Off the Ice: A Breakaway Novel

by Dover, L. P.

  “Yes,” I exclaimed breathlessly. “Unless you’d rather go home with blue balls.”

  Shifting me in his arms, he wrapped my legs around his waist, and I gasped as he pushed me into the bed. Lifting my hands above my head, he held me prisoner while he bit his way along my collarbone and down to the mounds of my breasts.

  “Don’t want that,” he chuckled, grabbing one of my breasts. He pinched a nipple between his fingers, and I cried out as the sting of pain shot through my body. It felt amazing.

  Lifting off me, Justin sat back and slid my shorts and T-shirt off. The fan above us blew air across my bare skin, making me tremble, especially as I watched him stand and undress.

  “Sure you know what you’re getting into?” I teased. “Last night you seemed worn out after we got done.” Truthfully, I was the one worn out. I wasn’t used to being with someone every single night. I went from eight years of nothing to full-blown, passionate sex. I craved it.

  He winked. “I think I can handle it.”

  “We’ll see about that.”

  I sat up and slowly glided my fingers down his washboard abs, making sure to slide his boxers down to the ground. His cock was so thick and hard I could barely wrap my hands around him. Holding him tight, I pumped the full length of his cock and licked the tip, rendering a strangled moan from between his lips.

  “You’re fucking killing me, angel.” I let him go, and he hauled me up, until I was standing before him as he sat down on the bed. He closed his lips over a taut nipple and sucked feverishly.

  “More,” I rasped, arching my back.

  “I’ll give you more,” he growled, kissing his way down my stomach. “But first”—he gently turned me around and pushed me onto the bed—“I want to explore.” Goose bumps broke out all over my skin as Justin started at my ankles and ran his hands up the length of my legs. I could feel his breath blow across my skin as he grabbed my ass and leaned in to bite my right cheek.

  Using his knee to bump my legs apart, he slowly kneaded my ass, working his way closer to my center. Thumbs reaching between my legs, they rubbed me in a circular motion, as his hands continued to manipulate my flesh.

  I let my head fall back as my core tightened. Then he shifted me around quickly, earning a shriek to escape my lips. Not knowing what he was going to do next thrilled me. When his face pushed between my legs and his tongue licked a straight line up and over my clit, I sucked in a huge gasp.

  Looking down, we made eye contact, and I almost lost it. Bringing my hands around the back of his head, I raked my fingers through his hair as he tongue-fucked me. Over and over, he licked and sucked my clit until I couldn’t take it anymore.

  “Give it to me,” he commanded. “Let me taste you.”

  Just hearing his words was my undoing. Grinding against his face, I exploded from the inside out, gripping handfuls of his blond tresses as he tasted every drop of my desire. Grabbing me around the waist, he pulled me onto his lap. I couldn’t help but smile. No man had ever made me come that way.

  “That felt amazing.” My body quivered as it came down from its orgasm-induced high, and Justin was all too happy with my reaction. “I think I’m addicted to your mouth. I want more.” His cock throbbed between my legs as I teased him by sliding along its length, only letting the tip inside me.

  With short, gentle strokes, I glided up and down, until his grip tightened on my hips and he growled. “You’re playing with fire.”

  Giggling, I lowered down inch by inch until he was completely inside of me.

  “You feel so fucking good. I can’t believe how wet you are for me.” With one hand tugging on my hair, he grabbed a breast with the other. His grip on my hair tightened, and I arched my back, still moving my hips as he ravished my nipples. “Jesus. If you don’t stop, I’m going to come.” Picking me up by the hips, we stayed connected as he flipped us around and collapsed on top of me.

  I wrapped my legs around his waist and held on tight as he thrust his hips deep and hard. Faster and faster he pumped, his lips still suckling on one of my nipples. The harder he sucked and pushed, the closer I came to losing myself; we were both almost to the edge.

  “Justin,” I cried out.

  He growled low in his chest and held on tighter, grunting with his forceful thrusts. “Fuck, you’re getting so tight.”

