BLOCKED (Boston Terriers Hockey Book 3) Read online

  When his warm palm slides inside my panties, I gasp into his mouth. When his fingers push through my slick heat and one slips inside me, he swallows my expelled moan. His thumb lands on my swollen flesh, pressing and circling until I can’t take it any longer. The torturous pleasure borders on pain, and I grip his wrist, unsure if I want to remove his hand or drive him onward.

  “Relax,” he whispers against my lips, and it’s the encouragement I need.

  Gliding my hand along his forearm, I feel the muscles move under his skin. He plays me like a familiar instrument until my orgasm crashes into me. My body shaking uncontrollably under him, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on, riding out the waves of ecstasy. Body limp and heart full of adoration, I nestle my nose into the crook of his neck, breathing in his crisp, clean scent.

  He strokes my hair, whispering, “You’re special to me, Maddie. I’m falling for you.”

  Licking my lips, I croak back, “I already fell.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Shaw

  I hold Maddie’s hand on the drive back to her house. My thumb sweeping over her skin, I think about how much she’s come to mean to me these past few weeks. With Marshall returning tomorrow, I know things are about to change, and not for the better. If he doesn’t kick my ass, he’ll make me pay somehow.

  But I’ll happily deal with whatever he dishes out as long as I can spend time with Maddie. My girlfriend.

  Parking my truck in her driveway, I unhook my seatbelt, then press the button releasing hers. Leaning over, I pull her across the worn leather seat until she’s next to me. “There. That’s better. You were much too far away. And you looked like your mind was occupied with some pretty heavy thoughts. Are you worried about something?”

  Her eyes lower and she shrugs. Gently pinching her chin between two fingertips, I nudge her head up with my knuckle.

  “Talk to me. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  “I’m just worried about what’ll happen tomorrow when you speak to my brother.”

  “Maddie, why are you wasting time thinking about that?”

  “You and Marshall have been best friends for years, and I know how it goes—bros before hos.”

  I laugh. I can’t help it. She’s so goddamn cute. “You’re not a ho.” I smile. “And Marshall will be okay with us. I’ll make sure of it.”

  “Are you sure it’s worth the trouble?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We’ll be at college together soon, and you might get sick of me.”

  I laugh and shake my head. “I could never get sick of you. Think of how amazing it’ll be to be able to see each other whenever we want to.”

  “You’ve already met tons of other people, and I’m sure lots of them were girls—attractive girls. And I’m sure you’ll meet so many more. Are you sure you want to saddle yourself with a girlfriend heading back to college?”

  “I’m not saddling myself with a girlfriend, I’m choosing to be with you. I care about you, and we have fun together.” I chuck her under the chin. “Besides, I can’t resist this beautiful face.” Leaning forward, I brush my lips over hers. Her hand clutches the back of my neck, drawing me in for more. As our kiss deepens, our tongues speak the universal language of love.

  If only everything could be as clear cut as this moment.

  “So, dude, tell me what you’ve been up to since I’ve been gone.” Marshall unknowingly opens the doorway for a conversation about Maddie and me, but I’m not ready to confess what’s been going on in his absence.

  Sitting on the edge of the Winters’ inground pool next to Marshall, I kick my feet through the water while my thoughts rush in ten different directions trying to formulate an answer. Why didn’t I anticipate this question?

  Because you’ve been too busy making out with Maddie.

  I hold back a grimace of shame and decide to go with the partial truth. “I worked a lot.”

  “I heard you were pretty scarce.”

  “Yeah, I made it to one party.”

  “A single party? What about all the ones you missed?”

  “What can I say? Working outside all day wipes me out.” I know my excuse is lame as soon as it escapes my lips.

  “You sound like you’re ancient. When has being tired ever stopped you?” He continues before I form a reply, “I know the real reason why you didn’t hang with everyone.”

  Oh shit. “You do?” I start to sweat.

  “Yep. It was pretty easy to figure out.”

