The Sport of Romance: A Multi-Author Box Set

by Cari Quinn

  He whispers in my ear. “We’d better go back downstairs before I forget about dinner.”

  I think I already have. “Yeah.” I pull away and peer out at the sky one more time. Touching the star on my chest, I close my eyes and thank the heavens above.

  * * *

  The bottle of champagne is cold in my hands. “We’re running out of time.” It’s a few minutes before midnight.

  “Coming. Hang on.” I hear glass clink in his hands.

  “Okay.” I sprint to the loft and hear him chortle behind me. He catches up just as I’m at the ladder. I scramble up first and Jason nips at my butt. I let out a yelp and move a little faster. Once up, I turn to him. He crawls toward me with a playful grin. I cock my head and look down at him with one hand on my hip. “This is eerily familiar.”

  He kneels at my feet and looks. “You aren’t naked.”

  “You aren’t either.” I kneel down across from him. “Let me fix that.” I set the bottle down, and he does the same with the glasses. Facing him, I pull his sweater off over his head. Static crackles. He looks into me, and I melt in his eyes. I reach out and unbutton his shirt. Flannel caresses my fingers as the buttons release. I push it open with my hands and peel it off, savoring the sensation of his skin. A small sigh escapes my mouth. Touching his chest with my index finger, I drag it down toward his pants and stop at the button. He lifts my dress up over my head. His eyes go down to my breasts and my nipples harden, watching him lick his lips. I tremble as he reaches for the hooks on my bra. Releasing them, he lets it open and takes the straps off my shoulders with gentle fingers. I see him shudder when my breasts are revealed. He reaches out and swirls his finger around my nipple. His touch makes my nerves quake.

  He takes my hands and we stand up together. I reach for his pants and undo the button. I slide the zipper down. Pulling them over his hips, I feel he’s hard—straining against his boxer briefs. I pull those down, too. They fall to the floor in a heap and he steps out. Kneeling, he pulls down my panties as I lift my feet so he can remove them. His eyes travel my body. Mine travel his. I’m so ready, but I want him to lead the way. He licks my belly and it quivers with excitement. Hot breath whispers against me. “I love every inch of you.”

  I pull him up and crush his mouth with a kiss. His tongue is hungry. He sweeps me up into his arms and lays me down on the bed. Hot breath finds my neck, and I arch my back. His lips make their way to my breast where they suckle. Sensation races through me. A small cry escapes as he moves down my stomach. Kissing and nipping, he progresses on. Hands part my legs, and his tongue is there, licking and sucking as only he knows how. I squirm with ecstasy. I fall over the edge and cry out. He rises up and over me as I tremble in the wake. I watch as he rolls on a condom. I want him inside me but am paralyzed with the need.

  Slowly he enters. He fills me and I want it more than anything. Looking into my eyes, I see his glaze over. He moans. I rise up to him and we move as one. Waves of pleasure wash over me, over us. I hear my name, and his whole body shudders. He collapses, shaking. Both of us pant. I lick the hollow of his shoulder and taste him.

  Flipping him over, I kiss his neck. He can barely move, but that doesn’t stop me. I take my time moving down his body. Lingering at the trail of hair below his navel, I feel him get hard again. I remove the condom and slip him into my mouth. He groans and whispers my name. I suck and slide him in and out. He pushes me away and I rise up over him. He looks at me with heavy eyes. I watch him bite his lip.

  With shaky hands I roll on another condom. I guide him into me and my core flexes around him. I thrust my hips and rotate, grinding into him. Jason’s hands are on my hips and guide me in the dance. I move faster and the sensation intensifies, driving me into a frenzy. Every ounce of me reaches for him, pulling him into me, deeper and deeper. I cry out, and shudder with the release.

  He turns me onto my back and drives himself home. Pumping fast and hard, he shakes and crumbles onto me. Completely spent, he lays his head on my chest. I feel his breath on my skin. Our hearts beat a duet of our passion, our love.

  * * *

  I wake and glance at the clock. It’s a little after one. Our legs and arms are tangled together under a down comforter. I sneak out of the bed and tiptoe to the window. The champagne and glasses sit untouched. The moon lights the sky, and I can make out the mountains clearly. Touching the cold pane, a chill runs through my body.

  A sleepy voice calls out. “Hey, come back here and bring the champagne.”

  The bottle is still cool because of the cold room. I say, “We missed midnight.”

  Jason says, “No, we didn’t.” I make out his sly smile in the dim light as I climb back in the bed.

  I hear a pop as he opens the champagne. The pale yellow liquid fizzes as he pours it into the glasses. “What were you wishing for?”

  “Nothing. My wishes have come true.” I hold the narrow glass and watch the bubbles dance along the sides. “Do you have any wishes?”

  “I don’t wish. I make things happen.” He clinks my glass. “Happy New Year.”

  “Happy New Year.” Bubbles play on my tongue as I sip. “Make things happen?”

  “Why do you think I moved here? I could have picked any mountain. But I picked Breckenridge because of you.”

  “Oh, Jason.” I reach out and hold the side of his face. He leans into my hand.

  “You’re the love of my life, Casey.”

