When Lightning Strikes

Chapter 1

The Confession

Earlier that year;

And now! Introducing, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Pierce! The DJ all but screamed into the mic, as Donovan and Lacy walked up the planks and onto the deck at Marlin Monroe's.

Everyone cheered and clapped.

It was a beautiful day, if not a bit chilly down near the water.

And today, Lacy and Donovan celebrated a year of knowing each other by tying the knot.

A year and a couple of weeks earlier marked the day, that Donovan had been sidelined and rushed to the emergency room after getting into a car accident in which his drunk ass cousin had nearly killed them both.

A year and a couple of weeks ago marked the day, that Donovan was tended to by a beautiful nurse with a viper's tongue and a terrible bedside manner.

A night neither of them would soon forget.

And here they were, a year and a few weeks later, married and celebrating with 200 of their closest friends and colleagues.

Denver didn't know Lacy all that well, but he supposed he knew enough about her after working with her these past few months, and despite her newfound happiness with Donovan and her upgraded position working with the Slashers medical team, he'd readily admit that her bedside manner hadn't improved any.

He wasn't sure how Donovan had managed to get past her crusty professional demeanor long enough to get to know the incredible woman within, but he commended him for it. Every time Lacy smiled, or something was funny enough to make her laugh, Denver could see how Donovan could fall for a girl like her.

She was amazing, and though he wouldn't say it out loud, when Lacy looked at Donovan with that love in her eyes, Denver was a little bit jealous.

But here they were, a year later. Married.

It was a quiet ceremony, a civil one. Only their immediate families had been invited, but nobody seemed bothered by that, or if they did, no one was willing to bitch about it.

Denver would bet that Lacy would have been something of a bridezilla had she wanted to go the traditional route, which was probably why Donovan had easily agreed to a simple wedding if he could have a big celebration afterward.

And what a celebration it was!

Donovan had rented out the deck at Marlin Monroes, a relaxed and overgrown tiki hut of a bar and grill right on the water of Tybee Island. It was a cheeky sort of place with great ocean views and a Marlin in a white dress as their mascot.

It was attached to a hotel also, so it was a great place to get drunk and crash for the evening, which many were doing in honor of the happy couple and the generously provided open bar.

Staying true to their casual wedding, the newlyweds had gotten married in matching jeans and custom-made Slashers jerseys that said Mr. and Mrs. and the Lord only knew whose idea that had been! They looked happy all the same as they strode up the dock holding hands and smiling like a couple of idiots from ear to ear.

Let's get this party started! Donovan sang, lifting his and Lacy's clasped hands in the air and giving them a good shake. Someone get me a drink! I think I'm going to need it! He laughed heartily, looking at Lacy as though she were the only woman on earth. Though, to him, that might be true.

Lacy just shook her head, gave him a quick jab in the midsection and swatted at his butt as he made his way over to his friends who dutifully stood guard over at the bar.

Denver's heart tightened a bit as he watched them exchange a look that only true happiness could bring.

Yeah, he was a little jealous.

Of course, it wasn't just Donovan he was jealous of.

It seemed lately, that everyone on the Slashers team was pairing off.

Well, with the exception of Andre. But Andre was still too young and busy chasing skirts while notching his bedpost to think about settling down just yet.

Everyone else though? Sure as hell seemed like they were pairing off.

The Captain of the team, Dean Kirk, had met himself a feisty redhead at the beginning of their cup winning season, and wasted no time, marrying her a few months later on St. Patrick's Day, just before the playoffs. And during the offseason last year, their star defensemen Peter Petrovic had found himself an outspoken beauty who was willing to stand by his side during a trying time as he faced down a horrible accusation.

Even veteran forward, Viktor Bortnik, had moved in with his long-term girlfriend once Peter moved out. He and Harmony having bought a place of their own together just down the road from Lacy and Donovan.

Yeah, there was love and happiness abound this past year.

Two weddings now and two babies.

