Behind the Net: a grumpy sunshine hockey romance

ON SUNDAY MORNING, I lie in bed, staring out the window at the mountains across the water. It’s only October, but after a recent cold snap, there’s snow at the top of them, a dusting of white on the trees.

I’m also thinking about Pippa and the sweet curve of her mouth. It’s been like this all week. I can’t get one particular thought out of my head.

I really, really want to fuck my pretty assistant.

A groan of frustration slips out of me, and I close my eyes. I know better. Everything about Pippa is dangerous—her lush mouth, her smile, her sweetness. Back in high school, she was just the girl I was fascinated by, but as I get to know her, it’s turning into more. I can feel it.

I’m not going to do anything about it, though. Messing around with the woman working as my assistant is a fantastic way to fuck up both my life and hers. After Pippa helped my mom during her panic attack, I trust her. Daisy’s grown on me, and I look forward to coming home to her wagging her tail, excited to see me. Without Pippa, I’d either need to get a new assistant or find another home for Daisy.

I don’t want either of those things.

And after what happened with Erin? I know better. Getting involved with someone isn’t part of the plan. My mind drifts to Erin and her devastated expression when she realized I wasn’t ready for more. I hurt her so badly she left her whole career. She deserved so much more than what I could give her.

Pippa does, too.

She and my mom have plans to take Daisy on a hike in North Van next weekend. I actually like her living here. Hearing her move around the kitchen to make her morning coffee is the best way to wake up.

I picture Pippa’s mouth around my cock, her gray-blue eyes looking up at me, gauging my reaction. Blood rushes to my dick, and I’m hard.

Almost the best way to wake up.

I picture her soft-looking lips again, her silky hair that I’d love to wrap around my fist as I feed my cock into her tight pussy. Arousal tightens in my groin and my cock aches. I pull myself out of my boxers and give my length a stroke. A bead of pre-cum appears at the tip, and I drag in a breath, letting it out on a groan.

I shouldn’t be doing this.

I’m only thinking about her, another part of me counters. Better this than acting on it.

While I stroke myself, images of Pippa roll through my head. Her hair across my pillow, her back arching as I lick between her legs. The way her stomach muscles would clench as she came, eyelashes fluttering. I bet she’d bite her lip while I fingered her.

My balls tighten. Jesus Christ. My hand works fast, and I fist the sheets in my other hand. I think about how warm and soft her mouth would be, how fucking incredible she’d look with my cock between her plush lips. The teasing spark in her eyes as she slowed down, keeping me right at the edge.

The pressure and heat at the base of my spine boil over, and I come, spilling all over my abs and chest with a low moan.

Fuck. I’m breathing hard, staring at the ceiling, wishing it was Pippa I just came all over instead of myself.

After a shower, I head out into the apartment—to a front-row seat of Pippa’s ass in yoga leggings.

My cock twitches as I stare at her, bent at the waist, cleaning coffee grounds off the floor. She turns and straightens up with a smile.

“Good morning.” Her eyes linger on my damp hair before she gestures at a mug on the counter. “There’s coffee for you here.”

My eyebrows snap together. Pippa does this—makes me coffee—and I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m not used to someone doing these things for me.

A funny warmth spreads through my stomach, and I jerk a quick nod at her.

“Thanks.”

When I reach past her, her scent surrounds me. Vanilla, maybe coconut? Something light and sweet, like her. My balls tighten.

How am I horny again? I just jerked off.

Pippa tilts her head at me with a patient look. “Wow. You must really need that coffee.”

I’m glaring at her, I realize. I clear my throat and walk toward the door, sipping the coffee.

Fuck. That’s good.

“Daisy,” I call. “Let’s go for a walk.”

She’s curled up on the couch in the living room, sleeping. She opens her eyes halfway before going back to sleep.

“I’ve already taken her,” Pippa says, finishing her coffee.

I frown. “It’s your day off.”

She shrugs, smiling at Daisy. “I like taking her out first thing in the morning. The streets are quiet, and we wander through the park. It’s nice, and I don’t mind.” She places her mug in the dishwasher and heads to the door. “Okay, I gotta go. I’ll be back around noon.”

My eyes are on the curve of her thighs in the yoga leggings, thinking about what they’d feel like around my head. “Where are you going?”

“Hazel’s teaching hot yoga today.” She pulls her sneakers on. “The other teachers at her studio are kind of bitchy, so I like to go to support her.”

There’s a weird feeling in my chest, like I don’t want to say goodbye. Without thinking, I set my coffee mug on the table and nod once at her.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

She stares at me in confusion.

I pull my sneakers on, ignoring the warning feeling at the edge of my consciousness. It’s just yoga, I tell myself. I’m already in workout clothes since I was planning to take Daisy on an easy run this morning. I’ll do this instead.

“I’m sore today. Yoga helps with my flexibility.”

She bites her lip, and my gaze traces the curve of her mouth. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” I open the door. “After you.”

When she offers me a shy smile in the elevator, the warning feeling goes silent. Maybe she wants to spend more time with me, too.