HOOKED: Boston Terries Hockey #4 Read online

  HOOKED

  Boston Terries Hockey #4

  Jacob Chance

  Copyright © 2021 Jacob Chance

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This novel is a work of fiction. While reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to people either living or deceased, business establishments, events or locales is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are only used for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used.

  Cover design by PopKitty Designs

  Edited and Proofread by Ink Machine Editing

  This book contains mature content.

  To play the game is good,

  to win is better,

  but to love the game is best of all.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  CHECKED

  Chapter One

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Clover

  Present Day

  “I’m so freaking excited to have you to myself for a whole week.” I grab Maddie and squeeze her as hard as I can. An unintelligible sound slips from her lips, and I release my hold. “Sorry, I got carried away.”

  Maddie twists side to side, stretching. “It’s okay. You might’ve rearranged my insides a little, but I don’t seem to be worse for the wear.”

  “I can’t believe this gorgeous house. Who did you say owns it, again?”

  “A former student of my dad’s that’s kept in touch with him. They still get together every few months to catch up. I guess he hired my uncle Rex and my uncle Adam to do renovations on his place after my dad recommended their company.”

  “I can see your dad being such a cool professor to have.”

  “You can?” Maddie asks.

  “Yeah. He should teach at B.U.”

  “Hell no, he shouldn’t. How would you like your parents to be professors there?” Maddie fires back.

  “Eww, good point. So, back to the rich, former student. Is he single? Attractive?”

  “He’s married to his business. Successful, wealthy men usually are. My uncle Adam told me this guy spent loads of money on the renovation, but I’m not supposed to tell anyone.” She laughs, adding, “But you don’t count.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  “Back to the homeowner—he’s so pleased with the way the renovation went that he mentioned to my dad how he would be away for most of August. He offered up his house if my dad wanted to use it. Of course he turned him down because my dad is seriously predictable. It would kill him to take some time off or switch up his routine.”

  “Your dad really needs a girlfriend.”

  Maddie snorts. “Like that’ll happen.”

  “It’s not like he couldn’t have one. He’s an attractive guy.”

  “Gross. You have the hots for my dad.”

  I shove her arm. “Shut up. I do not. I can be objective about him because I’m not related.”

  “It’s all good. I’m just giving you a hard time. Pretty much every single female teacher I had flirted with him when he’d come to school for special events.”

  “Back to this place—if your dad said no, how is it that we’re here?”

  “When dad turned him down, he specifically said Marshall or I could use it. Of course, I told my dad we wanted it and not to tell Marshall.” She titters.

  “You said the homeowner is gone for most of the month?” I ask, and Maddie nods. “Then why aren’t we staying longer?”

  “Technically, we could. But I don’t want to be away from Shaw for that long.” She mentions her boyfriend.

  “Couldn’t he visit you here?” It seems like a pretty simple solution to me.

  “Yeah, he could. Let’s see how we like being here first. Don’t forget, we start school in a few weeks too,” she replies.

  “Ugh, don’t remind me about school. I’m not ready to think about going back yet. I’m happy in my summer mode.”

  “I think you mean denial,” she retorts.

  “Whatever. Denial works fine.” I stretch my arms out wide and look around. “How could we not like this place? It’s beautiful.” I walk to the back wall containing two sliding glass doors that lead out onto the back deck. Pushing open each side, I inhale the invigorating briny scent of the sea.

  “I know how great this house is. I was referring to being away from home. We might get sick of going to the beach,” Maddie replies.

  “Sure. And your brother, Marshall, will join the seminary and become a priest.” We both burst into laughter. Her brother couldn’t be farther from priesthood if he tried.

  “I don’t want to be the girl who doesn’t like to be away from her boyfriend, but I think I might already be her,” Maddie explains sheepishly. “We’re together so much, this will be an adjustment for me.”

  “Maybe it’ll be a good break for you. You’ll both appreciate each other even more when our girls’ vacation is over. Besides, codependency is not a good look on you,” I say.

  “You’re probably right,” she agrees.

  “What’s this probably nonsense? Of course I am. Now, let’s get our bathing suits on and hit the beach.”

  * * *

  Racing on two floats we found in the shed, we both try to paddle faster than the other. We move farther out, gliding over the cresting waves, both of us jokingly taunting one another, until our arms tire out.

  Lying on my stomach with my chin on my folded arms, I relax, letting the ocean rock me like a baby in a cradle.

  “Did you see the guy in the house next door?” Maddie questions.

  “No. What about him?”

  “I’ll just say he’s very attractive.” Maddie smirks at me from her float.

  “I’ll have to pay better attention, I guess.”

