Hot Shot

by Pratt, Lulu

  “There’s plenty of time for that,” I assured her as I breathed in her sweet scent. “I love you, Elyse.”

  “I love you. Thank you for everything today.” Her voice was soft as she leaned into me, her hands brushing over my skin. Never had a woman’s touch affected me like this. I’d been with many, but they broke down into moments that I now barely remembered. Elyse’s touch brought me back to life again.

  We drank something cold once we recovered. Elyse looked at the necklace again as she sipped her wine, smiling widely. “You deserve a lot more than a necklace and flowers, love. I plan to show you that.”

  “I’m happy just being with you. The money and your notoriety aren’t the reason I fell for you in the first place. I think it’s hot that you play hockey and everything, but it’s not what I like best about you.”

  “What do you like best? The incredible sex?” I teased, and she laughed out loud.

  “The accent during said sex.”

  I laughed with her, and we finished our drinks before making our way into the bedroom. I had a morning skate and game the following day that she planned to attend with Tori, so we woke up in time to eat breakfast and coffee. I dropped her off at her place on the way to the rink, and she kissed me before darting up to her door. I knew she didn’t work today and would probably nap since we didn’t sleep much last night.

  Chapter 18

  ELYSE

  A PHONE CALL WOKE me up from a nap, and I groaned as I stretched. I reached to the other side of the bed and glanced at the screen to see Tori’s face lighting up my room.

  “What?” I said.

  “Someone is grumpy. Are you tired?” she teased as I closed my eyes.

  “I was napping. You woke me. Anyway, what’s up?” I murmured as I turned to my side.

  “I got a lead about another art gallery that wants to meet with us today.” My eyes shot open. “They’ve seen your portfolio and love your work. They want to talk numbers.”

  “How did they see it?”

  “It was a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend thing. I wasn’t sure if it would go anywhere,” she giggled. “I was going to pick you up around three. Will that work?”

  “Is it unprofessional to wear a jersey there?” I asked, remembering the shirt that Ryder gave me.

  “You might want to wear something else to the gallery and change into the shirt later. This is something like an interview.” Tori was laughing, and I broke down and joined in.

  “Okay, three is fine, and I’ll be ready, but we need to go out to dinner before the game.”

  I rose and drank some more coffee before taking a shower. I let my hair dry in loose curls and used some of the temporary color that Tori gifted me, picking the burgundy that matched the jersey. The gallery couldn’t find harm in that since I was an artist.

  Still, I tucked the colored strands into a loose ponytail before leaving the house. Tori watched me walk to her car with my jersey over my arm, smiling widely. “I got mine too.” She pointed at her chest, and I raised my eyebrow as I placed mine carefully in the back seat. “I’m not the interviewee so I thought it was okay to wear it.”

  “I see how it is.” I leaned back as she pulled away from the curb, preparing myself for this last-minute meeting. We pulled up in front of a gallery facing the mountains, and I appreciated the view for a moment. “So, they’ve seen my stuff?”

  “Yep. They have a great idea of it, but you need to sort through the rest of it. Let’s go! The sushi place down the street is calling my name.”

  Tori jumped out of the car, and I opened my door to follow. We walked up to the spacious, two-story building and she walked through the doors, announcing our presence.

  “Tori, it’s lovely to see you again.” An older woman walked out of a back room to greet us, and I stared at her. She was classy and looked younger than what I guessed she might be. She hugged Tori and then me, pulling back to look me over. “You’re a lovely little thing. I had a chance to see your work thanks to your friend here, and it’s incredible.”

  “Thank you very much,” I replied as she glanced around the building.

  “I have a nook where I feature new artists, and that’s where I’d like to show yours. We could mark it up from your last show, and I’ll give you sixty percent of sales. How does that sound?”

  The gallery was large, and I smiled as I looked around. “That sounds amazing. I already have it in one, and there are a few others that might take it, so I think this would be a great boost.” I grinned at the woman, and she offered me her hand.

