The Penalty Box (Vancouver Wolves Hockey, #3)

by Odette Stone

I couldn’t believe this was her plan. Who even came up with something like this? “But marriage? How are you going to find someone to marry him?” She threw me a glance. “That will not be the issue.” It won’t? “What will be the issue?” “Finding someone to marry him who won’t be interested in turning it into a real marriage.”

How many women’s panties accidentally fell off after watching Mica drive his car? I looked out the window, not wanting to admit that the thought annoyed me. The fact that it annoyed me, annoyed me even more.

A muscle ticked in his cheek. “If you cheat on me, I reserve the right to sleep with you.” What the hell? Thoughts of sleeping with him made my heart jackhammer in my chest. “That’s just stupid,” I stammered. “Why would you even say that?” His jaw tightened as he looked me over. He felt strongly about this. “If you’re wearing my ring, you’re mine. Not to be touched by anyone.”

Andrusha’s face softened. “A woman, hey? Last time I saw you go to bat for a girl, you were in grade school. If I recall, she also crushed your iron heart. Who is this woman?” “The woman I am going to marry.” Andrusha’s face slackened in shock. “You don’t believe in marriage.”

I shoved my phone in my back pocket and spoke to Charlie, not sure why I felt the need to explain myself. “I’m going out.” She didn’t react. She just kept pulling items out of the bag. “Have fun.” I should have been relieved at her independence, but it kind of stung that she seemed so indifferent.

When I was a kid, every wish I made was that they would free themselves from the pain and suffering they caused each other. But they never divorced. They never even considered it. I had asked my mom once why she had never divorced my father. She looked at me with blue eyes that matched my own and said, “Because we married for life.” It made no sense to me at the time, and it still didn’t.

Intending to talk to her, I made my way to her room. The door was partway open. She lay on her bed, still wearing the dress she wore to our wedding. She stared out the balcony doors, her fingers twisting her rings on her finger. She looked lonely. Feeling like a coward, I backed away from her door.

He stepped in so close, our bodies touched. He put his hand under my chin and lifted my face. “I’m going to be all over you tonight.” “What?” I squeaked. He looked apologetic. “I’m an affectionate guy when I date someone. Everyone in there knows that.”

She smiled a cute smile that made her look adorable. “I’ve never seen Mica act like he’s acting tonight.” “What do you mean?” “The guy hates PDA.” I frowned. “No, he doesn’t. He told me he’s an affectionate guy.” She snorted. “Yeah, right.”

It took only a moment, and then I felt her entire body submit to my kiss. I groaned and deepened it. Fuck, she tasted good. I had been stealing kisses all night, but nothing had come close to how I really wanted to kiss her. Now I had her in my arms, and I was destroying her mouth. I was like a starved man, ravenous and out of control.

omg thats what im talking about

“Good girl.” I expertly pushed her over the edge and watched in wonder as she came apart.

“Am I going to live?” His tone was dry. She lifted her chin. “Yes, but I thought your bride was going to collapse. She was that upset.” That made him smile.

“Charlie deserves the best.” That was pretty much how I felt about everything Charlie. She was my wife, and I felt this need to give her everything I knew she wouldn’t dream of asking for. Including the biggest tree on the lot.

“I’ve met no one like you.” He played with my fingers. “If I could go all the way, it’d be with you.”

crying out loud

She responded, “He’s a fat fool.” I looked at the detective, who stood waiting with a self-satisfied smile on his face. “She’s grateful for everything you are doing for us.”

“I will never take you to a place where I wined and dined someone else, okay? I respect you too much for that.” I lifted my chin. “I wasn’t thinking about that.” He didn’t believe me but he smiled and said, “Okay.”