  “For sure. Maybe you should go over and introduce yourself,” she suggests.

  “Hmm, I could do that, but what if he’s married? Or his girlfriend answers the door?”

  “You can ask for a cup of sugar or a couple of eggs.”

  I roll my eyes. “Yeah, that’s not too obvious.”

  “It’s so obvious, it’ll seem legit,” Maddie assures me.

  “We’ll see when the time comes. Maybe I’ll get lucky and he’ll be outside. Then I can just say ‘hey’ in passing.”

  “You haven’t gone on a date for a while,” Maddie bluntly states.

  “Ouch. Thanks for pointing out how l
ame my love life is. You’re supposed to be my best friend.”

  “I am your best friend, which is why I’m pointing it out. Are you still hung up on Connor?” Maddie asks.

  “No way.” My reply is vehement. “We’ve been over for a year plus. I barely remember specifics of our time together.”

  Maddie grimaces. “Jeez, that’s harsh.”

  “Maybe, but it’s the truth. Connor was sweet and unremarkable in almost every way.” Just like every other guy I’ve gone out with for the past four years.

  “He was kind of adorable, though,” Maddie defends him. With his golden curls and large blue eyes, he always looked angelic to me. Unfortunately, I’m still hung up on Marshall—the same asshole who’s had my attention since he toyed with my affections one drunken night. And I’m sure he doesn’t even remember what happened. Kind of pathetic on my part, but falling for the bad boy is like a rite of passage every teenage girl goes through. The problem is, I’m no longer a teenager.

  “I didn’t say Connor wasn’t adorable. He’ll be the perfect boyfriend for someone else, just not me,” I answer Maddie.

  After what happened with Marshall that long-ago night, as brief as our interaction was, I decided to only date nice guys.

  Guys who would treat me well and who would be faithful.

  Guys who were the polar opposite of Marshall in every way.

  And in that regard, I’ve achieved success. I’ve never been treated poorly or been cheated on, and I’ve even had great sex. I’ve also had a couple of healthy relationships that lasted a decent amount of time.

  But what I’ve never had with anyone besides Marshall is that exciting buzz of attraction.

  You know the one that makes your nerve endings come alive whenever they’re near?

  That one that makes your knees weaken when they look your way.

  And makes speaking to him awkward because you’re afraid you’ll say the wrong thing.

  Or worse, you won’t be able to speak at all.

  He’s the only guy I’ve ever been so anxious around. It took me a long time to force myself to stop caring what he thought and push past my nervousness. I’m finally at the point where I’m comfortable interacting with him, and I relish any opportunity where I can give him shit about anything. It’s always fun to put that asshole in his place.

  But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how my pulse has a tendency to speed up when he’s near. Whenever my eyes land on him, a hum of appreciation runs through me, and it’s taken a lot of practice to master not letting it show. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing I still harbor feelings for him. I’ve never told Maddie about that night, and I probably never will.

  We stay on the beach until the tide rolls in and we’re forced to leave. Stepping on the back deck of our temporary abode, I shake the sand out of my towel before hanging it over the railing. Setting my beach bag on a chair, I take my damp hair from the ponytail, shaking the salt-coated length free. God, I need a shower and to get out of this sandy bikini.

  “Hey, neighbor,” a deep voice calls out. I spin around to find a tall, blond god standing on the deck at the house next door.

  “Hi.” I smile, my eyes doing a quick scan of his golden, muscular torso. “Are you the neighborhood welcoming committee?”

  “Today, I am.” He winks, walking to the railing closest to me. I do the same until we’re separated by only about fifteen feet.

  “I’m Clover. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “I’m Kent. It’s very nice meeting you, Clover. Where are you from?” He focuses on my face, and I’m impressed with his ability to avoid checking out my boobs.

  My fingers grip the white composite railing. “Boston. My best friend, Maddie, and I are here for vacation. What about you?”

  “I’m from Connecticut. This place belonged to my grandparents, and now it’s mine.”

  “Oh, nice… about the house being yours… not your grandparents passing away,” I clarify, and he chuckles.

  “No worries. They’re actually still around. I mean that they’re alive, not that they’re haunting this house.” His blue mirth-filled eyes tease as well as his words.

  I laugh. “I didn’t think you meant your house was haunted, but hey, that would be pretty cool if it were.”

  He tips his head. “Did I say it wasn’t haunted?”

  I nod my head. “Uh huh, it’s too late to go back now.”

  “Well, if haunted houses are your thing, would I be wrong to assume you like horror movies?”

  “Nope, you wouldn’t be. I enjoy them very much.”

  “How would you like to come over for dinner and a movie?” he asks.