  Digging my nails into his back, I screamed out my release, and at the same time I could feel him spasm, his cock throbbing as it filled me with his desire. Breathing hard, his body continued to jerk over me with aftershocks, and I watched him come undone.

  Completely spent, Justin kissed my neck and rested his forehead to mine. I could’ve sworn I heard the words I love you whispered from his lips, but knowing me, it was just my imagination.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Justin

  The morning started off with a bang—literally—and the best birthday breakfast ever. It was a wonderful beginning to what I hoped was a smooth day of traveling to Charlotte. Anything could happen once I was back in the spotlight. There was a meeting scheduled with Miranda in a couple of days, which meant she’d have photographers on hand. She intentionally leaked her whereabouts all the time just so the paparazzi would take pictures of her.

  The whole way back home, I loved how fascinated Meghan was about being on a private jet. It was all so new to her, and I liked that she appreciated it. Miranda, on the other hand, was always a cunt to the flight attendants when they offered refreshments. I was a fucking moron for even being willing to tolerate a woman like that. It took a long time to realize that I didn’t need a woman with a million dollars in her bank account.

  The plane came to a stop, and I grabbed Meghan’s hand to help her up. “Where are we?” she asked curiously.

  Playfully, I tapped her chin. “We’re at a small airport about twenty minutes away from my house. This is the best way to stay off the radar.” James came out of the cockpit and opened the plane door. “Come on. My brother should be out there waiting for us.”

  I grabbed our bags and stopped in front of the pilot. “Thank you for everything, James. I’ll be in contact in the next couple of days.”

  James nodded and held out his hand. “Sounds good, Mr. Davis. Welcome home.”

  As he said the words, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge in my chest as I shook his hand. Charlotte was my home now, but so was Wyoming. How could I ever choose between them? Holding Meghan’s hand, we climbed down the stairs, and there, waiting by his silver BMW M6, was Corey.

  Meghan squeezed my hand. “Oh my God, you two look so much alike. I’m surprised you’re not his twin.”

  That made me laugh. “We get that all the time.”

  Corey waved and smiled at Meghan, not me. “Welcome to Charlotte, Meghan. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  He hugged her, and she giggled. “Same to you.”

  “Nice to see you too, brother.”

  Corey let her go and winked. “Sorry, bro. Meghan’s a lot prettier than you.”

  “That she is.” I kissed her and set our bags in the trunk of his car. We both hopped in the back, and we were on our way. “How’s Callie doing today?” I asked.

  Corey glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Fine. You don’t mind if we stop by her house before I drop you off at yours, right?”

  “No, that’s great. I want to see her.” I’d been worried about her and the baby, especially with her still having a couple weeks left of the pregnancy. “Has she talked to Mom and Dad?”

  He shook his head. “No, she didn’t want to worry them. Plus, she knew Meghan was coming and didn’t want her to feel pressured.”

  Meghan gasped and looked over at me. “She didn’t have to do that. I don’t want your parents missing the baby being born.”

  I squeezed her shoulders. “It’ll be okay.” We arrived at Callie and Dallas’ house and there were a couple of cars I recognized in the driveway. Meghan’s unsure gaze met mine and I smiled. “It’s just Maddox.”

  �
��And my fiancée, Hannah,” Corey added. “Lacey’s here as well, with the baby. They wanted to see you too.”

  Meghan breathed a sigh of relief and excitement beamed across her face. I liked that she loved kids. Most of the women I’d been with over the years didn’t want any because they didn’t want to gain the weight or get stretch marks.

  Corey parked around the back of the house, and Maddox was in the yard, fixing one of the water fountains in the flower garden. Now that he was retired from the Charlotte Strikers, his hobby was landscape design. “What’s up, cocksucker?” I shouted.

  Maddox jerked his head around and chuckled. “Happy birthday, man.” He jogged over and hugged me. I’d never seen him look so happy.

  “Thanks. I’d like you to meet Meghan.”

  Letting me go, he smiled wide and held out his hand to her. “Ah yes, I’ve heard a lot about you. Callie’s done nothing but talk about the woman who’s changed her wild and reckless brother.”

