Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey Book 5)

EVERLY

Jack and I get into a sort of routine. I show up at his place sometime late in the morning after I’ve finished checking in on all the houses I’m sitting for. He works out while I go through his email and schedule, and then lie by the pool. Sometimes I work out with him, but only as an excuse to be closer to him.

It’s basically the perfect summer. Complete with kissing. Lots and lots of kissing and multiple orgasms. We haven’t had sex yet, which I haven’t pushed because it’s not like I don’t leave every day satiated, but I’d say it has something to do with neither of us wanting to cross a line we can’t take back.

I’ve also not stayed the night at his house yet, but tonight is the masquerade ball I bullied him into attending, and I’m thinking it might be the perfect night for a sleepover and to cross all the lines.

It’s late afternoon and I need to go back to my place to get ready, but the weather is perfect today. Bright sun, only a few clouds. I wish summer could last forever.

Jack’s phone rings and he pauses his stretching to answer it. A few seconds later he heads inside so I reluctantly pull myself out of the pool and dry off.

He reemerges, scanning the pool first for me and then smiling when he sees I’ve gotten out. I walk toward him, towel wrapped around me and hair still dripping.

“I’m going to head out and get ready. Do you want me to come back here, and we’ll drive over together?” I ask. My stomach is already a ball of nerves thinking about going to an event with Jack.

“I have a surprise for you.” His lips curve up and his brows lift playfully.

“O-kay,” I say slowly, but excitement builds quickly as he leads me into the house and down the hall to one of the spare bedrooms.

Jack pauses at the threshold and leaves room for me to pass by him. Two women are busy unpacking a trunk of hair and makeup accessories and there’s a dressing rack of gorgeous gowns in a variety of colors.

I whirl around to face him. He looks very pleased with the very shocked expression I’m positive is on my face.

“What did you do?” I ask in a slightly accusatory tone. This is…I am officially speechless.

“I thought you might need a dress for tonight,” he says.

“I have a dress.” Not one that compares to the beautiful ones on the rack behind me, but it isn’t bad. Okay, I probably would have been the worst-dressed woman there, but this is too much.

He leans in and brushes his lips over mine, then murmurs, “Fine. I’m a selfish asshole and I didn’t want you to leave.”

“Or you didn’t want me to show up looking a hot mess and embarrass you.”

With a slight shake to his head, he grins at me. “Not possible. You could go exactly like you are and still be the most beautiful woman there.”

He leaves me, like he didn’t just casually drop the nicest compliment I’ve ever gotten, disappearing back down the hallway. My anxiety spikes as I walk fully into the room.

“Hi!” The women say in unison. They introduce themselves as Chelsea and Nicole.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” I say. My voice quivers, giving away my nerves. “I’m a mess from the pool. I’m going to take a quick shower.”

“Take your time,” Nicole says with a reassuring smile.

I back out of the room calmly and then hurry to catch up with Jack. He’s in the kitchen with his phone. When he spots me, he looks up and his brows furrow.

“Is everything okay?”

Instead of answering him, I walk right up to him, lift up onto my toes and kiss him.

His surprise only lasts a second and then he’s taking control, framing my face and sweeping his tongue into my mouth.

With a smile, I pull back and drop flat on my feet.

After a quick shower, I return to Chelsea and Nicole. They help me pick a dress first, then shoes. I don’t think too hard on how Jack knew my sizes, but everything is perfect.

Once wardrobe is decided, they start on my hair and makeup. I’m usually a bit of a control freak when it comes to letting other people make me over. For big events, I tend to just do it myself, so I know it’ll be the way I like it. But when they’re finished and I look in the mirror, my jaw drops. My skin is flawless, and my eye makeup is still my signature winged liner, just with more shadow and smudging to give it a more exaggerated smoky look. My lips are coated in a glossy natural color, and my hair is down and curled in ringlets that frame my face and cascade down my back. I still look like me, just way hotter than normal.

“Damn,” I say to my reflection.

Chelsea laughs as she pulls my dress from the hanger. “Time for the dress.”

My hands tremble as I step into the gorgeous gown.

“Damn is right.” Nicole sets the shoes in front of me. They’re my favorite part, if I could even pick a favorite. This is unreal.

“Thank you.” I hug Nicole and then Chelsea. They seem a little taken aback but they literally just worked magic and words don’t feel like enough.

“Extra lipstick for later in case you need it.” Nicole hands me the tube of lipstick she used with a wink.

