Shootout Save

Chapter 3

CHAPTER ONE

Alison

Roughly ten months later…

Alison Bishop turned over in bed and grunted as she reached for her alarm. It was seven o’clock and time to get ready for work. The aroma of coffee spread through the loft, thanks to the timer on the automatic coffee maker. But the soft warmth of her bed and pillow still called to her.

She might’ve been able to combat the sun, her annoying alarm, and the alluring smell of coffee, but there was one thing that made her want to stay in bed all day. Kaden.

Turning into his strong embrace, she wrapped her arm around him. He was the one thing that could keep her from all of her responsibilities. She closed her eyes and inhaled his wonderful cologne. She could still smell it on her skin as well, and on the bed. Is there a nicer way to wake up?

A light kiss was dropped on her head before his voice broke through the silence of the morning. “Hey doll, it’s time to get up. No drifting back to sleep, cutie pie.”

“I know…” she mumbled. All his pet names for her made her heart flutter. She nuzzled closer to him.

His fingertips were gently sliding along her back, tickling her, and triggering goosebumps to appear on her arms. The amusing sensation also awakened her libido, causing her n*****s to perk up.

Of course, he noticed. “Interested in some morning fun?” His lips found their way to her neck, sliding slowly down to her shoulder. The scratchiness of his stubble teased at her skin, which didn’t help the decision she had to make.

“Kaden, as much as I want to say yes…” Her voice trailed off as he continued to tease her. His kisses inched lower, until his mouth threatened to cover her n****e. Pleasure screamed from inside her. They were so good together, and she didn’t want the night to be over just yet. “I like you in my bed.”

“Mmm… I like being in your bed,” he responded between kisses. “I also like making you late for work.” His warm mouth covered her n****e. As much as she wanted to refuse his advances, her body won out in the end.

“Don’t you have practice or something you’ll be late for?” She tried her best to distract him, but it wasn’t for selfish reasons. Sure, her commute was walking down the stairs to her pet salon. His commute was to the arena on the outskirts of town.

Kaden gently shook his head. With his hair in his eyes, she could still see the delicious and devious stare he was giving her. There was no saying no to him.

“C’mon, cutie.” His grin matched his devilish stare, and it set a fire in her belly. When his mouth returned to teasing her n*****s, the fire traveled to between her legs.

This man knew just what to do to get to her, and he did it well. Talented hands pulled her close and moved along her body, sending chills from her fingertips down to her toes. He was like a master at his skill. Kaden’s happened to be the art of love. He was as gifted at giving pleasure as he was at being a goalie.

Rolling her onto her back, he rolled with her. Pinning her body to the mattress with his own, his hands explored her until she was fully aroused. It was as if she was kissed by fire each time his lips brushed against her skin.

He swiped a c****m off the nightstand and tore it open. Alison admired his arousal as he rolled it on, but it seemed like forever before he finally claimed her lips with his. When he climbed back on top of her, his hips settled right at home between her thighs. Kaden’s arousal pressed against her.

Alison pulled her legs up and wrapped them around his warm body. Nudged him towards her entrance. Ran her fingers through his hair. She was ready for him.

His kiss deepened, and his tongue danced passionately with hers as he thrust hard into her. A moan rumbled in the back of her throat as he filled her completely, and waves of pleasure flowed through her.

When she tossed her head back into the pillow, Kaden buried his face in the crook of her neck, kissing and sucking as he rode her hard. His muscular body pushed into hers, and had her craving more. The thirst for him with each thrust was driving her wild. Repositioning her legs around him gave him better access to what she wanted. What she needed.

He was diving deeper inside her now with speed and determination, and she matched his movements until finally colorful fireworks exploded behind her eyelids. Shocks of pleasure reverberated through her body. After a few more thrusts, Kaden surrendered to his own o****m with a groan, and then dropped a soft kiss on her forehead. When he moved off her, she turned to her side, and his warmth cuddled in behind her.

Her body was spent, and his was molded against hers. This moment was her idea of perfection. But all too soon, Kaden pulled away, and cold replaced where his body should be. Not wanting to move an inch, Alison wished she didn’t have to get ready for work. Kaden slipped away to the bathroom first, allowing her time to bask in her delirious state of satisfaction a bit longer.

Unfortunately, her bliss didn’t last long, and soon she was up and preparing for her day. She washed up and only put on enough makeup to get by. The chilly air of the bedroom hit her as she opened the bathroom door, while the warmth of the bed and the soft blankets still called to her.

Sneaking into the kitchen barefoot, she tilted her head, admiring Kaden at her stove in nothing but boxers. The delicious smell of pancakes filled the air. The table was set and the coffee ready.

“Well, that was an amazing way to wake up.” She circled his waist with her arms and laid her head on his shoulder.

“Careful, I’m not showered yet. You don’t want to go to work smelly, do you?” Turning his head, he kissed her on the nose.

“I think I’ll survive. Don’t forget I’m going to go wash dogs all day. Not the most glamorous of jobs.”

