Lucky Shot (Moonshot Hockey, #1)

by Rebecca Jenshak

Ruby Madison has long red hair that hangs in soft waves around her face and past her shoulders. She’s somewhere around my age, maybe a little younger. Blue eyes, fair skin, and a heart-shaped face. She’s dressed in a top that only covers about four inches of her torso, cutting across the top of her generous tits and above her belly button.

Scary isn’t the word I’d use. Grumpy. Frustrating. Handsome.

Ruby is gorgeous. Chaotic? Sure. Quirky? Absolutely. But she’s also undoubtedly beautiful. The kind that takes your breath and makes you feel unsteady on your feet.

She’s…interesting. Perhaps it’s because I’m used to the people asking me questions having a deep love, or at least a baseline knowledge of the sport, but I find myself trying to anticipate what she’ll ask me next, and I almost never get it right. But maybe most perplexing of all is that I’ve found myself dreading our time together a little less each day. Outside of our time each morning, she’s kept to herself. She’s often walking down by the water or sitting out on the porch of the cabin (not that I’m looking) but otherwise, I could almost pretend she isn’t here. Almost.

I told her to wear socks, but the little, flimsy things she had were going to give her blisters, so Ron pulled out a pair of socks for her too. They’re way too big and come up over her knees. Maybe it isn’t fashionable but it’s doing something for me. Really, really doing something for me.

I adjust it in her hands so she’s holding it correctly. I amend my earlier fantasy to this. Ruby Madison in a dress and skates holding my hockey stick. Fuck me.

She nods, expression shifting back to…grumpy. The idea that Ruby Madison could be genuinely grumpy is mind-boggling. I don’t like it. Not one bit.

Ruby gives me a questioning gaze as I hand her one of the sticks but doesn’t ask what we’re doing. She’s frowning and she’s silent. Yep, something is definitely wrong. I’ve wracked my brain the past few days for what publishing drama could mean but…I have no idea.

I take the laptop and set it on the ground, then pull her to her feet and hug her. She squeaks her surprise and then slowly wraps her arms around my middle. The way she fits there is nice, my chin resting on the top of her head, and I inhale that coconut and strawberry scent. Fuck, I really like her.

“Nick?” Her voice is small. “Yeah?” “Are you trying to squeeze all the air out of my lungs?” I loosen my grip. Shit. “Sorry.” There’s a distinct possibility that I just channeled all my rage into that hug.

Travis comes to sit next to me. He’s holding a drink in one hand and nachos in the other. I eye the food, stomach grumbling. “I wanted to get you popcorn,” he says, then side-eyes the man walking up behind him. Nick stops in front of us, rolls his eyes dramatically and then holds out a bag of popcorn to me. My mouth waters. For more than one reason. There are those fluttery feelings again. Probably hunger pangs.

I turn to face Nick, putting my back to the bar. His gaze drops to my lips and then slowly roams over my face. I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’s as attracted to me as I am him, but I’m not confident enough to make the first move. I’m not even sure if I want to make a move. Okay, that’s a lie. I do, but I’m a smidge worried it’ll make things awkward for the rest of the summer.

Nick and I stare at each other again. The air buzzes around us and my face flushes, possibly from the alcohol, probably from the thoughts of him running through my mind. I can’t get the idea of him hoisting me up with those big hands out of my head. Is it weird that I want him to manhandle me? Maybe. Probably. Oh well.

The bedroom smells like her. Everywhere I walk lately she haunts me. I have a feeling she will long after she’s gone too. I’m not about to let those thoughts in tonight though.

“Give me those inside thoughts.” “Kissing you might be my new favorite sport.” A laugh breaks free. I always think I’m prepared for what she’s going to say, but she keeps surprising me. “I’m not sure that’s an official sport, kissing.” “It should be. You’re really good at it.”

Fuck, she’s sexy. Sunshine and happiness, sass and wit. I didn’t think I had a type, but I just hadn’t met her yet.

She gets to her feet and slowly fingers the hem of her dress. I’m frozen, captivated. My gut swirls and a deep ache slices my chest as she slowly lifts the fabric up, exposing her panties, then her stomach, and then the dress is lifted over her head.

She holds the material in one hand as she stands before me in nothing but lingerie. Black and lacy. The definition of temptation if I’ve ever seen it.

“No, Red. I don’t plan on holding back a single thought tonight either.” I hook my finger in the front of her bra and tug her to me. “But the only thing I’m thinking is how badly I need to be inside you.”