  Meghan shook his hand and laughed. “I had nothing to do with it. He did that all himself.”

  Maddox snorted and shifted his gaze to me. “If she only knew, right?” I glared at him, and he held up his hands. “Okay, I’ll be quiet. I’ll be inside.” I’d talked to him the night before about how I was falling in love with her, and that I didn’t know what to do to keep her in my life. He’d told me to tell her everything, and if I didn’t, he was going to.

  Corey and Maddox walked into the house while Meghan and I followed closely behind. “What was that about?” she whispered.

  I rolled my eyes. “Nothing. Maddox can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”

  I opened the back door, and out of nowhere, shouts erupted from all angles. “Surprise!”

  There were streamers all across the living room and balloons, all with the number thirty on them. It was just my close family and friends, the people I trusted more than anyone: Corey, Hannah, Dallas, Callie, Maddox and Lacey. Grinning from ear to ear, Callie came out from behind the couch and hugged me. “Happy birthday, Justin.” Mouth gaping, I stood there in shock, but a part of me was pissed.

  Callie moved over to Meghan and hugged her too. “Thank you so much for coming. You have no idea how much I wanted to meet you.”

  “So much that you lied to get me here,” I grumbled, glancing down at her stomach, which was even bigger than before I left. “Doesn’t look like you’re going into labor.”

  Sheepishly, she bit her lip and rubbed her protruding belly. “I know. I shouldn’t have lied. It’s just, it’s your birthday, and you know I like to celebrate them. Plus, it gave me the perfect excuse for you to bring Meghan.”

  Meghan glared at me, nudging me with her elbow, and my face softened. “It’s fine. Next time, don’t lie. I was really worried about you and the baby.”

  Her eyes glistened, and she nodded. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I didn’t think you’d come otherwise. I really wanted you and Meghan here for your birthday. Besides, you had to come back anyway for the meeting with Miranda’s legal team.”

  Dallas handed me a beer and I huffed. “Don’t remind me.” I introduced Meghan to the others, and they all seemed really taken with her. Deep down, I was hoping their kindness would work in my favor. Meghan could see how amazing my family and friends were, that my life wasn’t all superficial.

  “All right, guys,” Dallas said, slamming his hands on my shoulders. “Let’s get this grill going so we can eat.”

  Callie linked her arm with Meghan’s and waved. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep her company.”

  Meghan grinned nervously, but she didn’t get a chance to say anything before Callie carted her off. Callie was up to something, only I didn’t know what.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Meghan

  It was all so surreal. Dallas and Maddox were famous athletes, and yet, they seemed so normal. Callie had the same blonde hair and green eyes as Justin and Corey. It made me wonder what their brother, Brant, looked like, since he was supposedly the odd one out. Callie’s warmth made me feel at home, but I had to wonder what else was up her sleeve for wanting me in town. I could tell Justin was curious about the same thing. Did she not approve of me and wanted me to see how Justin’s life was there so I’d know I didn’t belong? I hated thinking that way, but I’d seen movies before. My life felt like I was right in the middle of a drama about to unfold.

  “While the guys cook the meat, we can hang out and relax,” Callie said, leading me into a sun room. “All the other food is done.” Hannah followed in behind us and sat down in one of the brown recliners. There was a blonde sitting on the couch, holding a baby that was wrapped snugly in a blanket.

  Her eyes lit up when she saw me. “You must be Meghan. Callie told me you were going to be here.”

  “Lacey?” I asked.

  She nodded and grinned wide. “Yep. I’m sure you’ve already met my knucklehead of a husband.”

  I sat down in the other brown recliner and laughed. “I did. And I have to say it’s pretty crazy being here. My friends back home would lose their minds if they knew.” Samantha already did when I called to tell her. She’d told Emmett I was headed to North Carolina, only she didn’t tell him what part.

  Callie and Lacey looked at each other, almost like there was a silent conversation going on between them. Callie focused back on me, her gaze narrowed curiously. “Most women wouldn’t want to keep being with my brother a secret. You have great restraint.”

