Epilogue

RYAN

The moment my blades hit the ice, everything else faded as I zeroed in on the task at hand. This is it, the final drill. My last chance to show these scouts what I’m made of.

I take off like a shot, my legs pumping furiously beneath me. The cold air whips past my face, but I barely feel it. All my senses are dialed up to eleven, and every fiber of my being is focused on the movements of my body.

The first part is a breeze as I weave through the cones effortlessly. Crossover, turn, accelerate. Halfway through, my thighs burn with exertion, but I push through, determined to shave off every possible fraction of a second.

I can sense the scouts huddled along the boards and watching my every move.

Stay focused.

My technique. My speed and agility. Everything that makes me a hockey player is being analyzed. Some may crumble under pressure, but I thrive on it. Live for it.

And as I round the final turn, I find another gear and dig deeper.

Just a little farther to go.

The end is in sight, and I throw all my energy into those last few strides. I cross the line in a spray of ice, trying to play off my heavy breathing. Adrenaline flows through my body, and I savor the rush. I gave it my all out there.

But even as the thrill courses through me, my thoughts race ahead. Was it enough? Will it be enough to catch their eye, to convince them that I have what it takes to make it to the next level?

There’s no time to dwell on it now. I glide to a stop and turn to face the scouts, crafting my expression into one of confidence. Whatever happens next, I know I gave it my all. And for now, that’ll have to be enough.

I skate toward the exit. With a deep breath, I remove my helmet and run a hand through my sweat-dampened hair. The adrenaline rush slowly fades, but the weight of the moment settles on my shoulders.

This is it. Everything I’ve worked for, all the early mornings and late nights, the bruises and the sacrifices. It all comes down to this.

My mind drifts to my dad and to the accident that changed everything. I think about my promise to build a better life for us both. I never thought hockey would be my ticket out, but thankfully, I have another chance to make something of myself. And now, with the eyes of the scouts upon me, that chance is within reach.

Standing tall, I square my shoulders and turn to face the future, ready for whatever comes next.

As I step off the ice, a man in a sharp suit approaches me. I immediately recognize him. He’s the representative from Maine Pine Skaters who approached me back at Cessna U.

“Ryan Sorenson.” He extends a hand. “Good to see you again. I’ve got to say, that was an impressive performance out there.”

I grasp his hand firmly and meet his gaze with a confidence I don’t quite feel. “Thanks. I put it all out there.”

And then some.

“It shows.” He gives a quick nod and continues, “Listen, I’ll cut to the chase. We’re interested in drafting you, Ryan. Your skills, speed, and dedication are exactly what we’re looking for. I think you’d make a great asset to the team.”

I’m at a loss for words. This is it . This is what I’ve been working towards all these years.

And a chance to continue playing with Blake.

I stand taller, pushing my shoulders back. “I’m honored, sir. Hockey has always been my dream, my passion.”

The scout’s eyes narrow. “Is it? Because you turned us down once.”

Panic sets in. “My circumstances have changed, sir. I’m ready to give hockey everything I have.”

The scout’s smile widens, and he claps me on the shoulder. “That’s what I like to hear. We’ll be in touch, Ryan. I have a feeling this is the start of something big.”

As he walks away, I feel a rush of adrenaline that never came with studying formulas and equations. This is precisely where I want to be.

With a final glance at the ice, I turn and head for the locker room, ready to face whatever comes next.

Showered and ready to face the night, I burst through the rink doors and immediately dial Maddy’s number. I don’t even wait until I’m in the rental car.

“Hello?” Her soft voice instantly calms me.

“Maddy, hey.” I’m breathless and grinning like an idiot. “You’ll never guess what just happened.”

“What’s going on?” Her voice holds a hint of concern, and I realize how I must sound.

“No, no, it’s good news. Great news, actually.” I take a deep breath and tell myself to calm the fuck down. “I just talked to a scout from the Pines. They’re interested in drafting me.” I pause as the words register. “God, Maddy. This could be my shot at the big leagues.”

After a beat of silence, Maddy breathes out, “Oh my God, Ryan. That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you.”

“I can’t quite believe it myself. It’s like a dream come true.”

“You deserve it, Ryan. You’ve worked so hard for this.” Maddy’s voice is warm and sincere. God, I hate not having her here.

“I wish you were here to celebrate with me.”

The line goes quiet. I check to see if the call has dropped and then return my focus to the road. “Maddy?”

“I’m here. I just wish the same.”

My intrigue spikes. That was a little ominous.

