Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett

  Okay, that was beyond suggestive and he was clearly a complete slime ball. "Hey buddy, why don't you step back and give me a little space here."

  He took a slight step back but he was still too close. He was looking at me like I was a piece of candy. "S'all cool," he drawled. "You're just so damn fine, and I can imagine the fun we'd have together."

  Luckily, I was saved from having to reply when Ryan interjected himself into the conversation, coming to my rescue. I am forever grateful that Mike immediately pulled Reece away.

  Yeah, the guy gave me the major creeps and I would be happy never having to see him again. Ryan had asked me if I had been upset by something Reece said, and I wasn't about to tell him about the pathetically lame pickup line. I didn't want Ryan to have any reason to go after him.

  So, it's been a week since Ryan and I made up and it has been phenomenal. We haven't been able to see each other the last few days between work, school and hockey but we constantly text each other on the phone and every night we talk for a few hours until we are both so tired we are practically falling asleep with our phones pinned to our ears.

  And last night...last night Ryan surprised me when he showed up at Helping Hands Ministry with a huge bouquet of Stargazer Lilies. They are my favorite and I knew instantly he must have asked Paula what flowers to buy for me. I rewarded him with a kiss full of nips and bites which had both of us groaning. It was quickly stopped when Maverick walked into the kitchen and caught us. After yelling at both of us, he put us to work in opposite places so we didn't even see each other until we got done. We both laughed hysterically at that.

  Best of all was before we left, I got to introduce Ryan to Sarge, my only real friend other than Paula. Sarge is a grizzled, Marine Corps veteran that had served in the first Gulf War. He had his left leg blown off by a roadside bomb and was medically discharged in 1992 after serving thirteen years.

  Unable to get a job, and feeling general self-worthlessness, Sarge turned to alcohol to numb his pain. He didn't have a family to lose like my dad did so he said it was no surprise he ended up on the streets so quickly.

  I met Sarge on the first day I went to Helping Hands to visit my dad. They had struck up a quick friendship and tried to keep each other on the straight and narrow path. My dad lost out but Sarge persevered. After successfully completing Helping Hands' rehab program, he went on to stay sober now for the past five years and now serves as a counselor at Helping Hands.

  After my dad died, I continued my friendship with Sarge in addition to volunteering at the shelter. He was like a surrogate father to me and next to Paula, he was all I had in this world.

  Ryan and Sarge hit it off grandly. That is, after Sarge warned Ryan that he could still kill with his bare hands and if he hurt me, he would never see the killing blow coming. Ryan swallowed hard and just said, "You don't have to worry about that, sir." And then they became fast friends.

  I watched them as they talked. I was a little worried about Sarge. Age and the years of alcohol abuse were wearing on him. His dark face was heavily lined with wrinkles and I noticed his hair was mostly white now.

  Before we left, I gave him a hard hug and then looked him square in the eye. "You're okay, right, Sarge?"

  "Of course, I am. Why are you asking?"

  "You just look a little tired to me and I want to make sure you're taking care of yourself.

  He chuckled. "Quit worrying your pretty head about me. I'm fine."

  I hugged him again and whispered, "I can't lose you too so you better be telling me the truth."

  Sarge kissed me on the forehead and told me to get the hell out of there. He shook Ryan's hand and we both left.

  I snap out of the memory of last night and start getting dressed. Tonight, Paula and I are going to Ryan's opening season hockey game. I put on a pair of jeans and a long sleeved t-shirt. Then I put on one of Ryan's old hockey jerseys he gave me to wear. It smells like him and gives me an odd mix of lust and comfort.

  My phone gives a little buzz and I look at it. It's a text from Ryan and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. It seems like smiling is all I've been doing since Ryan and I became an item and that's alright by me. I read his text.

  Sitting in locker room getting dressed. Thinking about u.

  I quickly write back.

  Ironic. I'm getting dressed & thinking of u2.

  He is quick to respond.

  Mmmmm. Now I'm thinking about u getting dressed.

  Oh Lord, now I'm thinking about him thinking about me getting dressed and it does funny things to my stomach.

