BLOCKED (Boston Terriers Hockey Book 3) Read online

  “I’ll catch up with you later, bro,” Chad says before he takes off toward a group of guys getting a little too rowdy.

  “What’s new, Shaw?” Mindy turns to face me, hand on her jutted hip, she boldly looks me over from head to toe and back up again.

  “Not too much.”

  “Where have you been hiding? I haven’t seen you since you got back home.”

  “I’ve been working a lot of hours.” Is everyone I run into tonight going to ask me the same question? I just got done at B.U. a few weeks ago. It’s not like I’ve disappeared for months on end.

  “Remind me where you’re going to school?”

  “Boston University. And you?”

  “Really?” she shrieks, jumping up and down,“I’m at Northeastern.”

  She throws herself at my chest, wrapping her arms around me. I stiffen up at the unexpected move. Did I miss something?

  “That’s great.” I awkwardly pat her back and do my best to sound happy, but I know my voice is as flat as a tire that’s been punctured by a nail.

  She steps back, placing her hand on my arm. “We should hang out sometime soon. We can plan for the fall. I’m sure we can get together since the school’s aren’t far apart. Besides, I miss you.”

  “Yeah, uh, I’m pretty busy with work, but if I have some free time, I’ll let you know.”

  “Come on, Shaw. You can find some time for me.”

  Raising the bottle to my lips, I down the remainder in one long gulp. I miss Maddie and wish she were here. She’s easy to talk to.

  Mindy opens her mouth to speak, and I glance at my watch. “Shit. I’ve got to get out of here. My parents want me home early.” Setting the bottle on a small table, I hurry to the front door, half expecting her to follow. I luck out when she doesn’t, and I pause for a moment once I’m outside.

  Running a hand through my hair, the errant pieces tumble, rearranging until they’re no longer falling into my eyes, I make a decision I hope I won’t regret.

  Sitting in my truck outside The Cookie Crumbles waiting for Maddie to finish working, I’ve spent the last hour trying to talk myself into leaving. But every time I shifted my truck into drive, I couldn’t make my foot release its pressure on the brake.

  I want to see her.

  I want to spend time with her.

  I want to kiss her.

  I want her to be my girlfriend.

  I’m just not sure how to go about making that happen. When Marshall gets back home I need to have a talk with him and let him know how much Maddie has come to mean to me. I’m hoping once he realizes I’m serious about her, he’ll be happy for us.

  He’s a reasonable guy—sometimes. And even if we’re at college together, I can see her anytime I want to. I really think we can make this work, but I need to make sure Maddie feels the same about me. I’m pretty sure she does. Marshall is the real challenge in all this, because if he doesn’t give me his blessing, I don’t know what I’ll do.

  He’s not here now and Maddie is.

  Shutting off the engine, I step outside of my truck, and prop one foot over the other, leaning back against the closed door. I shove my hands in my pockets and wait for Maddie to come out.

  The lights inside the shop finally shut off and seconds later she’s locking up. I don’t say anything because I don’t want to scare her. I wait until she turns around and notices me on her own.

  Her eyes light up with excitement and her mouth opens in a wide, welcoming smile. “Hi. What a nice surprise.”

  “Eh, I was in the neighborhood.” I feign nonchalance, when in reality, my chest is bubbling with a plethora of unnamed emotions like a pot of boiling water. Emotions I’ve never experienced before, and I don’t know what to do with them all.

  But I know what I want to do with Maddie.

  Pushing off the truck, I move forward, desperate to get my lips on hers. I want to kiss her and see if it packs as powerful a punch as it did yesterday and the day before.

  I don’t stop until we're toe-to-toe. My hands cup her face just prior to my mouth seizing control of hers. I groan with relief as her plush lips part and my tongue dips inside for a taste. She’s the sweetest temptation, and I’m already addicted.

  My arms slip down to band around her, tugging her closer to me. Impossibly closer, until the pillowy softness of her breasts is crushed against my solid chest. My head spins like I’ve had too much to drink. I’m drunk on Maddie and everything to do with her.

