Rinkmates: A steamy Hockey Romance (The Mates series Book 1)

Everyone’s cheeks are red by now as the alcohol finally kicks in.

We’re listening to loud music while some people are dancing at the back of my living room. Others are already making out in a corner, while I found myself playing a lively game of naughty trivia.

Of course, Liora’s my partner, her thigh pressed against mine as we huddle together on the couch. We’re giving the perfect couple in love, and I think everyone is buying it. Priya and Derek are paired up, sitting across from us and exchanging flirtatious glances between questions, while Aiden and Jayce each found their own ladyfolk for the game.

As much as I hate to admit it, Aiden is a genuinely kind person. He told me he was raised on a farm and has only been living in New York for two years. The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming for him, but he’s determined to make the most of his time here.

The game of trivia revolves around asking and answering provoking questions. The more creative and unique the answers, the more points you get. However, not answering a question gets you penalty points. One individual poses the questions while the rest of the group provides answers, with the group ultimately deciding which response is the most original and deserving of points.

“‘What’s your favorite sex position?’” Priya’s cheeks flush pink as she reads the card.

I don’t hear the others answering and just look to Liora, fully interested. “Sixty-nine,” she says.

I grin. I love that one.

“Cowgirl,” I say, never leaving her eyes.

Liora leans in close as the rest give their answers, her warm breath tickling my ear as she whispers, “Why cowgirl? I thought you’d come up with something more exotic.”

My hand grazes her back as I fight the urge to grab a handful of that ass.

“I like to watch when a girl enjoys riding my dick. The moment she gets lost is the biggest turn-on.” Her cheeks turn red and I keep myself from telling her I’d love to be her tool.

As the game progresses, the questions grow more and more interesting and I can’t keep my eyes off her anymore—the way they sparkle, the curve of her lips as she smiles, the enticing expanse of her neck as she tosses her head back in laughter. The alcohol buzzing through my system only amplifies my desire, making it harder and harder to resist the magnetic pull between us. But I love these little pretend moments, because I can hold her just the way I want. They way I would if she were mine.

“All right, next question,” Aiden announces. My gaze flicks to Jayce, whose arm is slung around a girl whose name I can’t remember. “Who was your celebrity crush?”

My heart skips a beat as all eyes in the room turn to me, since I’m first in line. I don’t miss Jayce’s knowing smile. He’s such a bastard sometimes.

“Easy,” I say, looking at the girl in my arms. “Liora James.”

The words hang in the air between us, a confession years in the making. I watch as her eyes widen, a delicate blush blooming across her cheeks. She seems at a loss for words, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but no sound comes out.

Say something, I silently plead. My heart hammers against my rib cage. Anything.

But before Liora can respond, the room erupts in a chorus of cheers and catcalls. Our friends whoop and holler, their drunken revelry drowning out any chance for a private moment. I force a smile, trying to play along with their good-natured ribbing, but inside I’m reeling. Had I just made a huge mistake? What if Liora thinks it’s creepy? I was a hell of a creepy teenager.

Across from us, Derek leans in to whisper something in Priya’s ear, eliciting a coy giggle from Liora’s friend. But I barely register their flirtation, because I’m caught up in Liora’s hand finding mine under the table, our fingers lacing together. The simple touch sparks a blaze that races along my nerve endings, kindling a hunger I’d never known before.

“Is it true?” she asks as all the other pairs of the game seem to talk to themselves about their celebrity crushes. “I was your celebrity crush?”

My thumb traces delicate circles on her smooth skin. “I remember watching all of your competitions after I found out about you. You were only fifteen, but you were magnificent.” I glance over to see Jayce and his girl passionately making out, causing me to look back at her. “I think the reason I get so worked up when I see you in your costume is because it’s become a kink for me.”

She leans in. “Did you see my routine in Orleans?”

“It lives rent-free in my head.” It was Moulin Rouge themed and the sexiest shit I’ve ever seen.

She sighs, her gaze flicking to my lips.

Some people are saying goodbye—probably Derek—but I don’t care. I pull her in, and do what I’ve wanted to for weeks now. I kiss her.