“Are you heading to the hotel now?” she asks.

“Yeah. I have an early flight.”

“Call me when you get there.” She hangs up. Weird. I shake it off as she does not want me to talk and drive. Whatever. I’ll call her when I get to the hotel room. Preferably on my bed.

Hope she’s into a little cybering action tonight.

The drive to the hotel is a blur, my mind still reeling from the offer. I can hardly believe it’s real, that I’m on the cusp of everything I’ve ever wanted. The thoughts continue after parking my car and riding the elevator to my floor.

I shake my head, trying to clear my mind as I swipe my keycard and push open the door to my room. And then I freeze, my breath catching in my throat.

“Surprise!” Maddy grins at me from her perch on the bed. I do a double-take. She’s wearing the sexiest teddy I’ve ever seen. The emerald-green lace pops against her creamy skin and auburn curls. She tilts her head, still smiling. “Thought you could use some company.”

I stand there, stunned, my mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Damn. Fuck cybersex. I’ve got the real thing right here.

“What … how did you…?”

“You’re not the only one with skills.” Her light and teasing tone sends a shiver down my spine. “Besides, I couldn’t miss the chance to congratulate you in person.”

She rises to her knees, and I find myself standing in front of her four long strides later. My gaze dips to her mouth painted with pink lip gloss but then dips lower. My dick twitches in my pants.

“This is the best surprise I’ve ever had.” Unable to hold back, I trace my fingertips along the scalloped lace trim, starting at her neck and following along the edge of her breast to her stomach. She shudders beneath my touch, letting out a small moan.

I step closer and cup her breast as I work my way up the other side. Her nipples harden beneath the keyhole cutout. She’s sexy as hell. And is this lingerie … crotchless? Fuck.

“Yep, best fucking surprise.”

Those sultry green eyes sweep up to meet mine. My heart rate kicks into overdrive, sending all the blood to a certain appendage that’s dying to come out and play.

Easy, boy. There’s no rush tonight.

“Glad you approve.” Maddy wraps her arms around my shoulders and pulls me closer. I bury my face in her hair, breathing in the familiar scent of her shampoo.

“I’m so proud of you,” she murmurs, her breath warm against my neck, her fingers tangling in my hair.

I pull back just enough to look at her. “They still have to draft me.”

“They will.”

Her confidence in me is over the top. I don’t know what I did to deserve someone like her. She’s everything I always knew she’d be, yet she somehow fell for me.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Maddy, I…”

But before I can finish, she brushes her lips against mine. It’s a soft, slow kiss that’s full of promise. I let her take the lead, enjoying seeing where this goes. And as our tongues meet, I realize that this moment, right now, is everything. I don’t need a draft call or a successful physical therapy career to be happy. I just need her—Maddy Grimes in all her captivating, chaotic beauty.

She pulls away just enough for me to see her eyes sparkling. “What were you about to say?”

“Just that I’m the luckiest guy.”

“Oh, yeah?” Her hands toy with the hem of my shirt.

I help her out by lifting it up and over my head. “Most definitely. All the other guys would be jealous if they knew what I have.”

Her fingertips very lightly trail down my chest, dipping to my abs, before returning back to my pecs. I close my eyes and absorb the moment. I explore on my own and run my hand from her neck down to her shoulder. I continue, pausing at her breast long enough for my thumb to brush across her nipple. I want to do so much more, but I don’t want to rush this. We have all night. And if I have my way, we’ll have the rest of our lives together. Her moan electrifies me, amplified by the slight tug of my hair.

I continue my path down her body, my calluses rough over lace, until I land on her cheeky bottom.

“Jesus Christ, woman.”

She gives her ass a little shake. “You like?”

“I love.” Smirking, I swat her bare ass cheek and get ready to say something cocky, but she licks my cheek. “Did you just lick my dimple?”

There isn’t any shame in her voice when she giggles. “I’ve been wanting to do that for years.”

“Toots, I’ve got better things for you to lick than that.”

Her eyes darken to a deep emerald. “You gonna talk about it or show me?”

“Dirty girl. I like it when she comes out to play.”

“And I like my domineering teddy bear.”

God, this girl .

“You do, do you?” I ask.

“Mm-hmm.”

“Well, then. Get on all fours, facing me.” I demand, removing my shorts while she eagerly gets into position. Next goes my briefs.

Her eyes widen when my dick springs free. She licks her lips. “Your cock never gets old.”

I smirk. “Be a good girl and open your mouth.”

The End!