Chapter 11
I didn’t plan on drinking from a horn or witnessing traditional Viking games, but when you happen to be in Norway during a festival honoring one of their most famous saints and someone hands you a horn, you take a drink. It was surprisingly sweet.
~ Adventurous Amanda, February 2013
She would not jump on him as soon as he walked into the bar. His hair would be damp, he’d smell shower fresh, but she would not jump. No matter how much she wanted to climb him like a tree. If everything went the way she hoped—the way she assumed he hoped—there’d be plenty of climbing later tonight.
She had some restraint. Some.
“That game was amazing,” Penny said as they walked into Crash and Byrne later that night.
“I’ve never seen a hat trick live,” Amanda said, quickly scanning the bar. None of the players were here yet.
“It’ll be awhile before they get here,” Penny said, a knowing grin on her face.
“I know that. I’m looking for a table.”
Penny laughed. “Of course you are.”
Adam always saved a few tables in the corner on game nights for the guys, so there was no need for her to scan the bar for a free table.
“Is that common? A hat trick, I mean?”
“Not usually. And definitely not for Ben. I think it’s been a while. Hey, maybe you’re a good luck charm for him. We can be good luck charms together,” Penny said, linking her arm through Amanda’s and heading toward the bar.
Amanda shook her head, and slid onto an empty bar stool.
“Hey ladies. Great game tonight,” Adam said. “Who knew Cheesy had a hat trick in him?”
“It was awesome.” She didn’t miss Adam’s eyebrows quirking up. Fine. She was being super obvious. Not that she was going to start shouting from rooftops that she was going to bang Ben tonight, but she wasn’t going to hide it either.
“Yes it was,” Penny chimed in. “You and Lily should get to a game before the season ends.”
“I actually have tickets for next week’s game against Boston. Should be a good one,” he said.
“That should be a good one. Looks like Boston is going to do well in the post season. Number one in the Eastern Conference,” Penny said.
“Yeah. The twins are going to love it.”
While he worked on their drinks, they discussed the game and the Strikers’ hopefully deep post-season run. Adam had played in the minors with a few of the guys before taking over the family bar almost a decade ago.
After he moved away to serve a group that had just come in, Amanda took a sip of her pale ale. Not too hoppy. Just the way she liked it.
“I think you need to come to every game from now on,” Penny said, sipping her cider.
Amanda laughed. “I’ll see what I can do, but I’m definitely not a good luck charm.”
“Let’s let the superstitious hockey players decide that,” she said. “Oh, and nice shirt, by the way. Sure you didn’t stop off at the pro shop during warm-ups?”
“Umm. I had the shirt. But I did stop off for a hat. And I’m sorry I missed warm-ups. Betsy kept me late in the office, that dragon.”
Penny laughed. “Sorry about the dragon, but wait, you just bought the hat tonight? Maybe you are a good luck charm for hat tricks.”
“I’m not buying a hat before every game.”
“We’ll let Ben decide that. You know he’s one of the most superstitious guys on the team.”
Amanda shook her head. “I’m gathering that. I swear he tapped his stick on the ice three times on each side during the anthem.”
Penny’s eyes widened. “Just how closely were you watching him?”
“Oh, shut up,” Amanda muttered.
“He was looking for you, you know.”
“Really?”
“Kept looking at our seats every time he skated by. Pretty sure I saw him breathe a sigh of relief when you finally showed up.”
Nerves and excitement fluttered in her belly, and she couldn’t fight her grin. She didn’t want to fight it.
“Well, if everything goes according to my plans, he’ll be doing a lot more than sighing tonight, if you know what I mean,” Amanda said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Penny snorted. “Yeah, I think I got it. And it’s about time.”
“Don’t I know it,” Amanda said. “I’m just so over waiting for it to happen. I mean, come on already. I’ve never waited this long to hook up with a guy I’m interested in.”
“Yeah, what’s with the holdout?”
“Ah, hello, he avoided me when he could and was snippy with me when he couldn’t. And then our timing has been off,” she said, sipping her beer and trying not to stare at the door.
“I’m happy for you.”
“Nothing’s happened yet,” she said.
“But it will. I think you guys are perfect for each other,” Penny said, her expression thoughtful. What was it with happily attached people?
“Whoa, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What if he’s bad in bed?”
Penny laughed. “I doubt it. Not that I think about Ben’s bedroom prowess, of course.”
“What are you two talking about?” Ethan asked, coming out of nowhere.
Holy hell. How much had he heard? Amanda looked over her shoulder and spotted Ben next to Ethan, an interesting smile on his face. Crap.
Penny gasped. “Where did you come from?”
“Your dreams,” Ethan said with an eyebrow wiggle as Penny swatted him, and then leaned in to kiss her.
“You’re ridiculous. Good thing I love you,” Penny said when they finally broke apart.
“Love you more,” Ethan said.
