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27. Dakota

I was a little shaken by the performance Braxton had put on tonight. I'd never seen him like that. The first penalty was clearly an accident, but after that, it almost seemed like he was trying to get himself in trouble. The fight at the end and the ensuing altercation with the ref were definitely out of character for him. Even Natalie and Hannah were surprised by his actions.

Natalie asked if I wanted to join her and Liv when they took the kids to the locker room post-game, but I declined. My head was still trying to process what had gotten into Braxton.

He'd driven me to the game, so I elected to wait for him by the car, texting him where I would be so he didn't panic that I was missing when the rest of the crew found them.

The cool air of the parking garage was the shock I needed, and I inhaled deeply, letting the frosty chill permeate my lungs. I knew Braxton wasn't a violent man. I knew he would never hurt me. But something was going on with him tonight, and it worried me that he hadn't confided in me.

I squeezed my eyes shut against the pain of the past. Would my father's actions always haunt me? Would I always be fearful that I wasn't enough for the man I loved? Would I always be looking over my shoulder, wondering when the other shoe was going to drop?

No. Braxton wasn't my father. He would never betray me.

I just had to keep repeating it over and over in my mind until it forced out all the nagging doubts. Emotional trauma was a bitch like that, constantly popping in to say hello. The scars left behind would always serve as a reminder, even after you healed.

Steps echoed on concrete, and I forced my eyes open.

Braxton was on approach, and my breath caught in my throat at the sight of him.

I expected him to be hanging his head, either frustrated or angry, but the man before me was stalking closer like a predator. I squirmed, realizing I was the prey.

What the hell is going on with him tonight?

Frozen to the spot, I could only watch as he invaded my space, placing both hands on the car beside my head, caging me in. The fire in his eyes was so intense I swallowed involuntarily.

Peering up at him, I squeaked out, "Five penalties? And a major?"

His chest rose and fell rapidly, nostrils flaring. "Get in the car, Dakota." The words were said through gritted teeth, his jaw tightly clenched.

Nodding, I ducked beneath his arms, reaching for the handle on the passenger side door. A hand snagged my wrist, and I was spun back around.

"The backseat."

My jaw dropped, and my eyes bulged. "The-the backseat?"

"You heard me."

With his free hand, he opened the door and let me slip inside. Seated, my knees bounced. Braxton was in some kind of a mood, and I knew he was going to take it out on my body.

What did it say about me that I was more excited than nervous at the prospect?

Honestly, I became a different person when we found ourselves in those intimate moments. I wanted to press his buttons, to push him past the breaking point because, goddamn, was it hot when he was riled up and his filthy mouth came out to play. I shifted on the leather seat, beginning to ache, remembering the dirty words he spoke in my ear when he was buried deep inside me.

Braxton opened the passenger door, and the seat slid forward as far as it would go, creating space in the back.

Oh yeah, this is definitely happening.

The door slammed shut, and I jumped, the anticipation of what was coming putting my senses on high alert. Braxton climbed into the backseat, settling on his knees between my thighs and closing the door behind him, sealing us inside together.

The interior gradually dimmed, the only light surrounding us in the tight space came from the glow of the garage lighting through darkly tinted windows. The air grew thick as our breathing mixed, heady and hot.

Before I could ask if he was okay, Braxton lurched forward, taking my lips in a punishing kiss. Caught off guard, I jolted, but his hands gripped my face, holding me in place as he ravaged my mouth. There was no doubt he intended to dominate me tonight. Hell, he couldn't wait until we got home. That spoke volumes to his need for our connection.

Whimpering into his mouth, I battled back with my tongue, and he groaned. Hands leaving my face, they tore at my clothing. My jeans and panties were wrenched down my legs so fast that I barely managed to kick my shoes off in time. The jersey I wore with Braxton's name and number was ripped over my head, and the cups of my bra were pushed aside.