Dean and Abby had welcomed a son, Tyler Alexander Kirk, into the world on the 1st of the year. And starting goaltender, Francois Baudin, and his gorgeous wife, Denise, had welcomed their own little girl, Arabella, into the world that previous offseason amid the chaos of Peter's predicament.

Maybe, a little jealous didn't cover it. Denver was pretty darn jealous of the fact that a great many of his teammates had found happiness, and yet, here he was, nursing a warm beer while he wallowed in his misery.

A hard slap on the shoulder shook him out of his dour mood a few moments later as Francois, or France as they called him, took a seat beside him at the bar.

France motioned for the bartender and nodded as the barkeep signaled it would be a minute while he poured another round of drinks for a couple of the guys.

Enjoying yourself Collins?

Denver shrugged, about to say something stupid, though it sounded witty enough in his mind, when the bartender sidled over and caught France's attention.

What'll it be gentlemen?

Oh, how about a couple of stiff ones for me and my friend here... Denver looked up, about to object, rolling the neck of the beer bottle in his hand for effect, but France didn't seem to pay him any mind. Make mine a double, yeah?

The bartender nodded and went off to see to it before Denver could further protest.

That's not necessary, man. He said before getting cut off, again.

France gave him another hearty smack on the shoulder. Oh, but it is my friend. Oh, but it is.

Puzzled by his cryptic response, Denver slugged back the rest of his beer with a grimace as he'd been nursing it for the last hour and it had gotten rather warm by that point, and accepted the tumbler half filled with an amber liquid from France.

France tapped his against Denver's and with a clink of glass, raised it to his lips. To new beginnings, he mumbled before downing his entire drink and slamming it down on the bar in front of him.

To new beginnings, Denver agreed, not quite certain they were toasting the happy couple as he watched France order another round. Is everything okay France?

France took a long pull from a beer that Denver hadn't realized he'd been holding, and turned to look at him, letting out a string of unintelligible words that had Denver cocking his head to the side.

Stanfield asked me to waive my no movement clause. He grumbled, finally making sense.

Denver's eyes bulged, he felt like he'd just taken a puck to his midsection. He... he what?

France nodded. Keep them coming, he said, accepting two more drinks from the bartender and handing one to Denver before draining his own and replying. I'm going to be traded.

At a complete loss for words, Denver finished off his first drink and reached for the second one.

Shit. Double shit.

Hell. Traded?

They sat there in silence for a few minutes, Denver completely dumbfounded, though why he couldn't have said, after all, France's contract was up at the end of the season, and he'd be an unrestricted free agent. They were, as of now, on the outside looking in if the playoffs had started today, and even if they managed to limp into a wildcard spot, they were just too banged up to go the distance after back to back cup runs.

And everyone knew they couldn't afford to resign France, everyone knew this was more than likely his last year with the team, but staring that realization in the face somehow made it... harder... to accept.

At the deadline? Denver finally managed, his eyes glazing over as he sat there stirring ice around his empty glass with his finger.

France nodded, not much livelier than his companion, looking at his empty tumbler as though it might somehow refill itself. At or before.

Do you know where?

France stood then, slamming his glass on the counter and startling Denver out of his shocked state.

Don't know. Don't care. He gave Denver a quick squeeze on the shoulder, grabbing his beer off the counter and tilting his head back to finish it off before tossing it with a clink into the nearby trash can. Let's celebrate kid.

Denver forced a smile and watched his longtime friend and mentor retreat into the crowd in search of the newlyweds.

Traded. Shit.

He wondered if anyone knew, if France had told anyone else.

Probably not.

If he knew France, and he felt like he knew him pretty well after having been his backup for the last 3 years, France wouldn't want to ruin the mood. He'd wait until after the all-star break, or hell, he might not tell anyone at all until a trade actually took place.

But he told you.