  Small hands clutch the hem along the bottom of my t-shirt before climbing up the material, covering my stomach and stopping to press on my chest. Drawing back, I stare down at her upturned, flushed face and smile. I put that pinkness in her cheeks. Her lips are wet and swollen from my kisses.

  “Maybe we shouldn’t be kissing out here where anyone could see us.” Her head swivels from side to side, eyes seeking any casual observers.

  “Don’t worry, no one saw us. But if anyone does, we’ll deal with it.”

  “How would we do that?” She looks concerned.

  “We’ll figure it out when it happens. And since it hasn’t, we don’t need to worry about it now.”

  “Do you ever worry about anything?” she asks.

  “Sure. I worry about hockey all the time.” I also worry about Marshall kicking my ass when he finds out about us. I’m not sharing that information, though.

  “What about hockey? Why do you worry?”

  “At the start of every season I put a lot of pressure on myself to be better than the last season. And that makes me worry about what I’ll do if I’m not. Playing for the Terriers is a dream come true. If I have an off year, it can blow my ability to play anymore. If that happened, I don’t know what I’d do.”

  “But why wouldn’t you play well?”

  “For any number of reasons. I don’t want to be the weak link on the team,” I confess one of my deepest fears.

  “Shaw, you’re an amazing goalie. You’re not going to be the weak anything on that team. They’re already so lucky to have you. And I’m sure they know what an asset you are to the team. You’re hardworking and talented. Isn’t that what every coach dreams of in a player?”

  I smile. “You’re really good at this reassuring me thing.”

  She beams up at me. “I’m glad. You really have nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t lie to you about something so important.”

  “But would you lie to me about small things?” I tease, knowing she didn’t mean it that way.

  “Nope. You know me better than that.”

  “You’re right. I do. And I know you’re tired, so why don’t you get home, so you can go to bed.”

  “I’m not that tired.”

  I catch hold of her chin, studying her small, oval face. Her eyes look so dark in the limited light, but I can see shadows underneath them. “You look exhausted.”

  “I like spending time with you.”

  “And I like spending time with you. But you’ve had a long day, and I need to get home anyway. How about we get together tomorrow?”

  “My dad’s opening up our summer house with his brothers, so he’ll be gone all day. Wanna come over and swim?”

  Spend the day with a half naked Maddie? Hell yes. “That sounds like a great idea to me. I’ll head over around noon.” Taking hold of her hand, I lead her to the only other car parked in the small lot. I open the door, and she scoots inside, starting the engine. Leaning down, I press a quick, soft kiss to her lips. “Drive safe. I’m going to follow you and make sure you get there okay.”

  “Shaw, you’re sweet, but that’s not necessary.”

  “No arguing about this. For my own peace of mind, I want to see you home safely.”

  “I could just text you,” she offers.

  “Nah. It’s five minutes out of my way. I think I can spare that for you.” I wink.

  “Shaw Masters, what am I going to do with you?”

  I can think of a few things…

  Chapter Eleven

&nb
sp; Maddie

  Shaw and I have spent almost every day together since my brother left, and it’s been amazing. He’s been sweet and attentive to me, and he hasn’t pressured me to do anything I didn’t want to. In fact, out of the two of us, he’s been the voice of caution. At first, I thought he didn’t want me, but then he explained he didn’t want me to rush into anything. That if we had sex and I regretted it, he’d never forgive himself. As much as I doubt I’d ever regret doing anything with Shaw, I know he’s right.

  However, Marshall is coming home tomorrow, and this is our last night together before we have to have a heart-to-heart talk with him. And I know once he’s back, Shaw and I will probably never have any more alone time together. My brother will be a giant pest, watching over me and keeping twelve inches between Shaw and me at all times. At eighteen years old, I don’t need anyone to babysit my innocence. It’s mine to do whatever I want with and to give to whomever I choose. Hell, all my friends have already had sex. I might be the oldest living virgin at this point.