I arched into his touch when he pinched my nipples, sending shockwaves straight between my legs. Clawing at his chest, I tried desperately to unbutton his shirt. When I failed to get my fingers to work properly with the haze of lust surrounding my vision, Braxton pulled back enough to shuck his suit jacket, and before I could blink, his hands gripped two hands of material at his chest, and he pulled. Buttons flew as the two sides of the fabric split apart, revealing his muscular chest.

My hands reached out to trace the lines of each ridge. Braxton sucked in a sharp breath when I grazed his belt buckle. We both knew where this was headed. I needed him to put me out of my misery. Now.

Quick and dirty in the backseat of a car? God, was this really my life? Were we sure it wasn't a figment of my own imagination as I wrote this story? I sure hoped not. If it were, I would spend the rest of my life searching for a man who measured up to Braxton—achingly sweet when it mattered but dirty as fuck when we were naked.

The jangling of his belt buckle coming undone brought me back to my senses, and before I had time to prepare, my legs were hoisted over his shoulders, and he leaned closer, bending me in half. I was completely at his mercy, pinned against the seat. But I wasn't scared; I knew he would take care of me.

Notching himself at my entrance, he kept his eyes on mine as he sank inside with one forceful thrust, and I cried out. I couldn't breathe, couldn't move. The angle was so deep I wasn't sure I could take it.

Pulling his hips back, he snapped them sharply, forcing the air from my lungs. Pressing down with his chest, he deepened the angle, causing me to shriek. The sensations were overwhelming, and I struggled to hold on as he pounded into me harder and harder.

Forehead pressed to mine, Braxton's hot breath fanned my face. He was all grunts and groans as he possessed my body in a way only he ever would.

And then he spoke.

"I could still smell you in there." His voice was strained. Even unhinged as he was, he was still holding back. "Drove me insane. I couldn't get enough."

My mind was fuzzy, but it finally clicked. The penalty box. The other night, we'd had sex in there. And he could still smell it days later?

I wanted to be embarrassed, but seeing how it made him feral for me was empowering. I did this to him. He was out of his mind because of me.

He slowed his punishing pace, instead grinding where we were joined, and I saw stars, trying to gain more friction but only being able to take what he was willing to give.

Peering up, I found a lock of his damp black hair had fallen over his face. His jaw was locked, but his eyes blazed, searing into my soul.

A wicked grin curved his lips, even as every tendon in his neck was straining. "The videos from the other night were likely too far away for anyone to capture your face. But tonight? They're going to know it's you in this car. With me. They'll see it rocking and know exactly what's happening in here. That you're mine. That I couldn't wait one more second to sink inside you. That I'm fucking obsessed with you."

Moaning, I closed my eyes against the increased throbbing between my thighs, knowing someone was likely watching. First, a praise kink, and now I discover I'm an exhibitionist? Sure as hell didn't have either of those on my bingo card.

Two weeks ago, I was a virgin. Now, look at me.

What else was Braxton going to unlock?

Thinking went out the window when Braxton raised on his knees, changing the angle once again as he gripped my hips painfully and resumed his relentless rhythm from earlier.

I knew vaguely that the foreign sounds filling the car belonged to me, but I couldn't focus on anything else but the feel of Braxton plunging his cock between my thighs, filling me up over and over. Tingles gathered where we were joined, and I was powerless to stop the orgasm that slammed into me harder than Braxton's hips. My lungs seized, and black spots danced in my vision as the pleasure washed over me in waves.

Grunting, Braxton stilled, holding me tight as his cock twitched inside me and the warmth of his release spread. "Jesus Christ," he whispered, breathing heavily.

Slowly, we came back to Earth, and he lowered my legs, climbing onto the seat beside me and pulling me into his arms.

He stroked my hair softly before asking, "Did I hurt you?"

I shook my head against his chest. "No. It was amazing. How does it keep getting better every time?"