“This mouth.” I swipe my thumb over her lips. “What about it?” she asks in barely a whisper. “It’s as perfect as the rest of you.” The corners of her lips pull up higher. I love being the one responsible for that smile.

Beautiful doesn’t feel like a strong enough word to describe how gorgeous she is or the feelings swirling in my gut as I stare at her. I can tell her cheeks are flushed even in the moonlight. It’s a pink that trails down her neck and chest. Her hair tumbles over her shoulders. The four-leaf clover necklace she always wears sits between her perky, full tits.

There are no words, no thoughts, except yes, more, and mine.

I roll off her and sag to the bed as I catch my breath. Instead of exhaustion, I feel peace but in the most energizing kind of way. What the fuck even was that? I can’t remember the last time sex felt like that. Has it ever felt like that? I’m spent but all I can think about is doing it again.

“You were right,” she says, turning on her side to face me. Her eyes close and she gives me a sleepy smile as I bring my arm around her to pull her against me. “About what?” “You’re good at lots of things.” “Like giving you orgasms?” I ask, brushing her hair away from her face so I can see the smile on her lips as she nuzzles against my chest. “Like cuddling.” Then she falls asleep.

I’m so surprised, I burst out into laughter. I’m naked on the counter and the man is talking about food. He reaches over and plucks a strawberry out of the container, then brings it up to my mouth. I bite into it and the sweet juices fill my mouth. I guess he’s not that patient either because he leans forward and presses his lips to mine. Our kisses are sweet and sticky, and it isn’t long before the air crackles around us again. If I had any concerns that last night was a fever dream and the chemistry between was a fluke, they’re gone now.

He hums what might be agreement before he grazes his teeth over me and pumps his fingers faster. I’m almost frantic in my need for him. Him eating me out on the kitchen counter might be the hottest moment of my life, and the way he groans like he’s enjoying it as much as I am is too much. The next low hum vibrates against my sensitive flesh and sends me over the edge.

I swat at him playfully and turn to face him. I want to kiss him, but I don’t know what the rules are. We are at his place of employment, even if there have been very few people popping in, outside of his friends. He erases my hesitation by capturing my chin between his thumb and finger and dropping his mouth to mine. “Yowza! Get it, Galaxy!” Travis calls from somewhere in the room. I laugh against Nick’s mouth, but neither of us pulls back. I’m pretty sure Nick flips him off because I feel his right arm lift into the air.

“Nick and Ruby sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” Travis sings in a playful voice.

My entire body lights up. Even the most tender touch has me ready to strip down. He looks fantastic in red trunks and a white T-shirt. He has on a matching white hat that comes down low on his eyes and sunglasses hanging from his shirt. I’m looking forward to him taking his shirt off later. I’m also looking forward to talking and chilling. My brain and body are in a real situation, fighting over getting to know him and getting down with him. I want to do both on a continuous cycle.

A hearty laugh shakes his body and mine. I bring one hand up to his cheek and glide my thumb over one of his dimples. “These are very cute.” “So are these.” He uses both his hands to cover my boobs over the jacket.

I only get two steps away before he calls out to me. “Hey, Galaxy.” I pause and glance over my shoulder. His eyes shine with a playful taunt. “Happy is a good look on you, brother.”

I lean forward and kiss her, then because it’s not enough (it’s never enough), I lift her onto my lap.

“Keep those pretty eyes on me, Red. Let me see how good you look as you ride my dick.”

She stands in front of me, dress bunched up around her thighs. The evidence that I came inside her drips down her thigh. I don’t question the pleasure it gives me thinking about her filled up with my cum.

“Thank you for what you did today,” she says, fingers curling in the hair at the nape of my neck. “Tossing Matt’s book in the lake.” The reminder has me wishing I could go get it and do it all over again. Maybe set it on fire. “It was my pleasure.” “And for letting me hang with your friends and intrude on your life. For everything, I guess.” “You don’t need to thank me for any of it. I’m glad you’re here.” “Me too.”

Her fingers fly over the keyboard. She looks sexy in my shirt, red hair falling over her shoulders, working on her book. It’s an image I’ve grown accustomed to, her hunched over her laptop.

