CHAPTER EIGHT

RYAN

“ Do you want to talk about it? ”

The buzzer fills the arena to signal the end of our semifinal game. 1-0. It was a hard fought battle for three periods, but our guys had the bad luck of not landing a single shot on goal. Which means, after months of hard work, our season is finished.

As we trek down the hall toward the locker room, I examine the slumped shoulders and ducked heads, disappointment a tangible weight in the atmosphere.

This won’t do.

Once everyone is inside the large room preparing to remove their layers of gear, I call for their attention.

“Hey, listen up!”

Two dozen pairs of eyes turn my way, and I offer a reassuring smile.

“Tonight was tough, and I understand your disappointment. I hate losing as much as the next person, but…” I let the word hang in the air for a second, “what we’re not going to do is discount the hard work we put in this season. Do you realize this is the first time in eight years Guardian Valley has sent a hockey team to the postseason? That’s something to be proud of.”

There’s grumbling among the boys.

“I’m not blowing smoke up your asses,” I say sternly, crossing my arms over my chest. “This program has struggled for almost a decade to make a name for itself again, and this team is paving the way for redemption. You held a nationally ranked team to one goal tonight.”

I hold up a finger to emphasize my point.

“They average three goals a game, and you held them to one. That deserves more than moping around the locker room. Hornby, talk to your team.” I step back to let Gage do his captain thing as the assistant coach gives me a nod of approval.

Devon was part of the championship team a decade ago and returned to Guardian Valley the same time as me. He’s been instrumental in helping me turn this team around.

I’m damn proud of these boys.

And even prouder of Gage as he encourages his teammates. He’s got a bright future ahead with his talent, but it's his attitude that seals the deal. A certain temperament is necessary for navigating the world of professional athletics, and with a supportive sister like Paige and my experience as a former pro, Gage has all the makings of a great professional hockey player.

***

“I’m sorry about the loss,” Paige says, welcoming me into her house. It’s late, but I couldn’t refuse her invitation to come over after the high emotions of tonight.

“Thanks, baby.” I pull her into a tight hug after the door is locked, and we stand in the foyer for a few minutes as an exhale of relief blows past my lips.

I meant what I said earlier to the boys about feeling proud of our accomplishments this season, but it didn’t completely erase the sadness of losing—the comfort of Paige’s embrace is doing a good job, though.

Of course, every day for the past three months has been amazing as our relationship deepened.

“Do you want to talk about it? Or do you want to take your mind off the game?”

“Let’s go with the second option. We’ll be studying the game tape so much, I don’t need to rehash the details with my girl, too.”

Paige grins. “I was hoping you’d say that, because I’m going to hear all about it from Gage, I’m sure.” She tugs me toward the living room couch and gently pushes me down before climbing onto my lap.

“Um, babe, what are you doing?” My head tilts back as I shoot a glance at the staircase leading to one of the bedrooms where Levi is currently sleeping. Usually, we confine ourselves to my apartment when it comes to sex.

“Distracting you,” she murmurs. “Gage is sleeping over with some friends, and Levi sleeps like a hibernating bear. We should be fine.” Her mouth trails over my neck and ear as her hands massage my tense shoulders.

“Should be? I’m surprised my cautious and responsible girl is okay with the risk,” I tease, though I’m happy to follow her lead—whether it’s making out on the sofa like a couple of teens or more , like a repeat of what happened in her classroom months ago.

“Guess I'm feeling lucky. We didn't get caught at school that one time. This is way safer than that.” Her hands dive beneath my coach's polo. The curious exploration of her fingertips tickles my abs. “How long did it take to get these…? You know what, it doesn't matter.”

I laugh at the swiftly abandoned question then groan as Paige’s eagerness leads to her warm pussy grinding on my cock while her lips continue to kiss along my jawline.

Determined to catch up, I pull the neckline of her sleep tank down until it rests below her heavy breasts. Thank fuck for stretchy material. Paige’s rosy nipples beckon me closer until I’m able to suck a tender bud, licking the tip with my tongue.

“Ryan!” she squeaks before slapping a hand over her mouth.

Grinning at the dramatic gesture, I raise a brow in mock disapproval. “Careful, baby. If you’re too loud, you might wake your brother, then how are you going to ride my cock into oblivion?”

She hugs me closer, rocking her hips harder over mine. “Oblivion? Where is that exactly?”

“Somewhere after nirvana,” I say, returning to her breasts as my hands start yanking on her sleep shorts. “Let’s lose these. I don’t want anything between us.”

Paige nods and wiggles free from the flimsy fabric, then she undoes my slacks enough to release my hard cock. The relief of being free from its confines is short-lived, though. I’m desperate for the hot clamp of Paige’s pussy.

“Condom?”

“In my wallet.”

She works the leather billfold loose and finds the silver package. “I like a prepared man.” The whisper accompanies the smooth slide of the condom over my dick.

“And I adore a woman who knows what she wants.” Especially when that woman is Paige and what she wants is me.

A sly grin causes her dimples to pop as she notches the head of my cock at her entrance. “Did you know I used to ride horses as a child? Before my parents decided it wasn’t worth the cost of time and money.”

Idiots.

The Hornby siblings have shit parents, yet they still learned how to form a solid, loving family of three. And I’d like to be added as the fourth—making Paige my woman and gaining two little brothers in the process.

“Are you saying you’re a cowgirl at heart?”

“I’m saying it’s time I gave you a proper welcome to Guardian Valley, cowboy.” Paige drops her hips until I’m balls deep in her cunt.

Holy fuck… This night just got a whole lot better.