“You’re going to need it,” Chelsea says. “Your boyfriend won’t be able to resist you.”

Nicole nods her agreement.

I don’t correct their assumption that Jack is my boyfriend, but it sends another flutter of nerves through me. I take a few deep breaths, then thank them again. I’m actually looking forward to tonight despite the anxious energy. After a summer of lying around the pool without much makeup, or clothes for that matter, I can’t wait to see the look on Jack’s face when he sees me like this. I am going to blow his mind.

With that thought at the forefront, I head out of the room to find him. The house is quiet except for music playing through the speakers. My heels clack on the floor with every step and my heart races in anticipation.

“Jack?” I call when I don’t see him in the kitchen or living room.

“Be right out,” he yells from the direction of his bedroom.

I spot two masks on the kitchen counter. A simple black satin one and another that is the same turquoise of my dress. The man officially thinks of everything.

“How did you know which dress I was going to choose?” I yell, smiling as I run a hand along the silky material, but I forget what I asked, and probably how to breathe, when Jack steps out of his room.

The black suit hugs his tall, broad body in all the right places. My throat is dry while I take him in. I forget all about blowing his mind because mine is officially blown.

“Goddamn,” I mutter finally.

He smirks, invading my space. His spicy cologne wraps around me, and I swallow hard.

“My thoughts exactly.” He lets his gaze rake over me from head to toe, and when I see the spark of desire in his eyes, some of my confidence returns.

I do a spin for him. The dress has a high slit that gapes with the movement.

“The shoes are the best part,” I say, stepping one leg out to show off the strappy silver heels that wrap around my foot and ankle.

“You just need one more thing.”

I laugh because, what is this life? He pulls out a long black velvet box and opens it, revealing a diamond tennis necklace.

“I’m not putting that thing on.” I shake my head adamantly. My heart leaps into my throat.

He laughs and pulls out the necklace, setting the box on the counter.

“I’m serious, Jack. That thing is worth more than everything I own.”

“It wasn’t that much,” he insists and walks behind me, dropping the necklace over my head so that it rests against my throat.

Not that much for him maybe.

The necklace is cool and heavy against my skin. I pull my hair off my neck and he clasps it in place.

My hand goes to my throat as he steps away. “This feels a lot more like a date than I imagined.”

“If it was a date, I’d be taking you somewhere I wouldn’t have to share you so much.”

“So this is business?” I ask. Maybe if I think of it that way, I won’t read too much into all the Cinderella vibes happening here. Jack is not Prince Charming, and I’m not the kind of girl that believes in fairy tales anyway.

He makes a noncommittal noise low in his throat. “Ready?”

The event is held in an old, renovated building with columns and marble flooring. Cocktail tables are set up all around the room for people to gather around as they sip boozy drinks and snack on hors d’oeuvres.

Everywhere I look women are dressed in expensive gowns and glitter in diamonds, and the men are dashing in suits. I feel so out of my league for a moment but as soon as we’re pulled into the first conversation and I realize all they want to talk about is Jack and hockey, I know I’ll be okay.

We’re talking with one of the executives from Nike. Kai is young, about the same age as Jack, and so far, I like him. He doesn’t have that air of snobbery about him I expected from a corporate guy sent here to wine and dine with potential clients.

“Your stats were pretty good last year considering the short season.” Kai takes a drink of whiskey, flashing his Rolex in the process.

Jack nods slightly. His posture is relaxed with one hand in his pants pocket and the one closest to me hovers at my lower back.

I look between the men expecting them both to laugh.

“Pretty good?” I ask finally. “Jack was fourth in the league for goals. He’s consistently putting up big numbers, and unlike a lot of guys who peak their second or third year in the league, Jack’s numbers have improved. And don’t even get me started on the impact he makes that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet. The Wildcat organization is one of the most respected and feared because of the environment Jack has created. The guys can depend on him and they work hard because of it.”

Kai’s brows inch up his forehead and I know I have officially said too much. Oops. I take a sip of my champagne to keep me from saying more.

Jack chuckles nervously. “What she said.”

“Sorry,” I say as heat blooms in my cheeks. “I love hockey.”

“Yeah, I got that. And you’re not wrong.” Kai smiles at me, then looks at Jack. “She’s a keeper. My wife won’t even come to games with me when I get box seats.”

Jack’s hand at my back presses a little firmer against my bare skin.

