by Kristen Echo
“When?”
Nico hugged her from behind, nuzzling his face against her neck. His beard tickled. “Don’t laugh at me, but I might have known you were the one from the first day we spent together. You had all those conditions, and I went along because I didn’t want our time to end. I couldn’t get you out of my head or my heart. When I was in Vancouver last week, I found myself in a jewelry store. One minute I stood at the door and the next, I had a box in my pocket. The second I saw it, I knew it belonged on your finger. But I expected the ring to sit in my dresser forever because how do you ask a girl to marry you if you can’t say you love her. Love isn’t about the words; it’s about the feeling inside. You taught me that. Being with you reminds me of the exhilaration of skating on the ice and sending the puck into the net. It’s never been hard for me to say how much I love hockey and it won’t ever be hard for me to say I love you too.”
“I can’t believe you compared me to hockey. That’s awesome and I love you so much.” She turned in his arms and kissed him again. It wasn’t a goodbye kiss. It was the first kiss of the rest of their lives.
EPILOGUE
C aroline sang her heart out on the stage and her fiancé sat front and center through her performance. Her father and Connie had left shortly after the spectacle on stage. A constant stream of strangers congratulated her after the show, reminding her of Nico’s celebrity status. With each person the reality sunk in a tiny bit more that she was engaged.
The band took the news well and even Brody gave her a high five. Any lingering feelings he may have had were gone. The way he looked at Maddy now caused her some concerns, but they were adults. They’d figure it out.
The only thing Caroline had to figure out was the fastest way into Nico’s pants. He’d been quiet in the truck since they’d left the bar. “Penny for your thoughts?”
He glanced over and her heart melted. This big hunk of man was all hers, now and forever. His wicked half smile sent the butterflies to flutter around her stomach. “Someone in the crowd recorded our engagement, and it’s gone viral. I had to turn my phone off with all the well-wishers. The guys are laughing at me and I’m not sure I’ll ever live that down, but you’re worth it.”
“Wow. That didn’t take long. I can’t wait to see it.” No wonder her father insisted on the spa day. She wouldn’t put it past him to have set that up, so he could spin it how he wanted.
“I was also thinking once I get you inside my house, I never have to let you go.”
Caroline reached over and placed her hand on the solid muscle of his thigh. “You’re really not going to disappear, are you?”
“Never. Have you thought about a date? Not to rush you or anything but I was thinking Valentine’s Day.”
She laughed, but he didn’t join in. “As in this year? That’s like two weeks away.”
“I would do it sooner, but we met on a holiday and its fitting we get married on another one. It’s a made up one, but its romantic, right? Plus, the team’s in town for a few days so I could help and we wouldn’t have to be apart right away. I know you’re young and maybe it’s too soon, but we’re old souls and the timing feels right to me.”
“Oh. You’re serious. I’m still getting used to the idea of marrying you.” She would have married him on the stage if she could have. She’d always felt years beyond her age and she met her match with Nico. A few weeks, a few days, the when didn’t matter to her. Caroline was ready to start her happily ever after. “Is this about us or getting traded?”
“I told your dad, I’d give up hockey if that’s what it took to get his blessing. Honestly, something snapped inside me when I couldn’t hold you when you needed me. Your tears for your sister broke me… or healed me. I knew from that moment on, nothing would ever stop me from being with you. Your dad knows my history with women, and he um… Let’s say I wasn’t his first choice for you. But I fucking love you. When I told him I had the ring, he said that changed everything. We could wait to get married if you want to, but I want the world to know you’re mine.”
“Good. Because I want the world to know you are off the market. Those hockey bimbos aren’t getting in your bed ever again.” Her hand moved over the seam of his jeans. “This is mine.” She undid the button and lowered the zipper. Out sprang a very thick and erect cock. Her mouth watered for a taste. She couldn’t wait until they got home, she needed him now.
“It’s yours, angel,” he hissed the last syllable as she bent over and took him between her lips. He kept his hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
She traced the ridges of his cock with her tongue. This beautiful man belonged to her. Caroline sucked him deep into her mouth and moaned her satisfaction as he jerked his hips. She loved the way he gripped her hair and forced her to take more. Giving him pleasure only heightened her desire. Every grunt and groan made her wetter. He’d once asked her what got her so wet she was dripping and the answer was him. The way he lost control and held nothing back when they were together.
