Hold Me Forever (A Hockey Romance) Read online

  "Let's go somewhere quieter," he suggested. That was probably a good idea, because you could only hear someone if you were very close with all the loud music around.

  "It’s rather empty over there," Reese said, pointing to the right. "The stands there closed already."

  We turned and headed in that direction. I walked in front of him, acutely aware of his presence just a few inches behind me. Had he told me he was coming and I didn't see the message?

  When we reached the area with the closed stands, I turned around, looking straight at him.

  "I'll cut to the chase, Kendra. I only saw that picture when my brother showed it to me."

  My shoulders slumped. "I saw it earlier today."

  "Why didn't you say something?" he asked, sounding confused.

  "Like what? ‘Hey, Tyler, do you have a girlfriend, and am I your dirty secret?’"

  He jerked his head back. "You thought I have...? No, I don't. Damn it, Kendra, I don't. What kind of an asshole do you think I am?"

  I put my hands on my hips, shifting my weight from one leg to the other. "I don't know. It was the first thing that came to my mind. And why shouldn't you have one? You're hot and a great kisser and—"

  "You think I'm a great kisser?"

  I sighed. "Really?"

  "You brought it up," he said, then shook his head, turning serious once more. "Kendra, no, I'm not seeing anyone." He came a bit closer, looking me straight in the eyes, and I was rooted in my spot. "I kissed you. I flirted with you. I made you mine. I want to do it all over again and again. That was just a fan who wanted me to sign her chest. I shut her down. Want to know what I was thinking about?"

  "What?" I whispered.

  "You."

  I licked my lips, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "But you barely know me."

  "And I’m going to change that.” He tilted his head, coming closer. "I want to know you. Your thoughts. Wishes. Desires. Everything.” His voice was decadent now. Somehow the energy between us changed. It was more charged.

  “When is your dinner?”

  "In twenty minutes."

  He groaned, looking around. Then he shook his head as if having a conversation with himself.

  “Come on, let’s get back to the group.”

  Hmm... this is suspicious.

  He put his hand at the small of my back, and I straightened up as if a current went through me. Energy zipped through my whole body. I felt so connected to him that it was surreal.

  His passionate confession of the incident was real; could I hope that Tyler was as into me as I was into him? I felt on cloud nine right now and very thankful I wasn’t an unwitting cheater. I would never do that to someone knowingly.

  Emma, Reese, and Travis were in front of a booth, enjoying drinks, laughing their asses off. My sister had a talent for making friends quickly, but this was a record even for her.

  She glanced straight at me, and I knew what that look meant. She was silently asking: Is he an asshole, or was it a misunderstanding? I smiled to indicate that everything was fine. She instantly lit up.

  She wasn't suspicious of Tyler at all anymore. And neither was I.

  "You two are back already?” she teased. “After what these two told me, I was thinking you might have thrown her over your shoulder and kidnapped her."

  "Crossed my mind," Tyler said seriously, pressing his fingers deeper into the small of my back, and holy shit, this time, the energy crawling through me went right between my thighs.

  Ha! That was why he was checking out the area.

  "What exactly did you tell her?" Tyler asked.

  "Well, you said we should keep quiet around Kendra, but you didn't warn us specifically about her sister," Reese said, "so obviously we told her you’re a decent guy.”

  “That you don't double-dip your dick," Travis added.

  Tyler burst out laughing. I felt my cheeks heat up.

  “This one’s very outspoken,” Reese explained, pointing her thumb at Travis.

  “Duly noted,” I murmured.

  Emma zeroed in on Tyler. "You're looking a bit too territorial, Tyler."

  "Emma," I admonished. Like Travis, she was very outspoken too.

  "And like you might not let her get to her dinner at all."

  Tyler looked at me. "Is your sister a mind reader or something?"

  "You were thinking about interfering with my work dinner?" I asked.

  He flashed me a cocky smile. "It crossed my mind."