  LOL! Get ur head out of gutter and into game. See you later. Good luck.

  He doesn't text back so I put my phone down and finish getting ready.

  We get to Matthews Arena and find our seats just as the Husky's take to the ice for warm up. Ryan gave me the tickets so he knows exactly where I am sitting which is just two rows off of the glass behind the Husky's bench.

  I watch him hungrily as he skates around. He looks gorgeous in his uniform and about ten times larger than life. He doesn't have his helmet on yet so as he skates, the wind whips his long locks back, throwing his face in perfect relief. He hasn't shaved today and the stubble makes him look wild and dangerous.

  The team leaves the ice after about ten minutes of warm up drills and as I watch Ryan step into the tunnel, Paula nudges me with her shoulder. "Girl, you got it bad."

  "What? What do I have bad?"

  "Don't play stupid with me, Daniella Cross. You're in love with that boy."

  I scoff. I might be falling for him but I'm not there yet. I've only known him for a little over a week. There's no way I am in love. And I tell Paula that.

  She just says, "Mmmm. Hmmmm." And keeps a smug look on her face.

  Soon, the lights dim and the arena thumps with loud rock music. The Husky's starting line-up is announced. When I hear, "And starting at center and team captain, give it up for Ryan Burnham" I get out of my chair and I am screaming probably the loudest in the arena.

  After the game starts, I am glued to the action. I watch Ryan avidly when he is on the ice. He is focused and spot on. By the end of the first period, he has a goal and an assist. As he skates back to the bench after his last line change before the period ends, he looks to where I am sitting and smiles at me. Just that small acknowledgment...that he is thinking of me during the game...makes my heart start thumping. I look at Paula and all she says is, "Mmmm. Hmmmm."

  At the end of the first period, Paula runs out to have a smoke and I go to the bathroom, then get us each some popcorn and drinks. I make it back to my seat before Paula does and I am happily sitting there munching my popcorn when someone sits down next to me. Thinking it's Paula, I turn to smile at her but am caught off guard to see Angeline sitting there.

  She doesn't say anything but just appraises me coldly.

  Finally I say, "Hi, Angeline."

  She doesn't acknowledge my greeting but instead says, "You know...I didn't believe it at first when Cameron told me that Ryan was fucking you, but I guess I can see a certain wild appeal to you. You're different, that's for sure. If you're into trailer trash that is."

  I take a deep breath and count to ten to try to calm myself before I respond. I am well aware we are in public and I don't want this to escalate, but I also am not going to stand idly by while she insults me.

  "Look, Angeline. You and Ryan were over long before I came into the picture so you're beef shouldn't be with me. It should be with him. And for your information, I'm not fucking him...yet."

  I see her eyes flash hot with anger and she leans into me so she can whisper. "You play out all the fantasies you want about a happily ever after with Ryan but just remember...you'll never fit into his world. He comes from the type of life you can only read about and it has no room for people like you. Trust me...he won't go the distance with you."

  These words strike at me deep but before I can even think about what to say, I hear a tapping sound and we both
turn to see Ryan standing there knocking his stick against the glass. The rest of the players are back on the ice warming up. He's staring at Angeline with murder in his eyes. She merely turns to me and says, "Think about it. You know I'm right."

  I glance back to Ryan and I think he might crawl over the glass he's so mad. Then I hear, "Get out of my seat you, skanky bitch."

  It's Paula and she makes an imposing figure in her shredded jeans, Motley Crue t-shirt and green military jacket. She's wearing heavy black eyeliner and black lipstick and even though she's diminutive, she looks tough as nails. I get a small measure of satisfaction when Angeline pales a bit and then scurries away.

  I let out a breath I apparently had pent up and glance again at Ryan. He mouths the words "Are you okay?" to me and I nod my head with a smile. He looks at me for a few more seconds and then skates off.

  Paula sits down. "What did she say to you? You're as white as a ghost."

  I'm quiet for a minute and then I look at her. "She basically said I wasn't good enough for Ryan. That our worlds are just too different to make it work."

  "What the fuck, Danny? And I'll cough up my cigarette to you after the game. Why are you letting her get to you?"