“I’m coming,” he said, moments before the first wave coated her throat. She swallowed and sucked until every drop had been expelled. “I love you so fucking much. And honey, we’re home.” He killed the engine and then pulled her head up and kissed her mouth.
Their tongues met in the middle and the windows fogged. She loved him too. They would get to spend forever kissing and making love; making babies and happy memories. “Take me to bed and make love to me.”
He put his dick away, but didn’t bother doing up his pants. Within a flash he was at her door, carrying her up the steps to his house. The nineteen-sixties bungalow reminded her of the home of the Brady Bunch. Her mother had loved watching reruns of classic shows. It was the perfect family home and soon it would be her home.
“It’s customary to carry your bride over the threshold. Since you’ve agreed to be mine forever, we’re as good as married in my mind.” He set her down to unlock the door and open it. Then she was back in his arms. “Welcome home, angel.”
Her giggles were muffled by another kiss. Searing and passionate. He kicked the door shut and didn’t set her down again until they were inside his room. She couldn’t take in the décor or furnishings because they were too consumed with each other. Nothing else mattered.
Clothing fell away and so did any pretense of sleep. When his mouth moved down her over her breasts and landed between her legs, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven. She leaned against the wall for support as he tossed a leg over his shoulder. He parted her folds and licked deep inside. Watching his head bob as his hair tickled her thighs sent a rush of endorphins straight to her clit. His fingers rubbed fast circles against that spot and a moment later she couldn’t hold back.
“Nico, right there. Yessss!” Her screams seemed louder in the empty house. Caroline gripped his hair and mashed her clit against his hand as he lapped up her climax.
He licked his lips and wiped his beard with his hand. “I love the way you come against my face, like you’re marking your territory. But I need to see those sexy hazel eyes expand as you grip my cock and come again.” He picked her up as though she were a pillow and tossed her onto the bed.
A second later he crawled over her, aligning their bodies. When they were face to face, he coated the head of his penis with her moisture. She tucked his locks behind his ears and looked into his eyes as he pushed his way inside. Her body welcomed him and sucked him in deeper. Caroline wrapped her legs around his waist and met him thrust for thrust.
“I love… ohh,” she squeaked when he hit her G-spot. He rammed the same sensitive spot until the room filled with her whimpers. “I’m so close.” She dug her nails into his ass, forcing every inch deeper.
“I love you,” he said and like a detonator, his words exploded inside her.
The orgasm washed away any doubt she had about spending her life with Nico. He was the only man she would ever connect with in this way. Her walls closed and contracted around him, pulling his release. As his seed
flooded her womb, they kissed.
They made love for hours and managed a few hours of sleep before Nico’s alarm went off. He got ready, and she admired the sight of her fiancé transform from naked Viking to super sexy hockey professional. She also admired the exquisite princess cut rock on her finger.
He kissed the knuckle of that finger. “We don’t have to hide anymore, so will you come watch me play? I’m dying to get you to a game.” His request warmed her and sent a blush to her cheeks. “Can you fly out with me in a few hours?”
She was embarrassed to admit she hadn’t set foot inside an arena since her mom died. It’s not like she blamed the sport for her mother’s depression. But she’d kept her distance, giving her father ownership of that space. It was time to take it back, and she wanted to see him in action. “We’ve got studio time booked today and another gig tomorrow. But I promise to make it to your next home game.”
He jumped on top of her and kissed her. His expression so happy, her heart couldn’t help but soar to the moon.
“Thank you.” He nuzzled his nose against hers before getting up.
She rolled out of bed and wrapped the sheet around her body. Caroline followed him to the door, but wasn’t ready to let him go. As the diamond caught the light, she noticed his hand had no jewelry. None. That would change soon and the sooner the better. “Okay, let’s get married in two weeks.”
“Really?” He twirled her around and she nodded. “Soon to be Mrs. Ivarsson, you make me a very happy man.” He kissed her lips, and the feeling was mutual. The sorrow she’d once seen in his eyes was replaced with love; enough love to last a lifetime.
She knew he had to leave and catch his flight. It was only a matter of days before they’d be together again, planning a wedding. This time she kissed him. Hard, demanding and with the perfect amount of love. The kiss conveyed the kind of love that defied the rules and would never disappear.