  "Yeah, we should warn you,” Travis cut in. “Sometimes he sort of runs his own show."

  "Most of the time, actually," Reese said, "with complete disregard for manners."

  "Good to know," I whispered.

  Tyler's hand moved to my waist, pulling me close to him. "You'll have plenty of opportunities to witness that, Kendra. What’s your schedule like for the rest of the week?”

  “Work and... that’s it. Why?”

  He didn’t reply, just looked at me intently—like he had plans.

  My pulse sped up as he pinned me with those determined eyes, and I just knew this sexy hockey player was going to turn my life upside down.

  Excitement bubbled up inside me, even though I wasn’t 100 percent sure I was ready for what was to come.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kendra

  I left for my dinner a few minutes later, ordering an Uber even though it wasn’t too far away. I didn’t want to be late.

  As soon as I got in the car, my phone lit up with a message from Tyler.

  Tyler: I can't wait to see you again, sexy girl.

  Kendra: Hey, don't make me blush. I'm in a car, I’ll be at the restaurant in seven minutes, and I don't want to be red in the face.

  Tyler: That way, everyone will know you have someone to make you blush.

  Kendra: Or they’ll think I ate chilies, like in Seattle.

  I held my breath, waiting for his reply, shimmying a bit in my seat. A small part of me was all for some sexting, but...

  Tyler: Text me when you're home, beautiful.

  Oh, I planned to do just that. During the ride I also got a message from a contractor I’d asked for a quote on tiles and flooring. He didn’t have time until spring. I needed someone as soon as possible, but I had to push the issue to the back of my mind for now.

  The dinner lasted until 10:00 p.m. I liked catching up with past clients, and it filled me with joy when they came back for more projects. But this time, I couldn't wait to get home. I debated messaging Tyler on the way, but I didn't want to start blushing in the Uber. I could wait a few more minutes until I was in my apartment; then there would be no one to witness it.

  I practically jumped out of the Uber after it pulled in front of my building. There was a line in front of the elevator, so I took the stairs two at a time. My apartment was only on the third floor, so I often took the stairs; I felt like I was getting my cardio in whenever I avoided the elevator.

  The second I entered my apartment I took out my phone and messaged Tyler so quickly that I nearly broke a nail.

  Kendra: I'm home.

  He called me the next second. I hadn't even finished taking off my shoes. Grinning, I darted straight to my bedroom, sitting on the bed, and answered him.

  "Hey, Kendra," he said.

  "Hey.”

  "How was your dinner?"

  "Great. I love catching up with past volunteers. It’s been an amazing evening.” Except for the part where the contractor didn’t have time for me. I groaned just remembering.

  “But you sound a bit off.”

  “You’re observant. You know how I told you about that house I bought? Well, I'm still waiting on contractors to quote me on tiles and flooring, and one said he doesn't have time until spring. I need someone who can do it now."

  I moved to the center of the bed, propping myself against the pillows.

  "I can talk to my brother, Luke. He's an architect, and he works with a lot of contractors."

  "Oh my God! You think he'd
be able to recommend someone to me?"

  "I'm sure he can."

  I smiled. "That would be great. Thanks so much. Wow, you are so thoughtful."

  "I'll talk to him. When do you plan on moving?"

  "As soon as it's done. I've wanted to own a house for years. It's almost like a dream that I thought might never happen." I held my breath, biting the inside of my cheek. This was an intimate part of me that I didn't often reveal.

  "I'm guessing it’s making you feel safe after everything you've been through."

  "Yes, exactly." But the weird part was, I felt safe with him, and it wasn't a feeling I was used to.

  "What are you doing tomorrow?" he asked.

  "Well, I'm going to be at the office all day, going through a lot of admin stuff that I couldn't do while I was away. You?"

  "Management wants to talk to me."

  I sat up straighter. "Oh, why?"

  "They didn't say, so it could go either way."