“Well, you’re not going anywhere without breakfast and coffee.” Kaden quickly kissed her lips before plating the pancakes and pouring her coffee. “You’re not late yet, so sit and eat.” He motioned to the chair.

The pancakes were divine, as always. Fluffy and light, absolutely perfect. And the hot coffee really hit the spot. Kaden was a great chef. She wasn’t so bad in the kitchen herself, but after spending a lot of time on her own, cooking for one, it was nice being waited on. If she absolutely had to get moving today, this was the way to do it.

Breakfast was calm and relaxing. She didn’t have to keep an eye on the clock so much as she had to keep an eye out the window and down on the street for her clients. Alison wanted every last second with Kaden that she could get. Sitting across the little table from him, he seemed so happy, maybe even content. This domestic side looked good on him.

* * * *

“Hailee, watch out for that black Lab. He really hates the—” Alison yelled across the room to her bestie, just as the black Lab Hailee was about to rinse off felt the water hit his back. The dog shook violently, spraying Hailee with water from his fur, and deflecting the water showering him from the nozzle. “Water. Buster hates the water.”

“Gee, thanks for the warning,” Hailee said, her words laced with sarcasm.

Hailee scowled at Alison as water dripped from her violet hair, while her perfect dark eyeliner started to run down her cheeks. It was a sight to see, and Alison couldn’t help but find it amusing. As hard as she tried not to, a laugh slipped through her lips.

“Shut up,” Hailee muttered with a fake pout, as she wiped her face with a nearby towel.

Alison half-heartedly apologized. “Sorry, but I tried to warn you.”

Hailee dabbed her face a few more times before she handed Buster off to one of the other girls. “I would hardly call that a warning,” she said, as she sat down behind the front desk. “Remind me again why I work here pro-bono?” Hailee looked as if she was fighting to hold off a grin.

“Because you love me.” Alison smiled the cheekiest grin that she could muster.

The door to the shop opened up, letting in a breeze of cool air. It was mid-March in Pittsburgh and the weather couldn’t make up its mind; was it ready to turn into spring, or was it still winter? The forecast predicted a warm front over the next few days, and she couldn’t wait. The freezing temps at night left her feeling miserable in the dreary and cool mornings. Ironic as it was, since she was an ice skating instructor, she preferred the warmth of the sunshine.

“Yeah well, maybe just a little.” Hailee laughed. She grabbed a doughnut out of the box on the desk. “You’re lucky. I come here just because I like these doughnuts.” She teased.

“So, how are things with Dom?” As if Alison didn’t already know. Hailee had been non-stop smiling since they got back together. The couple even got new, matching tattoos.

Hailee wiggled her ring finger and stared at her sparkly diamond before answering. “Wonderful.” She narrowed her eyes at Alison and tilted her head. “What’s up with you? You’re in a good mood this morning. Little early for that, isn’t it?”

“Oh, I don’t know. No reason.” She batted her eyes as innocently as she could.

“Liar. You’re beaming. I assume you were with Kaden again last night?” Hailee grinned. “I just love you two together. I still say you’re going to be next.” Hailee had a thing about Alison being next to get engaged.

“Whatever.” Alison was in no rush, but she sure did love being with him. Just talking about Kaden made heat rush to her cheeks. “Dinner and a movie.”

“I’ve been told he makes a mean pancake as well.” Hailee broke another doughnut in half and devoured it. Wiping the powdered sugar off her face, she grinned a sugary grin while looking out the front window.

“Hailee, what are you— Oh.” Kaden was at the front door, juggling thermal coffee mugs and a bag.

“Pancakes, anyone?” He sat the coffees on the counter, and unpacked the bag. “Coffees for you and Hailee. There are also two containers of mini pancakes for your staff, and a cup of syrup to dip them in. Of course.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” Yeah, this domestic thing looks real good on him.

“I know. But I’m just great like that.” He kissed her nose and continued. “There’s also a container of pancakes especially for Hailee, to make the legend of my pancakes a reality, and a container of mini pancakes for you. I know you already ate, so spare me the ‘Oh, Kaden you shouldn’t have’. I wanted to make sure, in case your day got too busy, that you still ate something.”

“He’s so awesome,” Hailee said, with her mouth already full of pancakes. Alison raised her eyebrows. “I actually meant, these are so awesome.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell Dom that you’re falling in love with my man over his breakfast.”

Kaden chuckled. “Please, I haven’t got anything on Dom when it comes to cooking. He’s the one who taught me. I had to learn to cook to survive when he moved out.”

“Yeah, we have Dominic’s mom to thank for his mad skills in the kitchen,” Hailee added between bites. She jetted her lip out in a pout. “Speaking of my fiancé, and seeing you two all lovey-dovey, I miss him. Since you’re not at the arena yet; I bet he isn’t either. I’m going to go to the break room and call him. You two kids behave.” She winked at Alison before leaving.