“For the show?” she whispers against my lips.

“Mm-hm,” I breathe in her mouth just so she wouldn’t know how much I actually crave a kiss from her.

The room fades away. I have no idea how many people are here, and I just don’t care. Right now, she’s all that matters to me. Her lips part, inviting me in, and I respond. My tongue meets hers, which moves against mine, smooth and slick like satin sheets. I can feel the heat of her mouth against mine. It’s so hot. Her hands slide up my chest, fingers curling into my shirt as she pulls me closer. The world could end right now, and I wouldn’t notice.

Until Shane’s scratchy voice echoes from the back of my living room. “Hey, everyone! Our video is finally up and ready to watch!”

The cheers around us barely register. We’re still kissing like we’re alone.

Suddenly, a sharp bang on my head jolts me back to reality, and I jerk up. “What the fuck?”

Fucking Shiny.

He holds his hands up in surrender. “I swear, I’m sorry. But we need to watch our promo video. You can make out after, okay?”

Liora stares at him.

I stare at him.

Then we stare at each other, completely dazed. Shit, that kiss went a little far…

She scrambles away from me, and I do as Shane says, feeling like a robot. I think that kiss fried my brain.

My remaining teammates are cuddled up on my couch, some around the dining table, as I turn on my huge TV to show our new promo video, which was supposed to launch next week on YouTube but apparently got uploaded earlier. I don’t get excited about stuff like this anymore but it’s natural for a rookie to be excited.

Liora’s still standing in the middle of the room, her lips slightly swollen. So I grab her by the hips and gently guide her to the back of the room, finding a free stool and positioning it so we can still see the video. I sit down and pat my thighs.

She hesitates.

“What? Just sit down.”

“But…”

“Come on, it’s just a seat,” I say, giving her a playful grin.

She rolls her eyes but finally sits on my lap, her back resting against my chest. I wrap my arms around her waist, holding her close, and the room falls silent as the video starts playing. My teammates cheer and laugh, but all I can focus on is the warmth of Liora in my arms.

We start watching the video of our team sleeping on the tour bus and getting ready for a game, discussing our preperformance routines. I can’t help but notice Liora squirming nervously every time I appear on screen.

Each time she writhes like this, my dick throbs eagerly.

I feel her goddamn ass press against my bulging dick, causing a low growl to escape my lips. Fuck. Her body melds perfectly with mine and my hand trails down from her hip, teasingly brushing over the silk fabric.

“No,” she suddenly says, holding my hands to stop them.

“No to what?”

“Don’t go lower. It’s—it’s against our contract. It’s PDA in private. Sort of.”

I scoff at her hesitation, that little uncertain edge in her voice only making me want her more.

“You’re really bringing up the contract now?” I nuzzle my nose against her neck, breathing in her sweet, intoxicating scent. Fuck, she smells so good. “I’ll be honest with you. I’m ready to toss that thing out of the window.” I trail soft kisses along her neck and murmur, “If you want, I can tell Ethan I broke it and cover the cost. Just say the word. We can end this, and I’ll find you another apartment to move into.”

This is dangerous territory. I’m teasing her, but at the same time, I’m fucking afraid she’ll tell me that she’s done with me. That she never wanted to break our contract. I nibble gently on the tender skin beneath her ear, and the soft moan she releases lets me know she’s not concerned about it either. I’ve already made up my mind anyway.

I’m making her mine tonight. Fuck that contract.

But then she tenses up again and whispers, “Riley, I’m not wearing any underwear.” She says it with a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability, and damn, it only makes me more intrigued.

Now I just have to make her mine tonight. “Is this supposed to stop me?”

The video shows our teammates in the locker room and we’re without shirts. They zoom in on me and I wink at the camera, my abs on full display.

She squirms again, and I press my hard cock against her perfect ass. “Aren’t you a naughty one? Going commando and having a thing for hockey players, huh?” I tease, letting my hands explore her hips.

This time, she doesn’t resist, only fueling my fire further.