  “Let me show you the area I have in mind.”

  We walked through the gallery to the left, and I glanced at the rooms that featured art of all kinds. I was getting used to this feeling, and shivered as I realized that my dream was coming true. She gestured to the left and I saw an area with walls painted a vibrant purple that could hold around ten paintings. “Here we are. Depending on the size, we could get several pieces in here.”

  “I agree. I have a few on hand now, so would you prefer to fill it or add to the space?” I asked as Tori shot me an approving smile. We talked about the four that I had ready and she said to get a couple more done and then we’d go from there. I thanked her and shook hands again before Tori followed me to the car.

  “Look at you! You handled that like a champ. My girl is quite the boss.”

  I laughed as she opened the doors with the push of a button, and I slid inside her car.

  “She made a great offer. I didn’t do anything,” I protested as Tori started her engine.

  “That was a great fucking offer. You are going to be a star, my darling.” Tori watched as I leaned my head back to sigh slowly.

  “This is so surreal.” I looked back to make sure the jersey was still there and decided to change into it once we were parked since I had a T-shirt on underneath my soft black cashmere sweater.

  “It’s all happening, Elyse. This is your dream.” Tori smiled at me as she stopped at a light, and I let my mind wander to Ryder. “The career and a guy who thinks the world of you.”

  “He does, doesn’t he?” I murmured as I gazed at her. “He came to work today, and Lucas was there to iron out some details when he arrived. Ryder was calm and didn’t freak out. I could tell it bothered him a bit, but he stayed calm. He trusts me.” I frowned as I drew my lip between my teeth.

  “There isn’t any reason not to. You never wanted Lucas.”

  I winced, and she held up her hand as she pulled forward.

  “I know you were flattered, and I get that. You’re so new to this attention, and he was excessive. He’s hot. But you wouldn’t have gone there. You just didn’t know how to handle him and Ryder… Well, he did.”

  We laughed and I rested my head in my hands.

  After our dinner, Tori pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car as I took a quick look around. I slipped the sweater off and replaced it with the jersey, grinning as I looked down. “I never thought I’d be wearing one of these.”

  “I could say the same. I didn’t doubt I’d hook up with a player, but wearing a jersey and all that shit was far from my mind.” Tori fingered the hem of her shirt with Justin’s last name and shook her head. “Let’s go support our guys.”

  We headed in and found our seats, greeting the others around us. It was the usual group of wives and girlfriends, along with some family members. I was starting to feel comfortable with everybody and blushed as they teased me about my jersey.

  They announced the teams, and we all screamed as they entered the rink. They waved and skated their usual laps before getting to practicing for the few moments before the puck drop. The other group wasn’t a big rival, but fans showed them they weren’t welcome here. I laughed and looked around at all the people here to support our team, apart from the few who traveled two states over to see their guys play.

  The game began and moved fast as the puck was kept at one end and then the other. They were both hungry, but Justin as a center scored a
goal. I raised my hands in the air as Tori hugged me, feeling like a part of something.

  I knew that I had people who loved me. They showed it every chance they got, but now, I had a real future ahead of me. I’d be working doing what I loved, and I had a man supporting me every step of the way. I raised my hand to touch the necklace tucked underneath my shirt, remembering how I felt when I saw it. I had no idea what would happen, but I was happy. I liked where I was.

  I was brought back to reality when the other team scored a goal. We responded appropriately, and I watched intently until the familiar noise sounded, giving the guys a break. I leaned back and reached for my water as Ryder winked at me. I blushed and dropped my face forward, loosening my hair as I remembered the color that I used. I shook my hair loose and looked around again as music filled the air.

  It was a two-goal victory for the team, and we cheered, standing up as they circled the ice. We all knew that there would be dinner or something and went to our usual spot to wait for them to do press and shower.

