Off Sides (7 page)

While his lips continue to drink at my breasts, Ryan moves his hand down to the front of my underwear, skimming his fingers over the top. My hips buck at the slight touch and Ryan practically growls over my responsiveness. Making his way back up my throat with his mouth, I cannot be distracted enough when Ryan slips his hand inside my underwear and proceeds to touch me in the most carnal of ways.

I am beside myself. If Ryan's lips were not licking, sucking or biting mine, I would be thrashing my head side to side. I can feel pressure building inside of me and it scares and excites me all at once. The pleasure is almost painful, yet I must see what comes next. Tears form in the corners of my eyes and then suddenly I'm splintering into a million sparks of light while Ryan's mouth quiets my cries of surrender.

When I return to earth, Ryan is still gently kissing me. He gathers me in his arms and pulls me close. I am boneless and my heart rate is starting to decrease. I suddenly feel a lethargy overtake me and I cannot keep my eyes open. Before I know it, I'm asleep with my head lying on Ryan's chest.

Ryan

I'm driving to Danny's apartment to pick her up for the frat party. I’m excited and nervous. I cannot wait to see her.

Last night was amazing. It was one of best sexual experiences of my life and I didn't even get off.  Watching Danny though—watching her break apart under my hands—was an incredible rush and I know beyond a doubt that when we actually have sex, it will probably shatter me.

I'm nervous about how my friends will treat her. I know Mike and Carter will be respectful and I even know Mike's girlfriend, Cameron, will be nice—as long as Angeline isn't there to taint her.

I actually like Cameron. Mike met her our freshman year at Northeastern and they've been together ever since. He's confided in me that he's going to pop the big question on graduation night. He's asked me to help him look at engagement rings in a few months.

Cameron is the one that introduced me to Angeline. She thought we would be perfect together and we were—on paper. Oh, there was a time when I was hot and bothered by Angeline. What nineteen year old guy isn't around a gorgeous college girl. And in the early months of our relationship, we actually got along very well. Once my parents checked out her pedigree, they fell in love with her and my mom was constantly talking about what beautiful babies we'd make.

But over time, the shine wore off. I have a theory that when you start dating someone, you are always on your best behavior. As you get more comfortable with a person, you start relaxing your guard and letting your true self shine through. The one thing that rang through too loud and clear for me with Angeline was her shallowness.

Oh, in our circle she was fine. Angeline comes from the richest of rich in New York City and she is used to the finer things in life. And when people get in her way who are not worthy, she has no problem in letting them know it. I guess if I had to admire anything about her, is at least she's honest to people's face when she says something about them. She doesn't hide behind whispered gossip.

Our relationship met its demise when one evening, as we were kissing on my bed, I literally couldn't get excited for her. It may have been because just two minutes before she was whining because her daddy didn't buy her a diamond necklace that she wanted, or maybe it was the way she made fun of our assistant coach's disabled son. But something in me just snapped and the attraction I held for her was gone.

Angeline did not take the break up well. She cried and begged. Then she screeched and threw things at me. Then she cried some more before finally threatening me. It was brutal but once she walked out of my room that night, I felt utter relief and I knew I had made the right decision.

Here's the thing about Danny. She's seen me at my worst already. I hurt her for no good reason other than protecting my own heart and she forgave me. And I know how vulnerable she is but it doesn't scare me. I want to protect her. In all the months I had been with Angeline, I never had the desire to put her needs above my own, yet that is all I can think about with Danny.

***

We arrive at my frat house and we know the party is in full swing because we can hear the beat of the music inside of my car. I open Danny's door and she steps out. She is simply stunning even though she's wearing just a simple pair of jeans, a dark green blouse and black boots. Her hair is long with large waves running through it. She's wearing no makeup except her lips look shiny with gloss and I want to kiss them. I pull her to me and instead kiss the tip of her nose.

"You put every woman on the face of this earth to shame, Miss Cross."

Danny giggles. "I want to jump your bones too, Mr. Burnham."

I bust out laughing and pull her in for a hug, rocking us back and forth while our chuckles wind down.