  Besides, as far as first loves go, I couldn’t find someone more worthy of sharing myself with than Shaw. He’s honest and loving, and I know he cares for me. In fact, I think he may even love me. I don’t think I’m mistaking the emotion I see in his eyes when he looks at me. I’m sure he notices the same one reflected back at him when our gazes meet.

  While neither of us have been brave enough to say those words, I’m thinking of taking the plunge tonight. Why am I holding back? Is it because of my brother?

  Marshall would be a terrible reason not to tell the guy I love how I feel. Nothing’s going to change if I share those three words with Shaw. It’ll only make our relationship stronger. I want Shaw to know how much he means to me. He deserves to know.

  “What’s the plan?” I ask as Shaw pulls out of my driveway.

  His dark stare flicks my way, his lips curving into a grin. “It’s a surprise.”

  “Can I try to guess?”

  “You can try, but I doubt you’ll get it right.”

  “Hmm.” I wrap a strand of my hair around my finger. “So, it’s not something we’ve ever done?”

  “Nope.”

  “We’re going to a concert?”

  “Not even close.”

  “Okay.” Rolling my lips inward, I rub them together as I think of another possibility. “Are we going miniature golfing?”

  “Ha.” He laughs. “No, but we should sometime.”

  “Are you taking me to dinner at a new restaurant?”

  He shakes his head. “You’re getting colder.”

  “Maybe you should give me a clue, “ I suggest.

  “I’ll give you one, but that’s all.”

  “Deal.” I tuck one leg under me on the seat.

  “We might need bug spray.”

  “We’re going to be outside?”

  “Mhm.”

  “Are we going to Fenway Park?”

  “No, but I’d love to take you to a game. How do you feel about baseball?”

  “I’m a fan. I’ve been to a couple of games with my dad and uncles.”

  Shaw slows the truck down before turning right into the local drive in.

  “Is this where you’re bringing me?” I question excitedly.

  “Yes, I hope that’s okay.”

  “Are you kidding? I haven’t been here since I was like six. And I always wanted to come back.”

  “And here you are.”

  “I am, and I’m so excited. I feel like a little kid again.”

  “I hope you don’t mind that they’re running older movies, but I figured seeing them on a giant screen makes it seem new.”

  “Which one are we seeing?”

  “Jumanji.”

  “That’s fairly new, and I’ve never seen that one.”

  “Have you been living under a rock?”

  “No. I just don’t watch that many movies. I’m more likely to read the book than see the film version.”

  “I think you’ll like Jumanji. It’s funny.” He pays our fee and backs us into a parking space.

  “How are we going to see the screen if we’re facing the wrong way?” I ask.

  “Trust me. I’ve got a plan.” He shuts off the engine and opens his door. He climbs out and turns to face me. “Come on out. We’re going to sit in the back of my truck.” He moves to the rear, opening the tailgate.

  I suck in a breath on a gasp. My eyes scan the comforter and pillows he’s spread out in the bed. “You did all this for me?” He nods. “I love it.” I prop one side of my ass onto the gate, and then rock the other cheek up onto the metal. Swinging my legs up, I spin around like I’m breakdancing and roll onto my knees. I crawl up to the pillows.

  Shaw groans behind me. “Jesus, Maddie. Are you trying to kill me?”

  Turning over, I lie on the stack of pillows and smile impishly. “What?”

  “You little tease. Like you don’t know.”

  “Hey, how else was I supposed to get up here?” My tone is pure innocence.

  His look is skeptical before he disappears from my line of sight. I hear a truck door close and he reappears. He slings a backpack and a paper bag onto the comforter and climbs into the bed, moving forward until he occupies the empty space beside me. “I’ve brought dinner. I hope you like Chinese food.” He rifles through the paper bag, pulling out four white cartons with the familiar logo from one of my favorite restaurants.

  “Are you kidding? That’s my favorite.”

  He laughs. “I know it is. The last time I ate dinner at your house I had to fight you for the last sparerib.”

  I snort. “I’m not sorry about it either. Actually, I don’t even remember, and that’s probably because it’s a regular occurrence in my house. I take my Chinese food seriously.”

