, her pulsed raced faster until it was all she heard. Carly wondered if she’d made a mistake. Had she read the signs all wrong? Would giving him her body be enough or was he set on her giving more?

  The scrutiny of his gaze heated her from the inside out. The silence swallowed her last shred of courage. She looked at him, waiting for him to decide whether she was enough.

  Chapter 12