  Fuck. My chest tightens anxiously while I wait for him to confront me. This isn’t how I wanted him to learn about his sister and me. I wanted to be the one to tell him.

  “You missed your wingman,” Marshall states.

  Wait. What?

  It takes a few seconds for me to understand what he means. And he’s not wrong. I definitely missed having him around. My partner in crime, he’s always game for whatever I want to do. “I’m not gonna lie and say I didn’t miss you.”

  “I wouldn’t believe you anyway. Admit it. You can’t live without me.”

  “I’m pretty sure I could,” I reply. But could I really?

  “No way.” He smirks.

  “What makes you so sure? I did fine while you were gone.” Although, I did have Maddie to distract me in the best possible way.

  “Did you really?” One brow pops upward on his forehead.

  His question forces me to think about what my life would be like without him as my best friend. I can’t imagine that situation because we’ve been closer than brothers for most of our lives.

  “I’m waiting,” Marshall prods.

  “I already told you I missed you, what more do you need?”

  “I’ll let it go for now.” He pats me on the back, and then his palm shoves me forward into the pool. His laughter follows me under the water and he’s still chuckling when I resurface. “That was awesome,” he boasts.

  I shake my head like a dog does after a bath, sending droplets flying in his direction.

  “Hey.” He holds up his hand.

  “Tell me about the girls you met at camp.”

  “Oh, dude, you wouldn’t believe how hot they were. You missed out.” He takes the bait and the subject changes to one I’m comfortable with.

  “I have to work every summer, so I can’t go with you.”

  “I know, but we should find a camp that we can be paid counselors at. I’ve only stuck with this one because I started there four years ago, so I’d have the volunteer hours for my college applications. And every summer the female counselors seem to get hotter.”

  “Hey,” Maddie calls out, walking our way, a smile on her plump lips.

  I grin back quickly before Marshall notices.

  “What are you guys up to?” she inquires.

  Is she wondering if Marshall and I have “talked” yet?

  “I was telling Shaw how awesome camp was.”

  “You should’ve stayed longer,” she tells him.

  “I bet you would’ve liked that. But what you don’t realize is, I have my watchdog here to look after you.” He gestures toward me. “I trust Shaw with my own life, so I certainly trust him to take care of you.”

  Maddie’s expression shifts with each word he says until her lips are pulled tightly into a frown. I can tell she thinks he asked me to keep her busy. Raising myself up, I climb from the pool and meet her troubled gaze.

  Oh hell. I can’t exactly comfort her with Marshall here. I try to reassure her with my eyes, but she looks away. She whirls around so fast, her long, pink strands fan outward behind her as she hurries inside the house.

  Just fucking great.

  “She’s been weirdly happy since I’ve been home. I was wondering if she had a boyfriend I didn’t know about, but then I remembered this is Maddie. And no one who knows me would ever dare to touch my sister. Hell, you’re my best friend and you’re not good enough for her. In fact, you’re probably the last person I’d want dating her.” His words are like a p
unch to my gut, momentarily knocking the breath from me.

  “Why’s that?”

  “I know what a dog you are, and I don’t want my best friend screwing my sister. It’s as simple as that.”

  I’m not a dog at all.

  “I’m not a bad guy,” I defend myself.

  “I know you’re not, but I also realize I don’t want to be best friends with whatever dude my sister ends up falling for.” He laughs.” I mean, sooner or later she’s gotta find a guy willing to date her.”

  “The only reason why she doesn’t have guys lining up to ask her out is you.” I have to stand up for Maddie. I don’t agree with what he’s saying.

  “That might be true, but it might not be. Either way, I’m just glad I have you for a best friend. I can trust you with my little sister. In fact, there’s no one I trust more.”

  Mr. Winters fired up the grill and we had chicken, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob. All through dinner, I tried to catch Maddie’s eye, but she avoided my gaze, choosing to stare down at her plate. Thanks to their dad, the conversation flowed with few awkward silences.