“Get a room, guys,” Ben said. He ran his hand along the small of Amanda’s back. “Hi,” he said, his voice low.
She resisted the urge to lean back into his chest. Barely. Desire coursed through her at his touch. How long did they have to stay? Seconds?
She spun around, trying to get some semblance of control before she mounted him in the bar. So not the place for that. Hell, he looked amazing. His suit perfectly tailored to every inch of him. Definitely custom made for his ass. That breathtaking ass she itched to get her hands on.
His hair was still damp, the ends curling up slightly, and she held back from sinking her fingers into the strands and pulling his face to hers.
She took in a shuddering breath, her cheeks heating as he smirked at her. He knew exactly what she was thinking. She bit the inside of her cheek.
“Hi. That game was amazing,” she said.
“Is that really what you were thinking about?” he asked.
“Of course.” Had that sounded nonchalant? “Congrats on the hat trick. I’ve never seen one in person.”
He grinned. “Thanks. It was a team effort, and we played really well tonight. Just need to keep playing that way for the next three weeks. Well, really until we hoist the Cup in June.”
“Damn straight,” Ethan said, knocking his fist into Ben’s.
“You can do it. And you owe me twenty bucks,” she said, grinning.
“And why is that?”
“I’d just bought that hat before the game,” she said.
“Seriously?”
“Yes, I had a good feeling about tonight’s game.”
“You know, I haven’t had a hat trick in over two seasons.”
“I thought you’d get lucky tonight.”
“Well, not to assume, but that is the plan.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. He. Wiggled. His. Eyebrows. She loved it when he teased her.
She smacked his arm. Anything to touch him. “You know what they say about assuming.”
“If I get to see your ass, I’m on board.”
She gasped, a bark of laughter emerging. “Wow. Are you always this feisty after a hat trick?”
“Nope. Just hoping to finally get what I’ve wanted for longer than I care to admit.”
And just like that, her breath vacated her body.
“So, back to getting lucky,” he said.
“Really? You want to get out of here already?” she asked, her voice breathy. Hell, the things he did to her.
He barked out a laugh. “I meant, about the game. We should stay for at least a drink,” he said.
“Of course, your one drink. If you insist,” she grumbled. “And yes, the game.”
“I’ll buy you a new hat every time you think I’m going to get lucky—I mean, get a hat trick.”
It was his turn to blush. She loved watching his cheeks pink. He was so damn adorable, she wanted to skip the drink and go back to her place. Or his place. At this point she wasn’t picky. Adam probably had an empty office behind the bar.
Whatever dirty thoughts she was having, he wanted in on them. Hell, the same thoughts were probably coursing through his body right now. Had been all night. But they couldn’t bail now, he had to stay for at least one drink and celebrate with his teammates.
They’d played tonight like they needed to play for the rest of the season. They’d fought hard for tonight’s win, and the rest of the season wasn’t going to be any easier.
Having Amanda there for his hat trick was just icing on the cake. Watching her cheer for him, that big grin on her face, shot more than desire through his body.
“Don’t get crazy Ben, and don’t add me to your list of superstitions,” she said, and he stopped cold.
“What?”
“The hat trick. Penny was joking about me being a good luck charm. I don’t want that kind of pressure. I mean, if you want me to come to your games, I’m all for it, but I demand a jersey and as many hats as you can buy.”
He took in a deep breath, and plastered a smile back on his face. She wasn’t making fun of him. There was no annoyance or judgment in her tone. Tara used to make fun of his quirks. Superstitions were part of the game. And his ex had nitpicked him about all of his. Just how spectacularly wrong she had been for him was glaring after their relationship had imploded. Not that they would’ve come back from the article that had been a vicious punch to the face he never saw coming.
“You all right?” she asked, breaking him out of his funk, with a bright smile, her hand reaching out to link with his.
He pushed thoughts of Tara aside, focusing on the woman in front of him. The woman who was starting to mean more to him than he’d imagined. He wanted to whisk her out of the bar, to finally give in to what they both wanted, if the look in her eyes and her constant need to touch him was anything to go by.
“Yeah. I’m good. And we’ll get you that jersey. As long as it has my number on the back.” Heat spiraled through him at the thought of his name across her shoulders.
“Maybe I want another player,” she teased.
“Not happening,” he growled.
“Fuck, that’s hot,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with a need that matched his. “You sure we have to stay for that drink? I’ve already finished mine.”
He chuckled. “Yes, one drink. And then you’re all mine.”
“Promises, promises.”
“Porter?” Adam asked, popping up in front of him, and saving Ben from dragging Amanda away in front of all of his teammates. “And sweet hattie, Cheesy. This drink is on me.”
“Thanks, man,” Ben said. “You want anything?” he asked Amanda.
“Yes, but it’s not beer.”
Even in the low bar light, her eyes darkened, and his mouth went dry.
“You’re killing me,” he muttered.
She grinned, and squeezed his hand. “I’ll take another pale ale, Adam,” she said.