  “You know why I am,” I replied. “And also, I’m not the type to spread my personal life all over social media.”

  She nodded, and her smile saddened. “That’s what I like about you.” Her hand moved between the three of them. “We’re all like that. Hannah and I are both nurses, and Lacey is a doctor. We have to maintain a level of professionalism.”

  Knowing they were normal, just like me, was fascinating. Every time I thought about a professional athlete or a movie star, I always pictured them with other celebrities. That wasn’t so. Lacey stood and bounced her little boy gently in her arms. I could see his eyes slowly closing shut.

  “Would you like to hold him?” she asked.

  I stood and held out my arms, feeling the excitement well up in my chest. Babies were my weakness. “More than anything.” She handed me her son; he had dark hair just like his daddy. “What’s his name?”

  She kissed his forehead and smiled. “We gave him Maddox’s name. He’s determined to have generations of them so they can all be hockey legends.”

  The other girls laughed and so did I. I didn’t know Maddox very well, but from everything Justin had told me about him, I could totally see him saying that. Carefully, I sat down and held Maddox Jr. in my arms.

  “Callie tells me you have a daughter,” Lacey said.

  I looked over at her and nodded. “Her name’s Ellie. She’s eight.”

  “Does she know about you and Justin?” Callie asked.

  My chest tightened, and I averted my gaze to the baby. It was amazing how much a parent sacrificed to keep their children safe. “No. I know she’d love him, but I have to be careful.” I met their gazes. There was no judgment in the way they looked at me, but I wanted them to understand my reasoning. “I’m aware of the mess Justin’s in right now. Even he agreed it was best to keep us under wraps. I don’t want the attention or the tabloids running stories about me. I’m a single mother whose husband passed away defending our country. I don’t want any false rumors spread about me that my daughter would see. From what I can tell, Miranda’s doing a good job of that with Justin.”

  Lacey and Hannah nodded in understanding, and Callie looked like she was going to cry. Giggling, Lacey passed her a tissue. “Damn pregnancy hormones. Gets you every time.” I knew exactly how they felt. I cried all the time when I was pregnant with Ellie, but that was because I’d lost my husband.

  Callie held the tissue and sniffled. “I’m ready to feel normal again.” She fanned her eyes and when they stopped watering, she sighed. “Meghan, I
know you’re nervous about people finding out about you. And that’s okay. I completely respect your decision. All I’m saying is that my brother has never been happier. I don’t want him to lose that…or you. The tabloids and the paparazzi are always going to be around, but we,” she said, waving her hand at Lacey and Hannah, “have all gotten through it. You can too. We’ll be here to help you.”

  “I appreciate that, more than you’ll ever know. But Justin and I have an understanding. He’s going to come back here, and I’ll be in Wyoming. I’m going to miss him, but his life is here.” It was what I kept telling myself. If I did, it’d help with the pain of him leaving. Baby Maddox cooed, and I smiled down at him. I missed Ellie more than anything, and I couldn’t wait to see her again. She was my life. I had to think of her wellbeing, not just my own. With a heavy sigh, I looked over at Callie and Lacey. I already knew Hannah and Corey didn’t have any kids. “You two are mothers, and with that, you have important decisions to make, not only for yourself but for them as well. With Ellie, her father’s gone. She never got the privilege of meeting him. I’ve stayed single for eight years because nobody I’ve met could ever be as good as her father.” Tears sprung to my eyes. “At least…until I got to really know Justin.” I looked away and wiped my face. “But I’m afraid. If Ellie were to get close to someone I was with, and it didn’t work out, it wouldn’t only be my heart breaking, but hers as well. She’s had enough loss. I have to protect her.”

  The room fell silent, and when I finally got the courage to look at them, they all nodded in understanding. Sheepishly, Callie cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, Meghan. I never thought about it like that. My intention was to get you to see how amazing my brother is. But coming from a mother myself, I can understand your fears. I just know it’s going to hurt him to let you go.”

  My heart already felt his loss. Two weeks wasn’t enough time with him. “I know the feeling.”