  "I'll keep my fingers crossed, and toes, and legs.” I stretched out, crossing my legs at my ankles, and leaned back into my pillows. “My God, my bed is so comfy."

  "You're in your bed?" he asked.

  "Yeah."

  "What are you wearing?"

  "Um, my clothes."

  "Take them off for me."

  "You're bossy on the phone too."

  "Hell yes."

  My nipples perked up. Hmm, I could play this game. I'd never flirted like this on the phone, but there was a first time for everything.

  "What should I start with?"

  "What are you wearing?"

  "The same thing I was wearing at the fair."

  "You had a jacket on."

  "It was open."

  "Kendra, the only thing I was focused on was clarifying what happened, so you had no doubt about my interest in you."

  “I don’t,” I assured him in a whisper. And I didn’t. For him to come see me at the fair and clear my mind of any concerns was proof of his caring in itself.

  Clearing my throat, I decided to turn things playful again. "I’m wearing a skirt and a sweater." I left out that I was also wearing tights because there was nothing sexy about that. But I desperately needed them starting in November or I’d freeze off some pretty intimate parts.

  "Take off your sweater slowly."

  I did as he asked, dragging my fingers up over my bra as I went. Goose bumps prickled along my skin. I heard his breathing on the phone. It was almost like he was here with me.

  "It's gone," I whispered.

  "And now your skirt."

  "You’re getting naughty."

  "You have no clue just how naughty I want to get."

  I pushed down my skirt and the silly tights, letting my fingers wander back up.

  "What do you want me to do with my bra and panties?"

  He groaned a guttural sound that turned me on. I was instantly soaked.

  "Nothing."

  I blinked rapidly. "What do you mean, nothing?"

  "I can't do this and not race to your place and knock down the door."

  I swallowed hard. "So why don't you do it?"

  "Because first I want to take you on that date I promised you. I don't want you to think this is just physical."

  I blinked. Had he really said those words? I'd been dating on and off for my whole adult life, and I was sure I'd never heard it.

  "Wow," I breathed, not sure what to say back.

  "I mean it, Kendra. I don't want you to feel like you're my secret or something. You’re special to me, and I want you to know that."

  I winced. "Is this because of what I said at the fair? I just said it because of the photo, you know?"

  "I know. But I have big plans.”

  "Oh? Details?"

  “Just one: tomorrow will be a big day,” he said cryptically.

  “Don’t be mean. I want to know more.”

  “I don’t know how long the meeting will take with management. It’s at five."

  "Okay." I debated trying to lure out more of what he had in mind, but I decided to let it go. I yawned, pushing down my soaked panties.

  "What are you doing?" he asked.

  "Yawning."

  "There was another sound."

  "Are you sure you want details? You might break down my door."

  "Kendra." His voice was raspy and oh-so-deliciously commanding.

  "I'm taking off my panties, okay? They're wet, and it's all your doing. You don't even have to be here and this happens to me. I'm not even sure how it's possible."

  "You’re driving me crazy, woman."

  I bit my lip. He wanted to take me out on a date. I wanted him to come bang down my door. Even though the devil on my shoulder was egging me to continue teasing him, he was being such a gentleman that it wasn’t fair.

  "Okay, how about we call it a night?" I suggested.

  "I'll be in touch tomorrow, beautiful. Good night."

  I was giddy once we hung up, and I took off my bra. Instead of going to bed, I went to my pantry, glancing at the mountain of boxes I had there. They were full of books, summer clothes, along with all sorts of stuff like extra plates that I didn’t need on a daily basis. I’d booked a moving company to take them to the house the next day, so I stayed up late and packed six more boxes.

  All the time, I couldn’t stop thinking about Tyler. I'd always been realistic—too realistic and focused on reality, according to Emma. Growing up, that had seemed like the only way to get through the day, and in time, it became a habit. I never let myself be silly and daydream.