Braxton huffed out a laugh. "I'm convinced it's us. It's never felt like this before. And I don't think I'll ever be able to slake my thirst for you, baby. It's taken over my soul and become a part of the very fabric of my being. When we're connected, I don't know where I end and you begin, and I never want to find out."

Smirking, I peered up at him. His face was finally relaxed for the first time since he'd appeared in the garage. "Might have to pay someone to fumigate that penalty box."

A rumble came from deep within his chest. "Or maybe I'll have the scent of us bottled."

"How much trouble are you in?"

"A lot." He sighed heavily. "But you know what?'

"What?" I asked.

"It was so worth it."

We both laughed out loud. He was back to being the funny, flirty Braxton that I loved. Don't get me wrong, I loved the sexy, animalistic version of Braxton, too, but that wasn't the foundation our relationship was built on. It was the every-day, the companionship, that would see us through long-term.

Braxton was quickly becoming my best friend. How had I gotten so lucky?

"Babe?" There was a knock on my bedroom door, and Braxton pushed it open with one hand covering his eyes. "Let me know if it's safe. I know how much you love to watch porn while you're working."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't keep the smile from my face. "What? You're afraid of porn? After the way you've been defiling me for weeks?"

That signature smirk pulled at his lips, and he lowered his hand. Stepping closer, he leaned down to kiss me softly. "You never know. I've given you a taste, and you might be craving more. Next thing you know, I catch you watching full-on gang bangs. Or double penetration. Going down the porn rabbit hole can be very dangerous."

A snort flew out my nose. "Sounds like you're speaking from experience."

"Well, since you won't let me read your books, I have to garner inspiration elsewhere." He pointed a finger at me. "But don't get any ideas. No other men for you, young lady. If you need a second dick, it'll have to be silicone, but that can be arranged."

Slightly shocked but mildly intrigued, I nodded, musing, "Good to know."

Braxton propped his hip against my desk. "I wanted to pop over before practice to see if you have a valid passport."

My brows drew down. "Why do I need a passport?"

"It's a yes or no question, Dakota." He pretended to be annoyed, but the smile on his face told a different story.

"Yes. Now tell me why you're asking."

He flashed me with a dazzling grin. "How would you feel about escaping the Connecticut cold and spending a few days soaking up the sun in the Caribbean?"

Leaning back in my chair, I stared at him. "I wasn't aware there were hockey teams down there."

"I've taught you well. You're correct, there are not. But the All-Pro Break is coming up, and the guys—and by guys, I mean Cal, Jaxon, and Benji—have a yacht chartered. I guess some of them did it last year, too. They asked if I would come, and of course, you're invited."

It sounded amazing. If only I didn't have a book launch in less than a month.

Hiding my disappointment that the timing couldn't be worse, I said, "I would love to go." Braxton's face lit up, but I cut him off before he got his hopes up. "But it's crunch time for the book. I have too much work to do and can't afford to take any time off."

The smile slipped from his face, and he nodded in understanding. "Guess I have to bring out the big guns."

"What?"

"It's supposed to be a secret, but I trust you with my life."

Oh my God, he was infuriating. "Are you going to talk in circles all day, or are you going to tell me?"

"From what I understand, there most likely will be a wedding while we are down there."

"Who is getting married?" I ran through the list of possible candidates in my head.

"If I had to guess? Either Benji and Liv or Cal and Hannah. I wasn't given any specifics. They're keeping it close to the vest."

I held up my hand. "Wait. You don't even know? I feel like if Liv or Hannah were engaged, we'd know about it. We see them all the time."

A corner of his lips turned up. "It's a surprise."

My eyes widened. "A surprise wedding? That's kinda ballsy. Don't most women spend the better part of a year planning?" Not that I would know. Bristol was my only girlfriend, and I didn't have the advantage of a large family and weddings to attend growing up.

"It's going to be a proposal with the wedding add-on being optional, is my understanding."

I gaped at him. "And you seriously don't know who?"

"My money is on Cal and Hannah. The kids aren't coming, and Benji's already got something public planned for Liv this week, so I doubt it's them."