“Well, can you blame me? You’re kind of hard to resist.” She arches against my boner and I silently curse everyone crowding my living room. Damn it, all I want right now is to fuck her senseless. I’ve waited for so long. I can’t wait any longer. I’m about to burst.

I need her.

I kiss her neck in answer and another tiny gasp escapes from her lips as my free hand traces its way down to her thigh. She feels so good. Everything I’d ever imagined and more at the same time.

“Still want me to stop?” I say.

“No,” she breathes and keeps on grinding.

Fuck. She’s so hot. I can feel the heat over my jeans radiating from her bare skin, knowing there is only a tiny barrier between us as she rubs her pussy over my throbbing cock.

“I want you,” I whisper hoarsely. “I want you so bad.”

She tilts her head, looks at me with those piercing blue eyes that always make my heart race, and licks her lip before leaning in for a kiss. This time, we both dive into the kiss, our need for each other so intense that it feels like we’re trying to merge into one. Our tongues tangle together as we explore each other’s mouths again and again. My other hand moves down to cup her ass cheek, squeezing it gently. Shit. I’ve wanted this for ages, and it feels so much better than I imagined. So fucking good.

She increases the pressure of her body against mine, desperately seeking more friction.

I fear being caught so I pull away from the kiss.

We are both out of breath and our eyes are fixed on the screen in front of us again. No one has noticed us yet, and I’m grateful that we chose to sit in the back, hidden from view by the seats in front of us. Glad that she keeps rubbing my dick with her ass.

My lips graze over the sensitive skin beneath her collarbone, and she shivers underneath me—a powerful tremor going through both of us like lightning striking twice during a stormy night.

That’s when I can’t take it anymore and my hand fumbles under her skirt.

She leans back, her head resting on my chest to give me full view of what my fingers are doing. I move to her clit and bite back a groan as she arches her back, pressing hard against my erection. Fuck this is too good to be true.

I need more of her though. This isn’t nearly enough.

My fingers move deeper under the fabric, tracing the outline of her body and her hips rise to meet my touch. After sneaking another peek around the room to make sure we’re still unwatched, I plunge my finger deep inside her velvety pussy. A faint whimper escapes her lips, only meant for me, and my free hand circles around her neck as I put a second finger in. I watch the muscles in her thighs tensing with pleasure. Fuck yeah.

“Riley,” she whispers, grinding against my fingers.

I tighten my grip on her neck, feeling the rapid beat of her pulse beneath my palm.

Leaning down, I whisper, “You feel so good, babygirl. I can’t wait to be inside of you.”

She shivers again, but much to my surprise, she still tries to push my hand away. Oh no. I won’t let her. I stay firm.

“Riley,” she whispers more urgently now. “We can’t do this here, not now.”

“I know,” I say, putting my thumb on her clit and pressing on it while I keep on plunging my fingers in and out and in and out. There’s another little sigh of pleasure and I think I’m living only for this. “But I can’t stop. Tell me stop.”

“I can’t,” she whispers.

And just as she’s about to come and I’m close to losing my mind because of it, the video cuts off.My hand hastily moves out from under her skirt.

Within a second, she sits up straight and the light goes on.

“Wow, that was great,” Shane yells and others chime in.

“It was,” I whisper. “Just too short.”

Jayce turns around, and our gaze meets.

I’m not sure if he’s aware of what just happened, but when Liora stands up, I quickly grab her by the hips and guide her back. “Don’t you dare stand up just now. My boner’s the size of a skyscraper.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Need me to show you how big it is?” My dick twitches again. Fuck. “This banter isn’t helping. Tell me something sad.”

“I have more sad stories than happy ones. Consider yourself lucky.”

While the others start to grab some more drinks, Liora tells me about her father hitting her mom until she finally kicked him out. My boner is gone in a minute, and I want nothing more than to find her father and kick his ass.

“It’s okay, don’t worry,” she says. “He’s gone now, and as for us, I think it’s safer if we stick to the contract.”

I watch her striding to her bedroom, locking it from the inside and I think my heart just broke in two.