Page 29 of Penalty Zone

“Glad your confidence is at an all-time high.” We round behind the goal, and he doesn’t need to look where he’s going.Joy radiates out of him, even though he’s sure I won’t give him what he’s asked for. This is easy. Fun. There’s no reason to say no.

He makes a noise that may or may not be a chicken sound. Instead of responding, I tear down the ice and feel him at my back. He doesn’t complain that I’m cheating or try to play dirty and trip me. Which happens all the time between hockey players messing around.

“Best out of three,” he pants as he touches the wall a second behind me.

I nod and yell, “Go.”

He explodes into motion, and it takes my brain half a second to chase him instead of staring in amazement.

Caleb’s wavy hair swishes as he rockets away. His powerful thighs and glutes propel him faster. I haven’t used my speed in years but push my muscles to remember how to work in coordination. When I get close enough to touch him, he has another burst of speed.

My lungs burn, but I’m determined to catch him. Again, when I get close, his pace increases.

He doesn’t slow but turns, stopping instantly inches from the wall.

“You let me win the first time,” I accuse, but his smile takes over his entire face, wide enough to see the back of his mouth. His cheeks are rosy and his eyes bright.

“One more to find out. Ready?” he asks as I gulp for breath. I inhale deeply a few more times before I nod. “Alright.” He draws out the word, giving me another couple of seconds. “On your mark, get set, go!”

I push off the wall using every advantage I have, only to notice he’s given me a two-stride head start. Complaining would waste precious breath, but I growl and his deep chuckle surrounds me. It’s low and sounds like he’s having the time of his life. As ifthere’s nowhere he’d rather be than right here, right now. Racing me.

The thought of such a simple act bringing him so much joy creates a burst of energy from my heart, extending to my limbs. Hearing his laughter helps me remember how to be carefree.

We’re only a few feet from the boards, and he’s at my back. I don’t dare slow down. The moment my hand reaches for the wall, I spin to stop short, but he’s right there, preventing my collision with the boards. I timed it so I’d hit but not hard. Instead, I slam into his body, pinning him between me and the wall.

“This race isn’t worth breaking a bone.” His legs are wide on the outside of my thighs, and his hands flex on my hips as if to make a point.

Caleb’s green eyes are endless pools of—the wordhappinesspops in my mind. That’s silly. But I can’t think of a better word, and I want to drown in them.

I should say something. Our bodies are still pressed together, but I’m not inclined to give him more space.

“You shouldn’t risk injury in season. I could’ve hurt you,” I say, standing my ground between his legs.

The one-inch difference in our height isn’t usually noticeable, but this close, he has to tip his face to look me in the eye. His tongue peeks out, and I track the movement like it’s a puck I’m intent on saving—or possessing.

“I had you in control. You won’t hurt me.” He tilts his head to the side as if he’s waiting.

“You might be faster, but I’m in control.” It doesn’t feel like we’re talking about the race.

“I like it that way—you in control.” His face is closer somehow, and we’re sharing the same breath of air.

His words stir the recklessness in me—a possessive need to exercise more control. Again, I should skate back, but he’s amagnet holding me in place. A place I’m tempted to explore and desperate to stay.

“You don’t mean that.” My voice is hoarse as the words are dragged from me.

“I do,” he whispers so softly that if we weren’t only an inch apart, I wouldn’t have heard him.

Primal instinct takes over, and our lips crash together. His are firm yet soft, sweet yet sinful. He whimpers into my mouth, and I swallow it down, aching for more.

Our tongues meet tentatively until my fingers thread through the waves of his hair and maneuver his head so he’s ripe for the taking. All my senses key in on his taste: warm and rich, carnal and all-consuming. Kissing him is as natural as skating across a pond, tentative to test, then wild abandon.

Caleb’s hands grip my hips as if he’s nervous I’ll disappear.

We learn each other’s mouths, licking and sucking, listening for moans of pleasure to repeat the action again. He loves his tongue sucked and his lower lip bitten. I love the way he’s giving himself over to me.

The sound of a door shutting brings me back to the reality of where we are and what we’re doing. Anyone could’ve seen us. Mason could have…

“He’s not here.” Caleb sighs, inching his mouth away from mine. “Mason left me his car and caught a ride back.” He studies my expression, and all the happiness drains away, a look of horror replacing his smile.

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