  Some of our friends showed up after we were done eating, and Maddie disappeared inside.

  I’ve been trying to find an opportune time to sneak in and talk to her, but I haven’t had much luck. Two of the cheerleaders are keeping me busy trying to dodge their roaming hands. When I finally do have a moment to break free, I catch Maddie as she’s about to leave out the front door.

  “Hey, where are you going?” I ask.

  She pauses with her hand on the knob. “My mom’s place.”

  “Why are you leaving?”

  “Have you spoken to Marshall yet?”

  “Don’t do that. Don’t dodge my question with another.”

  “I’m leaving because I want to.” She raises her brow questioningly for me to answer now.

  “I’m trying to find the right time.”

  “Well, you sure have enough time to party with him.”

  I touch her arm. “Don’t be like that.”

  “I’ve gotta go.”

  “I’ll call you later.”

  “Sure,” she mutters, shaking my hand off. Stepping outside, she closes the door between us.

  Frustrated, I rake my hand through my hair. What am I going to do about Maddie? Marshall made it clear how he’d feel about me dating his sister. Which one of them can I give up?

  Retracing my steps, I head back to the back patio. Maddie’s going to be at her mom’s anyway. I might as well make the most of tonight before I need to make any decisions.

  Marshall has a bottle in his hands and red cups on the table. Where did he get tequila from? He always finds a way to procure liquor, and he never reveals how. It’s like he magically makes it appear.

  He pours a little into the handful of cups and passes them out. “Here’s to enjoying summer before we have to head back to college.”

  “Cheers,” we all chorus, tapping our cups together before knocking the liquor back. I close my eyes, enjoying the warm afterburn.

  Marshall immediately refills our cups. “To a wicked second year of college.”

  Once again, we down the fiery liquor in one gulp.

  He repeats the process until the tequila runs dry, and then he appears with another bottle. By the end of the night, I’m unsteady on my feet and my brain feels sluggish. Marshall and I head upstairs while everyone else crashes on the couch and living room floor.

  “You can sleep in my sister’s bed, since she’s not here,” Marshall says.

  “Sounds good.” I’ll relish the opportunity to be surrounded by Maddie’s sweet scent. If only she could be here with me. I’d love to hold her close all night long.

  Stripping down to my boxer briefs, I climb between her soft sheets with a sigh of pleasure. I want to text Maddie and tell her where I am, tell her to come home, but I misplaced my phone somewhere. Too tired to search for it, I close my eyes. My last thought is of Maddie’s blue eyes as I drift off to sleep.

  A startled gasp wakes me. Raising my head from the pillow, I find Maddie standing beside her bed.

  I smile sleepily. “Hi. This is a great way to start my day.”

  Maddie remains silent and shakes her head.

  I push myself up onto my side, bracing my weight with my elbow. “It’s not?” I question, confused by her strange reaction. “What’s wrong?”

  A hand lands on my shoulder, caressing my skin. My head snaps around to find Tara, one of the same cheerleaders who was trying to gain my attention at the party. “Nothing’s wrong, silly. Lie back down.”

  Turning to face Maddie, I’m so stunned by what’s transpiring, I’m speechless.

  Tears fill Maddie’s eyes, and my heart feels like someone is wringing it dry like a wet dishrag.

  “It’s not what it looks like,” I rush to explain.

  “Right,” she scoffs, spinning around and running from the room.

  I jump from the bed, tug on my shorts, and hurry after her. I catch the front door as she tries to slam it shut in my face. “Wait,” I shout, hurrying after her. I catch her before she can get into her car. “Maddie, you didn’t give me a chance to explain.”

  “Explain what? How you fucked someone else,” she shouts.

  “Nothing happened with Tara. I didn’t even know she was in bed with me. I didn’t cheat on you. I wouldn’t do that to you. You’re my girlfriend.”