It was just like France. He probably wanted Denver to be prepared. He didn't want it to come as a surprise, he would want to give Denver the time to get used to the idea of it being HIS team now.

His team.

God, that sounded wonderful. His team.

Poor France.

Riley tilted her head back and laughed as Andre Lepowski whispered naughty sentiments in her ear while swinging her around the makeshift dance floor.

Gosh, she hadn't had this much fun in forever!

Too much work, and way too much studying! She was glad she'd accepted Dean's invitation to be his plus one tonight. It was too bad the baby was sick, she'd bet she and Abby could have caused some trouble out here tonight!

As the song ended and Andre pulled her in close to try and seal the deal, Riley laughed louder. The heat of his mouth tickled her ears, and though the things he said sounded VERY enticing, he was a bit young for her taste. But she had to hand it to him, the boy had game!

She used her hands to push on his extremely well-muscled chest and put a little distance between them before her libido forgot just how young he actually was. Call me in a few years, she said with a wink, leaving him to stare after her as she headed for the bar.

Her head felt a bit fuzzy, her vision just a tad off, but with an open bar, compliments of the Captain, she sure as hell wasn't done drinking just yet!

Riley ordered herself a cocktail and looked around as she waited for it. There were bodies everywhere, the entire team had come, of course, as well as both the bride and groom’s family and network of friends. There were lots and lots of people.

And lots and lots of hot guys.

Shame most of them were taken.

Except for Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome next to her. Riley was fairly certain he was single, and she was ready to mingle!

Well, hey there! she said, plopping her elbow down on the bar top and resting her chin against her palm.

Denver looked around for a second, his brows raising a bit as he took in the sight of her, and her million-watt smile.

Riley could charm the plaster off a statute with that smile, or so she'd been told. And though she was anything but graceful just now in her pursuits, she was full of liquid courage.

Want some sex on the beach?

His eyes widened. Pardon? he asked, trying to shake the cobwebs from his addled mind.

Riley held up her glass as the bartender handed it to her, It's sex on the beach, you want some? She asked before taking a slow sip and suggestively licking her lips.

Oh, uh, no thanks, Denver managed, holding up his own drink and taking a quick swig from the bottle before setting it back down on the coaster.

It's Denver, right?

His smile was slow, and kind of lopsided, but she liked how it reached all the way up to those big blue eyes of his. Yeah.

Riley swung her arm out from under her, her head nearly falling on the bar top before her brain could catch up with the command, but she somehow managed to pull it together in time without him noticing and held it out to him. I'm Riley, it's nice to meet you, Denver.

He smiled again, clearly just as slow on the uptake as she was. Perfect, they were both lit.

Are you friends of the bride or groom? Denver asked, finally able to find his voice.

Neither.

Come again? What, are you like a wedding crasher?

Riley laughed, and the sound of her husky laughter did little to settle Denver's nerves. Something about her just put him on edge.

She shook her head, her short pixie cut dark hair bouncing around her face in waves, I'm a friend of Abby's, I'm here with Dean, his plus one if you will.

He looked a little perturbed, if not, even, a little concerned, where's Abby? Is everything okay?

Pulling the little sword from her drink, Riley wrapped her tongue around one of the cherries and slipped it off, catching it between her teeth and biting into it with vigor. She watched with pleasure as Denver gulped visibly, seemingly mesmerized by the display.

Since the baby is a little under the weather, Dean asked me if I wanted to come. They live right next door though if you wanted to pop in and say hi.

Catching himself, Denver smiled a little sheepishly, Oh yeah, I, uh, I knew that.

Riley knew she had him hooked at this point, like a little fish, just dangling on the end of the line.

It was time to reel him in.

Do you want to get a room?

Denver snapped his head around so fast, he thought for sure he'd have whiplash. Sorry? he stammered, certain he hadn't heard her correctly.

Riley's lips curved into a potent smile, I said, they make a lovely bride and groom.