Kissing her fingertips, I lace mine through hers and we walk in. I take her up first to my room so I can show that to her. I took a few minutes to clean it up, which basically meant I had to throw all of Mike's dirty clothes into the closet. The guy is a complete slob.

Danny walks around the small room, looking at all of the hockey photos and memorabilia I have. She asks if I have a pictures of my family and much to my chagrin, I don't.  My parents aren't the casual-photo type of people.

Before we walk out, Danny sits on the edge of my bed and bounces up and down a few times. I look at her quizzically and she gives me a saucy wink. "Just seeing how loud it squeaks."

"You're rotten, you know that?" I ask.

"I know it."

Back downstairs, I get us each a beer and we make our way over to Mike. He and Cameron are talking to Carter.

As we approach, I put my arm around Danny's waist to make it clear to anyone and everyone that she is with me.  I told Mike I was bringing her tonight, and he in turn told Cameron to be on her best behavior. But Carter is definitely surprised.

I make formal introductions and we all make small talk. I had told Mike that Danny was a music major which gives him something to talk about with her as his mother is an executive in the music business with Sony. I sit back and just enjoy watching Danny's naturally effervescent personality win Mike and Carter over. When Carter steps away to get another beer, he punches me in the shoulder and snarls in my ear, "You're a bastard for getting her before me."

I grin at him. He doesn't need to tell me how lucky I am.

Cameron is being polite and actually engages Danny in some small talk about Julliard. Then to my surprise, she asks Danny about her piercings because she was thinking of getting her belly button done. That leads to a fifteen minute discussion about piercings that actually leaves me a bit nauseous about the whole thing. I'll admit I’m a wuss.

The evening was going better than I had expected. All of my friends and teammates are being very nice to Danny, which isn't too hard once they get to know her. Again, she could win anyone over.

At one point, I get called away by Carter who wants me to help him get one of our drunk fraternity brothers up to bed. He apparently vomited his guts up and was passed out in the downstairs bathroom.  Danny assures me she is fine hanging on her own.

When I return, my stomach churns because I see Reece Malone talking to her. And he is all up in Danny’s personal space. I can tell by her posture that she doesn't like how close he is and unfortunately, I can tell he is drunk. I know I will have to handle him with kid gloves so he doesn’t make a scene.

Coach had an “intervention” with me and Reece the other day, and basically demanded that we kiss and make-up. Under Coach’s glaring eye, we had to shake and grumble apologies to each other. It did nothing to cool the animosity between us but at least we were putting on good appearances.

I walk up to where they stand and I notice from my peripheral vision that Mike is walking over to join us. I decide to play casual so as not to incite Reece. Walking up beside him, I clap him on the back and say, "Hey, man. How's it going?" I even manage to plaster a smile on my face that I hope doesn't come across as fake as it feels.

Reece looks at me skeptically but then sticks his hand out to shake. I grasp it and give it a quick pump, then immediately step over to Danny. While I am all for being nice to Malone to avoid a confrontation, I still want to make it clear that Danny is mine.  Looking down at her I see relief in her eyes and my blood instantly boils because I know he must have said something to make her uncomfortable. I place a quick kiss on her temple then turn back to Malone. His eyes narrow at me.

"So, you ready for the opening game next week?" God it’s painful trying to make conversation with this guy.

He doesn’t respond but turns his gaze back to Danny. I can see understanding dawn on his face. "Hey, you're the girl that works at the diner, right?"

I feel Danny stiffen beside me and before I can launch myself at him before he says something hurtful, Mike is there pulling Reece away. I hear Mike say, "Hey, Malone. I need you to come over here and settle a bet between Carter and me over who the leading goal scorer was in the NHL last year."

I take a deep breath in and let it out. My blood pressure starts coming down and I turn to look at Danny, ready to apologize.

"That guy is a fucking, asshole," she says before I can say a word.  Then her face instantly colors red and she has a sheepish grin on her face. "Oops. Sorry. I normally don't use that word."

“Did he say something to upset you?”

She shakes her head. “He was just drunk. No worries.”

I start shaking my head back and forth with a smile on my face. Danny isn't stupid. She knows Malone is the guy that had called her a whore and yet she’s standing strong. I'm not sure if this girl ever lets anything get her down.

I lean down to kiss her. "You're incredible...you know that?"