  “I know what I saw. Even if ‘nothing happened’, which is doubtful since you both had no clothes on, it’s still cheating.”

  “I had boxers on.”

  “Gee, I feel much better about it now. Thanks for clearing that up.”

  I’m annoyed by her sarcasm. Why won’t she just hear me out?

  “Come on, Maddie. Cut me some slack.”

  “I already did. But you still didn’t speak to Marshall. And you were never going to tell him anyway. You went on and on about how we would deal with it, and when it came time you chickened out and slept with another girl.” Tears fall down her cheeks. “Way to drive your point home, Shaw. I should’ve just listened to my instincts. I knew this would never work and you would break my heart.” She opens her car door and slips inside while I stand there shaking my head. I don’t blame her for being upset, but she barely heard me out. Maybe she just needs some time to think things over. Taking a step backward, I give her room to back out of the driveway. I watch her the entire time, willing her to change her mind and pull back in, but she doesn’t.

  “What’s up? Why did you chase my sister outside?” Marshall comes up behind me.

  “I was trying to find out if she was coming back here. I was gonna have her grab food for me.”

  “My dad’s got it covered. He’s making breakfast.”

  “That works,” I reply automatically, my head space still occupied by Maddie and the devastation on her face.

  “I found your phone outside. You’re lucky it didn’t rain last night.” He pulls it from his pocket, handing it over.

  “Thanks. I was wondering where it was. I’m gonna grab my shirt and I’ll meet you at the table.”

  Listlessly, I climb the stairs and enter Maddie’s room. Ignoring Tara who’s still in the bed, I grab my shirt from the floor, tugging it on. Pausing in the hallway, I type out a text to Maddie.

  Me: Let’s talk some more later.

  Maddie: Consider us over.

  Me: I said cut me some slack. I never said cut me loose. That’s not what I want.

  Maddie: It’s what I want.

  I replay Marshall’s words from last night in my mind. “No one who knows me would ever dare to touch my sister. Hell, you’re my best friend and you’re not good enough for her. In fact, you’re probably the last person I’d want dating her.”

  Maybe Maddie is right to want to end things now before it becomes complicated. Marshall doesn’t know about us, and I won’t have to tell him if we’re not together. What happened while he was away can remain a secret between Maddie and me. I�
��m sure she won’t say anything to him regarding us.

  Fuck it.

  Me: If that’s what you want, consider us over.

  She doesn’t text me again.

  Part Two

  Chapter Thirteen

  Maddie

  EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER

  “Are you sure we should be going to this party?” I ask Clover. We’re now roommates at B.U.

  “Maddie, trust me when I tell you this fraternity has the hottest guys and the best parties.”

  I draw in a deep breath as we stare at the large, white house. It doesn’t look intimidating from the outside, but it’s what we might find on the inside, or I guess I should say who, that worries me. “Let’s get this over with before I chicken out.” I trudge up the path toward the front entrance.

  Clover clutches my arm as she walks beside me, like she’s worried I might run off. “You need to work on your attitude. Having fun is a state of mind. You have to allow yourself that luxury and try not to be so negative about things. Just enjoy each moment and don’t overthink everything.” Funny, I don’t consider myself a negative person, but I’ve been through a lot, and unfortunately, it’s jaded my perception of life.

  It doesn’t help that Clover is like Suzy sunshine. Ironically, her parents are motivational speakers. Anyone would come up short on positivity with her as the measuring stick.

  However, in the interest of being the best person I can be, and enjoying myself tonight, I’m willing to acknowledge that sometimes I have a tendency to be uptight and it can be off-putting.

  Well, not tonight.

  While my past experiences have shaped me into who I am now, I cannot allow them to dictate who I am moving forward. Maybe my time at Boston University can make me more optimistic. God knows, I’ve wanted to attend this school for as long as I can remember. I foolishly let my bad experience with Shaw deter me from coming here sooner. And now that I’m where I belong, it’s a new beginning.