In The Game

Raleigh

Growing up, the ice was my safe space. I excelled at playing hockey. However, these days, it’s hockey players that provide sanctuary—one bed at a time. We have an arrangement, I offer them a night of pleasure, and in return, they grant me all the temporary, artificial love I can get my hands on. A chance to feel whole. Happily ever after doesn’t exist where I come from, but I crave it just the same. It was a foolproof system.

Until Barrett. One night with him was all it took to tear down walls and crack the facade I worked so hard to build. The connection we had felt real, which made it all the more heartbreaking when it was time to leave. To him, I was simply another puck bunny. I never planned on seeing him again, until I discovered our one night changed my life forever. When I tried to reach out, he turned callous and cruel. That was the day I swore I’d never allow Barrett back into my life.


Barrett

It’s been over five years since our one-night stand and I still can’t get her out of my head. No woman has ever come close to making me feel the things she did that night. But when I wake up the next morning, I’m alone, without any way to contact her. Trust me, I tried. Over the years searching for her has become an obsession and I’ve faced endless ridicule from my teammates, but I’ll never give up. She’s out there and I’m gonna find her.

That day finally comes after a spontaneous meet and greet with a new Minnesota Lakes sponsor. Suddenly, there she is, more beautiful than ever. But if looks could kill, I’d be six feet deep. Raleigh’s convinced we are done for good, but now that I’ve found her, I’ll stop at nothing to make her mine. Because this time she has a four-year-old son—and he looks just like me.