  Everyone agreed on drinks, and Ryder took my hand as he led me to Tori’s car. He drove in with one of the other guys and was going to join us for the ride. I laughed when he opened the back seat and told me to get inside, lifting my body to place me on the seat. I protested before he kissed me, silencing me as he pressed into me.

  “Oh, come on you two. Wait until you get home,” Tori said from the front seat as he laughed and pulled away.

  “Get in there and give me some room, woman.”

  I complied, and we buckled our seatbelts before she headed to the bar where I first met him. I walked in and looked around, remembering the last time I was there. I was preparing for my show and so far away from being anywhere near being in a relationship. Ryder took my hand as we walked to the table crowded with players as cheers filled the room. He grinned around the smiling faces and slipped his arm around me when we reached the table.

  “Would you like a margarita?”

  “You remember,” I said as I gazed into his eyes, lost in their depths.

  “I’ll always remember the night we met, Elyse. You took my breath away.” With his free hand, he stroked my cheek, and I gripped his jacket to hold on.

  “I will, too.”

  He leaned in to kiss me softly, and I just forgot about our surroundings when the group began to yell at us. It was all in a joking manner, but I blushed and pulled away, looking down as Ryder chuckled.

  “They’re just jealous.”

  We arranged a drink order, and Ryder went with Justin to order as I stood beside Tori. She looked at me with a huge smile, and I raised my eyebrow.

  “What’s that look for?”

  “You two are crazy for each other,” she slowly said, and I rolled my eyes.

  “Whatever. How about you and Justin?” I shot back, and a dreamy look crossed her face.

  “Okay, we’re in the same boat. I admit it.” We both laughed and hugged each other for a moment before our guys returned with drinks. They found our seats and I sat with Tori as they stood at the table to balance talking to us and fans. I watched as he gave them his attention and graciously thanked them for their continued support. He did it in a way that was friendly but not flirtatious with the women, making me wonder when he did take advantage of his status as a player. It was clear that women would throw themselves at the feet of any player by the way they acted. It was a little gross, and I looked at Ryder again to remind myself of what I had with him.

  Eventually, they were left alone and sat in the chairs with us. “That must be exhausting.”

  “Yes and no. They are what keeps me doing this, and a lot of them are true fans. I appreciate them, but the puck bunnies? Not so much. They’re not here for the sport.” Ryder shrugged and sipped his beer as curiosity filled me to the point of boiling over. As if he was reading my mind, Ryder gazed at me. “What is it, love?”

  “You have liked them in the past, haven’t you?” I asked softly so only he would hear me.

  “When I was younger, I did. I was playing the sport I loved and had stars in my eyes. They were available, but I soon came to know that they weren’t after me as much as a story to tell their friends. It was empty after a time. I have so much more with you.” He smiled at me and pecked my lips gently. “You’re all I need.”

  We stayed for a few hours, laughing and talking with the guys. I felt much more comfortable now than that first night when I felt like a fish out of water. My life was shifting into something more prominent now, and I was shedding my fear little by little. Tori was always my cheerleader, but Ryder was a close second.

  Tori dropped us off at his house, and he unlocked the door to let us in. “You look hot as fuck in my jersey, Elyse. I like my name all over your body.” I turned to look at him, and he was giving me a heated look.

  “I like wearing it. It’s comforting somehow and makes me feel safe.” I smiled. “I just need a shirt of yours to sleep in when you’re out of town, and I’ll be set.”

  “You can have all of them.” He stepped towards me, cupping my face as he stared into my eyes. “Hell, you can have this place. Move in with me, Elyse.”

  “What?”

  He paused before kissing me as he stared into my shocked eyes. “I want you with me all the time. I want you safe and sound when I’m gone, sleeping in my bed, and being here,” he said before brushing my lips with his.

  “I have my own house, Ryder. It has everything of mine in it,” I whispered before he kissed me again.

  “I’ll set you up here with anything you need. We can move somewhere else that suits you, if need be. I’m only renting.” He slipped his arms around me and kissed me harder, scrambling my thoughts. I responded quickly, moaning when he lifted me to carry me to bed.