“I won’t keep you, but I’m glad we had a chance to talk. I’ll be in touch with James.” Kai extends a hand to Jack and after they shake, he looks to me. “Nice to meet you, Everly.”

I let out a whoosh of air as soon as he’s gone and turn into Jack’s chest. The heels make me a few inches taller, but I still have to tip my head up ever so slightly to meet his gaze.

“I’m so sorry. It just word vomited out.”

“No need to be sorry. That was impressive. Did you study for tonight?” He arches a brow with an amused smirk.

“Umm…no.”

“No?” His forehead crinkles with his confusion.

“Don’t get a big head or anything. I know most of the team’s stats.”

He searches my face, inching closer so our bodies press together. “How many goals did Leo have last season?”

I open my mouth to answer but I struggle to remember. Was it forty-one? Or was that Johnny Maverick?

Jack’s smirk grows into a full-blown smile.

“Shut up. It’s the champagne. I’m getting a little lightheaded.”

He lets it drop without pointing out that I may indeed know his stats better than the rest of the team. Except Tyler, of course. I maintain that it’s only because Jack’s are so impressive but telling him that would only feed his ego and I’ve already done a good job of that.

Taking my hand in his, Jack leads me through the room. He tips his head as people say hello but doesn’t stop until we’re out in the hallway. There’s an alcove with big windows that look out onto the city. When we’re hidden from view of the main party, his hands come up to either side of my neck and he kisses me.

My surprise is short-lived and a dizzy sensation sweeps through me as his tongue pushes into my mouth. Kissing Jack feels like teleporting to a different world, and I like the glimpses of that place a little too much.

When he pulls back, the room spins, and I struggle to catch my breath. His dark eyes bore into me. The mask is sexy, but I’m itching to see his full face again.

He moves his hands down my side and I sway slightly.

I laugh softly. “I think the champagne definitely got to me.”

I didn’t drink that much but I barely ate because I was afraid of getting crumbs on this dress.

“You look a little flushed.” Jack brings one palm back up and brushes his knuckles lightly against my cheek. “You’re warm.”

“I’m fine,” I say but as I do, I notice the headache forming at the base of my skull.

His fingers continue to roam my face and the back of my neck. Concern tugs his brows together in the center. “I think you have a fever.”

I want to protest but I think he’s right.

“I’m so sorry. I should probably head out early. The last thing I want to do is faint or puke in front of these people.” My smile is wobbly but I’m suddenly eager to lie down in bed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going with you.”

I’m too dizzy to argue. My stomach isn’t upset but my head is starting to throb.

By the time we get to his SUV, I’m burning up. I keep my eyes closed the entire ride and when I open them, we’re back at his place.

“You could have taken me home,” I say.

He doesn’t even bother responding. I know Jack well enough not to fight his need to control the situation. Right now, I’m a problem to be solved. And to be honest, I don’t really want to be alone.

The cool night air feels good against my skin as I walk toward the house. I stumble but Jack is right there to steady me. It feels like he’s two seconds from picking me up and carrying me but I’m so warm, even the thought of being nuzzled up next to him makes me sweat.

In his room, Jack walks in ahead of me and turns on a lamp on his bedside table. I sit on the edge of his bed, and he squats down in front of me. He lifts my left leg and undoes the clasp around my ankle to free my shoe. He presses a kiss on my calf and then sets the sparkly shoe on the floor, before doing the same thing on the other side.

Standing, he takes my hand and pulls me to my feet.

“Turn around,” he says. His voice is quiet, reverent.

I comply, and his fingers work on unzipping the back of the dress.

“This is not how I imagined you taking me out of this dress,” I say as he lets it fall and then helps me step out of it.

I’m standing in front of him in only my panties, but his gaze doesn’t leave my face as he smiles at me. After a beat, he moves over to his dresser and pulls out a T-shirt, then dresses me. It’s sweet and so far beyond how anyone has ever taken care of me.

I tug my hair out from underneath the collar of the shirt. I feel like crap but I don’t want him to leave.

“Get in bed. I’ll bring you some medicine and water,” he says. “Need anything else?”

“No. And I don’t want to kick you out of your own bed. I can sleep on the couch.”

“You think I’m sleeping on the couch?” he asks. “I have like three extra bedrooms.”

“Then I can sleep in one of those.”

“Get in my bed,” he says as he steps toward the door. “I want to keep an eye on you.”

“So bossy,” I mutter as I pull the covers back. His bed smells like him and within seconds I’m drifting off.