Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U, #1)

by S. Massery

There is no point in hiding things from him. Stone recognizes all my defense mechanisms now, and he’s starting to know all my secrets too.

Not only is he starting to know my secrets, but he can suddenly read my mind too.

I am not someone who likes public displays. Unless I’m with Stone.

“Do it,” I whisper. “I’m yours.”

“Fucking delicious.” I am a total fucking goner for him.

“Did you know?” My voice is a rasp. “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t?”

“But you like it when I call myself your boyfriend, don’t you?” “No.” “Now who’s lying?” I cross my arms in defeat, and he presses on the gas, flinging me backward. “Don’t worry, baby. I fully plan on making you admit how much you love the idea of me being your boyfriend later.” I press my lips together at the same time my thighs clench. Boyfriend or not, I kind of hate him.

I pace the foyer until she appears at the top of the stairs. The skirt of her gown is in her hand, keeping her feet clear to go down the stairs. First her sparkling, strappy, silver heels come into view, then her toned legs. Then the glittering gown that fits her like a glove. She paired it with gold jewelry. Earrings, bracelets, a few slim necklaces that dangle down between her tits. God.

I giggle at his glare, and suddenly, I’m crushed into his chest. His hand cups the side of my cheek, and he smiles again, only this time it’s directed at me. It takes my breath away. “I love it when you laugh.”

“When Stone told me he was bringing his girlfriend I almost fell out of my chair.” Stone whispers behind me, and I’m thankful Martha didn’t hear. “It was probably all the cocktails.” “The party is beautiful,” I say, complimenting her. “Stone told me that he wishes you’d throw him a party like this one day.” I smirk.

“You know, I’ve never fucked a girlfriend in here.” I squint. “That’s because you’ve never had a girlfriend, Stone.” He crushes me to his strong chest. “Until you.”

I move both hands through her hair again, tipping her head back, and her eyes flutter. She stares up at me with those big hazel eyes. My heart gives a weird little thump, and I know in my bones I want to do more than just make her choke on my dick. I want to marry her too.

She’s going to be the death of me. And I think I love her for it.

“How did you know where I was?” I feel his stare, but I keep my attention out the window, watching the blurring lights. His car revs, and we speed toward the interstate. “I always know where you are.” “Evan and I are the only ones who know about it.” Stone shifts and picks up the speed. “You think I didn’t watch your every move when we were in high school?” Whatever. “I always knew where you were in a crowded room, Sticks. Just like I do now. I know you a lot better than you think.”

“I know how pissed you are about my dad, and I know you’re afraid out of your mind because of yours being a free man.” I bite my tongue. He shifts again, and I fly into the back of the seat. “I know you just bit your tongue because you hate that I’m right.” He’s right. He does know me.

I hate him. I hate him so much, and I think it’s because I love him. “Fucking finally.”

“I want to tear you to pieces.” He bites on my ear lobe.

I’ve missed him too much, even if I won’t admit it.

“Say it.” Stone’s grip is hard on my face. My lips form a pout, but he squeezes my cheeks. “Say it while you show me how much you fucking hate me, baby.”

“I don’t hate you either,” he says, bouncing his gaze back and forth between mine. “I’m still mad at you,” I say. “I don’t care,” he replies.

“Go.” I nod toward the door. “I can’t.” My brows furrow. His blue eyes snap to mine, like something just clicked into place. He grips my blanket and cups my cheek. “I can’t go without telling you that I love you.”

I told her I loved her, and then I fucking bailed. After hate sex, no less. But she said it back. And it wasn’t really hate sex in the end, was it? Just…angry sex. Because she loves me too.

“You’re rich enough to afford your own place.” I eye him. “Is that so?” “With the trust fund and hockey contract and all.” I snort. “What I’m saying is, having screaming sex with my sister at all hours of the day—” “That was a one-off.” I wave him away. “Well, maybe you should consider getting a space for yourselves. Just the two of you.” His face is red, and he rubs the back of his neck. “The guys and I took a little vote—” “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” “We’re not kicking you out immediately. Just, you know, when this shit with Wren’s dad gets resolved and things settle down a bit.”