  "I don't know. She just sounded so...genuine about our differences that it made me think twice about it."

  "Well, you can get that out of your head right now. That boy is crazy about you and the both of you can make this work if you want it to. Now get those doubts out of your head."

  I let out a shaky breath and mentally put my head back on straight. "You're right. Why am I even listening to her?"

  "That's my girl."

  I turn my attention back to the ice and let my thoughts focus on Ryan again. I'm so proud of him out there and at the end of the game, he comes over to the glass with a big grin on his face. They have won 3-2 and he is responsible for a goal and two assists. He pulls his helmet off and his hair is soaking wet. It's amazing he can look utterly gorgeous while being covered in sweat. He taps his stick to the glass and winks at me. I grin at him, my heart getting more deeply entrenched in all things Ryan Burnham. He nods his head to the right and I see he wants to meet me over at the railing to the tunnel that leads onto the ice.

  Paula gives me a quick hug goodbye and says she'll see me at home later on. I pick up our garbage and throw it away, and then make my way over to the rail. I quickly climb over it and jump to the concrete.

  Ryan is waiting for me and as I get closer to him, I appreciate just how enormously tall he is in his skates. I sure hope he's steady in them because just a few feet from him I launch myself into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. He's wearing too much gear for my legs to wrap all the way around him but his hands are firmly gripping my ass to hold me in place. I plaster my mouth to his and he kisses me back with abandon, squeezing me tight.

  I move my mouth to his neck and nibble there. "I'm so proud of you, Ryan."

  He groans but says, "Danny...I'm all gross and sweaty."

  "I don't care," I say as I work my way back to his mouth. After kissing him lightly there, I murmur against his lips, "I plan on getting sweaty with you a lot in the future."

  Ryan whips around and crushes me to the wall with his body and thoroughly claims my lips with his. Eventually, he pulls back and I'm thankful no one has walked by us yet. "You know it makes me crazy in lust with you when you say things like that."

  I smile coyly at him and stroke his face. "Ryan...what are we waiting for?" I know my eyes are full of yearning and I hope he understands the depth of it.

  He looks at me deeply and then puts his forehead against mine. "Fuck if I know. Can I stay with you tonight?"

  "God yes," I whisper and kiss him again.

  CHAPTER 11

  Ryan

  Apparently, tonight's the night. I hope it's not happening too fast for Danny. It's certainly not happening too fast for me but I feel like a teenage boy getting ready to have sex for the first time. I'm apprehensive and excited all at the same time. And I don't mean horny excited, although I'm sure I'll get there. I'm excited to be with Danny in this way because then she'll be truly mine.

  Danny opens the door to her apartment and we walk in. She flips on the lights and lays her purse down. I stand there with my hands in my pockets watching her. She turns and the look on her face is one of nervousness and it makes me doubt what we've set out to do tonight.

  I walk to her and cup her cheek. She takes in a shaky breath and smiles at me tremulously.

  "Ryan..." she whispers.

  "Sshhh...we don't have to do this tonight," I assure her.

  She gives a slight shake to her head, closing her eyes briefly. When she opens them back up, the anxiety is gone and in its place is desire. It makes my heart trip over and my body harden with anticipation.

  "I was going to say that I want you so much it scares me," she murmurs as she reaches on her tip toes to place a soft kiss on my mouth. My eyes close and I inhale deeply. I clench the fist that's still hanging down by my hips, otherwise, I might grab her and throw her over my shoulder like a caveman. I let my breath out in shaky spurts.

  Danny

  My entire body is trembling over the way Ryan is looking at me right now. With nothing more than a soft touch to my face, I'm already a hot mess of firing nerves. I want this so badly that the depth of my need scares me. If I could crawl into Ryan's skin right now, I would...just to be closer to him.

  Ryan puts his hands on my hips and draws me closer to him. My hands go to his chest and curl into his shirt. He's wearing a light blue, button down shirt and dress pants since the players have to wear formal attire on game day. His jacket and tie are in his car, tossed haphazardly in the back. He smells of spicy body wash and I put my nose to his chest and inhale deeply.