Sighing audibly, Denver forced himself to relax. He must have had too much to drink, that or his brain was too far into the gutter after watching that little charade of hers with the cherry. He was only hearing what his dick wanted to hear at this point.

Yeah, they uh, they make a great couple, he coughed, trying to clear his throat. It felt thick like he'd swallowed his Adam's apple or something.

With a cherub-like smirk on her face, Riley nearly burst out laughing. She had to bury her face in her palm to contain it. Oh, come on Denver, she teased, you couldn't possibly have fallen for that.

It took him a minute, he had to sort through what he thought he heard, and what he wanted to hear, again, but he was pretty sure he knew what was going on here. You're fucking with me aren't you?

Riley nodded, still trying to sustain the giggles she was all but choking on.

Wait, did you just proposition me for sex? I mean, my brain didn't just make that part up, right?

That was her undoing. Riley pretty much keeled over at that point, holding onto her sides as they split into pain from the laughter that poured out of her.

Denver couldn't help it, her laughter was infectious, and he found himself laughing heartily along with her.

After several long minutes, when they were finally able to catch their breaths, Riley waited for what felt like an eternity for Denver to look her in the eyes again.

So big fella... you lookin' to score?

Shaking his head slowly, Denver sort of half laughed as he took it all in. Her, the proposition, the shitty night he'd been having, it was all quite overwhelming really.

It's not often the goalie gets to score, he retorted.

Riley bit her lower lip, her brows rising as she admired his witty comeback. I bet you'd be a lot of fun.

To hell with it. He was going for it.

Only one way to know for sure.

Chapter 2

The Penalty Box

Riley and Denver stood together just outside the door to one of the rooms of the connecting hotel. With the key card in one hand, Riley smacked it lightly against the palm of the other, turning and leaning up against the door in order to see him better, God but he was tall!

You're sure about this? She asked.

Just open the door, Riley.

Alright then, let me just slide this in right here... she crooned, slowly slipping the key card into the lock and pulling it back out quickly when it lit up.

Denver groaned, using his size to gently coax her into the room a little faster than the snail's pace she was going at. The more he thought about what was going to happen in the next few minutes, the more he wanted her.

Riley was definitely unlike any woman he'd ever met.

He'd say she was probably pretty average in height, somewhere around 5'7 or so, but that's about where the comparison to the word average ended. She had a pixie-like face in that it was angular, with a sharp chin and high cheekbones, but her big doe eyes really softened her features, and the whiskey color of them was absolutely mesmerizing.

Her hair was short and choppy, framing that exotic face, and her body, though slender, was full of womanly curves.

His sister would probably call him an idiot for hooking up with a woman he'd just met, and to be honest, he was a bit skeptical at first himself, but whether it was the fact that she was a friend of Abby's or because he'd consumed one too many drinks in his quest to forget France's admission, when she made the offer, well, it was one he just couldn't seem to refuse.

Riley let him back her into the room, laughing and looking around his massive frame as he kicked the door shut. Her body trembled with excitement, anticipating what she hoped to be an all-night affair.

As they neared the bed, Riley put up a hand to intercede, reaching into her back pocket and pulling out her cell phone.

What's this? Denver quipped, A delay of game? I might have to penalize you for that Riley.

Riley had to quickly cover her mouth to prevent herself from spitting on him as she tried desperately to choke back the laughter that surfaced.

I just need to text Abby really quick so she doesn't worry, she said, regaining her composure. But depending on what a penalty entails, I might just take you up on that.

Denver blushed, surprised he'd been forward with her just now and even more shocked by her quick retort. If not a little excited about the implications of such a remark as well. What are you going to tell her?

Riley cocked one brow, hitting the send button on her phone and laying it on the bedside table. I told her I was drunk and getting a room, that I didn't want to disturb the baby.

Is that how you want to play it?

Oh honey, she purred in a low husky whisper as she stepped closer to him, we haven't even begun to play.