  “I got chicken fingers, pork fried rice, Lo mein, and crab rangoon.”

  “Yum, gimme-gimme. Those are all my favorites.” He must’ve been paying attention to me for longer than I realized because there’s no other way he’d know what I typically order. Snatching one of the boxes from in front of him, I have it open in a second. “Oh.” I’m speechless for a moment as the aroma wafts up to tease my nose. I pluck a chicken finger from the box and devour it in two bites. Groaning, I fall to my back on the pillows. “That’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

  “You better get back up here if you want more. I’m not feeding you.”

  “Fine,” I huff jokingly, rising upright. “Do you have a fork?”

  “I do.” He digs through the backpack, pulling out forks, knives, and napkins. “How come you don’t use chopsticks?”

  I take the silverware from him. “It’s too much work. When it comes to Chinese food, I’d prefer a shovel, but a fork will work too.”

  “Water or soda?” He holds both up, and I reach for the bubbling beverage.

  “You thought of everything. If you have dessert in there, you might be the perfect boyfriend.” I grin. Oh no. Why did I say that? I don’t want him to feel pressured by me. The happy curve gracing my lips slowly creeps into a downturned line of regret.

  Shaw places his hand on my knee. “What happened to your smile?”

  “I don’t want you to think I’m pressing you for a relationship. I know we’re just dating.”

  He squeezes my thigh. “Maddie, will you be my girlfriend?”

  My surprised gaze meets his earnest dark one and I nod numbly. His question took me by surprise. And I reflexively ask, “Are you serious?”

  He chuckles. “Completely.” He beckons me closer with his finger. The fork and knife drop from my numb fingers to the comforter between us as I fall into his waiting kiss with a happy sigh.

  Oh my God. I’m kissing my boyfriend.

  I can’t believe Shaw Masters is my boyfriend.

  Dreams do come true.

  Shaw ends our kiss before we can get carried away. “Let’s eat,” he suggests.

  “Okay. If you asked me to choose between kissing you and eating Chines
e food, it would be a toss up.” I wink.

  “I’ll be sure to prove that statement wrong later,” he boasts confidently. Of course he knows I’d choose his kisses over anything else. What girl wouldn’t?

  We spend the next thirty minutes gorging on our meal, and then Shaw tunes the radio to the required channel, so we can hear the movie. Scooping up the empty containers, he places them in the paper bag before setting everything inside the cab of his truck. When he rejoins me, he lies on the pillows next to me, taking my hand just in time for the movie to begin. His fingers slot with mine, and then slowly brush up and down, caressing my sensitive skin.

  Who knew fingers could be erogenous zones?

  But I have a feeling that every inch of my body could be one under Shaw Masters’ hands.

  Taking half breaths, his touch holds my focus, instead of the movie on the giant screen. When I think I can’t bear it any longer, he rolls to his side, releasing me, propping his head up on his hand. “How’s the movie?” he asks.

  “Honestly?” I ask, and he nods. “I’ve barely heard a word of it. You’re making it hard for me to concentrate.”

  “How so?” he presses.

  “By touching me.”

  “Oh, Maddie. Holding your hand is the least of what I want to be doing to you.”

  I press my thighs together and find the courage to ask, “What do you want to do to me?”

  He leans over until he’s hovering over my lips. “I want to make you feel better than you ever have. Can I?” he questions hoarsely, his hopeful gaze on me.

  I can’t speak. My mouth is suddenly dry and my heart is pumping so fast I can almost feel the blood roaring through my veins.

  Or maybe it’s lust.

  Maybe it’s love.

  It’s hard to say, because whatever it is, I’ve never felt anything like it before.

  I manage a small nod, and Shaw smiles as he inches closer, fusing our lips together. Taking it slowly, he moves his mouth over mine, gently, teasingly, until I can’t hold still.

  His fingers tease along the waistband of my shorts and my hips raise, urging him on. Distracted by his talented lips and tongue, he has my pants undone without me realizing.