  I woke up in the morning to the smell of coffee, blinking slowly. I knew where I was immediately and rolled to my back as the night before played through my mind.

  Ryder wanted me to move in.

  We’d been together for a short while, and I was happy. That was just more serious than I was ready for. Wasn’t it? I’d never felt a tenth of this for anyone else, and therefore never considered it. I never even thought that I wanted it.

  “You’re awake, love.”

  I glanced over to see him with a big, steaming mug in his hand that he brought over to me.

  “Just now. That smells good.” I smiled and sat up as he set the cup on the table beside the bed, sitting beside me on the mattress. He kissed my cheek, and I smiled as I looked down. “Thank you.”

  “Any time.” Ryder settled himself against a pile of pillows and pulled me into his arms as I laughed. “You smell so good, feel so good.”

  “I love you.” I whispered the precious words, knowing they were true. They were always going to be true.

  “I love you too,” he told me, stroking my hair gently. Ryder could be the kind of man who drove me nuts with his caveman ways, but other times, he was so gentle. He completed me. “Want some breakfast? We could cook here or join Justin and Tori. They texted a bit ago to ask.”

  “Let me think about that.” I snuggled closer and kissed his chest lightly, bared to me. I slipped my hand down to cup him over his shorts, making him groan as his embrace tightened around me. He was hard, and I dragged my tongue over his flat nipple. “I think I want to stay here and eat you for breakfast.”

  We did just that, lazily showering once we finished. I smiled as he washed my hair, closing my eyes as I dropped my head back.

  “Still want to eat here?” he asked as his hands scraped over my scalp.

  “Sure. Whatever.” I was in the usual daze that he put me in, and Ryder chuckled.

  “I’ve called Justin to tell him that we’re ordering in,” Ryder assured me, and I hummed in agreement. We finished the shower and dressed in some of his clothes to make omelets and toast along with more coffee. We ate at the table and talked about what to do for the day since we both worked the following day. Ryder suggested staying around the ho
use and having dinner with our friends. It was perfect.

  He didn’t ask me about his idea at all that day. Ryder was soft, gentle, and loving with me as we watched movies and laughed, snuggled close all the time. He took me to my place to change for dinner, and I packed an overnight bag, looking around the old bedroom slowly. Ryder was on the phone in the living room, and I had the place to myself for a moment.

  Was I ready to leave this place? I’d been living here for a few years and picked the painting back up. It was where I created my new career and I thought back to all the emotions I’d gone through here. There was also a lot of healing. I smiled and considered the idea of keeping this place and staying informally with Ryder, mainly when he was out of town. We’d both feel better, and I knew that some of the other guys lived in his neighborhood with their girlfriends. I was getting to know them, and I’d have something of a support system. I could also use this as my art studio since painting was always something I’d worked on alone.

  “Love, are you okay?” His voice came from the hallway, and I jumped, turning around to face him.

  “Yes. You scared me!” I scolded him as he chuckled and walked into the room. “I’m almost done.”

  “Are you packing more than an overnight bag, by chance?” Ryder asked, walking towards me.

  “Maybe,” I teased, smiling at him. “I’m considering your offer.”

  “Yeah?” he asked as he pulled me into his arms. “I love you, baby. I want you with me.”

  “It’s so crazy, but I’ll do it.” He kissed me hard and I gasped as his arms tightened around me. “Ryder, slow down,” I murmured as he claimed my lips again.

  “No, fuck dinner. We’re going to celebrate,” he insisted, sitting on my bed and pulling me over him. I laughed and sank into him, and we kissed hungrily for several moments. We did manage to regain our composure and get my stuff packed to head to dinner, and Ryder was beaming. He looked so handsome when he was this happy, and I laughed as we drove down the street.

  He was cocky when he told Justin and Tori our news at a small Mexican restaurant that we went to, and they laughed.