Alison snuggled into Kaden’s strong arms. “You didn’t have to do this. But it was sweet of you. Thanks.”

“I did want to make sure you had a snack, and of course, feed Hailee. But I really came by to ask you to dinner tonight.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Being with him is always better than being alone. Flashbacks of last night left her body warmed and excited.

“We don’t have a game tonight, so how about I pick you up at seven?” He ran his knuckle down her jawline, causing chills along her spine.

“I’ll be waiting.”

He took her face in his hands and brushed his lips against hers. “Great. See you then.” He yelled to the back room, “Later Hailee!” A wink in Alison’s direction before he left had her body humming again. She already missed him.

Hailee returned from her phone call. “Lover-boy gone?”

“Yeah, he’s got to get to practice.” Just seeing him had her longing for more of last night and this morning.

“Let me say, he’s a definitely keeper. To-go pancakes for breakfast and coffee delivery? And not fast food coffee, either. Kaden knows how to score points.” Hailee nodded while eating.

Alison shrugged. “Is it really that big of a deal? Dom does stuff like that for you. Don’t say that he doesn’t spoil you…” Her voice cut off as her phone suddenly buzzed in her pocket. It was a text message.

Kaden: Hey doll. Miss you already.

“Aw, is that Kaden?” Hailee asked with a smile that stretched wide across her face.

“Who else would it be? Duh. You’re the only other person who texts me, and you’re here.” Alison’s stomach tingled like a schoolgirl reading a note from her crush.

“He’s got it bad for you.” Hailee snickered.

“You think?” Alison’s feelings ran deep for Kaden. They had connected almost the very moment that they met at the skating rink. At first Alison thought it would just be a fun one-nighter, and that would be the end of it.

But along with the fun, they had talked that whole night away, and by dawn they were already making plans to see each other again. They’d been almost inseparable since. Her heart warmed every time she thought about him. Yeah, I have it bad for Kaden.

“You’re blushing.” Hailee pestered.

Her face was hot; yes, she was blushing. “Enough about me.” Even after almost a year of dating, a morning like she’d just had with Kaden made her feel so giddy she couldn’t sit still. Her feet tapped and her fingers moved nervously. “How is the new house coming along?”

Hailee was busy moving her stuff into the house Dom had bought for them. Hailee’s dream had come true when she finally opened her art gallery, and the Valentine Gallery had taken off better than they had expected. Local artists couldn’t wait to get their art on her walls.

Alison wondered if the fact that Hailee was engaged to one of the Renegades’ star goalies had an impact on that interest. But nonetheless, business was good. So good in fact, that Hailee had hired her first employee, which allowed her more time with Dom, and to get ready for their wedding.

“Now that I’m finally all moved in, I’m just trying to get it all organized. Dominic might be the neat one, but I’m the creative one.” Hailee smiled wide. “You should definitely come over for dinner soon.”

* * * *

Alison’s stomach was full of fluttering butterflies as she took one last look in the mirror. It was still chilly out, so she decided on off-white dress slacks and a matching sweater. Her new gold heels stood out as she did a twirl to check out all angles of herself. Kaden never said what they were doing for dinner, so she went with casual-dressy, just to be safe.

Her buzzer rang, and the butterflies went from fluttering to full-on break-dancing. She grabbed her matching purse and hit the intercom. “I’m on my way down.” Alison pulled on a leather jacket before exiting the loft.

Kaden was leaning against his white Corvette, with his arms folded across his chest waiting for her. His dark blond hockey-hair—that’s what the messy shaggy cut was known as—hung practically in his eyes. His snug blue jeans clung to him, molded to the muscles in his legs. His tennis shoes were impeccably white like always, as if they’d come right out of the box. She didn’t think he owned a pair with dirt or scuffs on them.

“Hey there, doll. You look amazing.” He gently dragged her close to him until she was in his arms and holding on to the lapels of his jacket. His warm lips brushed against hers.

Kaden always looked like he’d just stepped out of a magazine. Perfectly put together, not a wrinkle to be seen.

“You look handsome, as always. So, where are we headed?”

He took her by the hand and walked her to the passenger’s door. “I was thinking of trying that new pizzeria. Sound good to you?”

“You and your pizza.” She laughed as she situated herself in the low seat. “Yes, sounds great.” Kaden loved his pizza. When Dom lived with him, they’d practically lived off it.

“So how was your day?”

“Oh, you know. The usual.” She laughed and threw in some humor. “Nothing short of glamorous. Like a model at a photo shoot, except I’m no model, and I spend the day washing dogs.”

“Cute. And by the way, you’re much sexier than any model I’ve ever seen. I’ve been busy trying to make my loft not look like someone moved out and took half the stuff. ’Cause that’s exactly what happened! It feels so empty now, I don’t know if I need more stuff, or just have to be better at reorganizing it all.” His hand ran up her thigh, and he glanced across at her. For a moment, Alison caught a hint of something in his expression, but it was gone before she could identify it. He smiled. “Maybe it just needs more of you there.”