Careful Riley, I might have to get you for instigating a fight, Denver gasped as she hooked her fingers in his belt loops and tugged him closer.

Mmm... yeah... penalize me, she teased. Are you going to spank me, Denver? I might like that. Riley bit her lower lip as she stared him down, her hands inching toward the snap of his pants.

Gulping audibly, Denver reached for her hands, taking a deep breath so he could get his thoughts together. N-no, no spanking, he mumbled, finally gaining control of the situation.

With a little effort on his part, Denver managed to get Riley on her back and himself between her legs before she could so much as take her next breath. In the next instant, as she struggled to right herself and get her equilibrium back in order, he had her completely pinned beneath him and at his mercy.

What are you going to do to me, Denver? She whispered into his ear, pleased with herself as she felt him tremble.

Two-minute minor, he hissed through his teeth when he felt her tongue dart into his ear.

Still very much holding her as his captive, Denver went to work. With one hand sliding down the length of her sleek little frame, he used the other to brush the hair from her neck and lowered his mouth to get his first taste of her.

She smelled like heaven, and she tasted like sweet honey and bourbon. Bold. Spicy.

It was all Denver could do not to rip her clothes off and dive right into her. He could already picture her naked and writhing beneath him. His groin ached, and his body throbbed with anticipation.

Riley squirmed and giggled under him, just the weight of his body was enough to send her hormones into overdrive. But what he was doing to her neck, and the way his hand lightly skimmed her body, she thought she just might explode.

Denver used his teeth to punish her, and his tongue to soothe. He sucked, he nibbled, and he teased. He licked, lapped, and laved at the delicate skin of her neck and throat, not forgetting, of course, to pay special attention to her ears.

Am I... out of... the penalty box? Riley gasped as Denver suddenly eased up.

For now, he replied, looking deep into that hypnotic gaze of hers and forcing himself to hold on.

Riley put her hands on either side of his face and pulled him down to her, their lips meeting tentatively at first, his breath whispering over her mouth in a warm caress. She could feel the tremors in his body, the tension of his muscles as he bore down on her.

And it drove her mad with need, with want.

Pulling back every time she tried to take the kiss deeper, Denver forced Riley to let him control the pace. Sliding the tip of his tongue gently around her mouth, and slipping it between the soft fullness of her lips before sucking the lower half into the heat of his mouth and biting down ever so lightly.

Riley's hands slowly maneuvered away from his face and wound around the back of his head, her fingers lacing into his thick dark hair as he finally stopped teasing her and took the kiss in a more passionate direction. His tongue prodding and urging hers into battle.

They fought like warriors, jabbing and thrusting, trying to overtake the opposition by sheer force and will. But in the end, as they conceded to each catch their breath, it was Riley who made the next move. With expert skill, she quickly dispatched with the buttons of his shirt, pushing the silky material off his shoulders and admiring his masculine form.

Holy abs Batman! Riley sputtered, running her hands along his hard-packed abdomen.

Denver chuckled, flinching a little under her touch.

Ooh, is someone ticklish? she grinned, moving her exploration further south. When he reached for her hands as her fingers dipped between his waistband, Riley pushed him away and wagged a finger in his face, Uh-uh, that's interference.

Oh no, you don't! He growled pushing her back into the mattress as her hand clamped around him.

Denver! That's unsportsmanlike conduct! Really! Take it like a man!

No way! That's holding! Denver snapped back, groaning when she began to stroke him.

It was a painstakingly slow process, as he fought the urge to let her continue to examine his body, but Denver finally managed to pry Riley's hand out of his pants, and pinned both arms above her head with one hand, while he used the other to push her dress up above her navel.

Two minutes.... roughing... she moaned, when he slipped one finger between her satiny skin and the elastic band of her panties.

I'll give you your two minutes, Denver grunted while he admired the meticulously groomed cleft between her legs.

Grabbing the small scrap of lace that she called underwear, Denver all but ripped them as he slid them over her