  “And you’re mine.”

  He takes my glass and sets it down. “It’s chilly. Slide under here with me.” He pulls me in and I feel he’s hard.

  “Really?”

  He breathes in my hair. “Get used to it. This is how you make babies.”

  Not knowing where he begins and I end, we become one.

  The End

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  More Books in The Boys of Winter Series

  Release

  Rush

  Fierce

  Exposed

  Like Shifter Romance? Check out my pen name V. Vaughn and the serial Called by the Bear.

  Stay in touch with Violet Vaughn

  www.violetvaughn.com/

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  Violet Vaughn writes New Adult Romance in her home in New Hampshire. She lives with her husband, two teenagers and three Portuguese Water Dogs. An avid skier she taught skiing and snowboarding before she started her family and now skies every winter weekend for enjoyment. Summers are full of hiking and running with her dogs.

  Off Her Game

  A Texas Highlander Story

  Book One

  Suzan Butler

  ‡

  Off Her Game

  Making time for men and relationships doesn’t fit into former counselor Valerie Chase’s game plan. But when a certain hockey player tempts her wild side, part of her wants to indulge in a little harmless fun.

  As the star center for the Texas Highlanders, Darren Moran’s good looks and deadly determination make him a fan favorite. But after the previous season’s marital disaster, the last thing he needs is to let some woman crawl under his skin. But Valerie brings out the best in him—both on and off the ice—and he’s not about to lose her.

  When the game moves to the next level, Darren and Val have got to call timeout. An unplanned romance is a game-thrower, a sinful temptation that neither of them can afford. After all, there’s no way to have order in matters of the heart when the penalties tally up to an ejection from the game.

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  OFF HER GAME

  A Soaring Phoenix Press Publication, March 2013

  Soaring Phoenix Press

  Fort Worth, TX 76161

  E-ISBN: 978-1-938927-03-4

  Print ISBN: 978-1-938927-04-1

  OFF HER GAME © 2013 Suzan Butler

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
D. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Cover art by Shield Creative Designs

  All images are used with permission from the creator.

  Dedication

  To my two little monsters, who will not read this book until they are at least thirty.

  Acknowledgments

  Of course, I have to thank all of Team Awesome for their relentless support of me in my writing endeavors. I have to thank my family for understanding the crazy while I worked on this book, and supporting me in their awesome quiet way.

  Any errors found in this story are mine alone.

  Chapter One

  Darren shoved his hands in his pants’ pockets, even though it was hot as sin outside the courthouse. Texas summers were not forgiving when you wore a damn suit. Rolled up in his front jacket pocket, the divorce papers from the court burned his chest. Maybe this was hell, and the damn Texas sun was just apropos.

  He was divorced.

  He was torn in half, part of him missing the marriage that had failed, and the other rejoicing that the adulterous bitch who had the affair with the fucking landscaper was finally out of his life.

  Thank God for prenups…

  “D!” His best friend’s voice cut through the sounds of traffic, slicing into his thoughts. With a glance up to the sky in silent prayer, Darren slowed his pace and faced the courthouse again.

  The older red-bricked building stood on a hill, a century old, proudly mocking him, because his marriage hadn’t lasted as long as that courthouse would.

  Cody Baker and his wife Josephina caught up to him and the three of them three stared at each other in silence. Joey’s hand rested on her stomach, a slight grimace on her face. Darren felt bad for dragging her out of the house. She hadn’t been feeling good lately, getting sick enough to lose her lunch a few times.

  “You all right, Darren?” Joey was the first to speak, as usual. Her hair reflected the sunshine, leaving the echo of a halo around the crown of her head.

  “That’s a stupid question, Joey.” Darren snorted. “I just got a divorce.”

  Joey sighed and touched her fingers to his wrist. He didn’t move to take her hand as he normally would have. The touch of a woman, even the friendly one of his best friend’s wife, just didn’t appeal at the moment. “You’ve been separated for months. This was just a technicality.”

  He glanced back at the courthouse entrance. He’d know the big-boobed figure coming out the doorway anywhere. His now ex-wife didn’t see them, and he was glad. She had that bastard she was fucking attached to her arm. What was it about the landscaper? What did that man have that he didn’t?

  “Dude, wanna go work out? We can suit up and hit the ice.”

  “Nah.”

  Skating didn’t have any appeal either. In the courthouse, he’d wanted to punch things, but now, he was just…a black hole that just couldn’t feel anymore.

  “Hit the gym? They have punching bags.” Cody suggested.

  Darren shook his head. “I think I’m just going to buy some beer and go home.”

  “Darren, maybe it’s not a good idea if you’re alone tonight.” Joey frowned, concern furrowing the light eyebrows.

  While he loved Cody and Joey, seeing them was making him nauseous. How many double dates had he dragged Angela on so he could hang out with Cody? How many times had Angela rolled her eyes at him and Cody while Joey laughed? How had he not seen the signs? Cody was a lucky bastard. He had a wife who was actually committed to him, who actually wanted him.

  “Darren?” Cody snapped his fingers in front of Darren’s face. He blinked and focused back on reality. Both of them had concerned expressions now. “You okay to drive? You want us to take you home?”