Can’t get enough of Nicolas and Caroline’s story? An extended epilogue is available on my website in the Bonus section: Bonus Extended Epilogue.
AUTHOR NOTE
Thank you for reading Poke Checking. I had a blast writing it, and I hope you had fun reading it.
If you didn’t get enough of Nico and Caroline then head over to my website and check out the bonus content area where you can claim your extended epilogue. It’s exclusively available to members of my mailing list. Subscribe and get access to all the bonus content.
I would be honored and grateful if you chose to leave a review. I read all my reviews and enjoy getting feedback about my writing. If you want more hockey stories then please leave a review, and let me know you love the series and can’t wait for more.
The Puck Battle Series are written as standalone books that can be read in any order. That said, the characters do make appearances again in the other books. Book Three, Wrist Shot is coming out soon. Follow me on amazon and Facebook so you don’t miss out.
Our team goalie has been leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake, but his best friend Sylvie has come to town and she might be the only woman who can get past the crease.
Flip the page to find out more in the Puck Battle Series Book Three—Wrist Shot.
SNEAK PEEK
WRIST SHOT
Puck Battle Series Book Three
Poke Checking is a New Adult Sports Romance and is intended for a mature audience. Follow the NHL team on their pursuit for love and the Stanley Cup.
Sparks fly when Sylvie visits her longtime friend, Martin. He’s the sinfully sexy goalie for an NHL team and his heart is as broken as hers. The two friends had never been single at the same time. One wicked game shoots their relationship from platonic to nuclear.
Only falling in love wasn’t part of the deal. He’s made it clear that relationships are distractions, and he’s focused on his budding goaltending career. Twenty-two-year-old Sylvie got attraction, lust, friendship and love all mixed up.
Their game of blurring the lines had the potential to wreck years of friendship and become the distraction neither of them wanted. She doesn’t just want to score; she wants to win his heart. As her trip comes to an end, she’s not ready to leave, but is there a reason to stay?
Valentine’s Day offers more surprises than she bargained for. Old wounds tear open, forcing Sylvie to choose between the life she'd planned and the happiness she never expected.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Echo is a lover of romance stories. She writes passionate love stories that are both sexy and dirty. Her books will make you feel more than a little naughty in all the right places.
She lives in Manitoba, Canada where she spends any free time with her two lovely little girls and the love of her life. When she's not writing, you can find her contemplating life’s mysteries with her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee, or with her nose stuck in a sizzling hot romance.
The Puck Battle Series is a sports romance series and as mentioned, she’s a Canadian, so of course she loves hockey. The Winnipeg Jets are her home team and will forever hold a special place in her heart. But her true love is football. Sorry, Canadian Football League—she’s a diehard NFL fan. Blue and orange are her colors.
Sign-up for Kristen’s newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up
Get the latest news, first look at teasers, and giveaways just for subscribing.
Stay connected with Kristen at:
Website: http://www.echoromance.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorkristenecho/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KristenEcho
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Echo/e/B01KNDM63W/
Email: [email protected]
OTHER BOOKS BY KRISTEN ECHO:
Standalone book: Deceptive People – A Romantic Suspense Novella
Puck Battle Series Intro Novella: Player Substitution
Puck Battle Series Book One: Holiday Face-off
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to all my friends and helpful folks in the online writer groups I’ve joined. The writing community is full of amazing people who are willing to share their knowledge with the minnows like me. This hockey series continues because of all the help and advice I’ve received along the way.
A special thank you to my street team for your fabulous feedback and for being in my corner. This book came together very quickly and without my hubby and Eryn B. it wouldn’t be nearly as fabulous. Your words mean more than I can express and I am truly grateful.
I absolutely love my book covers and they wouldn’t be so brilliant without Rebeca’s talent. She saw my vision and made it happen. Rebecacovers you are amazing and you nailed it again!
My editor, Michael Pilgrim, is a man I can’t thank enough for his words of wisdom. Thank you for your edits and professionalism. This book is stronger and hotter thanks to your feedback.
As always, my thanks to my family for their enduring support. I love you with all my heart, forevermore.
A final thank-you blast to my ARC team and the fans. Your encouragement makes writing fun! I never thought I’d be a writer who had fans, but your emails and reviews make my dreams come true every day.
Big Hugs
&
Happy reading to all!