Adam placed their beers in front of them, and then moved down the bar to a group of Ben’s teammates. Hopefully none of them would get loaded tonight. Especially with a late practice tomorrow.
“Man, I wanted to buy Cheesy’s first round,” Baz said, coming up to the bar, an exaggerated pout on his face.
“You know he’s only having one,” Harty said.
“Definitely just one,” Amanda murmured next to him. None of the guys heard her, and her tone said she wasn’t making fun of one of his quirks in the slightest.
***
An hour later, his empty bottle sat on the bar, alongside hers. And if her hand travelled any further south, she’d be cupping his ass. As it was, her fingers grazing just under his waistband was outright torture.
He’d tried to leave multiple times but had been stopped by his teammates for a quick word, and by bar patrons who wanted to congratulate him. Penny and Harty had left ten minutes ago, and he’d tried to follow right behind them.
Amanda was itching to bail. He’d watched her bite her lip every time they got closer to the door and were stopped by someone. She might’ve groaned a few times too. He wanted to hear her groan for another reason, but he resisted the urge to put his head down, grab her hand and run. He wasn’t a total asshole.
“So close. We’re so close to the door,” Amanda drew out when there was finally a break from back slaps and offers to buy him another round.
He chuckled.
“And don’t you dare look over your shoulder to wave goodbye to anyone or I will stick my hands down your pants and give everyone a show,” she said, nonchalantly. He tried not to swallow his tongue.
“Well, okay then,” he sputtered, snaking his arm around her waist and grabbing both of her hands in his.
She grinned up at him. “Should’ve threatened that hours ago.”
“We’ve only been here for ninety minutes, tops. Not hours,” he said, salvation a few steps away.
“Where are you going, Cheesy?” Baz’s booming voice called out.
“Don’t you dare turn around,” Amanda threatened, trying to tug one hand free.
He held up one of his hands and called out, “Have a good night, boys. See you all at practice tomorrow afternoon.”
Baz’s chuckles rang out as Ben reached the door and they finally made their escape.
“About damn time,” Amanda grumbled.
He pulled her toward his car. “Did you drive?”
“Nope. I took BART from work to the game.”
“Planning ahead?” he asked, unable to hide his grin.
She pinched his side, and he shifted away from her fingers. “Oh, shut up. Let’s go to my place.”
“I thought you’d never ask.” He guided her into his car and briskly moved around the hood to slip into the driver’s seat. He turned to face her, cupping her cheek, and pulled her close.
“Finally alone,” he said, and then sealed his lips to hers, swallowing her gasp. He ached to pull her over the console so she could straddle his thighs. He hardened at the thought. Not that he hadn’t been half-hard all night with her teasing touches. He was a split second from combusting.
Her tongue darted out and traced his lips. He granted her entry without waiting a moment, and tangled his tongue with hers. She moaned in his mouth, her fingers skating down the front of his shirt, slipping the first few buttons free and tugging on his tie.
He broke the kiss, pressing his forehead to hers. “As much as I need you in my lap, this is not the place for that.”
“Then drive fast,” she said, pressing a hard kiss to his lips and trailing her hands down to his waistband one last time before she sat back in her seat.
“Keep your hands to yourself,” he grumbled, pulling out of the parking lot, and shifted in his seat.
“Spoilsport,” she pouted.
***
Fifteen minutes later, they had parked in her driveway and were walking up the front path. Power walking, to be specific. She laughed as he tugged her toward the door.
“So impatient.” Her voice was breathy as she fumbled for her keys. He snagged them from her grasp and opened the door, pulling her inside and slamming it shut behind them.
“Now. Where were we?” he asked, dropping her keys on a shelf near the door.
She ran her finger down his chest and tapped on his belt buckle. “I believe we were right here.”
He gripped her hand. “There’s so much to do before we get there.”
She pouted again. “You should stop talking and start stripping.”
He pulled her hand free from his belt, and pressed her against the door. “In time. We’ll get there in time.”
“I’m impatient.” She pressed her body into his, her petite curves molding to his chest.
He lowered his head, cupping her face in his hands. “I’ll make it worth your while,” he whispered.
“You better,” she huffed, her eyes darkening to a stormy blue, her cheeks flushed with a need that matched his.
She linked her arms around his neck, stretching up on her tiptoes, her hips brushing against his thighs, and he groaned. She wasn’t the only one aching to strip them both, but he wanted to do this right.
“Patience is a virtue I’m missing,” she said, before sealing her lips to his, their groans intermingling as their tongues dueled. Her hips shifted against his hard cock, and he trailed his hands down her spine, cupping her ass and lifting her off the ground.
“Finally,” she moaned against his mouth as she wrapped her legs around his waist, the heat of her need rubbing against his cock. Her hands moved up to sink into his hair, her small nails digging into his scalp.
He couldn’t wait to finally have all of her. Nothing was going to get in the way of that ever again.