She gives a little moan of appreciation against my lips. "Mmmmm...you're my... boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend."

"Yup. Still a turn on." And I kiss her more deeply.

She laughs against my mouth and I have an overwhelming and sudden urge to yell out to the world that Danny Cross is my girl. All I need now is a caveman club and I will be complete.

It's getting close to midnight and we need to leave. Danny has to be to work at Sally's early. We purposefully didn't drink that much tonight since she has to work and I am driving. We make our goodbyes and I am pleased when Mike and Carter both lean down to give Danny brotherly hugs. They have welcomed her into the fold. While Cameron doesn't give her a hug, she does shake her hand and tells her how nice it is to meet her. That’s at least a start.

Just as we are approaching the door to leave, we’re brought up short by Angeline who steps right in front of me and plasters herself to my body. She throws her arms around my neck and is hanging on like a leech. I have to release Danny's hand so I can peel Angeline's tentacles off of me.

Holding her wrists, I push her back away from me and I instantly see that she's drunk. When I release her hands she starts swaying back and forth.

"Come on, Ryan. That's no way to treat an old friend." Her words are slurred and I'm afraid she's going to fall over. Which might be good. At least we can step over her and make our way out.

I sigh. "If you'll excuse us, we are just leaving."

Despite how drunk she is, she moves surprisingly fast and steps in our way as we try to walk by her. Turning her beer goggled eyes to Danny, she focuses on her. "Hey, I know you. You're that waitress from Sally's."

Danny sticks her hand out to Angeline. "That's right. I'm Danny Cross. It's nice to formally meet you."

I'm amazed. Danny is actually trying to be polite to her. She has more self-control than I do. Angeline just looks down at Danny's hand and curls her lip up in a snarl. "As if I'd shake hands with someone like you. And before you think you are all high and mighty, just know that Ryan's infatuation with you is just a passing thing."

Angeline is still swaying back and forth but she looks tremendously pleased by what she has said to Danny and is waiting to see if her venom hits the mark.

I see red and I open my mouth to lay into Angeline, which I know will be useless because she's drunk. But Danny gives a small shake of her head and I hold my tongue.  Instead, Danny just takes my hand and gives Angeline a polite smile. "Well, it's nice meeting you but I have to get going.  I have work tomorrow."

Danny walks around Angeline and I, of course, eagerly follow. Angeline just stands there dumbstruck that she doesn't get a rise out of Danny. And really, she should know better than to try to dual wits with Danny. Danny would chew her up and spit her out if she had it in her to do so.

As we walk toward my car, our hands clasped and gently swinging back and forth, I'm silent.

"Is something wrong?" Danny asks.

"No. Actually, everything is just right. You're amazing you know. You completely charmed my friends and even though you had every right to punch Angeline in the face, you were polite to her. You are a class act, toots."

"I had fun tonight. Thank you for inviting me. I really like Mike and Carter. I can see why you are friends with them. Even Cameron was really nice."

"It was fun tonight. But you know what would be even more fun?"

"What's that?" she asks.

"Making out with you in my car when we get back to your place. You know, to see how foggy we can get the glass?"

"That does sounds like fun. Count me in."

By the time I walked her to her door, I couldn't see anything outside of my windows.

Danny

I think I might be on the verge of completely losing myself in Ryan. While our time alone has been like a fairy tale, I’m surprised how much fun I had the other night with Ryan and his friends.  Everyone was really nice...well, with the exception of Angeline and that creepy teammate of Ryan’s. I shudder when I think about the conversation I had with Reece Malone. He wasn’t very subtle in making his moves. I had been standing by myself, sipping a beer when he had approached.

“It must be my lucky night, finding the most beautiful girl here all by herself,” he had said with oily charm. I could tell he was drunk or high by the hazy look in his eyes and deliberate way he was trying to talk.

I smiled at him politely and took another sip of my beer. I’ve had to deal with my share of suggestive lines by drunks and I knew it was best not to even engage.

Swaying slightly while he peered at me, he stepped very close and I could smell the liquor on his breath. He leaned in and whispered in I’m sure what he thought was a super, sexy voice, “I have about twenty different ways I can make you scream.”

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.