“Well, I’ll let you explain to her that you’re hopelessly in love with me.” Holy shit, I’m teasing her about this. Love always felt like one of those untouchable subjects. And here I am, poking fun at Wren. But then again, when don’t Wren and I poke fun at each other? “You said it first,” she mumbles. “Oh my God,” Ally yells in the background. “You said it?” I laugh. “Bye, baby. Text me when you’re here.”

“It’s going to be okay,” she whispers. Again. Like some sort of comfort—except, now I think she means it solely for me. “I’m going to save you, Stone.” “Don’t do anything stupid, baby.” She ignores me.

“Wake up, baby.” My arms are shaking too badly. I fall to my side behind her, dragging her limp body against mine. If she’s dead, I don’t know what I will do. Tears fill my eyes. “Wake up, Wren.”

“Your father is dead. Yes.” I sigh, and my heart rate slows—something he notices.

“Evander,” I croak. He doesn’t hear me, but Archer starts running full speed. “What the fuck are you doing?” “Where is he?” I cry, clinging onto his shirt.

“Is he going to be okay?” My chin is quivering. Evan stares at it but then shuts his eyes. My head is buried in his chest a breath later, and he kisses my temple softly. “I don’t know, sis. I don’t know.” An earth-shattering cry scrapes against my raw throat, and I shut out the pained faces of everyone staring at me. I don’t stop myself from yelling out his name, even if it comes out as a broken whisper. Stone may not hear me, but I know he’ll feel me.

“How are we going to afford this?” Wren finally asks, returning to my side. “I mean… Don’t get me wrong, I love it. But isn’t it bigger than what we need?” I shrug. “We need to have a space for Evan to come to dinner, and his parents might want to stay if they come to visit. Better here than the hockey house. Besides, I want a space just for us. For you.” She blinks rapidly. “Oh.” A lump forms in my throat. “Baby,” I whisper. “You’ve never had a place to make your own. You had your dad’s house, and you lived with the Mitchells. Even the hockey house, as much as I love the guys, wasn’t really ours. But this whole space is. I want you to experience that.”

“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear. “I love you.” “I love you too.” I carry her through the living room and into the kitchen, setting her ass on the edge of the counter. I trail my fingers down her sides to the waistband of her leggings. “Let me show you how much…”

I sit in the stands and wait for his text, like always. It’s been more than enough time—five years, to be exact—and I still have some lingering PTSD when it comes to Stone’s I’ll score one for you, baby texts.

A sneaky little grin slides onto my face, and Ally nudges my shoulder. “You two are ridiculous. Still.” My smile deepens.

“I’m distracted.” I snort. “I can tell.” I glance at the eavesdroppers and lower my voice. “What’s going on? Talk to me.” Stone signals for their best center, and he skates over quickly and drops something into Stone’s hand. I’m confused, and everyone is staring. “Stone.” I’m impatient and hesitant at the same time. “Baby,” he says, getting down on one knee. What the hell is he doing? He takes his helmet off and shakes his sweaty head. Stone Foster is just as edgily attractive as he was years ago when we came face to face as enemies. He hated me then, but I know he loves me now. “I had this entire thing planned for after the game. The guys were in on it, and even the fucking cameraman was going to zoom in on your face so I could watch the surprise flicker across it over and over again until we’re old and gray, but I can’t play another second of this game without knowing you’ll be my wife.”

“Yes,” I say without an ounce of hesitation. His smooth chuckle erases his nerves. “I didn’t even ask you yet.” “I don’t care,” I reply.

“Wren Foster,” he whispers against my lips. “It’s about time we discarded that shitty Davis last name.”

“Stone and Wren Foster,” I whisper, pulling back. It sounds like forever to me.