  I’m not usually tempted to spend time with someone I don’t know, but he’s already so likable. “I’d love to, but it’s our first night here. This is supposed to be a girls only vacation…” I trail off, shrugging. I don’t want to be the girl who casts her best friend aside for a hot guy. Kent makes it difficult not to be tempted to do exactly that, but I care too much about Maddie to treat her so poorly.

  “How about tomorrow night, then?” he persists with a charming grin.

  God, he’s like the epitome of my ideal guy in looks and personality. Maybe I shouldn’t waste this opportunity. What if I regret it later?

  Besides, I know Maddie would want me to accept the invite.

  “Come on. Say yes. My family has owned this house for generations without any mishaps. I promise I’ll escort you safely back home right after the movie.” At least he’s not assuming he’s getting lucky.

  “Okay,” I relent. “Tomorrow night. What time?”

  “Six o’clock sharp. Come on over to the deck. I’ll be out here waiting.”

  “Can I bring anything?” I question.

  “Just yourself. I’ll take care of the rest.” He smiles.

  I step backward from the railing. “I’ll look forward to seeing you then.” Turning, I walk toward the nearest slider, scooping my beach bag up on the way. Right before I step inside, I peer back at Kent, finding him standing there watching my every move. I wiggle my fingers in a wave, disappearing from his view as I step inside.

  * * *

  Lying on a chaise on the deck off my room, the ocean breeze wafts over my skin. Staring out at the dark sea, listening to the waves rumble into shore, I could stay right here forever.

  But you’d miss seeing Marshall.

  His gorgeous face pops into my head. Groaning, I try to immediately dispel the image, but there’s no such luck. And being the asshole he is, he overstays his welcome.

  Giving in to my weak moment, my brain brings up the memory that’s both my favorite, and my least favorite, as if it happened yesterday and not four years ago...

  “Maddie, you might as well admit you like him. It’s not like I can’t tell.”

  “Fine. I’ll admit I think he’s hot, but I’m not dumb. Shaw is Marshall’s best friend, how do you think that would go over?” she asks.

  I nudge her with my elbow. “There’s only one way to find out.”

  She lets out an incredulous harrumph. “Not likely.”

  I pop my shoulders up and down in a quick shrug. “Whatever. Do what you want. I’m not gonna harass you about him. There are plenty of boys to choose from. Shaw Masters isn’t the end all be all.”

  Not like Marshall is.

  I’ve been crushing on my best friend’s older brother for the past year, and there doesn’t seem to be any way to put an end to my attraction. No matter how hard I try to squelch these pesky feelings I have, they persist.

  And it’s not like he’s ever encouraged me.

  I spend a lot of time at the Winters’ household, and Maddie’s dad treats me like I’m part of the family. While Marshall barely acknowledges my existence, aside from an occasional grunt or a chin raise in my direction. What can I say? Maybe I have a thing for gorgeous guys who ignore me.

  Groaning internally, I roll over to my stomach. “I’m gonna run downstairs and get a snack. Do y
ou want anything?”

  “Sure.” She nods. “Bring me something good.”

  “I got you.” I slip from the bed and pad across the wooden floor on bare feet. Doing my best to be quiet, I head down the stairs and into the dark kitchen. I don’t bother turning on the overhead light since there’s a small one already on above the stove. Reaching inside the freezer, I grab two ice cream sandwiches and step back, allowing the door to swing shut.

  “What have we here?” a deep voice questions.

  “Aah,” I shriek, dropping both ice creams.

  Marshall steps forward, chuckling. My eyes take in his thick, tousled hair. I’ve always wondered what those dark locks would feel like between my fingers.

  Moving lower, my gaze caresses the eight pack of defined muscles carved into his abdomen. Plaid sleep pants hang low on his hips. I find myself willing them to slip even lower.

  He bends over, giving me a brief glimpse of his ass as he picks up the ice cream sandwiches. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Our fingers brush when he hands them to me, and a wave of heat engulfs me from head to toe; a full-body flush. I know my cheeks must be pink. Hopefully, with the dim lighting, he can’t tell. “Thank you,” I whisper to his chest straight in front of me. Still affected by his accidental touch, my voice comes out softer than usual.

  Stepping forward, he invades my space, and I automatically retreat. Edging closer again, he drives me back until I have nowhere else to go. Nervous and excited, my heart clatters inside my chest. My eyes make a slow climb upward, locking on to his dark gaze. He grins, placing his hands on the counter, caging me in. White teeth glint in the dim light as he leans forward, like a vampire about to ravish my neck. His warm, beer-scented breath wafts over my mouth, making me long for a taste. I’ve never been a fan of beer, but somehow, I think it would taste much better on his tongue.