“You’re so talented.” I already knew it, even before reading this. “I have a confession.” “What?” she asks, a slight edge in her tone. “I read Love Bites.” Her eyes widen. “When?” “About a week ago.” “Why didn’t you say anything?” Her expression falls. “Wait. Did you not like it?” “No.” I chuckle. “It was great. But I had a hunch you’d be embarrassed if I mentioned it.” “Yeah, that’s fair. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but it’s weird thinking about the people who know me in real life reading my work. I don’t go to their jobs and judge them, you know?” “People judge me at work all the time.” She tilts her head to the side. “Yeah, I guess so. We have another thing in common.” “One more confession.” “I like this game.” “I also read the rest of your books.” She huffs a quiet laugh. “All of them?” I shrug one shoulder. “What can I say? You have me hooked.” In more ways than one.

I’ve made it weird somehow or maybe it’s only awkward because it’s the first time we’ve talked about me leaving since we started hooking up. “Maybe we can hang out next week sometime?” I ask. “Sure. Of course.” He smiles but it feels all wrong. “If you have time. I know you need to finish the book. That’s the whole reason you came, right?” The pit in my stomach grows. “Right.” Because it is the reason I came. But it isn’t the only reason I want to be here anymore.

He sets me down but keeps his hold on me. “You finished but you still came back.” He seems to think there was some question in that. Silly boy. “Of course. I have one week left on my rental and a hot hockey player that I’d love to show my appreciation for all he’s done to help me.” He grins.

“Your turn,” Ev says, still grinning. She texts back to Jack without reading what she writes. I’m nervous to see what Nick said. In a few days I will go missing, at least from his life. My stomach flutters nervously as I click on the message. “I’m looking at you right now, Red, so if you’re missing then I’m hallucinating the most beautiful girl in the world.” “Aww,” Everly and Hannah croon together. “Who knew Nick had it in him,” Everly says to me, then shouts louder across the bar, “Well done, Galaxy!” I finally peek over at him. His stare is playful and intense all at once and my body lights up in response. Well done, indeed.

She beams. “Hey, I have a hypothetical question for you.” “O-kay.” One corner of my mouth lifts as she gives me a playful smirk. Damn I missed her this weekend. Even tonight, being near her but not touching her or catching every word she said. “What would you say if I suggested we spend the next week hanging out every possible second?” “I’d say, ‘Prepare to be sick of me, Red. I’m not letting you leave my sight for the next six days.’”

“I can’t believe your dad just caught us making out. I kept waiting for him to send you to your room and threaten to call my parents.” “Not his style.” She chuckles again and then her expression goes serious. “Wait. Did your dad just go to find earplugs so he wouldn’t hear us having sex?” “Yeah,” I cringe inwardly. She covers her face with both hands. “Oh god. I’m never going to be able to face him again.”

We have done a lot of kissing and groping over the past week. We’ve alternated between staying at the cabin and his house. I wake up every morning to coffee and kisses—the perfect combination. During the days, I go with him to the rink where he works out and skates, and I brainstorm new book ideas, stealing more kisses during his breaks – also a great combination. Nights, we take the boat out or walk along the lake. And yes, there are more kisses, and it is also…yep, perfect.

Once we’re finished with the game, we say goodbye to the guys and then Nick and I take a few laps around the rink.

“I’m going to miss this,” I say to him. He squeezes my hand. “I’m sure there are rinks in Arizona.” “Yeah, but who will keep me upright?” “You don’t need it anymore.” He lifts our hands and kisses my knuckles.

There are so many more things I want to say, but it all feels too soon. Too complicated. Too uncertain. I know Nick likes me. I even think he’d eventually be open to dating more seriously if I lived here. But there’s a big jump between that and planning a life with someone who lives a thousand miles away. Forcing down all the worry and impending heartbreak, I smile at him. “One last boat ride?” “Anything you want, Red.”

He lifts his head off the blanket and presses his mouth to mine, and any further conversation dies off as he kisses me like it’s the only thing he wants in the whole world. Maybe it is, but I’m too chicken to ask.

“She’s really leaving, huh?” “Of course she is.” As much as I hate it. “I really thought…” “What?” He hesitates a beat, head bobbing to either side. “Look, I know. It’s crazy. You barely know each other, blah, blah, blah. But I really thought you two were endgame.”

I think my friends are as in love with her as I am. Fuck. I’m in love with her. Of course, I am. How could I not have fallen for her? I drag two fingers over my chest to loosen the tightness that’s worked its way there.

Is there really a chance she might stay if I asked? It feels like too much to ask someone to give up. Especially her. She deserves it all. I can’t leave my family and career so how could I think she’d do that for me?