Page 19 of Breakaway

“Then by all means, let’s give her the time she needs.”

He slips his hand in mine and leads me into the enclosed garden. Heated with tropical flowers, greenery, a wanderingromantically lit path, and trickling waterfalls, it’s a calming escape.

“We’ve never stayed here before. This is lovely,” I exclaim.

“It’s relaxing. With all the changes in ownership and teammates, Clark wanted to give the team a respite before the games. Our next few will set the tone for how ownership is judged and the team’s own peace of mind. But you can trust Clark to take care of the team and its members the same way going forward. He learned a lot of what to do and what not to do from his father’s time in the league. Besides. Clark is genuinely a good guy.”

“He seems like a really nice person. The team seems closer under him. Even Coach Parley seems more relaxed. I think the other owner had different priorities.”

“The other owner was bleeding the team dry for his gambling debts. You guys will have an honest shot with Clark.” He pauses and faces me. “You’re good, Cat. You’ve got mad skills on the ice, but you also have team and leadership abilities. That alone set you above a lot of the other team captains. Your instincts are good. Trust them.”

I struggle to swallow the knot in my throat from his words. “Th-thank you.”

“It’s true. I don’t lie.”

“Why are you here with me?”

“Because you’re smart, I like the way you play the game. And you’re beautiful.”

I shake my head. “No, no I’m not. I’m plain.”

“I disagree. I love your long, thick autumn colored hair, your big dark blue eyes. Your lithe body moves like a cat that owns the world it moves in. You’re a strong woman, Caitlyn.

“Your strength and beauty call to me. I’m not a player, Cat. It’s not my nature. I say it like it is. If I’m in, I’m in. I’m honestlyattracted to you. I’d love to kiss you right now. But only if you’re interested in getting to know me.

“No coercion. No requirement because of my position on the team. This is just a man, attracted to a beautiful woman. No, means no. You control the puck.”

I’ve never been around a guy that wasn’t half douche or worse. Never had a relationship. Have never wanted a man, not like I want him. I lost my innocence a long time ago. Life is tough, you have to grab what you can when you can. I fist the front of his shirt. “Shut up and kiss me.”

He brushes his lips across mine, then comes back increasing the pressure, then the angle. Soon he groans. “Damn, even sweeter than I’d expected.”

Sliding a palm down to my hip, he cups the back of my head with the other to deepen our connection. His tongue teases mine oh so sweetly. I feel… worshiped.

His lips are gentle, warm as he steadily increases the connection. Each thrust of his tongue, nibble of his teeth increases the heat pulsing through me. I want… more.

The sound of children’s voices slowly penetrates our private encounter, and he pulls back. His heart races under my palm, his breathing is erratic.

“That wasn’t nearly enough.”

I agree.

Wrapping an arm over my shoulder he walks us back to the lobby and sees me to my room. “Get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

CHAPTER 11

Turk

Closing the door to my room, I hang my jacket in the closet, toss my phone on the bed and head to the bathroom. After splashing cold water on my face and neck I towel off.

Damn, her lips were sweeter than I even fantasized. Her body fit perfectly against mine. The sounds of her pleasure almost had me forgetting where we were. I wanted to drop to my knees and taste her right there.

Running a hand through my hair I meet my reflection in the mirror. I’m the team doctor. How ethical is this?

She doesn’t work for you.

I work for her boss. My best friend. I’m responsible for her health and welfare.

Damn straight you’re responsible for her welfare. If she’s hurt, she doesn’t play.

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