My name is Tess Owens, and my life is officially on fire. I never thought dancing at my best friend's wedding would be the match to light the flames. But with one lingering touch, one longing look . . . and one sneaky caterer holding a camera phone, my almost ex-husband is ready to torch my entire life.
Unwilling to face the heat, I do what I do best: I run. Straight into the arms of Rachel and her team of NHL hockey players. One player stands apart from the rest. Jacksonville Rays star forward Ryan Langley is out with an injury. I get the surprise of my life when he shows up at my door, declaring himself my roommate.
Now I have six weeks to launch a new business. Six weeks to fight for my freedom . . . all while fighting my growing attraction to this All-American sweetheart. Did I mention he's ten years younger than me?
I want to believe him when he says age is just a number. I want to believe that our pasts don't define us forever. But first I have to stop running. With one innocent dance, Ryan Langley helped me start this fire. What if we're meant to fan these flames? What if, together, we're meant to burn?
Why You Should Read This Book
Tropes
Trigger Warnings
Pucking Wild
“You’re in sister-fucking territory right now, asshole. Which is against, like, every code in the hockey bro handbook. No moms, no sisters. You’re lucky we don’t have you in a headlock on the floor.”
“If I had to see you naked one more fucking time and not touch you, I was gonna die.”
“You’re my home. You’re all I want. You make me so fucking happy.”
“My home is me. It’s been me all along. I am everything I need. I am enough just as I am. I am smart and driven. I’m kind. I’m passionate and funny and sexy as hell.”
“Woman, let me work. I will take you to the couch and finish you there. And if you’re very good, we may just end in the bed. But I’m tasting you right here, right now, before I quite literally die of thirst. Now, spread your legs and hold onto something.”
“I know you’re just trying to be her friend right now and protect her. I know you’re scared for her. I’m fucking scared too. What she’s going through is scary. But I’m not going anywhere, okay? Fuck being friends. I am crazy about that woman, so just back the fuck off. All of you.”
“If any of you ever do that to me, I’m just setting the building on fire. You’ve been fucking warned.”
“Sweet puppy, you listen to me now. If you think you have what it takes to ride this rollercoaster, you are sorely mistaken. In your current state, you wouldn’t make it up the first hill.”
“You’re my dream girl. So long as you’re on this earth and breathing, I know what I want. I know what I’m working towards.”
“The fact that I want your dick in my mouth. I told Troy you gagged me with your monster cock and choked me on your cum. I’d really like for that to be true. It feels like the journey I’m meant to take tonight.”
“Tess, I want you. I only want you. There is no one else. Only you. God, just let me want you.”
“Things are replaceable. Job skills are transferable. Your life and your well-being are the only things that matter. Let everything else go.”
“I’m who I’m meant to be now. With them, I’m me. Jake, Caleb, and Ilmari, they’re my reason. So, I’m not walking down that aisle tonight. I’m running. I’m running to them, Tess. I’m going home.”
“The rules are simple: We’re friends who fuck to feel good. You can’t offer more. I’m not taking more. I’m asking you, as your friend, if you’d like to orgasm on my face. Say yes, and I’ll even let you pick which episode of SOA we watch after.”
“That sweet man is not gonna bolt. Ryan Langley stays. If you want him, he’s yours for the taking. If you don’t, let him down gently…and soon. Because he is crazy about you, honey. He’s in this. He’s sticking. Let him stick…or let him go.”
“I see someone who loves her friends. Someone who puts others first. Maybe I like the idea of being the one who gets to put you first. I like taking care of people, Tess. And I take excellent care of what’s mine.”
“Because life is short, Ryan. Life is beautiful and short, and you only get one. Live it on purpose.”
“I’m yours. There will never be anyone else. Take me.”
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