  Darren blinked. Drive home? That hotel he was staying in was not home. It never would be. His home was gone, obliterated by someone who was supposed to love him.

  “No.” He turned on his heels and started walking away. Beer. He needed beer.

  “Promise me you’re not going to drink tonight!” Joey called after him.

  Darren stopped, turned slowly and surveyed his friends. He was being a jerk. He knew that. He flashed a hopefully disarming grin. “I’m not going to sit at home and get drunk, okay?”

  “You promise?”

  He nodded. “I promise. I’ll call you guys later. Enjoy your Friday!”

  He left them then, and headed to his car. He’d parked a couple blocks away to avoid the metered parking. It was good, though. He needed the walk to cool off. His whole body raged with hot anger. His hand lifted, touched the papers in his front inside pocket. Cooling off wasn’t quite what he needed. The rage over Angela’s behavior had passed. He just wanted to be numb now.

  * * *

  Valerie pulled up to the Teen Outreach Center. Looking at the place now, the building didn’t look right. The parking lot, normally so full on the weekdays, was completely empty. Where were all the people? The clients, the patients, anyone?

  The silence turned her stomach, her footsteps echoing through the tiled hallway. The receptionist was there, but didn’t even glance her way as she made her way behind the private areas of the center. The door clanged shut loudly behind her, trapping her.

  Of course she could have turned and left, but her feet propelled her forward. She didn’t like being there. It was Friday, so there should have been people there. The board was scheduled to visit today, but even if they voted to shut the center down, there should have been some activity. The fact there wasn’t worried her.

  She knocked on her boss’s door, and heard a muffled “Come in!” She inched the door open, drawing it out like she could keep whatever bad news there was at bay longer.

  Emery Donaldson sat behind his desk, his hair badly mussed by his fingers dragging through it. He was a high-strung fellow, and how he’d been put into the position of facility director was beyond Val. It wasn’t hard to see that right in that moment, the man was stressed.

  “Hey, Emery.” She flashed an uneasy grin in his direction.

  Emery froze, his stressed expression darkening. Usually, her smiles disarmed him, but this morning, he looked miserable. “Valerie. Hey.” He shuffled things on his desk and pointed to a chair. “Sit.”

  Frowning, Val sat. Leaning back against the seat, she looked at Emery. He was all nerves. His eyes darted everywhere. He bit his lip. A fresh sheen of sweat glistened on his face from the light of the window.

  “What’s wrong, Emery?”

  He let out a long breath that lasted several beats. “The board was here earlier.”

  “Oh. I thought I would be here when they got here.” Val said, her body drumming with tension. “It didn’t go well?”

  “No. Not at all.” He rustled papers on his desk and threw them on a stack.

  “What does that mean?”

  Emery wasn’t exactly a calm individual, but she’d never seen him like this. Not even when his wife left him. The board being here and Emery’s behavior meant one thing. They’d made a decision.

  “Are they shutting us down?” She clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging into her palm.

  “No,” he stretched the word out for a second or two, matching the rhythmic beat of his fan.

  “That’s great news then.” Val said, but Emery wasn’t smiling. The ice in her blood dropped a few degrees. Then it came to her. The only reason Emery would be so upset was if he was the one they’d axed. He was the facility’s director. He was a full-time employee, unlike the counselors that were contracted. And he cost more money than they did.

  “Are you alright?” It was bad enough that he’d lost his wife to some pro hockey player a while back. He’d never recovered from that. But to lose his job now? Poor guy.

  “I’m fine,” he said. “S
o, we need to talk.”

  “I’m going to miss working for you.”

  “Wait,” he looked at her, surprise coloring his face. “You know?”

  “I guessed.”

  “And you’re not upset?”

  “Well, of course, I am. But it’s not like you wanted this to happen.”

  “Well, no,” he agreed. “I’m so glad you’re being understanding about this, Val. I was worried that you’d be upset about being laid off.”

  “Wait, what?” Val stiffened in her chair without realizing she had. “Me? You’re firing me?”

  “Laying off.”

  “Semantics.” Anger bubbled in her chest, her throat constricted. She cleared it with a cough. “You’re firing me?”

  He frowned. “I thought… didn’t you just say you knew?”

  “I thought it was you! I thought they’d laid you off… God… and I’d felt sorry for you!” When Emery stared at her in stunned silence, she leaned forward, the fury inside her intense and concentrated. “How can you do this? You know what it’s like here already. How many more are gone so you can keep your precious job?”

  “That’s not how—”

  “How fucking many, Emery?”

  “Five counselors, three maintenance personal, two receptionists.”

  “Five. That leaves two to manage over sixty girls.” She said it more to herself, figuring out the flow of the center in her mind. Her head popped up. “That’s not enough.”

  “No.”

  “Emery, they’re trying to shut us down.” Not us, them, she corrected herself.

  He put up his hands, classic surrender position. Fitting for Emery. “It’s out of my hands. The board doesn’t want to renew the contracted employees, not with the backlash they’ll get from the Texas government for supposedly supporting teen pregnancy.”