  "Danny?"

  "Mmmmm?" My lips are to his chest so I can't give a more complete answer.

  "Is this your first time?"

  My cheeks flame a little red as I nod. "Am I that obvious?"

  Ryan tucks his hand under my chin and draws my face up to look at him. "Not at all. I was merely hoping I'd be your first."

  My mouth curves into a smile because the look he is giving me is one of possessiveness and craving. "It's the right time, Ryan. I want you to be my first...my only."

  Ryan groans at my words and captures my mouth. It's demanding and sweet all at the same time. Pulling back he looks at me, bringing his fingers to graze over my lips. "I'm a little nervous. We'll go slow because I don't want to hurt you."

  I shake my head and giggle. "I'm a twenty-one year old virgin who has been fairly athletic most of her life. I doubt I have much of a hymen for you to shred."

  Ryan chuckles as he swoops back down for a quick kiss before he pulls back. "Stay right here and then come back to your room in about five minutes, okay?"

  I nod my head. He starts down my hall but then turns to look back. "Where's Paula?"

  I shrug my shoulders. "She said she'd see me back here but she may have decided to be scarce. I think she knows I plan on seducing you tonight."

  "Is that so?"

  "That's so. Now hurry...your five minutes is ticking."

  Ryan

  Danny is a virgin and she's chosen to give that sacred gift to me. I'm beyond honored and now ridiculously nervous all over again. I don't want to hurt her and I want to make sure I pleasure the hell out of her. The responsibility is heavy but I'm up to the task. Literally.

  I get busy setting up her room. I turn on her lamp with the red scarf over it and turn the rest of the lights off. I pull out my iPhone and hook it to her alarm clock stereo. I scroll through my playlists, finally choosing some Jill Scott and turn it down enough so we can just hear the beat. Putting a condom on the bedside table, I sit on the edge of the bed and put my head in my hands. I want this to be so fucking perfect for her.

  Danny

  I slowly open the door and my breath catches. Ryan is sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. I'm fearful that he is r
egretting this but then he looks up at me and my knees almost buckle from the heat in his eyes. They seem to be glowing like new pennies in the soft red light from my lamp.

  He holds his hand out to me and I walk toward him. Locking his hand around my wrist, he pulls me forward until I'm standing between his legs. Placing a kiss on the palm of my hand, he releases it to wrap his arms around my waist and lays his head against my breasts. My arms automatically come up and wrap around his head, holding him tightly to me.

  I don't know how long we stay like that but I tune into our mutual breathing which is slow and heavy. Finally, Ryan pulls his head back and looks at me. His hair flops boyishly over his forehead and is hanging over his eyes. I brush it back so I can see him.

  "Danny, I'm falling in love with you. I just...need you to know that."

  I smile at him and I can feel my eyes misting. "I'm already there. Glad you caught up."

  I say those words without hesitation because the realization hits me overwhelmingly that I am hopelessly and completely in love with Ryan. And I could give a shit that we have known each other for only a week. There are no doubts for me. I may choose to regret the speed with which this is happening later in my life, but I won't regret it now.

  Ryan

  My chest literally swells and expands to the point where I think it might explode. Danny loves me? Danny loves me! And that realization makes me happier than any moment I can even remember in my entire life. About the closest thing I can compare it to is when I got recruited to play at Northeastern and even that feeling fizzles compared to this.

  Standing from the bed, I hoist Danny up to my waist and her legs grip me tightly. I turn and kneel on the bed, taking her with me. Covering her body completely, I begin to kiss her. Long slow strokes, rimming the inside of her teeth, licking her lips, pulling on her tongue. She is moaning softly and her fingers are dug firmly into my shoulders. I want her to dig harder so I move down her throat, lightly sucking on her collarbone.

  Danny turns her head to the side so her lips are near my ear and whispers, "More." She flexes her fingers into me a bit harder.

  I pull away from her and kneel between her legs. Reaching down to cup the back of her head, I pull her into a sitting position and whip the jersey and her t-shirt over her head in one swift move. She's wearing a black bra made of lace and it looks sinful.