Anton (Chicago Blaze 1)

And the sounds she’s making—fuck me. She makes hot noises when I’m giving her oral, but this is next level. She’s crying out with pleasure as she works her clit up and down my dick. Nothing exists for her in this moment except using my body to get herself off.

She gets there fast, riding out every last second of her orgasm with no inhibition. It’s sexy as hell, and as soon as she’s done, I pull her hips down and come inside her again, shuddering with satisfaction.

She slides off my lap and snuggles into my side, damp with sweat and slack with satisfaction.

“That was exactly what I needed,” she says.

“Yeah, me too.” I kiss her temple. “I feel like a dick for not asking before, but with what happened to you, does sex hurt?”

Mia hums with amusement. “Did it seem like I was in pain?”

“No, but…I need you to tell me just so I’m sure.”

“It doesn’t hurt at all.”

I pull her closer. “You know, the team does a mentoring program with foster kids. I got paired with a great kid a few years ago and it made me think maybe I’d like to be a foster parent someday.”

“Really?” she asks hopefully.

“Yeah, maybe that could lead to kids we’d adopt.”

“I would love that. We lived next door to a couple who fostered kids when I was growing up and I felt so sorry for those kids. My grandma would offer them food when they were playing at our house and they’d eat tons and thank her over and over. I got the impression they weren’t getting enough to eat.”

“That’s shitty. People like that give good foster parents a bad name.”

We lie in silence for a few minutes, Mia’s breathing evening out. I’m more content than I’ve ever been. Maybe the drive I’ve been feeling for so many years to be the best in hockey was actually about more than just the game.

I never realized there was a hole in my heart until Mia filled it. And now, I want more than just hockey in my life. I also want to keep playing at a level that will make her proud. Hopefully our future kids will feel the same.

“I love you,” she murmurs against my chest.

Kissing her on the forehead, I say, “Love you too.”Much later that same day, Mia and I walk into Lucky Seven. It’s her night off, and we’re meeting Luca and Vic for a drink and then dinner.

“Hey, man,” Vic says, clapping me on the back and then hugging Mia.

“Hey,” Luca says, doing the same.

“You look beat,” I tell Luca.

He’s got dark circles under his eyes and looks like he hasn’t shaved in days.

“Yeah, Emerson got the flu and then Cora got it. I’ve never seen so much puke in my life.”

“You didn’t have to come, man. Are they feeling any better yet?”

“I needed to get out of the house, I’ve been there alone with the kids for days. My parents drove in today to help out.”

“Let us know if there’s anything we can do,” Mia offers.

“Thanks. I just hope Jack doesn’t get it next, or I’m fucked.”

Bree, a Lucky Seven server, comes to our table, her gaze bouncing between me, Vic and Luca.

“Damn, Mia, you gonna share?” She gives Vic a flirty grin.

“You know which one’s mine,” Mia says, leaning close to me. “The other two are all yours.”

Vic’s sizing her up. I know him well enough to know what he’s thinking: he finds her fuckable, but doesn’t know if he wants to create drama with someone who works with Mia since he’s not up for a relationship.

Luca doesn’t even bother looking; the poor bastard’s probably too tired to think about sex, and the kids keep him busy all the time.

They both order beers and Mia asks for an iced tea. I get my usual water.

“When are you leaving for your trip?” I ask Vic.

The hockey offseason is short, so most of us cram it full of all the things we don’t have time to do during our 82-game season. Travel and relaxation are always at the top of everyone’s list.

“Next week. I can’t fucking wait,” Vic says.

“Where are you going?” Mia asks him.

“Montana. I’m staying at a lodge with a few guys. We’re gonna fish every day.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“You guys going anywhere?” Vic asks us.

Mia gives me an apologetic look. “Maybe something short. I have a summer class and work, so I can’t get away for long.”

“We’ll fit something in.” I wink at her.

I already booked us for a week at an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii. It’s the week after her class ends, and I asked Janice if she could give Mia the time off but not tell her yet.

While I love that Mia wants to take care of herself, I need to be able to do things for her, too. I think a week alone with her sounds like paradise, no matter where we go. No one’s ever spoiled Mia like she deserves. I plan to make up for it.