"Pinch me." I offered up my arm. When he eyed me, I shook it. "Seriously."

Skeptically, he reached out, pulling my skin between his forefinger and thumb. I hissed, drawing back at the bite of pain.

"Are you okay?" Braxton eyed me carefully.

"Uh-huh." I rubbed the sore spot on my forearm. "Just making sure I'm not inside one of my books. Your little group has a thing for grand gestures, don't they?"

He twisted his lips. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

"It's not," I agreed. "I guess I'm not used to seeing men go out of their way to romance women in real life."

Braxton knelt before me, taking my hands in his. "Get used to it. Because I will always go out of my way to make sure the whole world knows how much I love you."

Butterflies filled my belly. This man was so damn sweet most days that it made my teeth ache. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Brown eyes filled with hope stared up at me. "Please come with me? Be my wedding date?"

I sighed. "I want to, baby, I do. But I'm on deadline."

"You finished writing weeks ago. What more is there to do?"

"It's cute that you think after getting the words on paper, it magically turns into a book," I teased.

"Then tell me about it. How does it go from finished manuscript to published for distribution?"

"Ooh. Look at all those technical words." I patted one of his cheeks.

"Seriously. I want to know about your job."

His words were sincere, and I relented. "Okay, well, it's currently being passed from my editor to my proofreader. Then it's up to me to accept all the changes and make a final pass of the manuscript." Grumbling, I explained, "I swear, no matter how many eyes are on it, some tiny typo slips through, and it drives me bonkers." I took a deep breath and continued, "Next, I have to format it to look good for both paperback and e-book versions. After that, I send it to my advanced readers for review before the official release. The final step is submission to the online booksellers so it's ready on release day. And don't forget marketing. That's the most crucial part. If you write a book and no one knows it exists or ever reads it, did you even write it?"

Braxton gazed at me in awe. "I think it's incredible how hard you work to make your dreams come true. How can I support you?"

I'd never been asked that question before and didn't know how to respond. How did he always render me speechless?

"Um." I struggled to find the words. "You can't help in the physical process, but what you're doing now, being an emotional support, is amazing. You send food when I'm working late while you're on the road, you are content to sit beside me in bed as I type away, and you are always willing to take me out when I need a brain break. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more."

"Good." He beamed back at me. "I'm thrilled I have a front-row seat to your career taking off."

I shoved at his shoulder, blushing. "Don't get ahead of yourself just yet. I've got a long way to go."

"Aw, come on, Firefly. You said it yourself. Hockey is all the rage right now in romance, right? I know that with your brilliant mind, you're gonna catch a spark, and then nothing will be able to stop you from lighting up the literary world."

His belief in me was more valuable than any physical gift he could give. And I had no idea what I'd done to deserve this incredible man.

"Thank you," I whispered, pressing my lips to his softly.

"Now, about that trip." Braxton smiled against my mouth. I groaned at his persistence, and he cupped my face, keeping me close. "Tell me what you need to make it happen. What's left on the list? The release date is at the end of the month, right? Three weeks?"

I nodded. "Accepting edits and final pass will take most of next week. Then, I have to format it before sending it to my early readers and working on marketing graphics. When is the trip?"

Sensing I was close to caving, he replied, "We leave on Thursday after practice. Private plane is set for takeoff at 3 PM."

Chewing my lip, I ran it through my head. If I got the final file back sometime this weekend, I could run through most of the edits by Thursday.

"Wi-Fi on the boat?" I asked. That point was vital.

A brilliant smile lit up Braxton's face. "You bet. Does that mean you're in?" The parts of his body touching mine vibrated with excitement.

"If I can be left alone long enough to get my formatting and graphics done, I think we can make it work and still have time to enjoy the trip."

Letting out a whoop, Braxton jumped to his feet. Laughing at his response, I wanted to bottle this joy. It alone was a reason for living.

Young and in love—was there anything better in this world?

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