  But I couldn't help but daydream about my sexy hockey player.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Tyler

  Meetings with management were not one of my favorite things, but I put on my most amicable smile as I sat across from John Daniels, our general manager. He got up, pacing his huge-ass office, not looking at me, just talking, as if he spoke to himself. I'd been fazed the first time he did this but then got used to it.

  "I'm happy to say that the board is pleased with your volunteering efforts, and our sponsors too. You're taking it seriously. Actually, from what we've heard, you're going above and beyond what was asked. That's always good."

  "I like volunteering," I said honestly. “I like the kids and enjoy teaching them the game. They’re quick learners.”

  He straightened up, looking me in the eye. It was maybe the third time he’d ever done that. The last time was when he told me I was benched for the foreseeable future.

  "The board and I discussed this, and we've also consulted with your physical therapist. He said you still need a couple of weeks to get back in shape. The shoulder’s good, but your skating needs some practice to get back your reflexes, though that shouldn’t be a problem. After that, we'll put you back on the ice. Obviously, Jett is still going to be the main goalie until we’re sure you’re in top shape."

  Holy shit, is he serious?

  I rose to my feet. My heart slammed against my rib cage, and adrenaline pulsed through my veins. Although I was disappointed that I wasn’t the main goalie, it was fair to Jett since he already had a few games behind him, and he was in better shape than I was. But it was a start. I used to be the best goalie in the league before all this, but I’d have to earn that title back.

  "Tyler, it's imperative that you keep pleasing the sponsors, the press. Everyone needs to see your commitment to the team."

  "I never gave anyone any reason to doubt that."

  He sighed. "We've been through this before. As a public person, everything you do is being watched, scrutinized, judged.”

  "Let's not go through this again," I said, my voice hard.

  "We're not. I was just reminding you."

  "Is this a probationary thing?" I questioned, wanting him to put all the cards on the table. The man was so reserved. It pissed me off. He always minced his words, and then when you least expected it, he'd pull the rug from under you. It was his team, obviously, so he could do whatever he wanted. But to
him, this was a business; to me, it was about the game.

  "No it’s not. I want 100 percent from you. But if things escalate again outside of the ice rink, anything is possible, even a trade."

  I blinked, narrowing my eyes, "I'm your best goalie. Why would you let me go?"

  "I just explained that to you."

  Fuck him, I didn't want to be traded. The Chicago Blades had been my team for eight years. My family was here in Chicago. I wasn't going to go anywhere. I only had two more years on the ice max, and I planned to spend them with my team.

  "Thanks for the warning," I said. The ball was in my court to make this happen. If I fucked up it was on me.

  “And I trust you heeded my advice about Miss Kendra?”

  “No. And that’s 100 percent my business. If you’re gonna warn me—”

  “That was just advice, not a warning. Mixing business and pleasure is never a good idea.”

  “I’ve given the Blades everything I’ve got for eight years. My personal life is my own.” As was every other players’—but he didn’t get into their shit.

  “Fair enough. I trust you know what you’re doing. Just make sure your head is in the game, Maxwell.”

  “I will.”

  Even though I was pissed off at Daniels, I was in a good mood when I came out of the club. I felt on top of the world. I was going to get back on the ice faster than I'd expected. My shoulder was still giving me a few aches and pains, but I knew I'd bring it just where I needed it to be in a few weeks, and then the game was on.

  I called my brother Travis right away. I wanted to celebrate with my family, and I knew he had the most time right now.

  "Hey, man, what's up?" he said.

  "They're putting me back on the ice."

  "What? That's fantastic news.”

  “I want to take everyone out for drinks tomorrow."

  “Tomorrow? Why not tonight?” Travis asked. Like I said, the man was bored.

  “I’ve got plans already.”

  “So cancel them, and let’s hit the town.”

  “I’ve got plans with Kendra.”

  He whistled. “Damn.”

  “So tell everyone that Operation Coddling Tyler is over.”

  “That was never the name of the operation.”

  I chuckled. “Whatever it is, it’s not necessary anymore.”